Never has success tasted sweeter.

Cameron Small, Managing Director of Honey Asset Finance, admitted feeling overwhelmed after his company scored a hat-trick at yesterday’s Dorchester Business Awards.

The 23-year-old was named Overall Winner and also Young Entrepreneur of the Year while Honey Asset Finance was declared B2B Business of the Year.

Cameron, who co-founded the business with his father, Guy, when he was just 18, said: “I feel overwhelmed but over the moon.

“These are the first, proper awards where we’ve won something and it’s just fantastic.”

Fellow Director, Guy, pictured left, who accompanied his son to the awards, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what he’s done.

“Cameron has led the business from the start.

“He’s built a brand, brought the traditional values of old fashioned customer service and ensures that every client is seen face to face.

“That, in today’s market, makes the big difference.”

More than 70 people attended the awards ceremony held at The King’s Arms in Dorchester.

The 14 winners ranged from the Shire Hall Museum and coffee and meetings hub, Pips Poundbury, to The West Dorset Magazine and Jordans Jewellers.

There was a tie for Independent Business of the Year with both Basilico and Dodgsons of Dorchester declared winners.

Host Nigel Reeve, of organisers MW Events, told guests: “The businesses here today – local businesses – are the backbone of the UK economy.

“Whether they’re large or small, local businesses are what drives that economy.

“Areas with a strong local business presence are successful and prosperous.

“They generate employment, innovate, come up with ideas, boost the local economy and open new markets.”

Cllr Janet Hewitt, Mayor of Dorchester, who presented the winners with their framed certificates, said: “I’m very passionate about business because you are the backbone of our town.

“We owe a lot to Dorchester businesses so thank you very much for all you do for the community.

“It’s so important.”

Headline sponsor for the awards is ActionCOACH.

DorsetBizNews is proud to be the county-wide Media Partner for the 14 awards organised by MW Events across Dorset.

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Gallery – Dorchester Business Awards 2023 winners, pictures by Paul Collins/PC Visuals

Best Use of Digital Innovation: Shire Hall Museum.

Independent Business of the Year: Dodgsons of Dorchester.

Independent Business of the Year: Basilico.

Green/Eco Business of the Year: The Rhubarb Candle Company.

New Business of the Year: The West Dorset Magazine (Bird Media).

Excellence in Customer Service: Meraki Poundbury.

Retail Business of the Year: Jordans Jewellers.

Young Entrepreneur: Cameron Small, Honey Asset Finance.

Family Business of the Year: Sprint Digital Print.

Café, Pub, Casual Dining: Pavilion in the Park (PIP), Poundbury.

Best Place to Work: Purple Office.

B2B Business of the Year: Honey Asset Finance Ltd.

Health, Beauty & Fitness: The Highbrow Skin & Laser Clinic.

Overall winner: Cameron Small, Honey Asset Finance.