BUSINESSES helping boost tourism in Dorset 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 the DT postcode come together to celebrate their achievements.

This year the Best Contribution to Tourism award is sponsored by Pengillys Solicitors.

Christopher Berry, principal at Pengillys said: “Over our 125 years in business tourism has always been important for our clients both individuals and businesses. People entering the award are demonstrating that tourism is as important today.”

Last year’s award ceremony saw The Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival scoop the award.

Roger Dalton, an organiser of the festival, said: “The Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival was very proud to have won the Best Contribution to Local Tourism award 2016 as part of the Dorset Echo Industry Awards.Being judged by business and tourism leaders as the best against very stiff competition from top attractions, shows that the festival is achieving its aims of showcasing the quality and diversity of our local fishing industry. through a lively mix of tastings, demonstrations and seafood stalls from Dorset and the South West.

“The award is also hugely motivational to the management team and our dedicated volunteers who give a tireless commitment of many hundreds of hours in planning and delivering the event every year.

“To know that their work is really valued by industry leaders gives them all a sense of real pride and achievement as well as providing important marketing opportunities for the festival enabling it to differentiate from the other competing events within the county.

“External recognition by the industry is a powerful motivational tool and I would recommend any business to enter these prestigious awards.”

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.