BUSINESSES in the digital and creative centre are being urged to enter their dedicated category in the Dorset Business Awards.

The Creative and Digital Impact Award was introduced last year, when it went Bournemouth game developer Amuzo for its LEGO City app.

Sandbanks-based PR and marketing consultancy Liz Lean PR partnered with Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership to sponsor the prize, to recognise one of the fastest-growing sectors in the county. The award will recognise originality and innovation in projects completed last year.

Mike Hawkyard from Amuzo, said: “We were delighted to discover that the Dorset Business Awards has the glamour, organisation and PR reach of any national awards which we have entered previously.

“There have been a number of benefits to winning a Dorset Business Award including raising our profile in the Dorset business community and having the opportunity to build further links with other local companies.

“We even received presents from other organisations we have never met before to congratulate us on our achievement. I can’t recommend entering the awards enough.’’

The awards are run by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and backed by the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo.

Entrants for the Creative and Digital Impact Award need to include: a description of the creative and digital approach to their project; the project budget; the success criteria for the project and outcomes; and details of the impact it has had on the client and audience. Entrants are encouraged to upload a one-minute video to demonstrate their passion for the project.

Liz Willingham, managing director at Liz Lean PR, said: “We are thrilled to be co-sponsoring this award with Dorset LEP. As Dorset has retained the title as one of the UK’s fastest-growing areas in the digital economy, we felt it was important to support this award for the second year running. After the success of the award category from last year we are looking forward to discovering the hidden creative and digital talent the county has to offer.’’

Rob Dunford, interim Dorset LEP director, said: ‘‘The digital and creative sectors are recognised by Dorset LEP as vital components of the county’s economic growth, especially through their role in helping to generate high-quality jobs in the region. Dorset is already recognised as a hot spot for creative talent and we are passionate about promoting this not only on a national scale, but internationally too as a major inward investment opportunity.”

The awards, which are also backed by Wave 105, are free to enter. Entries can be submitted at dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk and the closing date is Sunday, September 3. Entry is open to companies based in Dorset with a BH or DT postcode and entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber.

For information, or to reserve tickets at the gala dinner on Thursday, November 23, contact Stuart Dixon on 01202 714810.

SPONSOR PROFILES:

Liz Lean PR:

Sandbanks-based Liz Lean PR is a proactive public relations, marketing and event management consultancy. Over the past 20 years, the consultancy has built a reputation as the south coast’s leading PR agency through our dedication, expertise and results, working with a strong portfolio of clients across a range of sectors including professional services, tourism, retail, leisure, healthcare and local government.

The team delivers effective campaigns on a national, regional and local level using both online and offline media. The company is renowned for its little black book of contacts, which provides the foundation for targeted events, stakeholder engagement and helps bring organisations together for mutual benefit.

Dorset LEP

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a business led private and public sector partnership that aims to promote local economic growth and prosperity. Acting as a strategic gateway to funding, Dorset LEP supports and delivers projects of long term economic benefit for all in Dorset through cross sector partnership.

The core aims of the LEP are to create jobs; aid the up-skilling of Dorset’s workforce; drive long-term growth of the local economy; and support housing provision.