Business ‘Stars’ shine at first BHBiz Awards

Burgess Hill businesses came together for an awards ceremony with a difference on Friday.

Launched by the Burgess Hill Business Parks Association (BHBPA), the inaugural BHBiz Awards wasn’t about profits and order books – but the people behind them. Across eight categories, judges recognised the achievements of employees from the top to the bottom of organisations for their contribution to the workplace and their community.

Leading the charge at the Amex Stadium event was Bio-Productions Ltd, who scored a hat-trick of trophies as staff James Stringer, Olga Cepukoit-Kulmatytska and James Brough took home the ‘Bright Star’, ‘Invaluable Star’, and ‘Risen Star’ awards respectively.

Anna Skiba from Bruynzeel Storage Systems won the ‘Rising Star’ award while Mike Oliver from Mike Oliver Associates was named ‘Charity Champion’.

The team at PVL UK Ltd received recognition for its work as ‘Community Champion’, Sussex Cleaning & Care was named ‘Eco Warrior’ for its employees own recycling efforts, and Bennett Christmas Insurance Brokers secured ‘Winning Workplace’ for having the friendliest offices in town.

Two awards were reserved for BHBPA directors to make at their discretion. The Kings Centre and I.T. Simplified were announced joint-winners of the ‘Special Company’ award while Wesley Earp, from Preview, and photographer & videographer Paul Noble shared the ‘Special Person’ accolade.

But BHBPA chairman Paul Shearing and coordinator Peter Liddell had a surprise up their sleeves, bestowing a special ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award to Brian Lewis, managing director of The Print House Group. Brian has worked on the Victoria Business Park for more than six decades and is a prominent member of the Rotary Club.

“We were absolutely thrilled with the awards evening,” said Paul Shearing. “This really was an event like no other – fun, friendly and informal. Our organising committee of Peter Liddell, Susan Fleet, Emily Darnell, and Esther Dawson surpassed themselves and it was a pleasure to work with them on this ambitious project.

“More than 300 people turned out to support each other, and I’m sure we’re all heading back to work this week a little prouder of our Burgess Hill business peers.”

The venue proved a huge hit, especially with Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s recent premiership promotion.

Susan Fleet, awards director, added: “Our thanks go to all the sponsors who gave generously and supported us on the evening.  So many local organisations came together to showcase the calibre of the talent in our business community.  We not only had a hugely successful evening but also raised almost £2,000 for St Peter & St James Hospice.”

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Note to editors

• The inaugural BHBiz Awards took place on Friday 5 May at the Brighton Amex Community Stadium.
• David Farmer served as Master of Ceremonies, while former professional cricketer and football player Tony Cottey appeared as guest speaker.
• The awards were judged by Business Liaison Officer at Mid Sussex District Council, Gordon Reay, founding chairman of the BHBPA, Grant Ashley, as well as Mayor of Burgess Hill, Jacqui Landriani.
• The awards will alternate in future with the BHBPA’s Burgess Hill Means Business
• Sponsors for the event were: Autowise, Bennett Christmas, Bio-Productions, DPS, First Recruitment Services, Fresh Display, Handelsbanken, Heights Health & Fitness, Lea Graham Associates, MCL Telecommunications, Mid Sussex Times, Mike Oliver Associates, Paul Noble Photographic, Preview, Ridgeview, Rosanne Florists, Sussex Chamber of Commerce, Sussex Living Magazine, Sussex Newspapers, Time 24, Travail Employment Group and Wellesley Wealth Advisory.
• Photography by Jim Holden.