A family-owned MOT, servicing and repair business picked up the top prize at the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards.

D & D Autos, based in Orbital Park, Ashford, was named Business of the Year at Canterbury Cathedral on Tuesday night.

Now in their ninth year, the event also recognised Howletts and Port Lympne managing director Bob O’Connor as Entrepreneur of the Year, while Ben Towers of Gillingham-based digital marketing agency Towers Design won the Young Person in Business Award.

Another online specialist, Maidstone-based We Love Digital, was recognised for Achievement in International Business, while Active Digital, a mobile telecoms provider in Paddock Wood, was awarded the prize for Excellence in Customer Service.

Qube Recruitment in Strood was named Most Promising New Business.

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce chief executive Mrs Jo James said: “Year on year we see the quality of applications for these award increase and it’s always so encouraging to see the positive things that are happening within our business community.

“The awards evening is a great opportunity to celebrate those successes.”