Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
It’s anchors aweigh as business awards launched at Dockyard
Scores of businesses fought their way through snow for the launch of the most prestigious business awards in the county.
Dozens of guests made it to Chatham Historic Dockyard to mark the launch of KEIBA 2017, which is now open for entries.
The awards have celebrated some of the finest firms from the area in recent times.
Last year Herne Bay personal training firm James Fitness won the business commitment to the community award while Canterbury housing developer Mark Quinn was named entrepreneur of the year.
Back in 2015, Howletts Wild Animal Park, in Bekesbourne, was named tourism and hospitality business of the year
Now in its ninth outing, the launch evening has been established as the first major networking event of the year on the Kent calendar.
Run by Kent County Council and the KM Media Group which owns this newspaper, the awards are presented in front of more than 600 people at a gala din- ner at the Kent Showground in Detling in June.
There are 16 categories to be entered, including a new construction project of the year prize. By popular demand, SME business of the year has been split into two categories – small business of the year and medium business of the year.
Guests at the launch were treated to a reception in the Historic Dockyard’s Command of the Oceans exhibition.
They heard from past winners about the impact of being honoured at the KEIBAS, short for the Kent Excellence in Business Awards.
Kent County Council councillor for Whitstable and cabinet member for economic devel- opment Cllr Mark Dance said: “Excellence in business is the key word. Kent has always batted above its rate.
“It’s not easy running a busi- ness in this climate. Banks could do more and it’s difficult times.
“These companies earn good healthy profits and employ more people, expand and export. That’s a KEIBA winner. We really have something to celebrate.”
KM Media Group managing director Richard Elliot added: “It’s fantastic when you look at the broad range of awards for a variety of industries which are promoted all across the county.
“We really like supporting business. This is a great county with some great business and let’s promote them and be proud about it.”
The deadline for entries is Friday, February 24. Enter online at keiba.co.uk