The line-up of 30 finalists for the Daily Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards attended an exclusive reception at The Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Poole last night (November 19) to celebrate reaching the penultimate stage of the competition.
The finalists, who stretch from Christchurch to Dorchester and from Bridport to Ringwood, gathered at the event to meet others shortlisted and the Award sponsors as well as find out about the glittering Awards Gala Dinner at the Lighthouse Poole on Thursday November 29.
Peter Scott, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says: “This reception provided an ideal opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the achievements of this year’s finalists ahead of the Awards night. We wish to thank the Italian Villa for holding and sponsoring this event and look forward to announcing the winners at the Awards Gala Dinner, which will be hosted by actress and comedian Debra Stephenson, at the end of this month.”
The finalists are as follows (in alphabetical order):
Apprenticeship Training Award sponsored by Superior
- Aish Technologies Ltd, Poole
- Goadsby, Bournemouth
- Scissors Franchise Company Ltd, Bournemouth
Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan
- AFC Bournemouth
- Darren Northeast PR, Bournemouth
- Norfolk Royale Hotel, Bournemouth
Business Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by Barclays
- The Dorset Catering Company, Beaminster – Claire Perry
- My Carry Potty, Bournemouth – Amanda Jenner
- Rock Recruitment Specialists Ltd, Bournemouth – Angela Fletcher
Dorset Tourism Award, sponsored by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Liz Lean PR
- Beach Weddings, Bournemouth
- Harbour Hotels, Christchurch
- Poole Museum Service, Poole
Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Bournemouth University
- 3 Sided Cube, Bournemouth – Duncan Cook
- Active Research Ltd, Poole – Phil Whitehurst
- Astute Ltd, Bournemouth – Paul Woods
Hays PA of the Year Award
- Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel – Elaine Dickinson
- Poole Harbour Commissioners, Poole – Annie Willats
- Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne Minster – Carly Rose
KPMG and Lloyds Bank Company of the Year Award
- J&G Environmental Ltd, Blandford Forum
- LV=, Bournemouth
- Organix Brands Ltd, Bournemouth
Nuffield Health Excellence in Customer Service Award
- BCHA, Bournemouth
- LV=, Bournemouth
- Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Dorchester
Princecroft Willis Family Business Award
- Allum & Sidaway Jewellers, Dorchester
- Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors Ltd, Wimborne
- R J Balson & Son, Bridport
Retail Excellence Award, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre
- Allum & Sidaway Jewellers, Dorchester
- Beales, Poole
- Doris & Daisy, Wimborne Minister
The Awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105, and supported by RT Media. To purchase tickets for the Gala Dinner please contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812. Tickets to the Awards Gala Dinner cost £85+VAT each or £800 + VAT for a table of 10 (Dorset Chamber members) and tickets cost £95+VAT each or £900 + VAT for a table of 10 (Non-Dorset Chamber members).