English Wine Group announced as SME Business of the year at KEiBA 2009. Picture: Paul Dennis

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Enterprises and individuals across the county are celebrating glory in the first-ever Kent Excellence in Business Awards.

On a glittering night in the elegant setting of Leeds Castle, nine organisations and three entrepreneurs stepped up to receive a handsome glass trophy crafted by Maidstone artist Annie Ross.

The inaugural awards, jointly run by Kent County Council and KM Group, attracted 500 guests to the county’s business night of the year.

Around 200 enterprises entered the awards, with 33 finalists representing the cream of Kent business competing for the prizes.

Graham Webb, chairman of the judges, said: "The KEiBAs are the premier benchmark of business success, demonstating the excellence across our county’s commercial life. The glass trophy is a coveted symbol of that achievement. Well done to all the finalists. You are an inspiration to us all."

Kevin Lynes, KCC’s Cabinet member for regeneration, said: "KEiBA is set to become the key business event of the year in Kent."

Geraldine Allinson, chairman of the KM Group, added: "I congratulate all the finalists who have done so much to show just what a marvellous location for business Kent has always been and will continue to be. Despite the challenges, they have demonstrated outstanding achievements."

• For more on this story, see our Kent Business website
• For more on the winning companies, see our special report.