A BUSINESS force covering the heart of the county is announced today with the launch of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

It follows a merger of the chambers from three areas covering Ashford, Canterbury and Maidstone successfully completed earlier this year after extensive consultation.

Kent Invicta CHamber chairman Martin Phippen said: "The new name reflects the strengths and dynamism of the towns of Ashford and Maidstone and the city of Canterbury.

"Our 900-plus members are now in a win-win situation. By creating a much larger trading area, members can benefit from greater representation, enhanced services and wider networking opportunities".

A new corporate identity complete with a restyled triangular logo featuring the Invicta horse has been introduced to support the launch.

"We now have one cohesive force to support the activities and aspirations of our business community right across one of the most important parts of Kent.

"The cohesion does not, however, reflect on the identity of individual areas. Each will retain its identity as Kent Invicta Chamber Ashford, Kent Invicta Chamber Canterbury and Kent Invicta Chamber Maidstone."

Richard Lavender, chairman of Ashford Chamber planning and economic development committee, said: "We will continue to work closely with Ashford borough council to ensure members' views are taken into consideration when economic strategy is being formulated."

Maidstone chairman Jill Thomas said members were delighted to be part of this larger organisation - members' employees total 25,000 - which can only bring greater influence and representation for their business community.

She said: We hope soon to be announcing that we have secured a new office at a prestigious address in the centre of Maidstone."

Canterbury Chamber Peter Hawkes added: "Canterbury members now have the best of both worlds with a strong local voice and the opportunity to influence happenings on the bigger business stage."