THE search for the stars of Dorset business is under way.

Entries are open for the 2015 Dorset Business Awards, which organisers say could be the biggest ever.

The awards were launched at Kingston Country Courtyard in Swanage yesterday.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said: “We have a huge variety of different types of businesses and I think Dorset has got a really fantastic story to tell.

“I think we need to do more sometimes to put Dorset on the map. I think Dorset sometimes can be seen as a little bit sleepy in the south west but it’s got a really vibrant business community.”

This year’s awards, organised by DCCI, will have a Hollywood theme and will be promoted as a search for the county’s business stars.

Mr Girling added: “I think we can make this the biggest yet.”

Neil Carlton, business development manager with Breeze Volkswagen, which sponsored the launch, said: “These awards are about recognising companies and individuals that go the extra mile to provide services or products."

The launch event heard from Michelle Wood of KingsWood Day Nursery, about the effect on her business of winning the Nuffield Health Excellence in Customer Service award last year.

She said: “Everyone deserves recognition and praise for the hard work and long hours that we all do.

“The Dorset Business Awards give that recognition. It lifts staff morale and helps your business stand out from the crowd.”

Poole telecommunications company VoiP Unlimited is sponsoring a new category, VoiP Unlimited Business Engagement with Education Award.

Aimee Looker, marketing executive at VoIP Unlimited, said: “We believe young people leaving schools are not equipped with enough skills to prepare them for the world of work.”

She added: “We’d like to hear about the business benefits of having a partnership with an educational group and what benefits the school has received from this relationship.”

Another change to the awards line-up see recruitment specialist hays changing its category from employee of the year to Team of the Year Award.

Businesses have until September 11 to submit their entry, with details at dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday November 26 at the BIC.

See The Briefing section of the Daily Echo on Tuesday, June 23, for more details.