BU in search for Dorset’s top Entrepreneur

24 July 2009

Mark Cribb (centre), winner of last year's Entrepreneur Award

BU is looking for Dorset’s leading Entrepreneur for this year’s Dorset Business Awards.

BU is proud to be sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in this year’s Daily Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards, and is urging local entrepreneurs to apply.

The award, which is now open for applications, honours an individual or team who has shown exceptional entrepreneurial vision.

Any company, team or individual which has a BH/DT postcode or is based in Dorset is eligible to apply and entrants shortlisted will be invited to present a 15 minute presentation with the judging panel.

To be in with a chance of winning applicants will need to evidence:

They are Dorset-based and Trading as a Sole Trader, Ltd Company, Partnership, Social Enterprise or Charity.
Why they should become Entrepreneur of the Year.
What obstacles they have overcome to achieve success.
How the business has benefited the economic and social well being of Dorset.

Entrants can submit an entry via the Dorset Business Award website listed below, or print off an entry form from the site and submit a paper-based entry. The closing date for entry is Friday 18 September.

Owner of Boscombe-based Urban Beach Hotel & Bistro, Mark Cribb, received this award in 2008. Mark said: “I would recommend any business in the region to enter a Dorset Business Award as the benefits are huge.

“After winning the award I had so much media coverage which helped to raise the profile of Urban Beach. I also experienced an increase to the amount of traffic to the Urban Beach website and hotel bookings went up by 35 per cent!”

Professor Nick Petford, BU Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research and Enterprise, said: “Entrepreneurs who seize the opportunities that arise in adversity can ignite a spark and propel our economy forward.

“In these uncertain times, BU is proud to be supporting the local business community through the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, made to an exceptional individual or company considered by the judges to be at the forefront of business innovation.”

Non-Chamber Members are also encouraged to enter, individual awards are judged by key business people across Dorset who are chosen by the Award Sponsor.