KEiBA kicks off again with its new look for 2012. Going ' blue' signals the start of the ' Call for Entry' campaign that will be active until early-March. Recognising that it has been a tough year for many businesses , judges will be looking for entries that show how the challenges of the recession have been met by Kent's businesses with innovation, flair, drive and prudent financial management. The campaign will be launched formally at a special networking event on January 12th at The Old Brewery Store at Shepherd Neame at Faversham.

Success in exporting to international markets will be recognised for the first time in the 2012 Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA) The new category is aimed at honouring companies that are challenging the current economic climate by developing fresh markets abroad. It’s hoped that successful businesses can be held up as an inspiration for other Kent firms looking to export their goods or services.

The ‘Success in International Markets’ award is sponsored by Kent International Business led by KCC and HSBC bank. It is one of 12 awards that will be celebrated at an event staged and produced by Kent County Council and the KM Group to recognise and reward excellence in Kent's businesses.

Kevin Lynes, KCC cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said:

"It is that time of year again where we want the best of Kent's business to celebrate their success. So this is an opportunity for businesses to think about entering to blow their own trumpet and prove to everyone that Kent's businesses are succeeding in challenging times.

"The last KEiBAs were the best yet and we want to build on this. So pass the word on that the KEiBAs are back."

Geraldine Allinson, Chairman of the KM Group, said:“KEiBA has quickly established itself as the premium accolade that businesses in Kent and Medway should aspire to achieve. I hope that the winners and finalists from previous years have already reaped many benefits from the recognition they received. “I would urge all businesses to enter this year - awards are one of the most powerful and cost-effective marketing tools and winning a prestigious KEiBA will help your organisation stand out from the crowd. "

The Kent Excellence in Business Awards have a high profile and winning this says a lot about the quality of an organisation and the strength of its management team. The awards attract a wide range of entries from across a variety of sectors - but the winners all have one thing in common – they are truly excellent at what they do and have proved this in their entry.

Entering KEiBA will help raise the profile of an organisation and enhance its reputation by promoting the great work carried out over the last twelve months, whilst at the same time providing a platform to celebrate the firm’s success. The KEiBAs are free to enter and open to any business or organisation based and operating in the Kent and Medway area