A longstanding sponsor and three new sponsors have been welcomed to the Dorset Business Awards 2018.

HSBC and Premier Shipping & Packing Ltd. (PSP Logistics) both sponsor the Exporting Excellence award, and Beales Gourmet is returning as a sponsor for the Outstanding Customer Service award alongside new sponsors Teachers Building Society.

The Exporting Excellence award will celebrate the contributions Dorset exporters have made to both the county and international economy. Any business that enters must have been trading for at least three years and have a record of international trade during that period. Companies are encouraged to showcase successful and innovative approaches to exporting.

Frank Dixie, managing director of PSP Logistics, said: “The Dorset Business Awards are highly renowned and respected in the region and when HSBC asked us to join them in sponsoring the Exporting Excellence Award we jumped at the opportunity. Our vast knowledge of exporting will certainly be an asset during the judging process and our involvement gives PSP greater visibility in Dorset.”

Anthony Reed, head of corporate banking at HSBC, added: “HSBC is proud to support the Exporting Excellence Award in recognition of the importance that exports play in both Dorset and the wider the UK economy, influencing level of economic growth and employment. Companies who export report higher levels of productivity, profitability and innovation. HSBC’s international banking network covers 53 international markets providing access to around 90% of world trade flows and as such, we are delighted to have the opportunity to recognise businesses that excel at exporting.”

Companies looking to enter the award for Outstanding Customer Service should have a proven track record of exceeding customer expectation and delivering a world class experience. The judges will be looking for entrants who have listened and responded to customers’ needs in order to gain a thorough understanding of their customer base.

Commercial manager of Beales Gourmet at The Italian Villa, Justin Cohen, said: “We are delighted to be returning as sponsors at this year’s Dorset Business Awards, having sponsored this category last year. We chose to co-sponsor the Outstanding Customer Service category as this is such a major cornerstone of our own business. We cater for over 350 weddings and events every year, and our team are passionate about delivering memorable events with exceptional levels of customer service. We’ll be looking for businesses who share this same passion as we know that there are many Dorset companies that exude customer focus, so we’re looking for the cream of that crop.”

Simon Beresford, chief executive officer of Teachers Building Society, added: “As a building society, we are owned by our members rather than shareholders, and excellent service is at the heart of all that we do. We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Dorset Business Awards for the first time and the Outstanding Customer Service Award is a perfect way for us to reflect on our own emphasis on service. Winning this prestigious accolade sends out a clear message to the local business community and to customers that your company is providing a world class service experience.”

In association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, the Awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk. The closing date for entry is Friday August 3. Entry is open to all companies based in Dorset with a BH or DT postcode and entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For further information about the Awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner which will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday November 1 please contact the DBA team on 01202 714800.