From High Street to Heart of the Community as Wimborne’s Best Businesses are Honoured

High street favourites to community champions were recognised for excellence, impact and innovation with top honours going to Salamander Cookshop as Business of the Year. 

Held in the elegant surroundings of Merley House, the event was organised by Marketing West and supported by Wimborne BID. It was officially opened by the Mayor of Wimborne, Councillor Jeff Hart.

Nigel Reeve from Marketing West said: “Businesses are the backbone of any town, and these awards shine a spotlight on the hard work and ambition that often goes unseen. Measured against their peers, these winners really are the winners of the winners – they should be incredibly proud.”

There was some double success for Wimborne favourites as several businesses scooped two awards. Wimborne’s longest-running independent gift shop Present Company, alongside its High Street sister business The Card Gallery, scooped Outstanding Customer Service and Best Place to Work awards.

Manager Angela Hudson, who has worked at Present Company since it opened more than 25 years ago, said: “I absolutely love going to work – as do my staff, some of whom have been with us for over 15 years. We’re thrilled to win two awards.”

The Museum of East Dorset was another multiple winner, receiving both the Community Support Award and the Hospitality Award for its popular Garden Tea Room, hailed as an ‘oasis of calm’ in the town. 

Newer businesses made their mark with Footlight Performance Academy, which moved to Wimborne’s Riverside Industrial Estate just 11 months ago, celebrating a double win with the Independent Business Award and My Favourite Business Award. Owner and dance teacher Leanne Dade said: “This is a fantastic way to celebrate our first birthday in Wimborne. We’ve been made to feel so welcome in the town and can’t thank everyone enough for their support.”

East Street Deli also triumphed in the My Favourite Business category. Delighted owner Simon Warren said: “We’re incredibly proud to work in Wimborne and be part of this town.”
He also praised Wimborne BID for “the brilliant work it does, much of it behind the scenes, to help boost the town.”

There were top honours for long-established businesses. Independent cookshop Salamanders, celebrating 30 years in Wimborne, took home both the Independent Business Award and the prestigious Business of the Year Award. Owners David and Ione Crossley, who took over the business seven years ago, were praised by judges for their vision and commitment.

On collecting the award, David Crossley said: “We’re so proud to be part of Wimborne and to bring cookware to life through talks and events. These awards mean a great deal to us. Thank you for that validation.”

Among first-time winners was DMW Architects, collecting a Best Independent Business Award. Director Sean Daley said: “This is for our amazing team.” Joanne Lenny Acupuncture, based in East Street, also celebrated success. Joanne Lenny said: “Wimborne has been such a welcoming place to start my business. This award is a real accolade.”

Fluffetts Home, in Quarterjack Mews, won the Family Business Award along with CWRC Taxis. Vey Jackson from Fluffetts said: “So many of our customers have been behind us since day one. Many have become like family, and we’d like to dedicate this award to them – without their support we wouldn’t be here.”

This year saw a new category, the High Street Impact Award, sponsored by Wimborne BID. Recognised for the difference they make in the town were The Tivoli Theatre and Wimborne Minster Market.

Judges described The Tivoli as a “shining star offering first-class entertainment”. Chair of the Tivoli Theatre Trust Alan Breakwell said: “When the Tivoli first reopened, we sold just a handful of tickets. Last year, we sold 70,000 – it’s been an incredible journey.”

Wimborne Minster Market was recognised for its positive impact on trading in the town, creating increased footfall and a knock-on benefit for surrounding businesses.

The awards highlighted both long-established favourites and successful newer enterprises, underlining the strength and diversity of Wimborne’s business community.

Full List of Winners

High Street Impact Award

• The Tivoli Theatre
• Wimborne Minster Market

New Business Award

• Lisa Small Management Services
• Joanne Lenny Acupuncture

Young Entrepreneur Award

• Rob Batson, Family Fest

Independent Business of the Year

• Salamander Cookshop
• DMW Architects
• Footlight Performance Academy

Customer Service Award

• Lynwood Vets
• The Card Gallery
• Wimborne Wellness Centre

Best Place to Work

• Home-Start Wessex
• Vetsmiths
• Present Company

Family Business Award

• CWRC Taxis
• Fluffetts Farm Shop

B2B Award

• Solweb

Community Award

• Museum of East Dorset
• HG Walker
• Wimborne Foodbank
• Wimborne Community Centre

Hospitality Award

• The Garden Tearoom
• Cloisters

My Favourite Business

• Footlight Performance Academy
• The East Street Deli

Business of the Year Award

• Salamander Cookshop