Judging is taking place to choose the winners of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2023.

More than 100 companies across the county entered the awards, and the judging panel will pick a shortlist of three companies for each of the 10 awards categories.

This year, the awards include a new category, Outstanding Contribution to Business in Kent, with the recipient selected by a panel from Kent County Council and Kent Invicta Chamber.

Derek Murphy, Cabinet Member for Economic Development of Kent County Council, a partner in the awards, said: “The winner’s name is a closely guarded secret. All I can say is that they are well-known across the county, have added to the economy of Kent by creating jobs and stimulating the supply chain, and have given back to the community. I’m looking forward to announcing the first recipient of this award at the gala dinner.”

Jo James, OBE, Chief Executive of the Chamber, added: “These awards are designed to reflect the categories reflect the priorities of the county’s business community, celebrating their efforts in terms of innovation, customer service, sustainability, decarbonisation, construction and international trade.

“We also want to celebrate the importance of family businesses to Kent’s economy, as well as shine a spotlight on our entrepreneurs and those companies showing the most promise of growth.”

Entries are now closed for the event with 104 companies having put themselves forward for an award, and the winners will be announced at a gala dinner on November 23 at Westenhanger Castle, near Hythe.

The judging panel is headed by Carol Barron, honorary chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, who said: “For the judges the hard work starts now. Whittling down the entries into the shortlisted finalists is never easy as there’s always a high quality of submissions.

“With 104 individual entries to judge, it clearly shows the aspiration there is among companies across Kent and Medway to be winners, and that they hold the awards in such high regard.”

More than 240 people, including senior representatives from the sponsors, which include Air IT, Ashford Outlet Centre - a McArthur Glen company, Azets, BAE Systems, Canterbury Christ Church University, jobmatcha, MidKent College, Stagecoach, NFU Mutual - Ashford Tenterden & Whitfield, and the University of Greenwich, are expected to attend.

For more information and to book tickets for the event should visit: www.kentchamberawards.co.uk

The gala dinner is being sponsored by Tunbridge Wells - based Creaseys Accountants.