Chichester Businesses Celebrate at Prestigious Awards Evening

Chichester & District Business Awards 2025

The Chichester & District Business Awards 2025 brought together some of the area’s most innovative and hard-working enterprises for an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration. Hosted at the Minerva Bistro at the Minerva Theatre, and proudly supported by headline partners Chichester District Council and Chichester BID. The event was presented by the Chichester Observer and highlighted the very best of our local business community. As sponsors of the Tourism, Hospitality or Retail Business of the Year Award, The Great Sussex Way was delighted to join fellow businesses in applauding the outstanding achievements that make our district thrive.

A Night of Inspiration and Community Spirit

Held on Monday 03 November 2025, the inaugural awards evening was attended by an impressive line-up of finalists, all recognised for their contributions to the Chichester and district economy. The event was expertly hosted by Gary Shipton, Editor-in-Chief for the Chichester Observer Series and Sussex World, with guest speaker, Justin Audibert, Artistic Director of Chichester Festival Theatre. Justin captivated the audience with reflections on innovation, perseverance, and collaboration; drawing on his experience with leading cultural institutions including the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and the Unicorn Theatre.

Celebrating Excellence Across Sectors

As proud sponsors, The Great Sussex Way was honoured to present the Tourism, Hospitality or Retail Business of the Year Award to Ghost at the Feast; Chichester’s vibrant food hall offering a rotating selection of seven street food kitchens, speciality coffee, craft beer, cocktails, and natural wines. Tinwood Estate and The Wittering gastro pub were both recognised with Highly Commended, showcasing the depth of talent and creativity in our local hospitality scene.

The evening also recognised excellence across a variety of sectors:

Fandango Digital – Business Community Contribution Award, for exceptional local engagement and support.

Blue Spire Accountants – Double winner of Professional Services Business of the Year and Best Customer Service Initiative.

Winter’s Moon – Small Independent Business of the Year, recognised for creativity and dedication to Chichester’s high street.

Cowdray Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle – Business of the Year, recognised for quality, innovation, and community focus.

Ghost at the Feast– Start-Up or New Business of the Year, securing a well-deserved second win of the night.

Secret Linen – Sustainable Initiative of the Year, leading the way in environmentally conscious business practices.

The Summer Berry Company – Innovation Project of the Year, for forward-thinking approaches to sustainable food production.

Q Hair and Beauty – Sustainable Business of the Year, celebrating long-term commitment to green initiatives, specifically within the hair and beauty sector.

Supporting the Spirit of Local Enterprise

The Chichester & District Business Awards 2025 served as a powerful reminder of the creativity, dedication, and community spirit that define our region. At The Great Sussex Way, we proudly champion the businesses that make our area such a special place to live, work, and visit.

A heartfelt thanks goes to all who made the evening possible, including Chichester BID, Chichester District Council, Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers, Biffa and West Sussex County Council (working in partnership), Trinity Bridge, University of Chichester, Cavavin, Chichester Festival Theatre, and Showmen Event Group.

Together, we continue to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps Chichester and its surrounding district at the heart of Sussex’s thriving business landscape.