For the past six months, businesses have been hoping to clinch a place in the final of the Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards.

From a large entry, 11 have made it through to the glittering gala dinner in The Woodville, Gravesend, tonight (Friday).

Business leaders and their hard-working teams will join civic chiefs, sponsors and other guests on Dartford and Gravesham’s business night of the year.

An audience of more than 150 will be applauding achievement and the important role that this vibrant area plays in business success and growth.

All the finalists, spanning a wide variety of sectors that contribute so much to the economy of Kent Thameside, will be presented with a framed certificate.

A few will pick up specialist accolades, while the overall winner will be crowned Dartford and Gravesham Business of the Year.

The top company will experience the joy that brothers Chris and Bradley Jones felt last year when Jones FM scooped the coveted trophy.

The mechanical and electrical maintenance firm, based at Crossways Business Park, Dartford, manages property across London and the south east. It also won a £500 cash prize.

Jones FM had impressed judges with energy-saving measures such as LED lighting and automated meter reading.

Chris said at the time: “We are overwhelmed. What a great result.”

Since that glory night, Jones FM has promoted its victory to clients and suppliers.

The brothers, who set up the business in the back of a van eight years ago, enjoyed the experience and thrill so much that they joined this year’s sponsors.

Chris added: “Winning the DGBA in 2015 was a great achievement and it felt only right to be a part of the event this year by becoming a sponsor and to support local business.”

Sylvia Meade, chairman of the awards’ organising group, said: “We love it when past winners and finalists join us because they have experienced the excitement of being singled out for acclaim and value the kudos it gives them with existing and prospective clients.

“We had some impressive entries this year, highlighting the fact that Dartford and Gravesham are great places for business success. It will be a pleasure to celebrate their achievement at the gala dinner.”

Last year, other awards went to The Creation Lab and NRG Gym, with finalists ARC Office Systems, Egg Free Cake Box, Goldex Investments, Hatten Wyatt Solicitors, Houseproud Cleaning and Maintenance, Leisure King, MSO, Outdoor Logistics and Singlewell Stationery & Print.

Ms Meade added: “I’m really grateful to the sponsors for making the awards possible and the judges for all the time they give to this challenging task.”

This year’s sponsors are: Barnes Roffe, Dartford council, Gravesham council, Jones FM, KM Media Group, Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell & Passmore and University of Greenwich.