The first Portland Business Awards saw nearly 70 local businesspeople gather last week to celebrate the best and brightest in the area. This new addition to a series of 20 local business awards running across Dorset and Hampshire was a huge success.

With 12 categories and over 30 awards up for grabs, the night saw a range of winners, including Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, which took home the award for Best Place to Work. Jo Peters of Penn Estate was crowned Business Person of the Year, while Portland Foodbank was honoured for its Community Support. The event was supported by key sponsors, with Portland Port as the main sponsor and ActionCOACH West Dorset as the headline sponsor.

Other notable winners included Traders Takeaway Café, named Café of the Year, and Heights Hotel, which scooped the Customer Service award. Bee’s Knees Bakes, a new bakery, was recognised as Independent Business of the Year, while Island Accountancy was awarded New Business of the Year. O’Three Ltd, a leading manufacturer of diving suits, took home the Small Business of the Year award.

The prestigious Overall Business of the Year award went to Laming & Sons, a local building firm with over 50 years of experience. Known for their commitment to the Portland community, the business was described by one local as “Portland through and through.”

Organiser Nigel Reeve reflected on the event’s success, saying: “These awards have once again shown the value of truly local celebrations that inspire and reward the many SMEs in each community. The ceremony brings excitement, and the recognition can provide a real boost to businesses.”

For the full list of winners, visit the awards website.