Dorset’s biggest celebration of local businesses has officially launched. 
More than 100 key members of the business community gathered for the launch of the 2017 Dorset Business Awards at the Italian Villa in Compton Acres, Poole on Thursday.

The annual event is a celebration of the skills, achievements and innovations that Dorset has to offer. 

The awards, organised by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and backed by the Dorset Echo, give local companies the ultimate opportunity to put their businesses in the spotlight and gain recognition for their successes, and companies are now being urged to enter to shout about their achievements. 

Entries for the awards are open from July 6 until September 3. For the first time this year, individuals and businesses can nominate other deserving companies via the website to encourage them to enter a chosen award category. 

The website features details of the awards programme including criteria of each award category, eligibility, and information about how to purchase tickets for the awards ceremony.

There are 12 categories, including five new categories introduced this year which are: Business Leader of the Year, Dorset Brand of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships Award and The Young Chamber Award. 

Ian Girling, chief executive at Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Dorset’s most esteemed business awards are now open for entry. 

“The Dorset Business Awards are the region’s recognition platform that elevates distinguished organisations above the rest. Entering the awards is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and promote the accomplishments that your company has worked hard to achieve.

“With the addition of five new award categories for this year, there really is something for everyone to enter whether you are from a large or small organisation, an entrepreneur or passionate employee. The awards cover a broad spectrum of categories in order to demonstrate the diverse range of talent and excellence that is present within our business community.’’

All category sponsors for the 2017 awards have been confirmed and include Beales Gourmet, Blue Sky Financial Planning, Dolphin Shopping Centre, Dorset LEP, Lester Aldridge, Liz Lean PR, PKF Francis Clark, Pure Networking, REID Steel, RT Brand Communications, Santander, Sunseeker International Ltd, TeamJobs, UK Health Insurance and UK Luxury Care. The Daily Echo, Dorset Echo and Wave 105 remain on-board as media partners.

Finalists will be invited to a gala dinner on Thursday, November 23, at the Bournemouth International Centre. Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital will be the entertainment sponsor for the gala dinner and Brighter Productions is production sponsor for the third year running.

Those interested in finding out more about the 2017 awards can visit www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or contact Stuart Dixon on 01202 714810.