A man who spent a lifetime working to support Kent has been praised for his dedication at the Kent Excellence in Business Awards 2010.

Douglas Horner was handed the Outstanding Contribution to the Business Community of Kent award at the ceremony, held at The Historic Dockyard in Chatham on July1st.

He joined eleven award-winning businesses and individuals for the event, which is in its second year. It is run by Kent County Council and the KM Group.

Judges were impressed with Mr Horner’s long career, where he has worked tirelessly to promote the county. He is currently a Kent Ambassador and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent.

His career highlights include 32 years at the Maidstone-based law firm Brachers, an adviser to the National Farmers’ Union and vice president of the Kent County Agricultural Society. His drive created the Kent Business Expo at the County Show and led directly to Kent 2020 Vision.

He was also the founding member of the Kent Economic Forum, a public/private sector economic partnership that has now been split into two Business Advisory Groups for Kent and Medway and an active member of the CBI.

He has now retired from Brachers but continues to work with them in business consultancy role and he still leads a busy life in public, businesses and chartable roles. He is also a Kent Ambassador and Deputy Lieutenant for Kent where he promotes and waves the flag for Kent.

Kevin Lynes, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said:
“Kent needs people like Mr Horner. He is Kent to the core and has given so much dedication and devotion to support businesses and working in Kent. It is time for the county to give something back and I am so pleased that he has now been recognised by this award. He more than deserves this accolade and I would like to congratulate Mr Horner and hope he is an inspiration to many others.”

Geraldine Allinson, Chairman of KM Group, said:
"Douglas Horner is so deserving of recognition for his tireless work in supporting businesses in Kent. He is a strategist who admits to preferring to be ‘in the shadows.’ I am glad, therefore, that through this award we have been able to put his outstanding contribution under the spotlight for others to applaud."

KEiBA aims to recognise and reward excellence in Kent and Medway businesses of all sizes as well as individual awards.

Results were announced in The BIG Space, a building once home to naval ship construction and repair. A Champagne reception was held aboard the 19th century ship HMS Gannet.
The glittering gala was staged at the Dockyard, following its success in last year’s contest, where it was crowned Best Leisure and Tourism Business.