Companies are gearing up for the launch of the Sussex Business Awards 2003.

The awards will be launched at a breakfast event at Roffey Park, Horsham, on April 30 and an early evening meeting at Alias Hotel Seattle, Brighton, on May 1.

The two events will feature case studies of previous winners.

Each presentation will last an hour and include food and refreshments and a chance to network with the judges and previous winners.

The presenter will be author and broadcaster John Radford.

The award categories are: Company of the year, Entrepreneur of the year, Learning pays, Small business, University-business partnership, Dynamic business, Career development, Business community citizenship, Innovation and business development, Creative industries, Retailer of the year, Sussex businessman/businesswoman of the year and sustainable Business.

The new innovation and business development category is for companies that have been through a period of substantial change - developing new products, entering new markets or finding new ways of doing business - and is sponsored by law firm asb-law in association with the Sussex Innovation Centre.

The sustainable business category has been introduced for companies which create wealth while protecting the environment and is sponsored by South East Water in association with the Environment Agency.

Meridian is sponsoring a new award for Entrepreneur of the year.

Awards director Michael Evans said: "There is a real buzz of excitement about the awards this year, with a record number of awards, new categories, new sponsors and lots of fresh energy and ideas.

"We are delighted to have a new award that celebrates the outstanding entrepreneurs of Sussex, because our future prosperity depends on their flair and drive.

"There is also a new way of selecting the company of the year, which will be chosen from the most outstanding entrants for the other categories. It will be for a company that demonstrates outstanding performance in one or more aspects of its business."

There will also be a new method of selecting the retailer of the year, sponsored by The Argus, with readers invited to make nominations.

Deloitte & Touche, the professional services firm, is the new sponsor for company of the year and Business Link will sponsor the awards programme for the first time.

Mr Evans said: "The tieup with Business Link is exciting, because their services, which are provided from Sussex Enterprise, help to give organisations the edge, which is what our winners demonstrate.

"We know from previous entrants that winning one of these awards has proved a milestone in their progress.

Tickets for the launch events are free but places are limited. To book, log on to www.sussexbusiness-awards.co.uk or call 01273 207155.

Thursday April 24 2003