THE overall sponsor of the 2017 Dorset Echo Industry Awards is urging businesses to show the county what makes them a worthy winner.

For the second year, cluster attraction Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park and Jurassic Skyline are the overall sponsor of the awards.

With the awards launching last week, businesses in the DT postcode are being encouraged to get involved and show us who is the best in business in Dorset.

The awards aim to celebrate achievements of businesses throughout DT area - whether its boosting tourism, providing unforgettable customer service or bringing more jobs to the area.

And this year we want more businesses from the west of the county to enter.

Firms are welcome to nominate themselves, or anyone outside a business interested in its impact on the wider community and local economy can enter a nomination in any of the categories.

Marketing manager at Weymouth Sea Life and Jurassic Skyline, Raquel Cubillo said: “Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park and Jurassic Skyline are proud to sponsor the second Dorset Echo Industry Awards for 2017.

“With Jurassic Skyline being Weymouth’s newest visitor attraction, and with an exciting year in store for SEA LIFE; We are very much a part of the local leisure experience and feel passionately about engaging with the community and supporting projects which will enhance the economic future of the area.

“We are delighted that the Dorset Echo have decided to run the awards again, in recognition of the achievements of local businesses.

“The awards are a refreshing and brilliant way to network and for businesses to engage with their local audience and great to display across their business.”

The Industry Awards include the following categories:

Best Overall Retailer (sponsored by Fleetline)

Best Customer Service Provider (sponsored by the Dorset Echo)

Best Social Media Marketing (sponsored by Sherrens)

Best Business Development or Innovative Idea (sponsored by WPCC)

Best New Business (opened in the last two years, sponsored by Woods)

Best Contribution to Local Tourism (sponsored by Pengillys)

Best Product or Service (sponsored by Atlas)

Best Community Engagement Business (sponsored by Active Mobility)

Best Apprenticeship Employer (sponsored by Weymouth College)

Best Dining Provider (sponsored by Brewery Square)

Best Woman in Business (sponsored by Permanent Makeup by Claire Louise)

Businesses from the DT postcode sector can be nominated by sending 100 to 250 words by e-mail to debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk with Industry Awards in the subject line. Up to three supporting documents may be provided as attachments.