COMPANIES driving business growth in Dorset are being urged to enter the 2015 Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo.

Sponsored by accounting and business software provider, Advanced Exchequer, the Business Growth Award is looking for entries from local companies who are experiencing economic growth and vitality within the county.

Award sponsor and marketing director at Advanced Exchequer, Paul Sparkes, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring this award for the second year running. 2015 marks 25 years since the launch of Exchequer and as an award-winning Dorset business with our own growth story to tell, it’s an honour to be able to support other growing businesses in the local area.”

The judges for this category will be searching for finalists that can demonstrate significant growth, building upon an existing track record of increased sales, profit and/or employment over the past three years.

The previous year’s winner, the Training Room in Poole, was recognised for the company’s rapid development while clearly demonstrating employee engagement and a culture designed to foster innovation.

Jonathan Davies, founder and CEO of the Training Room, said: “It was great to be recognised by the local business community for our achievements. The award adds kudos to our business and is particularly useful when either trying to attract new business or recruit new team members.

“Since winning the award, we’ve increased the breadth of our training, now including personal training, beauty therapy, catering and IT. Entering the awards offers great recognition for a team, as well as a brilliant night out!”

Entrants should include details of the following:

• The firm’s growth strategy and targets to date

• How the firm has grown due to the strategy

• How leadership and employee engagement have contributed to the business growth

• How the business plans to sustain growth in the future

• Changes witnessed in the firm as a result of the growth strategy

The Awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or print off an entry form and submit a paper-based entry. The closing date for entry is Friday September 11. 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 at the Bournemouth International Centre on November 26, visit dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk.