Building a successful business is about teamwork but that does not mean the contributions of individuals should go unrecognised.

The Sussex Business Awards 2003 will be making awards to the businessman or businesswoman of the year and, in a new category, the entrepreneur of the year.

The Sussex Businessman/ Businesswoman of the Year award is open to anyone who is contributing to the success of a business based in the county.

Directors, owner-managers and senior executives are all eligible.

The award is sponsored by Southern FM and the principal judge will be Bob Hoad, community relations director for the Capital FM Network.

The judges will be looking at, among other aspects, how the entrant demonstrates dynamic leadership, inspires enthusiasm and co-operation from colleagues, their part in the community and how they contribute to the organisation's success.

Last year's winner was Jane North, director and chief executive of the Enterprise Agency Brighton, Hove and Lewes.

Mrs North has been in charge of the organisation for five years and has helped hundreds of small businesses. It is seen as one of the most successful agencies of its kind in the country.

Her first career was in drama teaching. She then studied law and after graduating was assistant company secretary at the British Toy and Hobby Association, where she stayed for six years.

Winning the award had a beneficial impact on the agency.

Mrs North said: "It made a big, big difference to what we do and has improved our profile beyond all expectations.

"Before I won the award there were lots of people who didn't know what the Enterprise Agency was or what it did.

"Afterwards I received cards from people we didn't even know knew about us.

"There was no way I would have won without the agency team. My success is undoubtedly theirs too."

The Entrepreneur of the Year award is sponsored by Meridian Broadcasting.

Entrants can nominate themselves or they can be proposed by a colleague, staff member or business associate.

The judges, led by Meridian's managing director Lindsay Charlton, will be looking for a candidate who has a successful track record in creating ventures or developing an existing enterprise in new directions.

HOW TO ENTER:

Entrants need to register their names, indicating the award category(ies) they are interested in.

They can register online at www.sussex-business awards.co.uk or complete the registration form included in the prospectus available from the awards office on 01273 207155.

Entrants will be asked to complete a simple candidate profile and answer a number of short questions.

They should send their profile, together with the entry form, to the awards office as soon as possible and no later than the closing date of July 4.

The judges will review the profiles and the companies and individuals shortlisted will be asked to make a fuller submission.

Wednesday June 18, 2003