More than 20 firms have already registered an interest in entering the Swale Business Awards 2015.

A special information evening will be held at Macknade’s Fine Foods in Faversham on Thursday, June 18, for people to find out more.

It starts at 5.30pm with networking and refreshments and speakers from 6.30pm to 7.15pm.

There are four categories: Small Business of the Year, Customer Service and Commitment, the Judges Special Award, and Swale Business of the Year.

The 12 finalists will be invited to attend a gala dinner and awards presentation in October.

This year’s confirmed sponsors are: Handelsbanken, Enterprise Centres, JH Property Management, Kent Science Park, Macknade Fine Foods, KM Group, McNealy Brown, Shepherd Neame, Swale council, Thomson Snell & Passmore, UHY Hacker Young and University of Greenwich.

Now in its ninth year, the competition aims to celebrate firms large and small. Last year’s overall winner was Sittingbourne’s Mainstream Group, which walked away with £1,000.

Chairman of judges Liz Jordan said: “We are looking forward to meeting as many entrants to the 2015 awards as possible on June 18 and welcome those who want to learn more about the benefits of participation.

“Sponsors, judges and past winners will be there to provide assistance to those completing their entry forms and preparing for the judging process.”

All businesses which enter will have a company profile – including photograph – written to appear in their relevant KM Group publication. These will also feature on the awards’ website.

Firms which have registered an interest include: Bombus; Tinder Corporation Ltd; Wilkinson PLC; William Whitmey Independent Funeral Directors Ltd; Kelly Toys; Reardon Properties; Farmwood Mechanical & Electrical Services Ltd; Little Legs Nursery; The Strength & Conditioning Institute; Develop Fitness; Vintage and Maker’s Markets.

MOT-A-CAR; Redline Auto Parts Ltd; Judd’s Folly Hotel Ltd; Kent Horsebox Hire Ltd; Brocades Bridal Studio; Swale Community Centres; Bluebird Care (Ashford and Swale); Margot Recruitment Support Ltd; Super Leisure Store and The Hawking Centre.

Last month, sponsors and interested parties met at Faversham’s Shepherd Neame brewery for a launch event.

For more information, visit www.swalebusinessawards.co.uk or call Shannon Marchant on 01795 475363, alternatively you can email awards@swalebusinessawards.co.uk