Winners of one of Kent's most prestigious business awards won't need an excuse to crack open a bottle of fizz... they make it!

Chapel Down winery in Tenterden shared the glory last night at the hotly-anticipated KEiBA awards - as 13 firms proved triumphant at the Kent Showground at Detling.

The Kent Excellence in Business Awards 2013 recognise firms in Kent that are leading the way in innovation, leadership and achievement.

Also taking a gong was Howletts and Port Lympne wild animal parks, who scooped the award for best leisure and tourism business.

But the star of the show was the Markerstudy Group from Sevenoaks, which picked up a brace of awards - large business of the year and employer of the year.

The ceremony was staged and produced by Kent County Council and the KM Group and saw 14 businesses and individuals selected as category winners for their amazing contribution to Kent business.

It was another record breaking year for entries, with nearly 300 firms entering the competition, which is now in its fifth year.

Mark Dance, Kent County Council cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “There is no doubt that KEiBA has become the business event of the year in Kent and tonight’s ceremony was no exception.

“It is enormously encouraging to see the huge number of businesses and individuals that enter the race every year and it proves that, with innovative ideas and determination, Kent is a great place to run a business even during these tough economic times.”

Richard Elliot, managing director of the KM Group, said: "KEiBA have become the county's premier business awards in just five years.

"I am so impressed by the achievements of all the finalists.

"The gala presentation and its amazing line-up underlined just what a great place the county is for business performance and growth. I congratulate all the winners and finalists."

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The KEiBA award winners of 2013 are

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