The award for Sussex Businessman/Businesswoman of the Year has been revived by popular demand.

Dropped last year to make way for new categories, its inclusion this year takes the number of awards up to 12.

The sponsor is Southern FM and principal judge is the radio station's managing director Bob Hoad.

Mr Hoad, who last year judged the small business category, said he had met many talented and gifted businessmen and women during his time as a judge and urged them to put themselves forward for the award.

Sussex boasted some of the most innovative small businesses in the country, run by some of the brightest people.

He said: "I've visited a lot of very good, high quality businesses across the county and I'm always impressed by what see.

"I've seen a lot of great ideas, clever people and huge amounts of enthusiasm that mean the businesses they run are destined go far.

"But there are many more who don't like to blow their own trumpets and I'd like to encourage them to put themselves forward for an award or maybe somebody else in their business who recognises the abilities should put them up.

"There is a lot to gain. Over the years, the awards have opened a lot of doors for a lot of businesses."

Southern FM has been a sponsor of the Small Business Award, for firms with up to 25 employees, for the past seven years.

The company, part of the Capital Radio group, has a staff of 50, including some of the county's best-known voices, such as Danny Pike and Ambrose Harcourt.

Mr Hoad said: "We are not looking for people who head up multinational corporations.

They don't have to be the owner or managing director.

"We want to attract entries from people who can demonstrate dynamic leadership skills and show how they are addressing the key strategic issues faced by their business or department."