An online beer club has its eyes on expanding into Kent after speaking to firms at the county’s longest-running business exhibition.

BeerBods founder and managing director Matt Lane was the opening speaker at the Kent B2B, the networking show held at Ashford International Hotel.

The company, which finds and sends unusual craft beers to its subscribers, who review them on social media, has previously distributed Curious Brew, made in Tenterden by Chapel Down.

Its boss is keen to expand the number of beers and breweries it can distribute to its 5,000 beer-loving members.

Mr Lane said: “Ramsgate Brewery and Westerham Brewery are two of the more well-established breweries that our subscribers tell us they love, whilst newer outfits like Pig & Porter Brewing Co in Tunbridge Wells and Breakwater Brewery in Dover are proving that the future of brewing in the area looks rosy.

“All of these Kent brewers have the advantage of wonderful brewing ingredients on their doorstep, with fields of hops and malting barley as far as the eye can see.

“I just hope I get invited back next year so I can sample even more of the wonderful local brews and we’ll continue to enjoy sharing them with the wider world.”

Mr Lane spoke about how his business has gained a loyal following, growing organically because it has “fans, not customers”.

“We joke we will sell you a beer you don’t like, guaranteed,” said Mr Lane.

“It is a strange marketing ploy but it is the price you have to pay to find seven or eight beers you will love and want to buy again.

“There are 1,700 breweries in the UK and the amount of choice is making it harder for people to choose. We take that stress away.

“We sell stories. The label on the bottle of beer is limited.

“Every Thursday our subscribers go on our website and read 500 words and see a picture of the people who make the beer. We try to bring beer to life.”

Kent B2B was attended by hundreds of visitors, who met with bosses of more than 100 exhibiting companies.

Jo James, chief executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event, said: “The Kent B2B is about supporting Kent businesses of all shapes and sizes to showcase their products and services.

“I encourage firms to make the most of the contacts they get. You don’t often get the opportunity to meet so many people in one day and they could be your next contract. You never know.”