Paul Hayward, senior manager at Lloyds TSB Commercial in Chichester, said: "Lloyds TSB Commercial has supported Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the region during a challenging period. It's fantastic to now celebrate the success of local businesses.

"Over the past year, we've held a series of seminars to provide guidance and support to SMEs during the recession.

It is equally important for companies to ensure they are in a strong position to seize opportunities as we move out of recession.

"We've recently launched our 2012 SME Charter which means we'll hold a further 200 seminars nationwide over the next three years to help startups or established businesses

that want to export, bid for contracts at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games or raise finance.

"The Charter is part of our continued strategy to build long-term local relationships with our customers and support them throughout the economic cycle.

"Lloyds TSB Commercial puts great emphasis on a long-term, relationship-led approach to banking and is committed to providing entrepreneurs with a service that goes beyond day-to-day banking facilities.

For more information about Lloyds, call Paul Hayward on 0800 056 0056 or email paul.hayward@bb.lloydstsb.co.uk

Lloyds TSB Commerical is one of a number of businesses to come forward to sponsor an award.

Any company getting involved receieves an invite to the ceremony and plenty of publicity along the way.

There are still some awards requiring sponsorship and it's a great way to put your firm in the spotlight. If you would like to get involved, call Dianne Gill at the Observer on 01243 534124.