NOMINATIONS are now open for Seahaven’s 15th Annual Business Awards.

Organisers are asking the public and business owners to send in nominations.

Newhaven Chamber of Commerce, in association with Seaford and Peacehaven Chambers, is keen to support the best of businesses and will be looking at exclusive independents, professional services, talented craftspeople and global manufacturers in the Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven areas.

The awards spotlight those businesses, small and large, who deserve recognition and act as good business role models for the next generation of businesses and entrepreneurs.

Chamber spokesperson Julia Johnson said: “We are looking for enterprising businesses, those that have shown great spirit and determination and have special qualities.

“There are a huge number of businesses beavering away in the Seahaven area who were incredible start-up companies that are now global brands.

“Our coastal towns are lively and hard-working, you only have to look at the traffic on the roads before 8am to realise there is a lot going on down here.

“It is a fantastic business environment and it’s only possible because of the people who live and work here.”

The award evening, on May 11, is a black-tie Gala Dinner in the company of VIPs and special guests, an evening of glitz and glamour, to recognise and celebrate hard work and a vast array of achievements.

Categories include Business of the Year and Business Person of the Year. There is Best Environmental Business, Best Eatery, Best Customer Service, Best New Business and the President’s Award, Best Business in the Community.

You can nominate online at www.newhavenchamber.co.uk or download an entry form.

Closing date for nominations is Friday March 23.

Judges will include presidents from all three Chambers of Commerce, MP Maria Caulfield, MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle and the Mayor of Newhaven.

Entrants should either work from or work in the following postcode areas: BN9, BN10 and BN25 – Seaford, Newhaven or Peacehaven.

Companies do not need to be members of a Chamber of Commerce to enter. The awards are for all businesses.

Sponsors are Veolia, Elite Industries, Wave Leisure, Newhaven Enterprise Centre, the Co-op, HM Bookkeeping, Sussex Signs, Swindells Chartered Accountants, Meeching Estate Agents, Excell Design and Marketing, Fundraising Auctions, Fine Marketing and SeahavenFM.