KEiBA 2012 winners

Apprenticeship of the Year
Amie Madgett (Hospice in the Weald), Pembury

Best Leisure and Tourism Business
The Aspinall Foundation - Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, Nr Ashford

Best Science and/or Technology Business
EMS Security Group Ltd, Herne Bay

Business Commitment to the Community
Kent County Football Association, Ditton

Business Commitment to the Environment
Ardo UK Ltd, Ashford

Customer Service and Commitment
AmicusHorizon Ltd (T/A Avenue), Sittingbourne

Employer of the Year
Holiday Extras, Hythe

Entrepreneur of the Year
Alan Proto (GML Group), Maidstone

Large Business of the Year
MidKent College, Gillingham

SME Business of the Year
Three R's Teacher Recruitment, Ashford

Start Up Business of the Year
Bertie's Wood Fuel Ltd, Hadlow

Success in International Markets
Armourcoat Surface Finishes, Sevenoaks

Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Craig Harrison (Aquaread Limited), Broadstairs

Outstanding Contribution to the Business Community of Kent
Amanda Cottrell

The stars of Kent business came out on June 28th as the winners of the 2012 Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA) were announced.

Nearly 500 guests attended the gala evening hosted by former Dragon's Den, Rachel Elnaugh, at Priestifield, Gillingham Football Club

Fourteen businesses and individuals were selected from 40 finalists. A record 265 entries were received for the awards, which are in their fourth year. It is staged and produced by Kent County Council and The KM Group to recognise and celebrate the cream of Kent enterprise. Winners were presented with special glass trophies designed and made by Kent glass artist Annie Ross.

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Mark Dance, said:
“I was delighted to see so many outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs last night. All of the entrants were of an extremely high standard and Kent has once again shown that it really is the place to do business.
“I want to send my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s KEiBA – and in particular to the exceptional and deserving winners.”

Chairman of KM Group, Geraldine Allinson, said:
"This is the fourth 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.