Today we launch the 25th anniversary Medway Business Awards.

Despite the downturn, this year’s contest promises to be a real silver occasion.

Winning the prestigious title Medway Business of the Year “gave us enormous pride,” says Terry Hewett, managing director of Zest ST, which scooped the title at a glittering ceremony last year.

If that accolade made Zest proud, imagine how it will feel to lift a handsome trophy in this the contest’s silver anniversary year. As well as collecting a generous cheque.

The Medway Business Awards were established by the Kent Evening Post - forerunner of the Medway Messenger - in 1984.

It was truly an “annus horribilis” because the Royal Navy dockyard at Chatham had closed that year and the Medway Towns faced soaring unemployment. It came close to 20 per cent, as the closure decimated the local economy.

But a Medway spirit emerged from the ashes as former dockyard workers took up new challenges. Many started businesses that are still operating today.

It is especially fitting that Chatham Historic Dockyard has joined the award scheme as a sponsor in both its and the awards’ 25th anniversary year.

For the past 24 years, the awards have recognised and rewarded the valiant efforts of everyone determined to make Medway a byword for business success.

Despite the downturn, there are many businesses who are still doing well. Judges will not worry if turnover has gone down a bit. They know only too well how hard it has been hard for many enterprises.

A prize fund of around £5,000 will be distributed among the winners who will also receive a handsome trophy and framed certificate. All finalists - and there are usually at least a dozen - will be presented with a certificate to hang proudly on their wall. Finalists will be invited to attend a glittering gala dinner and presentation ceremony at Priestfield on November 20.

Entry details: email info@mbawards.co.uk or click on www.medwaybusinessawards.co.uk where you can register and draw down a PDF to enter. Tel 01634 311411 or write to Thames Gateway (Kent) Chamber of Commerce, Stirling House, Sunderland Quay, Culpepper Close, Medway City Estate, Rochester ME2 4HN

Or complete the entry form in today's Medway Messenger. The closing date is Friday July 31.

SPONSORS: Lloyds Bank, Medway Council, KM Group, Enterprise First, Furley Page, MoCo, Reeves + Neylan, Thames Gateway Chamber of Commerce, University of Kent, Medway Enterprise First,

e-on UK, The Historic Dockyard, University for the Creative Arts.