The winners of this year's Kent Excellence in Business Awards have been revealed.

Better known as the KEiBAs, more than 700 people gathered at the Kent Event Centre at the Kent Showground in Detling tonight (Thursday) for the unveiling of the prestigious awards.

Now in its 11th year, the event is staged by the KM Media Group and Kent County Council.

Receiving the Outstanding Contribution award for this year was Paul Barrett of Canterbury-based Barretts Motor Group.

He said: "I'm very honoured and quite shocked.

"When I was told I was over the moon. It's been an exciting year. Receiving an MBE in the New Year's Honours List was a complete surprise and then to win this too - it's all been rather special."

The night's biggest winner was Folkestone-based internet search experts Sleeping Giant Media, who picked up three awards.

The event was hosted by Rob Wills and Laura Crockett from kmfm.

As the awards drew to a close, all winners gathered together on stage where they were serenaded by Viva Acapella.

Kent Excellence in Business Awards 2019: The winners

Employer of the Year

Winner: Sleeping Giant Media

Finalists: Colorcon Ltd, Tribeca Technology

Sponsored by: Furley Page

Manufacturer of the Year

Winner: Texcel Technology

Finalists: Bulgaro, Haltons Food Services

Sponsored by: University of Greenwich & asb law

Entrepreneur of the Year

Winner: Bulgaro

Finalists: Vital Parts, ZENii

Sponsored by: Creaseys & Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Construction Project of the Year

Winner: Modus Construction Consultants

Finalists: BBS Construction, Quinn Estates

Sponsored by: Wilkins Kennedy & Ashford College & West Kent College

Customer Service Award

Winner: Sleeping Giant Media

Finalists: ADM Computing, Colorcon, InfoTech Solutions (UK)

Sponsored by: Barclays

Exporter of the Year

Winner: Vespa Design and Publishing

Finalists: Bedfont Scientific, Haltons Food Services

Sponsored by: Crowe

Family Business of the Year

Winner: Walker Construction

Finalists: Scallywags, Team Hard Racing, TPS Global Logistics

Sponsored by: Gallagher Group

Small Business of the Year

Winner: Elvis & Kresse

Finalists: A+C Studio, Kent Crisps & Kentish Condiments, The Recruitment Network

Sponsored by: G and C Media

Medium Business of the Year

Winner: Orbital Net

Finalists: Catchpole & Rye, GingerMay, TPS Global Logistics

Sponsored by: Rift Group & Locate in Kent

Large Business of the Year

Winner: Childrensalon

Finalists: Baxall Construction, Outset UK Group

Sponsored by: Castle Corporate Finance

Valuing Disability Business of the Year

Winner: Bluewater

Finalists: Royal British Legion Industries, Twilight Cleaning

Sponsored by: The Education People & bemix

Start-up of the Year

Winner: Vidbuild

Finalists: My Careers Options, Orchard Pods

Sponsored by: Caxtons

Technology Business of the Year

Winner: Clevertouch

Finalists: Lucas UK Group, PageSuite

Sponsored by: Cripps Pemberton Greenish & University of Kent

Apprenticeship of the Year

Winner: Sleeping Giant Media

Finalists: Hospice in the Weald, Vital Parts

Sponsored by: The Education People

Business Commitment to the Community

Winner: Childrensalon

Finalists: Canterbury Rugby Club, Red Eagle

Sponsored by: Golding Homes

Commitment to the Environment Award

Winner: Coolings Garden Centre

Finalists: Frasers of Egerton, Winterdale Cheesemakers

Sponsored by: Low Carbon Kent

Outstanding Contribution Award

Paul Barrett

Barretts Motor Group

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