There are 19 categories this year, each recognising a particular sector or aspect of business excellence. Entries are now open and we look forward to receiving your submissions.
Start-Up Business – Sponsored by: Flare Audio
This category is open to businesses that have been operating since the 1st August 2022. Judges will be looking for evidence of how the business start-up was achieved, the growth and stability of the business to date, a sound understanding of the market and your competitors, and a sustainable vision for the future.
Small Business (up to 9 employees) – Sponsored by: Adur & Worthing Business Partnership (AWBP)
This category is for small businesses with nine or fewer staff. The winner will have a clear vision for their business and be able to identify what sets them apart from their competitors. They’ll also be able to demonstrate financial stability and show how they meet the needs of their customers effectively.
Medium Business (10 to 49 employees) – Sponsored by: Pyroban
This award is open to any business with a staff count ranging from 10 to 49 employees. The judges will be looking for companies that can highlight a pioneering approach to business development and growth and their ability to seize market opportunities through innovation. Entries demonstrating a commitment to environmental concerns and CSR efforts will receive favourable consideration in this category.
Large Business (50+ employees) – Sponsored by: South Downs Leisure
The judges will be looking for a business with 50+ employees which can demonstrate outstanding organisation, exceptional financial performance, strong growth and innovation strategies and notable market dominance within its industry. While based in Adur and Worthing, contenders in this category may operate in local, regional, national, or international markets. Entries demonstrating a commitment to environmental concerns and CSR efforts will receive favourable consideration in this category.
Manufacturing & Engineering – Sponsored by: Carpenter Box
This category honours businesses in the Adur & Worthing region that excel in manufacturing and/or engineering with a focus on supporting local suppliers. The judges will look for companies that have a solid track record of strategic business planning and growth, emphasising their innovation, performance, and measurable achievements within the manufacturing and/or engineering sectors.
Building & Construction – Sponsored by: Gardner Scardifield
This award aims to honour an Adur or Worthing-based company that stands out for its exceptional contributions to the building and construction industry. Whether large or small, it seeks to recognise a business that not only showcases first-class innovation but adheres to the highest standards of practice. From an individual hand-crafted wooden staircase to a complete housing development, the recipient of this award will be able to demonstrate unparalleled expertise, outstanding craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence across all aspects of its operations.
Training & Development – Sponsored by: Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd
Training and development are important components within any successful business, regardless of size or market sector. This award will go to the business that can best demonstrate a visible commitment towards an inclusive training and development plan and can prove how investment in training has brought success.
Young Achiever / Apprentice – Sponsored by: Nordell Limited
Aimed at recognising the outstanding talents of individuals aged 18 to 25, this award highlights young people who have made a real impact in their field of business as either a budding entrepreneur or as a young employee or apprentice within a company. Judges will be looking for candidates with commitment, passion, and the ability to deliver results.
Customer Service – Sponsored by: Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce
This award will go to the organisation that can best demonstrate that it has the customer at the heart of the business. Entries should include evidence of how the business effectively meets customers’ needs in order to stay ahead of the competition and how the levels of customer service are measured. Including customer testimonials will strengthen entries in this category.
Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure – Available To Sponsor
Adur & Worthing boast an array of exceptional businesses in the hospitality, tourism, and leisure sectors, complimenting the area’s beautiful countryside and seaside towns. This category invites entries from hotels, leisure facilities, visitor attractions, and events. The judging panel are looking for organisations within this industry that demonstrate excellence in their respective domains, supported by solid evidence of their achievements and their proactive efforts to distinguish themselves from their competitors.
Innovation – Sponsored by: Kreston Reeves
This award will be presented to the company whose innovative ideas have benefited their business through increased productivity, cost saving or brand development. The winning business will have created a new product, process or service that is unique to the marketplace and entrants must be able to demonstrate that there was a demand for the innovation and that it has proved successful.
Business in the Community – Sponsored by: Egalité Care
This category is open to businesses that can demonstrate their commitment to supporting their people, keeping environmental issues and sustainability at the top of their agenda, and really deepening their engagement with local communities. This award is not intended for community organisations that already undertake community/charity action but is aimed at commercial organisations that are doing the most to develop their CSR initiatives which give something back to the community without the expectation of direct commercial reward.
Sustainable Business – Sponsored by: QED Sustainable Urban Developments Ltd
Celebrating organisations that can demonstrate a significant commitment to managing their environmental impact, this award has been designed to recognise the most ethical, socially responsible, or green business. Judges will be looking for companies that can highlight their main sustainability achievements, demonstrate how they have enhanced their environmental performance across their operations, and showcase how this agenda is embedded throughout their business ethos and culture.
Retailer – Available To Sponsor
This category celebrates the independent retail establishments operating in our town centres, high streets, and markets. We’re keen to hear about what makes you the retailer of choice, your strategies for attracting and retaining customers, and your efforts in creating a memorable shopping experience. Demonstrating a dedication to customer service, innovation, and market differentiation through the delivery of high-quality product lines and exceptional service is essential.
Best Food Award – Sponsored by: Worthing Gin
This award is for the best local food business and is open to any eatery or catering business in Adur & Worthing. We invite all establishments, from fine dining restaurants to trendy cafes, vibrant bistros, inviting gastro pubs, bespoke catering services, or bustling street food vendors to showcase their passion for locally sourced ingredients and culinary innovation. The judges will be looking for excellent customer service, varied menu choices and evidence of good general business practice but will also want to learn specifically how the business has thrived in this competitive sector. Including customer testimonials will strengthen entries in this category.
Best Drink Award – Sponsored by: Bennett Griffin Solicitors & Notaries
From craft beers to fine wines, cocktails, tempting tea blends and barista coffees, there’s no shortage of great places to grab a beverage in Adur & Worthing. The judges will look for a business that offers an outstanding customer experience, a warm and friendly welcome, and a high-quality and tempting choice of drinks/beverages all served with an excellent level of customer service. The winning establishment will demonstrate originality, an outstanding reputation and evidence of what makes your offering stand out from others. Including customer testimonials will strengthen entries in this category.
Business Personality – Available To Sponsor
The judges are looking for an individual who has had a major impact on their business and the local area over an extended period. If you would like to nominate an individual for this award, please provide a name and a brief overview of their achievements for consideration.
This award will be presented to an individual who in the opinion of the judges, has made or is still making a significant and long-lasting contribution to the Adur & Worthing business community. Whether a business proprietor or a key figure within an organisation, the recipient will have left a lasting mark through their strong leadership, visionary approach and sustained achievements within the local business community.
Overall Business of the Year – Sponsored by: JSPC Computer Services
This award is the ultimate accolade for all our entrants, with winners from each category automatically qualifying as nominees. The judges will be looking for the company that has shown the most enterprise, passion, and drive in taking their business forward. Dedication and innovation will be key in determining the winner of this most prestigious award.
It’s important to note that only winners from other categories will be eligible for consideration; independent entries are not accepted for this award.