by business editor Trevor Sturgess
Hi-tech Kent firms are being invited to sign up for a trade mission to the east coast of the United States.

Up to a dozen businesses from the county and Essex will be flying to Virginia and Boston in September.

The visit is slanted towards firms with international trade experience and probably, but not exclusively, specialising in life sciences, biotech, pharmaceuticals and environmental technologies.

Representatives from support organisations such as UK Trade and Investment, HSBC and Locate in Kent will be joining the mission.

The visit is part of Kent County Council's Kent International Business (KIB) campaign to encourage more Kent businesses to trade overseas.

KIB and HSBC are sponsoring a Kent Excellence in Business (KEiBA) Award for Success in International Markets for the first time this year.

Steve Samson, KCC's international projects officer, said the visit would be tailored to delegate's wishes.

"This visit is building on contacts established in 2007 between Kent and Virginia as there are still significant opportunities for companies on both sides of the Atlantic to do business.

"The Kent-Virginia link has remained in place and this is an opportunity to revitalise the business side of the connection as well as visiting a new area. Boston offers excellent prospects for UK firms, particularly in the pharma, bio-tech and life sciences sector."

The trade mission takes place from September 15 to 21. There is a registration fee of £200 and the overall cost per delegate might be around £1,600, although organisers are trying to secure grants that could cut the cost to £1,000.

For details, visit www.kent.gov.uk/usmarketvisit or ring Mr Samson on 01622 221944 or email steve.samson@kent.gov.uk..