James Parker named as finalist in the Sussex Business Awards 2025

Managing Director of Parker & Son James Parker has been shortlisted in the Businessperson of the Year category of the Sussex Business Awards.

This award, sponsored by FRP Corporate Finance, honours a dynamic and visionary individual who has made a measurable impact on their business and the wider community. Whether through strategic growth, innovation or resilience in the face of challenges, this person stands out as a driving force behind success.

Upon finding out he was a finalist, James said: “It’s an incredible honour to be named a finalist for Businessperson of the Year. This recognition isn’t just about me, it reflects the hard work, dedication and pride our whole team puts into every project. As a family-run company, we’ve always believed in building strong relationships and delivering quality you can trust and it’s very rewarding to see that commitment recognised by the wider business community.”

Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director of Platinum Media Group and organiser of the event, commented: “The standard of entries this year has been exceptional. The judges were deeply engaged in robust discussions throughout the process - a true testament to the strength and diversity of the region’s businesses.”

The submission for this award underwent a rigorous judging process, with this year’s judging panel being made up of representatives from sponsors: EMC Corporate Finance, DMH Stallard, FRP Advisory, Jensten Insurance Brokers, KPMG, Kreston Reeves, MHA, Monan Gozzett, The English Soap Company, MD Hub, True Potential, Chichester College Group, Growth Animals Marketing, Benchmark Financial Planning and Innovation Capital.

James trained as a carpenter which he still enjoys as a hobby, but his main responsibilities now lie in the day-to-day running of the company, going out to see clients, organising the workload for the staff and planning projects.

James Parker

When asked what James loves most about his job, he said: “The saying goes 'you will never work a day in your life if you love your job’ and that is certainly the case for me. Building is a hobby as well as a job, I have a passion for what I do.”

Not only does James ensure the running of this successful business, he also helps the wider community by sponsoring local charities, events and even built the local primary school a sandpit for the children to play and learn in.

Battle-based Parker & Son is a family-run business that has been passed down from generation to generation since the 1920s. Now the company is in its fourth generation, with James Parker taking the reins from his father Chris Parker.

The Sussex Business Awards are being held at The Grand Brighton on Thursday December 4th 2025.