“I am delighted to have been asked to take up the chair of the Sussex Business Awards. “In my time as Executive Director at Sussex Innovation Centre, I have watched hundreds of entrepreneurs and start-ups with exciting

new ideas begin their journey to becoming high-growth companies. It has really brought home to me what a special environment Sussex is for nurturing disruptive businesses, embracing new technologies, and celebrating fresh and innovative ways of working. “Our region boasts a truly supportive ecosystem that has enabled so many businesses to flourish, and the Sussex Business Awards have played a massive part in that over the past 26 years.

“And I know from personal experience how important these awards can be. When I received the Businessperson of the Year Award in 2000 it was a fantastic honour, and something that was enjoyed and appreciated not just by myself, but the whole team at the Centre. We have sponsored the Award for Innovation in Business ever since, and I can’t think of a better way to show our support for this wonderful business community. “So, having experienced the Awards at every stage from entrant to winner to sponsor I am now delighted to take up the mantle of Chair of the Judges and look forward to celebrating Sussex success and our unique business culture.”

Mike HerdSussex Business Awards Chairman

WelcoMe from our cHairMan of Judges

To The 2014 SuSSeX Business AwArds

WelcoMeCompanies, organisations and individuals from all over sussex are invited to enter the 26th sussex Business Awards.winning an award really can make a difference and lead to increased awareness of your company and its activities.

Are you tHe buSineSS of 2014?

WHY enTer• GrEAt FOr BuSInESS!• A great networking opportunity with the county’s elite business community.• Chance to put your business in the media spotlight with valuable publicity in print, online and on radio.• Add value to your marketing by including the winner/finalist logo across your literature and website to promote your success.• Gain free, independent assessment from expert judges with feedback available to unsuccessful, as well as successful, candidates.• Be part of a three thousand strong (and growing!) twitter community to share news about your business activities.• If shortlisted, be showcased in a special business edition of the Argus which will be given away to attendees at the awards ceremony and featured in the Business Supplement the following week.

HoW To enTer• Visit www.sbawards.org.uk to review all the categories available and determine which are appropriate for your business.• read the entry criteria and ensure that you understand what the judges will be looking for.• Entries must be submitted online in a PDF format. • Each entry should be around one thousand words and no more than two pages of A4.• Entry costs £50 for one entry or £100 for up to three.• Enter Social Enterprise of the Year, Healthiest Workplace Award, Boss of the Year and the Greatest Contribution to Sussex Charity for FrEE.

DeaDline fridAy 29 AugusT 2014

“The Sussex Business Awards event was an amazing opportunity for Cash Bases and our fellow local businesses to share our successes with each other.” Judit ruckes, Cash Bases Limited.award for innovation in business 2013

“Our aim is to be number one in the world in the Electrophysiology and Imaging market. To win International Company of the Year has confirmed our credentials with customers and staff alike, and has helped us compete effectively with the large global companies in our industry.” Adrian Corbin, scientifica Ltd. international business of the Year 2013

whAT The Judges need To Know• How has your business performed in recent years? Please detail the turnover and profits of the company over the last three financial years.• What is your current strategy for the development of the business and how will you implement that strategy? Link the strategic decisions taken in the past to the performance of the company, as described in the response to previous question.• How do you manage your business and what performance indicators do you use? Provide examples of the reporting used to manage the business.• What processes do you use to research and develop new products or services, and how do you introduce them to the market?• How do you provide customer care and monitor customer satisfaction?

• What is your marketing strategy and how is it implemented?

• How do you communicate with your employees and what level of involvement do they have in business decisions?• What contribution does your business make to the community including, if relevant, steps to protect the environment?

whAT The Judges need To Know• What are your principal products or services and what is unique about them? How do you measure their success? • What obstacles have you faced in developing your business and what actions did you need to take to overcome them? How do you manage your business and what performance indicators do you use? Provide examples of the reporting used to manage the business.• When marketing your business how do you decide on a budget and which channels to use? How do you measure the effectiveness of your campaigns? • What is your approach to the company’s finances in terms of equity, borrowing and the production of management accounts? Who provides your business with advice and expertise in this area?

