TV personality and hospitality expert, Alex Polizzi, has been confirmed as head judge for the town’s inaugural business awards.
Organised by Hailsham Chamber of Commerce, the Hailsham Business Awards 2026 will celebrate the very best businesses across the town and wider BN27 district, and the appointment of Polizzi as lead judge is expected to bring added prestige and profile to the event.
Best known as the face of Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector, Polizzi has built a reputation for championing high standards, customer experience and strong business foundations.
Polizzi is the owner of The Star in Alfriston, part of the Polizzi Collection, which she purchased and extensively renovated in 2021. A journey documented in the television series Alex Polizzi: My Hotel Nightmare.
Organisers say her involvement will help ensure the judging process is both credible and inspiring for entrants.
The awards themselves mark a first for Hailsham, designed to shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, independents, start-ups and established firms that help drive the local economy.
Public nominations are now open, giving residents, customers and business owners the chance to put forward businesses they believe deserve recognition.
Entries will then be assessed through a combination of public voting, an independent judging panel, led by Polizzi, and professional mystery enquiries.
The ceremony will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Blackstock Country Estate, with organisers promising a high-profile celebration of local enterprise.
Backing for the event is already in place, with Lightning Fibre announced as headline sponsor. The Hailsham-based full fibre broadband provider has been praised for supporting an initiative that puts the town’s business community firmly in the spotlight.
Further details, including award categories and judging criteria are now available to view on the official website.
