The Argus is once again sponsoring one of the Sussex Business Awards.

It has covered the awards since they started in 1988 and last year took a more active role by becoming one of the sponsors.

The newspaper has a long tradition of working with retailers in Sussex and the new category, Sussex Retailer of the Year, was introduced which recognised this relationship.

Howard Scott, managing director of Argus publisher Newsquest (Sussex), will be on the judging panel for the second year.

He said: "Following the success of the first Sussex Retailer of the Year award, we are pleased to continue our sponsorship of the category.

"The Argus is the most widely-read newspaper in Sussex and at the heart of the community in so many ways.

"Therefore, it is right that we should be promoting and celebrating success within our local business community.

"Judging the awards for the first time last year, I learned a lot about the diversity of businesses in all categories in Sussex, and the range of businesses in the retail section.

"The awards are an important event in the Sussex business calendar and the Argus is pleased to be associated with them.

"Whenever any of us makes a purchase of any sort we become customers and, as customers, we all have relationships with retailers, whether we are buying a newspaper, petrol or a pair of shoes and we all judge retailers by the service we get.

"As a judge, I will be looking for evidence of customer satisfaction and feedback."

Companies can enter, indicating the categories they are interested in, online at www.sussex-business-awards.co.uk or by completing the form available from 01273 207155.

They are asked to complete a simple candidate profile, answering a small number of short questions with answers in bullet-point format.

They then send their profile, together with the entry form, to Sussex Business Awards, 4 Frederick Terrace, Frederick Place, Brighton BN1 1AX, as soon as possible and no later than the closing date of July 2.