Whether yours is a large or small company, there are 10 very good reasons for entering the Kent Excellence in Business Awards 2009.

As the website is now live at www.keiba.co.uk, Kent County Council in partnership with The KM Group is urging companies to come forward and compete for one of these prestigious titles.

The reasons are:

• It helps with your business planning
• You’ll get invaluable media exposure
• You can network with fellow business leaders
• There’s a free expert assessment of your company
• It will boost staff morale
• Potential investors will be impressed
• It’s a good way of recognising staff loyalty
• New staff will be attracted to an award winner
• As a winner, you would receive an impressive trophy
• It will raise your company profile in the county and with companies you know

There is a range of 11 categories to enter for companies of all sizes, as well as individual awards. Entries must be submitted by March 2009 and winners will be announced at a black tie dinner in Leeds Castle in July.

KCC Cabinet Member for Regeneration Kevin Lynes said: “Kent firms are giving us so much cause to celebrate, even in these hard times. I hope as many companies as possible will grab this opportunity to enter. ”