29th Sussex Business Awards launched – but why should you get involved?
Sussex Business Awards 2017 Launch Lunch at The Coal Shed, photo ©Julia Claxton
Here at Title Sussex Magazine we are thrilled to announce that we are again media sponsors of the excellent Sussex Business Awards and that the awards are now officially launched. Which means you can limber up those fingers ready to enter and nominate.
At 29 years the Awards is the longest established scheme of its kind in the county, and is the one everyone wants to win!
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth entering for business awards, or indeed sponsoring them, here’s a little article I wrote on my LinkedIn profile.
“If you’re in any doubt about whether business awards are worth the hassle, I’m here to tell you that they are. A few years ago I sold an events business which had ended up with a couple of awards, and because we’d won the first quite early on, it was a way for potential customers to be able to have some faith in us. Fast forward ten years and the business was again recognised – this time in a category that celebrated longevity, and again, it was a fantastic way for us to show clients old and new just how good we were!
“These days I’m proud to be a business award sponsor for both the Brighton & Hove Business Awards and the Sussex Business Awards, and I’m glad to say that the benefits of sponsoring and winning are even greater now than perhaps they were all those years ago.
“As well as the validation an award gives your business, there’s also some excellent networking that comes with the territory. Launch events, celebratory meetings and of course the big night where you get your Oscars moment all help to put your brand on the map. You’ll end up being mentioned in numerous editorial features and social media posts, and if you’re on the ball with that stuff yourself you can really capitalise on the exposure it gives you and share it around.
“Businesses have huge stories behind them and although success on paper is important, it’s the human journeys involved that fascinate me.”
“As a sponsor, the exposure includes all this, plus your branding all over the shop – and the absolute pleasure of judging. I honestly love that part, seeing the submissions, reading through the tales of commitment, lightbulb moments, blood sweat and tears, you name it. Businesses have huge stories behind them and although success on paper is important, it’s the human journeys involved that fascinate me.”
Winners and sponsors chatting at the launch, photo ©Julia Claxton
So that’s some of my thoughts, but how about hearing from some of last year’s winners…
“Sussex is home to a fantastic business community, so picking up a Sussex Business Award last year was a real honour. It recognises our hard work and determination, and raises awareness of what we’re trying to achieve as a company. Industry awards such as this also help no end in attracting investment to fund our ambitious plans for growth.”
Darren Fell, CEO, Crunch Sussex Businessperson of the year
“Winning the Professional Services award has been extremely rewarding for Yelo and helped to further raise our profile as one of the leading architecture practices in Sussex. It’s great for our staff to receive recognition for their dedication and the quality service they provide to our clients, and the whole experience was topped by a fantastic awards evening!”
Andy Parson Yelo Architects, the Award for Professional Services
“Winning Most Promising New Business proved to be a watershed moment in the business’ life. We have since doubled our sales, and are on course to double again, won a further five national awards, increased our operating area and started to receive attention from international brands wishing to partner with us. Would I recommend entering? Absolutely!”
John Cushing, Opun Software, Most Promising New Business 2016
“Winning the SBA award was the icing on top of the cake after a genuinely amazing year and so much hard work across the team and so deserved. The fact that we were voted for by some of Sussex’s most prestigious businesses and then applauded by so many friends and clients locally made it even more special. Thank you for the support SBA team, keep up the amazing work!
Gary Peters, Lovelocaljobs, Responsible Business Award 2016
It’s exciting to see that the two new sponsors so far this year – a big welcome to Legal and General, and HARE, a future-focused technology consultancy – were both winners last year.
HARE will sponsoring the Sussex Businessperson of the Year whilst Legal and General sponsor the Healthiest Workplace category. Commenting on its involvement, L&G’s Lucy Pearce said, “As a leading life insurer and provider of rehabilitation services to employers, health is a big part of Legal & General. We understand the importance of a healthy workforce to a successful business. We were delighted to win last year and to be sponsoring the ‘Healthiest Workplace’ award for 2017.”
They join the returning sponsors include HSBC, Mazars, Checkatrade.com, Sussex Innovation Centre, University of Sussex, Coffin Mew, Sussex Chamber of Commerce and Vantage Professional Risks.
The Argus, Heart FM, Platinum Business and of course Title Sussex will be media partners.
HOW TO ENTER
Sussex companies have until Wednesday 30 August 2017 at 17:00 to prepare their submissions.
There is a small admin fee of £50 (ex VAT) to enter one award, or £100 (ex VAT) for up to three entries. You can also make nominations for the Healthiest Workplace, Most Sustainable Business and Outstanding Contribution to Sussex Charity free of charge.
Winners will be announced at The Grand Brighton on Thursday 30 November 2017.
For further information, visit www.sbawards.org.uk and follow all the latest news on Twitter @SussexBizAwards
