MORE than 3,000 new start-up businesses were launched in Kent last year, according to figures published by a direct marketing company.

It makes Kent the third most active county in the UK for new business start-ups behind Lancashire and Essex.

The figures also show a further 2,000 Kent companies moved premises or changed ownership in 2004.

Some of the most popular start-ups included employment agencies, computer services, haridressers, beauty salons, restaurants and driving instructors. The construction industry was also well represented, reflecting the plans to build thousands of new homes in the region.

Stewart Armstrong, of Deal-based Selectabase, the company which released the figures, said: "The data shows that Kent has a thriving business community and the marketplace is constantly changing with new and moving companies."