To celebrate reaching the penultimate stage of the Daily Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards, finalists for the 2012 Awards are set to gather at The Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Poole on Monday November 19 for an exclusive drinks reception.
Organised by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and RT Media, this year’s Awards generated significant interest from within the region’s business community and entries for the 10 categories came from a wide variety of organisations in the area. The exclusive drinks reception will enable finalists to celebrate their achievements, meet award sponsors and find out about the Awards Gala Dinner and get together with all other 2012 finalists.
Tony Beales from The Italian Villa says: “It really is a pleasure to sponsor and host the finalist drinks reception at the Italian Villa this year, especially as our outside catering division, Beales Gourmet, will be catering for the Awards Gala Dinner at the Lighthouse once again. The Italian Villa at Compton Acres is a perfect venue to host the drinks reception showing its versatility as an exclusive local venue.”
Peter Scott, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, adds: “From a record number of entries, 30 excellent businesses have been shortlisted for Dorset Business Awards and we are pleased to welcome them all to an exclusive Finalists’ drinks reception. We wish to thank the Italian Villa for hosting and sponsoring this event and look forward to meeting all 2012 finalists on November 19 ahead of the Gala Dinner at the end of the month (November 29).”
The 2012 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
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).