THE SEARCH for stars in the Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards is well under way with entries already being received from firms vying to be KPMG Company of the Year.

The KPMG accolade is one of four Dorset Business Awards, designed to reward the skills and achievements of the county's top companies. The other three are the:

Lester Aldridge Business Person of the Year;

DCCI International Award, sponsored by Business Link Wessex;

IoD Learning to Achieve Award, sponsored by Learning & Skills Council, Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole.

KPMG Company of the Year judges will be looking for the most outstanding business in Dorset.

Successful entrants, which will have been trading for at least three years, must demonstrate all-round business excellence, sound strategies and strong leadership.

KPMG South Coast senior partner Tony Cottam will be leading the judges.

"We will be seeking excellence and innovation in products and services, strong financial performance, the ability to identify and exploit new markets and a strong awareness of the community and environment they work within," he said.

"Dorset as a whole is the base of many excellent organisations and each year a previously unknown business is revealed with true star quality. This depth of talent throughout the county means we are we are keen to receive entries from businesses from all four corners of Dorset."

The current holder of the KPMG award is aerospace group Cobham, which is based at Wimborne.

Chief executive Allan Cook believes that all businesses - irrespective of size or market sector - will shine if they provide the best possible service, on time and at the most competitive price.

"Entering certainly raised our profile in the county and we were pleased to have been associated with other successful enterprises in Dorset.

"Receiving the award last year was recognition of the achievements of people within the company and they enjoyed being part of this shared

success."

As a result of winning the award, Cobham will next month host a workshop for young entrepreneurs to share the secrets of its success.

To enter this year's Dorset Business Awards, contact Gemma Hart-Dyke at Lester Aldridge, 01202 786161 or gemma.hd@la-law.com