Firms battling the downturn are being offered the chance to take part in a new award scheme.

The Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA) have been launched to celebrate success and show that, despite challenging conditions, Kent remains a great place to prosper in business.

The new awards, run by Kent County Council and the KM Group with support from sponsors, give firms, organisations and entrepreneurs a great opportunity to boost their profile and win new business.

Paul Barrett, managing director of Barretts of Canterbury, welcomed the competition at the launch.

“It is important, even in a recession, that we keep positive,” he said.

“Focus on what you are good at and entering awards is good business practice”

KEiBA chairman Graham Webb, former chairman of the Kent Institute of Directors, told more than 100 guests that this was no time for pessimism.

Challenging conditions opened up opportunities for firms and entrepreneurs to be even more successful, and he urged them to bid for an award.

Click here for more details of the business awards

Winners in a dozen categories will be announced at Leeds Castle in July.