The Love Local Trust Local (LLTL) Awards are officially open for 2026, marking the fifth year of celebrating the outstanding farmers, producers, makers, retailers and hospitality businesses helping Dorset thrive. Founded in 2018 by Barbara Cossins, Love Local Trust Local was created to champion independent local businesses and reconnect communities with the story behind their food — from provenance and sustainability to skills, craftsmanship and passion.
Entries for the LLTL Awards 2026 open on 15 January, with a closing date of 31 May.
The awards recognise excellence across a wide range of categories, including:
- Retailer
- Food Producer
- Food Product
- New Food Product
- Drinks Producer
- Drink Product
- New Drink Product
- Non-Food Producer
- Hospitality
- Business Growth / Rising Star
- Farming, Conservation & Sustainability
- Mentor of the Year (Nominated)
- Young Star (Nominated)
- Lifetime Achievement (Nominated)
The 2026 Awards Evening will take place on Wednesday 24 September at Down Farm Barns (DT11 8SH) — the home of where Love Local Trust Local was first created — making it a fitting venue to celebrate the local community and everything the movement stands for. The 2024 awards evening was held at the Members Pavilion at The Dorset County Show, welcoming over 150 attendees for an inspiring night celebrating Dorset’s thriving independent businesses and producers.
Barbara Cossins, Founder of Love Local Trust Local, said:
“The LLTL Awards were created to shine a light on the people behind local businesses — the growers,
makers, producers and champions of our community. Every year we’re blown away by the passion and
quality across Dorset, and we’re so excited to open entries for our fifth year. If you’re proud of what you do,
we’d love to hear your story.”
How to enter:
Entries can be submitted online via the official entry form:
For more information, visit:
For media enquiries, nominations and entry support, contact: [email protected]
