A financial company, which claims tax credits for entrepreneurs and small businesses, has been named the regional winner of a national awards.

RIFT Group, based in Ashford, will compete in the national British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards after being crowned victor at the Southern region heats.

It has claimed back £153 million in tax refunds since it was founded in 1999.

The firm picked up the prize for excellence in customer service and will head to the national final in London in November.

Jo James, chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said the firm is a “key employer in the county”, with 170 staff.

Francis Martin, president of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Our judges are always impressed by the high standard of submissions, and the calibre of entries this year was no different.

"The finalists in the Chamber Business Awards represent the best of this country’s entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and hard-work.”