BUSINESSES are being urged to enter the Dorset Business Awards 2010.

Some 130 businesses attended a launch event at Kingston Country Courtyard, near Corfe Castle, earlier in the summer.

Now companies are being urged to lodge their entries as soon as possible in the Dorset chamber of commerce and industry organised contest.

All businesses, regardless of their size or business sector, with a BH/DT postcode, or who are based in Dorset, are invited to enter the awards.

The closing date is Friday, September 17. Applications can be made at dorset businessawards.co.uk or an entry form from the website can be printed off and submitted.

Judging takes place in October when three finalists will be chosen per category.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Lighthouse Poole on Thursday, December 9.

For further information about the awards or to purchase tickets for the gala dinner, contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.

The categories and sponsors

There are 10 award categories:

Best Employer for a Healthy Workplace Award – sponsored by Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital.

Business Engagement in the Community Award – sponsored by Morgan Sindall.

Creative Company/Project of the Year Award – sponsored by The Arts University College at Bournemouth and Liz Lean PR.

Dorset Exporter of the Year Award – sponsored by UK Trade and Investment Entrepreneur of the Year Award – sponsored by Bournemouth University.

Innovative Technology Award – sponsored by Dorset Business (Chamber of Commerce & Industry) and PH Warr plc.

KPMG Company of the Year Award.

Linking with Schools Award – sponsored by the Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council.

NatWest Excellence in Customer Service Award.

Princecroft Willis Family Business Award.