Dorchester Shop Front of The Season Awards

Is there a shop in Dorchester that you think deserves to be recognised for all their hard work, whether it’s for their window display, attentive staff or for their accessibility? Dorchester Town Council, Discover Dorchester with support from the Dorchester BID, have just launched the Dorchester Shop Front of the Season Awards for Autumn 2025, and we want to hear from you to help us crown our winner!

Who Can Enter?

All types of businesses within the Dorchester BID boundary with a frontage can be nominated. This includes both independent stores and chains in Dorchester. It doesn’t have to be in the town centre either, as long as it’s within the Dorchester BID boundary. Shops within the eligible criteria include retail, restaurants and cafes, services (bank, estate agents, etc.) and personal services (hairdressers, nail bars, etc.)

Why Vote in the Dorchester Shop Front Awards?

We want to recognise all the hard work that many of the businesses in Dorchester do to make our town a wonderful place to visit and shop. Many of our town’s businesses go above and beyond to design attractive and welcoming frontages, and we believe that these should be celebrated.

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.

Awards Categories

The judging team are evaluating the shops following these categories. When placing your vote, please list under one of these categories:

• Sympathetic to the heritage setting/conservation area
• Accessible and inclusive
• Inviting and welcoming
• Well maintained
• Attractive and distinctive window display

The Dorchester Shop Front Awards Detail

The nominations for the Shop Front of the Season Awards for Autumn 2025 are now open and will close for nominations on Friday 17th October 2025. You can place your nominations here through the Discover Dorchester website.

Judging will be by a special panel including the Mayor of Dorchester, Chair of Dorchester BID and Chair of the Town Centre Action Group. Five businesses will be shortlisted for the final judging, and one lucky company will be crowned the winner, with all final shortlisted businesses receiving certificates and promotional recognition.

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

Please note: Only businesses that are within the Dorchester BID boundary are eligible to receive the award.

Good luck to all the nominated Dorchester businesses.

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