From clothes sellers to construction firms, the latest list of KEiBA finalists includes companies from across the spectrum of business in Kent.

More than 250 businesses entered 15 categories this year, which will honour all kinds of achievements, from success in international markets to entrepreneur of the year.

Each company is hoping to win a coveted trophy at the Kent Excellence in Business Awards gala dinner at the Kent Event Centre in Detling on Thursday, June 23.

The finalists were announced today by Rob Wills of kmfm Drivetime at the Kent Vision Live exhibition at the same venue, which has been attended by thousands of business people.

KM Group managing director Richard Elliot said: “I would just like to thank all the fantastic businesses that have entered the KEIBA awards this year.

“The quality of the entries just seems to go from strength to strength.

“I would also like to thank the the sponsors for all the effort they have put into the judging process. Their commitment is really appreciated.

“I am sure everyone will agree this year we have another extraordinary set of businesses from across the county chosen as KEIBA finalists. Good luck to everyone for June 23.”

Run by the KM Group and Kent County Council, KEiBA is in its eighth year.

The gala evening will also reveal an outstanding contribution award winner, nominated by peers and judges.

Kent County Council cabinet member for economic development Mark Dance said: “The standard of entries this year was – as ever – extraordinary and selecting these finalists was an extremely tough task.

“Having gone through the entries, it is clear that we have a very high calibre of businesses in Kent.

“I’d like to congratulate all of those that have made it this far and I look forward to meeting them all and recognising and promoting their successes and achievements at the finals.”

Tickets for the KEiBA gala dinner can still be bought at keiba.co.uk.

The full list of finalists are:

Apprenticeship of the Year

Facts International

The Granary Spa

The Wirebelt Company

Sponsored by: KCC Skills and Employability Service

Business Commitment to the Community Award

James Fitness

Gillingham FC

Young Kent

Sponsored by: Golding Homes

Business Commitment to the Environment Award

Alan Firmin

Cyclepods

Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems

Sponsored by: Low Carbon Kent & UK Power Networks

Customer Service and Commitment Award

Childrensalon

Sleeping Giant Media

Watchfinder & Co

Sponsored by: Headley

Employer of the Year

Childrensalon

Kreston Reeves

Sleeping Giant Media

Sponsored by: Swanstaff Recruitment

Entrepreneur of the Year

Hugh Edeleanu, H. E. Services Group of Companies

Wayne Hodgson, Red Eagle

Mark Quinn, Quinn Estates

Sponsored by: IOD & Creaseys

Land-Based Business of the Year

Simply Ice Cream

Winterdale Cheese

Wise Owl Cider

Sponsored by: Brachers & Hadlow Group

Large Business of the Year

Integrated Technologies Ltd

Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Park

Thanet Earth

Sponsored by: Grant Thornton UK LLP

Manufacturing Business of the Year

Fudge Kitchen

Integrated Technologies Ltd

Texcel Technology

Sponsored by: asb law & BIG – Kent Network University of Greenwich

SME Business of the Year

Digital Contact

Infinity Group

Simply Ice Cream

Sleeping Giant Media

Sponsored by: RIFT Group

Start-Up Business of the Year

Aero Legends Limited

Emily & Me

No Place Like Home

Sponsored by: MidKent College & DSH Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors

Success in International Markets Award

Horizonscan

International Association of Bookkeepers

Questor Insurance

Sponsored by: HSBC Corporate Banking & UK Trade & Investment

Technology Business of the Year

Bedfont Scientific

Integrated Technologies Ltd

Texcel Technology

Sponsored by: Cripps and University of Kent

Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year

Finch House

Great Comp Garden

Wingham Wildlife Park

Sponsored by: Southeastern

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Niki Mahon

David Tindall

Ben Towers

Sponsored by: Canterbury College & Custodian Data Centres