The winners of the Dorset Echo Industry Awards were announced at a ceremony at Weymouth College yesterday evening.

The awards recognise the best in local business.

The event was hosted by Weymouth based singer-songwriter and producer Lauren Bannon and was sponsored by NatWest.

Commenting on the winners, Simon Barrett, Relationship Manager at NatWest, applauded the diversity of the businesses recognised.

He said: “It appears to be a broad range of businesses. It is encouraging to see this range in Dorset.”

Alison Hill, Agriculture Relationship Manager for NatWest, said: “It is good to be supporting some smaller businesses.

“I think it is good we have something that is based in this area, and it good to have the event in Weymouth.”

The event featured entertainment for the guests as well the awards ceremony itself.

Tom Amery, founder and owner of Brace of Butchers (which won two awards), said: “We are overwhelmed and excited that locals have taken us to these awards.

“It is a testament to what locals believe, and that is an incredible feeling.”

Other winners also expressed their delight at their recognition.

Malcolm Cumber, Practice Manager of Dave Cumber Vets, said: “I would like to thank all the staff and social media staff. People always love to see pictures of animals.”

Diane Harrington, HR officer for ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK Ltd., said: “We are not sure who has nominated us, but we would like to say thank you to them, it is great to be recognised.”

The 2019 winners are:

Apprenticeship/training employer Award 2019 Winner

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK Ltd.

Business development or innovative idea Award 2019 Winner

Unity Dorset

Business leader Award 2019 Winner

Clayson Scaffolding

Contribution to Tourism Award 2019 Winner

Rendezvous and Royal Oak

Customer Service Excellence Award 2019 Winner

Brace of Butchers

Food / Drink Experience Award 2019 Winner

Delicious

New Business (opened in the last 2 years) Award 2019 Winner

Britlift

Product or service Award 2019 Winner

Brace of Butchers

Retailer of The Year Award 2019 Winner

Waste Not Want Not Bridport Ltd

Social Media Engagement Award 2019 Winner

Dave Cumber Vets