Twenty-seven companies and individuals have been selected as finalists for the first Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA), which attracted more than 200 entries from across the county.

Allison Campbell-Smith,  KEiBA Programme Manager at Kent County Council said:

“It’s very heartening to see that in this current economic climate, so many companies and individuals have been recognised for their work and are determined to ride out the recession with the best possible standards.

Morag Welham, Head of Special Interest and Media at the KM Group and Project Manager for KEiBA said :

“The awards ceremony will celebrate all those who play an essential part in maintaining the Kent economy and the local business community. This also highlights how KCC and the KM Group can help local businesses by promoting their success.”

All of the entries went through a rigorous judging process, which rated entrants against pre-set criteria to select a shortlist for each category. The judges then visited the short-listed entrants to carry out a more in-depth investigation through face to face interviews.

The awards ceremony will be held at Leeds Castle on Thursday 2 July, Winners will receive a trophy and it’s hoped that the awards will also boost staff morale and help attract new staff. Winning an award will also help businesses raise their profile in Kent.

Tickets for the ceremony can be ordered from the KEiBA website ( click here )

KEiBA 2009 finalists - in alphabetical order ( company name or surname )

Large Business of the Year 

BACTEC International Ltd
Denne Construction
Holiday Extras

SME Business of the Year

English Wines Group
Shumi Hair & Beauty Group
The Woodley Coles LLP

Start Up Business of the Year

Optimum Fitness Software (OFS)
Red Altert Telecare Ltd
Shake Shed Ltd

Best Business from the Creative Industries

Courtyard Studios
Meltdowns
The Wonderful Creative Agency

Best Leisure and Tourism Business

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
English Wines Group
Leeds Castle

Best Social Care Business

Beech Tree Total Care Ltd
Halliwell (Elizabeth Finn Homes)
Home Service Complete Care

Business Commitment to the Community

Cripps Harries Hall LLP
Denne Construction
MHS homes

Customer Service and Commitment Award

Holiday Extras
MHS Homes
RBLI

Employer of the Year

Denne Construction
Holiday Extras
MHS Homes Ltd

Entrepreneur of the Year

Gerard Coleman / Artisan du chocolat Ltd
Steve Martin / Xmo Strata Ltd
Guy Whitehead & Duncan Mackellar  / Armourcoat Ltd

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Kate Austen / Podplus
Owen Hunnam / Vine Media
Bradley McLoughlin / Trading4u