Businesses truly committed to its customers will be celebrated at the 2017 Dorset Business Awards with a brand new category.

The Outstanding Customer Service Award is sponsored by Beales Gourmet at The Italian Villa and Luxurycare.

Organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), the awards have introduced five new categories to the business community this year.

This award will recognise businesses that can demonstrate its commitment to providing the very highest level of customer service. Businesses that exceed customer expectations by delivering a world class experience will be in line to win.

Tony Beales, managing director of Beales Gourmet at The Italian Villa, said: ‘‘We are thrilled to be involved as sponsors at this year’s Dorset Business Awards, having been finalists in two categories ourselves last year.

“We chose to co-sponsor the Outstanding Customer Service Award as this is such a major cornerstone of our own business. We cater for more than 350 wedding and events every year, and our team are passionate about delivering exceptional levels of customer service.

“We’ll be looking for businesses who share this passion as we know that there are many Dorset companies that exude customer focus, so we’re looking for the cream of that crop.’’

Kevin Gunputh, managing director of Luxurycare, added: ‘‘At Luxurycare, cCustomer service underpins the culture of our service in our care homes. We chose to become a sponsor of this category as we felt it would be a platform for us to celebrate customer service in local Dorset businesses. We also felt that it was the most relevant category as we, as an organisation, place so much emphasis on treating our customers with dignity and respect, such that they receive the service they and we expect.’’

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

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, contact Stuart Dixon on 01202 714810.