New funding for research and development will help address the lack of medium and large ciompanies in Kent, according to an business group ambassador.

Here is the full-list of Kent's fastest-growing private companies over the last four years.

A company which helps staff send data back to bosses from the field has doubled profits after gaining record subscribers for its software

The new chairman of the Institute of Directors in Kent is also bringing to market a new treatment for asthma sufferers around the world.

Southern Water, which serves most of Kent, has been ordered to pay £57,000 after failing to meet environmental conditions at its treatment works.

Construction work for an access road to a 30-acre medical campus has begun.

Activists have threatened they will hold a Kent business park accountable if arms company Instro Precision moves there.

A biomass energy project capable of powering 50,000 homes will open within two years after a £160 million investment.

An air conditioning company shook off concerns among its main clients in the oil and gas industry to post another sturdy set of annual results.

A tech firm has won a contract with a large UK retailer worth £200,000 for its programs allowing staff to work away from the office.

South East Water increased its bottom line but missed its target for disruption to customers’ supply.

A firm that installed electronic gates at the Saatchi Gallery and Leeds Castle is poised to serve its 1,000th client as it marks its 10th birthday.

A business-to-business telecoms firm increased revenues and its bottom line after a year of acquisitions and contract wins.

A dermatology practice picked up two prizes at the second annual Kent Health and Beauty Awards.

An electronic components distributor reduced its operating losses after cutting staff and increasing its order book.

An agency which encourages companies to set up in Kent brought nearly 3,000 jobs to the county last year.

A town-centre McDonald's restaurant has re-opened after an extensive refurbishment.

After creating two successful businesses together, Charlie de Rusett and Owen Hunnam are aiming to complete the hat-trick with their latest venture.

Kent County Council is trying to make money by taking a share in growing science businesses.

A manufacturer has recorded its biggest ever profit as people live longer and wealth increases in emerging economies.