It was the day that Christchurch’s crème de la crème took their place in the spotlight.

The first-ever Christchurch Business Awards were declared a big success and will now become an annual feature in the town’s calendar.

As reported on Dorset Biz News, a range of businesses and organisations – from a popular pub to a Christian charity supporting and empowering women – were singled out for success.

The lunchtime event, held at the Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa, was organised by MW Events.

It was one of 12 such business awards staged by the company in Dorset.

Guest of honour was Christchurch Mayor Avril Coulton who also presented the 14 awards.

The top honour went to Mad4Dance dance centre, founded by Julie Laming, pictured, which was declared Overall Business of the Year.

It was also named Health, Beauty and Fitness Business of the Year.

The full results were:

• New Business of the Year, sponsored by Streetwise HR: Bridge Health and Wellbeing
• Independent Business of the Year, sponsored by Williams Thompson Solicitors: Pro2col
• Local Artisans and Produce of the Year, sponsored by Christchurch BID: The Artful Baker
• Employee of the Year, sponsored by Bridge Health & Wellbeing: Alice Smee of Hoburne Group
• Family Business of the Year, sponsored by TC Filer Knapper: The Noisy Lobster
• Leading Customer Service of the Year, sponsored by Bournemouth University Business School: Christchurch Derma Spa
• Professional Service Provider of the Year, sponsored by Miller Bros and F.P.Butler: Williams Thompson Solicitors
• Cafe, Pub and Entertainment of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual (Bournemouth): The Thomas Tripp
• Best Place to Work, sponsored by Yellow Buses: Captain Cod
• Green/Eco Business of the Year, sponsored by Pro2Col: Eco Sustainable Solutions
• Health, Beauty and Fitness Business of the Year, sponsored by Christchurch Chamber: Mad4Dance
• Retail Business of the Year, sponsored by Dorset Biz News: Azzediari Boutique
• Leading Community Support, sponsored by Captain’s Club Hotel: The Water Lily Project
• Overall Business of the Year: Mad4Dance

Dorset Biz News is proud to be the Official Media Partner for the awards while Hot Radio is the Radio Partner.

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Biz Gallery – pictures by Paul Collins, PC Visuals

Nigel Reeve of MW Events with Christchurch Mayor Avril Coulton and Mayor’s Escort Jeremy Coulson.

Alice Smee, Employee of the Year.

Paul and Louise O’Connell, Kirsty Campbell and Monica Taylor.

Liz Carter and Tracie Beardsley.

Christchurch Mayor Avril Coulton chats to guests.

Fiona Harwood and Kevin Scott.

Stuart Major and Jessica Lyons.

Liz Carter receives the award for Leading Community Support for The Water Lily Project.