Sussex businesses are among the most environmentally-aware in the country.

Firms entering the new environmental awareness category of the Sussex Business Awards could find their practices dup-licated by other businesses across the region.

Margaret Devlin, managing director of South East Water, is joining the judging panel this year and will be looking for practical examples of businesses working to improve the environment.

She said: "Working with natural resources puts an obligation on firms to care for the environment and even to strive to improve it."

Mrs Devlin joined the Haywards Heath-based water supply company 11 years ago, as a customer services representative and worked her way up to running the £92million-turnover business.

The company has 1.5 million customers across Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. It has a workforce of 400, most based in Sussex. Among its better-known locations are the reservoirs at Arlington and Ardingly, which are both wildlife havens. Arlington is 30 years old this year.

Mrs Devlin said: "It is a completely man-made structure and we have worked closely with other organisations, like Sussex Wildlife and English Nature, to create some marvellous landscapes and wildlife areas.

"At South East Water we have one of nature's most precious resources as our business. We believe we have a responsibility to be a best example of how to use that resource responsibly and efficiently and with regard to safeguarding it for the future.

"For me the important things are a sustainability, promoting water efficiency and being aware of the environment.

"I'm hoping we can get some examples of best practice we can then share with other businesses in Sussex."