Categories
Click on the category name to view the criteria and download entry form.
Company of the Year – sponsored by Cheesmur Building Contractors

For the most outstanding business in the District. Open to businesses with more than £1m turnover; typically those that have a significant number of local staff and are key influencers in the local community.
Tourist Destination of the Year – sponsored by Visit Lewes

This award recognises the success of any business or organisation in the tourism sector. Judges are looking for evidence of businesses that are developing and enhancing the tourism and visitor experience in the Lewes District.
Homelink Business in the Community – sponsored by Homelink

The Award recognises the important role a business plays in its local community. It seeks to identify those companies who are doing most to develop initiatives which give something back to the community.
Micro Business of the Year
This award celebrates the contribution to the local economy by smaller businesses in the Lewes District. It is open to any business with nine or less employees. This includes sole traders, freelancers and consultants.
Businessperson of the Year
This Award will be made for outstanding achievement by a businessperson who is contributing to the success of a business based in the Lewes District. Nominations for this award can be from the entrant themselves of a third party can nominate.
Green Business of the Year
This award is open to any business within the Lewes District that is focused on helping it become a greener area. It is open to all types of business from commercial, to community interest to the voluntary sector – as well as individuals.
Best Independent Retailer
Awarded to an independent retailer who offers an individual, innovative and exemplary customer service experience. The business is greatly loved and supported by local shoppers and provides Lewes District with an element of quality and uniqueness which is worthy of special recognition and local accolade. Franchises and multiples are not permitted to enter unless their headquarters are in the Lewes District.
Best Customer Service
This Award will be made to the business that exceeds customer expectations in all areas of the business by providing the very highest level of customer service. Judges will be looking for a well-implemented customer care policy and how it contributes to the overall success of the company.
SME Business of the Year
This award is open to any business that has a turnover of less than £1 million and has been trading for at least three years. It might be viewed as setting an example to the wider business community and will have achieved both local, and possibly wider recognition. This company should demonstrate a healthy financial performance and a strategic plan for growth.
Professional Services Award
From accountants and actuaries to business consultants, recruiters and law firms, the judges are looking for companies which work within the professional service sector. Entrants must demonstrate excellence in business management under-pinned by a strong financial performance and adherence to a professional code of conduct.
Employer of the Year
This Award is open to employers of any size or type in the Lewes District who have achieved excellence in providing an environment where employees can develop their full potential, achieve outstanding success for the business and personally thrive.
Start-Up of the Year
This Award aims to recognise promising new start-up businesses looking to make their mark on the sector in which they operate, illustrate fast-growth and have ambitious plans for the future. Entrants must have been trading for at least six months and for no longer than three years.