Awards

Categories available for all businesses, all sectors and all sizes.

This year’s Dorset Business Awards consists of 11 categories, 3 of which are new, all reflecting the varied sectors of our amazing county!

UK Health Insurance
Investing in Dorset Award

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Eligibility

The UK Health Insurance Investing in Dorset Award is open to businesses of any size which have a BH/DT postcode or are based in Dorset.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

This award recognises Dorset companies who realise the benefits of supporting Dorset businesses and buying goods and services locally wherever possible. Successful companies will understand the impact their actions have on the long-term prosperity of other local companies and Dorset generally, through their commitment to creating positive business relationships with other Dorset organisations/companies. Successful companies will ask themselves “Can I spend this budget locally?” and be able to demonstrate how they do this, with examples.

The winner of this award will demonstrate their active commitment to spending locally and be able to give details of specific examples that show the extent to which they embrace the concept of developing business relationships with other Dorset-based organisations and companies. The judges would also like to see examples of how entrants purchase, use and support local products and services and, where possible, details of the measurable impact this has had. If appropriate, companies can also illustrate any benefits they have experienced themselves as a result of spending locally.

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Additional supporting evidence including photographs, press cuttings and endorsements may be included for your entry.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.

Liz Lean PR and Arts University of Bournemouth
Creative and Digital Impact Award

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Eligibility

The Creative and Digital Impact Award is open to businesses of any size which have a BH/DT postcode or are based in Dorset.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

Judges are looking for inspirational examples of digital innovation, technological robustness and creative originality in any project undertaken within the last 12 months. Entrants will be able to provide detailed examples of their work that demonstrate the extent of their creative thinking and digital expertise while showcasing how they have achieved the main objectives of the original brief and specification. They will also need to provide detailed information on the performance of the project to the client and the intended audience.

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Entrants must provide the original brief of the project along with any additional supporting evidence that could include all or any of the following; video, Images, photographs, press cuttings, data reports, sales reports, endorsements as well as statistics in graphs may be included for your entry.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.

PKF Francis Clark
Family Business Award

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Eligibility

The PKF Francis Clark Family Business Award is open to family businesses that have a BH/DT postcode or are based in Dorset.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

Family businesses must be innovative, adaptable and have a healthy culture in place – this Award is designed to recognise and celebrate that success.
The family business must submit the entry form. Nominations from a customer, supplier or employee are welcome and if the family business is nominated by a third party they will be contacted by Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry and will be encouraged to submit an entry form.

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Entrants must provide the original brief of the project along with any additional supporting evidence that could include all or any of the following; video, Images, photographs, press cuttings, data reports, sales reports, endorsements as well as statistics in graphs may be included for your entry.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.

REID Steel
UK Exporter of the Year Award

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Eligibility

The Emerging Business Award is sponsored by Training Rooms based in Poole and is open to any SME (up to 250 employees) with a BH/DT postcode or who is based in Dorset.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

This award recognises the existing and increasingly significant role small companies play towards the continuing economic growth and vitality of Dorset. SMEs entering should be able to demonstrate a strong aspiration for significant growth building upon an existing track record of increased sales, profit and/or employment over the past three years.

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Entrants must provide the original brief of the project along with any additional supporting evidence that could include all or any of the following; video, Images, photographs, press cuttings, data reports, sales reports, endorsements as well as statistics in graphs may be included for your entry.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.

Lester Aldridge & Santander
Company of the year Award

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Eligibility

The Lester Aldridge & Santander Company of the Year Award is open to any company or subsidiaries of national and international businesses which has a BH/DT postcode and whose business is primarily based in Dorset.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

To be in the running to be named Dorset’s premier company, businesses need to demonstrate an outstanding financial track record, with strong sales growth and a commitment to increasing profitability. The winning company is likely to be a leader in its own market with dedication to excellence in products and services and a dynamic approach to quality and innovation.

This year’s Lester Aldridge & Santander Company of the Year must display the ability to think strategically, keep abreast of new developments both in its own industry and the wider economy and illustrate plans for future growth. Last but not least, it will exhibit a strong commitment to its employees’ needs and aspirations as well as contribution to the county’s environment through sustainable business practices.

Entry criteria

  • Excellence in both products and services to customers.
  • Past achievements and future plans.
  • Financial performance.
  • The identification and exploitation of new markets.
  • Commitment to the training and development needs of employees.
  • Contribution to enhancing Dorset’s business reputation and protecting the county’s environment

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Entrants must provide the original brief of the project along with any additional supporting evidence that could include all or any of the following; video, Images, photographs, press cuttings, data reports, sales reports, endorsements as well as statistics in graphs may be included for your entry.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.

