More than 100 people attended the Dorset Business Awards ‘Meet the Finalists’ exclusive drinks reception, sponsored by PKF Francis Clark, to celebrate 36 businesses being selected as the finalists of this year’s awards.
Organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event saw sponsors and shortlisted Dorset businesses gather together at The Italian Villa, Poole, ahead of the prestigious gala dinner on Thursday, November 23.
The 2017 finalists are (in alphabetical order):
Business Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Pure Networking
· Phil Whitehurst – Actisense, Poole
· Rosie Wallace – Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
· Warren Munson – Inspire Professional Services, Poole
Brand of the Year Award, sponsored by RT Brand Communications
· Muc-off, Poole
· Organix, Bournemouth
· The Pig on the Beach, Studland
Creative and Digital Impact Award, sponsored by Liz Lean PR and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)
· Cold Banana Studio, Bournemouth
· Fireworx, Bournemouth
· Strange, Bournemouth
UK Health Insurance Investing in Dorset Award
· A-One Insurance Group, Ringwood
· Signature Catering Group Limited, Ringwood
· Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Evershot
Lester Aldridge and Santander Company of the Year Award
· Actisense, Poole
· BHLive, Bournemouth
· Testlink, Poole
PKF Francis Clark Family Business Award
· Harts of Stur, Sturminster Newton
· Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
· Superior, Wimborne
Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships Award, sponsored by Sunseeker International
· Atlas Elektronik UK, Dorchester
· Cobham plc, Wimborne
· Redweb, Bournemouth
Outstanding Customer Service Award, sponsored by Beales Gourmet at The Italian Villa and Luxurycare
· Anytech Solutions, Poole
· Bournemouth Hallmark Hotels
· Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Evershot
Retail and Leisure Experience Award, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre
· Delfino Lounge, Poole
· Forum Jewellers, Broadstone
· The MacGuffin Project, Bournemouth
Team of the Year Award, sponsored by TeamJobs
· Greenwood Campbell, Bournemouth
· Inspire Professional Services, Poole
· Siemens, Poole
Young Chamber Award, sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning
· Atlas Elektronik UK, Dorchester
· Biotrack Ltd, Wareham
· LoveLove Films, Bournemouth
UK Exporter of the Year Award, sponsored by REID Steel
· Actisense, Poole
· Aeronautical & General Instruments Limited (AGI), Poole
· Trimetals Limited, Blandford Forum
Stuart Dixon, head of marketing and communications and organiser of the awards from Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The event was a fantastic opportunity for sponsors and finalists to come together to celebrate the fact that they have been shortlisted out of 164 entries for the awards this year. There was a real buzz in the room and a sense of excitement as we rapidly approach the gala dinner in just a couple of weeks’ time.
“All finalists should be extremely proud of making the shortlist and we look forward to celebrating together in style on the night.”
In association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, and backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105, the awards evening will begin with a drinks reception sponsored by Seventa Events. This is followed by an exquisite three-course dinner before the awards presentation begins. Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital will be the entertainment sponsor for the evening, while Brighter Productions will be production sponsor of the Dorset Business Awards for the third year running.
Pothecary Gin will be providing the perfect tipple for each finalist as the sponsor of the finalist gift bottle. ID card printing specialists, Magicard, has also joined the list of prestigious sponsors at this year’s Dorset Business Awards.
Those interested in finding out more about the 2017 awards should visit www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or contact the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 01202 714800.