• What differentiates your business in the way it looks after its employees, suppliers, customers and wider community responsibilities?• How do you plan the development of your business?• Describe your long and short term plans and explain what steps you will take to reach your goals.

For the most outstanding business in the region. this award is open to businesses with more than £2 million turnover which are based in, or conducting most of their business from, Sussex.

For the most outstanding small business. this award is open to any business that has a turnover of less than £2 million and has been trading for at least two years. the business must be based in, or conduct most of its business from, Sussex.

SuSSex Company of the year

the SmaLL BuSIneSS of the year

Born and bred in Sussex, Julien has over 30 years management experience with various local construction companies dealing in all disciplines from conception to completion of many local construction projects.

nick was appointed Chair of Sussex Enterprise in September 2011. He runs his own business, Marketing Leadership, and speaks regularly throughout the South East on strategic marketing.

nick HandleyChair, Sussex Enterprise

Julien Jones Director, Morgan Sindall

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the InternatIonaL BuSIneSS of the year

Headquartered in London, HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world. HSBC’s international network comprises around 7,200 offices in over 80 countries, and we are able to provide a wide range of financial solutions to businesses, from local to international level.

Clive has over 32 years’ experience with HSBC Bank, including eight commercial banking roles. Currently an international commercial manager in Brighton and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.

clive SmithSenior International Commercial Manager, HSBC

Mazars is an international business specialising in audit, advisory, accounting and tax services. Our Brighton office works with owner managed businesses, entrepreneurs and public bodies through every stage of their lifecycle. Our teams pride themselves on providing a personal service to proactively support the business goals of each of our clients, whatever their size.

the SuSSex BuSIneSSperSon of the year

Catherine has been working closely with owner managed and multinational businesses for more than 14 years. Specialising in tax compliance and advisory. Catherine recently became the head of Mazars’ Brighton office where she has a diverse portfolio of clients.

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catherine Halltax Partner, Mazars

the award is open to any business based in, or conducting the majority of its business from, the county of Sussex.

For outstanding achievement by a businessperson who is contributing to the success of a business based in Sussex. Directors, owner managers and senior executives are all eligible.

whAT The Judges need To Know• What is your relationship with overseas markets, which countries do you trade with, and how long have the relationships existed?

• What involvement does your business have with the communities and/or the environment in your overseas markets?• What problems have you encountered as you have sought to develop international business and how have these issues been resolved?

• What changes will be required within your business to see it achieve its international ambitions? How will you manage this change?

• How important do you think international business will be to your business in the future? Will it be a larger contributor to turnover and profits or smaller? Outline the proportion of your turnover and profits that are currently dependent on overseas markets.• Across both domestic and international markets what is your track record of growth in turnover and profit (over the last three years) and what do you forecast for the next three years?• What risks do you see in conducting business with overseas markets and how do you mitigate against them?

• Describe how your business has been innovative in its approach to international business.

whAT The Judges need To Know• How do you demonstrate dynamic leadership in your organisation?

• What have you done to identify and address the key strategic issues faced by your business or department?• How do you inspire enthusiasm and co-operation from colleagues?• Can you describe how you contribute to the success of your organisation?

• Describe the part you play in the community in which your business operates.

ABouT The sPonsorSussex Enterprise is the accredited Chamber of Commerce for the county, owned and run for members by members. Its aim is simply to make Sussex the very best place to be in business!

ABouT The sPonsorMorgan Sindall is a national construction business with a local Brighton office working for private and public sector clients on projects from £50,000 to over £500 million. Morgan Sindall’s construction activities include commercial, defence, education, healthcare, industrial, leisure, retail and transport sectors. It is part of top uK construction and regeneration group, Morgan Sindall plc.

For the business best demonstrating outstanding innovation. the award is open to any business based in, or conducting the majority of its business from, East or West Sussex.

