There is still time to enter the county's premier business awards after a deadline extension.

Entries have been flooding in to the 2013 Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA), but many would-be entrants asked for a little more time to complete their entry. The new deadline is 5pm on Friday, March 15.

The fifth annual KEiBA has a record 14 categories to go for, suiting all types and size of business, including Large Business of the Year and Start-up of the Year.

There are awards for the best science or technology business, commitment to community and environment, best employer, international success, customer service and commitment. There are also awards for individuals, including Entrepreneur, Young Entrepreneur and Apprenticeship.

A new category Best Land Based Business will recognise any business or organisation of any size with its principal income from land-based activity.

This can cover farming, horticulture, liveries, fisheries, rural sports, plant nurseries. food and drink production - as long as key ingredients are grown by the entrant.

Finalists will be invited to a gala celebration dinner in June when winners will be announced and presented with a coveted glass trophy crafted by Maidstone-based artist Annie Ross.

The awards, staged and produced by Kent County Council and the KM Group, are sponsored by Aon, Santander, MidKent College, Ward Security, Vertex Law, University of Kent, Southeastern, Hadlow College, Brachers, Kent Reliance, Skanska, KCC Sustainability, asb law, HSBC, Kent International Business, Headley Brothers, EMC Management Consultants, Institute of Directors, Lloyds TSB, The Kent Foundation, and KCC Skills and Employability - Kent Jobs for Kent Young People.

Businesses can view a full list of categories and enter the awards by visiting www.keiba.co.uk.