A new venture launched just over a year ago has taken top honours at this year’s Dorchester and Poundbury Business Awards.

Purple Office was named both New Business of the Year and Overall Business of the Year at yesterday’s awards ceremony.

“I’m astonished and delighted,” said James Hart who founded the co-working space in Poundbury with his wife, Vikki.

He added: “It’s a big surprise and I really didn’t expect it.”

More than 70 people attended the lunchtime awards held at Dorset Museum.

Lord Fellowes of West Stafford, the actor, novelist, film director and screenwriter, was guest of honour.

A total of 15 awards were presented at the ceremony, staged by MW Events.

They included a special award to Grassby Funeral Service which celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2021.

Organiser Nigel Reeve said 253 entries and nominations had been received compared to just over 100 a year ago.

“These are your awards so let’s cheer, clap, dance and, above all, celebrate because you deserve it,” he said.

Lord Fellowes, who was accompanied by his wife, Emma, said the past two years had been “very, very difficult” for everyone but especially businesses of every type.

Highlighting the large rise in the number of entries and nominations, he added: “I think it’s very much in the spirit of optimism that we should be applauding these awards.”

The full results were:

Artisans and Local Produce, sponsored by Gavin Dixon Finance Solutions: Copper Street Brewery

Independent Business of The Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual Dorchester: Shire Hall Museum

New Business of The Year, sponsored by Humphries Kirk: Purple Office

Digital Innovation Award, sponsored by RiskSTOP Group: E-Cyclopic

Excellence in Customer Service, sponsored by Advantedge Commercial Finance: Parkers Property Consultants

Green/Eco Business, sponsored by Battens Solicitors: BrambleWood Soap Co

Rising Star, sponsored by Duchy of Cornwall: Amy Moore, Dorset Museum

Family Business of The Year, sponsored by R Human Resources: Dorwest Herbs

Café, Pub and Casual Dining, sponsored by Dorchester BID: Tom Browns Pub

Best Place to Work, sponsored by Brewery Square: RiskSTOP Group

Professional Services Provider, sponsored by Porter Dodson: The Drawing Office

Health, Beauty and Fitness Business, sponsored by Dorset Biz News: Robin James Aveda Dorchester

Retail Business of The Year, sponsored by Action Coach West Dorset: Goldcrest Jewellers

Community Support, sponsored by Dorchester Nub News: Polly Greenway, DOMVS

Overall Business of The Year: Purple Office

Special Award: Grassby Funeral Service

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2022 sponsors and supporters: