It’s fair to say that we weren’t expecting what happened yesterday! We won three awards at the Dorchester Business Awards 2026, held at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester on Thursday 12 February.

Our bookshop won the Retail Business category as well as the New Business category - and then it was named as winner of the prestigious overall Business of the Year award! We were both shocked and utterly delighted - the awards are fantastic but what really knocked us for six was the sheer amount of positive comments and nominations we received from the people of Dorchester.

We had dreamed of opening an independent bookshop in Dorchester for quite a while and were waiting for the ‘right time’. Last year we concluded that there would never be such a time, so we decided to just go for it. And we are so glad we did - it’s been loads of hard work and some stressy times but it’s all been worth it because of the wonderful feedback we get from our customers. You have made us feel so welcome and your kind words and support really have spurred us on. The awards are fantastic but we are thrilled to have had so many nominations and such positive things said about our little shop. We are loving it and we’re going to keep on Teasel & Skylarking … thanks again for all of your support.

The awards were chosen by an independent panel of judges based on detailed business entries alongside customer nominations. Teasel & Skylark secured the Business of the Year title thanks to both the strength of the submission and the volume of glowing endorsements from customers.

Customer nominations included comments such as:

· “Amazing shop – a great addition to Dorchester and a feast of wonderful products.”

· “I love what this business has done – it’s small and unique, the shop is cosy and welcoming, the products are well-chosen and well displayed. Long may they last!”

· “We are putting forward this bookshop because it is not only independent but run by people with a passion for what they sell.”

One judge commented: “I was very impressed by the nomination comments for this entrant and the great enthusiasm for this new independent business – well done as you have a lot of fans already.”

Another added: “Entirely owner-run and values driven, the business demonstrates how a truly independent enterprise can strengthen the local economy while enriching community life.”

Watch a winners’ montage video below!