Continuing on the success of the annual Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards the launch to find local business stars of 2010 has started.

If your business is located in either Gravesham or Dartford with an annual turnover of not more than 5.6 million then we invite you to enter your business as a contender in the Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards 2010, for your chance to be recognised for your excellence, innovation and best practice.

So what are the judges looking for?

Here are some handy tips from chair of judges, Lloyds TSB commercial manager Matt Kear As the business awards have grown the task of judging has become increasingly difficult due to the high standard of applicants. "This I feel is an excellent reflection of the superb businesses we have seen in both boroughs".

"I am sure there are many more out there and would take this opportunity to encourage them to enter so we can give them the recognition they so rightly deserve. To assist in the judging process it would be helpful to have an understanding on some or all of the following": The origin of the business and how and why it started What products or services you provide and how successful are they?

Have you got any objectives/goals Is there a sales /marketing strategy in place?

Have you examples of staff training/motivation What obstacles have you faced, how did you overcome them.

This list gives you a flavour of some the areas we look into when judging a business. The more we know about you and your business the stronger your chances of winning.

These awards continue to be a success year on year with past winners benefiting from the kudos that brings. On behalf of the judging panel I wish every applicant success for this year I'm sure our task will be as challenging as ever!

To apply and find out further information visit www.dgbawards.co.uk Gravesham Business of the Year Award for 2009 went to Sprint Engineering and Lubricants Limited, specialists in renewable energy located at Imperial Business Estate, Gravesend.

Sponsors for 2010 are:

Gravesham Borough Council

Dartford Borough Council

Adecco

Barnes Roffe LLP

Chartered Accountants

ComputerTel

John Lewis Bluewater

Kent Messenger Group

Lloyds TSB Commercial

Thames Gateway (Kent)

Chamber of Commerce

The University of Greenwich

Vizards Wyeth

Wards Security

For all your local business support information visit www.gravesham.gov.uk/business or contact chris.inwood@gravesham.gov.uk 01474-337258