The search for the borough best company has got underway with the launch of this year’s Swale Business Awards.

Now in its ninth year, the competition aims to celebrate firms large and small and their place in the community.

Last year’s overall winner was the Mainstream Group, which walked away with £1,000.

Businesses will be invited to enter later this month and organisers are hoping to beat last year’s total of 36 entrants.

Chairman of judges, Liz Jordan, said: “Entering the Swale Business Awards demonstrates commitment to the local economy and is an effective way of promoting your business through the publicity available and attendance at our networking events.”

A launch event is being held at Faversham’s Shepherd Neame brewery on April 15 where people interested in entering can find out more.

At the moment there are four categories which firms can enter: Small Business of the Year; International Achievement; Customer Service and Commitment; and Swale Business of the Year.

The 12 finalists will be invited to attend a gala dinner and awards presentation in October.

This year’s confirmed sponsors are: Enterprise Centres, Handelsbanken, JH Property Management, Kent Science Park, Macknade Fine Foods, KM Group, McNealy Brown, Shepherd Neame, Swale council, Thomson Snell & Passmore and UHY Hacker Young.

For more details on how to enter visit the website