The most prestigious business awards in Kent take place this week.

The hotly-anticipated results of KEiBA 2017 will be revealed at the Kent Event Centre in Detling on Thursday.

There will be 17 awards given out at the black-tie gala dinner attended by more than 600 people.

They will be chosen from 50 finalists announced last month, after a record 312 entries were received this year.

For the first time there were 16 categories to enter, including a new construction project of the year.

The outstanding contribution to business in Kent award – handpicked by the judging panel – will also be presented.

KEiBA – short for the Kent Excellence in Business Awards – is hosted jointly by Kent County Council and the KM Group.

Kent County Council cabinet member for economic development Cllr Mark Dance said: “To be a KEIBA finalist, you have to be the best of the best against your peers in this wonderful county of ours.

“The hard work and determination and the obstacles you have overcome have finally paid off.

“You are now part of an elite band that has been judged and you have passed the scrutiny of the panel. A huge well done.”

KM Media Group chairman Geraldine Allinson said: “Every year, KEiBA is a fantastic celebration of the depth of talent we have across business in this county.

“We were delighted to receive a record number of entries this year and I wish all the finalists the best of luck at the gala awards night.”

Find out the winners on Thursday evening at KentBusiness.co.uk and follow @KentBusiness on Twitter for live updates throughout the night.

A picture special from the awards night will be printed in the next edition of Kent Business, free with the Kent Messenger and Medway Messenger next week.