The search is on for a business hero.

As time runs out for organisations to show they are weathering recession and worthy of a prestigious business award, a call has gone out for nominations of shining examples of business commitment.

Organisers are encouraging nominations for the person who has made the most outstanding contribution to the business community of Kent.

The deadline for entries to the exciting Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA) has been extended to give more enterprises a chance of glory.

The awards, a collaboration between Kent County Council and the KM Group, are backed by a host of big names, with finalists invited to enjoy a slap-up gala dinner at Leeds Castle on July 2.

Organisers say that promoting businesses during the downturn is more important than ever and enterprises adapting to difficult economic times will be given full recognition by the judges.

A dozen categories are designed to appeal to all parts of Kent’s commercial life. They cover large business, samll and medium enterprise, start-up, social care, creative business, leisure and tourism, commitment to the community, employer, customer service and commitment, entrepreneur, young entrepreneur and outstanding contribution.

These business 'Oscars' are part of KCC’s Backing Kent Business campaign.

Cllr Kevin Lynes, KCC Cabinet Member for Regeneration, called on people in business to nominate someone they admire in their line of work for the outstanding contribution award.

"We all have our heroes, whether in a professional capacity or personalm, and they could be just the sort of person we are looking for," he said.

"This award is for someone who is a successful businessman or woman, who had given sometying back to the county by encouraging and supporting others in business.

"I am sure we can all think of at lease one person we know who would fall into this category, So why don’t you give it some thought and put forward your nomination."

To nominate a "hero" and to find out details about entering any category, go to www.keiba.co.uk >>>

Sponsors: Kent County Council, Deloitte, Heart, Institute of Directors, Kent Film Office, Headley Brothers, The Kent Foundation, Mainstream, GSE Group, Royal Mail, Southeastern, VisitKent, Vertex Law and the KM Group.

Supporters: Business Link, Canterbury College, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Fedeeration of Small Businesses, Leeds Castle, Locate in Kent, Pillory Barn Creative and Tangerine.