THE 20th annual Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, is set to celebrate businesses that are combining commercial success with delivering a positive impact on the local community.

The Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by JP Morgan, is looking for entries from firms that are building positive links with the community.

The judges will be seeking finalists that demonstrate they are leading on corporate social responsibility in Dorset. The winner will be able to provide details of specific community initiatives particularly those that involve employee engagement, and illustrate the impact these have had on the local community, employees, customers and suppliers.

Last year, the Motcombe Community Shop in Shaftesbury won this award because the judges were impressed by how this village shop, post office and coffee shop run by members of, and for the benefit of, the village community has become an important social hub.

Kay Francis from Motcombe Community Shop said: “We were thrilled to achieve recognition for the work we do with our local community.

“The shop has become the centre of our community offering company, support and interaction for all who visit and for some it has become a way of life.

“The whole award process was a wonderful experience for our shop. There is a huge amount of unseen work that goes into running a village community shop and winning the award generated a real feelgood factor.

“It also confirmed our customers’ belief in our value in the community. We’re pleased to say that since winning the award our takings have increased.”

Dorcas Williams, vice president, communications, at JP Morgan, said: “The Business Engagement with the Community Award seeks to recognise businesses in Dorset that have shown real commitment to the local community.

For details of how to enter the awards, visit the website dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or ring Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812. The closing date is September 12.