TWO Kent-based bosses are in line for top regional honours.

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, the 300-year old Faversham brewer, and Guy Whitehead, group CEO of Armourcoat Surface Finishes in Sevenoaks, will compete for the Institute of Directors South East Director of the Year Award.

Mr Neame, one of three finalists in the category for businesses turning over more than £25million, impressed judges with the way he has taken the family business forward, developing it in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

Judges thought Armourcoat, which specialises in the creation and distribution of decorative coatings to be well on the way to being a global leader in high-end decorative coatings.

They thought Mr Whitehead was exceptional because of his proven success and commitment to training provision. He has previously won the Kent Business Person of the Year accolade in the Kent Business Awards.

Mr Whitehead, who lives in Tunbridge Wells, is one of three directors in the category for businesses with up to £4.99m turnover. Speaking of his recognition, he spoke of the partnership of the last decade with the group's design director Duncan MacKellar.

The Institute of Directors’ awards, sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers, are the first to be organised for South East business leaders. They are designed to highlight and applaud directors with outstanding business acumen, leadership skills and social responsibility.

Five Directors of the Year, from an area stretching from Banbury to Dover, will be chosen at a sell-out gala dinner at the IoD headquarters in Pall Mall in November.