Returning after four years, the Dorset Business Awards celebrated the innovation and excellence of the county’s companies.

Attracting hundreds of guests, the awards were the highlight of the Dorset Chamber’s first business festival – a four-day series of events which also included an expo and the Future of Business Conference.

A panel of independent experts were called in to judge entries across ten categories, with entrants ranging in both size of business and sector.

Dorset Chamber Chief Executive Officer Ian Girling said: “Our Business Festival was hugely successful and the awards were the highlight.

“We had more than 1,000 people attend over the four-day festival which was the most ambitious programme of events ever undertaken by the chamber.

“It has been an incredibly challenging four years with the most unimaginable events taking place which created a tough climate in all sectors.

“But the festival created a real buzz within the business community and what is clear is the inspiring resilience, determination and innovation we see in Dorset businesses.

“Our panel of judges really sets the standard we were seeking in the awards with a robust assessment process.

“The calibre of entry was incredibly high and it was a pleasure to see all types of company taking part – from SMEs and family businesses to large, global companies.

“My congratulations to all the winners and those who were shortlisted. We’re grateful to all those who entered and hope they’ll have another go next year.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to our Premier Festival Partner Lester Aldridge and our Festival Partners Bournemouth and Poole College, Blue Sky Financial Planning, Dorset Council, The Dolphin Poole and YMCA Bournemouth.”

The winners were:

• Best new business – West Peak
• Best place to work – Grapevine
• Community award – Hendy Group
• Customer experience – Wessex Internet
• Environmental impact award – Blackmore Ltd
• Future leader – Ryan Cooper of MC Roofing Ltd
• Global business award – REIDsteel
• Inclusivity and diversity in the workplace award – The CRUMBS project
• Scale up business award – Lewis Manning Hospice Care
• Technology award – ESET UK