Companies entering Kent’s most high-profile business awards will be recognised alongside the county’s “diverse” business world, according to a sponsor.

Southeastern, which is sponsoring the tourism and leisure business of the year category at KEiBA 2017, said there is “a lot to offer” in the Garden of England.

The company is supporting one of 16 categories up for grabs this year, aimed at businesses which have done amazing things in the county.

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.

Southeastern’s head of marketing Mark Anderson, who is a KEiBA judge, said: “We work very closely with Kent businesses large and small to promote all that is great about the county.

“And we do believe Kent has a lot to offer including amazing beaches, great countryside and unrivalled heritage.

“Kent’s business community is extremely diverse and includes very large companies, small and medium sized firms and numerous innovative sole traders.

“All these help create a livelihood for local people. And they tell us about the fabric and culture of the county itself.

“Kent should be rightly proud of its thriving and vibrant business community and we are very pleased to be a sponsor for the Kent Excellence in Business Awards.”

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