COMPANIES vying for supremacy have until Friday, September 24 to enter the Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards.

The four categories are:

KPMG Company of the Year;

Lester Aldridge Business Person of the Year;

Dorset Business, The Chamber of Commerce and Industry, International Award, sponsored by Business Link Wessex;

IoD Innovation Award, sponsored by Bournemouth Univer-sity.

Lester Aldridge managing partner Roger Woolley said: "The awards have been established for 10 years and provide an excellent platform for local businesses and business people to celebrate their achievements.

"We have received a variety of entries but believe that there are many more companies in Dorset that deserve to be acknowledged for their accomplishments.

"Gaining an award is more than a prestigious honour - it also brings genuine business benefits to winners such as increased recognition both locally and nationally, enhanced staff motivation, and a growth in momentum from both potential clients and employees."

Shortlisted entries will be decided by October 22. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Royal Bath Hotel, Bournemouth on December 9.

Entry forms can be downloaded at www.lesteraldridge.co.uk/PDF_files/dba_entry_form_2004.pdf.

They can also be obtained from Margaret Waite, Lester Aldridge, 01202 786161 (Margaret.Waite@LA-Law.com) or Hazel Gibbs, KPMG, 023 8020 2051 (hazel.gibbs@kpmg.co.uk).