JUDGES are now working their way through the list of nominations for this year’s Dorset Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards.

The deadline for entries was last week for the annual awards, which is in its 20th year, and judges are now deliberating which local businesses and entrepreneurs are the cream of the crop for 2014.

Organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), it has been a great year for the awards which has received a record number of nominations from firms with a DT or BH postcode.

The winners of the awards, which cover 10 categories, will be presented with their trophies at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Bournemouth Inter-national Centre (BIC) in November.

Ian Girling, chief executive of the DCCI, says: “We are thrilled with the response the 20th annual Dorset Business Awards has received and the high number of entries reflects this.

“It just goes to show how important the Dorset Business Awards are to this region. “Every year the awards just get bigger and better, and we are really excited to be able to showcase these vibrant companies at the Gala Dinner Awards Ceremony on November 27 at the BIC, which is a new venue for 2014.”

Thirty judges will now have until October 10 to evaluate each category and shortlist 30 finalists, three for each award, from the submitted entries. The 2014 Finalists will all be invited to attend the ‘Meet the Finalist’ event on Monday, November 17, where they will get to meet each other and the sponsor of their award category.

This will be followed by the Gala Dinner Awards ceremony at the BIC on Thursday November 27, where the overall winners will be announced.

Tickets purchased for the black tie Awards Gala Dinner before October 1 cost £75 + VAT (Chamber members), £85 + VAT (non-Chamber members) or £700 + Vat for a table of 10 (Chamber members) or £800 + VAT (non-Chamber members). From October 2, tickets cost £85 + VAT (Chamber members), £95 + VAT (non-Chamber members) or £800 + Vat for a table of 10 (Chamber members) or £900 + VAT (non-Chamber members). For more information on the finals or to book places, contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.