Companies can gain “valuable publicity” from entering Kent’s most prestigious business awards, according to a sponsor.

Tunbridge Wells accountancy practice Creaseys has sponsored the entrepreneur of the year category of KEiBA for many years, recognising the backbone of the UK economy.

Emma Roberts, the firm’s chief executive, said the awards give companies a chance to “grab opportunites to develop your own competitive edge”.

KEiBA 2017 – short for the Kent Excellence in Business Awards – is open for entries until Friday, February 24, with the awards presented at a gala evening in June.

Ms Roberts appealed to companies to enter.

She said: “You won’t all be winners, of course, but taking part can give you valuable publicity, helping you to be noticed by customers and prospects.

“People will follow brands that they know and can trust, so you need to take every chance to raise your visibility in the marketplace.

“Many local businesses have proved that KEiBA works for them.”

To find out more about KEiBA 2017, visit keiba.co.uk