After receiving bag-fulls of entries for the awards, our judges have finally narrowed down some businesses on to a shortlist.

Those listed will be attending the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel in Walberton, and will be in with a chance with winning one of our prestigious awards.

TV personality Fred Dinenage will be the host for the ceremony, and sponsors will be at the ready to hand out the awards.

Observer Editor Colin Channon said: "The response from businesses this year has been fantastic.

"It has been a tough year for businesses, but that hasn't meant a dip in the number of success stories we have been receiving.

"In fact we've seen more entries this year talking of individuals or teams that have tirelessly worked for the good of their business. The quality of entries is the highest I have ever seen it.

"The Observer has always been ideally placed to showcase the good work of local businesses and to also highlight the importance of them.

"I very much look forward to meeting you all at the awards ceremony on March 26."

Observer promotions manager Dianne Gill said: "It has been very tough this year for the judges to whittle down the business entries for our shortlist.

"All of the categories will be hotly-contested and no one will be running away with an award easily.

"We hope this year's ceremony will be as brilliant as our previous ones. I want to thank all businesses for entering."

Keep reading the Observer and this website for all the Business Awards coverage in the run-up to the big night

The shortlist...

Retailer of the Year
The Selsey Florist
Balloon-a-doo
Saffron of Chichester
The Bed & Mattress Centre
Andrew McDowall of Chichester
Dartagnan

Innovation
Newbrandguru
The Magic of Mushrooms
Aldingbourne Trust
Restaurant Members Club
Zimmer Stewart Gallery

Business Personality
Matt Hosted-Dartagnan
Steve Wilson-Wilson Designs
Giles Thompson - The Earl of March

Lifetime Achievement
Anthony Barnes-Smith – Q Hair
Michael Moore-Andrew McDowall of Chichester

Customer Service
Bestwestern Beachcroft Hotel
Pallant House
Q Hair
Premier Motor Homes
Stehen G Webb Ltd
Whitby's

Estate Agent of the Year
Hancock & Partners
Gilbert & Cleveland
Belvoir
Charles Peck
Clarkes

Going Green
Chichester Design
Birdham Church of England School
Griffin Designs
Aldingbourne Trust
The Magic of Mushrooms
The Green Trainng Company

Restaurant of the Year
Field & Fork
Earl of March
Crab & Lobster
No 12
Russells Garden Centre

Training & Staff Development
Powerful Trainers
Access by Design
Q Hair
Diamond Training Group
Covers
The Green Training Group

Motor Dealer of the Year
Leyton Car Sales
Hendy Ford
Selsey Car Sales
Premier Motor Homes

Young Achiever
Chichester Design
Creations
Thomas Eggar

Education in Business
Chichester Design
Woodcraft School
Diamond Training Group
Barclays
Rolls Royce
Dizzy
Wyevale Garden Centre

Business of the Year (up to 5 employees)
Chichester Design
E Training World Ltd
Just Sew
Coles Nursery
The Handyman Can
Wilson Design Associates
Diamond Logistics
No 45 Dental
Stephen G Webb Ltd
Coalition Communications
AC Solartechnic Ltd
Thornham Marina Ltd

Business of the Year (6-10 employees)
Just Wood Flooring
Powerful Trainers
Access By Design
Super Signs Ltd
Woodcraft School
Aldingbourne Trust

Business of the Year (more than 10 employees)
Starline Taxis & Limousines
Premier Motor Homes
Covers
Fontwell Park Racecourse & Conference Centre
Earl of March