An Award open to entrepreneurs from across Sussex who have turned their business idea into a successful reality and have been trading for at least two years.

Domestic & General is a leading warranty service provider and currently protects millions of customers. For over 60 years the company has been looking after people when things go wrong and today the company’s Brighton contact centre employs 700 people providing customer service and care on behalf of many leading appliance manufacturers.

the aWarD for the BeSt CuStomer SerVICe

nicki has operated at senior level in various employee relations, training and strategic roles, having specialised in employment law, employee consultation and communication.

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nicki PerryHuman resources Manager, Domestic & General

For the business most successfully demonstrating quality customer care and innovative customer service.

For the most promising new business in Sussex. the award is open to any company based in Sussex that has been trading for at least six months and for no longer than three years.

whAT The Judges need To Know• What evidence can you give of a commitment to customer service?

• What is your track record for developing customer focus throughout the organisation?

• What steps do you take to provide effective management of the customer service process?• How do you ensure that you have skilled staff to provide quality customer service?

• What measures are in place to provide appropriate review of practice?

whAT The Judges need To Know• What has been the most important lesson you have learnt in setting up your business?• What business challenges have you experienced so far and how have you overcome them?

• What business plans do you have for the next three years of trading?

• What unique attributes does your business have that will ensure you continue to trade for the next three years?• How do you inspire your customers to believe in your products or services?• What level of commercial success have you achieved so far?

whAT The Judges need To Know• What’s your Big Idea and how does it benefit Sussex?

• How have you funded your service/product?• How have you created a competitive advantage?

• How do you communicate with your customers?• Describe the financial success you have achieved.• What’s your vision/business plan for the next three years?

the entrepreneur of the year

whAT The Judges need To Know• Are there any significant product or process innovations you introduced in the last three years that have had a positive impact on your business? What can the business do today that it couldn’t do before?

• How has your business differentiated itself from competitors through use of technical, operational and marketing innovations? Has innovation allowed the business to break into unforeseen new markets or diversify through horizontal or vertical integration?

• What benefits has the company gained from your focus on creativity and new ideas within your business development strategy?

• What were the measurable returns on investment and competitive advantages generated by this project?• What is the strategy for maintaining dynamism within your business?

the aWarD for InnoVatIon In BuSIneSS

Mike, director of the Sussex Innovation Centre, is a holder of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion in recognition of the support he has provided to innovative businesses in Sussex over 16 years. He has a degree in Applied Physics and a background in the oil industry.

Mike HerdExecutive Director, Sussex Innovation Centre

the aWarD for the moSt promISInG neW BuSIneSS

ABouT The sPonsorMayo Wynne Baxter is a leading legal practice in the South East, employing nearly 200 staff across six offices. We take pride in our professional, yet friendly and approachable style, tailored to meet your needs. Our large and ever growing portfolio of commercial and private clients is testament to the quality and range of specialist services and expertise we offer.

Jason edgeMarketing Director, Mayo Wynne Baxter

Jason Edge joined Mayo Wynne Baxter in 2010 and has a wealth of experience gained from nearly 20 years in sales and marketing. Jason spent many years as Group Marketing Manager for a large chain of motor dealers and over six years with one of the region’s top market-ing agencies where he was Client Services Director.

lee Mansfield Managing Director, Sussex Business times

Lee has been at the forefront of Life Media Group and publishing for almost twenty years. During this time he has become a respected and highly experienced figure within the photographic retail industry as well as being responsible for expanding LMG’s publishing expertise into the health, business and travel arenas.

ABouT The sPonsorSussex Business times is the essential business title for Sussex, Having been published for the last 38 years and with a circulation in excess of 40,000 whatever line of work you’re involved with. If you are passionate about local business, Sussex Business times is the magazine that will deliver for you.

ABouT The sPonsorthe Sussex Innovation Centre is one of the premier business incubators in the uK. We provide exceptional support for high growth potential innovative companies and for the commercialisation of research from the university of Sussex. the Centre provides specialist facilities for over 80 new technology and knowledge based businesses.

