THE HUNT is on to find Dorchester’s top shops and businesses.

People are being given the chance to shout about their favourite business in the county town in a new competition.

The Dorchester BID (Business Improvement District) has launched the competition to help recognise those places people enjoy visiting in the town.

The BID says that in a world of online shopping it wants to find out what still draws people to a town centre and what helps create a healthy high street.

As well as good shopping experience, it wants to hear about valuable advice and insights that some businesses can offer to customers and other key factors that give the personal experience.

The BID says that with Dorchester boasting a range of specialist, independent businesses mixed with traditional and new high street brands, it is time to celebrate the outstanding examples in the town and maybe even help others to improve their customer experience.

In an effort to get as many votes as possible, the BID is offering a prize package for two lucky voters that includes a fine dining evening meal, a night in a top Dorchester hotel with breakfast, mid-morning coffees, lunch and afternoon cream teas.

There will also be a guided walk from town crier Alistair Chisholm to give some insight into the town and its colourful history and a golden ticket for two giving them unlimited entry to all seven of the museums and exhibitions in Dorchester.

Dorchester BID project director Phil Gordon said: “In Dorchester, we want to give you the best experience we can when you visit us.

“Whether you are a regular shopper or a first time visitor, your opinion matters a lot and so we would like to give you the chance to vote for your favourite shop or business.

“This might be where you had the best shopping or service experience, or perhaps they went above and beyond the call of duty!”

Entries need to include nominations for first, second and third as well as any extra comments you would like to make and full contact details.

Each business receiving a first place vote will get three points, two for a second place and one for third.

A winner will be drawn as the BID annual general meeting in September.

Votes can be submitted online at dorchesterdorset.com or emailed to info@dorchesterdorset.co.uk

They can also be posted to DBID office, 2nd Floor, 49 High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UT before September 10.