Celebrating Dorset Business
Entries are now closed snd submissions are being judged. Finalists will be contacted end of July.
The Dorset Business Festival Awards celebrate excellence in our business community. They are free to enter, and we welcome entries from organisations of all sectors and sizes. With the exception of the ‘Future Leader’ category, awards are presented to the organisation and not the individual.
Three semi-finalists will be shortlisted for each category after 30 July. They will be invited as guests (two complimentary tickets) to attend the Dorset Business Festival Awards on 10 October as well as a Meet the Finalists event on 10 September. The category winner will be announced at the Awards event on 10 October and presented with their award.
How to enter
To enter, select your chosen category (you can enter a maximum of two categories) and complete the form, supplying relevant and supporting information.
We have included a list of criteria which the independent panel of judges will look for when reviewing entries as a guide.
You may like to use these as headings to structure your entry. If a criteria is not relevant to your business, this will not count against you if you demonstrate performance across the other areas. Please be aware that the judges can only assess your entry on the information you include in your submission.
When completing the form, you can save and return. If you do this you will be sent an email with a unique link. Please keep this safe as we are unable to access your entry until it has been submitted.
If you have any questions, contact festival@dorsetchamber.co.uk
Awards Categories 2024
Best New Business Award
This award celebrates the growth and success of a business that has started in the last 5 years. Judges will look at the growth of the business and market presence established over this time.
Best Place to Work Award
This award recognises a business that supports both the health and wellbeing of employees and goes the extra mile in making their business the best place to work. The business should demonstrate examples of good practice, innovative policies, strong staff retention and a genuine focus on providing a happy and enjoyable workplace.
Community Partnership Award
This award recognises the outstanding work of a business in contributing to the community through working with the community and charitable sector. Note – this category is specifically for businesses only
Customer Experience Award
This award celebrates exceptional customer service both in terms of new and existing customers. The award will particularly recognise innovative approaches to customer service and judges will be seeking tangible evidence of feedback.
Environmental Impact Award
This award celebrates a business leading the way in cutting its own carbon footprint and its impact on the environment through innovative sustainable business practices.
Future Leader Award
This award recognises a rising star in the business community aged 30 or under. Judges will be looking for evidence of career progression and the impact you are making in your business or the business or organisation in which you are employed.
Export Business Award
This award recognises the success of a business that has achieved significant growth through trading internationally – either in entering new overseas markets or building its presence in existing international markets. Business should demonstrate the overall growth that international trade has contributed to the business.
Scaleup Award
This award recognises a business that is experiencing significant growth and a presence in its sector, growing new markets and demonstrating substantial growth in scale of business operations, markets and turnover.
Social Impact Award
This award recognises the achievements and success of a business in making a positive social positive impact socially, ethically or environmentally in its external environment.
Digital and Technology Award
This award recognises a business that is utilising and implementing digital and technology solutions to improve internal processes, develop new products and services or drive business growth.
Independent Panel of Judges
Adam Greenwood
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Adam Greenwood
Founder
the human tech agency
Adam Greenwood founded the award-winning human tech agency in 2009. He spends his time trying to understand how we can use technology for the benefit of all humankind.
Adam has spoken all over the world about AI, social media, algorithms, data abundance, privacy, bio-technology and the future, as well as giving a TED talk about the echo chamber.
Karen Parkinson
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Adam Walker
Co Founder
FOUNDRY
Adam and co-founders LGIM Real Assets established FOUNDRY in 2022 as an operating platform which repurposes LGIM assets focused on the micro enterprise sectors.
FOUNDRY members are from a cross-sector, cross-lifestage, and Adam believes curating this mix and providing the right physical space will give our members the best chance of success.
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Becks Beere
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Becks Beere
Founder
A2V
Founder & CEO, Becks Beere launched A2V back in 2012 with a vision to create an environment that individuals could thrive in, where businesses receive tailored service from A to V (much less to worry about!) and product is designed purposefully to delight.
Proud to support innovation, individuality and forward-thinking, Becks effortlessly teams passion and product with real people and purpose.
Cecilia Bufton
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Cecilia Bufton
Chairman
Dorset LEP
Cecilia is an experienced Non-Executive and Chairman, now working on two Public/ Private sector Boards in Dorset and three Charity Boards, having successfully transitioned from a 30-year, private sector Executive career.
Cecilia is an enthusiastic Strategic Marketing professional with a strong interest in innovative product, service and business development. Her experience is mainly in B2B sectors in the areas of human health and care. A global leader, she has led the introduction of new business to markets in over 40 countries, supporting the establishment and development of teams to meet local customer demand.
Charlie Bailey-Ryall
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Charlie Bailey-Ryall
Head of Production and Infrastructure Department
Atlas Elektronik UK
Currently Head of Production and Infrastructure at Atlas Elektronik UK and leading a 60 person team, responsible for delivering high quality innovative products to be used in-service with the UK Royal Navy and exported globally. I started my career in 2007 as an ambitious 16-year-old apprentice, working my way from the shop floor to leadership having also achieved my 1st class Mechanical Engineering degree.