An entrepreneur is a person who takes an idea for a product or service, considers the risks, identifies opportunities, gathers resources, and plans and implements the idea. Candidates for this year’s awards need to submit a brief, yet informative written report fulfilling the criteria above. the award is open to any businessperson leading a Sussex-based organisation.

For the business which best demonstrates how Corporate Social responsibility can be the beating heart of an organisation of any size. CSr is about how a business treats its staff, customers, partners, suppliers and local stakeholders, and how it chooses and monitors suppliers to ensure they reflect the same ethics. How a business chooses to invest a share of its profits is important, too – and the judges will want to hear how companies help raise the overall standards and reputation of their sector by influencing other businesses.

Entertaining your clients can play a crucial role in the development of a business relationship. When you are out with your clients you want to take them somewhere you can impress but still have a good time and get the business done! Judges are looking for a business - it may be a restaurant, bar, sports venue or hotel - which offers an unforgettable experience and leaves a lasting impression on your clients.

whAT The Judges need To Know• tell us about the business practices, programmes and initiatives adopted by your company or organisation.• What contribution do you make to the quality of the environment (for example, through site management, resource efficiency and recycling).• What contribution do you make to the community (for example, through support of environmental projects, education, staff initiatives or community action).• How do you involve your employees in ensuring your company reaches its sustainability goals?• What has been the impact of adopting these practises on profitability or financial performance?

For outstanding achievement in those businesses for whom the protection or enhancement of the environment is placed at the core of their activities, or whose products or practices have resulted in significant beneficial environmental impact. this category is only open to businesses in the Wealden District.

the aWarD for the moSt SuStaInaBLe BuSIneSS

Senior Executive with the Post Office / royal Mail for 34 years. M.P. for Halifax 1983 to 1987. Chairman of Kingston and richmond Health Authority 1989 to 1998. District Councillor 2007 to date with responsibility for Planning 2008 to 2013 and since then for Economic Development and regeneration. Also County Councillor since 2013.

councillor roy GalleyWealden District Council

whAT The Judges need To Know• tell us about the responsible business practices, programmes and initiatives adopted by your company or organisation.• How is this strategy implemented throughout your business?• How are your staff involved in your CSr strategy?

• How have the principles of responsibility and sustainability in business helped to drive your productivity?

• How do you monitor suppliers’ standards?• How are profits shared?

• How do you influence other businesses to adopt responsible business practices?

the reSponSIBLe BuSIneSS aWarD

Having originally worked in London for a large global bank, Lisa was responsible for a wide range of financial services. She was then able to use these skills to set up her own mortgage advisory business. Lisa is now set to make a difference, by providing a more informed choice for those searching for professional services.

lisa bealeHead of Checkaprofessional.com

through lively editorials and ground-breaking imagery, Absolute Brighton magazine tells the story of one of the most recognised cities in the uK for its outstanding life, businesses, famous visitors, shopping and international cuisine. Absolute Brighton is not only proud to be so highly esteemed amongst its readers, but is also considered one of the most successful advertising mediums in Sussex used by leading names from across the business spectrum.

the BeSt pLaCe to entertaIn your CLIentS

Alan is the managing director of the Pinnacle Group, publishers of Absolute Brighton & Absolute Business Magazines along with magazines & marketing collateral for over 200 golf & yacht clubs in the uK, Australia & uSA. Alan has a background in business consultancy and has previously owned Sussex based companies involved in print, design & marketing.

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alan PriorManaging Director, the Pinnacle Group

whAT The Judges need To Know• What makes your business so special for entertaining clients and visitors to the county?

• How do you keep it fresh and interesting so that each visit is unique?

• How do you maintain the loyalty of your business clientele?

• tell us about some of the challenges you have had to overcome as a business.

whAT The Judges need To Know• Describe what you found to be the main health and wellbeing issues in your organisation.• What action have you taken to help your workplace become a healthier place to be?

