NEWS FEED
Bournemouth University is on the hunt for Dorset’s leading entrepreneur for 2016.
The local university is sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at this year’s Dorset Business Awards in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, organised by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and is now seeking entries ahead of the Friday 9 September deadline.
The award recognises an individual or team based in Dorset that shows exceptional entrepreneurial vision and a clear plan to achieve sustained growth in the future. Past winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award include Trelawney Dampney of Eco Sustainable Solutions, Matt Hawkins of C4L, Amanda Jenner, inventor of the My Carry Potty, the team at Adido and Paul Woods from Astute.
The current award holder is chief executive of marine electronics firm Actisense®, Phil Whitehurst. Phil was recognised for his work in building brand awareness across the globe, which has ultimately led to the firm distributing its products to more than 30 countries. Judges recognised that Phil had a clear business strategy for continued growth through a combination of increasing sales of new and existing products and exploiting both home and overseas markets.
To be in with a chance of winning, entrants will need to show evidence of the following:
Trading as a sole trader, limited company, partnership, social enterprise or charity with a BH/DT postcode; Reasons as to why the individual or team should become Entrepreneur of the Year; Obstacles that have been overcome to achieve success and how they were overcome; Growth ambitions and key business objectives that are in place for the future.
Dean Patton, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Bournemouth University says: “Entrepreneurship, particularly for the Dorset economy, is a key source of jobs, business dynamism and innovation. The people and businesses entering this category will need to show incredible dynamism, flair and tenacity in business and will come from a variety of industries and backgrounds.”
The Awards are backed by the South’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk. The closing date for entry is Friday September 9. Entry is open to all companies and entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For more information about the Awards, sponsorship opportunities, or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner, which will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday November 24, contact Stuart Dixon on 01202 714810.
