Business of the Year 2022

WINNER: ER PRODUCTIONS
FINALISTS: HORNBY HOBBIES LTD
FINALISTS: TOTAL MACHINING SOLUTIONS LTD

Category description:
This category is open to any business, irrespective of sector. There is no turnover criteria.

The business must demonstrate outstanding performance, particularly over the last 12-24 months, in a number of aspects relating to their business operation. This should include commercial success, clear plans for growth, commitment to staff, local communities, environment and customers, a track record of innovation and strong leadership.

Entrants must have been trading for a minimum of two years.

Sponsored by: University of Kent 

Construction Project of the Year 2022

WINNER:
B&M AND HAZLE MCCORMACK YOUNG
PROJECT NAME:
THE FIFTH TRUST SKILLS CENTRE
FINALIST: BJF GROUP
PROJECT NAME: ELLINGTON PARK REGENERATION
FINALIST: JENNER GROUP
PROJECT NAME: F51

Category description:
This category is open to any business/organisation working on a regeneration, redevelopment or refurbishment project in Kent. This may include, but is not limited to, projects completed or in the process of completion during 2021.

Projects that have approved planning for 2022 are also eligible. Entrants should be able to show how the project has provided (or will provide) opportunities for community development and involvement by way of employment, apprenticeships and training.

Please be aware that when submitting, the project needs to be based in Kent and that the company has been trading for a minimum of two years by the 13th June 2022.

Sponsored by: Rift R&D Tax Credits

Employer of the Year 2022

WINNER: REFLECT DIGITAL
FINALIST: KNAUF UK
FINALIST: MKC TRAINING

Category description:
This category is open to any business/organisation that can demonstrate commercial success and strategies for growth whilst achieving excellence in its commitment to the support and development of its workforce.

The organisation must show evidence that it has schemes, initiatives and policies which assess, deliver and monitor their workforce’s training and development, health and safety, general wellbeing and where there is an innovative approach to working terms and conditions.

Entrants must have been trading for a minimum of two years.

Sponsored by:
McArthur Glen Ashford Designer Outlet

Entrepreneur of the Year 2022

WINNER: AVI LASAROW
FINALIST: DARREN LITTON
FINALIST: MARK INSTANCE

Category description:  
This category is open to any individual who is instrumental as the business owner or main shareholder in leading their successful business or organisation in reaching its goals and potential, irrespective of size or sector.

This individual must demonstrate they have achieved commercial success, have clear plans, strategies and goals for their business and a strong track record of innovation.

Entrants must be a minimum age of 21 by the 13th June 2022.

Sponsored by: University of Greenwich

Excellence in Customer Service 2022

WINNER: ADM COMPUTING
FINALIST: MUST HAVE IDEAS LTD
FINALIST: THE BEEHIVE

Category description:
This category is open to any business, irrespective of sector. There is no turnover criteria.

The business must demonstrate commercial success and strategies for growth whilst achieving excellence in looking after its customers.

The organisation must have objectives for high quality customer service and clear methods of monitoring and evaluating standards. 

Entrants must have been trading for a minimum of two years.

Sponsored by: Azets

Family Business of the Year 2022

WINNER: MISSION CYCLES LTD
FINALIST: KMJ PROPERTY
FINALIST: PRINT JUNCTION

Category description:
This category is open to any family business, irrespective of sector and size, that is owned and operated by two or more members of a single family. They must be related either by blood, marriage, civil partnership, cohabitation or adoption.

The family business must demonstrate outstanding performance, particularly over the last 12-24 months, in a number of aspects relating to their business operation. This should include commercial success, clear plans for growth, commitment to staff, local communities, environment and customers, a track record of innovation, communication and strong family leadership.

Entrants must have been trading for a minimum of two years as of 13th June 2022. No turnover criteria. 

Sponsored by: Stagecoach

Innovative Business of the Year 2022

WINNER: BEDFONT SCIENTIFIC LTD
FINALIST: COGNITAS GLOBAL LTD
FINALIST: FUDGE KITCHEN

Category description:
This category is open to any business, irrespective of sector and aims to attract businesses within which innovation or technology is a key element and where the continuous development is a major function of the business.

This is intended to include (but is not be limited to) businesses in the following areas: software and hardware,  e-commerce, digital agencies, manufacturing, IT or telecoms infrastructure, electronics, medical, diagnostic or scientific devices and instrument technologies.

Entrants must have been trading for a minimum of two years.

Sponsored by: Research & Innovation at University of Kent

Most Promising New Business 2022

WINNER: JULIEMAY LINGERIE
FINALIST: HENNESSY LIFESTYLE & FITNESS
FINALIST: IDEAS AND THAT

Category description:
This category is open to any business, irrespective of sector. There is no turnover criteria.

The business must demonstrate outstanding performance, particularly over the last 12 months, in a number of aspects relating to their business operation. These should include commercial success, clear plans for growth, commitment to staff, local communities, environment and customers, a track record of innovation and strong leadership.

Entrants will also be asked why they set up their business, to outline the challenges they faced and how these have been overcome.

This category is not open to those who have invested in a franchise model in order to start their business (franchisee) but is open to those that have developed their business into a franchise operation (franchisor).

Entrants must have been trading for a minimum of one year and less than three years as of the March 31st, 2022.

Sponsored by: Kent County Council

Success in International Trade 2022

WINNER: HORNBY HOBBIES LTD
FINALIST: COCOBA LIMITED
FINALIST: MD DIAGNOSTICS LTD

Category description:
This category is open to any organisation, irrespective of size or sector, that is successfully marketing its products or services (including digital export trade) to customers outside the UK, and/or marketing products or services (including those of third parties) domestically.   
Entrants must be able to demonstrate outstanding improvements in commercial performance through export strategies.

The business/organisation will be asked to outline its exporting history; including how this has had a profound effect on business performance, how international strategies have been developed, how products or services have been tailored for overseas or domestic markets, what strategies are in place to overcome language and cultural difficulties, and what creative and innovative marketing activities have been used. 

Entrants must have been trading for a minimum of two years.

Sponsored by: Kent International Business

Sustainability & Decarbonisation Business of the Year 2022

WINNER: BISON
FINALIST: HAYNE HOUSE
FINALIST: WOODPECKERS OF KENT LTD

Category description:
This category is open to any organisation, irrespective of size or sector, that shows that their business is sustainable and that this remains at the core of the business.

You will need to show how your net zero targets are set and how you have ensured they are credible and ambitious.

We would like to see how your three year business plan is created to demonstrate how your business will become net zero.

Entrants must have been trading for a minimum of two years.

Sponsored by: MidKent College