Observer and Gazette Business Awards 2014 launched

With a collective of sponsors, nominees and former award winners, the best in business came together under one roof to launch the awards.

The evening was hosted by the awards’ principle sponsor, The University of Chichester, and vice-chancellor professor Clive Behagg explained why the university is on board.

“We are really proud to be principal sponsors of the Observer and Gazette awards because of the recognition it is giving to local business,” he said.

“We are responsible for 900 jobs, so it makes us a significant player in the area as far as business is concerned.”

He talked about the transition the university is going through in the way it is funded, and explained how it is becoming a business in its own right.

Because of this, he said, the institution wants to play a big part in supporting other firms in the area, as they come out of what has been a ‘tough’ time for business.

He added: “Tonight, and the Observer and Gazette awards are really about economic growth and economic regeneration,” he said.

“We are committed to supporting the economic regeneration on this area.”

Editor-in-chief of the Observer and Gazette series of papers, Gary Shipton talked about how the country is coming out of the economic crisis, and how businesses must be adaptable to fit in with the increasing demands of customers.

He quoted Charles Darwin, and said: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

He explained how newspapers have had to adapt too, with readers accessing news and information online, as well as through print.

“The secret of success is you adapt to change,” he said.

“You want to take your existing customers with you on the journey as we change the way we offer our products and begin a whole new adventure.”

He spoke about the Observer and Gazette areas and explained why they are great places to start and grow a business.

“Chichester and this whole surrounding area is an exceedingly brilliant place to live and work.

“The great thing about these awards is that it sends out a signal, and that signal is that not only are we the best, but we know we are the best,” he said.

“And the wonderful thing is people are attracted to that.”

The Observer and Gazette Business awards, in association with Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, are set to be bigger than ever this year.

Entries will feature an enhanced total of 19 categories, spanning from small business (up to 10 employees), through to the lifetime achievement winner.

The awards will culminate in a black-tie ceremony which will be held at the Avisford Park Hilton Hotel on Friday, April 4, 2014.

To nominate a business, visit www.jpsouthevents.co.uk/event/observer-gazette-business-awards-2014/

The launch evening was held in the Cloisters at the university, last Wednesday.