insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 11 - January 2016 | Page 14

NEWS

SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS GRAND FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
The grand finalists in the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2015/16 have
been revealed following an eight-month intensive process, including
several phases of expert judging and the verification of over 10,000 votes
from members of the public.

from West Sussex, eight from East Sussex and three from Brighton, and
we are so proud of everyone who has made it through to this final stage
in the competition.”
All the winners and runners up will be revealed at the glittering tenth
birthday ceremony on 28th of this month, hosted by patron to the
awards, Sally Gunnell OBE and Danny Pike from BBC Sussex.

These inspirational Sussex food and drink heroes can now look forward
to an exciting night of celebrations at what’s fast become the Sussex
Foodie event of the year – the spectacular Sussex Food and Drink
Awards Banquet on 28th of this month held at the Amex Stadium and
hosted by Sally Gunnell OBE and BBC’s Danny Pike.
Celebrating its tenth year, the awards are all about supporting and
boosting local farmers, food and drink producers, and the outlets that use
and sell this superb local fare.
Sussex farmer and Nuffield scholar, William Goodwin, who is chairman
of the judges, said: “Over the last ten years the awards have encouraged
more and more people to discover and explore local Sussex markets,
food shops and restaurants where they can sample the very best local
produce and see for themselves why it tastes so much better.
“It is so exciting to see the growth across the region which has really
delivered Sussex as one of the leading counties in the UK for producing
superb food and drink. This year’s Grand Finalists line up offers an
impressive range of first class, diverse businesses and individuals, 19

SUSSEX FOOTGOLF TEAM RECEIVE SPONSORSHIP
FOR UPCOMING WORLD CUP
A five-strong FootGolf team from Sussex have been sponsored by Focus
ERP as they prepare to be part of the United Kingdom team at the
FootGolf World Cup in Argentina this month.

Three of the Sussex team became European Champions earlier this year
and all five of the county team will be in the 16-strong UK squad coming
from Crawley.

The team includes former Crawley Town footballer and British champion
kickboxer Clinton Moore. The other members are Nick Iron, Phil Butcher,
Ryann Smith and Paul Oliver, the UK Champion in the fastest growing
sport in the country.

Lloyd Gordon, CEO of Focus ERP, said: “We’re a Sussex based company
and we’re a global international player in the areas in which we specialise,
but we want to keep a local flavour. We want to support local organisations,
charities and causes, and we already sponsor Furngate FC Under-15s.

The exciting new sport of FootGolf – golf played by kicking a football
– has taken the nation by storm since 2012 and there are now 30,000
leisure players playing every week across the UK.

“Our service to our candidates and clients reflects what the British FootGolf
team are about – integrity, humility, motivation and excellence – I see that
in these lads hence the affiliation. Focus ERP is designed to be the best in
our market so let’s hope the British team reflect that in Argentina!”

14