DORSET Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Dorset Business Awards 2018 are looking to honour businesses that are investing in Dorset, and those who have apprentices that go above and beyond what is required of them.

Young Apprentice Ambassador

A new category for 2018, the Young Apprentice Ambassador will be an individual that actively educates and encourages other young people in the county to consider an apprenticeship as an alternative to college or university. They could visit schools and careers fairs, give talks to local youth groups, or help develop a company’s apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeships are a foundation of award sponsor Superior Seals’ business.

Tim Brown, managing director of Superior, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Young Apprentice Ambassador Award at this year’s Dorset Business Awards. One of our core objectives is to continue to share best practice with other local manufacturers and wider sectors, so deciding to sponsor this category made perfect sense.

“We’re proud to help champion and promote apprenticeships in the local area. We see the benefits from our Academy on a daily basis; our apprentices are a key part of our future and success. We look forward to hearing individual success stories from Dorset businesses that share our vision and contribution to apprenticeships.”

Investing in Dorset Award

UK Health Insurance returns as the sponsor for the Investing in Dorset Award for 2018, recognising Dorset companies that understand the benefits of supporting the county’s economy and buying goods and services locally wherever possible.

The winner will be able to demonstrate their active commitment to spending locally and give specific examples that show the extent to which they are developing business relationships with other Dorset-based organisations.

Alistair Sclare, managing director of UK Health Insurance, said: “It gives us great pleasure to sponsor this award for the third year in a row and it is hugely satisfying to see companies entering and demonstrating clear improvements in the way they support other local businesses.

“If each of us moved to a local supplier for the regular purchase of just one good or service, it could make an immense difference to each other and to our local economy.”

In association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, the Awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entries can be submitted via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk The closing date for entry is 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 which will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday November 1, please contact the DBA team on 01202 714800.

Sponsor profile – Superior Seals Ltd.

Superior is a leading manufacturer of o-rings and special mouldings, based in Dorset. Superior employs 200 people and offers apprenticeships to students as young as 16, in engineering, material science and manufacturing. There are currently 20 apprentices.

The apprenticeship Academy was set up in 2012 to ensure sustainability in the future workforce. Superior invests in partnerships with local schools and colleges, aiming to get students interested in STEM from a young age.

Sponsor profile – UK Health Insurance

UK Health Insurance is a specialist, independent health insurance broker providing market service to local companies.

The company understands that every business is unique, taking time to listen carefully to individual businesses’ needs. Its team personally helps to guide individuals and businesses to the most suitable and cost-effective medical insurance plans.

Based in the Bournemouth and Poole area for more than 15 years, UK Health Insurance is passionate about inspiring local companies to buy locally whenever they can to support each other and help encourage the growth of the Dorset economy.

Past Winner quote

Ian Davey, managing director of Signature Catering, Investing in Dorset 2017: “We are so proud to have won at the Dorset Business Awards 2017, and we couldn’t do it without our phenomenal team. Being part of the local community is a key aim for us, and we source all our ingredients from local and sustainable suppliers meaning our customers get the best quality while supporting local businesses. It is an honour to have been acknowledged for what we do and we would encourage any local businesses thinking of applying for the awards to do so.

“Dorset is a thriving community and the awards are a true showcase of some of the best businesses across the county. The awards gave us a platform to demonstrate what we have to offer and not only have we secured new business from doing so, we have also seen an increase in collaboration with local companies particularly with Dorset Chamber members. The support the Chamber and its members provide to one another results in growth and development, something we have experienced first-hand.”