• What is innovative about these initiatives?• How have your employees responded to your initiatives?• Outline the benefits for your organisation as a result of the implementation of your initiatives.

the aWarD for heaLthIeSt WorkpLaCe

ABouT The sPonsorWealden offers a high quality of life. Much of the landscape is protected because of its outstanding natural beauty. With its rich heritage, Wealden has a reputation as a great place to live. In order to maintain the high quality of life, Wealden District Council focuses on doing everything it can to increase prosperity by enabling growth throughout the District. the aim is to promote sustainable business development and reward “green initiatives”across Wealden. Also to encourage green entrepreneurs to champion this approach and support the highest standards of sustainability in creating growth.

ABouT The sPonsorCheckaprofessional.com provides a more informative choice on businesses such as legal services, financial services, surveyors, architects, therapists, dentists, It, business consultants, property agents, driving instructors and many others. Independent, impartial and verified feedback!

For commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of employees and the community. Creating and sustaining a healthy workforce benefits everyone. It makes sense for people in our organisations to gain and maintain good health, avoid illness, recover quickly when ill, and feel good about themselves and their work environment. this Award will go to the organisation that can best demonstrate how it has worked to sustain the health and well-being of its workforce to the mutual benefit of the staff and the organisation.

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Domestic & General has set the standard for healthy Sussex workplaces by winning this category on numerous occasions. this year they will be applying their winning expertise to the judging process.

nicki has operated at senior level in various employee relations, training and strategic roles, having specialised in employment law, employee consultation and communication.

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nicki PerryHuman resources Manager, Domestic & General

A non-profit social enterprise is an organisation that trades for a social and/or environmental purpose. It has a clear mission and understands the impact it wishes to have on the community, who it aims to help, and how it plans to do it. Most of its income will be derived through the selling of goods or services. Judges will be looking for a non-profit social enterprise, with a charitable purpose, with a turnover of less than £500,000 pa over the last three years.

Legal & General is a leading financial services company and for over 175 years has helped millions of customers plan and build a secure financial future. Its investment business is one of the biggest in the uK, £413 billion worldwide (as at 31 December 2012). It does its very best to think about the things that matter to people every day, take a stand on the issues that matter as a business, to its customers, and to society as a whole.

SoCIaL enterprISe of the year

Graham looks at innovative ways for the company to campaign for important social issues such as hous-ing, health inequalities and dignity in later life through operating in the uK, Dutch, French and uS markets. A corporate view of the world is balanced with Graham’s involvement in leading third Sector organisations.

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Graham Precey head of Corporate responsibility, Legal & general

whAT The Judges need To Know• How your company qualifies as a social enterprise.• Your aims and objectives and how have they been achieved. Financial performance?

• What contribution does your business make to the community including, if relevant, steps to protect the environment.• How do you manage your business and what performance indicators do you use? Please provide examples.• How do you communicate with your staff and your customers and what level of involvement do they have in business decisions?• What is your strategy for the development of the social enterprise and how will you implement that strategy to drive the business forward?

recently rated Good by Ofsted, with campuses across East Sussex, Sussex Downs College is the first choice for further education. It provides bespoke business training and cost effective solutions to meet the needs of your organisation. Its recruitment service effectively prepares students for the workplace and apprenticeship opportunities.

younG SuSSexBuSIneSSperSon of the year

Wayne Wright is Vice Principal for Curriculum and Enterprise at Sussex Downs College a senior post that he has held for over seven years. He has wide experience in the further education sector including teaching and learning, curriculum development, policy development, quality improvement, inspection, planning and funding.

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Wayne WrightVice Principal for Curriculum and enterprise, sussex downs College

the judges recognise that the young entrepreneurs of Sussex are tomorrow’s business leaders. the judges are looking for an individual aged between 16 and 25 who has demonstrated a high degree of entrepreneurship, creativity and vision for the future.

whAT The Judges need To Know• Details about your inspiration and your business idea.• the skills and strengths you have called on to make your vision a reality.• Business plans and how you have established a position of sustainable profitability and success.• Evidence of exceptional vision and leadership.• Plans for the future of the business.

whAT The Judges need To Know• How has he or she illustrated a strong working relationship with employees?• What qualities do they have which exemplify good leadership and organisational abilities?• What contribution has he or she made to the company?

