Published: February 17, 2025 | Updated: 17th February 2025
The fifth annual Bridport Business Awards were held at a well-attended town hall ceremony last Thursday.
A total of 19 awards were presented on the day, with the overall prize going to Platform – a restaurant operating out of restored railway carriages at the old West Bay Railway Station.
Guests included Cllr Anne Rickard, the mayor of Bridport, and Nick Gregory, operations director for Dorset Growth Hub, Bridport Town Council and Bridport Business Chamber.
Other winners were Bridport Food Bank for its community work, the Hive Beach Cafe and Watch House Café, and Groves Nurseries and Framptons for customer service.
Luke Hayter of New Body Gym picked up young entrepreneur, while Groves Nurseries shared a gold award for family business of the year with Washingpool Farm.
There was also a special award this year in memory of local businessman Clive Hayward, who with his family helped many businesses achieve success at St Michael’s Trading Estate.
That was picked up by Coastline Soaps & Skincare with runners up Jurassic Pond Solutions.
“Every year we’re so impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit shown by the independent businesses in Bridport,” said organiser Nigel Reeve.
“That’s what makes it such a special place to live, work and visit and gives it such a great buzz.”
Launched as an initiative to help local businesses during the Covid lockdowns, the awards format run by local company Marketing West SW now runs in towns right across Dorset, recognising the success of the county’s businesses.
