Back by popular demand to the Dorset Business Awards, in association Bridport News sister papers the Dorset Echo, and Daily Echo, the Retail Excellence Award sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre is looking to discover and highlight the best examples of work in the county’s retail industry for the second year running.

During its first year the category received some strong entries from independent outlets and this year the award is open to any retailer based in Dorset. Up against finalists’ Poole-based Beales department store and independent boutique shoe shop Doris and Daisy in Wimborne, Allum & Sidaway in Dorchester was acknowledged for its outstanding retail excellence in 2012.

Through hard work to deliver outstanding customer service, expansion from one to five branches and an investment in designer jewellery collections and desirable brands, Allum & Sidaway scooped the retail title. Jason Allum says: “We strive for excellence in everything we do and the fact that we won the award for retail excellence encourages us to use this experience to maintain our standards, continue our hard work, offer our customers an outstanding service and continue our positive growth. We are fortunate to have happy staff, and we believe content and loyal customers, and hopefully this award encourages new and happy returning customers.” “We of course invest in our staff through training which ensures retail excellence is delivered. We have designed bespoke training days and all staff undertake a professional qualification through the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG), of which we are a member. This is rewarding for them and reassuring and beneficial for our customers.”

The Retail Excellence Award is open to any independent retailers and high street brands based in Dorset with a BH or DT postcode.

The judges will be looking for companies showcasing outstanding achievement, innovative business concept, business acumen and excellence in customer service. Shortlisted retailers will be visited by a mystery shopper during early October.

Many businesses in Dorset are family-owned, stretching back for generations, and the awards are set to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contribution family businesses have made to the county’s economy, history and culture.

Over the years, the Princecroft Willis Family Business Award has generated a prestigious list of winners from across the county, from Christchurch to Burton Bradstock, Wimborne to Ringwood and Dorchester to Stalbridge, and the award Sponsor-Princecroft Willis are searching to acknowledge another family business in the 2013 Awards.

The Princecroft Willis Family Business Award will acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions of a family business which has made an impact on the Dorset business community. Last year’s winner was again Allum & Sidaway. Entrants can submit an entry via dorsetbusinessawards. co.uk. The closing date is Tuesday September 10. Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For details about the awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner at the Lighthouse, Poole, on Thursday, November 28, contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.