The Medway business community has grown phenominally since these awards were launched 26 years ago. They were aimed at giving the area back some of the self esteem lost at the closure of the naval dockyard and other manufacturing industries.

Today the awards are a celebration of what regeneration means. Take a look at the sponsors, a number of whom have relocated to the area, or grown since the awards started. One, Ward Security is a previous winner, so knows exactly what it's like to enter these awards and the benefits that come from being Medway's best business.

Today Medway has a magnificent university campus in partnership with three universities plus the University of the Creative Arts. The business parks are thriving with many small businesses challenging the recession and holding their own. Diversity and new technologies abound. Many small companies trade in the global market.

The awards are meant to show just how good business is here in Medway. So if you've been in business for a year to 1 January 2010, trade in the Medway Council postcode area and have a turnover of less than £6.5 milion enter now and give yourself the chance to shine. Each entrant receives a free business profile in the Medway Messenger and there's a glittering gala night at Priestfield in November.

So get cracking. Register which takes you to the application form which you can either download or fill in online. It's easy. Good luck!