More than 650 people attended the county's biggest business event of the year last night as KEiBA 2018 - the Kent Excellence in Business Awards - highlighted the creme de la creme of Kent's business community.

The event, staged at the Maidstone Exhibition Hall at the Kent Showground in Detling, was marking its 10th anniversary.

The gala event saw guests enjoy the awards, a three course meal and entertainment. And as our pictures show, it proved a hugely enjoyable evening with ample networking opportunities.

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Among the key winners was chairman of Kreston Reeves Accountants Clive Stevens, who won the Outstanding Contribution award for his long career.

He said: “This award means a great deal to me.

"My heart and passion has always been in Kent and to support the great businesses we have in this county whether that is through the work we do at Kreston Reeves or through the various other roles I enjoy. It is humbling to know that I was nominated for this award by my friends and colleagues, but it is of course only possible because of the great team that surrounds me.”

Andrew Griggs, senior partner at Kreston Reeves added: “Clive has been at the heart of the Kent business community for more than 40 years and the whole firm, our clients and friends of the firm will join me in passing on our warmest congratulations. It is well deserved and I am sure he will continue to shape the Kent business community for many years to come.”

The event was organised by the KM Media Group and Kent County Council.

Specialist fit out and finishing contractor the Lucas UK Group, based in Wrotham, won two awards - one for Large Business of the Year and another for its managing director, Danny Lucas, who won Entrepreneur of the Year.

There was also a double win for Tonbridge's Newton Waterproofing Systems which scooped Medium Business of Year and the Commitment to the Environment Award.

Other notable winners included Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park which won the Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year award and KIMS Hospital in Maidstone which won Employer of the Year.

The full list of winners can be found here.