Organisers of the Sussex Business Awards are expecting a record number of entrants this year following a glittering launch party in Brighton.

Hundreds of businessmen and women attended the event in the Empress Suite of The Grand hotel in King's Road last Tuesday.

One of the highlights of the evening was Brighton and Hove Mayor David Smith joining the Gay Men's Choir on stage for an impromptu singalong.

Potential entrants were there to learn more about the annual awards scheme and to try to gauge what the panel of judges will be looking for in 2007-08.

Previous winner Charita Jones, owner of Momma Cherri's Restaurant in Brighton, spoke about her experience of being named Entrepreneur of the Year last time.

She said: "Winning the award has given me so much pride and not only has it improved my business but also increased recognition and opened new doors."

There are 12 categories, including awards for all-round excellence and others for specific strengths, such as innovation or customer service.

Sussex Company of the Year judge Neil Harris, of Deloitte, said: "We were impressed by the innovation shown by last year's winners in both developing successful new businesses and the commitment shown by the senior management to achieving growth, not just for the company but also for the employees.

"We look forward to another year of high-quality entries. Sussex Business Awards are a fantastic opportunity for businesses of all sizes and across a wide range of sectors to shine."

The closing date for entries is July 6. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and dinner at the Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel in November.

For full details, register online at www.sussex-business-awards.co.uk or call the awards office on 01273 207155.

Sponsors and awards 2007
  • Sussex Company of the Year, sponsored by Deloitte. For the most outstanding business in the region.
  • Sussex Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Southern FM. For outstanding achievement by an individual.
  • Small Business Award, sponsored by EDF Energy. For a business with up to 25 employees.
  • International Business Award, sponsored by HSBC. For the best Sussex business trading abroad.
  • Customer Service Award, sponsored by Southern. For the business most successfully demonstrating quality customer service.
  • Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Business Link and Sussex Enterprise. For the Sussex business person who has shown the most outstanding enterprise.
  • Best New Business Award, sponsored by The Argus. For the best new business in Sussex.
  • Innovation in Business Award, sponsored by Spaceover Group. For the business best demonstrating outstanding innovation.
  • Learning Pays! Sponsored by Learning and Skills Council, Sussex.For a Sussex employer in developing its workforce.
  • University Enterprise Award, sponsored by the University of Brighton. For the most successful collaboration between a business and a university or higher education establishment in Sussex.
  • Manufacturer of the Year Award, sponsored by BOC Edwards. For outstanding achievement in manufacturing.
  • Sustainable Business Awards, sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services.For reducing the impact of business on the environment.