Three of the most popular award categories return to the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Dorset Business Awards for 2018.

These are company of the year, family business, and team of the year.

Lester Aldridge returns as sponsor of the company of the year award, where the winning company is likely to be a leader in its own market, with dedication to excellence in products and services and a dynamic approach to quality and innovation. Entrants must display the ability to think strategically, prove sustainable business practices, and illustrate plans for future growth.

Grant Esterhuizen, partner and head of corporate and commercial at Lester Aldridge, said: “We are proud to once again sponsor the award which recognises the premier company in Dorset. From staff growth to sales, we are looking for a local company, or subsidiaries of national and international businesses with a BH/DT postcode, who can demonstrate an excellent financial track record and a commitment to all-round excellence. We would encourage firms to enter as it offers the opportunity to showcase your business as a key player in the county and to demonstrate that you are a leader within your sector, as well as inspiring your staff and customers. We are looking forward to meeting the shortlisted companies and finding out who is at the top of their game through the Awards’ judging process.”

PKF Francis Clark returns to sponsoring the Family Business award for the 12th year. Businesses who wish to enter this award must have worked through at least two generations, demonstrate family involvement, be innovative, adaptable and have strong family values.

James Robinson, partner at PKF Francis Clark, added: “These awards are our chance to celebrate those successful family businesses, which is why we are delighted to be able to again sponsor the Family Business of the Year Award in the Dorset Business Awards. There have been some terrific winners in past years and we look forward with eager anticipation to this year’s entries.”

Returning as a sponsor for the third year, TeamJobs are proud supporters of the Team of the Year Award. This award offers an opportunity to recognise the hard work, professionalism and dedication of a team who have exceeded your expectations and made a real contribution to the success of your business.

Jason Gault, managing director at TeamJobs, said: “At TeamJobs we believe having the right team is important and is the fundamental ingredient to a successful and happy working environment. A great team is the backbone of any business. We know running a business is not easy and more importantly the time and skills needed to develop a truly affective and functional team.

“We have proudly sponsored the Team of Year Award for the past two years and we are very excited to be sponsoring again for 2018.”

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.