TWELVE businesses are through to the finals of the Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards on December 8 at Bournemouth's Royal Bath Hotel:

IoD Innovation Award, sponsored by Bournemouth University

Campbell Rowley, Bournemouth - a design and photographic agency;

DB Solutions, Bournemouth - a software developer;

Wessex Chemical Factors, Wimborne - a family-run business that develops chemicals for the engineering, construction and marine sectors.

Dorset Business (Chamber of Commerce & Industry), International Award, sponsored by Business Link Wessex

Key Industrial Equipment, Verwood - part of the Manutan International Group selling industrial and office equipment to businesses;

Shape Technology, Christchurch - a specialist in shape measurement instrumentation for the metal industry;

Siemens VAI (UK), Christchurch - an engineering and metallurgical plant builder for the international iron and steel industry.

KPMG Company of the Year Award

Design Objectives, Wimborne - a brand creation and retail distribution business in the craft sector of the creative leisure industry;

Farrow & Ball, Wimborne - a UK market leader in both premium decorative paints and traditionally printed wallpaper;

Shape Technology.

Lester Aldridge Management Team of the Year Award

BK Bluebird, Poole - a manufacturer of caravan holiday homes;

The Mansion House, Poole - one of the most renowned hotels in Dorset;

Smart Group Recruitment Solutions, Bournemouth - an independent recruitment agency.

Dorset Business chief executive Peter Scott said: "We are very pleased to see the diverse range of organisations contributing to the continued economic development of the region."

First published: November 2