Kent News - Businesses praised at inaugural awards ceremony

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Businesses praised at inaugural awards ceremony

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The Historic Dockyard Chatham picked up an award

Businesses setting a shining example to others during the gloom of recession have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

The first ever Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA) – held last night at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone – celebrated the achievement of 11 local firms and individuals whittled down from almost 200 entries and 27 finalists.

Sittingbourne building company Denne Construction was one of the biggest winners of the night having picked up the award for large business of the year, while there were also prizes for the Historic Dockyard Chatham (best leisure and tourism business) and the Aylesford-based Royal British Legion Industries (customer service and commitment).

The inaugural KEiBA was staged and produced by Kent County Council, with cabinet member for economic development Cllr Kevin Lynes in attendance.

He said: "KEiBA is set to become the key business event of the year in Kent and these awards were an important opportunity for businesses to celebrate their success and network, especially during these difficult economic times.

"It was fantastic to see almost 500 people at the awards last night and we’re already looking forward to supporting more businesses next year."

The award for young entrepreneur of the year went to 27-year-old birthday girl Kate Austen, who in 2005 set up the part-sports store, part-injury clinic Podplus in Ashford.

She was described by the judges as "passionate, committed, self-taught and focused", who added that she had "all the attributes needed to succeed in business".

Ashford is also home to the winner of the entrepreneur of the year award, Gerard Coleman, whose L’Artisan du Chocolat product is now sold in upmarket food stores like Marks & Spencer as well as in celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants.

Further recognition was given to the Tenterden-based English Wines Group (business of the year), Red Alert Telecare Ltd of Ashford (start-up business), the Deal-based Home Service Complete Care (best social care) and the Hollingbourne-based Courtyard Studios (best from the creative industries).

Employer of the year was Holiday Extras near Hythe, while Cripps Harries Hall of Tunbridge Wells won the commitment to the community award.

All 11 winners received specially-created glass trophies designed by Kent artist Annie Ross.

POSTED: 03/07/2009 11:14:15

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