ENTRIES are now open for the Lewes District Business Awards 2017.

Recognising success, innovation and excellence in the business community, the awards are free to enter and open to organisations of all sizes and sectors.

They offer a fantastic opportunity for many different types of businesses to come together and celebrate the district’s business talent and achievement.

Previous winners and sponsors heard from new chair of judges, David Sheppard, on what makes an award entry stand out while Councillor Andy Smith thanked this year’s sponsors for their continued support.

This year there are 14 categories to enter, including company of the year and best independent retailer.

The awards will be presented by the BBC news presenter and correspondent Ben Brown.

Businesses can enter up to three categories and deadline for submissions is May 5.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday July 13 at Lewes Town Hall.

Around 200 of the district’s leading businesspeople, sponsors and judges are expected to attend giving guests the perfect opportunity to network with peers, celebrate with colleagues and find out those all-important results.

For more information on entering or to discuss sponsorship opportunities email lewes@midnight.co.uk.

Ben Brown is a presenter and correspondent for BBC Television News, and regularly anchors both on the corporation’s 24 hour News Channel and its BBC 1 bulletins.

He joined the BBC in 1988 and was Moscow Correspondent between 1991 and 1994.

He witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall as well as the collapse of Soviet communism.

He has reported many from warzones including Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chechnya, Somalia and Rwanda and from the scene of natural disasters.