Eastbourne’s business community came together for an evening celebrating local talent, entrepreneurial spirit and the people helping the town thrive within the business world.
Eastbourne’s business community gathered at the Winter Gardens last night (16 October) for a night of celebration as the annual Eastbourne Business Awards 2026 brought together some of the town’s most successful, innovative and inspiring businesses.
Television magician and entertainer Ben Hanlin presented the evening which recognised excellence across a wide range of categories.
Chief Exec of Eastbourne Chamber Christina Ewbank said: “It was a pleasure to celebrate all the incredible businesses in Eastbourne at the Business Awards this year.
The economic environment is tough at the moment, but we all work together in the Chamber of Commerce to support each other for the good of the whole business community in the area.”
Among the evening’s winners, Fountain Digital took home the prestigious title of Overall Business of the Year 2026. The company was praised for its creativity, excellent service and contribution to
helping other businesses grow, alongside its investment in Fountain Digital Studios in Polegate.
Other major winners included Wave Community Bank, recognised for its contribution to the local community, and Eastbourne Coaches, which won Outstanding New Business.
Dynamic Beauty Salon was named Outstanding Small Business, while Trinity Homes took the SME Business of the Year award. Beechwood Grove won Outstanding Large Business, and CDS Electrical Services was recognised for its success as a family-run business.
The Outstanding Young Achiever award went to Rebecca Stevens and Maya Belle of Eastbourne College, whose work has transformed the college’s drama department and opened opportunities for students from other secondary schools in the area.
Other winners included James Thompson Architecture for Outstanding Professional Service, Home Instead – Eastbourne and Hailsham for Health and Wellbeing, and M S Steelwork for its commitment to sustainability.
The Ravillious won Outstanding Tourism and Accommodation, Taj Restaurant by Nobi Hussain took home Outstanding Food and Drink, and Beatty Dental was recognised for Customer Service Excellence.
Printers Playhouse won Creative Excellence, Fountain Digital also claimed Digital Excellence, and Zoonou was named Employer of the Year.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Tim Cobb of Cobb PR and Keith Ridley, recognising their significant
contributions to the local business community and journalism across East Sussex.
Guests were encouraged to support three local charities: St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Eastbourne Foodbank and Eastbourne Samaritans.
Fundraising activities included a raffle, featuring prizes generously donated by local businesses, and a separate Barrow of Booze raffle sponsored by Recruitment Southeast.
Brufords was the headline sponsor of the event for the fifth consecutive year.
