INNOVATION in Dorset-based businesses will be recognised at this year’s Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards.

In this year’s awards, organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Excellence in Innovation award will seek to reward businesses that have given themselves a cutting edge compared to competitors.

Winners of the award, which is sponsored by DCCI and Liz Lean PR, will be presented with the trophy at the glitzy ceremony, held at the Bournemouth International Centre, on November 27.

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 to meet an identified market or other economic need.

The innovation can either be a new project, service, application, operation, communications or marketing programme or tool.

As part of the application, entrants must include a description of the innovation, details of the research and development prior to launching it, and the communication, marketing and promotional process to raise awareness of the innovation.

Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “It is the innovative organisations which force the business pace and this award acknowledges a company that has most skillfully demonstrated a successful innovation which meets the requirements of an identified market or economic need.”

Liz Willingham, managing director of Liz Lean PR, added: “The ability to be innovative, whether developing a new product or creatively responding to customer needs, is a key factor in driving economic growth across Dorset.

“Together with the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Liz Lean PR is proud to sponsor an award that recognises the outstanding innovative achievements of the county’s businesses.”

The awards are also backed by radio station Wave 105, free to enter and businesses do not have to be a member of DCCI to enter.

To submit an entry visit dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or send a written application to the DCCI.

For more information, contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.

DCCI: Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry is Dorset’s leading private sector business support organisation. Building on more than six decades of serving the county’s business community, both at home and abroad, the organisation works to further the interests of its 700 member businesses of all sizes and sectors.

Liz Lean PR: Sandbanks-based Liz Lean PR is a proactive public relations consultancy.

Founded in 1998, the consultancy works with a strong portfolio of clients across a range of sectors.