Firms in line for Kent's top business award

Denne Construction, Mhs Homes and Holiday Extras have been shortlisted for three top accolades, crafted by Kent glass artist Annie Ross, in the inaugural Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA).

The awards, run by Kent County Council and the KM Group, are backed by a host of big names. The winners will be announced at a glittering presentaton ceremony at Leeds Castle on July 2.

Denne, of Sittingbourne, is in the running for Business Commitment of the Year Award, Employer of the Year and Large Business of the Year.

Mhs Homes, Chatham-based social housing provider and property management company, is up for Business Commitment to the Community, Customer Service and Commitment, and Employer of the Year, while Holiday Extras, based in Newinngreen, Hythe, is shortlisted for Customer Service and Commitment, Employer of the Year and Large Business of the Year.

But the awards are not just about big battalions. Smaller companies up for a business "Oscar" include Courtyard Studios, Hollingbourne (Best Business from the Creative Industries), Shumi Hair and Beauty, Chatham (SME Business of the Year), and Shake Shed, Canterbury (Start-up Business of the Year).

Entrepreneurial talent is also recognised, with Gerard Coleman, founder of Ashford-based Artisan du Chocolat up against Steve Martin, of Xmo Strata, Marden, and Guy Whitehead, of Armourcoat, Sevenoaks, for the coveted title of Entrepreneur of the Year.

Young entrepreneurs in line for an award are Kate Austen, of Podplus, Ashford, Owen Hunman, Vine Media, Sevenoaks, and Bradley McLoughlin of Trading4u, Strood.

Source: Kent Business