They’re proudly flying the flag for Dorset – and they couldn’t be more delighted.

Bridge Health & Wellbeing in Christchurch is shortlisted in the Family Business of the Year awards – South & South West region.

It is the only Dorset business to make the shortlist.

The news couldn’t come at a better time.

Paul O’Connell, who founded the family-run clinic with his wife, Louise, in 2019, said: “It’s the perfect pick me up tonic after such a tough year, coping with Covid restrictions.”

The Family Business of the Year Awards were created in 2012 to celebrate the UK family business sector.

They recognise the diversity of family firms across the country and celebrate the contribution they make.

Paul Andrews, Founder of Family Business United, the awards’ organisers, pictured right, said: “Each year we are amazed at the entries received and there are always some real gems that are fabulous ambassadors for the family business sector.

“The entries come from all over the UK and this year in particular, given all of the uncertainty and business challenges caused by the global pandemic, Brexit and the general trading climate, we are delighted by the number of entries and the diverse sectors that they represent too.”

Paul and Louise invested £60,000 in establishing the Bridge Street clinic which includes private treatment rooms, a state of the art rehabilitation gym for the clinic’s patients and a studio for exercise classes.

Paul, 41, said: “In 2019, my wife Louise and I were finally able to realise our dream of creating a welcoming wellbeing community in Christchurch.

“Bringing our skills in physiotherapy and pilates together, we opened the doors to our state-of-the-art health and wellbeing centre.

“It’s certainly been a rollercoaster since, dealing with the impact of Covid.

“But our clients have been amazing and made it all worthwhile.”

The awards culminate in a ceremony next month with awards for various categories, sectors and regions.

Louise, also 41, added: “We are looking forward to attending the event and celebrating with all the other finalists.

“We can’t quite believe that from all the amazing family firms across the entire South & South West we made the shortlist!

“As well as being shortlisted for the regional title, we have been shortlisted for the ‘People’s Choice Award’.

“This is determined solely by public vote, so we would really appreciate the local community’s help.

“If you feel we deserve it, please vote for us, or any of the other worthy finalists.

“It only takes seconds but would make a real difference to all the businesses involved.”

To vote for Bridge Health & Wellbeing, please click here.

• bridgehw.com