THE winners of the Dorset Business Awards were announced in front of a 700-strong audience at the BIC last night.

The evening, hosted by actress and comic Debra Stephenson, saw 11 trophies handed out.

Parkeon Transit Ltd of Poole, which supplies ticketing systems for public transport around the world, came away with the Lester Aldridge and Santander Company of the Year Award. Among the new awards, the Creative and Digital Impact title was taken by video games company Amuzo.

Ian Girling, chief executive of the awards organiser, Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “From a game developer to an artisan chocolate firm and a country house hotel to a provider of world-class transportation and parking solutions, 11 businesses picked up prizes at the awards ceremony.

“The evening was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that is great about Dorset and recognise the achievements of some of its leading businesses, large and small, that are doing outstanding work, helping others and giving something back to the community.

“On behalf of all the sponsors I’d like to congratulate all the winners and shortlisted entries to this year’s awards process and we look forward to acknowledging more businesses in 2017.”

The winners and finalists were as follows: Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan. Winner: Redweb, Bournemouth. Shortlisted: Rachel Scott Singing Lessons and Recording Studio, Weymouth; The Short and Sweet Company, Wimborne.

Creative and Digital Impact Award, sponsored by Liz Lean PR and Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). Winner: Amuzo, Bournemouth. Shortlisted: Greenwood Campbell/LV=, Bournemouth; Salad Creative, Poole.

Emerging Business Award, sponsored by The Training Room. Winner: Avius, Bournemouth. Shortlisted: Aish Technologies, Poole; Koh Group, Poole.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Bournemouth University. Winner: Lloyd Greenfield of Glow Green, Bournemouth. Shortlisted: Karina Grassy of Slumbersac Trading Co Ltd, Wimborne; Simon Brooks of Seventa Events Ltd, Bournemouth.

PKF Francis Clark Family Business Award. Winner: Trimetals, Blandford. Shortlisted: Hoburne, Highcliffe; The Drewitt Group, Bournemouth.

UK Health Insurance Investing in Dorset Award. Winner: Chococo, Swanage. Shortlisted: Dike & Son, Stalbridge; Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Evershot.

Lester Aldridge and Santander Company of the Year Award. Winner: Parkeon Transit Ltd, Poole. Shortlisted: JC & RH Palmer Ltd, Bridport; Structural Metal Decks (SMD), Poole.

Nuffield Health Excellence in Customer Service Award. Winner: Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Evershot. Shortlisted: Beales Gourmet, Poole; Harts of Stur, Sturminster Newton.

Retail Experience Award, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre. Winner: Dike & Son, Stalbridge. Shortlisted: Forum Jewellery, Broadstone; The Perfume Shop, Poole.

Team of the Year Award, sponsored by TeamJobs. Winner: Seventa Events, Poole. Shortlisted: Beales Gourmet, Poole; Candlelight Care, Sherborne.

VoIP Unlimited Business Engagement with Education Award. Winner: Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth. Shortlisted: The Honest Agency, Sturminster Newton; Ultra Electronics, Wimborne.