We’re winners and we mean business

Bird Media, publishers of The West Dorset Magazine, have been named not only New Business of the Year at the Bridport Business Awards, but Overall Business of the Year!

We are incredibly grateful for this boost to our spirits.

Thanks to Marketing West Events for organising these awards, which started four years ago in Bridport – now awards ceremonies are held all over the county. Here are all the winners –see the photographs and watch the video (ignore the editor’s Morcambe and Wise dance, please!) at bridportbusiness awards.co.uk

All The Winners

Arts and crafts: Aperture Photographics

Independent business: Bridport PC Repairs Green/Eco business: West Bay Discovery Centre

New business: West Dorset Magazine Customer Service: Creeds

Young entrepreneur: Rich Harvey Family business: Heavers of Bridport Cafe, pub, dining: Mercato Italiano Best place to work:

Art Unlimited

Health and fitness: Hurt Locker

Retail business: Smith and Smith

Overall business: West Dorset Magazine

Raise a glass to independent wine retailers’ prize

Family-run shop Vineyards of Sherborne toasted its own success after being named Independent Wine Retailer of the Year at the Drinks Retailing Awards. Hannah Wilkins and her business partner and wife Sadie attended a glitzy awards ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London where they won big against strong competition.

On receiving the award, Hannah Wilkins said: “It feels absolutely surreal to think that our little wine shop in rural Dorset has been recognised at such a level. I started Vineyards in 2005, when I was just 24, and I’ve been in the trade 25 years, yet I can honestly say that that this is a career high.

“I love great wine, I want everyone to enjoy quality wine, I’m passionate about being independent – and to get this award in 2023, all these years later, with such fantastic national competitors, reassures me that we’re obviously doing something right. I’m not sure when it’s going to start to sink in though –Sherborne is definitely on the wine map now.” Based in The Old Yarn Mills, Hannah says Vineyards offers a “small, trusted team of wine experts who offer an extensive portfolio, excellent personalised service, and a real community hub, where locals regularly enjoy tasting evenings and workshops”.