PREPARATIONS are well underway for this year’s Dorset Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards.

It is the 20th year of the awards, which have been organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the past ten years, as county firms are rewarded for their achievements over the past 12 months.

A launch event at Parley Manor will be held on Wednesday, June 18 to mark the opening of this year’s awards and will see former winners and sponsors of the event gather to celebrate the occasion.

Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says: “The Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry has organised this competition for nine years and celebrating excellence remains at the heart of the Dorset Business Awards.

“Whether it is recognising companies and individuals who go the extra mile to achieve success or acting as a motivator to encourage more firms to fulfil their potential, the core values of the awards have not changed in 20 years.

“Each year, we never fail to be amazed by the standard of results achieved by businesses in this county and it is an honour to recognise them in this way.

“The awards not only provide a local but also a national platform for companies to share successes with others.

“We strongly urge organisations of any size and stature to submit their details – many past winners have acknowledged the results as enormously beneficial.”

The Dorset Echo and Bournemouth Daily Echo are media sponsors for the event.

This year’s awards are sponsored by Breeze Volkswagen, and John Corderoy, managing director, said: “The Dorset Business Awards have gained a reputation as the most sought-after accolade in the business community.”

From Monday, June 23, the awards website dorsetbusinessawards.co. uk will be open for businesses of every size operating in all industry sectors to put themselves forward for recognition.

Entry will close on Friday, September 12.

To find out more contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.