One of the biggest days in Kent's business calendar is upon us!

Business Dragon James Caan and Fame Academy’s David Grant are expected to attract thousands of people to the county showground.

Kent 2020 Vision, held today, will not only be the biggest in the county, it is also the largest business conference and exhibition in the south east. More than 300 exhibitors will be at the County Showground, Detling, to display their wares.

Caan will be sharing his experiences of creating, building and selling businesses since 1985 shortly after the show is formally opened.

Grant will guest at Skanska’s Bright Young Things which aims to help young people become entrepreneurs.

Nick Hewer opened the festivities with a well-received breakfast briefing this morning.

Nick, Lord Alan Sugar’s right-hand man in The Apprentice television series, addressed around 250 visitors at the event.

And Jo Salter, Britain’s first woman fast jet pilot, is guest of honour at a dinner that end the one day show. Jo will speak about the challenge of flying the Tornado GR1. She was then one of only five women fighter pilots in the world.

The event is organised by Business Support Kent. Chief executive Bob Jones said: "Kent 2020 sparks opportunities. It’s a catalyst for change which benefits the economy for the years ahead."

Registration details are at www.kent2020.co.uk

Kent 2020Vision is sponsored by Kent Showground, Kent County Council, Business Link, Eagle Vending Services, Fairtrade Vending, www.printbig.co.uk, Water for Work and Home, Reeves & Neylan, HSBC, University of Kent, Lavender Blue Media, Marstan Press, VisitKent, Tourism South East. UK Vending, Skanska, Buckland Press, Eagle Vending Services. It is part-financed by the European Union. The KM Group is media sponsor.

See our Kent 2020 special report