Ward Goodman Directors and guests joined business people from across the region for the Blackmore Vale Business Awards 2019.
As headline sponsor, Ward Goodman’s Managing Director Ian Rodd gave a warm welcome to over 200 guests at the George Albert Hotel and Spa near Dorchester, before getting the party started by handing out bottles of champagne to six lucky guests that found Golden Tickets in their goody bags.
The awards evening was co-hosted by Clair Pengilly, publisher of the Blackmore Vale Magazine and Mark Woodhouse, family director at Hall & Woodhouse, who was the recipient of last seat’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Either side of a wonderful three course meal, the finalists for the twelve categories were introduced before the winner was invited onto the stage to collect their award.
The big winners on the night were Bluestone College based in Ferndown who picked up three awards including the overall Business of the Year Award which was sponsored by Ward Goodman.
Category Winners
Start Up Business of the Year – The Yurt at Hollands Farmhouse
Customer Service Award – The Veincare Centre
Best Employee – Kieren Barnes, A-Storage
Family Business of the Year – Harts of Stur
Small Business of the Year – Bluestone College
Large Business of the Year – Hillbrush
Best Place to Work – Boxclever Press Limited
Business Person of the Year – Joe Turner, Bluestone College
Contribution to the Community Award – Future Roots
Best Online Engagement Award – The Veincare Centre
Lifetime Achievement Award – Philip Hart, Harts of Stur
Business of the Year – Bluestone College
The room was on their feet as Philip Hart was announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Having stepped back from the business that is currently celebrating its 100 year anniversary, Philip has spent 40 years within the business, steering Harts of Stur through a new technological age. His two sons now run the business as Managing Director and Commercial Director.
On the night, the guests all helped to raise funds for the events chosen charity, The Friends of Yeatman Hospital. Founded in 1951, the aim of the charity is to support the Hospital by funding projects that are often unlike to be covered by the NHS.
Once the awards were concluded, the guests were entertained at a charity casino, once again raising funds for the chosen charity.
Photos courtesy of BVM
