The BH Star Award semi-finalists were revealed at a starry event held at Shorefield Holidays’ Oakdene Forest Park, St Leonard’s, Dorset, on 12^th February.

Launched to honour and bring public recognition for varied achievements and positive contributions from those professionals working across the hospitality, tourism and retail sector, these new awards not only recognise and celebrate the BH region’s best-loved tourism, hospitality and retail businesses from the BH postcode areas: Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Wimborne, plus surrounding towns and villages.

Headline sponsor Shorefield Holidays, an award-winning, family owned business which operates eight holiday and leisure parks in the BH postcode and New Forest area, welcomed smartly attired entrants to a glamorous early evening reception, with canapés served as the semi-finalists were revealed.

Simon Pitman, Shorefield Group Head of Marketing, said: “We congratulate all the semi-finalists. Every one represents a business covering tourism, hospitality and retail, which contribute significantly to our local economy.”

The awards were also supported by sponsors and partners including: County Foods, Country Fare, Mploy, Goadsby, Eskimo EPOS, Meridian Lifts, Meridian Air Conditioning, Oceana Hotel Group, Nativ, Ist Waste Management, Bournemouth Echo, Wave 105, ELIS, Templar Wines, Conker Spirit, Amica and Expect Best.

Initial judging was carried out by representatives comprising of independent trade and business executives and educators, entrepreneurs and innovators. They will now make their final decisions as to who the BH Star winners are, which will be revealed at a gala dinner and awards ceremony at The Lighthouse, Poole, on Thursday 14 March.

Jackie Phillipson, co-founder of ROUTEpr and Events, organiser and curator of the Star Awards, said: “The judging panel was impressed by business growth, vision, drive and development. Well done to all entrants, semi-finalists.”

“The categories have a clear focus and are open to businesses, suppliers and individuals. As we approach the final judging, our focus now turns to staging a glamorous and stunning gala ceremony and dinner, which will be the standout event for making regional connections.”

“The value of winning, kudos and related publicity mean that the winners have something to shout about as they return to congratulate their teams. They act as ambassadors for the future and for other regional Star Awards.”

The BH Star Award winners will be announced at a gala dinner and ceremony at The Lighthouse, Poole, on March 14. Tickets are now on sale. Visit the website www.bhstars.co.uk to find out more and to purchase tickets.