Listed below are the categories for the 2026 Adur & Worthing Business Awards.
1. Start-Up Business – Sponsored by: AWBP
This award recognises an Adur or Worthing-based company that stands out for its contribution to the building and construction industry.
Judges will be looking for exceptional standards of workmanship, innovation, and adherence to best practice. From individual craft projects to large-scale developments, entrants should demonstrate outstanding expertise, quality and a commitment to excellence across their operations.
2. Small Business (up to 9 employees) – *** This Category is available to Sponsor contact us for more details***
This award recognises small businesses with nine or fewer staff.
Judges will be looking for a clear vision, strong financial performance and sustainability, and a strong understanding of what sets the business apart from its competitors, alongside evidence of how it effectively meets customer needs.
3. Medium Business (10 to 49 employees) – Sponsored by: Pyroban
This award recognises businesses with between 10 and 49 employees.
Judges will be looking for a pioneering approach to growth and the ability to seize market opportunities through innovation, alongside strong business performance. Entries demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility and CSR will receive favourable consideration.
4. Large Business (50+ employees) – Sponsored by: The Martlet Partnership
This award recognises businesses with 50 or more employees that demonstrate excellence at scale.
Judges will be looking for strong leadership and organisational culture, exceptional financial performance, clear growth and innovation strategies, and a strong market position within the industry. While based in Adur and Worthing, entrants may operate locally, nationally or internationally. A commitment to environmental responsibility and CSR will receive favourable consideration.
5. Development & Construction – Sponsored by: Kreston Reeves
This award recognises businesses that have been operating since 1st August 2024.
Judges will be looking for evidence of how the business was established, innovation and resilience in early-stage growth, a sound understanding of the market and competitors, and a sustainable vision for the future.
6. Training & Development in the workplace – Sponsored by: Chichester College Group
This award recognises businesses that place a strong emphasis on developing their people.
Judges will be looking for a clear and inclusive approach to training and development, including upskilling, reskilling and career progression pathways, alongside evidence of how investment in people has contributed to business success.
7. Young Achiever – Sponsored by: GB Electronics
This award recognises outstanding individuals aged 18 to 25 who are making a real impact in the workplace.
Judges will be looking for commitment, passion and tangible achievements, whether as a young professional, entrepreneur or apprentice, alongside clear evidence of contribution to their organisation or sector.
8. Customer Experience – Sponsored by Bennett Griffin
This award recognises organisations that place the customer firmly at the heart of their business.
Judges will be looking for evidence of how customer needs are understood and met, how service levels are measured and improved, and how customer insight, feedback or technology is used to enhance the overall experience. Customer testimonials will strengthen entries.
9. Innovation & Improvement – Sponsored by Nordell
This award recognises businesses that have driven success through innovation.
Judges will be looking for the development of new or improved products, services or processes that have delivered measurable benefits, such as increased productivity, cost savings, brand development, or digital transformation. Entrants must demonstrate clear demand for the innovation and proven success.
10. Business in the Community – Sponsored by: QED Sustainable Urban Developments
This award recognises businesses that go beyond compliance to deliver meaningful social impact.
Judges will be looking for a strong commitment to supporting people, engaging with local communities, and contributing to environmental and social wellbeing. This category 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.
11. Sustainability & Environmental Impact – South Downs Leisure
This award recognises organisations that demonstrate a significant commitment to managing their environmental impact. Judges will be looking for clear sustainability achievements, evidence of reduced environmental impact, and how sustainability is embedded within the organisation’s strategy, culture and day-to-day operations.
12. Retailer – High Street/Online – Worthing Town Centre BID
This award recognises independent retailers operating across high streets, town centres and online platforms.
Judges will be looking for evidence of what makes the business stand out, including customer experience, innovation, and an effective approach to attracting and retaining customers. An omnichannel approach and strong market differentiation will be advantageous.
13. Best place to eat & drink – Sponsored by: Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd
This award recognises outstanding food and drink businesses in Adur & Worthing.
Judges will be looking for high-quality food and/or beverage offerings, exceptional customer service, and strong overall business performance. Entrants should demonstrate creativity and innovation across their menu or drinks offering — whether through locally sourced ingredients, craft beverages, mixology, barista expertise, or a distinctive dining and drinking experience.
Evidence of success in a competitive market, a compelling customer proposition, and a consistently high-quality experience will be key. Customer testimonials will strengthen entries in this category.
14. NEW – Health & Well Being – ***This Category is available to Sponsor contact us for more details***
This award recognises organisations that are making a meaningful impact in the field of health and wellbeing, whether through products and services or by embedding a strong culture of wellbeing within their own organisation.
Judges will be looking for innovation, measurable impact and strong outcomes, including high-quality service delivery, positive customer or client results, or effective internal wellbeing initiatives that support mental health, physical wellbeing and work-life balance.
15. NEW – Employer of the Year – Sponsored by: Carpenter Box
This award recognises outstanding employers that create an exceptional place to work, open to businesses of any size.
Judges will be looking for evidence of strong leadership, positive workplace culture, employee engagement, retention, and commitment to diversity, inclusion and development. Successful entrants will demonstrate initiatives that have made a tangible difference to employee experience and performance.
16. NEW – Professional Services – Sponsored by: Egalite Care
This award recognises excellence among professional service firms operating in Adur & Worthing, including legal, financial, consultancy, property, marketing, and other advisory services.
Judges will be looking for outstanding client service, specialist expertise and a strong track record of delivering measurable value. Evidence of innovation, growth and differentiation in a competitive marketplace will strengthen entries.
17. Overall Business of the Year – Sponsored by: Worthing & Adur Chamber
This award recognises businesses that place a strong emphasis on developing their people.
Judges will be looking for a clear and inclusive approach to training and development, including upskilling, reskilling and career progression pathways, alongside evidence of how investment in people has contributed to business success.
It’s important to note that only winners from other categories will be eligible for consideration; independent entries are not accepted for this award.