The Worthing Business Awards 2007

Saturday 6th October, Worthing First was very proud to present the very first Worthing Business Awards

The awards ceremony, held at Worthing Pavilion, was a huge success. A sell-out event, with over 50 prominant Worthing businesses in attendance. Opened by The Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Dr. Heather Mercer and hosted by Worthing's very own celebrity business man, Ian Hart.

The evening began with a champagne reception in the Denton Lounge, where guests were entertained by an impressive student jazz band from Durrington High School. Dinner followed in the Pavilion where The Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Dr. Heather Mercer, welcomed everyone and declared the very first business awards dinner well and truly launched.  The Just Move it Dance company then hit the stage and wowed the audience with some very cool street dance moves as dinner was served.

The awards ceremony followed. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS

The Worthing Business Awards 2007 Shortlist

The following shortlisted companies are listed in no particular order, they were nominated by members of the public and were judged by independant judging panels.

MicroBiz of the Year Award sponsored by Durrington High School

A ‘microbiz’ is defined as any small business with up to five employees. This award is designed to recognise the tiniest of businesses, which demonstrates that size doesn’t really matter.

• Parklife Coffee Bar - WINNER
• Alishea's Speedy Repairs
• Azure Cocktails

Small Business of the Year Award sponsored by ProfitNet

For those who regularly punch above their weight. This award will recognise the small business from Worthing that shows it can compete with the big boys.

• GB Electronics - WINNER
• Emerald Finance
• Rhubarb Creative

Medium to Large Business of the Year Award sponsored by Worthing Chamber of Commerce

For a larger business in the area that delivers an excellent service or product to its customer base. A company whose good reputation in the community is well deserved.

• Argyll Insurance - WINNER
• Component Moulders
• Berkeley Hotel

New Business of the Year Award sponsored by The Brand Doctor

This award goes to the best business start-up, no matter what size, in the town. Entries are limited to those still in their first year of trading during the nomination process.

• TakeAwayMenu.com - WINNER
• Starvatious
• Rocket 88 Creative
• Reflections Nursery

Marketing and Promotion Award sponsored by Spring Marketing

Impressing your customers, new and existing, is a key part of any Business strategy. Which company has really impressed you with the quality of its communications, its fresh approach to marketing and promotions - and just downright made itself impossible to ignore?

• Northbrook College
• RAG Revolutionary Arts Group
• Worthing Churches Homeless Project - WINNER

New Technology Award sponsored by Northbrook College

For the Worthing business delivering tomorrow's technology today. Key strengths include innovation, research and development as well as bringing new technology to the marketplace.

• ETI - WINNER
• Freedom of Speech
  

Customer Care Award sponsored by MGM Assurance

For a business that demonstrates a real commitment to customer care. A company that is prepared to ‘go that extra mile’ to ensure their customers are happy.

• Argyll Insurance
• GSG Cargo - WINNER
• Laughing Donkey Promotions

Education, Training and Development Award sponsored by Worthing College

For a business which has demonstrated commitment to staff development and training, striving to improve the skills of their workforce and forging strong links with local education providers.

• HSBC Invoice Finance - WINNER
• Paula Rosa
• United Merchants

Tourism and Leisure Award sponsored by David Lloyd Leisure

For a tourism or leisure related business that combines a quality product and excellent customer service with a dedication for promoting Worthing to its many visitors.

• Berkeley Hotel
• English Bowling Association - WINNER
  

Business in the Community Award sponsored by The Worthing Herald

For a business involved in community issues, demonstrating a real contribution to the local area. This could include environmental improvements, financial support for local groups or involvement in community projects. Voted for by Worthing Herald readers.

• MGM Assurance - WINNER
• Argyll Insurance
• Worthing Churches Homeless Project

Healthy Workplace Award sponsored by HSBC Commercial Centre

Nominations for this award are provided by Worthing Borough Council. The winner will be best performing organisation from within the council’s Healthy Workplace Scheme.

• C-tech Electronics - WINNER
• Littlehampton Book Services
• Worthing High School

Retailer of the Year Award sponsored by MiStore.co.uk

For a business that has demonstrated excellence within the retail sector by delivering an outstanding overall shopping experience for their customers, either on the high street or online.

• Random Rules
• Pearmains Jewellers - WINNER
• Bootie Boutique

Restaurant of the Year Award sponsored by Just Hospitality

For a restaurant that combines good food & drink, a welcoming environment and value for money to provide its customers with a quality dining experience.

• Indigo
• Casa Ciro's
• Room 4 Living - WINNER

Creativity in Business Award sponsored by RAG/Artists & Makers

Creativity and knowledge are overpowering raw material and hard labour in the 21st Century. It is predicted that by 2016 half the UK’s workforce will be in creative industries. With this award, we acknowledge businesses embracing creative thinking.

• Inspiration By Design
• Rocket 88 Creative
• CAM Central - WINNER

Worthing Business of the Year Award sponsored by Carpenter Box

This prestigious award was chosen from one of the winners from the awards above. This deserving winner received £1,000 of free advertising in the Worthing Herald.

The 'Worthing Business of the Year' award was given to

GB Electronics
Geoff Bullen, Founder and Chairman said ‘I am shocked, delighted and amazed. I wish my sons could be here because they are so much a part of this, as are our brilliant team. I could not do any of this without them, their ideas and their technical brilliance. We have the technology that medical science needs today, and to be able to design products that actually help people and medical professionals is wonderful.’

How it all works

The Awards
The Worthing Business Awards recognise the best local businesses in the Worthing area.

The Worthing Business Awards are split into 14 different categories with the additional
overall award - Worthing Business of the Year (as above).

How do you enter?
Your business can be entered into the awards by the people who really matter to your business - your customers. Your business can be nominated in one of 14 categories.

The nominations can be done in different ways:
          - using the printed entry form
          - downloading the entry form from the Worthing First website
          - complete the online nomination on the Worthing First website
          - fill in the nomination form from the Worthing Herald newspaper

The 2007 awards are now OVER. Keep your eyes peeled for 2008

How are the awards judged?
Each of the 14 awards has a separate judging panel made up of members of the Worthing First business partnership, Worthing Chamber of Commerce and the relevant sponsor of the award.

The judging panel will meet after the closing date for entries to select a shortlist of possible award-winners. These shortlists will be announced in September.

The actual award winner will be selected by the judging panel in the week leading up to the Awards Night.

When and where are the awards presented?
The Awards Night for the Worthing Business Awards 2007 took place at the Worthing Pavilion on Saturday, October 6, 2007.

What do you win?
Winners of each category win a ‘One Award’ presented at the Awards Night by the award sponsor. There will also be a range of publicity and marketing opportunities from being short-listed and winning the award.

The Awards Ceremony
On the night, the sponsors will be presenting the award to the winners in front of a packed house at Worthing’s Pier Pavilion. One organisation will be crowned 'Worthing Business of
the Year 2007'. Not only will they receive £1000 of advertising courtesy of the Worthing Herald, but also the prestigious 'One Award' trophy.

For more information on The Worthing Business Awards please email Worthing First .