BUSINESS Link Kent intends to help its customers add £100million to the county's economy this year.

The pledge from Kent’s business advice agency was made to an audience of board members and senior county representatives at a special event organised to outline the organisation’s plans for the future and highlight recent achievements.

The evening reception, held at Turkey Mill, Maidstone, was hosted by Business Link Kent’s chairman Robert Clewley.

He said: "We are now placing much greater emphasis on understanding and interpreting business from a Kent perspective which helps us to get to grips with the needs of the county’s economy and provide the necessary support.

"Since the start of the Kent Business Barometer in May 2004 there has been a gradual erosion of business confidence.

"With 55 per cent of Kent companies wanting to grow their business gradually over the next few years there is clearly a need for companies to receive business support in planning and advice."

Business Link Kent’s chief executive Claire Coday highlighted the way in which the organisation can help companies, whatever their size or sector.

She said: "We have a combination of challenges that are unique to Kent: the growth areas of Ashford and the Thames Gateway, coupled with the ongoing issues of regeneration and the lack of specific skills needed to fuel growth.

"We are determined to play our part in facing the challenge and working with the county’s businesses, we intend to add £100million to the Kent economy this year.

"By gaining a better understanding of organisations through robust research we can respond to what is really needed and overcome some of the barriers that businesses face."

For more information how Business Link Kent can help your business thrive, call 08457 226655, e-mail info@businesslinkkent.com or visit www.businesslinkkent.com.