These awards celebrate local business excellence within the circulation of the Chichester Observer, Bognor Regis Observer, Midhurst & Petworth Observer newspapers and the Littlehampton Gazette, and any businesses operating within this area have the chance to enter to showcase their work. Currently celebrating its eighth year, the business awards are organised by Johnston Press and are dedicated to recognising, rewarding and celebrating local businesses. There are 18 trophies up for grabs this year in the categories of: Hospitality Tourism & Leisure, Employer of the Year, Start-up, Small Business (up to 9 employees), Medium Business (10-49 employees), Large Business (50+ employees), Retailer, Manufacturing & Construction, Innovation, Lifetime Achievement, Young Achiever, Training & Development, Outstanding Contribution to the Community, Employee/Team of the Year, Business Personality, Customer Service, Place to Eat and/or drink, and Green Business. The headline sponsor for this year’s awards is the University of Chichester, in association with Chichester Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Jeanette Hockley, event organiser, said: “’We are delighted to welcome back The University of Chichester once again as the headline sponsor. The University of Chichester have been headline sponsor since 2010 and are huge supporters of local businesses and the awards.” “The business awards provide a platform to recognise, reward and celebrate all the successful businesses and professional individuals we have in our area. “We will be looking for entries from all sizes and sectors and for those who can prove business achievement and excellence in their field.” “Being shortlisted for a Observer & Gazette Business Award really can make a difference! It can also attract new business, add value to your marketing, and raise your company profile, as well as build your brand awareness. “As a nominee for an award, your business will be provided with opportunities to network with local business leaders and gain invaluable media coverage, in addition to generating more social media engagement, and boosting staff morale and improving motivation.” Nominations for this year’s Business Awards opens on Thursday, January 21, and the deadline for entries is Monday, March 14. To enter, visit www.jpsouthevents.co.uk. Any type of business within the circulation of the Observer series and Littlehampton Gazette newspaper can enter by self nomination or by nominating another business, and you can enter up to three categories. Winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel in Arundel on Friday, April 22. For enquiries about this event please contact the organiser Liz.parker@jpress.co.uk, or call07803505800. For enquiries about sponsorship of this event contact Zelda.reeves@jpress.co.uk, or call 07912670414 or 01243 534159. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage 2) Like our Facebook page 3) Follow us on Twitter 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! Always the first with your local news. Be part of it.