THE SEARCH is on for Dorset’s leading entrepreneur.

Bournemouth University is calling on business people to join the search for this years Dorset Business Awards.

The University is sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

The business awards are organised by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and backed by the Dorset Echo, Daily Echo and Wave 105.

Applicants are reminded that the awards are free to enter and that entry is open to all companies, with entrants not required to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The entrepreneur award recognises an individual based in Dorset showing entrepreneurial vision and demonstrating a clear plan to achieve sustained future growth.

Past winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award include Trelawney Dampney of Eco Sustainable Solutions, the team at Adido and Paul Woods from Astutute.

Current award holder Phil Whitehurst, chief executive of marine electronics from Actisense, was recognised for his work building brand awareness across the globe, currently distributing its products to over 30 countries.

Phil said: “I was personally thrilled to receive stand out recognition from amongst Dorset’s thriving business community with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

“A business person, however, is only as strong as the team behind them and the awards were a great way to celebrate our dedicated and hardworking team.

“Businesses entering the awards are advised to think carefully about their strengths are and what they are most proud of.

“Putting together a good entry requires hard evidence so entrants need to ensure they include plenty of facts, statistics and testimonials in an application.”

To be in with a chance of winning entrants need to show evidence of the following; reasons as to why they should become Entrepreneur of the Year, what obstacles have been overcome to achieve success and how, their growth ambitions and key business objectives, and evidence of trading as a sole trader, limited company, partnership, social enterprise or charity with a BH/DT postcode.

Dean Patton, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Bournemouth University said: “Entrepreneurship, particularly for the Dorset economy, is a key source of jobs, business dynamism and innovation.

“The people and businesses entering this category will need to show flair and tenacity and will come from a variety of industries and backgrounds.”

Entries can be submitted via the website at www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk until September 9.