Businesses in Sussex are among the most generous in the UK.

When it comes to giving back to the community, firms based in Brighton and Hove are held up as shining examples to others.

A pilot scheme to develop a Community Mark for firms who show they care about their city is now being introduced in other towns and cities.

Catherine Carruthers, director of the South-East division of Business in the Community and a Sussex Business Awards judge, said: "There are many firms in this area well-qualified to enter for the Business Community Partnership award but they think they are too small. They need not worry, we really want small firms to enter.

"More and more companies now recognise the importance of being seen to be a good citizen in their local community.

"To help with this aim, Business in the Community runs a national award series which encourages companies to make more of an impact on the area they are based and on society in general.

"When it comes to being involved with the community, there are some names which immediately jump out, like American Express and Family Assurance and these are fine examples that should encourage others.

"As a judge I will not be looking for as much as many people think. There are many companies with the credentials and qualities needed and we want them to celebrate the good they are doing which often goes without recognition."

Judges will be looking for evidence the company has a policy of being a good corporate citizen, helps local community groups or works in education or with voluntary organisations.

Firms entering will automatically be considered for the Community Mark scheme and any businesses that have already achieved the Community Mark will automatically be short-listed for the Citizenship Award.

Mrs Carruthers said: "Some firms may not enter because they feel what they do in the community will not impress the judges, but how will they know if they don't enter?

Companies interested in taking part are asked to register their name for awards, indicating the categories they are interested in. They can do this online at www.sussex-business-awards.co.uk, or by completing the registration form available from the awards office on 01273 207155. Entrants are asked to
complete a simple candidate profile. All they have to do is answer a small number of short questions, with answers in bullet-point format.

They should send their profile, together with the entry form to Sussex Business Awards, 4 Frederick Terrace, Frederick Place, Brighton BN1 1AX, as soon as possible and no later than the closing date of July 2.