With a services and leisure industry-based economy, would be easy to believe Sussex had a shortage of innovative businesses.

But, according to three-times awards judge Don Burstow, of asb law, there is no shortage of new ideas.

He said: "The Sussex Business Awards represent a great opportunity for businesses to show what they can do and shout about their successes.

"This is good for company morale which has knock-on effects in number of ways.

"If the staff feel good, it shows their attitude and efficiency and, for asb law to be associated with the good feelings the awards engender, good for us.

"The awards bring us into contact with many interesting firms and well-managed businesses and we have the opportunity to raise our profile in our core market area.

"The innovation award was chosen by us because we see ourselves as an innovative business with particular emphasis on high-technology clients and people with entrepreneurial flair.

"In previous years, I've been amazed at the number of innovative companies with brilliant ideas that have cornered the market.

"It has been rewarding to see the range of businesses that have entered the award. All of them impressed me, judging was not easy and I'm sure this year it will be the same."

Since the venue for the awards dinner had moved to the north of the county, more businesses from outside the Brighton and Hove area were entering. Last year's winner was Eastbourne-based Complete Minilab Services, a specialist in photographic processing equipment.

To enter the award, firms have have fewer than 200 employees and either be based, or conduct most their business, in Sussex. Candidates will have to provide brief answers a few questions, outlining the product and its development.

The award is jointly sponsored by the Sussex Innovation Centre and will also be judged by the centre's executive director Mike Herd.