“We can’t quite believe it.”

The reaction of Clare Gallie, Chief Executive Officer, after Lewis-Manning Hospice Care was named Overall Winner – and also Green/Eco Business of the Year – at the inaugural Bournemouth Business Awards.

She said: “We’re thrilled and delighted to win these awards.

“A huge thank you for this kind recognition of the work we do supporting local patients at the end of life in the community.

“And our sincere thanks to our wonderful volunteers, staff and supporters without whom none of this would be possible.

“That includes our fabulous charity shops who help with so much of our recycling and green strategy by turning much-needed donations of clothes into funds.”

More than 70 people attended the lunchtime ceremony at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

Sixteen awards were presented to a range of businesses, organisations and individuals.

They were organised by MW Events with the awards ceremony hosted by its Managing Director, Nigel Reeve.

Jacqui Rock, President of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce, presented the winners with their framed certificates.

A total of 120 entries were received for the 15 categories.

VIP guest Cllr David Kelsey, Mayor of Bournemouth, said: “You’ve got a Premier League team here now and I think the businesses here can make themselves premier as well.

“The way you carry on, the way you support each other, what you do for the town, the local businesses are second to none in my eyes.”

MW Events now organises 12 business awards across Dorset.

Speaking after the event, Nigel said: “The awards went extremely well and I’d say the numbers were incredible.

“To have 120 entries was phenomenal.

“We were very apprehensive at the start about coming into Bournemouth as it’s a crowded market.

“This shows that there is a market for a down-to-earth, grassroots business awards that focuses on promoting business and not just having a party.”

Dorset Biz News is the official Media Partner for the Bournemouth Business Awards while Hot Radio is the official Radio Partner.

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The full results were (all pictures by Paul Collins/PC Visuals): 

New Business of The Year, sponsored by Laceys Solicitors: Pitman Training

Artisans and Local Produce, sponsored by Bournemouth Chamber: Goode Choice Catering (award collected on winner’s behalf by Kevin Scott, Hot Radio)

Independent Business of The Year, sponsored by Streetwise HR: Passenger Technology Group

Retail Business of The Year, sponsored by the Marsham Court Hotel: Renoufs Pantry

Green/Eco Business, sponsored by BKB Chartered Certified Accountants: Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

Rising Star/Young Entrepreneur, sponsored by Bournemouth University Business School: Nicole Bateman

Family Business of The Year, sponsored by Saffery Champness: Comm Group

Leading Customer Service, sponsored by Dutton Gregory Solicitors: Wessex Fire & Security

Café, Pub and Entertainment, sponsored by NFU Mutual: Key West Bar & Grill

Best Place to Work, sponsored by Yellow Buses: OnBuy

Professional Service Provider, sponsored by Action Coach: Dutton Gregory Solicitors

Health, Beauty and Fitness Business, sponsored by Dorset Biz News: Smile Stories

Best Use of Innovation, sponsored by Bournemouth University: i-Fulfillment

Outstanding Community Support, sponsored by AFC Bournemouth Hospitality: BCHA Learn

The Dorset Mind Special Award: Pitman Training

Overall winner 2022: Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

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