THREE of the most popular award categories returning to the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Dorset Business Awards for 2018 are: Company of the Year, Family Business, and Team of the Year.

Lester Aldridge returns as sponsor of the Company of the Year Award, where the winning company is likely to be a leader in its own market, with dedication to excellence in products and services and a dynamic approach to quality and innovation.

Entrants must display the ability to think strategically, prove sustainable business practices, and illustrate plans for future growth.

Grant Esterhuizen, partner and head of corporate and commercial at Lester Aldridge, said: “We are proud to once again sponsor the award which recognises the premier company in Dorset. From staff growth to sales, we are looking for a local company, or subsidiaries of national and international businesses with a BH/DT postcode, who can demonstrate an excellent financial track record and a commitment to all-round excellence.

“We would encourage firms to enter as it offers the opportunity to showcase your business as a key player in the county and to demonstrate that you are a leader within your sector, as well as inspiring your staff and customers.

“We are looking forward to meeting the shortlisted companies and finding out who is at the top of their game through the awards’ judging process.”

PKF Francis Clark returns to sponsoring the Family Business award for the 12th year. Businesses who wish to enter this award must have worked through at least two generations, demonstrate family involvement, be innovative, adaptable and have strong family values.

James Robinson, partner at PKF Francis Clark, added: “These awards are our chance to celebrate those successful family businesses, which is why we are delighted to be able to again sponsor the Family Business of the Year Award in the Dorset Business Awards. There have been some terrific winners in past years and we look forward with eager anticipation to this year’s entries.”

For the third year, TeamJobs is supporting the Team of the Year Award. This award offers an opportunity to recognise the hard work, professionalism and dedication of a team who have exceeded your expectations and made a real contribution to the success of your business.

Jason Gault, managing director at TeamJobs, said: “At TeamJobs we believe having the right team is important and is the fundamental ingredient to a successful and happy working environment. A great team is the backbone of any business.

“We know running a business is not easy and more importantly the time and skills needed to develop a truly affective and functional team.

“We have proudly sponsored the Team of Year Award for the past two years and we are very excited to be sponsoring again for 2018.”

In association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, the awards are backed by Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entries can be submitted via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk until Friday August 3.

Entry is open to all companies based in Dorset with a BH or DT postcode and entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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

Sponsor profiles

Lester Aldridge

From offices in Bournemouth, Southampton and London, full service law firm Lester Aldridge advises businesses and private individuals on a regional, national and international scale.

They are known for the ability to offer top quality legal advice in a straightforward way, making them accessible and easy to deal with. Its core practice areas are real estate, banking & finance, dispute resolution, corporate & commercial services and private client, and within these, specialist niche practices such as healthcare, marine, agriculture, charities and social enterprise, debt recovery and fertility. Lester Aldridge has grown to be the largest law firm in Dorset and can offer city expertise at regional rates.

PKF Francis Clark

PKF Francis Clark has 100 years’ experience of advising family businesses.

They combine strong in-depth, expert knowledge across the full range of accounting, tax, audit, VAT, payroll and personal financial planning services with the ability to engage with clients of all sizes and requirements.

PKF Francis Clark is also known for its unbeatable expertise in tax, including providing advice on international taxation, which has resulted in a string of industry awards. Whether you’re a family business, private client, corporate business, professional practice or in the not-for-profit sector, they can help.

TeamJobs

TeamJobs is a dedicated and established recruitment business based in Poole and in Bournemouth town centre. It was awarded Company of the Year at the Dorset Business Awards 2015.

The goal is to add value and work as a talent resource partner to clients and candidates alike to enhance the entire recruitment process. Its philosophy is to create a team of recruitment professionals who are highly motivated, understand the business and processes but most importantly who understand the journey and vision. If its staff are happy and value the recruitment business then this will be how they go about managing their relationships with businesses.

Past Winner Quotes

Tim Brown, managing director of Superior Seals Ltd, Family Business of the Year 2017: “Last year we were over the moon to win the Family Business Award sponsored by PKF Francis Clark. The whole experience of entering the awards and being crowned a winner was unforgettable. We’re a Dorset-based, family-owned business and winning further motivated us to maintain our strategy of continuous re-investment in employees, skills and machinery.

“If you’re thinking of applying for the Dorset Business Awards, I would highly recommend it. It has helped us gain positive recognition in the local community as an employer committed to offering quality apprenticeships and has helped us to continue to attract the best talent.”

Adam Greenwood, CEO of Greenwood Campbell, Team of the Year 2017: “Winning last year meant an immense amount to the team at Greenwood Campbell. We put a lot of effort into the entry progress and decided to bring the whole company along to the awards on the night. The excitement and sense of pride will not be forgotten.”