A double glazing hardware supplier has been crowned Business of the Year at the 2022 Medway Business Awards.

Companies across Rochester, Gillingham, Chatham, Rainham and Strood attended the evening at the Pilkington Building, situated in the old naval base in the heart of the Medway university campus.

Now in its 37th year, the awards reward and celebrate the work of Medway’s business sector.

Susan Jennings, a partner with Furley Page Solicitors and head of its Towns' office, is chair of judges.

She said: “The sponsors were so pleased to have been able to bring the awards back this year after the pandemic, and we haven’t been disappointed.

"Every year, after visiting the finalists, I sense the commitment businesses have to Medway, employing local people and wanting to give back to our community.

"We are also lucky to have businesses of all shapes and sizes across many sectors.

"This year our finalists ranged from professional advisers to healthcare providers, design and consultancy services to manufacturers of award-winning products, letting and sales agents to tuition for children, digital hobbies to electric vehicles and a unique visitor experience offering fine dining and quality spirits.

"Thank you to all the applicants and especially our finalists this year for taking the time to let the judges grill you.”

More than 180 people attended the celebratory evening which was hosted by KM Media Group’s head of multimedia news, Nicola Everett.

At the beginning of the evening a minute’s silence was held in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

VBH (GB) Ltd took home the Large Business of the Year award while the Small Business of the Year award was won by City Way Health Clinic.

The Sustainable Innovation Award went to Classic Filters and Waterstone Design Ltd was named Team of the Year.

Dovetail Games was recognised as Employer of the Year and the award's Rising Star of the Year award went to NEGU Tuition Services Ltd.

On being crowned Large Business of the Year, Gary Gleeson, Marketing Manager at VBH (GB) Ltd, said: “We are delighted Everyone is thrilled and not just because we celebrated with pizza.

“We have had success in numerous window and door industry awards in recent years.

"However, to measure up positively against the best companies in Medway is a giant pat on the back for the whole team at VBH, and will help us to achieve more success.

“VBH is proud to have been in Medway since 1982, and this will help us fly the flag for this exciting area of north Kent.”

The Medway Business Awards are sponsored by Furley Page, Kreston Reeves, Handelsbanken, National Grid, MidKent College, University of Greenwich, Medway Council, Countryside, Kent Business School and The KM Media Group.

On winning the title of Small Business of the Year, David Kennett, clinic director of City Way Health Clinic, said: “We were immensely honoured to accept this prestigious award at such an amazing awards ceremony.

"The award is a representation of how hard our team has worked over the years to build City Way Health Clinic into the thriving, patient centred practices it is today.

"We love what we do and are proud to receive this accolade. This has given us even more motivation and passion to continue to help everyone in Medway obtain better health.”