At the Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA), now in their third year, BSK-CiC was delighted to see several Kent based companies that they have supported, as both finalists and winners. The awards were the culmination of many weeks of deliberation and were presented at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone on 30 June. Over 430 people attended the ceremony with introductions to the awards from Geraldine Allinson, Chairman of the KM Group. Kent County Councillor Kevin Lynes followed with a stirring address on the strengths of Kent business and a plea to those companies present to take up the challenge of encouraging apprenticeships, launched at Kent 2020 Vision.
Hearty congratulations from the BSK-CiC team to all those who reached the finalist stage and especially to those winners they have had the pleasure of working with over the last few years. Aquaread was delighted to win the ‘Start up Business of the Year’ award. “We are extremely proud to win this award” says Aquaread’s Managing Director, Craig Harrison. “Recognition for our achievements as a business really backs up our claim that we are on track to be the world leaders in our industry. This award has not only raised our profile for existing customers, but will also give confidence to any new customers that they are dealing with an award winning respectable business.” Aquaread was also short listed as a top three finalist for the ‘Best Technology and Science Business’. The company has been assisted by several BSK-CiC programmes; the Kent Innovation and Growth Team, Enterprise Europe Network and EcoMind.
Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park was delighted to win ‘Best Leisure and Tourism Business’ and whilst owners Jenny and Keith Taylor were not able to attend, two staff members, Pat and Beryl collected the award on behalf of everyone at the Park. Caroline Murdoch, from the BSK-CiC Low Carbon Essentials programme, encouraged them to enter in two categories and was thrilled they won. For Jenny “constant re-investment and high standards has been our business ethos since we started Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park back in 1969. Therefore we are delighted that this has been recognised by the KEiBA judges. We hope that winning the ‘Best Leisure and Tourism Business in Kent’ will raise our profile even further, making the people of Kent aware that they do not have to travel for miles to enjoy the perfect holiday or short break.”
Ecosan, a small company that started in a back bedroom with just enough money to keep trading for three months, received the ‘Business Commitment to the Environment’ award. The company has continued to grow, employing more staff and recently moving into larger premises. Sonja Wood was excited at winning and said “this is just the tip of the iceberg… just watch us now!” Ecosan deals with sanitary and nappy waste and not only are they one of the first companies in the UK to offer recycling, they believe passionately in taking an environmental approach to all they do, encouraging their suppliers to embrace this ethos.
And finally congratulations to a winning company that reached the finals but did not get a category award; ID&C.
BSK-CiC continues to support the KEiBA awards by encouraging Kent companies to enter each year.
To find out more about the KEiBA’s, please visit www.keiba.co.uk.