THE search is on to find companies and individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to the local economy as the Thanet Business Awards enters its 20th year.

The competition is organised by the district council and recognises achievements by companies of all sizes, with special categories for success in exporting, tourism and leisure and training.

Last year the award for Thanet Company of the Year went to Minster based Handling Logic, a forklift truck dealer that had only been trading for three years.

In that time, the company established a client base of over 100 companies in industry and agriculture, including major contracts with Kent International Airport Manston, Ramsgate New Port, Hornby Hobbies and Pearce Signs.

It has also worked on a range of projects with the media, including the TV series Full Metal Challenge, the televised Robbie Williams concerts filmed at Pinewood studios and Elton John at Covent Garden.

Council chairman Cllr Jeff Kirkpatrick said: "These awards are all about celebrating how much the business community in Thanet has to celebrate. There are many success stories and high achievers throughout the district's business community and the awards help to promote these successes and achievements."

He stresssed: “We want to hear from Thanet's outstanding companies about how they are making a real difference to the area and its future economic prospects. With the range of categories available, there is one appropriate for all companies."

Seven categories make up this year's awards, including company of the year, which is chosen from the other award winners and the employee of the year, who must work and live within the district.

The categories are: Thanet company of the year - sponsored by Thanet Council; the small business award for up to ten employees - sponsored by Barclays; medium and large business award for more than ten employees - sponsored by Business Link Kent; investing in training award - sponsored by Business Link Kent; exporter of the year award - sponsored by Sericol; tourism and leisure award - sponsored by the Elonville Hotel, Cliftonville; employee of the year - sponsored by Multiglow Fires in memory of John Le Baigue.

Companies can enter for more than one award category and entries can come from the companies themselves, their employees or their customers. Entries for the Employee of the Year can come from the employer or their work colleagues.

* Businesses can download entry forms from Thanet Council's website www.thanet.gov.uk/business or obtain them directly from the Economic Development Unit on 01843 609 285 or e-mail lisa.brand@kentinnovation.co.uk.

The closing date for entries is April 22 and the award presentation takes place on May 25.