SPONSORS of the 2013 Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, are set to begin their mission for the very best of Dorset’s business successes following this year’s launch yesterday.

A 150-strong business audience attended the launch event at Deans Court, Wim-borne to kick-start the competition which opens for entry on Tuesday.

Organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and backed by Wave 105, the awards are now in their 19th year with a quest to recognise dynamic Dorset companies, successful entrepreneurs and flourishing employees who have assisted in driving the region’s economy forward.

There are 10 categories, including one new award – Hays Employee of the Year.

The Dorset Business Awards welcomes back Lester Aldridge LLP as co-sponsor of the Company of the Year Award.

The launch event was sponsored by Breeze Volkswagen of Tower Park.

The awards are free to enter and entrants can submit via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk, sponsored by RT Media, or print off an entry form and submit a paper-based entry by Tuesday, September 10.

Businesses of any size and operating in all industry sectors that fulfil the criteria are encouraged to put themselves forward for one or more of the 10 accolades.

Peter Scott, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The Awards represent a celebration of true excellence.

“The competition endeavours to encourage organisations of all sizes and from all sectors to celebrate what they do well.

“An award can lead to some great profiles, the forging of new business relationships and provide a real boost to staff morale.

“The theme for this year’s awards is ‘Dynamic Dorset’, showcasing all dynamic aspects of Dorset such as the culture, places, people, tourism, education, music and of course business.

“The awards are open to firms with BH or DT postcodes and we hope for as wide a range of entries as possible to reflect the great diversity in the business community.”

They will culminate in a prestigious gala dinner ceremony on Thursday, November 28, at the Lighthouse in Poole.

To find out more, visit dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.

THE categories are:

  • Apprenticeship Training Award sponsored by Superior
  • Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan
  • Business Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by Barclays
  • Dorset Tourism Award, co-sponsored by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Liz Lean PR
  • Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Bournemouth University
  • Hays Employee of the Year Award – NEW CATEGORY
  • KPMG & Lester Aldridge Company of the Year Award – NEW AWARD CO-SPONSOR
  • Nuffield Health Excellence in Customer Service Award n Princecroft Willis Family Business Award n Retail Excellence Award, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre