THE semi-finalists have been announced in this year’s Dorset Venus Awards for women in business.

More than 100 guests were at associate sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Poole to hear the names read out.

This year there was also a shortlist event for four sponsors – Ash Elite, Enhanced, Exterion Media and Mploy – and their category nominees, who were from big brands such as Lush, McCarthy & Stone, Organix and Churchill Retirement Living. The event was held at the refurbished Derby Lodge in Bournemouth.

There were 521 nominations and 358 entries.

Two new categories have been introduced in Dorset this year – Inspirational Woman in Technology (STEM disciplines) and Musical Talent.

Tara Mussell, co-founder of software company Ratio, sponsor of the Digital Media and Online Business Award and herself a Venus Awards National Winner for 2016, said: “It was very difficult to whittle the nominees down to just five semi-finalists, but the chosen five have very impressive businesses and are a real showcase of passionate, working women in Dorset.”

Sue Murphy, head of business development and marketing at solicitors Dutton Gregory, said: “This is our sixth year of supporting women in business through the Venus Awards. Each year the calibre of entry received in our Small Business category continues to grow, making my job as a judge harder and harder.”

Talbot Heath School is sponsoring the Business Mother of the Year Award, one of two categories that are voted for by the public.

Charity sponsor is BOO, whose aim is to help African children who are disadvantaged through economic poverty.

Finalists will be announced on September 2 and the finals will be held on October 20 at the BIC.

The semi-finalists are as follows:

Tigerlilly Nails New Business: Ali Dolphin, Mindful Solace Ltd; Sarah Kent, South Coast Hearing Care; Sam Savage, South Coast Events; Tracey Verrall, Nu Vo Hair and Beauty; Sue Weller, Furry Feast.

Mercedes-Benz of Poole Influential Woman: Rebecca Anstey, UK School of Modelling; Jaya da Costa, Dorset Blind Association; Sally Harvey, AOK Rucksack Appeal; Amanda Jenner, Potty Training Academy; Rossana Mead, Musica Musica and Wellbeing.

Dutton Gregory Small Business: Julie Awtley-Weston, Chilly b Soap Company;

Zelda De Hollander, Studio Shotz Photography; Mandy Fitzmaurice, Purple HR; Michelle Nova, La Nova Studios; Hollie Power, Forever Gorgeous

Bournemouth University Inspirational Woman: Sophie Cook; Samantha Everard, Roses and Garters Ltd; Margaret Hannibal, Supporting Bereaved Children; Sally Harvey, AOK Rucksack Appeal; Tracey Verrall, Nu-Vo Hair and Beauty.

Ratio Digital Media and Online Business: Karina Grassy, Slumbersac Trading Co Ltd; Georgina Hurcombe, LoveLove Films; Emily Hyland, Bright Horizon Cloud Accountants; Arabella Lewis-Smith, Salad Creative; Eve Rykaczewska, Supreme Baby Limited.

Talbot Heath School Business Mother: Michelle Bartlett, Live Laugh Love Ladies Club; Mojgan Noorian Bellamy, Mojgan Bridal Couture; Kate Bolton, Ma Bolton; Michelle Davies, WeClick Media; Nicole Dawson, Do You Hear the People Sing?; Glenda Erdroff, Glenda Erdroff Financial Consultant; Paulina Fordham, Capital School of English; Miriam Phillips, Bright Daisy Publishing Ltd; Kerry Pocock, Make a Space; Sofie Scott, Ash Elite.

Playgolf Bournemouth Networker: Dawn Cook, Dorset Women in Business; Zelda De Hollander, Studio Shotz Photography; Jo Huey, Jo Huey Business Solutions; Lorna Trent, Parrot; Danielle Vrettos, Just For You Designs.

Christchurch Jewellers Entrepreneur: Kate Atkinson, Bridal Reloved Franchising Ltd; Eve Rykaczewska, Supreme Baby Limited; Georgina Hurcombe, LoveLove Films; Denise Wright, Janine Pattison Studios Ltd (JPS); Lucinda Bilboe, BOXXX.

Fizz Benefits Musical Talent Award: Carley Dawson, BeeCreative Company; Nicole Dawson, Do You Hear the People Sing?; Helen Jenkins; Rossana Mead, Musica Musica and Wellbeing; Jenny Oag.