Entering Kent’s most prestigious business awards is a big opportunity to “share knowledge and best practice”, according to one of its supporters.

It is not winning but taking part that is key said Shaun Kelly, business development consultant at asb law, which is sponsoring the manufacturer of the year category at KEiBA 2017.

Mr Kelly said the event is a great chance to build relationships with other small and medium-sized companies and described the event as “pivotal” to the manufacturing sector.

KEiBA 2017 – short for the Kent Excellence in Business Awards – is open for entries until Friday, February 24, with the awards presented at a gala evening in June.

Mr Kelly said: “I know it’s quintessentially British, but the old cliché that ‘it’s not the winning, it’s the taking part’ is so apt to the KEiBAs.

“Yes, to win is fantastic but my years of experience as a judge tells me that there is huge added value to be had networking with peers to share knowledge and best practice.

"It’s an opportunity to build rapport with other SMEs who have a wonderful propensity to make things happen and come up with ideas and solutions..." - Shaun Kelly, asb law

“Entrants to the manufacturing category over the past few years have contributed massively to a regular forum based upon collaboration and team-ship.

“These SMEs give knowledge – and take knowledge from others – to support their growth aspirations.

“It’s an incredibly powerful platform. Believe me, it works.”

“KEiBA is often the start of a journey. It’s an opportunity to build rapport with other SMEs who have a wonderful propensity to make things happen and come up with ideas and solutions.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to work with Kent manufacturers, who are the engine room of our local economy. The KEiBAs are pivotal to the sector. Be part of it.”

To find out more about KEiBA 2017, visit keiba.co.uk