THREE businesses from south and west Dorset are celebrating after winning the top prizes at the Dorset Business Awards.

Backed by the Dorset Echo and organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), the awards ceremony was held at the Bournemouth International Centre last week to recognise the achievements of businesses across the county.

Hosted by Harry Potter actor Guy Henry, 680 of the county’s business community attended the 1920s-themed black tie event.

Permavent Ltd, based on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth, won the Excellence in Innovation award, which was sponsored by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Liz Lean PR, for its Easy Roof system.

Ian Girling, chief executive of DCCI, said: “We faced a tough job in looking at many entries from a wide range of fantastic businesses.

“What we were really looking for was a business that could demonstrate the development of a new technology, product or service that was truly ground-breaking in its sector.

“Permavent Ltd demonstrated this with the Easy Roof System. The system went through rigorous testing at the Building Research Establishment and designer Steve Makin showed passion and determination in developing such a unique product and challenging traditional practices and techniques.”

Dorchester-based jewellers Allum & Sidaway, which also has four other shops in Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Ringwood and Salisbury, won the Dolphin Shopping Centre sponsored Retail Experience Award, beating competition from retail giants River Island and Animal.

The store in Dorchester underwent a rigorous judging process which included a number of mystery shoppers before being crowned as top dog John Grinnell, the lead judge of the category, said: “It has always been Allum & Sidaway’s aim to bring the highest quality product, expertise and service to its customers, to ensure the company’s good name and repeat business.

“The in-store teams are passionate and dedicated, demonstrating thorough product knowledge and providing an unforgettable experience for visitors to the shops.”

Libby Bugler, manager of the store, said: “It was a really lovely night, we were very surprised to have won it but it was a nice surprise.

“I would like to think we won because our staff are very knowledgeable about the products they sell, and they all have good customer service, which we include on our training schemes. It’s the first time we’ve taken part in the retail experience award and we are so pleased to have won.”

The jewellers was also shortlisted in the Princecroft Willis Family Business Award, but was beaten to the top prize by Bridport butchers RJ Balson & Son, which will celebrate its 500th anniversary next year.

Judge Nick Love, head of family business at Princecroft Willis, said: “Founded in Bridport in 1515 when Henry VIII was on the throne, this family butcher is an integral part of the community.

“The judges believed this family company to be a huge local success story.”