by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Kent businesses have been hailed for their entrepreneurial spirit in a record-breaking year for an award scheme.

The tribute came at the glittering final of the eighth annual Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Awards.

The awards were open to firms in the areas served by the chamber - Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, Medway and North West Kent, and West Kent.

Speaking after the gala presentation dinner in Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, chamber chief executive Jo James

said: “This year we had a record number of entries for each category, but what impressed us most was the quality of the applications received.

"The UK may be in the middle of economic turmoil, but events like this just go to show that businesses which innovate and adapt to the changing environment are reaping the benefits.

"Kent businesses certainly do have that entrepreneurial spirit which makes our county the best place for business.”

It was a special night for Crofton Design, which was named Business of the Year (category sponsored by the University of Kent).

The Excellence In Customer Service award, sponsored by McBrides, went to The Woodley Coles LLP.

Kemet International won the Achievement In International Business award, sponsored by HSBC.

Eos Civil Engineering was named Most Promising New Business, sponsored by Lloyds TSB.

Kristina Boulden of Romney Marsh Wools was applauded as Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by: Kent Innovation & Enterprise.

All the winners and finalists will be entered in the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) National Awards.

Most disappointed company of the night was Sleeping Giant Media of Folkestone, which was shortlisted in three categories but missed out on a winner’s award.

Finalists: Business of the Year - Sleeping Giant Media and Betteridge & Milsom. Excellence In Customer Service - Nova IT Solutions and Sleeping Giant Media. Achievement In International Business - Quorum Technologies and DDS (International). Most Promising New Business - Everest Inn and UKHSE Training & Consultancy. Entrepreneur of the Year - Luke Quilter of Sleeping Giant Media, and James Harwood of Jakuta.