THE search for the stars of Dorset business has begun following the launch of the 2015 Dorset Business Awards.

The awards, backed my or sister title The Dorset Echo, recognises the hard work, dedication and innovation of the county’s best businesses and this year’s competition has now been officially launched.

This year’s competition, which has been organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has a record-number of categories, with 11 awards now announced for businesses to compete in and nominations are now open.

More than 120 of the region’s business leaders gathered Kingston Country Courtyard in Swanage to celebrate the launch sponsored by Breeze Volkswagen and to discover the categories for this year’s awards. The previous year’s winners were also present to share pearls of wisdom for interested entrants on how to pick up the county’s most prestigious business accolade.

The awards competition, also backed by radio station Wave 105, will culminate in a glitzy Hollywood-themed ceremony at the Bournemouth International Centre.

The 2015 categories and Award sponsors are the Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan, the Business Growth Award, sponsored by Advanced Exchequer Dorset Export Award, sponsored by Atlas Elektronik UK, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Bournemouth University, the Excellence in Innovation Award, sponsored by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Liz Lean PR, the Hays Team of the Year Award, the Lester Aldridge and Santander Company of the Year Award, the Nuffield Health Excellence in Customer Service Award, the Princecroft Willis Family Business Award, the Retail Experience Award, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre and the VoIP Unlimited Business Engagement with Education Award.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says: “We are delighted to announce the 2015 Dorset Business Awards are officially open for entry from Wednesday June 17.

“With the addition of an eleventh Award category, there are now more awards available to enter than ever before.

“We encourage all businesses across the county to enter and highlight to your clients, colleagues and competitors the areas in which your firm excels, your achievements and innovations which contribute to making Dorset an enterprising region for business.”

As the event increases in popularity, the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, made the decision this year to move the Awards ceremony to the largest hall in the Bournemouth International Centre, the Windsor Hall, to help fulfil the demand for tickets for the leading social event on the business calendar.

For more information on the awards or to find out how to enter visit dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or contact 01202 714810.