Some of the most innovative and dynamic businesses in the region have been celebrated at an inaugural awards ceremony.
Around 150 people attended the Lewes District Business Awards at a gala dinner at Lewes TownHall on Thursday.
Broadcaster Nicholas Owen revealed the winners which included the creator of the world’s first smart till.
Cash Bases, which employs 200 people mostly in Newhaven, took home two gongs – company of the year and the award for business innovation.
The firmwas recognised for a multi-million pound contract with Tesco to introduce trademarked SMARTtill technology across the country.
The intelligent technology reads how much money is in the till meaning cashiers no longer have to count notes, saving time and mental energy.
Managing director Philip Stone said: “It takes all the drudgery and pain away from dealing with cash.
“This is an award for all the hard work and dedication that makes our company such a success.
“We’ve had a fantastic year this year, and an excellent year last year.
“The award really makes people sit up and see that we’re achieving great things.”
Another big winner was Screen Solutions, a leading independent manufacturer of bespoke office screen systems, which won the clean, green and marine and business in the community awards.
Managing director Dan Valovin said: “Screen Solutions has been at the heart of the Lewes District community for the last 21 years.
“We feel very honoured and proud to receive the two awards, especially as these recognise our long-established involvement with the area via outreach programmes.
“We are much more than just about making things. We have a model that is routed in our people, social responsibility, sustainability and community.”
Leader of Lewes District Council Rob Blackman said: “These awards, celebrating excellence amongst the district’s diverse businesscommunity, have created a fantastic opportunity for many different types of business to come together and celebrate the immense success of the district’s business talent and achievement.”
Chairman of judges Hugh Burnett OBE DL FCA said: “From family run businesses to national organisations, the finalists represent businesses that are excelling across all areas of customerservice, community work, retail, sustainability, innovation and tourism.
Winners and runners up
Company of the Year – sponsored by The Santon Group
Winner: Cash Bases Limited
Finalists: Cheesmur Building Contractors, Newhaven Enterprise Centre
Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Knill James
Winner: Badger Inks Ltd
Finalists: The Snowdrop Inn, TimelessTime Ltd
Businessperson of the Year – sponsored by Basepoint Business Centres
Winner: Terry Nitman and Steve Hayman, Cheesmur Building Contractors
Finalist: Mark Beaumont, of Infacom, Mauro Lazzati, of Famiglia n LEAP
Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by LEAP
Winner Jen Porteous, The Tiny Vineyard Co Finalist: Isabelle Fauchet, Live Digital Media
Finalist: Jodie Deakin, Another stitch in the Wool, Sharon Lloyd, Woof it Down
Business Innovation – sponsored by Lewes District Council
Winner Cash Bases Limited
Finalists: CTEC Energy, TimelessTime Ltd
Business in the Community – sponsored by Harvey & Son Ltd
Winner Screen Solutions Ltd Finalists: Mill Laine Farm
Finalists: The Runaway
Best Place to Visit – sponsored by Viva Lewes
Winner: The Charleston Trust
Finalists: Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Spring Barn Farm
Social Enterprise – sponsored by The Aldridge Foundation
Winner: National Lifesaving Academy
Finalists: Age UK East Sussex, Furniture Now!
Clean, Green & Marine – sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services
Winner: Screen Solutions Ltd
Finalists: Firefly Solar Generators Limited, Fletching Glasshouses
Best Independent Retailer – sponsored by Wave Leisure
Winner: Mill Laine Farm
Finalists: Alexis Dove Jewellery, Cheese Please
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