Biggest and best named in the shortlist for business awards

Now in their fourth year, the awards offer an opportunity for many different types of businesses to come together and celebrate the district’s talent and achievement, recognising success, innovation and excellence.

The variety of awards has ensured a diverse range of businesses from all sectors can participate.

From family-run businesses to international organisations, the entries represent those excelling in all areas including customer service, community work, retail, sustainability and tourism.

Companies making the shortlist twice include Wilson, Wilson and Hancock Opticians, Harvey and Sons and Le Magasin while Fundraising Auctions makes the list three times with the managing director being shortlisted for Businessperson of the Year. David Sheppard, chairman of Sussex Chamber of Commerce and this year’s judges, said: “Lewes and District businesses have once again excelled themselves with the numbers and quality of entries.”

The awards will be presented by the BBC Television News presenter and correspondent Ben Brown on Thursday, July 13, at the Lewes Town Hall.

The event will be attended by some 250 of the district’s leading businesses and offers opportunities to both celebrate and network.

Tickets cost £65 each (plus Vat) or £600 for a table of ten (plus Vat) and includes a three-course meal with wine preceded by a sparkling wine reception provided by award-winning local wine producer Plumpton Estate.

The vineyard is renowned for its expertise in viticulture and oenology. It is also home to the only English-language wine degree course in Europe. Get tickets at www.lewesdistrictbusinessawards.co.uk.

Company of the Year:

Wilson, Wilson and Hancock Opticians

Fundraising Auctions

Wave Leisure Trust

Small Business of the Year:

Le Magasin

HuckleBerryHair

Plants4Presents

Businessperson of the Year:

Nathaniel Hepburn, Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft

Richard Light, Fundraising Auctions

Jacqueline Elsey, Krunchkins

Best Green Business:

Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC

Tina’s Kitchen

Harvey and Son

Business in the Community

Lewes Football Club

Edward Reeves Photography

CTLA Community Transport

Culture, Leisure and Tourism

Pells Pool Community Association

Newhaven Fort (Wave Leisure Trust Limited)

Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft

Bluebell Railway Plc

Best Independent Retailer

W E Clark and Son Limited

Chalk Gallery

Alexis Dove Jewellery

Holy Cow! Ice Cream Company

Best Independent Food or Drink Producer

Burning Sky Brewery

Harvey and Son (Lewes)

Ridgeview Wine Estate

Best Customer Service

Gateway Cafe

Cleankill Pest Control

The Phoenix Centre

The Best Place to Entertain Clients

Plumpton Racecourse

Chaula’s

Aqua Restaurant

Best Business Growth

Le Magasin

Industrial Construction

Fundraising Auctions

Entrepreneur of the Year

Anthony Eggleton – ADE Sports Therapy and Wellbeing

Alison Grant – Fitzroy House

Anna Lane – Woodland Spa

Samantha Revill – Sam Revill Social Media Training

Kate Wood – Kate Wood Communications

Professional Services Award

Wilson, Wilson and Hancock Opticians

Mayo Wynne Baxter

Oakley Property Lewes

Creative Industries Award

Atelier Dina Malkova

Designand Product Ltd

Pixeldot

View the full list of finalists at www.lewesdistrictbusinessawards.co.uk.