PKF Francis Clark is searching for Dorset’s most successful and innovative family firm at this year’s Dorset Business Awards, organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

The PKF Francis Clark Family Business Award promotes and recognises some of the great achievements of Dorset-based, family-owned businesses. Nominations can be made by the business itself or by a customer, supplier or employee.

Last year’s award winner, Trimetals Ltd has been established for 50 years and is Europe’s leading producer of quality metal garden storage sheds.

Ben Smith, general manager at Trimetals Ltd, said: “With three generations working within the company we are very proud of this achievement. In addition to the significant morale boost for all our staff, the award win genuinely has helped with promotion, marketing and consumer confidence in our company.

‘‘I would strongly encourage any local family business to enter the awards and spend time considering your application, taking the time to detail the unique services and advantages your company offers. You have a significant award to gain and nothing to lose, so just go for it.’’

Nick Love, partner at PKF Francis Clark, said: “As a business we are so passionate about supporting family businesses. Over the years that we have sponsored this award we have continually been impressed by the diversity and strength of the entries for our category.

‘‘Across the UK, two thirds of businesses are family owned employing more than 12million people and contributing about 20 per cent of UK government revenues. It’s not easy running any business, let alone a family one, so this award is our chance to recognise the achievements and contributions of some amazing Dorset-based family firms.’’

PKF Francis Clark Family Award checklist

Entrants should include details of the following:

* Financial performance of the business in the last three years.

* Number of generations the business has survived.

* Family involvement in terms of numbers and generations.

* Involvement with the local community.

* Succession plans.

* Uniqueness.

Nominations from a customer, supplier or employee are welcomed, but the family business must submit the entry form.

In association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, the awards are backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk prior to the closing date for entry on Sunday September 3. Entry is open to all companies which are based in Dorset with a BH or DT postcode and membership of DCCI is not required to enter.

For further information about the awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner at Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday, November 23, please contact Stuart Dixon on 01202 714810.

Sponsor profile: PKF Francis Clark

PKF Francis Clark know it is unusual to see the words “accountants” and “passion” in the same sentence but the firm have always looked at things differently because 
it is genuinely passionate about helping clients succeed – whether it’s building a 
better business, early retirement, or simply more time with the family.
PKF Francis Clark has been a long standing leader in the field of family business 
advice and has been heavily involved in a major initiative aimed at boosting family business growth in south west England.