A search engine marketing agency has been crowned Business of the Year at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2014.

Folkestone-based Sleeping Giant Media took home the top gong at a gala dinner in Canterbury’s Cathedral Lodge.

A nominee several previous years, the firm was shortlisted for three categories this time for Excellence in Customer Service, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Business of the Year.

Since its inception in 2008, the company has grown from two people working from home to an SME with 26 employees.

A glass trophy was presented to managing director Luke Quilter by University of Kent director of innovation and enterprise Carol Barron, who is also chair of the board of directors at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Quilter said: “Winning this award is a fantastic achievement and a great reward for the team at Sleeping Giant Media.

“We are very proud of the hard work and dedication that has resulted in this amazing award.”

Other winners included Ashford-based Nepalese restaurant the Everest Inn, which was awarded for Excellence in Customer Service.

Dartford-based lighting design firm 8Point3 Ltd was crowned Most Promising New Business, while engineering services company Beck & Pollitzer – from the same town – was recognised for Achievement in International Business.

Kent Science Park in Sittingbourne saw tenant Giedre Brandao win Entrepreneur of the Year for her company AbBaltis Ltd.

Family-owned manufacturer MJ Allen Group, based in Ashford, won the award for Business Commitment to the Environment.