Business advisory firm KPMG has been associated with the Sussex Business Awards since they started in 1987.

In the first year, there was only one category, Company of the Year, but it was clear from the start there was enough talent in the county to expand the awards.

This year, there are a record 12 categories for individuals and for businesses.

Representing KPMG on the judging panel for the first time is Neil Chapman, recently appointed senior partner at KPMG's Gatwick office.

He joined KPMG after graduating from the University of Kent in 1976 and has been a partner since 1990.

He is a former director of Sussex Enterprise, playing a key role in its merger with the Sussex Chamber of Commerce, and he remains active in the community, chairing the East Brighton Education Action Zone.

He said: "What we are looking for in the Company of the Year award is more than just financial performance although that is an important indicator of a successful company.

"Staff opportunities, customer care and community involvement, although they have their own awards, are taken into account when we are looking for the best overall company.

"Good management skills feature high on the list because they are at the heart of a business. Poor management will be reflected throughout an organisation."

Mr Chapman was optimistic about the county's economy.

He said many firms had been through a period of belt-tightening and were now fitter and leaner.

Mr Chapman said: "Companies are starting to look for new opportunities to expand, whereas a year ago they were focusing totally on their own activities. This is good for the economy.

"We won't see a dramatic recovery because people are still cautious but they are more confident than a year ago. Many remember the recession of the early Nineties and don't want to get their fingers burnt by being too adventurous."

As a previous winner of the community involvement award, KPMG knows how important the awards are to the winners.

Mr Chapman said: "Everyone felt their work had been recognised, the feel-good factor permeated right across the firm and I know from speaking to other past winners the award boosted staff morale.

"This is a chance for firms to have a team of experts to look at their businesses and pass on their comments. So, even if they don't win, they will get something important out of entering."