Do you know a new business which is passionate about what it does? If so, it could be in with a chance of winning a Dorset Echo Industry Award.

The judging panel are looking for an exciting new business which strives for success to win the Best New Business Award.

This year, the category is being sponsored by Dorchester-based business Dream Doors.

Keith Hunter, owner of Dream Doors, has been involved with the Dorset Echo Industry Awards since its launch in 2016, and is pleased to be supporting this year's event.

He said: “Last year was very good. I think the industry awards are great for local businesses because they help get their name out there, but it’s also nice to meet people from other businesses. It’s a good social event, and an opportunity to learn about what other businesses are up to.”

Discussing the Best New Business Award, Mr Hunter said: “I think it is quite nice for new businesses to get some recognition. When a new business is starting up it can be tough and if they have been successful they deserve to be recognised."

Businesses are welcome to nominate themselves for an award.

Or, anyone outside a business interested in its impact on the wider community and local economy can enter a nomination in any of the categories.

Once received the nominations will be considered by our judging panel.

The judges will announce the three finalists in each category in the Dorset Echo.

All three category finalists, plus one guest each, will be invited to join their category sponsors at the awards ceremony at Weymouth College on Friday, June 15, where the winners will be announced.

The winners of each category will receive £250 of advertising in the Dorset Echo or on dorsetecho.co.uk and will also be featured in the category winners’ coverage in the Dorset Echo and online at dorsetecho.co.uk

CATEGORIES

* Best overall retailer

* Best customer service provider (Sponsored by the Dorset Echo)

* Best social media marketing (Sponsored by Sherrens)

* Best business development or innovative idea

* Best new business (opened in the last two years) (Sponsored by Dream Doors)

* Best contribution to local tourism

* Best product or service

* Best community engagement business

* Best apprenticeship employer (sponsored by Weymouth College)

* Best dining provider (sponsored by Dorset Training Academy)

* Best woman in business (Sponsored by Successful Women In Business)

* Best long-standing business (sponsored by WPCC)

How to enter

Online - Enter online at dorsetecho.co.uk/

Closing date for nominations is May 9, 2018.

Usual Newsquest competition terms and conditions will apply.

please visit dorsetecho.co.uk/competitionterms for full details.