Entries to the Kent Excellence in Business Awards 2010 have closed with more businesses competing than for last year's inaugural event.

This year more than 150 businesses have entered - 20% more than last year. Some firms have entered two categories, resulting in more than 200 entries altogether.

The judges now have the tough job of scoring all the entries in order to find 33 outstanding finalists. Winners and finalists will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at Chatham Historic Dockyard in July.

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development Kevin Lynes said:

“Despite the recession this year, it’s really good to see so many Kent businesses being nominated. We were impressed with the calibre and number of entries last year; to see so many more this year truly justifies the KEiBAs as the county’s premier business awards. I can’t wait to meet the finalists and congratulate the winners at the ceremony in July.”

Geraldine Allinson, Chairman of the KM Group, said:

"The increase in entries for KEiBA this year shows how important it is to business that there is an opportunity to celebrate achievement. It is very heartening, in such tough times, to see that so many of Kent's businesses have such impressive success stories. I am sure that the judges will have a tough job whittling these entries down to just 33 finalists".