AN awards ceremony crowning the best of Bridport and the surrounding areas once again celebrated top local businesses in the region. 

Some 12 prizes were up for grabs in what was the fourth year of the awards.

The ceremony took place on Thursday, February 10 at Highlands End Holiday Park.

West Dorset Magazine triumphed in two categories claiming the prestigious 'Overall Business of the Year' prize as well as 'New Business of the Year'.

The magazine was created by experienced journalists Miranda Robertson and Karen Bate.

Ms Bate told the News: "We were both really shellshocked. We had no idea that we would win Overall Business of the Year. 

"We were really surprised, really shell shocked. It was moving to receive that award simply because our ambition is to provide top-quality content for people in west Dorset, Weymouth and Portland and to keep it free. 

"To receive the award it felt that our sentiment and our ambitions were being embraced. We could not believe it."

Another double winner was Rich Harvey who was awarded 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' as well as 'Health and Fitness Business of the Year' for his gym 'Hurt Locker.'

After serving in the army for 13 years Mr Harvey opted to open the popular gym in May 2021 to follow his dreams.

He said: "We opened in May 2021 after the covid lockdown. I finished in the army in January, went on holiday then the lockdown happened. I had no income and we had to feed the family and the kids."

"We had to scrape through. I thought to myself 'what do I enjoy?' And I thought of the gym and teaching people so we made it happen."

His 'Hurt Locker' gym is now a back-to-back winner of the Health and Fitness award but it was the first time Mr Harvey, 33, had won the Young Entrepreneur of the year prize.

He said: "I wasn't expecting it at all! The first one was a massive shock. I didn't have a speech planned. 

"Then I got called up for the second one so I was absolutely buzzing!"

Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Ian Bark said: “This the third occasion, as Mayor, I have been privileged to attend this wonderful celebration of the Bridport business community, and what a rollercoaster those three years have been. 

"Today despite the current economic difficulties covered on the national news it’s great to see local businesses being both celebrated and celebrating. Bridport is lucky to have so many fantastic businesses in our area and they deserve to be recognised. I am particularly pleased to see entries into the Green/Eco category increasing year on year yet again."

Prize winners in full:

Arts and crafts - Aperture Photographics

Independent business - Bridport PC Repairs

Green/Eco business - West Bay Discovery Centre

New business - West Dorset Magazine

Customer Service - Creeds

Young entrepreneur - Rich Harvey

Family business - Heavers of Bridport

Cafe, pub, dining - Mercato Italiano

Best place to work - Art Unlimited

Health and fitness - Hurt Locker

Retail business - Smith and Smith

Overall business - West Dorset Magazine