The best of business in Dorset was celebrated at the 2019 Dorset Business Awards.

The awards, organised by Dorset Chamber, are the largest event of its kind, and the most prestigious in the county.

A gala dinner at Bournemouth International Centre saw more than 700 guests celebrate the success of 36 businesses, 12 of which left with a prize.

The gala dinner opened in style with a drink’s reception, sound tracked by Phil J King with Rhythm of the 90s.

Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner from BH Live Hospitality before event hosts from Wave 105, the south’s leading radio station, began the awards presentation.

Stuart Dixon, head of marketing and communications at Dorset Chamber, said: “The gala dinner is the night of the year where the community comes together to celebrate business in Dorset. It is a fantastic evening recognising and acknowledging the outstanding work businesses in our region are doing. Every year we are reminded of the talent and ambition that thrives in the area, and as the regional chamber, are proud to represent this.

“Thank you to all our sponsors, without you, this event just wouldn’t happen. I’d like to congratulate all the winners and shortlisted finalists of this year’s awards.”

Winners were as follows.

Investing in Dorset Award, sponsored by BV Dairy: Dorset Cruises – Poole.

Excellence in Engineering and Manufacturing, sponsored by REID Steel and Atlas Elektronik: Field International Ltd – Poole.

Creative Impact Award, sponsored by Liz Lean PR and Digital Storm: Global Brand Communications (STARS) – Bournemouth.

Team Jobs Team of the Year: Ceuta Group Talent Management and Development Team – Bournemouth.

Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Superior Seals: Emily Birkett.

Lester Aldridge Company of the Year: Mploy Staffing Solutions – Poole

PFK Francis Clark Family Business Award: Hoburne Group – Christchurch.

Employee Health & Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Ouch Training Team: Health On Line – Bournemouth

Dorset Environmental Award, sponsored by Dorset Wildlife Trust and Kingston Maurward: English Oak Vineyard – Poole

Business Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership: Jamie Sergeant, Crowd

Excellence in Exporting Award, sponsored by HSBC and PSP Worldwide Logistics: Aviation & Defence Spares – Poole.

Enhanced Business Growth Award: Venture Engineering Group – Poole.