Published: June 27, 2022 | Updated: 28th June 2022
Top attraction Nothe Fort has done it again.
Hot on the heels of being named England’s Small Visitor Attraction of the Year by VisitEngland, it’s landed the title of Overall Business of the Year at the Weymouth Business Awards.
It also won the category for Leading Community Support at the awards held at the Piano Bar, Weymouth Pavilion.
They bring to five the number of awards won this year, an “unprecedented” achievement said
, Chairman of Nothe Fort, pictured.He added: “These mean a lot because they’re judged by the people who know us best.
“We’re having a party on June 29 to celebrate all the award wins, including these ones.
“It helps to show that the time our volunteers give to the fort really is worth it.
“We’ve professionalised how we’re running a community organisation and it’s working.”
Weymouth Mayor Cllr Ann Weaving, pictured with Jane Biscombe, Weymouth Town Council’s Town Clerk, was guest of honour.
She presented the 13 awards at the annual event, organised by MW Events.
Cllr Weaving said: “Whether you’ve won or not you’re all champions in my mind.
“It was brilliant today.
“Good fun, everyone was relaxed, there was no formality and all the feelings came from the heart.
“The awards were all well-deserved.”
Jane Biscombe added: “It’s so great to see that Weymouth is bouncing back.
“We’ve always had a great, thriving business community.
“Lockdown hit us all hard and it’s just so amazing to see events like this happen again, celebrating what’s going on in our town.
“We’re coming back stronger than ever.”
Nigel Reeve, Managing Director of MW Events, who hosted the event and is pictured with the Mayor, said 99 entries and nominations were received for the awards, an increase on last year.
He added: “It’s lovely to see the relaxed atmosphere and businesses enjoying themselves.
“The response and the comments we’ve had since the awards finished are so positive.
“We just want to keep promoting business, helping business and helping to grow business.”
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The full results were (all pictures by Dorset Biz News):
New Business of the Year, sponsored by RiskSTOP: Chesil Edge Cleaning Services
Independent Business of the Year, sponsored by Albert Goodman: Osprey Holiday Cottages (award collected by Debbie Bond of the Federation of Small Businesses)
Green/Eco Business of the Year, sponsored by Tech Wessex: Belissima Hair and Beauty
Rising Star/Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Weymouth College: JJ Wright Creative (winner unable to attend)
Family Business of the Year, sponsored by Les Enfants Terribles: Weymouth 51
Best Customer/Client Service, sponsored by Portland Port: Belissima Hair and Beauty
Best Cafe, Pub and Entertainment, sponsored by Higos Insurance Services: Nicetta
Best Place to Work, sponsored by ActionCOACH West Dorset: Dolphin Design and Print
Professional Services Award, sponsored by Dorset Biz News: Frontline Recruitment
Health, Beauty and Fitness Business of the Year, sponsored by Weymouth Chamber of Commerce: Wessex Trichology Clinic
Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by R Human Resources: Les Enfants Terribles
Leading Community Sport, sponsored by Rose Funeral Service: Nothe Fort
Overall Business of the Year: Nothe Fort