Simply celebrating local producers was wonderful, says LLTL founder Barbara Cossins
The 9th February finally arrived, and we were able to reveal all the winners, the runner-ups and highly commended, share the judges comments and just have a joyous get-together with all the lovely small independent businesses that make Dorset great. As I said in my speech, I know that entering awards is easy to put off. It is hard putting pen to paper and giving up time in your busy working days. Sadly, all too often I hear people say ‘I don’t think we’re good enough’ too. But it is important that businesses get recognition for what they are doing – no brand succeeds while they’re the ‘best kept secret’ in Dorset! The standard of all the 2022 Love Local Trust Local (LLTL) awards entries was outstanding. The innovation, diversification, conservation and business growth were some of the most inspiring stories in the most challenging times we have ever lived through. With little support from our government, we need to continue to work together and support each other.
What a party!
More than 100 people came to the awards ceremony at Kingston Maurward and it was entirely due to them that the evening was so wonderful. The splendid surroundings really set the scene for the celebration of the LLTL 2022 Awards. Loose Moose Catering put on a terrific meal, followed by a wonderful cheese board supplied by the award-winning The Book and Bucket Cheese Company and Open Air Dairy, along with milk, butter and cream from Meggy Moo’s Dairy. The Kingston Maurward floristry department did the most beautiful flower displays; on the steps as you came into the great hall as well as on the tables in the dining area, they certainly set the scene. A big thank you to all the sponsors, too – nearly everyone was there to celebrate the achievements, give out the awards and say a few words about our worthy winners and runner-ups. Our sponsors don’t just support the awards financially – they give up their time to go and visit each entry, to learn all about their business and what they are achieving.
It was a joy to see our Dorset businesses getting recognition and Love Local Trust Local will keep working tirelessly to spread their stories.
We are a not-for-profit organisation so if you would like to help us and get involved please contact us on
07831 184920.
The next LLTL awards will open in March 2024.
The winners of the Love Local Trust Local Awards 2022!
Bakery
Winner – The Little House
Runner up – Dorset Artisan Macarons
Dairy
Cheese – The Book And Bucket Cheese Company
Dairy – Eweleaze Dairy
Dorset Drinks
Winner – Little Waddon Vineyard
Runner up – Dorsetshine Distillery
Honey
Winner – Honey by Ian & Co.
Runner up – Tarrant Valley Honey
Meat
Winner – Dirtydogdorset
Runner up – Enford farm shop
Farm Shop
Winner – Steeptonbill Farm Shop
Runner up – Washingpool Farm
Hospitality
Winner – Restaurant Les Enfants Terribles
Runner up – Black Cat Catering
Business Growth & Development
Winner – The Book And Bucket Cheese Company
Runner up – Dorsetshine Distillery
Conservation & Environment Sustainability
Winner – Purbeck Ice Cream
Runner up – Meggy Moo’s Dairy
Innovation & Diversification
Winner – Boil and Broth
Runner up – Sweet Healing Chocolates