Winning a KEiBA is a chance for unrivalled publicity – and a ticket for a “no expense spared” night out – said a past winner of the prestigious awards.

Becky Campbell, who was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the gala dinner last June, encouraged firms to enter as the event was launched on Thursday.

She told more than 150 business people gathered at the Port Lympne Hotel near Folkestone that her involvement in the awards made her realise what it means to be a business in Kent.

Scroll down for video

She also said it was a huge boost to morale for staff at her Maidstone-based online marketing agency Reflect Digital and has helped her to gain new clients.

“I would thoroughly recommend entering KEiBA,” she said. “It was an amazing experience for our firm and has helped us win more business.”

There are 15 categories to enter in KEiBA 2016 – fully entitled the Kent Excellence in Business Awards – with companies subjected to rigorous analysis by an independent panel of judges.

KM Group managing director Richard Elliot said: “The quality of the judging and rigour of the work they put in makes these awards even more special.

“KEiBA is the premier accolade that businesses in Kent and Medway should aspire to achieve.

“KEiBA winners and finalists have reaped many benefits from the recognition they have received and I would urge all of you to consider entering.”

The awards are staged jointly by Kent County Council and the KM Group, culminating in a gala dinner at the Kent Event Centre in Detling in June, attended by more than 600 business people.

Kent County Council economic development chief Cllr Mark Dance said: “If in doubt, go for it. If you are a growing businesses there will be a category for you.

“There is nothing in Kent that compares to the gala dinner at KEiBA.

“Kent businesses get great publicity, and when KM Media Group is a major partner, that goes without saying. The judges are looking for a spark.”

Port Lympne Reserve was named Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year at last year’s KEiBAs, one of several awards it has won.

Managing director Bob O’Connor said: “The reason we keep entering KEiBA is because they are Kent’s most prestigious awards.

“The winners, finalists and all the people who apply, get great coverage across the county.

“It’s a unique way to benchmark your business, great for staff morale and shows you are working in a quality business.”

To enter KEiBA 2016, visit keiba.co.uk.

The deadline for entries is Friday, February 26.