There is much more to KEiBA than a swanky gala dinner and a designer piece of glass to stick on the company mantlepiece.

Returning for its seventh year, the awards have become the barometer of business success in the county and a chance to gain unrivalled publicity and stature.

Run by the KM Group and Kent County Council, KEiBA has reflected the changing face of commerce in the area, from food and drink haven to growing research and development community.

This year, the significance of technology has been brought to the fore, with increasing numbers of companies working in web design, SEO, video games and software development.

With digital firms helping to lead the country out of the economic mire, we have expanded the Technology Business of the Year category to include these increasingly-important arms of the business world.

Next month, past winners and emerging talents from the county will gather at Dickens World in Chatham for another chance to capitalise on the opportunities offered as part of the KEiBA family.

The exclusive launch event for the Kent Excellence in Business Awards – to give them their full title – will fire the starter gun for the race to win one of next year’s gongs at the final ceremony at the Kent Showground in Detling on Thursday, June 25.

KM Media Group chairman Geraldine Allinson said: “No awards recognise the finest of business talent in Kent like KEiBA.

“Many firms are proving that, whatever the situation, a business will always be a success with a great idea and lots of hard work.

“KEiBA recognises the very best of these companies, which show that hunger and drive for prosperity makes Kent’s commercial community so special.”

Chairman of the judges Geoff Miles, who owns Maidstone Studios, said: “As the country emerges from tough economic times, companies have been met with a land of opportunity as banks begin lending again and the government strives to create a perfect climate for growth.

“KEiBA recognises these companies with highly-respected awards and the chance to network with business leaders who have been there and done it.”

Kent County Council cabinet member for economic development Mark Dance said: “When you look at the business community in Kent, it is immediately clear that KEiBA is one of the most exciting things happening here.

“It truly is fantastic that we have this opportunity to recognise and promote the successes and achievements of everything from rural firms to apprentices – showing that Kent really is ‘open for business’.”

Entries for KEiBA must be submitted at www.keiba.co.uk by Friday, February 27, 2015.

KEiBA 2015 is free to enter and open to any business or organisation based and operating in Kent and Medway, excluding the London Borough postcodes of Bromley, Bexley and Orpington.

The categories are:

Large Business of the Year

SME Business of the Year

Start Up Business of the Year

Manufacturing Business of the Year

Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year

Land Based Business of the Year

Technology Business of the Year

Business Commitment to the Community Award

Business Commitment to the Environment Award

Success in International Markets Award

Employer of the Year

Customer Service and Commitment Award

Entrepreneur of the Year

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Apprenticeship of the Year