THE four new categories in this year’s Dorset Business Award include an environmental award and one for employee health and wellbeing.

The Dorset Environmental Award is, sponsored by Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) and Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT).

It aims to recognise a business with an outstanding commitment to managing its environmental impact and Dorset’s natural capital. This includes carrying out actions to benefit wildlife and their habitats; reduce emissions, waste, or noise; improve raw material use or transport efficiency.

Simon Cripps, chief executive of DWT, said: “Environment is an important element of all businesses these days. DWT and PHC have sponsored this award to recognise and reward Dorset businesses that are making great strides to look after our county’s fabulous natural assets.”

BWT Physio and Ouch Training Team have joined forces to honour an employer leading in their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their workforce. The Employee Health and Wellbeing Award will recognise a business that empowers and supports its people to succeed by going above and beyond the legal requirements to meet the health and wellbeing needs of its employees.

Simon Cassin, director at Ouch Training Team, said: “Ouch Training Team is extremely proud to be sponsoring an award which recognises the importance of employee health and wellbeing. This award aligns with our organisation's values and aspirations. We are sure that the high profile of the Dorset Business Awards will inspire the businesses of the county to actively embrace the health and wellbeing of their employees, resulting in a better quality of life for them, their families and friends.”

Debbie Martin, clinical director from BWT Physio, added: “Caring employers understand wellbeing is more than just health and safety, it relates to lifestyle, how it fits within society and, crucially, how an employee feels at the end of their working day. We seek to highlight forward thinking employers who really do treat their staff as their greatest asset – with actions and words.”

The awards are run by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, and are also backed by Wave 105.

Entries can be submitted free at dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk until Friday, August 3.Entrants do not need to be members of the chamber.

For further information about the awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the gala dinner at the BIC on Thursday, November 1, call 01202 714800.

Sponsor profile – Dorset Wildlife Trust

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is the largest environmental charity based in Dorset. DWT runs more than 40 open access nature reserves across the county from part of Brownsea Island to Kingcombe Meadows. The trust engages people with the natural environment through health and wellbeing projects with the support of over 1,200 active volunteers. DWT also seeks to influence decision-makers in local and national government and the development planning system, as well as through their extensive corporate environment programme with businesses large and small across the county from Lyme Regis to Gillingham and Christchurch.

Poole Harbour Commissioners

Poole Harbour Commissioners is the statutory harbour authority for Poole Harbour, the world’s second largest natural harbour. It is a designated trust port, however does not receive any government funding and Poole Harbour and the Port of Poole is managed for the benefit of its stakeholders. They actively support the local environment, whilst encouraging commerce and the marine leisure sector to thrive within Poole Harbour.

Sponsor profile – Ouch Training Team

For over 20 years Ouch Training Team has worked with some of the largest and well-known companies in the UK. Its journey began with the provision of first aid and fire training, but over the years has listened to clients and expanded their portfolio to include; people focused business, health, safety and wellbeing training and consultancy services. With its head office in Dorset, the nationwide team of passionate and experienced trainers is expertly supported by friendly and efficient base camp staff. Over the years they have demonstrated a record of doing much more than ticking a box. Ouch Training Team will work with you to engage, inspire and empower employees, leading to a more dynamic, safe and healthy workplace for all. In 2018 it launched a new range of mental health and wellbeing courses.

Sponsor profile – BWT Physio

BWT is a large, dedicated team of private healthcare specialists providing a dynamic hands-on approach to physical therapy. With clinics in Ashley Cross and the West Hants Club, BWT also has a large, mobile team who provide care for employees in their own workplace. BWT is experienced in supporting employers to care for their staff whilst at work, in injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.