by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A construction group built on firm foundations for more than 200
years shone out as a double winner at the county's business event
of the year.

Denne, established in 1803 and now based in Sittingbourne, was
among 34 winners and finalists making waves last night in the
second annual Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA) held in
Chatham Historic Dockyard's BIG space - a former shipbuilding and
repair slip.

A four-course dinner featuring Kentish produce was preceded by a
drinks reception on board HMS Gannet, a 19th century sloop built at
Sheerness in 1878.

Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Video: a celebration of
business in Kent and Medway

Some 450 business and council leaders and their guests attended
the glittering black-tie gala to applaud enterprise across Kent and
Medway.

Finalists from a record entry of more than 200 triumphed against
a backdrop of recession and economic uncertainty.

Denne was first named Employer of the Year before being hailed
for its Commitment to the Community.

The company places relationships with clients, suppliers, staff
and the community at the heart of its business philosophy.

The category judge said stars had stood out but Denne "shone
brighter than most".

Judges of the second award praised Denne for seeing every
community as a neighbour.

Company chiefs went home with two glass trophies crafted by
Maidstone artist Annie Ross.

Other top awards went to Scipac, Sittingbourne (Large Business);
Xmo Strata, Marden (Small and Medium Enterprise); VirtualGym TV,
Rochester (Start-up business); English Wines Group, Tenterden
(Leisure and Tourism); DGSM yourChoice, Dartford (Adult Social
Care); Wonderful Creative Agency, Maidstone (Creative);
HolidayExtras.com, Hythe (Customer Service and Commitment); Paul
Gardner, managing director, Component Force, Rochester
(Entrepreneur); Charmaine Alicia Kemp, Wheelie Good Mobility,
Dartford (Young Entrepreneur).

Douglas Horner, a Kent Ambassador and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent,
was honoured for his Outstanding Contribution to the Business
Community of Kent.

Kevin Lynes, KCC Cabinet member for regeneration and economic
development, congratulated the finalists, saying they were "all
winners because you help to made the awards a success".

Geraldine Allinson, KM Group chairman, added that the county was
a great place to do businesses.

"There is plenty to celebrate in this fabulous county of
ours."

KEiBA was produced and staged by Kent County Council and
the KM Group, with support from a wide range of organizations,
including award sponsors Brachers, Belmont International, Business
Support Kent, Vertex Law, VisitKent, Southeastern, KCC, Kent Film
Office, KM Group, HR GO, GSE Group, Headley Brothers, Heart,
Institute of Directors, The Kent Foundation and
Skanska.