The winners of the county's most prestigious business awards have been unveiled tonight during a gala event in Detling.

The Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBAs) were staged at the Maidstone Exhibition Hall following a record 369 entries across its 16 categories.

Organised by Kent County Council and the KM Media Group, publishers of this website, the event marked its 10th anniversary with more than 600 attending.

VIDEO: KEiBA marks its 10th anniversary

Among the winners were Clive Stevens, chairman of accountants Kreston Reeves who won the Outstanding Contribution award for his commitment to Kent business and involvement in the community.

He said: “I’m thrilled to bits to win.

"I was rather gobsmacked to tell the truth. I really didn’t expect it.”

The full list of winners are:

Large Business of the Year

Winner: S Lucas Group

Finalists: Ecoegg, Jenner Group

Sponsored by: Wilkins Kennedy & Kenward Trust

Medium Business of the Year

Winner: Newton Waterproofing Systems

Finalists: Burlington Hotel, Credo Care Disability Foster Placements, Sunways Business & Leisure Travel

Sponsored by: Rift Group & Kent and Medway Growth Hub

Small Business of the Year

Winner: Teaching Support Ltd

Finalists: Charles Bainbridge Estate Agents, Print Junction Ltd, Progress

Sponsored by: Castle

Family Business of the Year

Winner: Biddenden Vineyards

Finalists: Bedfont Scientific, Team HARD.Racing Ltd, TPS Global Logistics

Sponsored by: Gallagher

Start-Up Business of the Year

Winner: Space Between

Finalists: Continuity of Care Services Ltd, Giant Campus Ltd

Sponsored by: Royale

Manufacturer of the Year

Winner: Colorcon Ltd

Finalists: P&B Metal Components Ltd, Texcel Technology plc

Sponsored by: ASB Law & The University of Greenwich

Tourism & Leisure Business of the Year

Winner: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park

Finalists: Biddenden Vineyards, Hever Castle & Gardens

Sponsored by: Southeastern

Technology Business of the Year

Winner: Bedfont Scientific

Finalists: Dovetail Games, ER Productions

Sponsored by: University of Kent & Cripps

Construction Project of the Year

Winner: Royal British Legion Industries

Finalists: Logan Construction (SE) Ltd, WW Martin Ltd

Sponsored by: Brachers & Ashford College & West Kent College

Business Commitment to the Community

Winner: The FAR Academy

Finalists: Chequers Kitchen Cookery School, Making Miracles

Sponsored by: Golding Homes

Commitment to the Environment

Winner: Newton Waterproofing Systems

Finalists: Bloomsburys, Winterdale Cheese Makers

Sponsored by: Ardula & Low Kent Carbon Kent

Exporter of the Year

Winner: Jewelultra Ltd

Finalists: Atom Brands, P&B Metal Components Ltd

Sponsored by: Crow Clark Whitehill

Employer of the Year

Winner: KIMS Hospital

Finalists: Fileder Filter Systems Ltd, Hat Hats Coffee Company

Sponsored by: Furley Page

Customer Service Award

Winner: Colin Batt Removals

Finalists: Master of Malt (Atom Group), Priority Freight

Sponsored by: Barclays

Entrepreneur of the Year

Winner: Lucas UK Group - Danny Lucas

Finalists: Hectic Lifestyles Ltd – Bal Sandher, Nim’s Fruit & Vegetable Crisps – Nimisha Raja

Sponsored by: Creaseys & Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Apprenticeship of the Year

Winner: MRS Lettings CIC – Holly Rose

Finalists: Infinity Group – Matt Baker, TPS Global Logistics – Paige Baldwin

Sponsored by: Kent County Council