Brighton and Hove Business Awards back for a ninth year

The Brighton and Hove Business Awards 2014 – in association with The Argus – are set to be the biggest celebration of business success the city has ever seen.

Leading firms, trade organisations and venues have joined forced for a competition, which acknowledges the diversity and uniqueness of Brighton and Hove and celebrate the companies, organisations and individuals which build the city’s brand.

Organiser Caraline Brown, of Midnight Communications, said: “We have been delighted with the fantastic support shown to us by some of the leading businesses and organisations in the city.

“Last year’s event was a marvellous success and a truly wonderful celebration of all that is great about Brighton Business. We look forward to an even better competition this year – and another wonderful night out.”

This year sponsors include Allied Irish Bank, BrightonandHoveJobs.com, Cardens Accountants, Qualifa, Graves Jenkins, Classic Consulting, Cluttons, Martin Searle Solicitors and Close Brothers Invoice Finance.

The Argus is on board as a media partner alongside Absolute Brighton and Juice 107.2FM.

The BAHBAs are also supported by the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce, Brighton and Hove City Council, the Brighton Business Curry Club and Brighton and Hove Tourism Alliance.

Tony Mernagh, executive director of Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, will once again chair proceedings.

He said: “Brighton and Hove has got a lot to shout about and there’s no better platformfor shouting than the BAHBAs.

“It is extraordinary that in a city whose middle name is success we often neglect to celebrate it.

“It is important to do so because hard work deserves recognition but, more importantly, it encourages others to strive for success.

“The BAHBAs are both a celebration and a catalyst.”

Judges will be looking for companies and organisations that capture the spirit of the city.

Innovation and leadership will be considered over size or revenue.

Soozie Campbell, director of the Brighton and Hove Tourism Alliance, said: “I am delighted to be representing the Tourism Alliance in this important service to the business community.

"As tourism is at the very heart of our local economy it is vital that our organisation plays a part in this group effort.

“And I just love learning about all the wonderful innovations that our businesses are developing.”

James Burton, CEO at Qualifa, said: “It’s a great local initiative and we love the night out for networking. It’s great to see the new talent and businesses in Brighton & Hove.”

Barry Carden, of Cardens accountants, said: “We love being part of the BAHBAS! It’s a fantastic event celebrating our city’s successful businesses. It’s a brilliant night showcasing all the businesses and companies that make Brighton the unique and wonderful city we live in.”

Ian Trevett, of Absolute Brighton, said: “Absolute Brighton is very proud to support the BAHBAs. Brighton has a culture of entrepreneurship and creativity and the BAHBAs is a celebration of this can-do spirit.

“The team at Midnight always create an event which means business, but being Brighton they are always great fun as well.”

Previous winners of the awards include some of the city’s biggest and best loved names, including Gresham Blake, European Recruitment, BrightonandHoveJobs.com, Dental Health Spa, Ambiental, Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival, Bohemia Grand Café & Late Lounge, The American Express Community Stadium, Hotel du Vin, Jurys Inn Hotel, Green Mop, Infinity Foods, Duke of York’s Picture House, Brighton Dome, Brighton Festival, Dockerills, and Sussex University.

Justin Butler, of Ambiental, said: “The Ambiental team were absolutely delighted to have won the best environmental business at last year’s BAHBAs – what a great night and thanks to all our clients and colleagues for their support.”

Christina Chatfield, of Dental Health Spa, said: “The BAHBAS was a great night and Midnight certainly knowhow to throw a party and celebrate.”

Tailor Gresham Blake said: “It’s great to be recognised in a city that’s full of entrepreneurs, especially twice.

“It’s of great importance to have a BAHBA award that focus on the skills, enthusiasm and brilliance that make up Brighton and Hove.”

The competition closes on May 23 with the awards to be presented at the end of the Palace Pier on Thursday, July 10. Visit www.bahba.co.uk to find out more about the various categories or follow the awards on twitter at @bahba.

Categories

The Award for the Greatest Contribution to the Community Recognising the role businesses play in their local communities.

The Best Place to Visit in Brighton and Hove The place that enriches the city making it such a great destination.

The Best Event in the City So many different events happen throughout the year, but which one was best?

The Best Environmental Industry Company For environmental firms or consultancies trailblazing in the green economy

The Best New Kids on the Block Recognising the new businesses creating waves

The Best Customer Service Customer care and innovative customer services can make or break a business

The Best Place to Work Why is your organisation the best place to work?

The Award for Business Beyond the City Who does the most to put the city’s name on the national or international stage?

The Best Independent Retailer Does what it says on the tin

The Creative Industries Award For the brightest and best creative industries business or organisation in the city

The Professional Services Award From accountants and actuaries to business consultants, recruiters, law firms and marketers – who are the best?

Managing Director of the Year Tell us why your manager stands head and shoulders above the rest

Fastest Growing Business Award Growing businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, generating new jobs and creating new opportunities for everyone to enjoy.

Outstanding Brightonian Who has done the most in the past year to place Brighton on the national stage?

How to enter

All entrants are invited to submit their entries on no more than two pages of A4 saved in PDF format.

Entries should be presented in two parts.

Part one – addressing the specific question for the award you have entered Part two – explain your business.

The judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

•Business success

•Innovation

•Leadership

•Sustainability

•Uniqueness

•Future ambitions

•Overcoming adversity to succeed

Please visit www.babhba.co.uk to find out more about the various categories and previous winners.