James Averdieck, founder of the Gü desserts brand, will be the opening keynote speaker at Kent’s biggest business networking event.

The entrepreneur will share the story of how he grew his company to one of the UK’s premier luxury sweet products at Kent 2020 Vision Live, which marks its 10th anniversary this year.

Mr Averdieck spent the best part of a decade creating the fastest-growing food business in the UK before selling it for £32 million in 2010.

He will reveal how the material rewards of cashing in on the company do not match the thrill of running and building a thriving business.

He has since started his next exciting food venture called the Coconut Collaborative.

Visitors to Kent 2020 Vision Live at Kent Event Centre, Detling, will also be able to hear from Rohit Talwar, recognised by the Independent newspaper as one of their top 10 global futurists.

The core theme of the event on Wednesday, May 13, is delivering growth, with a series of tools, technologies and opportunities available to Kent businesses planning to use the economic recovery as a springboard to sustainable growth.

Companies will be able to get advice at free seminars and a new series of half-day workshop programmes looking at manufacturing, retail, travel, tourism and construction.

Chris Callander, director of commercial services at BSK-CiC, the organisation behind Kent 2020 Vision Live, said: “With the business community feeling increasingly positive about the future, we want to help Kent businesses to step up a gear and really maximise their growth over the next few years.

“Our programme for May takes a very upbeat view of the opportunities emerging from the UK’s economic recovery, encouraging visitors to make ambitious plans for the future and equipping them with essential tools to maximise their chances of success.”

Kent 2020 Vision Live is the largest regional business event in the UK, attracting more than 300 exhibitors and over 3,000 attendees each year.

The event is run as a collaboration between BSK-Direct and Revolution Events, with support from Kent County Council, KM Group and Kent Event Centre.

Visitors can register free at www.kent2020.co.uk.

Almost 200 exhibitors will come together at the Kent Event Centre tomorrow for the Kent 2020 Information & Networking Exchange.

The precursor to the main event in May gives participants a chance to begin planning and doing business with each other.

Potential exhibitors can still attend by calling 01892 820930.