BUSINESS award winners were announced at a ceremony.

The winners of the 2015 Lewes District Business Awards were announced at Pelham House in the county town last Thursday.

Richard Soan Roofing Services scooped the main accolade of Business of the Year.

Richard Soan put the company’s success down to “strong old fashioned beliefs” putting quality and customer service first.

He said: “I am very proud to receive this accolade but everyone involved with the company can also feel proud as they have helped make this possible.

“As an organisation we have very strong old fashioned beliefs that quality and customer service are paramount, and all employees buy into that.

“Everyone engaged by the company is treated in the same way and are part of a big extended family and that’s what helps us become successful.”

He said working in construction had been “extremely difficult” during the recent recession but that they were “still here telling the story”.

The roofing company adds its most recent gong to a customer service award at the Lewes and Wealden Business Awards.

The Lewes District Council event was attended by 150 people including 30 finalists.

Now in their second year, the Lewes District Business Awards were launched to highlight excellence in the area’s business community.

Gerri Ori, of Brooklyn Hyundai, was named Businessperson Of The Year. He said: “I was very chuffed and surprised. It’s down to my fantastic staff.”

Other highlights included The Runaway, a local cafe, winning Business In The Community and Union Music Store clinching the Best Independent Retailer title.

Stevie Freeman, who with husband Jamie runs Union Music, said: “We have been recognised for all the things we do in the town. In this day and age you have to find all sort of ways to make your business work. It’s about diversifying the business as it grows.

“We have listened to our customers and developed things as we have gone along.

“It means a lot to us that we have been recognised because we are not rolling around in money in this business.”

The Charleston Trust collected Best Visitor Attraction for the second time as well as being runner-up in Best Independent Retailer.

Director Alistair Burtenshaw said: “We are especially proud that our local community feels that Charleston is an outstanding place to visit in what is a wonderful part of the country with many superb visitor attractions and brilliant independent retailers.”

Organisers said the variety of awards ensured a range of enterprises from family-run businesses to national organisations, excelling in areas including customer service, community work, retail, sustainability, innovation and tourism.

Hugh Burnett, chairman of judges, said: “We were delighted with the number of businesses that entered. It was a special evening showcasing the most outstandingly successful individuals and businesses.”

For details, visit www.lewesdistrictbusinessawards.co.uk.

Lewes District Awards roll of honour

Best Visitor Attraction Sponsored by The Argus Winner: The Charleston Trust Finalists: Monkey Bizness, Newhaven Fort

Best Independent Retailer Sponsored by Viva Lewes Winner: Union Music Store Finalists: Cheese Please, Charleston Trust

Business In The Community Sponsored by Harvey & Son Winner: The Runaway Finalists: National Lifesaving Academy, Screen Solutions

Business Innovation Sponsored by Pelham House Winner: Design Specific Finalists: Noonan Media, Timeless Time

Green Business Sponsored by Veolia Winner: G Burley & Sons Finalists: CTEC Energy, Newhaven Enterprise Centre (Basepoint)

Social Enterprise Sponsored by The Aldridge Foundation Winner: Furniture Now! Finalists: CTLA, Wave Leisure

Startup Of The Year Sponsored by Basepoint Winner: Fundraising Auctions

Access All Areas Sponsored by Lewes District Council Winner: Southern Railway Finalists: CTLA, Southdown Housing Association

LEAP Entrepreneur Of The Year Sponsored by LEAP Winner: Louisa Devismes, The Cheesemaker’s Choice Finalists: Alex Grey (Alex Grey Designs), Matt Edwards (Playful Spaces) and Sara Elliot (La Terra Pura)

Businessperson Of The Year Sponsored by Cheesmur Building Contractors Winner: Gerri Ori, Brooklyn Hyundai Finalists: Alan Novis (Prestige Promotional Products), Richard Soan (Richard Soan Roofing)

Small Business Of The Year Sponsored by Knill James Winner: Chalk Gallery Finalists: Badger Inks, The Runaway

Business Of The Year Sponsored by Santon North Street Winner: Richard Soan Roofing Finalists: Cheesmur Building Contractors, Screen Solutions