by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A vehicle dealership set up 40 years ago has driven up growth by nearly 600% over the past 10 years.

Motorline, with outlets in Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford, Tunbridge Wells and Crawley, was named MegaGrowth company of the decade at an awards ceremony earlier today.

Founded by Tom Obee in 1972, it is now one of the country's leading independent dealerships.

In 1976, it was one of the first Kent businesses to sign a franchise deal with the then new Toyota brand. Through organic growth and acquisition, it achieved 10-year growth of 597.3%, and now represents seven brands - Toyota, Renault, VW, Hyundai, Skoda, Lexus and Nissan.

The company headed a special table marking the 10 anniversary of MegaGrowth 50, the county's celebration of high-growth businesses.

Full Circle Asset Management, based in Sevenoaks, topped the 2011 MegaGrowth 50 table - based on four-year performance - with sales up 135.7%.

Around 150 business people and guests attended the presentation breakfast in The Orangery, Turkey Mill, Maidstone.

Framed certificates were given to each of the 50 firms listed in the 2011 table, and the 10 chosen for their exceptional growth over the 10 years since MegaGrowth 50 was established.

The awards are produced by the KM Group in association with accounting firm Reeves and Lloyds TSB Commercial.

Geraldine Allinson, KM Group chairman, said: "It seems incredible that 10 years have gone by since we started these awards. They continue to show that our business community is innovative, strong and successful - and, most importantly, that Kent is a fabulous place in which to grow a business."

Clive Stevens, managing partner at Reeves, hailed some “spectacular successes."

David Rawlance, senior manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Kent, said: "The past decade has seen turbulent times and challenging economic conditions. Over this period, the MegaGrowth Awards have celebrated outstanding local companies who continue to grow profitably despite these economic challenges."

EMS Radio Fire and Security Systems, Herne Bay, was second in the 10 anniversary table (516%) growth, with BACTEC International, the Rochester-based mine clearance company, third ( 447%).

Symbol Family Support Services, Newington, was runner-up in the annual table ( 135%), and Foresight Group, Sevenoaks third (127.5%).