For the past five years, the Gravesend-based Eggfree Cake Box has been steadily expanding across Kent.

With branches in Gravesend and Strood, the firm has launched another in The Mall, Maidstone, and negotiations are under way to open in Bluewater.

The company makes egg-free cakes in as short a time as 20 minutes and offers a range of 1,500 designs to choose from. These include wedding cakes in a range of sizes.

The main challenge has been removing the public perception that the company is not just catering for the egg allergy or specific ethnic markets.

Many people think you cannot bake a cake without eggs, but the proof has been in a growing customer base buying the cakes because they like the taste.

Staff training is a priority for the Eggfree Cake Box. Director Shelinder Singh said: “We invest in our team, resulting in them staying with us.

“Our head cake decorator has now reached ‘Master’ status and is accredited to teach internationally. She was also awarded the bronze prize and merit of distinction at Cake International, a national exhibition with hosts including Mary Berry.”

As part of Gravesend’s plan to invest in the town centre, the company also plans to start an apprenticeship scheme through the training firm Kent Training and Apprenticeships.

The company has sold a number of cakes to high-profile customers including guests on sports chat show The Clare Balding Show and for The Woodville’s 50th anniversary.

It is actively involved in the Gravesend community, donating cakes to seasonal school events and supporting the local Vaisakhi festival at the temple which sees 15,000 attending.

Eggfree Cake Box is just one of several companies to enter this year’s Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards.

The awards are supported by the Messenger, and each entrant gets a free profile in our papers and online.

Entries have now closed, but you can find out more at www.dgbawards.co.uk

This year’s sponsors are: Barnes Roffe, Dartford council, Gravesham council, KM Media Group, Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, University of Greenwich, and Jones FM.

The winners will be announced shortly.