submit applications.

Closing date for the Queen's Awards for Enterprise is

October 31.

The awards are the highest

accolade that can be bestowed on a business in the UK.

They are only awarded to those with a proven records of success

and excellence in the fields of

international trade, innovation or environmental achievement.

Three Sussex based firms won awards in April this year.

Nikwax, a Wadhurst-based

manufacturer of environmentally safe waterproofing treatments for clothing, camping equipment and footwear, won its second export award.

Brighton-based BUPA International also won an export award. The company provides health insurance products for 250,000 people in 180 countries. Its entire operation is export and has seen a steady four per cent business growth year on year.

The third winner was high-tech Horsham company Evans & Sutherland. It is an independent supplier of commercial flight simulator graphics systems, with a staff of 90 and a staggering 70 per cent share of the world market.

This year, to reflect the ever-changing needs of modern business, the awards have been updated and wider entry criteria have been introduced. So now businesses throughout the UK - regardless of size - have a better chance to qualify, although the rigorous standards will still apply.

To receive an application form or to find out more, call 0990 13 44 86, or visit www.queensawards.org.uk.

You can keep up to date with local and regional news by visiting the Evening Argus website at www.thisisbrighton.co.uk.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.