BUSINESSES across Dorset have been shortlisted for the final of the StartUp Awards National Series for the south west.

The awards recognise individuals who have had great ideas, spotted the opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service nationwide and businesses must be three years or younger to qualify.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the StartUp Awards National Series, said: “New firms are important for generating economic prosperity, employment opportunities and innovation.

“We’ve been blown away by the standard of entries in this first year and truly look forward to crowning the winners in June.”

Over 2,500 applications were received for the award. Dorset businesses shortlisted in the South West category include Bridge Health and Wellbeing in Christchurch, Moonie in Weymouth and Pinapple recruitment in Bournemouth.

Paul O’Connell, founder and lead physiotherapist at Bridge Health and wellbeing, said: “My wife and I were so excited to realise our dream of bringing our physiotherapy and Pilates skills together to create a welcoming wellbeing community in Christchurch, Dorset with state-of-the-art facilities.

“It’s certainly been a rollercoaster ride since then, dealing with the impact of COVID. But our clients have been amazing and made it all worthwhile. Being recognised for all our hard work in national awards like these is very humbling.”

Kia Brooker, co-founder of Moonie, said: “We can't believe we've been nominated for our first award! As a sustainable start-up, it feels amazing to be recognised. We are so proud to be a Dorset-based business and honoured to represent the South-West.

“We started the business in 2020 after both becoming unemployed and have since saved over 2 million single-use make-up wipes from landfill. Creating products with purpose is our passion and we're extremely grateful to be able to support our local economy as well as the planet.”

Founder of nominee Öskuhús, Oddny Edwards, said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised and has already given me encouragement to push Öskuhús and what I do even more.

“When you start something new it can feel overwhelming but when awards like the National StartUp Awards choose you as a finalist from 2500 applicants, it is all worth it. It makes me feel like what I am doing matters and hopefully gives others hope to follow their passion and make it into a tangible business.”

Other businesses in Dorset shortlisted include Uncle Cook’s Chicken Salt and Pineapple Recruitment in Bournemouth, byFoke in Blandford, Smashtag Social in Poole and The Gresham Guest House in Weymouth.

The awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 28 in Bristol.