MORE jobs are on the cards if an ambitious Kent firm achieves its aim of raising £1.75m from a share sale.

Award International Holdings (AIH), based in Cliftonville, is going for a listing on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

The cash injection will enable the two AIH subsidiaries, Award International and Flexibreaks Travel Service, to bid for bigger contracts and boost the bottom line. That would mean taking on more sales people.

In a statement, bosses said: "It is intended that the group will appoint new key staff to achieve this, including a purchasing manager to take charge of sourcing goods in the Far East.

They claimed that: "The lack of working capital available to Award has limited its ability to fulfil its growth potential.

"The fundraising will enable the group to expand as it will be able to accept new clients and larger contracts. It also intends to grow by developing existing client networks and targeting other "blue chip" companies."

The share issue is expected to value the company at between £2.5m and £3m.

Award does what it says on the box -- it helps firms promote themselves through awards, souvenir products and other merchandise.

They are known in the industry as "promotional premiums" and include free or discounted "gifts" such as soft toys, gadgets or clothing, vouchers for discounts on goods or services, and opportunities to win luxury holidays or experiences.

But it does more, running live events, corporate hospitality and services linked to travel and holiday accommodation. AIH calls itself a "full service promotional incentives" company,

Last year, Award, whose clients include Pepsi, Britvic, Buena Vista and AXA, made profits of £185,000 on turnover of £3.5m, while Flexibreaks made £20,000 on turnover of just over £2m.

Award has come a long way since Vic Bussey founded it in 1996. Staff numbers have gone up from two to 22. Geoffrey Rose started Flexibreaks in 1993.

A highlight for Award was in December 2002 when the Duke of York singled it out for a royal visit. He unveiled by videolink the firm's new American office.

The royal seal of approval capped a marvellous year for the firm that was named best small business in the prestigious Kent Business Awards. The Queen also announced that Award had clinched the nation's leading export accolade, generating about 65 per cent of its turnover from overseas sales.

If all goes well with the sale, shares will be quoted on the AIM exchange from the end of March.