FIRMS driving business growth in Dorset are being urged to enter the Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards 2015.

Sponsored by accounting and business software provider, Advanced Exchequer, the Business Growth Award is looking for entries from local companies who are experiencing economic growth and vitality within the county.

Award sponsor and marketing director at Advanced Exchequer, Paul Sparkes, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring this award for the second year running.

“2015 marks 25 years since the launch of Advanced Exchequer and as an award-winning Dorset business with our own growth story to tell, it’s an honour to be able to support other growing businesses in the local area.”

The judges for this category will be searching for finalists that can demonstrate significant growth, building upon an existing track record of increased sales, profit and/or employment over the past three years.

The previous year’s winner, The Training Room in Poole, was recognised for the company’s rapid development while clearly demonstrating employee engagement and a culture designed to foster innovation.

Jonathan Davies, founder and CEO of The Training Room, said: “It was great to be recognised by the local business community for our achievements. The award adds kudos to our business and is particularly useful when either trying to attract new business or recruit new team members.”

Business Growth Award checklist

Entrants should include details of, the firm’s growth strategy and targets to date, how the firm has grown, how leadership and employee engagement have contributed to the business growth, how the business plans to sustain growth in the future and changes witnessed in the firm as a result of the growth strategy

The awards, also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105, 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 11. Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For further information about the Awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner which will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday, November 26.

Sponsor profile copy – Advanced Exchequer

Advanced Exchequer’s multi-award-winning, fully integrated accounting and business software helps organisations improve the way they manage and operate their business, delivering significant time and cost savings by automating everyday tasks.

Exchequer supports all aspects of an organisation providing unrivalled analysis, exceptional management reporting and productivity enhancing tools.

Exchequer is part of Advanced Computer Software Group Limited, a leading supplier of software and IT services to the health, care and business services sectors. In 2014, the Group won Tech Company of the Year in PwC’s UK Tech Awards. Advanced was also ranked in the Deloitte UK Fast 50, which recognises the 50 fastest growing technology companies in the UK and ranked in the top 300 technology companies in Deloitte’s EMEA rankings.