GO FOR it in the Go To county – that was the powerful message to thousands of companies across the county from past Kent Business Award winners.

Bosses of three of last year's victorious companies gave their seal of approval to the awards at the launch of the 2005 contest on November 10.

The glittering prizes, once again a silver trophy representing the symbolic Invicta horse, will be presented in June on the county's business night of the year.

Bob Laslett, chief executive of the Canterbury-based Chaucer Group (Kent Company of the Year 2004), William Alexander, of The Hop Shop, Shoreham (Rural Business Award), and Jim Baker of Telabria (winner with Shepherd Neame of the Technology Award), told around 100 hopefuls what winning had meant to their business.

Mr Alexander said the award had boosted staff morale and using the winners' logo gave added credibility.

He said: "It may not bring people pounding to your door but at least when they do, they say this is a business to be reckoned with because it's recognised by others as a good business.”

Mr Laslett, whose management consulting group now employs more than 100 people, said the accolade had been a great motivator for staff. "They like working for a company that's a winner," he said. "Customers like to deal with you because you're a winner."

Telabria has taken broadband to places that others cannot reach, including rural pubs and dozens of other remote locations.

Mr Baker said: "We were thrilled to win the award. It's very important to be judged by your peers. Go for it - it's totally worth the time whether you're putting it together yourself or your PR company is helping you."

The awards were launched at the Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood, in a ceremony hosted by James Heming, presenter of Invicta FM's Morning Zoo.

He wanted to fire enterprises with enthusiasm to enter. "We have new categories, new sponsors, lots of fresh energy and ideas," he said.

Cllr Alex King, Kent County Council's Cabinet member for regeneration, said the awards reflected the growing confidence of business in Kent, helping to raise pride and motivation.

He said: "The Go To county is about putting Kent on the map, but it's also, as all these awards are, about raising the level of confidence in the business community, convincing them that they are part of somewhere that is very special."

Graham Webb, chairman of the judges, said the judging process was always difficult. Any judge with an interest in a company was expected to disclose that interest and not allowed to take part in the discussion. "I try to provoke and make sure we are comfortable with what the end result is," he said.

Companies can enter one or more of 12 categories: Kent Company of the Year; Kent Businessman/Businesswoman of the Year; Excellence in Training and Development; Innovation and Growth; Voluntary Sector; Best New Business; Social Care; Customer Service; Small Business; Technology; and Success through Investors in People.

This year's sponsors are: Kent County Council; Invicta FM; Learning and Skills Council for Kent and Medway; BAE SYSTEMS; Business Link; Pfizer; Brachers; Fidelity Investments; Institute of Directors Kent; Seeboard Energy; ITV Meridian; Land Securities; and the Kent Messenger Group.

The awards are run by Priory Partnership, Brighton.

Details on www.kent-business-awards.co.uk or telephone 01273 207155.