SOME of the biggest and best businesses – as well as youngest and newest – are finalists for this year’s Brighton and Hove Business Awards.

The list reflects the city’s broad range of businesses and includes jewellery designers, hotels, plumbers, mentoring organisations, recruiters, search companies, cinemas and restaurants – as well as such sights as the SeaLife Centre and Komedia .

Three companies (Posh Totty Designs, Organic Roofs, Vivid Event Group ) make the shortlist three times whilst Groundwork South, Dyke of York’s and The Radiator Centre feature twice.

They will compete for 15 awards in categories which include the creative industries, professional services, the best place to visit and the best event, as well as the best place to work.

Awards will also be made to the person who, in the judges’ opinion, has done the most for Brighton – the Outstanding Brightonian – and, for the first time, an overall Judges’ Choice award for the Best Business in the City.

Commenting on the shortlist, Mike Gilson, editor of The Argus and chairman of the judges, said: “Brighton and Hove has got a lot to shout about and there’s no better platform for shouting than the BAHBAs.

“The entries seem to cover every aspect of business life from creative digital services to hospitality and the night-time economy. Few other places in the country can boast such a range of businesses let alone the quality that we have seen on this year’s shortlist.”

Sponsors for 2015 sponsors include Allied Irish Bank, Aspect 8, Boxharry, Brighton and Hove City Cabs, Cardens Accountants, Classic Consulting, Gemini Print, Graves Jenkins, Martin Searle Solicitors, Robinson Low Francis and Yelo Architects.

The Argus, Title Sussex and Juice 107.2FM are media sponsors.

The BAHBAs are supported by the Chamber of Commerce, Brighton and Hove City Council, Brilliant Brighton, the Brighton Business Curry Club and Brighton and Hove Tourism Alliance.

They have all come together to create a competition which acknowledges the diversity and uniqueness of Brighton and Hove and celebrates those companies, organisations and individuals who really build the Brighton brand.

The awards will be presented on Friday, September 4, at All Saints Church, Hove.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.bahba.co.uk at a cost of £65 (plus VAT).

BAHBAs – THE FINALISTS

n Creative Industries Award Posh Totty Designs Simon Webster Hair Vivid Event Group

n Best Environmental Industry Company C.Mitten Plumbing & Heating Organic Roofs Groundwork South

n Best Independent Retailer Posh Totty Designs The Kitchen Store The Radiator Centre

n Greatest Contribution To The Community Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce Groundwork South The Girls Network

n Professional Services Griffith Smith Farrington Webb Vivid Event Group Search Seven

n Best Place to Visit in Brighton and Hove Brighton SeaLife Centre Duke of York’s Picturehouse Komedia

n Best Event in the City Brighton Fringe Paddle Round the Pier Beach Festival Brighton Pride CIC Brighton Summit

n Business Beyond the City C.Mitten Plumbing & Heating Qualifa Fishlove

n Fastest Growing Business Gene Commerce Posh Totty Designs Organic Roofs

n Best Place To Work Brandwatch Expand Executive Search Stelfox Organic Roofs

n MD of the Year Alan Margetts, The Kitchen Store Andrew Mosley, The Grand, Brighton Charlie Hepburn, Vivid Event Group David Wicks, European Recruitment

n Best Customer Service Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival Duke of York’s Picturehouse Blanch House

n Best New Kids On The Block Advice Cloud Ellie Ellie The Radiator Centre Silo Brighton