Individuals who demonstrate exceptional vision and leadership skills are being urged to enter the 2017 Dorset Business Awards.

Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Pure Networking are joining forces to create a new award category to search for the Business Leader of the Year.

This award recognises an individual who has achieved measured and sustainable growth and drove high performances within their organisation.

Stuart Dixon, head of marketing and communications at DCCI, said: “Dorset is full of inspirational business leaders making impact across the county. We need our leaders, they play a critical role in driving growth and prosperity in the local economy, and we feel it is essential that we champion such individuals. They are a great source of inspiration, and demonstrate essential qualities for our aspiring future leaders, they lead by example and without title.”

Dion McCarthy, founder of Pure Networking, added: “There are business leaders in Dorset who make a substantive, yet unrecognised, contribution to the local economy.

“This new and exciting award recognises unique individuals, the visionaries and those who lead with integrity while creating opportunities for others.”

In association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, the awards are backed by Wave 105 and are free to enter.

Entrants can submit an entry via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk prior to the closing date on Sunday, September 3.

Entry is open to all companies which are based in Dorset with a BH or DT postcode and membership of DCCI is not required to enter.

For further information about the awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner, which will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday, November 23, can contact Stuart Dixon on 01202 714810.