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