The Bluebell Railway has announced that they have won a top award at the recent Sussex Business Awards.

The Award Ceremony took place on the 30th November 2017. More than 400 people attended the event which was held at The Grand Hotel in Brighton.

This was the 29th Annual Sussex Business Awards. Among those who attended was the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, the Mayor of Brighton and Hose the Lloyd Russell-Moyle who is MP for Brighton Kemptown

Hundreds of applicants were whittled down to just 40 shortlisted finalists covering 17 categories. These included Small Business of the Year, International Business of the Year, Best Customer Service and Innovation in Business.

The Bluebell Railway was one of three shortlisted in the Leisure and Tourism category. The award was sponsored by Heart FM. The Bluebell Railway saw off competition from Sea Life Brighton and Newhaven Fort to win the category and come away with the award.

The award was received by General Manager, Gordon Owen, and was joined on stage by BRPS Vice Chairman Steve Bigg and James Funnell, a working volunteer.

What did the officials say?

Mike Herd, Executive Director of the Sussex Innovation Centre and Chairman of the judges, commented, “This year was a record year, and with the number of entries received, the judging process proved a difficult task. The exceptional quality of the entries really shined through and many worthy winners were chosen.”

Railway Communications Director Roger Garman added, “We are both honoured and privileged to receive this recognition of the effort and commitment that our staff and volunteers put in to making our Railway a key tourist attraction in Sussex and one of which we can all be proud. Our thanks are extended to all involved with the Sussex Business Awards and in particular Heart FM as sponsor of the Leisure and Tourism award.”

• Visit the Bluebell Railway Website
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