Two journalists who quit their jobs to launch a new regional title have won a brace of business awards.

Miranda Robertson and Karen Bate, who launched The West Dorset Magazine last year, have won both Overall Business of the Year and the New Business category at the Bridport Business Awards.

Miranda and Karen resigned from their posts as editor and news editor respectively at The New Blackmore Vale to launch The West Dorset Magazine, which claims a readership of 70,000 people, in February 2022.

The 25th issue has just been distributed across an area including Bridport, Dorchester, Sherborne and Weymouth & Portland.

Karen Bate, left, and Miranda Robertson with their awards

Karen told Dorset Biz News: “We were extremely surprised, and very moved, to win Overall Business of the Year.

“Winning this local award means so much to Miranda and I. It’s so brilliant to be recognised in our first year.”

Miranda added: “We were bowled over when our name was announced. This means an enormous amount.”