Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester Business Improvement District (BID) are proud to announce the launch of a new joint awards scheme for Dorchester Town Centre businesses.
The Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards – is designed to celebrate the town’s most attractive and welcoming business frontages.
The awards scheme, developed by the Town Centre Working Group, aims to highlight businesses that enhance the town’s visual appeal and contribute positively to the local economy and Conservation Area.
Each season, members of the public will be invited to nominate their favourite shopfronts based on the following criteria:
- Sympathetic to the heritage setting/conservation area
- Accessible and inclusive
- Inviting and welcoming
- Well maintained
- Attractive and distinctive window display
The five businesses that receive the most nominations will then be judged by a special panel including the Mayor of Dorchester, Chair of Dorchester BID, and Chair of the Town Centre Action Group and one overall winner will be chosen.
Cllr Les Fry, Chair of Town Centre Action Group said “This is an exciting initiative to draw attention to our Town and the excellent opportunities that our hard-working retailers offer. We very much look forward to receiving nominations”.
Neil Strudwick, Chairman Dorchester BID added “I’m so looking forward to the scheme starting. Dorchester looks so colourful this Summer, and this scheme will add a little something extra. It’s great to see local businesses, Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester BID all working together and getting results. The town is such a great place to visit and enjoy the historic atmosphere and the many businesses Dorchester has to offer.”
The winning business will receive:
- A cash prize jointly funded by Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester BID
- A printed certificate and digital winner’s badge
- An invitation to serve as a guest judge in the following season
The five finalists will also receive certificates and promotional recognition.
The awards will run as a one-year pilot, beginning with the Autumn Charm Frontage Award, launching this September. Future seasonal themes include Spring Bloom, Summer Radiance, and Winter Wonder.
