It may be spring, but this is the time of the year when business people turn their thoughts to a possible night of glory in November.

That’s what happened to Chris Webster at last year’s Medway Business Awards gala dinner:

“We came to the event not really expecting anything. I’m so stunned but so happy. We will go home and think – wow, did that really happen? It’s amazing.”

Chris, his wife Caroline and their team were overjoyed after their construction firm DCB (Kent) was named Business of the Year 2015 on a memorable night at Priestfield, Gillingham.

DCB, in Hartlip, Rainham, won after development director Misia Carroll thought it was time to shout about the modest firm’s achievements.

“We had not done any kind of self-promotion,” said Misia. “I thought the awards were right up our street. We’re in Medway and we do lots of good things.”

Her decision led to DCB impressing the judges and joining an illustrious roll call of winners since the awards were founded in 1984. DCB won a handsome glass trophy and a cheque for £500 which the firm generously donated to charity.

With the launch of the 32nd Medway Business Awards this week, other businesses now have an opportunity to enjoy a similar triumph.

Awards chairman Sylvia Meade said: “Entering these awards can put your company in the spotlight. Previous winners have found the awards enhanced their profile and landed them new orders.”

These awards consistently underline just how good the Medway Towns are for business achievement. Many past winners have gone on to enjoy significant growth.

For the first time, the awards are open to not-for-profit enterprises.

Not everyone can be Medway Business of the Year, of course, but other specialist prizes are on offer to strong performers. Every finalist will receive a certificate at the gala dinner.

Jo Watson, director of Scallywags Medway, a childcare service in Rainham, said last year: “We were really happy to be a finalist. This event is a celebration of Medway and there’s a lot to be celebrated.”

At the launch ceremony Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for economic growth, said she was so proud of what Medway businesses had achieved.

She added: “Successful business creates the jobs and a lively community. They have never let us down.”

She urged enterprises to enter the awards to get deserved recognition. “Good luck to all those putting their name forward. I can’t wait for the brilliant evening when they are acknowledged.”

Register online at www.mbawards.co.uk. The deadline for entries is Friday, July 29 and the gala dinner will be on Friday, November 18.

Entrants must have been trading for at least a year on July 29, 2016 and have their main place of business in the Medway Council area.

Sponsors are Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, Furley Page, Handelsbanken, KM Media Group, Kent Business School, Kreston Reeves, Medway Council, MidKent College, National Grid, Southeastern, Uniper, University of Greenwich.