Have a look at the Roth DBT-001 at £99.
It does not have a dock, but does have Bluetooth, so you could connect the iPhone that way (without wires - it's easy). In terms of sound quality it is very good for the price, akin to the Tivoli iPal BT, which is £240 (although that is overpriced). It's also small enough for the bedside table.
The only issue is that it's a little quirky to operate. For most things this won't be a problem, you'll soon get used to it. On the alarm however the snooze button is very small; I'd struggle to find it when half asleep. I suggest you find one in the shops and have a look. Oh and it looks great in white (other option is black)
I've just reviewed it, and several similar devices, for an annual magazine that a friend of mine publishes, so am speaking from recent experience with it. I can't think of anything else that will compete with it on sound.
BTW, if your partner keeps his phone by the bed, why not use the alarm on that (there are numerous Apps available for next to nothing). Then you just need a speaker, wired or otherwise, for the sound. He can use the phone for radio (internet radio) assuming your wifi signal reaches the bedroom. If you go this option then I'd probably still say go for the Roth, but there are other options.