More than 70 local business leaders gathered for the third annual Dorchester and Poundbury Business Awards.

The awards ceremony was held on Thursday, March 30 at The King’s Arms in Dorchester.

The winners enjoyed celebrating their success with Dorchester Mayor Councillor Janet Hewitt.

Cllr Hewitt said: "We owe a lot to Dorchester businesses that do so much for the community."

Winners included Jordans Jewellers, the Shire Hall Museum, The Highbrow Laser and Skin Clinic, Purple Office, West Dorset Magazine, PIPS Poundbury, Sprint Digital Print, The Rhubarb Candle Company, Meraki and joint winners in the Independent Business of the Year category were Basilico and Dodgson’s DIY.

Organiser Nigel Reeve said: "Local businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and its great to celebrate and promote the fantastic range we have here in Dorchester."

Cameron Small, 23, and his business Honey Asset Finance was the big winner, taking home the Overall Business of the Year award among two other awards.

The finance specialist company also won BSB Business of the Year, with Managing Director Mr Small winning Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

He said: "It is great to be recognised, we came hoping to be lucky enough to win one award so we are more than happy to have won three.

"It certainly wasn't easy getting here, had a lot of criticism from older people talking down at me, telling me that is not possible or that I had to get a job somewhere else first.

"Part of my drive comes from proving some of those people wrong."

Honey Asset Finance was launched in 2017 by Mr Small to help connect individuals and businesses with banks and finance providers.

Mr Small describes the business as "taking the sting out of finance".

Born in Dorchester and raised in the town, Mr Small said winning the local award made it all the more sweeter

He added: "I am incredibly proud of the team, the business and our clients.

"It is always nice to be recognised, but to be awarded in Dorchester where I have lived all my life is amazing.

"It is really special to be recognised by peers and people who have seen you grow up."