LOCAL firms hope to be creating waves at the Dorset Business Awards tomorrow night.

The Dorset Echo-backed finalists include 27 first-class businesses, three schools and three apprentices.

They gathered together to attend a drinks reception with the award sponsors in celebration of reaching the penultimate stage.

They gathered at Hoburne Park in Christchurch ahead of the glittering Oscar-style Awards Gala Dinner at the Poole Lighthouse tomorrow.

Going for a gong in the Morgan Sindall-sponsored Business Engagement in the Community category are the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Chief executive John Tweed said: “It is always so flattering to be shortlisted for such a well established Dorset-based business award, such as this. I am particularly happy this year that our day to day business activities have been profiled as supporting the local community through our engagement with young people and our beneficial effects on other local businesses.

“With 2012 only two months away it is the region’s time to really strive for excellence in the business arena and ensure that the community benefits.”

Also representing south and west Dorset is Groves Nurseries of Bridport, which is shortlisted for the Princecroft Willis Family Business Award.

Overseeing proceedings as host is TV actress and impressionist Debra Stephenson.

Peter Scott, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Award sponsors and organisers believe the drinks reception was an extremely important event to celebrate the achievements of the finalists, as well as provide them with a valuable opportunity to meet their award sponsors ahead of the main event.”