When school friends Andrew Drury and Keith Mason set up their web design business in 2010, they never guessed the long hours and sleepless nights they would have to face getting the operation up and running.

Working from the office in London Road, Stone, and now with three employees, AK Creation – which specialises in web and graphic design and marketing as well as print – has built up a substantial client base.

Although working in what is a highly competitive industry with top brand names such as NHS, Pizza Hut, Mazda, Bentley and H&M, the company feels it is important to deal with local firms offering to work at affordable price.

Brand identity is critical to being noticed, especially when starting up and AK Creation offers advice on the whole process.

Apprentice designer Jessica Mote said: “Our personal approach ensures our clients feel they have something created that is individual to them.

“We also guide them as much as we can through the technical processes, explaining everything in ‘human’ terms. This is something we’ve been praised for throughout the past five years.”

AK Creation is one of several companies to enter this year’s Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards.

Now in its 10th year, the awards are supported by the Messenger and each entrant gets a free profile in our newspapers and online.

To find out more, visit www.dgbawards.co.uk before Friday, July 31.