One company makes the list more three times - Work the World - whilst another eight are on the shortlist twice.

They will all compete for fifteen awards in categories which include the creative industries, professional services, managing director and the best event, as well as the best place to work.

Awards will also be made to the person who, in the judges’ opinion, has done the most for Brighton – the Outstanding Brightonian – and an overall Judges’ Choice award for The Best Business in Brighton.

Commenting on the shortlist Fiona Shafer, chair of the judges, said: “Brighton & Hove has got a lot to shout about and there’s no better platform than the BAHBAs.

“The entries seem to cover every aspect of business life from creative digital services to hospitality and an impressive array of community projects. Few other places in the country can boast such a range of businesses let alone the quality that we have seen on this year’s shortlist.”

A selection of finalist comments:

“We're so excited to be nominated for both Best Customer Service and Best Independent Retailer as these are areas we are so passionate about at Bluebird. Our Customer Experience is at the heart of everything we do and being an independent retailer allows us to stay connected with our customers and get involved in the local community.
” Krisi Smith and Mike Turner, Co-Founders of Bluebird Tea Co.

“Our company ethos is all about engaging with, and supporting, our local community, so we are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award,”
Gavin Willis, Search Seven shortlisted for Business in the Community.

“I’m thrilled to have been shortlisted for MD of the year. The Brighton & Hove Business Awards embody everything that’s great about the business community in this dynamic city and it’s fantastic to be surrounded by established businesses and exciting start-ups. Congratulations to everyone that’s been shortlisted, fingers crossed for September 14!”
James Dempster, Cobb Digital.

Sponsors include MD Hub, the University of Brighton, Red7, Healys, Churchill Square and NatWest who join City Cabs, Yelo Architects, Graves Jenkins, Chamber of Commerce, Cardens, Martin Searle Solicitors and Robinson Low Francis for the only awards in the city which recognise and reward great Brighton business.

The awards are supported by the Big Lemon, B&H Chamber of Commerce, Gemini Print, Brighton Business Curry Club, Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton & Hove Tourism Alliance.
Juice 107.2 FM, Platinum Business and Title Sussex join The Argus as media sponsors.

They have all come together to create a competition which acknowledges the diversity and uniqueness of Brighton and celebrates those companies, organisations and individuals who really build the Brighton brand.
The awards will be presented at

Proud Country House, Stanmer Park, on Thursday 14 September. Each winner will receive a year’s free membership to MDHUB, a vibrant and energising membership organisation that supports business owners through the challenges of growing and developing their business and where successes are shared and celebrated in a confidential environment.

Tickets can be purchased online at
www.bahba.co.uk
.
View the list online
www.bahba.co.uk
.

2017 FINALISTS

Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism

Sponsored by Red7
Brighton Palace Pier
Isaac At
Saltdean Lido
The Salt Room

The Award for Best Customer Service

Sponsored by Yelo Architects
The Big Lemon CIC
Bluebird Tea Co.
Work the World

The Award for Best Independent Retailer

Sponsored by Churchill Square
The Book Nook
Bluebird Tea Co.
Posh Totty Designs
Present in the Laine

The Award for Business Beyond the City

Sponsored by Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce
Madgex
Ticketmedia
Work the World

The Award for Business in The Community

Sponsored by City Cabs
HOP Consulting Ltd
LoveLocalJobs.com
Search Seven Ltd

The Best Event in The City

Sponsored by Juice 107.2 FM
Brighton Fringe
Impact Initiatives
Martlets Hospice

The Best New Kids on the Block

Sponsored by Healys
Circulate Digital
Isaac At
PLATF9RM
Saltdean Lido

The Best Place to Work

Sponsored by Graves Jenkins
Haybury
Magenta Associates
Mooncup Ltd

The Creative Industries Award

Sponsored by Martin Searle Solicitors
Cobb Digital
Koru Architects
Ticketmedia

The Fastest Growing Business Award

Sponsored by NatWest
Avalara
Circulate Digital
Pragmatic

The Green Business Award

Sponsored by Green Growth Platform – University of Brighton
Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative
Brighton E-bikes
Creative Bloom
Mooncup Ltd

The Managing Director of the Year

Sponsored by Robinson Low Francis
James Dempster, Cobb Digital
Danielle Plowman, Ellie Ellie
Pam Loch, Loch Associates
Seb Royle, PLATF9RM

The Professional Services Award

Sponsored by Cardens Accountants
DMH Stallard LLP
HOP Consulting Ltd
Work the World