Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester Business Improvement District (BID) have announced that public nominations are now open for their 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.
Dorchester residents and shoppers are invited nominate the business that they think deserves the “Autumn charm” Seasonal award now!
All types of businesses with a frontage can be nominated, including chains. This includes retail, restaurants and cafes, services (bank, estate agents etc.) and personal services (hairdressers, nail bars etc.)
Members of the public are invited to nominate 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
Please note: Only businesses that are within the Dorchester BID boundary are eligible to receive the award.
Closing date for nominations is Friday 17th October 2025.
The five businesses that receive the most nominations will then be judged by a special panel including the Mayor of Dorchester, Dorchester BID, and Chair of the Town Centre Action Group and one overall winner will be chosen.
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.
Nominations were officially opened today in the town centre with a cry by Anthony Harrison, Dorchester Town Crier. He was joined by Neil Strudwick (Dorchester BID Chairman), Cllr Les Fry (Chair of Dorchester Town Centre Action Group), Anthony Harrison (Dorchester Town Crier), Cllr Robin Potter (Deputy Mayor), and Val Potter (Deputy Mayoress). Who were all handing out leaflets to businesses and passers by to promote the new awards scheme.
Nominations can be made online now at: https://discoverdorchester.co.uk/dorchester-shopfront-of-the-season-awards/
Watch and listen to the Town Crier’s cry announcing the awards on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1D33mffNm9/

Left-right Neil Strudwick (Dorchester BID Chairman), Cllr Les Fry (Dorchester Town Centre Action Group Chair), Athony Harrison (Dorchester Town Crier), Cllr Robin Potter (Deputy Mayor), Val Potter (Deputy Mayoress)