Law firm Cripps was named Business of the Year at the Kent Invicta Chamber’s AnnualBusiness Awards.

Now in its 11th year, the event gave out prizes in six categories during the ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge on Thursday.

Cripps, which is ranked as a top 100 UK law firm, has offices in Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill and Discovery Park at Sandwich, as well as London.

Managing partner Gavin Tyler said: “We are extremely proud to have won this award, particularly as we were up against some very strong competition.

“To have been named Business of the Year is a credit to all of our staff who have worked so hard in making Cripps the modern, progressive legal business that it is today.”

Jo James, chief executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Cripps on becoming the Business of the Year 2016. “The standard of this year’s entries was exceptionally high which, combined with the rigorous judging process, makes this win a marvellous achievement.”

The evening also saw Folkestone-based Sleeping Giant Media pick up the Excellence in Customer Service award.

Managing director Luke Quilter said: “We’re honoured to receive this award and the recognition from our clients. We are extremely proud of all of our staff and they are testament to the high levels of client and customer satisfaction we receive.”

Andrew Cruttenden of Martello Building Consultancy in Folkestone was named Entrepreneur of the Year while KIMS Hospital in Maidstone picked up the prize for Most Promising New Business.

KIMS chief executive Simon James said: “It certainly isn’t an easy task to build and open the doors on a new independent hospital, but the whole team at KIMS have worked together tirelessly, and the reward is deserved recognition for their efforts and the long term support of our investors."

Rainham-based Questor Insurance Services was awarded for Achievements in International Business while the Young Person in Business title went to Gillingham teenager Ben Towers, who was the pick of the bunch in the KM Group’s Top 30 Under 30 list.

Mr Towers said: “It was an honour to win the award again.

"I look forward to using it to open further doors and aid my business in further growth.”