The line-up of finalists for the Daily Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards has been revealed. Thirty different judges worked hard to shortlist the 127 entries received down to 30 finalists.
Finalists stretch from Christchurch to Dorchester and from Bridport to Ringwood and companies of all sizes are listed side by side in the annual search for the county’s top business performers.
The Dorset Business Awards, organised by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recognise and reward excellence, innovation and success. The competition, which was founded in 1994, allows the best of the region’s businesses to showcase achievements and benchmark their successes against firms of all types.
Winners of all 10 categories will receive their Awards at the glittering Oscar-style Awards Gala Dinner, hosted by comedian and actress Debra Stephenson at the Lighthouse Poole on Thursday 29 November. 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
• Dorset Catering Company Ltd, 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
• Bellissimo Weddings and Events, 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
• Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (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, Dorchester
• Beales Department Store, Poole
• Doris & Daisy, Wimborne Minister
Peter Scott, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says: “The judges were tremendously impressed by the standard of entries throughout the categories. Each entry was proof, if it were ever needed, that despite the challenging economic climate in which the UK finds itself, Dorset still has plenty to shout about.
“Businesses of all sizes are continuing to succeed and we look forward to celebrating and recognising their success at the Awards Gala Dinner evening in November.”
The Awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105, and supported by the Dorset Echo. 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).