THE highest environmental achievers in the county’s business community are being challenged to prove their credentials by entering the Environment Awards for Kent Business 2005.

The awards reward businesses for their environmental performance and their community work and corporate responsibility.

Richard King, KCC cabinet member, has urged companies of all sizes, regardless of their business sector, to come forward and compete for the accolade Kent Environment Business of the Year 2005.

H said: “We are seeking entries to the Environment Awards for Kent Business 2005 which are of the highest standard and which represent all sectors from the varied world of business within the county.

"The environmental commitment of Kent businesses is well known – it is time for those businesses to step forward and be recognised for their excellent achievements.

"I am hoping that Kent businesses will make life extremely difficult for the judging panel this year."

Ian Dixon, production and distribution director at Shepherd Neame, which won the accolade in 2004, said: “Shepherd Neame was crowned Kent Environment Business of the Year 2004 in recognition for our reduction of our impact on the local environment.

"We firmly believe there are many more Kent businesses out there that are not yet getting the recognition they deserve for their superb environmental work."

The awards are sponsored by Business Link Kent, Cyberkix, the Environment Agency, the Government Office for the South East, Hillreed Homes, Kent County Council, Kent Messenger Group, Kent Sustainable Business Partnership and Pfizer.

For further information call 01622 221859, visit www.egeneration.co.uk/kent or email: environmentawards@kent.gov.uk.