Weymouth College is the event sponsor for the 2018 Dorset Echo Industry Awards

The awards aim to celebrate the superb section of industry in our area and to highlight the many companies, across myriad sectors, which make such a huge contribution to our economy.

As well as this, the awards bring together the best of businesses in the DT postcode sector, recognising and showcasing their achievements.

Weymouth College has been involved with the awards since its launch in 2016 and holds the winners’ ceremony in its Dorset Training Academy each year.

This year, the college will be the event sponsor and will once again host the awards.

Speaking about this year’s event, Julia Cohen, Head of External Partnerships at Weymouth College and The Dorset Training Academy, said: “Last year’s event was hugely successful – it just seems to get better and better every year.

“At Weymouth College we are keen to support the business community. The event is part of our ongoing partnership with Dorset Echo.

“Hosting the event at Weymouth College means that students from many areas of the curriculum have the opportunity to be part of the project from start to finish. The Industry Awards create some fantastic real-life work experience opportunities for our students in business administration, hospitality and catering, performance, art, design and media.”

The college says it has some ‘new plans’ to make this year’s event extra-special but it will keep its cards close to its chest until the awards evening.

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 the 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.