MEDWAY and Kent face increasing competition for jobs from eastern Europe, a council expert has warned. During a visit to MIPIM, the international property and development show in Cannes, Alex King, Kent County Council's cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, said activity in the countries of eastern Europe would threaten inward investment into the county.

He had noticed the higher profile by the likes of the Czech Republic, Poland and other developing areas of eastern Europe exhibiting at MIPIM. "I do detect that east European cities are here in a bigger way than they were when I was last here two years ago," he said. "I suspect we shall see that rolling on as the European Union enlarges."

He said that the consequences of a bigger EU meant "more competition for inward investment". KCC pumps £650,000 into Locate in Kent, the agency that promotes Medway and Kent as good places to do business. Medway council is thought to contribute a further £50,000 or so.

Cllr King said LiK was unlikely to get much more council funding but it would be important to "lever in" as many contributions as possible. "Locate in Kent is highly successful, and we get very good returns in terms of bangs for our bucks," he said.