THE finalists for the 2019 Dorset Echo Industry Awards have been announced.

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

Judging this year’s awards were Dorset Echo editor Diarmuid MacDonagh, South Dorset MP Richard Drax, Alan Burt, Julia Cohen, Steve Davies, Charlotte Sheppard, Chris Curtis and category sponsors.

This year's event is kindly sponsored by overall sponsor Natwest, category sponsors Dream Doors, Sherrens, Successful Women In Business, BMI The Winterbourne Hospital, Brewery Square, Active Mobility, and Shalims Balti House, and are supported by Weymouth College.

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. Our readers have made a huge contribution to this year’s nominations which has led to us presenting a Readers Award on the night."

The 2019 finalists, in alphabetical order, are:

Apprenticeship/training employer

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK Ltd.

M J Fry Agricultural Engineering

St Judes Care

Business development or innovative idea

Brace of Butchers

Eco Sustainable Solutions Ltd

Unity Dorset

Business leader

Clayson Scaffolding

Kate Atkinson - Bridal Reloved Franchising

Waste Not Want Not Bridport Ltd

Contribution to Tourism

Brewery Square

Rendezvous and Royal Oak

WEYMOUTH PAVILION C.I.C.

Customer Service Excellence

Boss Miniatures & Gaming Ltd

Brace of Butchers

Cafe on the Green

Margo & Mya

Food / Drink Experience

Billy Winters Bar & Diner

Delicious

The Fat Badger

New Business (opened in the last 2 years)

Britlift

First Class Fitness

The Secret Garden Cafe

Product or service

Brace of Butchers

Copper Street Brewery

Scardys

Retailer of The Year

Boo’s Toy Shop

Margo & Mya

Waste Not Want Not Bridport Ltd

Social Media Engagement

Dave Cumber Vets

Hannah Collins Art

New Body Fitness