DORSET Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organiser of the Dorset Business Awards in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, is preparing to celebrate businesses that are transforming their communities.

The Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan, is looking for entries from companies going above and beyond the requirements of the business to build links with the community.

Judges will be looking to uncover finalists that can show that they are leading on corporate social responsibility. The winner will be able to provide details of community initiatives particularly those that involve employee engagement and demonstrate the impact these have had.

Last year, Poole-based Hamworthy Heating, a leading commercial boiler manufacturer, won this award. From initiatives such as ‘pond watch’, a weekly litter pick of the local nature reserve, donating staff time to supporting worthy causes and working with schools and young people, the company demonstrated its positive impact on the community.

Sam Boshier from Hamworthy Heating said: “We were really surprised to win, but also thrilled that the judges recognised our focus was not just on raising money but giving our time to help the local community.”

She adds: “There have been a number of benefits to winning a Dorset Business Award including gaining recognition for our work in the Dorset community and having the opportunity to build further links with other local businesses.”

Entrants should include details of the following:

Evidence of initiatives or projects undertaken that impact on the local community. For example community projects, social causes, education, employee volunteer schemes, environment and recycling schemes.

Background details to these initiatives or projects, how they were developed, implemented and the length of time that they have been operating as well as employee involvement.

A summary of the impact that these initiatives or projects have had on the organisation.

Dorcas Williams, vice president, communications, at J.P.Morgan, said: “This award category gives much needed visibility to companies who go above and beyond to truly support their community.“Over the years, we have congratulated winners and finalists who are each playing their part to create a thriving local community. We are looking forward to acknowledging an inspirational company for others to learn from in 2016.”

The awards are also backed by Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk. The closing date September 9. Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber.

For information about the awards, sponsorship or to reserve tickets for the gala dinner at the BIC on November 24, Stuart Dixon on 01202 714810.