ONE of the world’s biggest banks has joined forces with a leading law firm once again to begin the search for the company that exhibits all-round excellence.

Santander and Lester Aldridge are joint sponsors of the Company of the Year Award in the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards.

Entry is open to leading local businesses of all sizes. Judges will be looking for a winner who can demonstrate they meet the following criteria:

Excellence in customer care.

First-class processes for research and development into new products or services.

Outstanding financial track record.

A strong strategy for the development of the company.

Commitment to staff training and development plans.

Contribution to the wider community and steps to protect the county's environment.

The current award holder, Dextra Group Plc, was recognised for its impressive and consistent performance and growth over 35 years. It demonstrated a clear vision and strong plans for investing into the future.

Natasha Ward, marketing manager at Dextra Group Plc, said: “Being acknowledged for our achievements with a Dorset Business Award has been incredible. We are a British manufacturer competing against various international competitors and winning this award has given us national recognition for our work.

“Since winning, we have made steps into markets that may not have considered us before. It’s also about highlighting our area as one that harbours some of the best businesses in the country.

Grant Esterhuizen, partner at Lester Aldridge, said: “It’s brilliant to be involved with an award which looks to honour a local company with dedication to excellence in all aspects of their business. We’re looking for a market leader, who can demonstrate a dynamic approach to quality and innovation.”

Mark Robertson, who heads up Santander’s corporate and commercial banking team in Dorset, added: “As well as excellence in new product development and customer service, this award aims to recognise businesses with an outstanding financial track record in terms of sales growth and profitability.”

The awards, also backed by Wave 105, are free to enter. Businesses can enter at dorset businessawards.co.uk or print a form and submit a paper entry. The closing date is September 11.

For information, or to reserve tickets for the gala dinner at the BIC on Thursday November 26, contact Lorraine Hubbard on 01202 714810.