A record 40 finalists are competing for this year's 2012 Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA).

The introduction of a new category, ‘Success in International Markets’ – to recognise companies that are challenging the current economic climate by developing fresh markets abroad – has led to another rise in the number of finalists.

Mark Dance, who has been appointed Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development following the tragic death of Kevin Lynes, said:

“We had a tremendous response to this year's awards and I am delighted by the wide range of businesses that have made it to the finals. It is notable that the quality of entrants is once again superb. The finalists can all be extremely proud of themselves. I wish everybody the very best of luck.”

Geraldine Allinson, Chairman, KM Group said:

“I would like to congratulate all of this year's finalists. The outstanding quality of this year’s entrants is very high and I know that the judges had a tough time whittling the entries down to these impressive companies and individuals.

“It is great to see businesses from across the whole county represented in this list of KEiBA finalists. Getting this far is truly a recognition of excellence. We will now wait, with baited breath, to see who the winners of this outstanding accolade are. I wish them all good luck and look forward to meeting them at the awards ceremony."

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.

The finalists will now be invited to a celebration dinner at Priestfields, home of Gillingham Football Club, in June, where the winners will be announced and presented with a coveted glass trophy.

The awards scheme is staged and produced by Kent County Council and the KM Group and aims to recognise excellence in business across Kent and Medway.

The finalists from each category are – in alphabetical order (company name or surname)

Apprenticeship of the Year
Amie Madgett – Hospice in the Weald
Deyna Norman – AR Engineering Industries Ltd
Emily Williams – Oakwood House, Kent County Council

Best Leisure and Tourism Business
The Aspinall Foundation - Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Kent County Cricket Club

Best Science and/or Technology Business
Aquaread Ltd
EMS Security Group
Pitney Bowes Software Ltd

Business Commitment to the Community
Broadstairs Food Festival CIC
Component Force Limited
Kent County Football Association

Business Commitment to the Environment
Ardo UK Ltd
Bluewater
Winterdale Cheesemakers

Customer Service and Commitment
AmicusHorizon Ltd (T/A Avenue)
Kit for Kids Limited
Watchfinder.co.uk

Employer of the Year
Component Force Limited
Holiday Extras
Reeves

Entrepreneur of the Year
Jan Post – RIFT Limited
Alan Proto – GML Group Ltd
Jan van der Velde – Kit for Kids Limited

Large Business of the Year
Mainstream Group
MidKent College
T W Services Limited

SME Business of the Year
Classic Filters Ltd
Deeson Group Ltd
Kit for Kids Limited
Three R's Teacher Recruitment

Start Up Business of the Year
AMPI Ltd t/a Bluebird Care
Bertie's Wood Fuel Ltd
Offset Architects LLP

Success in International Markets
Armourcoat Surface Finishes
P&B Metal Components Ltd
RailSimulator.com

Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Craig Harrison – Aquaread Limited
Dishal Patel – D K Vision Ltd T/A CEX Ashford & CEX Canterbury
AJ Sharp – Sharp Relations