AFTER months of speculation, the winners of this year’s Dorset Business Women Awards were finally revealed at a gala dinner at Bournemouth’s Langtry Manor Hotel.

The awards, now in their second year, are already becoming a permanent fixture on the Dorset social calendar and have caught the attention of well-respected business women and celebrities throughout the UK.

Debbie Moore, founder and chairman of Pineapple, said: "The opportunity to be a nominee, or even winner of this prestigious award presents a wonderful platform to raise the profile of your business and the benefit of a great network for valuable information exchange with like-minded women."

Former Bucks Fizz star Cheryl Baker added: “I followed my dream back in 1975 and it led me to great success and personal happiness. All of the ladies should be proud of their achievements – you are all winners. Onwards and upwards ladies – the sky’s the limit!”

Yachtswoman Debra Searle said: “My experience of women in business is that they have to be superwoman as they often have commitments at home to co-ordinate simultaneously.

“They rarely do it for praise but it is so very well deserved. I hope many business women will gain the acknowledgement they so deserve at these awards.”

The winner of the Daily Echo-backed Business Mother of the Year award was Angela Fletcher of Rock Recruitment Ltd.

The 30-year-old mum set up her own business in December 2007, just months after she was left temporarily blind from diabetes.

Although Angela regained her sight, it forced her to reassess her life, which is why she decided to set up her own company.

Today she has nine employees and is due to open a second branch later this year.

“I am proud to win this award, not just for me but on behalf of all working mums,” she said.

“Everything I do is inspired by my nine-year-old daughter. I want to show her that anything is possible if you are prepared to work for it.”

This year there was an additional award, The Judges’ Exceptional Achievement Award which was presented by Jackie Phillipson and Tara Howard to Joanna Bishop of Bournemouth Town for her work for business, charity and the community.

A delighted Tara Howard and Jackie Phillipson said: “What a night, a truly memorable occasion which even topped last year – stunning dresses, shouts of glee, tears of joy and such amazing stories that were told about incredible women.

“The awards will not be forgotten in a hurry and we are already getting requests to confirm the date for 2012!”

Roger Tilley MD of Tanner & Tilley, who won the Best Employer Award, said: “This is a fantastic result for Tanner & Tilley town planners.

“It is recognition of the loyalty and hard work of all of our staff over the years. As this award is achieved by public voting to The Coast radio, being the winner shows we have great support.

“The award ceremony was fantastic – so many female winners and me as the only male to win.”

Winners for each category

NEW BUSINESS AWARD (NatWest Bank)

Winner:

Heavenly Bump Maternitywear Ltd – Amy-Kate Crane & Kirsty van Deurs Goss

Finalists:

Soda Beauty and Blow Dry Bar – Zoe Nichols Nemos Nursery and Pre School – Claire Hartwell

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE FUTURE (Women in Business Network)

Winner:

Hannah Leary, Creator of “The Adventures of Sam”

Finalists:

Mercedes Ramsden – Bournemouth Open University Sophe Hitchman – AUCB Bournemouth

THE PR INITIATIVE (P-PR Media Solutions Ltd)

Winner:

The CobWebs Company – Su Cowell

Finalists:

Charlie Moo’s – Joanne Dewberry The Swan Company – Margaret MacKenzie

THE SPECIAL WOMAN AWARD (Job Shop UK)

Winner:

Natasha Jones – Leaf Charity

Finalists:

Sam Everard – Prettymades Bridal Kate Ward – Chairperson, SPRING

DOTCOM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (Bournemouth Town)

Winner:

Landlordtolandlordsales.com – Sharon Canning

Finalists:

Heavenlybump.co.ukk – Amy-Kate Crane/Kirsty van Deurs Goss Theladybarbara.co.uk – Barbara Marsh

GREEN BUSINESS AWARD (The Green Energy Centre)

Winner:

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park – Sandra Palmer-Snellin

Finalists:

Faithgreen – Sally Thornley-Nash Sally Bishton Garden Design – Sally Bishton

BEST EMPLOYER (The Coast FM)

Winner:

Tanner & Tilley – Roger Tilley

Finalists:

Bee a Bug Play Café – Carly Peters Bournecoast – Des Simmons

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (Federation of Small Business)

Winner:

Chapter 2 – Karen Bidgood & Tracey Cooke

Finalists:

Bellissimo Weddings & Simply Events – Melanie Kiani Physicool Ltd – Kay Russell

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (Princecroft Willis)

Winner:

Kia Smith – Kiki’s

Finalists:

Kathy Tilbury – Excelsior Coaches Kay Russell – Physicool

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (The Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce)

Winner:

Cheryl Hadland – Hadland Care Group

Finalists:

Nina Basset – Hotel TerraVina Ann Fookes – Dorset Lettings

BUSINESS MOTHER OF THE YEAR (The Daily Echo)

Winner:

Angela Fletcher – Rock Recruitment Specialists Ltd

Finalists:

Alexandra Wiggins – TARA The Alexandra Resource Agency Paula Dack – Stainers Shoes

THE EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – A special award from Tara Howard of Langtry Manor Hotel and Jackie Phillipson of PPR Media Solutions Ltd

Winner:

Joanna Bishop – Bournemouthtown.co.uk