The waiting is finally over.

After weeks of rigorous assessment, the finalists of the prestigious Sussex Business Awards have been announced.

The star line-up for the 12 awards includes manufacturers, marketing agencies, construction companies, a travel company, college, restaurant and plumbing business.

Each entry was given careful consideration by a highly-skilled panel of judges made up of the countyís leading business professionals.

Malcolm Diamond, chairman of the judges, said: “The quality of all candidates was excellent and represented a truly diverse and vibrant range of successful Sussex companies.

“Our finalists proved themselves leaders in their fields and worthy role models of business best practice.”

The judges faced a difficult task choosing the finalists for all awards, particularly for the highly acclaimed Sussex Company of the Year Award.

The final shortlist is FDM Group, Fisher Clinical Services and Sussex Downs College.

The names of the winning companies will remain a secret until the Oscars-style dinner on November 20 at the Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel, near Gatwick.

The event promises to be bigger and better than ever this year as Sussex Business Awards celebrates its 20th anniversary.

For tickets contact the awards office on 01273 207155.

And the finalists are...

SUSSEX COMPANY OF THE YEAR – sponsored by Deloitte FDM Group, Brighton Fisher Clinical Services, Horsham Sussex Downs College, campuses at Lewes, Newhaven and Eastbourne

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – sponsored by The Argus Access-by Design, Chichester East Beach Café, Littlehampton Sailnet UK, Brighton

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR – sponsored by Sussex Enterprise Raj Anand, Kwiqq.com, Brighton Rosie Freshwater, Leapfrogg, Brighton Ian Lucas, Redseven, Brighton

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – sponsored by Emirates Aerotron Ltd, Crawley Fisher Clinical Services, Horsham Used Telecoms, Brighton

SMALL BUSINESS – sponsored by EDF Energy Focus 4 U, Hove Nido Marketing, Brighton Permanent Solutions Direct, Henfield

BEST EMPLOYER – sponsored by asb law Leapfrogg, Brighton Nido Marketing, Brighton Sussex Downs College, campuses at Lewes, Newhaven and Eastbourne

SUSSEX BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR – sponsored by Southern FM Tim Aspinall, DMH Stallard, Brighton Dr Peter Bance, Ceres Power, Crawley Ian Fletcher-Price, Posturite, Berwick

UNIVERSITY ENTERPRISE – sponsored by University of Brighton Green Training Company, Bognor Regis John Packer Associates, Uckfield Sussex Health Care, Warnham

LEARNING PAYS! – sponsored by Learning and Skills Council Sussex Clarke Roofing, Eastbourne CWO Ltd, Chichester Westridge Construction, Bodiam

CUSTOMER SERVICE – sponsored by Southern Burgess Hill Town Council, Burgess Hill Leapfrogg, Brighton Profile Plumbing & Heating, St Leonardson- Sea

EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS – sponsored by Royal British Legion Industries Brighton Housing Trust, Brighton Southern Water, Worthing Vizual Marine, Chichester Working Links, Brighton

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS – sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services Brighton House, Brighton Responsibletravel.com, Brighton South Coast Property Developments, Lancing