THE CREAM of Thanet business is set to rise to the top with the launch of a prestigious contest to find the best.

The 19th annual Thanet District Council Business Awards have been launched to reward businesses that have made an outstanding contribution to Thanet's economy and employment opportunities.

There are seven categories, including Thanet Company of the Year (sponsored by Thanet council), and the Thanet Employee of the Year, sponsored by Multiglow Fires in memory of John Le Baigue. The employee must work and live within Thanet.

The other categories are Small Business Award (up to 10 employees) sponsored by Barclays; Medium and Large Business Award (more than10 employees) sponsored by Business Link Kent; Investing in Training Award sponsored by Business Link Kent; Thanet Exporter of the Year Award sponsored by Sericol; Tourism and Leisure Award sponsored by the Elonville Hotel, Cliftonville.

Last years' overall winner , Specialty Breads by FDC, a company that makes ciabatta, focaccia and other exotic flour products, gained a lot of publicity for its achievement in the 18th annual awards.

Companies can enter for more than one award category and entries can come from the companies themselves, their employees or their customers. Entries for the Employee of the Year can come from the employer or their work colleagues.

Cllr. Bob Bayford, Thanet council cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration and economic development, said: "This is an excellent opportunity to highlight the wide ranging achievements made by companies in Thanet.

"There are many success stories throughout the District's business community and these awards are about promoting them. We want to hear from Thanet's outstanding companies about how they are making a real difference to the area and its future prospects."

Businesses can download entry forms from Thanet Council's website www.thanet.gov.uk/business or can obtain them directly from the council's Economic Development Unit on 01843 609 280 or e-mail info@kentinnovation.co.uk

The closing date for entries is Tuesday 24 February and an awards ceremony will be held at Margate's Winter Gardens on Wednesday 24 March.