This year’s Dorset Business Awards aims to celebrate the businesses that export globally, and those setting the standards in the engineering and manufacturing industry.
A new category for 2019, Excellence in Engineering and Manufacturing Award, sponsored by REIDsteel and Atlas Elektronik, celebrates the importance of the engineering and manufacturing sector in Dorset. It recognises excellence and achievements in terms of research and development, productivity, training and the application of new technology and innovative design.
Simon Boyd, managing director at REIDsteel, explained: “As we celebrate our centenary at REIDsteel, we know just how important manufacturing and engineering excellence has been to the success of our business. Manufacturing and engineering are bedrocks of the local and national economy, and it is vital that this sector receives the recognition and support it deserves. Awards success brings a tremendous boost for a business and its people, and we look forward to seeing some superb entries which really show manufacturing and engineering at its very best.”
John Sutcliffe, director of business development at Atlas Elektronik UK, added: “Atlas Elektronik UK is delighted to sponsor the new for 2019, Excellence in Engineering & Manufacturing award. Dorset has a rich engineering and manufacturing sector that draws on the talents of many STEM professionals. By sponsoring this award, we want to celebrate the achievements of the diverse range of entrants and promote Dorset as county leader in this sector. This award will provide awareness to our future engineers and STEM professionals that Dorset is a county with tremendous opportunities.”
The Excellence in Exporting Award, sponsored by HSBC and PSP Logistics, is seeking to honour a business which has achieved sustainable levels of international growth through exporting. 2018 winner, Haystack Dryers based in Ringwood, impressed the judges with its geographic reach into challenging emerging markets driven by the tenacious and proactive strategy of the managing director, Paul Thomas.
Anthony Reed, head of corporate banking at HSBC, commented: “We are proud to support the Exporting Excellence Award in recognition of the importance that exports play in both Dorset and the wider the UK economy, influencing the level of economic growth and employment. Companies who export report higher levels of productivity, profitability and innovation.”
Frank Dixie, managing director of PSP Logistics, added: “We are delighted to be supporting the Dorset Business Awards again. They are highly renowned and respected in the region. There are many established businesses and start-ups in Dorset that are exporting their products all over the world so this is a very exciting category to be involved in.”
The Awards, supported by the Daily Echo and Wave 105, are now open and are free for everyone to enter. Entrants will need to complete and submit an entry via www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk by Friday, August 2. Finalists will be invited to the Gala Dinner on Thursday, November 28 when the winners will be announced.
Stuart Dixon, head of marketing and communications at Dorset Chamber, added: “We’re all so thrilled with the introduction of the Excellence in Engineering and Manufacturing category this year – there are so many fantastic businesses within that sector in the county it was a natural addition to our ceremony. HSBC and PSP Logistics have returned as sponsors this year for the Exporting Excellence category, and to have your business recognised by such established names in the region and far beyond is an excellent accolade for any company that exports globally.”
For further information about the Awards or to purchase tickets for the Gala Dinner, please visit www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or contact the Dorset Chamber on 01202 714810. Tickets cost £90 + VAT per person, or £850 + VAT for a table of 10 (Dorset Chamber members), or cost £100 + VAT per person, or £950 + VAT for a table of 10 (non-Dorset Chamber members).