A clutch of new categories which organisers hope will encourage a wider range of entrants has been added to this year's Sussex Business Awards.

The Argus will be sponsoring the New Business Award for companies that have been operating for fewer than three years.

Entrants will need to show how they have overcome challenges, how they inspire customers and what makes their business unique.

For the first time in the award's history the companies in the tourism industry will be competing for their own award.

The Tourism Award, sponsored by East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council, will have an environmental slant.

Judges are looking to reward companies which help to improve the attractiveness of an area.

The final new category is the Manufacturer of the Year Award, backed by BOC Edwards chemical management company in Crawley.

The winner must be able to demonstrate good health and safety for employees, an innovative manufacturing system and an ability to respond to consumer demand.

The awards will be launched at The English Wine Centre in Alfriston on Thursday, May 13, when previous winners will give an insight into taking part.

Chairman of the judges Malcolm Diamond said: "The awards celebrate success, which is something we should all encourage in business."

Closing date for entries is July 9.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner in November. Details of the awards, and how to enter, are on the web site sussex-business-awards.co.uk or in the awards booklet available free from 01273 207155.

The other award categories are: * Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Business Link. Judges are looking for an individual with outstanding creativity and vision, backed up by proven commercial success.

* Company of the Year, sponsored by Deloitte & Touche, will be awarded to the overall best business in Sussex with more than 25 employees.

* Companies with 25 employees or fewer are encouraged to enter the Small Business Award sponsored by Seeboard Energy.

* The University Enterprise Award, sponsored by the University of Brighton, is for a business that is working effectively with a university in Sussex.

* Sussex Businessman/Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by Southern FM, is looking for dynamic leadership, the ability to inspire colleagues while contributing to the success of the organisation.

* Learning Pays! - sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council for Sussex - is for organisations developing their workforce.

* Innovation and Growth Award, jointly sponsored by asb-law and The Sussex Innovation Centre, is for a business that applies new ideas and can show how management has maintained growth and dynamism.

Tuesday May 04, 2004