Retail is vital to the UK's economy so it is only fitting that the Sussex Business Awards 2003 recognise retailers' contributions to the region's economic vitality.

The Sussex Retailer of the Year Award is open to any business selling goods or services to consumers from retail premises in Sussex, including retail shops, estate agencies and motor dealerships.

It is sponsored by The Argus and the principal judge will be Marcus Naylor, group advertisement manager at Newsquest (Sussex).

Readers have been nominating their favourite retailers for the award but companies may enter the category directly.

The judges will examine all aspects of retailing from how businesses meet customer needs to customer service and after-sales support.

Last year's winner was Goring hairdressers State Of The Art Styling. The salon was opened by hairdresser Karen Clark in 1996.

The award recognised her success in building the business. Turnover and profit increased by 300 per cent.

The Small Business Award, sponsored by Seeboard Energy, is open to any business with 25 or fewer employees which is based in, or conducts most of its business from, Sussex.

The judges, led by Denise Wareham, Seeboard's business market manager, will be looking at how entepreneurial flair has helped develop the business, marketing strategies, employee relations, training and financial management.

Thinkwell, a Brighton-based recruitment agency, won the award last year after showing how its anti-ageist approach helped build success.

The agency, founded by Craig Anderson and Alain van Gils, specialised in placing candidates aged 45 and over into jobs.

The University-Business Partnership Award is open to businesses outside the region and is co-sponsored by Brighton and Sussex universities. The principal judges will be Andrew Toal, head of business services, University of Brighton, and Allan Syms, chief executive, Sussex IP, University of Sussex.

Last year's award was won by digital communications company Victoria Real.

There are ten other categories in this year's awards.

l Entrants need to register their names, indicating the award category they are interested in.

They can register online at www.sussex-business-awards.co.uk or complete the form included in the prospectus available from the awards office on 01273 207155.

Entrants will be asked to complete a candidate profile and answer a few questions.

They should send their profile, with the entry form, to the awards office no later than July 4. Individuals shortlisted will be asked to make a fuller submission.

Wednesday June 11, 2003