NEARLY 700 people turned out to see the cream of the county’s companies honoured in the Dorset Business Awards.

The 20th annual awards were held at the BIC in association with the Daily Echo, the Dorset Echo and radio station Wave 105.

Stage and screen actor Guy Henry – known for Holby City, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Extras – compered the event.

The evening was introduced by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s chief executive Ian Girling and president Paul Collins.

Mr Collins told the audience: “We’ve been through a tough time and we can see our businesses have come through stronger, wiser and ready to do business.”

Guy Henry, who grew up in Highcliffe, told the audience that acting was about pretending. He said: “I’m going to pretend that I’m someone who knows how to present an awards ceremony and you’re going to pretend that I can.”

Recalling his days at Brockenhurst College and at Christchurch’s Homefield School, he said of Homefield: “I see they’re turning it into an old people’s home now, so I’ll be able to go back there soon.”

Winners received the Dorset Business Award Trophy, while the finalists were presented with a bottle of award-winning sparkling wine from Dorset-based Furleigh Estate. Guests continued the celebrations into the small hours at a private after-party at 1812 Bar & Restaurant.

Ian Girling said: “This year’s awards received a record number of entries from across the region. We’ve had the honour of paying tribute to a variety of outstanding businesses, from a 500-year-old family butcher shop in Bridport, to a global air traffic management and airports consultancy in Poole.”

He added: “The high quality of the business activity coming out of our region is remarkable, and on behalf of all the award sponsors, I’d like to extend our congratulations to all of this year’s winners and shortlisted finalists.”

Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan

Winner - Freshleaf Media Limited, Wimborne

Judge Dorcas Williams, Vice President Communications at J.P. Morgan, said: “The judges felt that Freshleaf Media was able to demonstrate a comprehensive and high level of community involvement that had made a real difference in the lives of many people.

"The Charitable Giving Programme has touched the lives of both the employees and the local community, by providing both financial support and hands-on support from the staff.”

Business Growth Award, sponsored by Advanced Exchequer

Winner - The Training Room, Poole           

Paul Sparkes, Marketing Director at Advanced Exchequer, said: “The Training Room is a truly great Dorset business. The company’s strategic vision, clear understanding of the value of employee engagement and ability to execute well formulated plans made it the stand out business in this year’s Growth Award category.

“The judges were particularly impressed by The Training Room’s innovative loans scheme, which enabled the business to significantly grow its revenues and deliver a major competitive edge. The Training Room was able to clearly articulate its future direction and could evidence the key actions required to achieve its goals. The complementary skills of the senior management team created an agile business that has the key ingredients for continued success.” 

Dorset Export Award, sponsored by ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK

Winner - Think Research Ltd, Poole

Sam West, Marketing Manager at ATLAS ELEKTRONIK said: “Think Research Ltd has come out on top as a result of both its high percentage of exports, and for the commitment that the business has shown to Dorset and job-creation in the county.

"The company’s main export is its staff and their knowledge, therefore Think’s attitude and commitment to its staff is exemplary.

“The team’s pride about being Dorset-based shone through and the business clearly demonstrates expansion, as it’s moving to bigger premises to support its growth, which is purely as a result of its exports.

"Finally, the fact that their profits remain in Dorset bringing revenue to the county made them clear winners for us.”

Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Bournemouth University

Winner - Trelawney Dampney, Eco Sustainable Solutions Ltd, Christchurch

Mark Painter, Manager of the Centre for Entrepreneurship at Bournemouth University, said: “Trelawney Dampney has a broad network of local and industry connections and has paid continuous and close attention to market developments and technological advancements.

“Trelawney’s business achievements in terms of sustained growth and profitability, coupled with his ‘can do’ approach, resilience, energy and clear passion for the Eco business and the sector within which it operates, contributed to the judges’ decision to name him as the overall winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”

Excellence in Innovation Award, co-sponsored by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Liz Lean PR

Winner - Permavent Ltd, Weymouth

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “We faced a tough job in looking at many entries from a wide range of fantastic businesses, all looking to innovate, embrace new ways of thinking, develop their products, services and way they work. They all showed great entrepreneurial flair, enthusiasm and aspiration.

“What we were really looking for was a business that could demonstrate the development of a new technology, product or service that was truly ground-breaking in its sector. Permavent Ltd demonstrated this with the Easy Roof System. The system went through rigorous testing at the Building Research Establishment and designer Steve Makin showed passion and determination in developing such a unique product and challenging traditional practices and techniques.”

Hays Employee of the Year Award

Winner - Jeanette Yorke, Borough of Poole, Poole

Judge Samantha Paterson-Crofts of Hays, said: “Passionate and inspiring are two very important words that describe Jeanette. She is undaunted by new challenges and is creative and innovative in her problem solving, always going the extra mile.

“A whirlwind of positive energy, Jeanette works tirelessly to teach and develop her early years’ children. The Starting Out programme has been adopted by a number of schools in and around the Dorset area, and has made a real impact to children, their lives and their families.”

Lester Aldridge and Santander Company of the Year Award

Winner -Dextra Group Plc, Gillingham

Grant Esterhuizen, partner at Lester Aldridge and Alex Fuller, Regional Director for the Solent area at Santander, said: “The judges considered Dextra Group Plc to be the winning entry because of its impressive and consistent performance and growth over a period spanning 35 years.

“The key to its success is down to the business being well structured and highly professional throughout.  The company demonstrated clear vision and has strong plans for investing into the future; a recipe which will ensure its sustainability and provide growth to the Dorset economy.”  

Nuffield Health Excellence in Customer Service Award

Winner - KingsWood Day Nursery, Alderholt

Judge David McNair from Nuffield Health Bournemouth, said: “From the moment you walk into the nursery, you can see that the children are so eager and willing to participate in all the activities on offer. The staff we met were all outstanding and a credit to their profession.

“From its extended opening (50 weeks per year), to its ‘never say die’ attitude encouraging children to go outside and enjoy the beautiful surroundings in all weathers, KingsWood Day Nursery showed us time and again that it goes the extra mile to make those very early years of a children’s life so special.”

Princecroft Willis Family Business Award

Winner - RJ Balson & Son, Bridport

Judge Nick Love, head of family business at Princecroft Willis, said: “Founded in Bridport in 1515 when Henry V111 was on the throne, this retail family butcher is an integral part of the local community and it’s a family joke that the business is still going because the family hasn’t yet made enough money to retire! 

Nick added: “The judges believed this family company to be a huge local success story and a worthy winner of the 2014 Princecroft Willis Family Business Award."

Retail Experience Award, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre

Winner - Allum & Sidaway, Dorchester

Lead judge, John Grinnell of the Dolphin Shopping Centre, says: “It has always been Allum & Sidaway’s aim to bring the highest quality product, expertise and service to its customers, to ensure the company’s good name and reputation and ensure repeat business.

“The in-store teams are passionate and dedicated, demonstrating thorough product knowledge and providing an unforgettable experience for visitors to the shops.

“What’s more, the business isn’t afraid to take on new ventures and in June, opened a Pandora franchise store in Weymouth, with two further stores due to open in Andover and Salisbury in early 2015.”