Entries have closed for the 20th annual Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo and Wave 105, and judging is underway.

With a diverse range of high calibre companies with BH or DT postcodes entering, 2014 has been a great year for the Dorset Business Awards.

A record number of entries were received, highlighting how relevant and important the Awards are to the business community as a whole.

Thirty judges have until October 10 to evaluate each category and shortlist 30 finalists, three for each award, from the submitted entries. The 2014 Finalists will all be invited to attend the Meet the Finalist event on Monday November 17, where they get to meet each other and their sponsor.

This will be followed by the gala dinner awards ceremony at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday November 27, where the overall winners will be announced.

Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We are thrilled with the response the 20th annual Dorset Business Awards has received and the high number of entries reflects this. It just goes to show how important the Dorset Business Awards are to this region. Every year the awards just get bigger and better, and we are really excited to be able to showcase these vibrant companies at the gala dinner awards Ceremony on November 27 at the BIC, which is a new venue for 2014.”

Tickets purchased for the black tie Awards Gala Dinner before October 1 cost £75 + VAT (Chamber members), £85 + VAT (non-Chamber members) or £700 + VAT for a table of 10 (Chamber members) or £800 + VAT (non-Chamber members). From October 2, tickets cost £85 + VAT (Chamber members), £95 + VAT (non-Chamber members) or £800 + Vat for a table of 10 (Chamber members) or £900 + VAT (non-Chamber members). To book places, call Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.