BUSINESSES large and small are being urged to get their entries in for the Dorset Business Awards (DBA), in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, before September 11.
Businesses with a BH or DT postcode can enter one or more of 11 categories:
Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan
Creative and Digital Impact Award, sponsored by Liz Lean PR and the Arts University Bournemouth
Emerging Business Award, sponsored by the Training Room
Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Bournemouth University
PKF Francis Clark Family Business Award
Lester Aldridge and Santander Company of the Year Award
Nuffield Health Excellence in Customer Service Award
Retail Experience Award, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre
Team of the Year Award, sponsored by TeamJobs
UK Health Insurance Investing in Dorset Award
VoIP Unlimited Business Engagement with Education Award.
From gaining media attention and increasing business profile to acknowledging the achievements of staff and opening doors to new contracts, a range of opportunities come from being a finalist.
Past winners have come forward to provide tips on submitting an entry.
Jason Gault from TeamJobs said: “The most important tip in my opinion is to get the company involved. You will look at your business in a way you probably haven’t done before and I guarantee you will learn something that will make you a better business.”
Sam Boshier from Hamworthy Heating added: “Plan your entry before writing. List the main points you want to get across and how they meet the criteria.”
Stuart Dixon, of organiser Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The awards are an opportunity for businesses to benchmark their performance and provide a chance to reinforce credibility, build profile and pursue new ventures.”
The awards are also backed by Wave 105 and are free to enter.
Entrants can submit an entry via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk and the closing date is midnight on Sunday, September 11.
Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Shortlisted finalists will be revealed mid-October and winners will be announced at the awards gala dinner at the BIC.
For information on the awards, sponsorship or to book tickets for the gala dinner on November 24, call the DBA team on 01202 714800.
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