THIRTY THREE of the biggest and best companies and business people have made the shortlist for this year’s Lewes District Business Awards.

The event is now in its fifth year.

The winners will be announced at the Amex Stadium, Falmer, on Thursday July 19 in a ceremony presented by comedian Simon Evans.

Companies appearing twice in the shortlist include Depot, Alistair Fleming Design, Lewes Football Club and SO Sussex.

Councillor Andy Smith, leader of Lewes District Council, said: “The quality of entries for this year’s awards was unparalleled and I’m extremely proud that so many outstanding businesses reside in Lewes district.

“We had a fantastic number of entries from small companies to big businesses which made the judging process as challenging as ever.

“However, in the end, the judging panel were in agreement and we’re looking forward to announcing the winners at the award ceremony.”

Andrew Tucknott, new business development manager at Tomsetts Distribution, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for Company of the Year, which is a great achievement for our family logistics company.

“We would like to thank our dedicated workforce for their energy, commitment and continued high standards of customer service which has contributed to our success over the last 40 plus years.”

Geoff Stonebanks, founder of Driftwood Garden in Bishopstone, near Seaford, has been shortlisted.

He said: “How utterly amazing and totally rewarding to have my own private garden shortlisted for these awards alongside other great local venues.

“It has become a serious tourist trap for people from all over the globe after winning awards and receiving much hype on TripAdvisor.”

Michael Kianfar, managing director of Foodhaven, said: “The Bake Out team is delighted to be shortlisted for the Best Independent Retailer.

“I know for sure that for many retailers it’s all about keeping customers happy and when there is great feedback for our effort it makes our day.

“Thank you from all of the Bake Out team to all involved in the awards and our lovely Lewes community.”

Finalists:

Best Customer Service

Cleankill Pest Control

Plants4Presents

Richard Soan Roofing Services

Best Green Business

Depot

King’s Academy Ringmer

Tiny Box Company

Food and Drink Destination of The Year

Downsview Dairy Produce Ltd

Foodhaven

Best Independent Retailer

Alexis Dove Jewellery

Alistair Fleming Design

Bake Out

Business in the Community

Lewes Football Club

The Runaway

So Sussex

Employer of the Year

Fundraising Auctions

Lewes Football Club

Seahaven FM

Professional Services Award

Alistair Fleming Design

Mayo Wynne Baxter

Oakley Property

Tourist Destination of the Year

Branching Out Adventures

Depot

Driftwood Garden

Lewes Light Community Interest Company

Businessperson of the Year

Carmen Slijpen, Lewes Community Screen

Richard Light, Fundraising Auctions

Victoria Young, Front Room

Small Business of the Year

The Beauty Rooms

Front Room

So Sussex

Company of the Year

Industrial Construction Sussex

Tomsetts Distribution

Wilson Wilson and Hancock Opticians.