THE finalists have been announced in the Dorset Business Awards.

More than 330 judges pored over the entries to pick the shortlist for the awards, organised by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

Winners will be announced at an ice kingdom-themed gala dinner at the BIC on Thursday, November 24, hosted by comedian and actress Debra Stephenson.

Entries in the awards –backed by the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo – spanned an area from Evershot to Highcliffe and Stalbridge to Wareham.

The finalists are as follows.

Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan: Rachel Scott Singing Lessons and Recording Studio, Weymouth; Redweb, Bournemouth; The Short and Sweet Company, Wimborne.

Creative and Digital Impact Award, sponsored by Liz Lean PR and Arts University Bournemouth: Amuzo, Bournemouth; Greenwood Campbell/LV=, Bournemouth; Salad, Poole.

Emerging Business Award, sponsored by the Training Room: Aish Technologies, Poole; Avius, Bournemouth; Koh Group, Poole.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Bournemouth University: Karina Grassy of Slumbersac Trading Co Ltd, Wimborne; Lloyd Greenfield of Glow Green Ltd, Bournemouth; Simon Brooks of Seventa Events Ltd, Bournemouth.

Francis Clark Family Business Award: Hoburne, Highcliffe; The Drewitt Group, Bournemouth; Trimetals, Blandford.

UK Health Insurance Investing in Dorset Award: Chococo, Wareham; Dike & Sons, Stalbridge; Summer Lodge Country Lodge Hotel, Evershot.

Lester Aldridge and Santander Company of the Year Award: JC & RH Palmer Ltd, Bridport; Parkeon Transit Ltd, Poole; Structural Metal Decks (SMD), Poole.

Nuffield Health Excellence in Customer Service Award: Beales Gourmet, Poole; Harts of Stur, Sturminster Newton; Summer Lodge Country Lodge Hotel, Evershot.

Retail Experience Award, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre: Dike & Sons, Stalbridge; Forum Jewellery, Broadstone; The Perfume Shop, Poole.

Team of the Year Award, sponsored by TeamJobs: Beales Gourmet, Poole; Candlelight Care, Sherborne; Seventa Events, Poole.

VoIP Unlimited Business Engagement with Education Award: Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth; The Honest Agency, Sturminster Newton; Ultra Electronics, Wimborne.

Ian Girling, chief executive of DCCI, said: “The exceptionally high standard of entries across the board has proved to be a real challenge for our judges. We are delighted to be picking our winners from the cream of Dorset’s enterprising businesses across the whole of the region.

“Our sponsors would like to extend their gratitude to all the companies that took the time and trouble to submit an entry and we wish all the finalists the best of luck.”

Shortlisted entrants are invited to a Meet the Finalists event hosted sponsored by Inspire Accountants on Monday, November 14, at the Sandbanks Hotel in Poole.

For tickets to the awards dinner, call 01202 714800.