Emily Fripp
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Emily Fripp
Founder and Director
Efeca
Emily is the Founder and Director of Efeca, a B Corp certified company specialising in sustainable use and trade of forest risk agricultural commodities. Emily works with both private and public sector clients supporting the development and implementation of corporate commitments and public sector policies to address deforestation. She supported the Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA) of the World Economic Forum in facilitating a global taskforce of the COP26 Forest, Agriculture and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue; facilitation of the Global Resource Initiative (GRI), and is currently Director of the UK Sustainable Commodities Initiative, including industry roundtables on soy and palm oil.
Gary Hales
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Gary Hales
Executive Coach and Business Growth Specialist
ActionCOACH
Gary is an International Executive Coach and business growth specialist who acts as a coach and mentor working with business owners, founders, CEO’s, MD’s and other senior executives to help lead, fix, improve and grow their business.
Gavin Browning
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Gavin Browning
Executive Director
J.P. Morgan
Gavin joined J.P. Morgan in 1996, starting at Chase Manhattan Bank, and is a senior manager within the relationship management team. He has been responsible for working with Public Sector clients, within Europe, Middle East and Africa, for 18 years and has over 25 years experience in securities finance and have held various management, operational and client relationship roles within our Securities Services division.
He is responsible for the J.P. Morgan Bournemouth Hub Communities team.
Linda Middleton Jones
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Linda Middleton-Jones
Founder
International Trade Matters Ltd
Linda is the Founder of International Trade Matters: A leading International Trade Consultancy specialising in compliance and strategic direction. She is the Internationalisation Specialist for Innovate UK Edge in the South West.
Prof. Lois Farguharson
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Professor Lois Farquharson
Executive Dean
Bournemouth University Business School
Dr Lois Farquharson is the Executive Dean of Bournemouth University Business School. Specialising in leadership practice and organisational change, Lois works in partnership with organisations, including University Hospitals Dorset and Dorset Healthcare, to support strategic workforce development. As a CMI Fellow and Chartered Manager, Lois is the CMI Women Lead on the South West Region Board. She is also an Academic Fellow of the CIPD.
Kelly Levell
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Kelly Levell, BA (Hons), MHFA
Founder
Kelly founded We Do Ethical in 2009 with ITV’s backing. Rooted in Dorset’s landscapes, her upbringing fosters a deep dedication to environmental stewardship. Her purpose-driven approach drives profits and aids non-profit initiatives, delivering essential solutions for education, pollution reduction, and positive change.
Matthew Fretten
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Matthew Fretten
Managing Partner
Matthew is Managing Partner of Frettens Solicitors, a full-service law firm with over 100 staff and offices in Christchurch and Ringwood. He is a corporate & commercial solicitor and has been a member of the Dorset Chamber board for over a decade.
Martin Edwards
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Martin Edwards
CEO
Julia’s House
Martin is CEO of Julia’s House, Best Companies’ No 1 Charity to Work For in the UK. Martin has a doctorate in Business Administration from Bournemouth University and is a columnist for Third Sector magazine on leadership and organisational culture.
Paul Tansey
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Paul Tansey
CEO | Director | Chair
The Intergage Group
Paul Tansey is CEO of The Intergage Group, A Director of the Growth-Leaders peer group for digital, tech and creative entrepreneurs and Chair of the Board at MYTIME – the Dorset-based charity for young Carers.
Seemin Suleri
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Seemin Suleri
Tech Leader
Seemin specialises in building and leading high performance engineering teams to deliver tech transformations. She has led a number of initiatives to increase the representation of women in tech, and has a particular focus on the human element in organisational success.
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Susannah Brade-Waring
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Susannah Brade-Waring
Founder & Lead Trainer
I’m Susannah, Founder and Lead Trainer at Aspirin Business. I’m often asked, “Why Aspirin?” It’s because my goal has always been to help other leaders and their teams embrace change faster and without the headaches I experienced in growing businesses.
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Toni Taylor
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Toni Taylor
Founder & Lead Trainer
Dedicated to unlocking the full potential of businesses, whether you are seeking to build a dynamic team, cultivate a safe & friendly workplace culture, or optimise your business through effective recruitment strategies. I am committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering long-term partnerships.
Tony Brown
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Tony Brown
Founder & Director | President
President of Dorset Chamber, founder and managing director of Y-not Finance. He specialises in mortages and associated products, and is very inolved in a range of community projects. Director of Ferndown Community Support, trustee of The Fletcher Foundation and active fundraiser and supporter of many other charities.
Warren Munson
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Warren Munson
Business Leader | Entrepreneur
Experienced and successful serial Business Owner Warren Munson is a forward-thinking, innovative, industry leader. Warren’s own personal journey, together with his knowledge and experience working with an array of entrepreneurs and business leaders, gives him a unique insight into what it takes to succeed – both personally and professionally. Having sold in February 2022, Inspire, a multi award winning business and tax advisory firm he founded. Warren’s main focus is now coaching, development and strategic advisory business Evolve, and hosting the Evolve to Succeed podcast.
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