Good execution is more important than a great idea, Dragons’ Den panellist Richard Farleigh told delegates at Ashford’s business show of the year.

The Australia-born entrepreneur who made a fortune as a financial trader and investor in successful companies like Reggae Reggae Source, Home House and online high fashion retailer Net-a-Porter topped the bill at Kent and Medway B2B 2012 in the Ashford International Hotel.

“People who came on the Den are looking for help with execution,” he said.

“It’s execution that makes the difference.”

He said that fellow panellist Peter Jones and himself were the only Dragons to have made money from their investments in enterprises pitched on the hit BBC TV series.

The B2B show, hosted by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, attracted more than 130 exhibitors and 1,000 visitors.

Chief executive Jo James said she was delighted with the response, saying there was a real buzz this year which showed that Ashford and other parts of Kent were doing well despite the current economic climate.