Back by popular demand, the Excellence in Innovation Award sponsored by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Liz Lean PR is open for entry for the second year. Impressed with the level of entries last year, judges will be looking to add another innovative company to the impressive list of winners in the Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo.
Liz Lean PR and Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry both recognise and celebrate the value and importance of innovation in business. In a rapidly changing world and a competitive global economy, it is essential businesses innovate to remain current, competitive and develop new markets and technologies.
This Award aims to identify and celebrate a successful business innovation in the region. Open to all Dorset-based organisations with a BH or DT postcode, the innovation must have been launched or implemented within the last three years. The winner of this category will be able to demonstrate the development of an excellent innovation and this could be a new process, product, service or technology.
Last year, this Award was presented to Weymouth-based Permavent Ltd for developing a revolutionary new roofing system, the Easy Roof System. This new roofing system has changed industry standards not only in terms of construction techniques but also the quality and longevity of the product.
Stephen Makin, director of Permavent Ltd, comments: “Winning this award was great for team spirit and comradery. After the many minutes, hours and days spent developing the Easy Roof System, we were thrilled to be recognised for our achievements.
“The award has definitely helped to raise our profile locally, and having the opportunity to attend the evening ceremony meant we were able to meet other likeminded business people and entrepreneurs. I’d definitely encourage others to get involved and enter.”
Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says: “Innovation is a new idea, a more effective device or process. It can be defined as something original, more effective and new that “breaks into” the market or society. To present a top Dorset firm with the Excellence in Innovation Award, we are on the search to hear about exciting breakthroughs or changes in thinking which have made a real difference to how a business performs.”
Liz Willingham, managing director of Liz Lean PR adds: “As the demands on businesses are increasing, success is often marked by innovative and creative solutions which meet customer needs. Organisations that can innovate are those that know how to harness the knowledge and creativity of their staff to force the pace in their chosen field. Dorset has many diverse examples and we are looking for those that do this best and therefore contribute to the region’s economy. Liz Lean PR and the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry seek to recognise Dorset’s best innovators.”
Excellence in Innovation Award checklist
Entrants should include details of the following:
- Description of the innovation and why it should be celebrated
- Details of research and development prior to launching the innovation and how this influenced development
- How the innovation has impacted on the business
- How the innovation may impact the industry sector as a whole
- The next level for the development of the innovation
The Awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or print off an entry form and submit a paper-based entry. The closing date for entry is Friday September 11. Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For further information about the Awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner which will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday November 26 please contact Lorraine Hubbard on 01202 714810.
Sponsor profile copy
Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays an important role in promoting the interests of businesses across the county. It seeks to represent businesses, influence and develop policy through local authority and government consultation, business surveys, policy campaigns and ministerial lobbying. The organisation works to further the interests of its 760 member businesses of all sizes and sectors, delivering the very best services, business information and advice.
Liz Lean PR
Sandbanks-based Liz Lean PR is a proactive public relations, marketing and event management consultancy. Founded in 1998, the consultancy works with a strong portfolio of clients across a range of sectors including professional services, tourism, retail, leisure, healthcare and local government.
The team deliver effective campaigns on both a national, regional and local level using both online and offline media. The company is also renowned for bringing organisations together for mutual benefit. Liz Lean PR is proud of its little black book, and as a consequence stakeholder engagement is an integral part of the company’s USP.