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KEiBA 2016 finalists revealed
12:00, 11 May 2016
From clothes sellers to construction firms, the latest list of KEiBA finalists includes companies from across the spectrum of business in Kent.
More than 250 businesses entered 15 categories this year, which will honour all kinds of achievements, from success in international markets to entrepreneur of the year.
Each company is hoping to win a coveted trophy at the Kent Excellence in Business Awards gala dinner at the Kent Event Centre in Detling on Thursday, June 23.
The finalists were announced today by Rob Wills of kmfm Drivetime at the Kent Vision Live exhibition at the same venue, which has been attended by thousands of business people.
KM Group managing director Richard Elliot said: “I would just like to thank all the fantastic businesses that have entered the KEIBA awards this year.
“The quality of the entries just seems to go from strength to strength.
“I would also like to thank the the sponsors for all the effort they have put into the judging process. Their commitment is really appreciated.
“I am sure everyone will agree this year we have another extraordinary set of businesses from across the county chosen as KEIBA finalists. Good luck to everyone for June 23.”
Run by the KM Group and Kent County Council, KEiBA is in its eighth year.
The gala evening will also reveal an outstanding contribution award winner, nominated by peers and judges.
Kent County Council cabinet member for economic development Mark Dance said: “The standard of entries this year was – as ever – extraordinary and selecting these finalists was an extremely tough task.
“Having gone through the entries, it is clear that we have a very high calibre of businesses in Kent.
“I’d like to congratulate all of those that have made it this far and I look forward to meeting them all and recognising and promoting their successes and achievements at the finals.”
Tickets for the KEiBA gala dinner can still be bought at keiba.co.uk.
The full list of finalists are:
Apprenticeship of the Year
Facts International
The Granary Spa
The Wirebelt Company
Sponsored by: KCC Skills and Employability Service
Business Commitment to the Community Award
James Fitness
Gillingham FC
Young Kent
Sponsored by: Golding Homes
Business Commitment to the Environment Award
Alan Firmin
Cyclepods
Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems
Sponsored by: Low Carbon Kent & UK Power Networks
Customer Service and Commitment Award
Childrensalon
Sleeping Giant Media
Watchfinder & Co
Sponsored by: Headley
Employer of the Year
Childrensalon
Kreston Reeves
Sleeping Giant Media
Sponsored by: Swanstaff Recruitment
Entrepreneur of the Year
Hugh Edeleanu, H. E. Services Group of Companies
Wayne Hodgson, Red Eagle
Mark Quinn, Quinn Estates
Sponsored by: IOD & Creaseys
Land-Based Business of the Year
Simply Ice Cream
Winterdale Cheese
Wise Owl Cider
Sponsored by: Brachers & Hadlow Group
Large Business of the Year
Integrated Technologies Ltd
Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
Thanet Earth
Sponsored by: Grant Thornton UK LLP
Manufacturing Business of the Year
Fudge Kitchen
Integrated Technologies Ltd
Texcel Technology
Sponsored by: asb law & BIG – Kent Network University of Greenwich
SME Business of the Year
Digital Contact
Infinity Group
Simply Ice Cream
Sleeping Giant Media
Sponsored by: RIFT Group
Start-Up Business of the Year
Aero Legends Limited
Emily & Me
No Place Like Home
Sponsored by: MidKent College & DSH Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors
Success in International Markets Award
Horizonscan
International Association of Bookkeepers
Questor Insurance
Sponsored by: HSBC Corporate Banking & UK Trade & Investment
Technology Business of the Year
Bedfont Scientific
Integrated Technologies Ltd
Texcel Technology
Sponsored by: Cripps and University of Kent
Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year
Finch House
Great Comp Garden
Wingham Wildlife Park
Sponsored by: Southeastern
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Niki Mahon
David Tindall
Ben Towers
Sponsored by: Canterbury College & Custodian Data Centres
