Bob Jones, chief executive of business support organisation BSK, has stepped down in a cost-saving move.

Mr Jones previously headed Business Link at Kings Hill, West Malling, before the contract was awarded to national group Serco.

He spearheaded the creation of Business Support Kent (BSK) which is a mix of private and public funded advice services designed to boost local businesses and the Kent economy. It currently employs 50 people in Medway.

Mr Jones said he had taken the decision after BSK failed to win a £2m contract bid that would have helped businesses across the region.

"We needed to slim down the headcount to take account of not getting the bid so I took the decision that it was me who needed to go," he said.

He was disappointed to lose the bid in spite of what he called a "compelling offer."

Mr Jones, a former Marks & Spencer store manager, will remain an associate director and continues to chair the Canterbury City Partnership.

BSK advises businesses, especially those with high-growth potential. It also specialises in green issues and is perhaps best known for backing the annual Kent 20/20 Vision, the biggest business show in the south east. Jane Ollis, head of operations, has taken over as chief executive.