Time is fast running out to enter the county's premier business awards, with the deadline this Friday - March 1.

The Kent Excellence in Business Awards - better known simply as the KEiBAs - is now in its 11th year.

Deadline for entries was extended last month - but to be in with a chance of winning an award which can help boost your bottom line and staff morale all nominations must be submitted by the end of this week.

There are 16 categories to enter, ranging from Entrepreneur of the Year to awards for apprentices, family firms and much more.

The awards are staged and produced by KM Media Group and Kent County Council.

This year's awards launched in January with a special event at Allington Castle, near Maidstone, attended by winners past and present.

Those making the shortlist will be revealed at the Business Vision Live event at the Kent Exhibition Centre in Detling on Wednesday, May 15.

They will then be able to attend the KEiBA gala awards ceremony which takes place at the same venue in June - one of the highlights of the business calendar in the county.

Geraldine Allinson, chairman of the KM Group, said: "We're so lucky with how much people support the event around the county and how much people get out of being a winner at KEiBA."

Cllr Mark Dance, cabinet member for economic development at Kent County Council, said: "Kent is full of vibrant businesses, some of the finest in the UK, and the KEiBAs are about celebrating the best of the best.

"Kent businesses are making a difference. They are showcasing what a great county Kent is to live, work and play - and long may that continue."

For details on the awards and how to enter, visit keiba.co.uk