THE Excellence in Innovation Award, sponsored by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Liz Lean PR, is open for entries in the 20th annual Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo.

The award aims to identify and celebrate a successful business innovation in the region. Open to all Dorset-based organisations with a BH or DT postcode, the innovation must have been launched or implemented within the last three years.

The winner of this category will be able to demonstrate the development of an excellent innovation to meet an identified market or other economic need. The innovation can either be a new project, service, application, operation, communications or marketing programme or tool.

Entrants should include the following:

  • Description of the innovation  
  • Details of research and development prior to launching the innovation  
  • The communication, marketing and promotional process used to raise awareness of the innovation
  • How the innovation has impacted on the business  
  • The overall trend in sales turnover and profit development
  • What makes the innovation different from competitors.

Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “It is the innovative organisations which force the business pace.”

Liz Willingham, managing director of Liz Lean PR, added: “The ability to be innovative, whether developing a new product or creatively responding to customer needs, is a key factor in driving economic growth across Dorset.

“Together with the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Liz Lean PR is proud to sponsor an award that recognises the outstanding innovative achievements of the county’s businesses.”

The awards are also backed by Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or print off an entry form and submit a paper-based entry. The closing date for entry is Friday, September 12. Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For details of the awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the gala dinner at the BIC on November 27, call Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.

SPONSOR PROFILE: DCCI AND LIZ LEAN PR

Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry is Dorset's leading private sector business support organisation.

Building on more than six decades of serving the county's business community, both at home and abroad, the organisation works to further the interests of its 700 member businesses of all sizes and sectors, delivering the very best services, business information and advice.

Sandbanks-based Liz Lean PR is a proactive public relations consultancy. Founded in 1998, the consultancy work with a strong portfolio of clients across a range of sectors including professional services, tourism, retail, leisure, healthcare and hospitality.

The team deliver effective campaigns on both a national and regional level, using both online and offline media.