Three businesses each stand a chance of notching up a hat-trick of winners’ trophies in a prestigious new award contest.

Denne Construction, Mhs Homes and Holiday Extras have been shortlisted for three top accolades, crafted by Kent glass artist Annie Ross, in the inaugural Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA).

The awards, run by Kent County Council and the KM Group, are backed by a host of big names. The winners will be announced at a glittering presentation ceremony at Leeds Castle on July 2.

Denne, of Sittingbourne, is in the running for Business Commitment of the Year Award, Employer of the Year and Large Business of the Year.

Mhs Homes, Chatham-based socialhousing provider and property management company, is up for Business Commitment to the Community, Customer Service and Commitment, and Employer of the Year, while Holiday Extras, based in Newingreen, Hythe, is shortlisted for Customer Service and Commitment, Employer of the Year and Large Business of the Year.

But the awards are not just about big battalions. Smaller companies up for a business "Oscar" include Courtyard Studios, Hollingbourne (Best Business from the Creative Industries), Shumi Hair and Beauty, Chatham (SME Business of the Year), and Shake Shed, Canterbury (Start-up Business of the Year).

Entrepreneurial talent is also recognised, with Gerard Coleman, founder of Ashford-based Artisan du Chocolat up against Steve Martin, of Xmo Strata, Marden, and Guy Whitehead, of Armourcoat, Sevenoaks, for the coveted title of Entrepreneur of the Year.

Young entrepreneurs in line for an award are Kate Austen, of Podplus, Ashford, Owen Hunman, Vine Media, Sevenoaks, and Bradley McLoughlin of Trading4u, Strood.

Finalists: Best Business from the Creative Industries - Courtyard Studios, Meltdowns, The Wonderful Creative Agency; Best Leisure and Tourism Business - Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, English Wines Group, Leeds Castle; Best Social Care Business - Beech Tree Total Care, Halliwell (Elizabeth Finn Homes), Home Service Complete Care; Business Commitment to the Community - Cripps Harries Hall, Denne Construction, Mhs Homes; Customer Service and Commitment Award - Holiday Extras, Mhs Homes, Royal British Legion Industries; Employer of the Year - Denne Construction, Holiday Extras, Mhs Homes; Entrepreneur of the Year - Gerard Coleman, Steve Martin, Guy Whitehead; Large Business of the Year - Bactec International, Denne Construction, Holiday Extras; SME Business of the Year - English Wines Group, Shumi Hair and Beauty Group, The Woodley Coles LLP; Start-up Business of the Year - Optimum Fitness Software, Red Alert Telecare, Shake Shed; Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Kate Austen, Owen Hunman, Bradley McLoughlin.

Sponsors: Kent County Council, Deloitte, Heart, Institute of Directors, Kent Film Office, Headley Brothers, The Kent Foundation, Mainstream, GSE Group, Royal Mail, Southeastern, VisitKent, Vertex Law and the KM Group. Supporters: Business Link, Canterbury College, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Federation of Small Businesses, Leeds Castle, Locate in Kent, Pillory Barn Creative and Tangerine.