• What have been his or her greatest achievements?

Do you have the most inspirational or respected manager in Sussex? then why not tell the world? this category must be nominated by an individual working for or reporting to a manager, director or owner – don’t forget to provide shining examples of how your boss is truly the best!

the BoSSof the year

In a long career in regional media Michael has enjoyed a variety of positions from trainee reporter on the Sidmouth Herald to assistant editor at the Western Daily Press. He was editor at Johnston Press-owned Hastings Observer group for four years. He is currently the chairman of the Argus Appeal, a Governor at the Brighton & Hove High School for Girls and sits on the Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership. He has been editor of the Argus since 2005.

Michael beardgroup editor, The Argus

the GreateSt ContrIButIon to SuSSex CharIty

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ABouT The sPonsorEstablished over 134 years ago, the Argus is the flagship title in the news-quest Sussex portfolio. Published six days a week across the entire county, the Argus is the only daily newspaper for Sussex. theargus.co.uk receives over four million page impressions each month and, with its 700k unique users, it the biggest website in Sussex. the Argus brand offers a complete news source.

ABouT The sPonsorHeart FM is part of Global radio, the uK’s premier radio company. ‘national Brands, delivered locally’ is at the core of everything we do at Global radio. Our brands are clear and simple - Heart, Capital, Classic FM, Xfm, Choice, Gold and LBC – and broadcast to more than 19 millionlisteners each week from every area and to every demographic.

iain McKenna managing director, heart radio sussex & surrey

Former radio City, Original 106 and northsound Managing Director Iain McKenna joined Global radio in 2011 to run Heart Sussex. Based in Brighton, McKenna reports to Hugh Murray, regional Managing Director of the Meridian region at Global radio.

who do you ThinK hAs mAde The greATesT ConTriBuTion To ChAriTy in sussex? TeLL us why!

PreVious winners John Peel oBeryan Heal, Juice 107.2fmKathy Gore, friends of sussex hospicesrobbie raggio, hove station hand Car wash

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SuSSeX Business AwArds

roLL of Honour

h arcH-anGelS arcHitectS h briGHton DoMe & briGHton FeStival h briGHton SWiMMinG ScHool h burGeSS Hill toWn council h caSH baSeS liMiteD h ccc eventS h cHecKatraDe h cHeeSMur builDinG contractorS h claSSic conSultinG h clear coMPutinG ltD h club claSS cHauFFeurS ltD h content conSultantS h DevaSSiSt ltD h DoMeStic & General h DruSillaS Zoo ParK h electric HairDreSSinG h eXtecH h FDM h FocuS 4 u b h HiGGiDY h JurYS inn briGHton h leaDerS liMiteD h Marlin Financial GrouP ltD h Martin Searle SolicitorS h ParaFiX HolDinGS liMiteD h ProPellernet h QualiFa h reDSeven h rSPca h SoutH DoWnS Solar ltD h SuSSeX blaSt cleaninG h SuSSeX uniForMS h SYStaGeniX h tHe biG leMon h tHe briGHton & Hove FooD anD DrinK FeStival h tHe briGHton MaratHon h tHe eventa GrouP ltD h tHe GranD briGHton h tHe GrounDeD eventS coMPanY h tHeatre roYal h total ortHoDonticS h trevillion iMaGeS h could your business be next?

The

aWarDS Ceremony

aWarDS Ceremony 2014The Awards Ceremony will take place on 10 deCemBer 2014 AT The grAnd BrighTon

buY TiCKeTsTickets for the Awards Ceremony are available to purchase online now at www.sbawards.org.ukAll finalists will receive one free place.

WitH tHanKS To our sPonsors

FolloW uS And geT ALL The LATesT news And uPdATes• www.sBAwArds.org.uK • @sussexBizAwArds contact uS • 01273 666200 • sussex@midnighT.Co.uK

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