A HOST of Wimborne businesses were recognised for their innovation, entrepreneurship and commitment to customer service at the recent 2025 Wimborne Business Awards.
The awards took place at the Allendale Community Centre, where 21 businesses were recognised in 11 categories, including Best Place to Work, Family Business Award, Outstanding High Street Impact Award and Independent Business Award.
The awards are free to enter and hailed as ‘grassroots awards’ to recognise and promote businesses in the town.
Nigel Reeve, from Marketing West, who organised the awards said: “Our independent judges were extremely impressed by the quality of entries and the sheer number of nominations by the general public for their favourite Wimborne businesses.”
35-year-old Hannah Bradley, owner of the recently refurbished and relaunched Lion Hotel in Wimborne was overwhelmed to win two awards – Gold Café/Pub/Casual Dining Award and Business of the Year.
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Hannah said: “I can’t believe it! My team and I have worked so hard to give the business a new lease of life and this is a wonderful recognition for all the effort that goes into the hospitality industry.”
She added: “I grew up and went to school in Wimborne and now to be part of this thriving community running my own business is incredible.”
Wimborne BID (Business Improvement District) has supported and sponsored the awards since they began four years ago.
Chair of the BID board, Fiona Harwood said: “Running any kind of business is hard work, especially in this tough, economic climate.
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- Hannah Bradley from The Lion Hotel was overwhelmed to win Business of the Year Award Picture: Marketing West
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- The Lion Hotel scooped two awards Picture: Marketing West
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- Wimborne BID Chair Fiona Harwood and BID Manager Tammy Sleet presented the High Street Impact Award to Living Interiors Picture: Marketing West
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- Wimborne businesses celebrate at Wimborne Business Awards 2025 Picture: Wimborne BID
“These awards are a great way to celebrate entrepreneurialism and the immense drive and determination that goes on unseen long after opening hours.”
Wimborne’s first Italian restaurant, Piccolo Mondo, which opened its doors in 1982, picked up the Gold Family Business Award along with Douch Family Funeral Directors, Wimborne’s oldest business, which dates to 1910, and is run by a fourth generation family.
New names in the town were recognised with ladies designer clothing retailer Thirty Three Boutique claiming the New Business Award whilst clothing and gift boutique Woodsies of Wimborne collected the Silver Independent Business Award.
Both businesses spoke of how “warmly” they have been welcomed into the town not only by the public but also by other businesses.
For a full list of Wimborne Business Award winners visit www.wimborne.info
That’s a bit confusing as I went along at lunchtime – did they carry on into the evening without telling me?