The finalists of the Dorset Echo Industry Awards 2018 have been announced

Judging this year’s awards were Dorset Echo editor Diarmuid MacDonagh, Richard Drax MP, Alan Burt, Julia Cohen, and Andrew Knowles.

This year's event is kindly sponsored by Dream Doors, Sherrens, WPCC, SWIB, and are supported by Weymouth College and the Dorset Training Academy, with 12 awards up for grabs.

The awards bring together the best of businesses in the DT postcode sector, recognising their achievements.

Editor Diarmuid MacDonagh said: "These awards celebrate and 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.

"We were delighted to receive an exceptionally high level of nominations this year which is a clear reflection of the quality of the businesses in our circulation area."

Mr Drax said: “Anything that promotes businesses in the resort and region and introduces a level of competition

is a good thing.

“It’s an excellent way of bringing people together to make us appreciate that there’s many people out there working hard to make jobs and promote the area, and we are grateful to them.

“It’s a pleasure to have been asked to judge the competition and I look forward to seeing who the winners will be.”

The 2018 finalists, in alphabetical order, are:

Best Overall Retailer:

Daniels Fish and Chips

Jordans Jewellers

Woods Furniture

Best Customer Service Provider:

Boutique at No 6

Lakeside Guesthouse

The Crow's Nest

Best Social Media Marketing:

Dorwest Herbs

Emm-power

The Dorset Burger Company

Best Business Development or Innovative Idea:

Rendezvous Weymouth

Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum

The Contemporary PA

Best New Business:

Luke Hayter Fitness

Oakes Insure

The Umbrella Tree

Best Product or Service:

Age Space Dorset

Cook Shop

Clarkes Windows

Best Community Engagement:

Café On The Green

Dave Cumber Vets

Made to Measure Pantomimes

Best Apprenticeship Employer:

IT Support 365

Specsavers

Wyvern Academy

Best Woman In Business:

Jo Windell

Nicky Massey

Sarah Attwood

Best Dining Provider:

Manbos

Shalim’s Balti House

The Dorset Burger Company

Best Contribution to Local Tourism:

Portland Port

Rendezvous Weymouth

We Are Weymouth

Best Long Standing Business:

Chesil Beach Motors

Tecan

Woods Furniture