The 2001 Sussex Business Awards, to be launched later this month, are putting the accent on growth and innovation.

There are new awards for company dynamism and protecting the environment.

Virgin Atlantic Airways joins the line-up of sponsors, backing the Dynamic Business Award.

Chairman Sir Richard Branson said: "We know there are a lot of dynamic businesses out there - this is their chance to be recognised."

Both the launch event and the gala awards dinner switch from the Sussex coast to the north of the county in a drive to bring in entrants from throughout East and West Sussex.

The launch of the awards, on the theme of Growing Your Business In 2001, is set for April 26 at the Copthorne Effingham Park, near Gatwick.

Leading figures from the regional business community, all previous winners of Sussex Business Awards, will give their formulas for business growth.

Michael Herd, executive director of The Sussex Innovation Centre, who was Sussex Businessman of the Year 2000, will talk about the importance of innovation for growth.

Jakki Brierley-Shorrock, managing director of Chichester direct mail marketing company Codestorm, will discuss the rewards and challenges of growth. Mrs Brierley-Shorrock was finalist in Sussex Business-woman of the Year 1998 and her company was runner-up as Sussex Company of the Year 1999.

Richard Daws, chairman of Brighton-based Victoria Real, which won the Business Innovation Award in 1997, will speak on growing a successful digital media business.

Among the eight awards on offer, there is a new category for the company or organisation doing most to protect our environment and natural resources.

It is sponsored by South-East Water in association with the Environment Agency.

South-East Water managing director Margaret Devlin said: "We know that a lot of good work is being done to protect the environment throughout the county and, together with the Environment Agency, we are looking forward to highlighting best practice in this field."

Other sponsors are the accountants and business advisors KPMG, American Express in association with Business in the Community, law firm Argles Stoneham Burstows, The Sussex Innovation Centre, The Argus, the Universities of Brighton and Sussex, and Southern FM.

The awards also have support from Sussex Enterprise. The trophies will be presented at a prestige event in November, at the Copthorne Effingham Park.

The awards are supported by Fortis Bank, which provides a wide range of corporate banking services, East Sussex County Council, Brighton and Hove City Council and Concept Media.

They are created and organised by The Priory Partnership. Tickets for the launch are free but places are limited. Details are available from the awards office on 01273 207155.

Competitors can register for the awards online or by post and full details of categories and sponsors are available at www. sussex-business-awards.co.uk