The joy on the faces of brothers Bradley and Chris Jones said it all last year when their business Jones FM was crowned Dartford and Gravesham Business of the Year.

The maintenance and engineering firm at Crossways Business Park, Dartford, had landed the top accolade and £500 in prize money.

Chris said: “We are overwhelmed with this award. What a great result.”

Since then, the company has promoted its achievement to clients and suppliers, helping to underline their credentials as a great enterprise to do business with.

Other businesses now have the chance to experience that same excitement, with the launch of the 2016 Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards.

But to win it, they must be in it, with an interesting story to tell.

In last year’s 10th anniversary awards, other awards went to The Creation Lab and NRG Gym. Framed certificates were presented to each finalist – 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.

Sylvia Meade, awards chairman, said: “Dartford and Gravesham are in a brilliant location and primed to meet the needs of the area’s many new developments. These awards are a great platform for showcasing the achievements of local businesses.”

Judges will look at all the entries, choosing the best ones to visit and find out more.

Finalists will be invited to a glitzy gala dinner in the Woodville, Gravesend, on Friday, November 25.

Cllr Samir Jassal, Gravesham council’s cabinet member for business development, said: “This is the must-attend local business event of the year.

"I am privileged to meet many exceptionally hard-working and talented local businesses through the council’s business networking and, by taking the simple step of submitting an application, businesses will receive the additional profile that they genuinely deserve.

“I look forward to celebrating the success of the 2016 winners at the Gala Awards evening later this year.”

Cllr Avtar Sandhu, of Dartford council, said: “Dartford is full of great businesses of all shapes and sizes, each contributing positively to our local economy.

"These awards acknowledge exceptional performance from the best traders in the borough, whilst also facilitating a friendly and productive environment for networking. If you own a business in Dartford, this is a great opportunity to be part of a highly enjoyable and constructive event.”

Faye Cook, a solicitor with Thomson Snell and Passmore, said: “We have been located in Thames Gateway for over 10 years and are proud to sponsor and celebrate the fantastic range of local business and organisations which operate in the area.

“The awards champion skilled and innovative businesses, no matter how big or small – all of which, in their own way, support the Thames Gateway regeneration plans.”

Enter online at www.dgbawards.co.uk by July 29.

Entrants can be any size and must have been in business for at least a year on July 31, 2016. Their main office must be in the boroughs of Dartford or Gravesham

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