Business start-up loans could be available to more people after a recommendation to extend it to budding entrepreneurs of all ages.

The scheme was set up by former BBC Dragons' Den star James Caan to help thousands of 18 to 30-year-olds start their own company.

A number of Kent young people have benefited from a loan and The Kent Foundation - based in Maidstone, the scheme's official Kent representative - is poised to announce details of more.

Lord Young recommended the relaxation of age rules on his report on enterprise published yesterday.

James Caan, chairman of the Start-Up Loans Company, said: "I welcome Lord Young's recommendation to remove the age cap for Start-Up Loans.

"Seeing the huge success of the programme to date exceeding our initial targets by 50% leaves me with no doubt that there is significant demand from more mature individuals who want a chance at being their own boss."

The company will work with the government to set out a plan for how to tackle the older market - with a view to being ready to offer the loans to the over-30s by the end of the summer.

Since last autumn, more than 3,500 people have received a loan and mentoring. More than 45% of those who have started their business under the scheme were unemployed before being granted the loan.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Trotter, chief executive of the International Association of Book-Keepers, based in Kings Hill, West Malling, has expressed concern about the scheme.

He believes the success rate would be higher if recipients of loans were given book-keeping help and advice.

He recently wrote to Mr Caan, saying: "Are those start-up businesses being signposted to book-keepers to assist them? Are they assessed for financial skills? Nobody seems too concerned about whether or not they will be able to repay the loan."