ONCE again we managed to find the ideal venue for launching the Dorset Business Awards, sponsored by Breeze Volkswagen.

This year it took place at Parley Manor, set in a beautiful enchanted garden. Factor in sunshine, blue skies and home-made ice cream for all to enjoy and it was, without doubt, the perfect launch.

My congratulations go to Shirley from DCCI and the team for all their hard work and exceptional planning. The 2014 Awards will be held on Thursday, November 27 at the BIC. Each year, through the Dorset Business Awards, we are able to identify companies that we believe have made exceptional steps to enhance the success of their business and our region.

No matter what your business strengths are, you need to shout about them to make sure potential customers choose you over your competitors.

Winning the Dorset Business Awards can help raise your profile, enhance your rep-utation, instil trust, attract new business and ultimately make you more profitable. In short, it will prove you are better than your competitor.

Think about it. Does your business give great customer service? Have you created an outstanding innovation or do you export? Perhaps you have a great employee or you are a successful entrepreneur?

The awards are open to any business based in Dorset until Friday September 12 via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk and you don’t have to be a member of Dorset Chamber to enter.

If you feel that you have made significant steps towards enhancing your company’s image, have delivered terrific service to your customers and our community, or if you are exceptional in what you do – all things that help make Dorset a great place to live, work and play – then you are the right business to enter.

The annual Dorset Business Awards programme honours the achievements and accomplishments of local business throughout Dorset.

Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implement programmes generating competitive and long-term value. Have a go! You could be accepting an award for 2014.

Dorset Chamber works with all businesses across the region. Our mission is to recognise every company within the area that contributes to the success of Dorset.