Bournemouth University (BU) continues to support enterprise activity within Dorset by sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Daily Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards.

For the fifth year running, BU is searching for an individual or team who can demonstrate an exceptional entrepreneurial vision which has benefited the region.

Dean Patton, who is Professor of Entrepreneurship, says: “Bournemouth University is proud to be supporting the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, now in its fifth year.

“Through our support of the awards we are recognising that the local business community plays a pivotal role in these difficult economic times.

“This award is designed to recognise exceptional individual talent or a company considered by the judges to be at the forefront of enterprise in the region.”

Last year’s award winners Adido impressed the judges with their entrepreneurial vision, togetherness and commitment to the business. The young, growing company was recognised for having the foresight to change when faced with the reality of a recession first-hand, putting Adido in a position of strength which has enabled the business to grow exponentially.

Commenting on winning Andrew Headington, marketing director of Adido, says: “We were immensely proud to win a Dorset Business Award as it was a huge honour to be recognised for our hard work during the last nine years of business.

“We would definitely urge all companies in Dorset, large or small, to enter as we have noticed many benefits to winning.

“The biggest one was the amount of PR it generated in the local area, which has undoubtedly increased our profile.”

He adds: “We were pleased to add Orange Business Services to our client portfolio after winning the award.

“In addition to the increase in new business gained, we have been able to take on extra staff as a result of the award and this has helped us to position Adido as a forward-thinking business working with the best digital people in Dorset.”

The awards are free to enter and 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 14.

The awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and supported by the Dorset Echo.

For further information about the awards or to purchase tickets for the Gala Dinner in November 29, please contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.

Checklist


To be in with a chance of winning Entrepeneur of the Year, entrants will need to show evidence of the following:

 

  • Dorset-based and trading as a sole trader, limited company, partnerships, social enterprise or charity
  • Demonstrate the realisation of your entrepreneurial vision
  • How the business has benefited the economic and social well-being of Dorset