Business Matters Awards - your chance to nominate

Launched across the Horsham and Mid Sussex districts, Crawley, and parts of East Sussex, whether it is rewarding a lifetime of good work or celebrating a successful green initiative, there are a whole host of categories to enter.

Submissions are free and can be made at www.jpsouthevents.co.uk from Thursday March 14 to May 27, with businesses allowed to enter in as many categories as they wish.

JSPC Computer Services, who offer ICT support across Sussex, return as the main sponsors.

The winners will be unveiled at a prestigious black-tie event at the Copthorne Effingham Hotel in Gatwick on July 5, run by JP South Events and hosted by television presenter Fred Dinenage.

Categories include overall business winner of the year, small medium and large business of the year, employer of the year, going green award, retailer of the year, lifetime achievement award, and business personality of the year.

The awards are run in conjunction with the Mid Sussex Times, Crawley Observer and Sussex Express.

Last year nominations were judged by James Stoner, managing director of JSPC, Daniel Grainge, partner at chartered accountants Spoffoths, and Gary Shipton, editor in chief of this newspaper.

Horsham-based Crickmay Chartered Surveyors won the Medium Business award, and Gatwick’s International Logistics Group won the Large Business Award.

Southwater-based Stay Safe Driving School collected both the Employee/Team of the Year prize as well as the Readers’ Award.

Steve Lintott, founder of the driving school and a Southwater resident, said: “Two awards is unbelievable. It shows the public support we have got and we are starting to make a difference.

Tom Stephens, of Bolney’s Wobblegate Juice and Cider, took the Editor’s Special Award.

At the time he said: “There were all sorts of businesses there and the award gives us gravitas and a confidence boost, which will help no end I’m sure.”

To enter the Awards from March 14 visit www.jpsouthevents.co.uk