A wide range of enterprise from schools to a village shop, Age Concern to Leeds Castle are in line for a Kent business "Oscar." Finalists in the 2002 Kent Business Awards span the spectrum of economic and social activity, underlining the diversity and success of business in the county.

Nearly 30 firms and organisations will be hoping to have their name engraved on the handsome silver trophy crafted by Deal silversmith Paul Harrison. One ADM Computing, Canterbury is listed in three categories. Leeds Castle Enterprises, Grand Burstin Hotel, Fokestone, and Burgess Stores in Goudhurst are battling for the Hoverspeed Welcome to Kent Award.

The Business Link Kent Small Business Award will go to one of five finalists, all from east Kent Award (TP) International, Cliftonville; Morgan Jones, Broadstairs; Independent Insurance Services, Folkestone; Revolution Skate Park, Broadstairs, and the School of English Studies, Folkestone.

Pilgrims Hospices in east Kent, Fairbridge in Kent a group that helps young people who have got into trouble and Age Concern, Herne Bay, each hope to win the Pfizer Voluntary Sector Award. Success through Investors in People awards, both sponsored by Business Link Kent, will go to two of the following: The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells; Dartford Grammar School for Boys; Jackson Batten Financial Group, Swanley; ADM Computing, Canterbury; The Peak Organisation, Margate; Balfour Junior School, Chatham; or West Minster Primary School, Sheerness.

Two companies are competing for The Bluewater Management Customer Service Award ADM Computing, Canterbury, and the Marriott Tudor Park Hotel, Bearsted. Kent County Council's Kent Company of the Year awards will go to one of four in the large employer category (more than 100 staff) and one of four in the under-100 category.

The large quartet includes Tunbridge Wells Equitable, Waterloo Air Management, Aylesford, Reeves and Neylan, Chatham and Canterbury, and the Swan Group, Snodland. The smaller four include Cathedral Contracts, Whitstable; ADM Computing, Canterbury; GreenCare Environmental, Edenbridge; and Clague Architects, Canterbury.

The verdict will be given at a gala presentation dinner in Saga Pavilion, Sandgate, near Folkestone, on June 27. The awards are run by The Priory Partnership and also backed by the Kent Messenger Group, Fortis Bank and Concept Media.