NEW businesses are being encouraged to take a chance and enter this year’s Dorset Echo Industry Awards no matter what their experience.

The inaugural awards aim to bring together the best of businesses in the DT postcode sector and recognise their achievements and are sponsored by Skyline, Weymouth College, HIX and Langham Wines.

The Best New Business award is being sponsored by Woods Furniture and last year’ saw The Dorset Hideaway at Whitchurch Canonicorum named winner of the award.

Esther Phillips, owner and joint partner at The Dorset Hideaway, said: “It was a brilliant accolade to achieve. We had been working really hard with our new business so it was a great motivator to even be nominated.

“Winning the Best New Business award also encouraged us to enter other awards - we have just entered the Loo of the Year awards too.

“I don’t think any of us thought we have any chance of winning the awards. It was a really nice surprise. I would encourage any new business to just take the chance and enter because you never know - we are living proof.”

Finalists will be invited to the Industry Awards ceremony at Weymouth College on June 16, where the winners will be announced.

The Industry Awards include the following categories:

n Best Overall Retailer (sponsored by Fleetline)

n Best Customer Service Provider (sponsored by the Dorset Echo)

n Best Social Media Marketing (sponsored by Sherrens)

n Best Business Development or Innovative Idea (sponsored by WPCC)

n Best New Business (opened in the last two years, sponsored by Woods)

n Best Contribution to Local Tourism (sponsored by Pengillys)

n Best Product or Service (sponsored by Atlas)

n Best Community Engagement Business (sponsored by Active Mobility)

n Best Apprenticeship Employer (sponsored by Weymouth College)

n Best Dining Provider (sponsored by Brewery Square)

n Best Woman in Business (sponsored by Permanent Makeup by Claire Louise)

Businesses from the DT postcode sector can be nominated by sending 100 to 250 words by e-mail to debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk with Industry Awards in the subject line. Up to three supporting documents may be provided as attachments.