The finalists for the Kent Excellence in Business Awards 2019 - better known as the KEiBAs - have been confirmed.

The judging panel has shortlisted a host of firms from across the county for what has long been acknowledged as the most prestigious awards ceremony of the year.

Companies had 16 categories to enter this year - including a new category, Valuing Disability Business of the Year. A special launch party for the event took place in January.

Once again, judges had a tough task in picking those who will be battling it out for glory at the gala awards night, which this year takes place on Thursday, June 20, at the Kent Event Centre in Detling - traditionally one of the highlights of the calendar.

The awards are staged and produced by KM Media Group and Kent County Council.

Geraldine Allinson, chairman of the KM Group, said: "We're so lucky with how much people support the event around the county and how much people get out of being a winner at KEiBA."

Cllr Mark Dance, cabinet member for economic development at Kent County Council, said: "Kent is full of vibrant businesses, some of the finest in the UK, and the KEiBAs are about celebrating the best of the best.

"Kent businesses are making a difference. They are showcasing what a great county Kent is to live, work and play - and long may that continue."

This year's finalists, in alphabetical order are:

Apprenticeship of the Year

Hospice in the Weald, Pembury

Sleeping Giant Media, Folkestone

Vital Parts, Maidstone

Business Commitment to the Community

Canterbury Rugby Club, Canterbury

Childrensalon, Tunbridge Wells

Red Eagle, Folkestone

Commitment to the Environment Award

Cooling's Nurseries, Knockholt

Frasers of Egerton, Ashford

Winterdale Cheesemakers, Wrotham

Construction Project of the Year

BBS Construction, Maidstone

Modus Construction Consultants, Faversham

Quinn Estates, Canterbury

Customer Service Award

ADM Computing, Canterbury

Colorcon, Dartford

InfoTech Solutions (UK), Rochester

Sleeping Giant Media, Folkestone

Employer of the Year

Colorcon Ltd, Dartford

Sleeping Giant Media, Folkestone

Tribeca Technology, Sittingbourne

Entrepreneur of the Year

Bulgaro Ltd, Sittingbourne

Vital Parts, Maidstone

ZENii , East Peckham

Exporter of the Year

Bedfont Scientific, Harrietsham

Haltons Food Services, Rochester

Vespa Design and Publishing, Canterbury

Family Business of the Year

Scallywags, Rainham

Team Hard Racing, Rochester

TPS Global Logistics, Aylesford

Walker Construction, Ashford

Large Business of the Year

Baxall Construction, Paddock

Childrensalon, Tunbridge Wells

Outset UK Group, Maidstone

Manufacturer of the Year

Bulgaro Ltd, Sittingbourne

Haltons Food Services, Rochester

Texcel Technology, Crayford

Medium Business of the Year

Catchpole & Rye Ltd, Pluckley

GingerMay, Tunbridge Wells

Orbital Internet Group, Canterbury

TPS Global Logistics, Aylesford

Small Business of the Year

A+C Studio, Margate

Elvis & Kresse, Sittingbourne

Kent Crisps & Kentish Condiments, Canterbury

The Recruitment Network, Ashford

Start-up of the Year

My Careers Options, Shoreham

Orchard Pods, Offham

Vidbuild, Bearsted

Technology Business of the Year

Clevertouch, Dartford

Lucas UK Group, Wrotham

PageSuite, Ashford

Valuing Disability Business of the Year

Bluewater, Greenhithe

Royal British Legion Industries, Aylesford

Twilight Cleaning, Tenterden

For more details on KEiBA 2019 click here.

For the full list of last year's winners, click here.