Investment plans slowed at companies across Kent in the last quarter of 2016.

Two thirds of firms said they would keep investment in training and kit at constant levels, according to the quarterly economic survey by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Fewer bosses reported plans to increase money spent on coaching their workforce, down two points to 23%.

Meanwhile, the proportion of companies set to increase spending on equipment has fallen sharply by eight points to 16%, its lowest level since the financial crisis in 2008.

Those expecting to decrease investment in kit stands at 16%.

It has only been higher once in the last three years.

The Kent Invicta Chamber report said: “Planned training spend in Q4 was broadly as robust as in the previous 12 months.

"However, planned investment in equipment – a long-term capital commitment – was much more cautious.

"Usually more respondents report an increase than a cut in capital investment plans but in Q4 this patten was broken for the first time in more than four years.”

More from Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce's quarterly economic survey:

UK and foreign sales stabilised for Kent firms in the fourth quarter of 2016

Kent firms planning to put up prices at highest level for six years

Plans to hire new staff set to slow in Kent as bosses continue to struggle to find good applicants