A law firm will be flying the flag for Kent at a regional awards contest.

Vertex Law, based at Kings Hill, West Malling, is one of four finalists in the South East Insider Dealmakers Awards. To become South East Corporate Law Firm of the Year, it will have to see off three rivals from Surrey and West Sussex.

The firm's Nick Austen said: "It is particularly gratifying as the shortlisting of entrants is based on feedback from the business community.

"To have got this far is a reflection of the regard with which our corporate expertise is held - not just in dealmaking but also in our successful niche specialisms such as the healthcare and food sectors."

The awards, which are now in their fifth year, are organised by Insider Media and aim to reflect the achievements of the region's financial community, whether accountants, corporate financiers, lawyers or bankers. The winner will be announced on Thursday, February 3.