THE BIGGEST and best business awards are back and open for entries.

The Brighton and Hove Business Awards - in association with The Argus - are live and businesses have until June 29 to submit up to three entries.

Now in their eleventh year, the BAHBAs are firmly established as the city’s premier business awards scheme.

Designed to shine a light and celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of Brighton & Hove, the BAHBAs acknowledge and celebrate the companies, organisations and individuals helping to build the city's brand.

Previous winners have included a mix of start-ups and sole traders, in addition to some of the city’s largest and most influential organisations including Duke of York’s, Infinity Foods, Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, The Grand Brighton, Dockerills, Brighton Pride, The Gingerman Restaurant Group, BrightonandHoveJobs.com, Dental Health Spa, Ambiental, Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival, American Express Community Stadium, Brighton Festival and Sussex University.

Alan Margetts, managing director of two-times winner The Kitchen Store has no doubts about the value of winning a BAHBA.

He said: “Winning has really helped our store gain an added element of credibility and helped build trust with our customers. In our experience being a part of these Awards genuinely raises your profile and shines a light on the strengths of your business.”

David Wicks, owner of 2015 New Kids on the Block winner Silo, said: "To win was a great honour and helped the us realise how far we had come in such a short space of time.”

New sponsors are on board this year include RBS, Dental Health Spa, TSS Facilities and Brighton & Hove Buses.

Returning sponsors include Allied Irish Bank, Cardens Accountants, City Cabs, Gatwick Airport, Gemini Print, Graves Jenkins, Martin Searle Solicitors, Robinson Low Francis and Yelo Architects, with continued support from Brighton and Hove City Council, Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival, Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce, Brighton Curry Club, Juice 107.2FM, Title Sussex and Tourism Alliance.

Mike Gilson, editor of The Argus and Chair of the Awards, commented: “The Brighton and Hove Business Awards have been celebrating the brightest, most successful and most unique businesses from across the City for the last decade.

“The leaders that drive these businesses demonstrate that combining passion and business nous with fun and individuality can be a real recipe for success.

"It is Brighton and Hove’s personality that puts it among the UK’s favourite cities, and that personality is reflected in our business community.”

Chaired by Argus editor Mike Gilson, judges will be looking for companies and organisations that really capture the spirit of Brighton and Hove.

To view this year’s categories and submit an entry, go to www.bahba.co.uk.

Businesses can enter up to three categories and the deadline for submissions is Wednesday June 29 at 5pm.