ORGANISATIONS dedicated to supporting the development of interpersonal skills of young people will be celebrated at this year's Dorset Business Awards.

Blue Sky Financial Planning is sponsoring the new award category, The Young Chamber Award.

It will celebrate an organisation making a huge difference to young people through their engagement with schools, colleges, universities and other educational establishments, by helping to strengthen the link between education and business.

Gary Neild, founder and managing director of Blue Sky Financial Planning, said: ‘‘As a founding sponsor of the Young Chamber we believe that young people are the future.

"It is important to invest in them, nurture them and encourage them to achieve their best. It’s important that a pathway is created between business and education so that we can increase the likelihood of young people finding a vocation that best fits their skill set.

‘‘We are excited about being involved with the awards for the first time as we are looking forward to engaging with like-minded people who are committed to making a difference to young people.

"We want to hear about the passion other businesses have, share in their positive experiences and be uplifted by the ways in which they are working with students, enabling them to fulfil their potential.’’

Entrants should:

- What activities the business currently undertakes with schools and educational organisations

- Why the business is passionate about engaging with young people and how this impacts on their business

- How these activities impact students

- To what extent have the nominee's activities enhanced the curriculum and learning experience at the place of education

- What future plans does the nominee have to continue working with students

- To provide evidence of the nominee's engagement being supported by teachers, parents and/or carers

In association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, the Awards are backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter.

Entrants can submit an entry via dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk prior to the closing date on Sunday, September 3.

Entry is open to all companies which are based in Dorset with a BH or DT postcode and membership of DCCI is not required to enter.

For further information about the awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner, which will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday November 23, please contact Stuart Dixon on 01202 714810.

At Blue Sky Financial Planning every client is unique and they work exceptionally hard to understand your goals and life plan. They then work with you to build a Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategy that allows you to fulfil your goals and minimise unwanted risks.

Blue Sky represents people who are serious about their family’s future wellbeing and financial security. It requires dedication, it requires time to be set aside and it requires desire. Blue Sky is for those who want to have lots of fun, pushing forward without guilt or fear. They challenge, nurture but most importantly, enable their clients to be excited about the future.