Sunseeker International
Apprenticeship Champion Award

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Eligibility

The Business Engagement with the Community Award is open to any Dorset business which has a BH/DT postcode or is based in Dorset, including multi-nationals or their subsidiaries with a major presence in the county, to small private companies.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

This award showcases companies who are leading on Corporate Social Responsibility within the community of Dorset.

Entry criteria

The winner of this award will be able to give details of specific community initiatives particularly those that involve employee engagement and illustrate the impact these have had on the local community.

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Entrants must provide the original brief of the project along with any additional supporting evidence that could include all or any of the following; video, Images, photographs, press cuttings, data reports, sales reports, endorsements as well as statistics in graphs may be included for your entry.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.

Blue Sky Financial Planning
Young Chamber Award

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Eligibility

The VoiP Unlimited Business Engagement with Education Award is open to any Dorset business which has a BH/DT postcode or be based in Dorset.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

This is an award for the business which has established a positive partnership with a local school(s), university(s) or education programme(s).

Entry criteria

This Award can only entered by the business and not the school/educational organisation

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Entrants must provide the original brief of the project along with any additional supporting evidence that could include all or any of the following; video, Images, photographs, press cuttings, data reports, sales reports, endorsements as well as statistics in graphs may be included for your entry.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.

Bournemouth University
Entrepreneur of the Year Award

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Eligibility

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is open to businesses of any size which have a BH/DT postcode or are based in Dorset.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

Entrants must able to demonstrate the realisation of their entrepreneurial vision and have a clear plan in place to achieve sustained growth in the future.

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Entrants must provide the original brief of the project along with any additional supporting evidence that could include all or any of the following; video, Images, photographs, press cuttings, data reports, sales reports, endorsements as well as statistics in graphs may be included for your entry.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.

TeamJobs
Team of the Year Award

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Eligibility

The TeamJobs Team of the Year Award is open to any company who has a BH/DT postcode or is based in Dorset.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

This award offers a unique opportunity to recognise the hard work, professionalism and dedication of a team who have exceeded your expectations and made a real contribution to the success of your business. The Company should nominate and enter the Award on behalf of the Team.

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Entrants must provide the original brief of the project along with any additional supporting evidence that could include all or any of the following; video, Images, photographs, press cuttings, data reports, sales reports, endorsements as well as statistics in graphs may be included for your entry.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.

Beales Gourmet and UK Luxury Care
Outstanding Customer Service Award

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Eligibility

The Nuffield Health Excellence in Customer Service Award is open to any company which has a BH/DT postcode or is based in Dorset.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

This Award will recognise the business that can demonstrate across its practices its commitment to providing the very highest level of customer service and in doing so be described as truly customer focused.

Entry criteria

The judges will be looking for entrants who have listened and responded to customers’ needs in order to gain a thorough understanding of their customer base. They will also be judged on the initiatives that they have put in place to integrate customers in to all aspects of the business – this will undoubtedly include staff training, communication and management.

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Additional supporting evidence including photographs, press cuttings and endorsements may be included for your entry. Your application can also be supported by video and we request all video is on line and accessible via a web-link. It will be advantageous to be able to visit the short listed businesses prior to the judges’ decisions. You will be notified of any impending visits of our judges’ in early October. The judges’ decision is final.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.

Dolphin Shopping Centre
Retail and Leisure Experience Award

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Eligibility

This Award is open to any Retailer with a BH/DT postcode or who is based in Dorset. The Retailer should complete and submit the entry form.

Description of the Award from Sponsors

The Retail Experience Award will celebrate the success and entrepreneurial spirit of the retail industry.

Entry criteria

The judges will be looking for companies showcasing outstanding achievement, innovative business concept, business acumen and excellence in customer service which lies behind thriving retailers.

Application process

All entries are to be submitted online.

Supporting documentation

Entrants must provide the original brief of the project along with any additional supporting evidence that could include all or any of the following; video, Images, photographs, press cuttings, data reports, sales reports, endorsements as well as statistics in graphs may be included for your entry.

Judging Process

All information will be treated confidentially and will only be circulated amongst the judges. Entries are judged on merit only, with no reference to external considerations.

Closing date for entry is Friday 9th September 2016. Please note this date is final and will not be extended.

Finalists and Confidentiality

All entrants will be informed by letter as to whether, or not, they have got through to the final stage of the process. Therefore entrants are requested to keep any site visits, if applicable, confidential until this letter has been received.