The business world in Kent has found itself at odds with the general population after an exclusive poll for the KM Group showed the majority of voters back Brexit.

The survey of 1,001 voters, conducted by Ashford-based Facts International, showed 57% of people in the county want Britain to leave the EU.

The result is in stark contrast to a number of polls of business leaders in Kent.

A debate at Bridgewood Manor Hotel near Chatham this month showed 65% of 79 bosses balloted said they want to remain in the European Union.

Earlier this year, surveys by Maidstone-based accountancy Crowe Clark Whitehill, held at the West Kent and Kent B2B exhibitions, found 67% of 85 respondents believed their company would benefit from remaining in the single market.

Two polls conducted by Kent Business at Kent B2B and Kent Vision Live exhibition last month found that 58% of 114 people wanted to remain.

Rob Knight, managing director of laundry cleaner manufacturer Ecoegg in Maidstone, which suffered a devastating fire at its premises this week, said: “Being able to send goods abroad and trade in EU countries as if it was a different county is a good thing for business and jobs.

“We have already had some European customers tell us they will review their policies with us if we exit the EU because of what will happen with the currency and the fact they will have to pay duty.

“We employ 38 people and there is no doubt I will have to lay people off if we vote for Brexit next week.”

"We employ 38 people and there is no doubt I will have to lay people off if we vote for Brexit next week...” - Rob Knight, Ecoegg

Jane Ollis, chairman of the Kent branch of the Institute of Directors, said that 63% of the business organisation's members would vote to stay in, against 29% who plan to vote to leave.

She said: "A vote for Brexit will doubtless create a lengthly period of uncertainty for Kent business, whilst new trade agreements are negotiated. During this time we could see a slow down in growth and investment.

"I urge all companies to use these last few days to discuss the implications of the vote with their staff and suppliers".

Andrew Masters, partner at Canterbury law firm Furley Page, which hosted the Bridgewood Manor poll, said Brexit would have “a very significant” impact because the UK’s employment law framework is heavily influenced by EU-sourced law.

Sarah Bell, an agriculture specialist at Canterbury-based accountancy Kreston Reeves, which also hosted the Bridgewood survey, questioned whether farmers could expect a new system of financial support from Whitehall in place of the subsidies paid by Europe.

The results come a day after fishermen from around the South East, including Whitstable, sailed down the River Thames, stopping at Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.

They were greeted by Fisheries Minister George Eustice who said: “If we leave the EU we would be able to take control of our waters out to 200 nautical miles or the median line as provided for under international law.”

Whitstable MP Julian Brazier, a Brexit campaigner, added: “These are people whose livelihood is under constant threat from EU regulation and Common Fisheries Policy.

“It is depressing to hear that 80% of Britain’s fishing waters are now in foreign hands and 60% of British boats have been decommissioned as EU regulation has destroyed a once thriving British industry.”