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Celebrate success by going in for the county’s shiny new business awards!

That’s the message from a fanfare launch of the prestigious Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA).

While there was no getting away from the economic downturn, this was no time for pessimism, said Graham Webb, chairman of the Kent Excellence in Business Awards.

Challenging conditions opened up opportunities for outstanding firms and entrepreneurs to be even more successful and win recognition in these exciting new business accolades.

Mr Webb, a haircare magnate from Sevenoaks and former chairman of Kent Institute of Directors, as well as an accomplished drummer, quoted Duke Ellington lyrics to more than 100 guests gathered in the historic dining room at Leeds Castle.

"Grey skies are just clouds passing over," Ellington had written. Mr Webb added: "We don’t want to take too much notice of all the pessimism - look for the opportunity and enter these awards."

The prestigious new awards, run by Kent County Council and the Kent Messenger Group with support from big-name sponsors, offer prizes to the best businesses and organisations across a dozen categories.

There should be one to suit every organisation and entrepreneur, with the incentive of lifting a handsome trophy at a glittering gala presentation at Leeds Castle in July.

Kevin Lynes, Kent County Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration, said there had never been a better time to acknowledge the success of Kent business.

He hailed "all the people who innovate every day, every week, every month".

Success in difficult times came from working together, he said. The awards would show "what makes Kent so special and such a great place to do business."

Geraldine Allinson, chairman of the KM Group, said the multi-media group was delighted to be working with KCC on the KEiBAs.

"We are passionate about Kent and we’ve been part of the fabric of Kent, working with many businesses on a daily basis for many years," she said.

Despite the challenges, many businesses were launching new products and services, expanding into new markets and continuing to make improvements in operational areas.

"I would like to encourage all businesses to enter these awards. We want to hear about your outstanding efforts and to show your vision for the future which will lead to Kent being an even better place."

Award success would impress staff and clients, and bring even more business, she added.

Paul Barrett, managing director of Barretts of Canterbury, welcomed the new awards. "It is important, even in a recession, that we keep positive," he said, "Focus on what you are good at and entering awards is good business practice"

Categories cover large, small/medium and start-up business; social care, creative, leisure and tourism, business commitment to the community, employer, customer service and commitment, entrepreneur, young entrepreneur, outstanding contribution to the business community.

Sponsors:

KCC Adult Social Servcies, visitKent, Royal Mail, Mainstream, Kent Foundation, Deloitte, Kent Film Office, Institute of Directors, Southeastern, Headley Brothers, Heart, Vertex Law.

~ Get more details and enter the Kent Excellence in Business Awards here >>>