There is less than a month left until the county's largest celebration of Dorset businesses.

The Dorset Business Awards, organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), are being held at the Bournemouth International Centre.

More than 700 people are expected to attend the black tie Awards Gala Dinner taking place on Thursday, November 23 as a way of championing business achievement across Dorset.

The event is held in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo and is backed by the south’s leading radio station, Wave 105.

It will start with a drinks reception sponsored by Seventa Events, followed by a three-course dinner and then the glittering awards presentation will begin, featuring 12 categories and a total of 36 finalists, with the entertainment sponsored by Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital.

Stuart Dixon, head of marketing and communications for DCCI and the organiser of the awards ceremony, said: “The Dorset Business Awards has been running for the past 23 years and each year it just gets bigger and better in terms of the number of categories featured, as well as the number of people who want to reserve tickets.

“We are exceptionally proud of all of the finalists for this year’s event and we hope to welcome a wide range of businesses to come along, network and hear about what makes an award-winning company.

“Over the years, the awards have grown to become one of the highest honours in the county and one of the most sought-after accolades to receive.”

The DCCI has announced that ID card printing specialists, Magicard, has joined the list of prestigious sponsors at this year’s awards.

Weymouth-based Magicard, design, manufacture and explore new ID card printing technologies at their south coast headquarters with additional sales and support centres in the United States, Dubai and China. Magicard printers are also renowned for their built-in card security features, including the HoloKote secure watermark.

Andy Matko, managing director of Magicard, said: “The Dorset Business Awards is a key date in the county’s calendar. As we have had such a successful year ourselves, we’re looking forward to celebrating alongside the winners and finalists at the BIC.

“It is events such as the awards that really aid teams and businesses in their journey to grow. It boosts motivation and rewards hard work, creativity and knowledge. So we’re really looking forward to being a part of the evening.”

For more information and to reserve tickets, call Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 01202 714800.