Business stars come out to shine

The stars of Kent business came out on Thursday 30 June as the winners of the 2011 Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA) were announced.

More than 430 guests attended the event at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone to recognise and celebrate the cream of Kent enterprise.

Twelve businesses and individuals were picked, by a panel of judges, from 37 finalists. Hundreds of businesses and individuals entered the awards, which is in its third year. It is staged and produced by Kent County Council and The KM Group.

The winners are:
Large Business of the Year
Reeves, Canterbury, Chatham and London

SME Business of the Year
Bedfont Scientific, Harrietsham, Maidstone

Start Up Business of the Year
Aquaread, Broadstairs

Best Business from the Creative Industries
We Love…, Maidstone

Best Leisure and Tourism Business
Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park, Ashford

Best Science and/or Technology Business
Bedfont Scientific, Harrietsham, Maidstone

Business Commitment to the Environment Award
Ecosan Services, Ashford

Employer of the Year
Carousel Logistics, Sittingbourne

Customer Service and Commitment Award
British Assessment Bureau, Sevenoaks

Entrepreneur of the Year
Kenny Thew, Ideal Waste Paper Company, Swanley

Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Luke Quilter, Sleeping Giant Media, Folkestone

Apprenticeship of the Year
Ellora Scriven, My Fur Lady Dog and Cat Grooming Parlour, Broadstairs

The results were announced at a gala dinner, where winners were presented with a specially created glass trophy, designed by renowned Kent glass artist Annie Ross.

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

“I was extremely proud last night to see, for the third year running, a room packed with so many outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs. All of the entrants were of a very high standard and Kent has once again shown that it really is the place to do business.

“My congratulations to everyone who took part and in particular to the exceptional and deserving winners.”

Geraldine Allinson, Chairman of KM Group, said:

"This is the third Kent Excellence in Business Awards and last night’s event raised the game, yet again, as far as awards schemes in this county are concerned. It truly was Kent’s business night of the year. My congratulations go to the finalists and worthy winners for achieving so much in a tough economic climate. This is a great county to do business in and, better placed than most to take advantage of the many opportunities ahead."

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

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 before selecting the list of finalists.