More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A firm that likes to put fun into insurance scooped a premium double on Kent’s business night of the year.
Markerstudy Group, based in Sevenoaks, was named Large Business of the Year and Employer of the Year in the fifth annual Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA).
Words such as “fun” and “funky” are not normally associated with the insurance world but that is how a judge summed up this double-winner.
It employs 2,000 people and is known mainly for Markerstudy Insurance and Zenith Insurance which underwrite motor products. It also owns Auto Windscreens.
More than 500 guests attended the glittering gala dinner of KEiBA - produced and staged by the KM Group and Kent County Council and now firmly established as the county’s premier business awards. This year’s contest attracted a record entry across 14 categories.
Kent Event Centre, Detling, was transformed last night for the black-tie occasion and studded with sparkle and dazzle. Giant white letters spelling out K – E – i –B – A formed an impressive backdrop to the stage. Winners were picked out by spotlights as they paraded along a catwalk to accept their handsome glass trophy crafted by Maidstone artist Annie Ross.
Geoff Miles, chairman of the judges, said the awards just got better and better. “But then I cannot say I am surprised. For me, it’s all down to the attitude of the Kent people. Kent for me is God’s country - it has the best of the best.”
He added: “These awards symbolise the spirit of our business community and the thousands of hard-working people who make Kent and Medway a beacon of business success.”
Jason Crow, managing director of The Better Body Shop, winner of the Customer Service and Commitment Award, declared: “It’s a fantastic event.”
The evening was hosted by Paul Hendy, whose Kent-based company Evolution Productions produces pantomimes for the Marlowe, Canterbury, and other leading theatres.
He donated his fee to Dave Lee’s Happy Holidays charity in memory of the late Kent comic.
During the evening, nearly £3,500 was raised for the Kevin Lynes Apprenticeship Scheme, and Beanstalk, a children’s literacy charity.
Trevor Sturgess, KM Group business editor, won a KEiBA for his Outstanding Contribution to the Business Community.
The awards were sponsored by Aon, Santander, MidKent College, Ward Security, Southeastern, Hadlow College, Brachers, Vertex Law, University of Kent, Kent Reliance, Skanska, Kent County Council, asb law, Kent International Business, HSBC, Headley Brothers, EMC Business Management and Corporate Finance, the Institute of Directors, Lloyds TSB, The Kent Foundation, and Kent County Council Skills and Employability.
Click here for more pictures from the KEiBA award ceremony
The KEiBA award winners of 2013
Large Business of the Year
Markerstudy Group, Sevenoaks
SME Business of the Year
Component Force Ltd, Rochester
Start Up Business of the Year
indEx Enclosures Ltd, Ashford
Best Leisure and Tourism Business
Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, nr Ashford
Best Science and/or Technology Business
Aquaread Ltd, Broadstairs
Best Land Based Business
Chapel Down (English Wines Plc), Tenterden
Business Commitment to the Community
Golding Homes, Maidstone
Business Commitment to the Environment
Canterbury College, Canterbury
Customer Service and Commitment
The Better Body Shop, Sevenoaks
Employer of the Year
Markerstudy Group, Sevenoaks
Success in International Markets
Scarab Sweepers Ltd, Tonbridge
Entrepreneur of the Year
Gary Mayatt, Enevis, Dartford
Young Entrepreneur
Owen Hunnam, Vine Publishing Ltd, Sevenoaks
Apprenticeship of the Year
Amelix Ltd/Nathan Jenks, Whitstable
