Family-run Bridge Health & Wellbeing in Christchurch, Dorset, is delighted to have been shortlisted for the Dorset Business Awards 2023 in the Best New Business category.
Organised by Dorset Chamber, the Dorset Business Awards are being held this year for the first time since 2019. Entries were open to businesses across the county and were judged against the criteria for the category by an independent panel of experts. The judges were extremely impressed by the calibre and quality of the entries that showcased the wonderful businesses operating in the county.
Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, commented, “Each entry for the Dorset Business Awards tells a unique story of the commitment, dedication and focus of businesses from all sectors across the county. We’ve seen innovative startups, SMEs demonstrating impressive scaling, and companies delivering thought-leading operational excellence. Entrants have shown true dedication to the customer experience and are creating great places for people to work.
We’ve seen how businesses are embracing sustainability, inclusivity and their communities and are collaborating to create a better world. Collectively, the entries have again shown how businesses in Dorset are committed to creating a vibrant and positive business culture.
Congratulations to our 30 finalists who represent the talent and innovation of Dorset business.”
The New Business Award celebrates the growth and success of a business that has started in the last five years. Husband and wife Paul and Louise O’Connell opened the doors to their bespoke health and wellbeing clinic in July 2019. Paul, an experienced physiotherapist and Louise, a body control Pilates teacher, dreamt of creating their own health and wellbeing business to offer physiotherapy treatment and Pilates classes from the same space, providing a joined-up approach to client care, all in a family atmosphere.
Paul & Louise O’Connell, founders of Bridge Health & Wellbeing, said, “It’s been a dramatic first few years for our business, but we are so proud of everything we have achieved. We have survived covid and come out the other side still believing in our unique, integrated approach to health and wellbeing. We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted alongside some brilliant businesses from Christchurch and beyond. We wish all the finalists good luck and look forward to celebrating the best of Dorset business at the Awards night.”
The winners will be announced at the Dorset Business Festival Awards Gala Dinner on 12 October at the Hilton Hotel in Bournemouth.
It’s already been an award-winning year for Bridge Health & Wellbeing, which won Outstanding Business of the Year at the Christchurch Business Awards 2023. The company also won the GHP Private Healthcare Awards in 2022, the SME News Magazine Southern Enterprise Awards in 2021, and was runner up in the Family Business of the Year Awards 2021.
From their state-of-the-art clinic on Bridge Steet, Christchurch, Bridge Health & Wellbeing provides physiotherapy, chiropractic, sports massage and rehabilitation services, and Pilates, yoga, and other wellbeing classes.
