THE Open4Business Excellence Awards sponsored by Smart Group Recruitment Solutions were a fitting finale to the Open4Business extravaganza.

Guests attended a wide range of events over the festival fortnight, including business breakfasts, exhibitions, masterclasses, meetings, seminars, workshops and presentations.

The theme was 'inspiring the future' and it was open to all businesses in south and west Dorset as well as young people.

Some 173 business people, awards nominees, sponsors and guests flocked to the college in Cranford Avenue for the black tie night.

They were served champagne and soft drinks at a reception with music and canapes before heading into the college restaurant for a four course meal from Dorset produce.

Travel and tourism students welcomed guests and acted as hosts during the course of the evening. Hospitality and catering students cooked the meals and waited on tables. Masonry students designed and created the 'sailing boat' awards from Portland Stone.

Performing arts students also designed and choreographed a special showcase for the college theatre before the awards were presented.

Helen Stacey, director of headline sponsor Smart Group Recruitment Solutions, joined host and Dorset Echo managing director Paul Kinvig to praise the quality of the food and service - as well as the awards entries.

She said: "We were delighted to be the main sponsors again this year.

"They were even better than last year. Thanks to all of the college staff and students involved for making them go so well.

"I was truly impressed with the huge amount of entries and quality of entries this year.

"It made judging very very difficult, and everyone should be proud of their achievements."

Creative Solutions, from Southwell Park on Portland, shot video snippets of guests' comments as they arrived which were played on a screen at the start of the awards ceremony in the college theatre.

Winners received their awards on the stage from their category sponsor but the Business of the Year Winner, Jane Collinson from Aubergine Healthy Living, was greeted by a shower of sparks as a mini pyrotechnic display heralded her arrival.

Mr Kinvig said: "It was very difficult to choose winners.

"This year the entries were of a very high standard. It was a staggeringly difficult job."

He added: "A huge thank you to the college for putting on such a wonderful dinner for us. The food and service was fantastic, and all the students were a credit to the college and the principal of Open4Business."

A new award category is to be added for next year's honours - the Flame Award for someone who is completely committed to their job and business.

Mr Kinvig added: "The business community is great in south and west Dorset and sometimes we need to shout about it a bit more."