The deadline for the county’s leading awards scheme is fast approaching and Platinum Business readers have until Wednesday 6th September to enter.
Since they launched in 1989, the awards have built a reputation as one of the most important events in the business calendar. Recognising business excellence across Sussex, these prestigious awards are widely considered to be ‘the one to win’. Now in their 29th year, the awards are the longest established business award scheme in the county, and in the country!
Yelo Architects was the winner of last year’s ‘Award for Professional Services’. Managing director, Andy Parsons, comments: "Winning the 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!"
There are 17 trophies to be won with awards for all-round excellence, as well as for those businesses demonstrating special strengths in areas such as innovation, customer service, professional services and entrepreneurs.
The scheme welcomes three new sponsors this year - HARE, a future-focused technology consultancy whose CEO, Chris O’Hare, was last year’s winner of the ‘Sussex Graduate of the Year’. Legal and General, previous winners of the ‘Healthiest Workplace Award’ return to judge this award themselves and a brand new sponsor, The Goodall Foundation, will be judging the ‘Responsible Business Award’.
Last year’s winner was Lovelocaljobs. Managing director, Gary Peters says: “Winning the SBA award was the icing on the cake after a genuinely amazing year, with 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 made it even more special. Thank you for the support SBA team, keep up the amazing work!”
Legal & General, HARE, and The Goodall Foundation join returning sponsors which include HSBC, Mazars, Checkatrade.com, Sussex Innovation Centre, University of Sussex, Coffin Mew, Sussex Chamber of Commerce, Vantage Professional Risks, The Argus, Heart FM, Title Sussex, Gemini Print, Midnight Communications and Platinum Business.
Still wondering whether to enter? Opun Software was last year named the ‘Most Promising New Business’. What has winning an award meant to them?
“Winning ‘Most Promising New Business’ proved to be a watershed moment in the business’ life,” says Opun’s John Cushing.
“We have doubled our sales and are on course to double again. We’ve 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!”
To view this year’s categories and download an entry form, visit www.sbawards. org.uk. Businesses can enter up to three categories. There is a small admin fee of £50 (excl vat) to enter one award or £100 (excl 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 30th November 2017 and all finalists receive one free place! For further information, visit www.sbawards.org.uk.
