THE finalists have been revealed for the Daily Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards.

More than 30 judges deliberated over 139 entries to select the shortlist.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner awards ceremony at the BIC on Thursday, November 26. Hosted by broadcaster and journalist Jonty Bloom, the evening will consist of a drinks reception, a three-course dinner and a private after-party at 1812 Bar & Restaurant.

Entertainment will be provided by singer Neive Jordan.

The Dorset Business Award trophy will be presented to the 11 winners, while the other finalists will receive a bottle of award-winning, Dorset based Furleigh Estate sparkling Classic Cuvee.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We are delighted with the high standard of entries to this year’s awards. Our new addition to the award categories, the VoIP Unlimited Business Engagement with Education Award, has proven businesses in Dorset are supporting the workforce of tomorrow.

“The new Hays Team of the Year award has seen a great volume of entries, demonstrating people’s belief in the importance of an effective team to the success of a business. Entrepreneur of the Year has also seen a similar return in enterprising applications making this year a difficult one for the judges.”

The 2015 finalists are as follows.

Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P.Morgan: 4Com PLC; Hamworthy Heating; Thirty Seven Coffee Shops Limited.

Business Growth Award, sponsored by Advanced Exchequer: Copyrite Business Solutions; Koh Thai Tapas; TestLink Services.

Dorset Export Award, sponsored by ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK: Active Research Ltd; Ford Farm; TestLink.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Bournemouth University: Active Research Ltd; Greenwood Campbell; Sea- NC Engineering Ltd.

Excellence in Innovation Award, sponsored by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Liz Lean PR: KaarbonTech Ltd; Motorwise Online Services Ltd; Wessex Internet.

Hays Team of the Year Award: Beales Gourmet & The Italian Villa; Health-on-Line; Investec Wealth and Investment.

Lester Aldridge and Santander Company of the Year Award: C4L; Greendale Construction Ltd; TeamJobs.

Nuffield Health Excellence in Customer Service Award: Ceuta Healthcare Ltd; Intergage; Strategic Solutions Chartered; Financial Planners.

Princecroft Willis Family Business Award: Harts of Stur; Hunt’s Foodservice Limited; Norman Motors.

Retail Experience Award, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre: Fab Frocks of Westbourne; Forum Jewellers Ltd; Jordans Jewellers.

VoIP Unlimited Business Engagement with Education Award: Hixsons; LoveLove Films; Teachers Building Society.

All finalists have been invited to attend an exclusive drinks reception at the Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Poole, sponsored by Beales Gourmet, on Monday, November 16, where they get to meet each other and their sponsor.

Tickets for the gala dinner cost £85 plus VAT (chamber members), £95 plus VAT (non- members) or £800 plus VAT for a table of 10 (members) or £900 plus VAT (non- members).

Contact Lorraine Hubbard on 01202 714810 or email lorraine.hubbard@dcci.co.uk