FIRMS from West Dorset claimed top honours at the county’s annual business awards.

The Hive Beach Café at Burton Bradstock and Amsafe from Bridport scooped the titles at the Dorset Business Awards held at Lighthouse in Poole.

The Hive won the Princecroft Willis Family Business Award and Amsafe walked away with the Innovative Technology Award, sponsored by Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry and P H Warr plc.

The Hive was taken over by Bill and Joan Attrill in 1991 and their son Steve took over the day to day running of the cafe in 1994.

There are currently seven family members of the Attrill family involved in the business, covering three generations.

Delighted Graham Wiffen, one of the Hive managers, said: “Steve’s parents Bill and Joan were over the moon when they were told. The staff and family are what make the Hive.

“Steve has worked really hard with his father over the years and it is great to get that recognition.”

BBC royal and diplomatic correspondent Nicholas Witchell presented the awards.

AmSafe claimed its award for its Tarian product, an ultra-lightweight and strong replacement for conventional cage armour.

Vice-president of defence Neal McKeever said: “This is a deserved award since it really is an example of true technology innovation.

“The employees at AmSafe in Bridport are proud to have received this award and particularly that it is an award for technology innovation that will improve the safety and ultimately help protect the lives of the brave British troops and those of their allies out in Afghanistan and other areas of potential future conflict around the world.

“One of the really unique things about the patented Tarian system is the significant weight saving advantage that it offers over traditional steel and aluminium bar and slat armour.

“Tarian provides a weight saving of 90 per cent when compared to traditional steel bar or slat armour.

“This reduction in weight means that the savings can be applied to protection improvements elsewhere on the vehicle, which could include improved protection against IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) or roadside bombs.

“This latest technology innovation is a further example of AmSafe’s world leading application of engineered textiles in support of critical aerospace and defence applications.

WINNERS

Best Employer for a Healthy Workplace Award, sponsored by Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital: Julia’s House of Corfe Mullen.

Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by Morgan Sindall: LV= of Bournemouth Creative Company/Project of the Year Award, sponsored by The Arts University College at Bournemouth and Liz Lean PR: Christchurch Food and Wine Festival Dorset Exporter of the Year Award, sponsored by UK Trade and Investment: Parkeon Transit Limited of Poole.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Bournemouth University: Amanda Jenner, My Carry Potty of Bournemouth.

Innovative Technology Award, sponsored by Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry and PH Warr plc: AmSafe of Bridport.

KPMG Company of the Year Award: Farrow & Ball of Wimborne.

Linking with Schools Award, sponsored by the Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council: X-Leisure (Poole) Ltd, Tower Park Entertainment Centre NatWest Excellence in Customer Service Award: CG Pitcher & Son Limited of Blandford Forum.

Princecroft Willis Family Business Award: The Hive Beach Café of Burton Bradstock.