COULD you be an Industry Awards winner? 

This week marks the launch of this year’s Dorset Echo Industry Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Skyline, Weymouth College, HIX and Langham Wines, will see the best businesses in Dorset come together to celebrate their achievements. 

And we want more businesses from the west of the county to enter this year.

Bringing jobs to the area, boosting tourism or simply sparkling customer service - we want you to tell us the businesses that make living in Dorset even better.

Businesses in the DT postcode sector are therefore being encouraged to get involved. Firms are welcome to nominate themselves, 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.

Dorset Echo editor, Diarmuid Macdonagh said: “Following the success of the 2016 Dorset Echo Industry Awards we are delighted to be launching the 2017 awards to showcase the best of business in this area.

“We believe it is important to highlight the many companies, across myriad sectors, which make such a huge contribution to our economy.

“There are innovative industries, both big and small, operating in fields from food to fashion, tourism to technology, employing thousands of people, exporting around the world or helping to attract visitors to our county and we aim to celebrate their achievements with these prestigious awards.”

The Industry Awards include the following categories:

  • Best Overall Retailer (sponsored by Fleetline)
  • Best Customer Service Provider (sponsored by the Dorset Echo)
  • Best Social Media Marketing (sponsored by Sherrens)
  • Best Business Development or Innovative Idea (sponsored by WPCC)
  • Best New Business (opened in the last two years, sponsored by Woods)
  • Best Contribution to Local Tourism (sponsored by Pengillys)
  • Best Product or Service (sponsored by Atlas)
  • Best Community Engagement Business (sponsored by Active Mobility)
  • Best Apprenticeship Employer (sponsored by Weymouth College)
  • Best Dining Provider (sponsored by Brewery Square)
  • Best Woman in Business (sponsored by Permanent Makeup by Claire Louise)

Businesses from the DT postcode sector can be nominated by sending 100 to 250 words by e-mail to debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk with Industry Awards in the subject line. Up to three supporting documents may be provided as attachments. 

The category, name, address, website, contact name and telephone number must be submitted with each nomination. The closing date for nominations will be Monday, May 1.

Visit dorsetecho.co.uk/competitionterms for full terms and condition details.