More than 100 people attended the Dorset Business Awards ‘meet the finalists’ exclusive drinks reception.

Sponsored by PKF Francis Clark, the evening celebrated the 36 businesses selected as the finalists of this year’s awards.

Organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event saw sponsors and shortlisted Dorset businesses gather together at The Italian Villa, Poole, ahead of the prestigious gala dinner on Thursday, November 23. 

Three finalists have been nominated in 12 categories.

The categories are Business Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Pure Networking; Brand of the Year Award, sponsored by RT Brand Communications; Creative and Digital Impact Award, sponsored by Liz Lean PR and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP); UK Health Insurance Investing in Dorset Award; Lester Aldridge and Santander Company of the Year Award; PKF Francis Clark Family Business Award; Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships Award, sponsored by Sunseeker International; Outstanding Customer Service Award, sponsored by Beales Gourmet at The Italian Villa and Luxurycare; Retail and Leisure Experience Award, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre; Team of the Year Award, sponsored by TeamJobs; Young Chamber Award, sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning and UK Exporter of the Year Award, sponsored by REID Steel.

Stuart Dixon, head of marketing and communications and organiser of the awards from Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The event was a fantastic opportunity for sponsors and finalists to come together to celebrate the fact that they have been shortlisted out of 164 entries for the awards this year. There was a real buzz in the room and a sense of excitement as we rapidly approach the gala dinner in just a couple of weeks’ time. 

“All finalists should be extremely proud of making the shortlist and we look forward to celebrating together in style on the night.”

In association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, and backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105, the awards evening will begin with a drinks reception sponsored by Seventa Events. This is followed by an exquisite three-course dinner before the awards presentation begins. Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital will be the entertainment sponsor for the evening, while Brighter Productions will be production sponsor of the Dorset Business Awards for the third year running. 

Pothecary Gin will be providing the perfect tipple for each finalist as the sponsor of the finalist gift bottle. ID card printing specialists, Magicard, has also joined the list of prestigious sponsors at this year’s Dorset Business Awards.

Those interested in finding out more about the 2017 awards should visit .dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or contact the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 01202 714800.