THE winners of this year’s Dorset Business Awards were crowned at a packed ceremony last night.

Thirty-nine organisations were honoured at the awards, organised by Dorset Chamber and backed by the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo.

More than 700 people gathered to hear the winners announced at a gala ceremony at the BIC.

Stuart Dixon, head of marketing and communications at Dorset Chamber, said: “The awards evening is always a fantastic opportunity to celebrate business in Dorset and recognise all of the achievements, from companies of all sizes, that are doing outstanding work, helping others and giving something back to the community.”

The Lester Aldridge Company of the Year title went to BV Dairy, Shaftesbury.

Lead judge Grant Esterhuizen, partner and head of the corporate and commercial team at Lester Aldridge, said: “It has a great ethos and is actively and positively involved in the Dorset community and is concerned for the environment. The judges were unanimous: BV Dairy is focused on investing to procure growth.

“It is a successful business in a sector that experiences pressure on margins and has in fact delivered impressive growth. This makes BV Dairy this year’s clear winner for the award and for Dorset.”

The rest of the winners were as follows.

Business Leader (sponsored by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership): Tony Lockwood, managing director at BOFA International Ltd, Poole

Environmental Business (Dorset Wildlife Trust, Poole Harbour Commissioners): Tops Day Nurseries, Bournemouth.

Exporting Excellence (HSBC and PSP Worldwide Logistics): Haystack Dryers, Ringwood.

Outstanding Customer Service (Beales Gourmet and Teachers Building Society): Sontronics, Poole.

TeamJobs Team of the Year: Inspire Professional Services, Poole.

Developing Talent (Sunseeker): Greendale Construction Limited, Poole.

Young Apprentice Ambassador (Superior Seals): Tilly Cuttler from JP Morgan, Bournemouth.

Creative Impact (Liz Lean PR AND Digipigz): Salad, Poole –Commonwealth Games England Website.

Employee Health and Wellbeing (BWT Physio and Ouch Training Team): Organix, Bournemouth – Wake up to Wellbeing.

PKF Francis Clark Family Business: Hall & Woodhouse, Blandford.

ScaleUp for Business Growth (Enhanced): Beyond Retail Ltd, Bournemouth.

UK Health Insurance Investing in Dorset Award: BV Dairy, Shaftesbury.

Last night’s event began with a drinks reception sponsored by Caterpillar Marine, with a drink for all guests from Conker Gin. Guests then had a three-course dinner from BH Live Hospitality before a ceremony hosted by Wave 105.

Entertainment was provided by UK Flash Mob Dancers. Brighter Productions was production sponsor, with creative direction from Global Brand Communications. Marsham Court Hotel, REIDsteel, Rotary Wessex and Wessex Internet joined the list of sponsors and Westover was the official auto partner.