Published: February 3, 2025 | Updated: 3rd February 2025
The Bournemouth Business Awards were held last week at Bournemouth Pier to recognise and reward some of the best the town has to offer, with a record number of attendees and category winners.
Among the guests were Cllr Lesley Dedman, chair of BCP Council; Cllr George Farquhar, mayor of Bournemouth; Nick Gregory, operations director for Dorset Growth Hub; and Prof Lois Farquharson, executive dean of Bournemouth University Business School.
Rejuvenate IT were crowned Overall Business of the Year, sponsored by Action Coach West Dorset.
Rejuvenate IT, overall winners
There was also a new award for this year – The Town Centre/High Street Impact Award – which went to The Arcade, described as “the best place to shop in Bournemouth and an attraction the town should be proud of”.
RockReef indoor climbing centre was recognised for its community work, while Key West Bar & Grill won Best Cafe/Casual Dining business.
NFU Mutual shared the Dutton Gregory Excellence in Customer Service award with Rejuvenate IT, picking up their second award of the day.
Saffery presented the Family Business of the Year award to luxury menswear retailer Robert Old, who have been trading in the town since 1909.
And a couple of new businesses were celebrated – The Super Sensory Squad, which works to help children understand their sensory needs, and local radio station Bournemouth One.
Bournemouth One, new business winners
Accepting the award, Sophie Greenwood, co-founder of Bournemouth One, said: “We’re very proud to be community focused, with local and relevant information every 20 minutes.
“There’s been a lot of work that’s gone into the station.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved and honoured to receive this Gold award today.”
Other winners on the day were Durley Environmental Hub, Whitefox Chartered Surveyors, Holt Recruitment, Total Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole College, Stour Estates, Buddy and Noo, Halo Design, Streetwise HR, South Coast Weddings, DK Capture Photography, Southern Entertainment Services and Revival Wellness Cafe.
