COMPANIES that exemplify the family spirit of doing business are set to be acknowledged in the 20th annual Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards.

The Princecroft Willis Family Business Award will highlight and celebrate the contribution family businesses have made to the county’s economy, history and culture.

The category promotes and recognises some of the great achievements gained by Dorset-based, family-owned businesses. Entry is open to all family-run companies which are based in Dorset with a BH or DT postcode. After scooping this award in 2013, managing director of D Stewart & Son Limited (Stewarts) in Christchurch, Martin Stewart, is encouraging others to put themselves forward as entering is free and becoming a finalist or a winner offers a great sense of pride. Established more than 270 years ago, Stewarts is a multi-site garden centre now in the hands of the eighth generation of the Stewart family.

Mr Stewart said: “We were immensely proud to win a Dorset Business Award.

“We would certainly advise all companies in the region to enter this year and benefit from an increased level of recognition amongst the local community.” Judges of this category will be looking to recognise a family firm that is innovative, adaptable and has a healthy culture in place.

Entrants must supply evidence of the firm’s longevity, the number of generations the business has survived, family involvement in the business, involvement in the local community, family succession plan and financial performance in the last three years.

Nick Love, Family Business Partner at Princecroft Willis, said: “If you are proud of your family business then you owe it to yourself, family and employees to put yourself forward for this Award.

“The award ceremony is a celebration of all that is good about business in Dorset and this category is recognition of the important part family businesses play in the life of the Dorset business community.”

The awards, also backed by radio station Wave 105, are free to enter and winners will be crowned at a glitzy ceremony on November 27 at Bournemouth International Centre.

For further information, contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 71481.