NOMINATIONS are open for the 2024 Dorset Business Awards.

The event, organised by the Dorset Chamber, aims to recognise the best of business across the county, with 10 categories now open for entries.

Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling, kicked off the awards with guests, former winners and festival partners at the Dorset Museum and Gallery in Dorchester.

Two new categories are included this year; Social Impact, and Digital and Technology.

The free-to-enter contest is returning for its second year following a sell-out event in 2023 following a four-year hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ian said: “The Dorset Business Awards are go. We have so many exceptional businesses in Dorset who deserve to be recognised for their innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to the local economy.

“The prestigious Dorset Business Awards are the perfect way to not only acknowledge their excellence but are also a fantastic celebration of the thriving, diverse and supportive business community we have in the county.

“Our independent panel of judges includes experts and leaders from across all sectors, looking to review the entries and celebrate the leaders in their field.”

Award categories at the 2024 Dorset Business Awards are:
• Best New Business Award
• Best Place to Work Award
• Community Partnership Award
• Customer Experience Award
• Digital and Technology Award
• Environmental Impact Award
• Export Business Award
• Future Leader Award
• Scaleup Award
• Social Impact Award

The awards are open to all business in Dorset and are part of the Dorset Business Festival 2024, a fortnight-long event featuring networking, thought leadership and celebrations during an itinerary based around an Expo, Conference and the awards.

It follows the success of last year’s inaugural three-day event, when more than 1,000 businesses took part.

Festival partners at the launch of the 2024 Dorset Business Awards. Picture: Dorset Chamber

Lester Aldridge is the Premier Festival Partner for the second year running, with Blue Sky Financial Planning, Bournemouth & Poole College, Dorset Council and YMCA Bournemouth returning as Festival Partners.

EV specialists ElectriX have also come on board as a partner for this year’s event.

Grant Esterhuizen, partner at Lester Aldridge, said: “As the Premier Partner of Dorset Business Festival, Lester Aldridge celebrates the diverse tapestry of businesses in our region.

“We believe in the power of this collective diversity to drive innovation, prosperity, and positive impact. Supporting the festival underscores our commitment to fostering growth and collaboration across all sectors.”

Winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on October 10 at the Hilton Hotel in Bournemouth as the grand finale of the festival.

Entries open today (May 1) and close on June 13 and can be submitted online, via the chamber website.

The awards are free to enter and are open to all organisations, across Dorset.

Visit dorsetchamber.co.uk/awards to enter, meet the judges and to find out more Dorset Business Awards.