‘Elite business finalists are the best of the best’

The 50 finalists for KEIBA 2017 have been revealed after the most prestigious business awards in Kent received a record number of entries.

Competing in 16 categories, the lineup features the best companies in the county, from apple growers to art galleries and construction contractors to clothes retailers.

Judges sifted through 312 entries for this year’s awards – the highest number ever.

New innovations for this year includes splitting the SME category into small and medium business of the year and creating a new construction project of the year. The finalists were unveiled at the Kent Vision Live exhibition at the Kent Event Centre in Detling.

They will find out who has been crowned the winners at the ninth annual gala dinner at the same venue on Thursday, June 22, hosted by organisers Kent County Council and the KM Group.

Kent County Council cabinet member for economic development Cllr Mark Dance said: “To be a KEIBA finalist, you have to be the best of the best against your peers in this wonderful county of ours.

“The hard work and determination and the obstacles you have overcome have finally paid off.”

KM Group managing director Richard Elliot said: “It’s fantastic yet again to see such a broad range of finalists covering so many sectors, both big and small.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see a record number of entries and particularly in the new categories of construction project of the year, plus the new small and medium business awards.

“I wish everyone could be a winner. Good luck and I look forward to seeing you at the awards in June.”

Wingham Wildlife Park is a finalist in the Commitment to the Environment category

Alexandra Auger, managing director of The Juice Executive and Think Press