THIS year’s Daily Echo backed Dorset Business Awards have recognised the considerable achievements of Dorset’s companies during a very testing 2010.

All sectors were represented at the glittering event at Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts, which was organised by Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry and hosted by BBC Royal and diplomatic correspondent Nicholas Witchell.

Peter Scott, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said: “This is the highlight of the county’s business year, and this year’s awards had many outstanding entries.

“It was great to see such high-quality business activity in the county. All finalists provide invaluable insights on achieving and sustaining success in today’s business environment. Congratulations to all the winners!”

The Dorset Exporter of the Year Award sponsored by UK Trade & Investment was secured by Parkeon Transit Ltd in Poole, which exports to several overseas markets including South Africa, Malaysia, France, the Middle East, Jamaica, Barbados, Portugal and New Zealand, Australia and North America.

Amanda Jenner, creator of My Carry Potty in Bournemouth, clinched the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Bournemouth University.

LV=, the Bournemouth friendly society, received the Business Engagement in the Community Award, sponsored by Morgan Sindall.

Read the Dorset Business Annual Review of the Year.

The Best Employer for a Healthy Workplace Award, sponsored by Nuffield Health and Bournemouth Hospital, was won by Julia’s House in Poole.

Farrow & Ball Ltd in Wimborne received the KPMG Company of the Year Award.

Creative Company/Project of the Year Award, sponsored by The Arts University College at Bournemouth and Liz Lean PR, was won by Christchurch Food and Wine Festival while the NatWest Excellence in Customer Service Award was clinched by C G Pitcher & Son Ltd in Blandford.

The Linking with Schools Award, sponsored by the Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council, was won by X-Leisure (Poole) Ltd, Tower Park Entertainment Centre, nominated by Poole High School.

The Princecroft Willis Family Business Award was won by The Hive Beach Cafe, Burton Bradstock.

The Innovative Technology Award, sponsored by Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry and PH Warr plc. was won by AmSafe in Bridport.

The Dorset Business Awards are also supported by Wave 105, the South Coast radio station.