BUSINESSES offering a strong product or service are being encouraged to enter the Dorset Echo Industry Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Skyline, Weymouth College, HIX and Langham Wines, are back for a second year and will see the best businesses in Dorset come together to celebrate their achievements.

Last year’s saw Jurassic Electric Bikes take home the Best Product or Service award.

Martin Gershon from the company said: “Jurassic Electric Bikes offers innovative e-bike guided tours and sales from our base in Weymouth. We were really surprised to be selected as a finalist for the Best Product or Service category at the inaugural Dorset Echo Industry Awards and completely amazed to be chosen as the winner on the night.

“Personally speaking, the award means a great to deal us and has certainly helped to raise our profile in the local business community.

“The award itself has pride of place in our showroom, and it gives a relatively small business such as ourselves a great deal of encouragement to be amongst all the other Dorset companies who also were recognised at the 2016 awards. I would recommend without hesitation any other business to take advantage of submitting an entry this year. You never know what might happen next if you do.”

The Industry Awards include the following categories:

n Best Overall Retailer (sponsored by Fleetline)

n Best Customer Service Provider (sponsored by the Dorset Echo)

n Best Social Media Marketing (sponsored by Sherrens)

n Best Business Development or Innovative Idea (sponsored by WPCC)

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

n Best Contribution to Local Tourism (sponsored by Pengillys)

n Best Product or Service (sponsored by Atlas)

n Best Community Engagement Business (sponsored by Active Mobility)

n Best Apprenticeship Employer (sponsored by Weymouth College)

n Best Dining Provider (sponsored by Brewery Square)

n 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. The category, name, address, website, contact name and telephone number must be submitted with each nomination. The closing date is May 1.