by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A construction firm won £2,000 for winning a top award, and promptly gave the money to charity.

Livis, named Dartford and Gravesham Business of the Year at a glittering gala dinner in the Acacia Ballroom, Dartford, surprised guests by donating its prize money to the Ellenor Lions Hospice.

Director John Fullagar said he was delighted with the award but the people helped by the charity deserved the money more.

He said: "It's a local charity, it’s money we wouldn’t have had if we were not here tonight or for the good people who voted for us. So it will do more good for the hospice than us."

Dartford-based Livis has defied the recession to win contracts from Blue Chip clients such as Transport for London, London Underground, Balfour Beatty, Costain and Network Rail.

Mr Fullagar paid tribute to his team. "The special thing about us is our staff. They work very hard and are our reputation. We are nothing without them. We engage with all our staff and try to make a happy family."

Sprint Engineering and Lubricants was named Gravesham Business of the Year, winning £1,000. The Dartford Business of the Year Award went to Dimples Day Nursery, Darenth (£1,000), while a special environment award went to Broadditch Farm, Southfleet (£500). Best Newcomer Award (£500) went to tea specialists Blends for Friends, of Eynsford.

Sylvia Meade, chairman of the awards, said: "It was a very good evening with such a variety of first class companies from across Dartford and Gravesham. They had all worked very hard to gain their recognition as being both areas’ best in business."