Businesses from all over the county will meet in the historic grounds of 11th-century Deans Court in Wimborne tomorrow for a reception to mark the launch of the 2013 Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo.

The launch event, sponsored for the second year running by Tower Park-based motor dealership Breeze Volkswagen, will celebrate the achievements of past winners and reveal this year’s award categories.

Organised by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, entry to the 2013 competition opens on Tuesday June 18, and businesses of every size from across the county and all industry sectors are encouraged to put themselves forward for one or more of the prestigious accolades.

The awards were established 19 years ago to find the region’s top business leaders, companies, employers and entrepreneurs and have attracted an exceptional level of entries from some of Dorset’s top-performing companies.

Award sponsors confirmed for 2013 are Barclays Bank, Bournemouth University, the Dolphin Shopping Centre, the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hays Specialist Recruitment, J.P. Morgan, KPMG, Lester Aldridge, Liz Lean PR, Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, Princecroft Willis and Superior.

The Bournemouth Daily Echo and Wave 105 remain onboard as media sponsors, with the Dorset Echo confirmed as a supporter.

RT Media will continue as the Dorset Business Award website sponsor.

John Corderoy, managing director of Breeze Volkswagen, says: “We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious event and to be able to offer our support to the Dorset Business Awards for the second year. “Like all successful businesses, here at Breeze Volkswagen we always aim to be the best. We share best practice and celebrate achievement, and the mission of the awards to encourage excellence is a perfect fit with the way we run our business.”

Peter Scott, chief executive of the Chamber, said: “The Dorset Business Awards is an integral part of the county’s business calendar. “The competition has become the single biggest business event held in Dorset each year, where companies come together in a joint celebration of all that is good for our county.

“The 2013 launch event will provide potential entrants with the opportunity to meet sponsors to find out what they are looking for in this year’s entries and will be a good opportunity to network with the Dorset business community.”

The Awards close for entry on Tuesday, September 10, and the campaign will culminate in a prestigious gala dinner ceremony on Thursday, November 28, at the Lighthouse in Poole.

Companies interested in finding out more should visit dorset businessawards.co.uk or contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.