It's easy to overlook the efforts of firms across Kent in the face of negative headlines, says Phil Beales of Lloyds TSB Commercial.

National newspaper headlines focus on a lack of investment by firms, and a drying up of finance sources, but that does not match what we are seeing from small and medium-sized businesses across the county.

Yes, there are challenging economic conditions for many firms, and you would not blame many for taking a cautious approach to expansion, but we are still seeing many expand and grow.

Our latest Business in Britain report, published at the beginning of the year, presented an encouraging picture. In the South East, confidence amongst firms had risen compared to the summer of 2012. In January, over two thirds of firms in the South East (40 per cent) said that they expected orders to increase and almost half (41 per cent) of businesses thought sales will increase in the next six months.

These positive signs have been reflected in our March Purchasing Managers Index, which showed that firms in the South East are still growing. While the rate of expansion is slower than we would like to see, it is a far cry from doom and gloom.

So how can we translate these shoots of confidence and encourage companies to grow? While it is understandable that many firms remain wary, we need to encourage the uplift in confidence that we are seeing not just in surveys but that we can see and hear by speaking every day to businesses across Kent.

For businesses to maximise any opportunities to grow, they need to be in the position to take advantage of any opportunities that come their way. That means having the right number of staff to take on a new project, the capital to buy a new piece of equipment, or the right guidance if they receive their first order from overseas. Access to the right funding and support is key and businesses need to feel assured that they will be able to rely on their partners not only to give encouragement or support in the good times, but also in potentially difficult or challenging times.

There is a misconception that banks are not lending, but this is not an accurate picture, and one that puts off many business owners from applying in the first place. Indeed, at Lloyds Banking Group we have increased our net lending to SMEs by 4%.

Business owners need to understand how they can make sure they stand the best possible chance of getting funding. For many companies, that should start with a business plan. It is important to spend some time creating a clear, strong plan with financial forecasts for the next three to five years.

Whatever goals business owners have, it is important to remember that there is support available and it is essential to start actively seeking out new opportunities. If we can harness the spirit of those firms I meet every week that are growing in spite of tough economic conditions, then I am confident that Kent will thrive and continue to be a great place to do business.