DJ PROPERTY has been a dynamo in the business community for many years.

The family company, founded by the late David Jones, has become well known for establishing the Granby and Lynch Lane industrial estates as major players in the local economy.

But the company, now run by chief executive Mickey Jones, has also taken a keen interest in business issues affecting the area and has been a major supporter of Open 4 Business since the start.

The company is sponsoring the Technology and Innovation Award this year.

Mr Jones said: “DJ Property has been associated with the Open 4 Business from its inception.

“It ties in well with our brand values of professionalism, championing the local economy and developing long term business relationships.

“Both new and existing businesses benefit through networking, enhanced sales, and if fortunate enough to be a nominee at the awards night, they will enjoy press coverage and marketing promotion for the coming year.”

DJ Property has been expanding despite the recession. One of its most recent developments has been Oxford Court, in Cambridge Road on the Granby Industrial Estate.

The £3.5million complex, which also overlooks the Chickerell Link Road, has 23 units for business and light industrial use.

Three of the latest units to be built will be ready for lease in sizes ranging from 1,400 to 4,200 square feet.

DJ Property also has units in Crossways, as well as Portland and other parts of Weymouth.

PROGRAMME Open 4 Business is spread over five months this year before reaching its finale in October.

The event also covers the Dorset coast from Purbeck to Lyme, as well as its heartland of Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester.

Activities have already begun with fully-booked Business Link workshops in Bridport and Lulworth.

There has also been a packed business breakfast at the Rendezvous in Weymouth.

Some 78 business people attended the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce and Lloyds TSB business breakfast.

More events are planned during the summer and autumn.

The main festival events in October has been extended from two weeks to three this year.

This year’s festival has the theme of ‘world-class business’ to encourage firms to prepare for the 2012 Olympics and opportunities.

Open 4 Business chairman Gareth Jones, of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, is working with Robert Moore from West Dorset District Council, Helen Heanes from Dorset County Council, Richard Wilson from Purbeck District Council and main sponsor Weymouth College.

The steering group is supported by Business Link, which will be co-ordinating events, with marketing company Popcorn Marketing, Cocoa Media and film-makers Champagne Film Productions.

The Dorset Echo is the media partner and a sponsor.

Go to the website at o4business.co.uk for more information about upcoming events.

OPEN 4 BUSINESS 2010 AWARDS COMPANIES are urged to lodge entries for the Open 4 Business awards as soon as possible.

The deadline is September 10. Visit the Visit the website at o4business.co.uk for entry details. The awards and their sponsors are: New Business: sponsored by Enterprise Connection Jurassic Coast Business: Getaway Digital South & West Dorset Business: Dorset Echo Export Company: Aquarium Technology Ltd Customer Service: Blondz eBusiness: Champagne Film Technology & Innovation: DJ Property Learning in the Workplace: Stag Office Products Business of the Year 2010: Weymouth College Flame Award: no sponsor