Business of the Year (New category)
This award honours a business that stands out across all key areas, from commercial success and strategic vision to innovation, customer service and community engagement. The winner will be a role model enterprise delivering measurable impact and long-term value in the Sussex region and beyond.
Young Businessperson of the Year (New category)
Recognising an exceptional young individual (under 30 years of age as of 10th July 2025) who is making a significant impact in their organisation, sector or local economy. This award celebrates future leaders who demonstrate outstanding innovation, initiative, resilience or social contribution beyond their years.
Entrepreneur of the Year
This category recognises a passionate, forward-thinking entrepreneur who has built a successful business through vision, determination and innovation. Judges will look for inspirational leadership, a clear sense of purpose and entrepreneurial spirit that has overcome challenges and delivered strong, sustainable results.
Export Business of the Year
Awarded to a business that has achieved success in overseas markets, navigating the complexities of international trade and delivering impressive export growth. Entrants should demonstrate sound export strategies, an understanding of cultural and regulatory challenges, and strong global relationships that support long-term trading success.
Community Business of the Year
Presented to a business that goes above and beyond to support its community. This could be through volunteering initiatives, impactful partnerships, social enterprise activity or charitable giving. The winner will show a deep commitment to creating positive social outcomes and delivering meaningful change locally.
Green Business of the Year
This award recognises a business that places sustainability at the heart of its strategy. From reducing environmental impact and cutting carbon emissions to driving eco-innovation or investing in the circular economy, the winner will demonstrate real commitment and leadership in tackling environmental challenges.
Scale Up Business of the Year
For ambitious businesses that have scaled successfully, showing strong revenue growth, team expansion or market development. Judges will be looking for clear strategic direction, bold leadership, sustainable practices and evidence of how growth has been achieved responsibly and with a vision for the future.
Commitment to People Award
Celebrating businesses that prioritise people as their greatest asset. This award will go to a business that invests in employee wellbeing, training and development, creating a positive workplace culture with strong values, open communication and opportunities for all to thrive and succeed.
Business Diversification Award
Awarded to a business that has shown resilience and adaptability by successfully diversifying its products, services or customer base. Whether in response to new opportunities or external challenges, the winner will demonstrate innovation, bold thinking and measurable success in reshaping their business model.
Diversity and Inclusion Award
This award recognises a business that champions equality, diversity and inclusion in everything it does. From inclusive recruitment practices and employee development to supply chain decisions and marketing, the winner will be actively driving progress towards a fairer, more representative workplace and business environment.
Celebrity Host for the Sussex Chamber Business Awards 2026
A Night of Achievement, Inspiration & Celebration
We are thrilled to welcome Sally Gunnell OBE as our celebrity host for this year’s Sussex Chamber Business Awards. Her remarkable journey, outstanding achievements, and natural warmth promise to create an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, inspiration, and fun.
About Sally Gunnell OBE
Sally Gunnell OBE; the Farmers girl who captured the hearts of a nation. Sally remains the only woman ever to hold four major track titles concurrently – Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth. Since retiring from international athletics, Sally has developed a successful career path as a motivational and keynote speaker, TV presenter and ambassador for charities, brands and campaigns. She has presented all over the world and is a leading voice in the health and wellbeing sector where she shares her insights in being able to create a sustainable healthy mindset and lifestyle no matter what the hurdles.
Sally’s rise to the pinnacle of her sport was hard won. She blew the chance to be World Champion in 1991, stormed back to win Olympic Gold in 1992 and defied incredible odds to become World Champion in 1993, setting a new World Record in the process. She contended with injuries, athletes that she saw as more naturally gifted and a relatively modest support infrastructure compared to her peers. Her success, by her own admission, was down to a firm grip over her own mind and a lot of very hard graft. “Raw talent is no substitute for single mindedness and hard graft”.
Sally remains a towering figure in British athletics. She has more than 15 years’ experience in addressing a wide variety of corporate audiences. She has covered global conferences of thousands and senior leadership teams of just 6. Her natural, easy-going style belies her relentless focus on achieving and sustaining excellence.
