The judges, chaired by food industry expert Clive Beddall OBE, will be reviewing entries made from business owners or their customers and announcing a shortlist for each of the eight categories for public voting at the awards launch at the South of England Show on Thursday 7 June. Said Clive Beddall OBE, “We want to give greater voice to public opinion even before voting launches and by opening nominations now, rather than in June we believe we can achieve this. “It’s a very simple process and can all be done online at www.sussexfoodawards.biz and by screening nominations we hope to encourage some of the smaller producers and retailers around the county who may in the past have been put off entering the competition thinking it’s only for larger companies.” West Sussex featured strongly in last year’s awards with winners in four categories; Best Sussex Farmer’s Market was won by Shoreham, Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop was the Sussex Produce Company in Steyning, Sussex Drink Producer of the Year was Wobblegate Pure Apple Juice from Bolney and Sussex Young Chef of the Year was Paul Peach from the Horse Guards Inn in Tillington. Regional businesses and organisations have been quick to support the planned changes to this prestigious scheme with new sponsors including former winners of the awards Cheese Please and Gram UK Ltd coming on board, as well as long-term supporters Mayo Wynne Baxter, Knill James, Southern Co-operative and Harveys Brewery. With only two categories still available for sponsorship, any other businesses who may like to be involved should contact Sandra Murphy at Natural PR.