SHEPHERD Neame, the 300-year-old brewer that encourages its staff to cycle to work, is the greenest company in Kent.

The Faversham-based operation was named Kent Environment Business of the Year at a VIP ceremony in East Malling Research Conference Centre.

Richard King, Kent County Council’s cabinet member for the environment, presented chairman Bobby Neame and production director Ian Dixon with a distinctive dragonfly award designed by Benenden craftsman James Millborrow.

The company, established in 1698, has reduced water usage by 10 per cent and energy by seven per cent.

By moving its distribution depot out of the town centre to Oare, it has cut out 150 lorry movements a day.

Staff are encouraged to take a bike to work, and if they do not own one, they are presented one by the company. Around 30 have taken up the offer.

Mr Dixon said he was surprised to win the award. The company was only doing what was good business practice.

He said: ”The award underlines Shepherd Neame’s commitment to excellence in environmental performance by conducting our business in a manner which safeguards the environment as well as the health and safety of our employees, customers and supplies.”

Other awards went to: Bio Heath of Rochester (Fastest Achieving Small Business); Crossways Business Park, Dartford (Sustained Site Management); Eco-merchant, Faversham (Pioneering Eco-Supplier); GlaxoSmithKline, Dartford (Engaging Staff and the Community); Independent Insurance Services, Folkestone (Ambassador for the Environment); Kings Hill Golf Club (Land Management for Biodiversity); Maidstone Town Centre Management Group (Improving the Urban Environment); mhs homes, Rochester (Building for Sustainable Communites); and S & P Motors, Faversham (Delivering Responsible Waste Solutions).

The awards were sponsored by: KCC; Hillreed; the Environment Agency; Carbon Trust; Balfour Beatty; Kent Sustainable Business Partnership; Pfizer; Business Link; and the Kent Messenger Group (Kent Business).