THE revamped Open 4 Business extravaganza has been launched with a new theme for 2009 – ‘Fit 4 Business’.

Organisers of the annual Dorset Echo-backed festival have adopted the slogan to hammer home the importance of being ready for the 2012 Olympic Games and sailing races off Weymouth and Portland.

But they have also breathed new life into the awards with fresh categories and new ceremonies for Lyme Regis and Bridport.

Project team chairman Gareth Jones, who is Weymouth and Portland Borough Council regeneration and business development officer, said: “Open 4 Business 2009 will be focusing on getting all businesses fit for business in readiness for 2012.

“Open 4 Business offers outstanding opportunities for local businesses to be recognised for their achievements, to be inspired by networking and learning from one of the many events taking place and overall, a chance to celebrate business in these tough trading times.”

This year’s Open 4 Business extravaganza runs from October 5 to 16. There will be a range of events, exhibitions, workshops and activities as well as the annual awards.

There are eight awards in the main competition this year, including four new awards.

There will also be new awards for businesses in Lyme Regis and Bridport. They are Business of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Sustainable Jurassic Coast Business of the Year. Business Link is the headline sponsor of Open 4 Business 2009 and will be the main sponsor of the prestigious Business of the Year Award.

Matthew Butcher, from Business Link, launched the festival at a Lloyds Bank and Weymouth and Portland chamber of commerce business breakfast at the Rendezvous in Weymouth.

For full details of awards, entry details, events, awards ceremony tickets and sponsors go to o4business.co.uk and call Mr Jones on 01305 838476.

The awards

Small Business of the Year sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses.

First Time in Business sponsored by the Enterprise Connection.

Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Weymouth College.

Excellence in Customer Service sponsored by Champagne Video and Film.

Exporter of the Year sponsored by DJ Properties Tourism Business of the Year sponsored by Getaway Digital.

Technology in Business sponsored by Universal Engineering.

Business of the Year sponsored by Business Link.

WEST DORSET AND EAST DEVON AWARDS

Business of the Year sponsored by View From Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Weymouth College.

Sustainable Jurassic Coast Business of the Year sponsored by the Jurassic Coast Team.

  • THE main awards ceremony will be a black tie dinner at Weymouth College on October 7.

There will be a champagne receptions for the West Dorset and East Devon local awards on October 13 at Lyme Regis Marine Theatre and October 15 at the Bull Hotel in Bridport.