2024’s Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards winners were announced at a gala dinner on Thursday 21 November attended by more than 250 of the county’s business leaders.
Now in their 19th year, the annual business awards, organised by Kent Invicta Chamber in conjunction with Kent County Council, celebrate the exceptional achievements of the local business community across 10 categories.
Sponsored by wealth, accountancy and business advisory services company Evelyn Partners, the dinner was held at the historic Westenhanger Castle in Westenhanger, Hythe.
This year’s ceremony saw Canterbury-based Kent Crisps take the title of ‘Business of the Year’, in recognition of its team’s success, led by Laura Bounds MBE.
Tudor Price, chief executive of Kent Invicta Chamber, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists who continue to inspire us with their resilience and commitment to the county. Your achievements are a testament to your hard work, and we look forward to seeing your continued success.”
Roger Gough, leader of Kent County Council, added: “The businesses recognised at the dinner reflect the innovation, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit that define Kent. Their contributions not only strengthen our economy but enrich our communities. Thank you for making Kent a thriving hub for business.”
This year saw Mark Quinn, chairman of Quinn Estates, receive the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business in Kent’ award from Kent County Council for his longstanding commitment to promoting Kent’s development industry and local communities.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of the award’s sponsors: Azets, Brimstone Site Investigation, Crowe, Eurotunnel, Knights, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford, MidKent College, NFU Mutual – Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield, Oak Creative and Stagecoach South East.
Full list of 2024 winners
Business of the Year 2024, sponsored by Brimstone Site Investigation
Winner: Kent Crisps Ltd
Finalist: Kentish Condiments Ltd Finalist: Horizonscan
Construction Project of the Year 2024, sponsored by Knights
Winner: WW Martin Ltd for the QEQM Hospital, Margate project
Finalist: East Kent Colleges Group for the Ashford Phase 2 project
Finalist: Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd for the Cozenton Park Sport Centre project
Employer of the Year 2024, sponsored by McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford
Winner: East Kent Colleges Group
Finalist: Devine Direct Labour Ltd
Finalist: Pentalec Limited
Entrepreneur of the Year 2024, sponsored by Oak Creative
Winner: Patrick Devine, Devine Direct Labour Ltd
Finalist: Laura Bounds MBE, Kent Crisps Ltd
Finalist: Matthew Bridger, Eaglestone Marketing Ltd
Excellence in Customer Service 2024, sponsored by Azets
Winner: Business Computer Solutions
Finalist: Advance Facilities Group Finalist: Horizonscan
Family Business of the Year 2024, sponsored by Stagecoach South East
Winner: County Enforcement & Security
Finalist: Belmont Accommodation Finalist: Castle Farm, Kent
Innovative Business of the Year 2024, sponsored by Crowe
Winner: Inventex
Finalist: Benenden Hospital Finalist: HRGO Recruitment
Most Promising New Business 2024, sponsored by NFU Mutual – Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield
Winner: TPF Recruitment
Finalist: Boutique Weddings Kent Finalist: Eaglestone Agency
Success in International Trade 2024, sponsored by Eurotunnel
Winner: Kemet International Limited
Finalist: CurlyEllie Limited
Finalist: Kent Crisps Ltd
Sustainability & Decarbonisation Business of the Year 2024, sponsored by MidKent College
Winner: Walker Construction (UK) Ltd
Finalist: Zircon AC Group Finalist: RECLAMET
