KEiBA launch reception at Chatham Maritime

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The 2013 quest for business excellence has begun with the launch of the "Mars bar" county's premier awards.

"Any business that does something to an excellent standard should enter," declared Guy Whitehead, whose company Armourcoat Surface Finishes, Sevenoaks, won a Kent Excellence in Business Award (KEiBA) for Success in International Markets last year.

Last night, he told an audience of more than 150 people in The Ward Room at the University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, they should go for an award if they thought they did something to a high standard.

"What is it about your business that makes you special," he said. "I urge you all to seek out in your organisation what's good and put it forward."

Geoff Miles, owner of Maidstone Studios and chairman of the judges, said Kent and Medway had great businesses, locations, connectivity and entrepreneurial spirit.

"We are the Mars bar county - a great place to work, rest and play." He added: "Our businesses are well positioned to grow faster than most out of recession and that's why I believe in the KEiBA. They allow our businesses to say - 'look what we can do. Come look at us.'."

Another former winner Bill Ferris, chief executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (Best Leisure and Tourism Business 2009), said the accolade had raised profile and self-confidence that had paved the way for a string of achievements. "The KEiBA award was not responsible for all of that but it was a major stepping stone. I really do urge you to enter."

The fifth annual KEiBA, staged and produced by Kent County Council and the multimedia KM Group, feature more categories and sponsors than ever.

Last year's entry of 220 was a record and organisers hope to beat that this year.

Mark Dance, KCC cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: "KCC remains committed to supporting businesses across all sectors. I am so pleased that the KEiBAs continue to offer that rare opportunity in our busy lives to take stock and celebrate the very best that we are. Let's make this 5th year bigger and better than ever."

Geraldine Allinson, KM Group chairman, told guests that 2012 had been another difficult year for the economy and KEiBA recognised businesses that had met the challenge.

"Awards are one of the most powerful and cost-effective marketing tools," she said. "Winning a prestigious KEiBA will help your organisation to stand out from the crowd, boost staff morale, send a positive message to your existing customers and attract new ones."

During the event, a guest wrote on Twitter: "Inspiring, motivational, insightful." Last year's Entrepreneur of the Year Craig Harrison, managing director of Broadstairs-based Aquaread, tweeted: "Winning has been great for me. Best of luck to all the KEiBA 2013 entrants."

This year's categories are:

• Large Business (sponsored by Aon Risk Solutions);

• SME Business (Santander Corporate Banking);

• Start-up Business (MidKent College/Ward Security);

• Best Leisure and Tourism Business (Southeastern);

• Best Land-based Business (Hadlow College/Brachers);

• Best Science and/or Technology Business (Vertex Law/ University of Kent);

• Business Commitment to the Community: (Headley Brothers);

• Business Commitment to the Environment (Skanska/ KCC Sustainability);

• Employer (asb law);

• Success in International Markets (HSBC Commercial Banking/Kent International Business);

• Customer Service and Commitment (Kent Reliance);

• Entrepreneur (Institute of Directors Kent)/ EMC Management Consultants);

• Young Entrepreneur (Kent Foundation/ Lloyds TSB Commercial);

• Apprenticeship (KCC Skills and Employability – Kent Jobs for Kent Young People).

The deadline for entries is March 8. More details and entry form at www.keiba.co.uk.