DOES your business help bring in tourists and boost local trade? If so, it could be in with a chance of winning at the Dorset Echo Industry Awards.

This year the Contribution to Tourism Award is being sponsored by Dream Cottages.

Joy Sangster, Managing Director of Dream Cottages, said: “Dream Cottages are delighted to sponsor the Contribution to Tourism Award at the Dorset Echo Industry Awards this year. Having been established in the local area for over 30 years, we’re really excited to see who shines through. As Dorset’s leading holiday cottage company, we would encourage any business who contributes to tourism in Dorset to enter. Last year we took over 35,000 guests on holiday to Dorset and we can’t wait to see some of the amazing things others have contributed – best of luck!”

The Dorset Echo Industry Awards aim to shine a spotlight on the many companies which make such a huge contribution to our economy. They bring together the best of businesses in the DT postcode sector, recognising and showcasing their achievements.

There are innovative industries, both big and small, operating in fields from food to fashion, tourism to technology, employing thousands of people, exporting around the world or helping to attract visitors to our county and we aim to celebrate their achievements with these prestigious awards.

Businesses are welcome to nominate themselves. Or, anyone outside a business interested in its impact on the wider community and local economy can enter a nomination in any of the categories.

Once received the nominations will be considered by our judging panel.

The judges will announce the three finalists in each category in the Dorset Echo. All three category finalists, plus one guest each, will be invited to join the overall sponsor Natwest, event sponsor Weymouth College and their category sponsors at the awards ceremony at Weymouth College on Thursday May 21, where the winners will be announced.

The winners of each category will receive £250 of advertising in the Dorset Echo or online and will also be featured in the winners’ coverage. Enter online at dorsetecho.co.uk/industryawards