KENT Invicta Chamber has been identified as the second-fastest growing Chamber in the country in a survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The chamber is one of 56 nationwide accredited to the BCC and enjoyed a membership growth rate of 23 per cent over the last 12 months with 401 new members – second only to Rotherham Chamber.

Kent Invicta, which covers the boroughs of Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, and Tonbridge and Malling, currently has a membership of more than 1,200, making it the largest chamber in Kent and one of the largest and most pro-active in the South East.

As well as supporting local businesses with membership services and liaison with local authorities, it is represented on the Kent & Medway Economic Board, the Kent Partnership, and the South East England Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber’s director of Membership Services Jo James said: "We are delighted that so many companies have joined us recently and it is especially gratifying as these figures reflect our growth as a consolidated chamber covering all our membership areas, no longer influenced by the merger of these areas which took place two years ago.

"We are especially proud of our close relationship with our members and for our reputation as a membership-driven organisation. We are pleased so many new members feel we can be of benefit."