Seven businesses in Kent have been ranked among the fastest-growing mid-market companies for international sales.

The firms are among 32 based in the South East featuring in the eighth annual Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table, published this weekend.

New entrants include GForces, an automotive software services firm in Bearsted, Maidstone.

Its 185% growth in exports over the last two years placed it fifth overall in the table, with overseas sales of £5.3 million.

More than 70% of its international revenue is generated in the Middle East.

Another first time entry is Ashford-based Jacksons Fencing, which manufactures a range of timber and metal fences, gates and garden storage.

Its international sales reached £8.6 million in 2016, buoyed by strong demand in Russia and establishing operations in Dubai.

The list also includes childrenswear retailer Childrensalon, which features for the third time.

Started in 1952 as a single store in Tunbridge Wells, it has evolved to become a global online retailer, stocking luxury childrenswear from 270 brands.

A surge in sales of traditional styles after the births of Prince George and Princess Charlotte helped exports hit £52.5 million last year.

Elsewhere, there is a new entry for ventilation kit maker Wozair, based in Gillingham, with overseas sales up 26% to £36.3 million.

Also entering the list is The Change Organisation in Whitstable.

The IT distributor supplies hardware across Britain and Europe, boosting international sales by 36% to £5.1 million.

Dartford-based Sahara Presentation Systems, which sells interactive touchscreens throughout the US and Europe to the education sector, has increased exports by 45% to £13.1 million.

Logistics firm Priority Freight in Dover has strengthened its facilities in Spain and Germany, helping international sales soar by 115% to £26.7 million.

Amanda Murphy, UK head of commercial banking at HSBC, said: “This year’s Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 is testament to the exciting opportunities available to ambitious UK businesses with appetite to grow their goods and services abroad.

“The 32 companies in the South East are putting the region firmly on the map as a thriving business hub.

“We work very closely with our business customers to help them achieve their goals, so it makes me immensely proud to see so many of them succeed.”

The table is compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events firm.