Turnover has “rocketed” at a textiles manufacturer and importer since winning a Kent Excellence in Business Award, the company’s boss has revealed.

Elsatex managing director Stephen Lowe told more than 200 people at the launch of KEiBA 2015 about the “confidence and credibility boost” his company has received since being named SME Business of the Year.

He was speaking as the prestigious awards, which take place at the Kent Showground, Detling, in June, opened for entries at Dickens World, Chatham, this evening.

Guests from across the county gathered for the first major business event of the year to hear how companies have benefitted from winning prizes at the awards, now in their seventh outing.

There are 15 categories to enter, including Best Manufacturing Business, Best Land Based Business and Apprenticeship of the Year.

An altered Technology Business of the Year category will now include firms specialising in areas like web design, SEO, game creation and software development.

Mr Lowe said: “Since winning a KEiBA award, our turnover has actually rocketed, not just because of the positive publicity and media coverage the awards generated for us, but also because of the confidence and credibility boost it gave to the Elsatex team.

“The KEiBAs are undoubtedly the showpiece business event in Kent, and is the perfect platform for us to showcase our company and brand to a diverse and influential audience.”

The awards – fully called the Kent Excellence in Business Award but known as KEiBA – are staged and produced by Kent County Council and KM Group.

"Winning a KEiBA raises a company’s profile and reputation, boosts staff morale and impresses potential customers and investors...” - KM Group managing director Richard Elliot

KCC cabinet member for economic development Mark Dance said: “The KEiBA awards are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the year for the business community in Kent.

“The awards really do show off the quality of Kent businesses and demonstrate the hard work and entrepreneurial flair in action right across the county.

“It truly is fantastic that we have this opportunity to recognise and promote the successes and achievements of everything from rural firms to apprentices – showing that Kent really is open for business.”

KM Group managing director Richard Elliot said: “The economic environment continues to be tough, although hopefully we are all seeing some green shoots of recovery.

“It is extremely important to acknowledge and reward, through KEiBA, those businesses that have met economic challenges with innovation, drive and prudent financial management – and, of course, sheer hard work.

“I am delighted to launch these awards this evening. Winning a KEiBA raises a company’s profile and reputation, boosts staff morale and retention, helps attract quality new staff and, of course, it impresses potential customers and investors.”

Another winner in 2015 was Bush Grub, a Sittingbourne-based edible insects seller, which was named Start up Business of the Year at last year’s ceremony.

Director Ben Bartlett said: “The best thing about winning a KEiBA is the credibility it gives your company.

“It’s opened up a lot more avenues for us, because people seem to respect a company a bit more that has gone through this process and actually come out winning.

“I would advise any business to enter, you’ve got nothing to lose.”

To enter, a business or organisation must be based and operating in Kent and Medway, excluding the London Borough postcodes of Bexley, Bromley and Orpington.

A business can be a sole trader, a private or public limited company, a partnership or limited liability partnership, a charity or a business unit within a company or a not for profit organisation.

To enter your business in up to four categories, visit www.keiba.co.uk.

The closing date is Friday, February 27.