BUSINESS opportunities in the growing Kent Thames Gateway regeneration area are to be spelt out in Sittingbourne next month.

The Kent branch of the Institute of Directors is hosting a breakfast seminar at Kent Science Park on February 10 to examine the prospects for local firms.

Experts will tell business leaders from across the county what the biggest regeneration project in Northern Europe could mean for them over the coming years.

The Thames Gateway covers a huge area from East London to Swale. In Kent, it spans the riverside from Dartford, through Gravesham and Medway to Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

Alyson Howard, chairman of IoD Kent, said: "The Government, through its Sustainable Communities Fund, has invested heavily in Thames Gateway Kent. The major projects underway in terms of roads, infrastructure and housing are there for all to see, but the question still remains as to how local business can make the most of the opportunities on offer.

"Kent Science Park epitomises the type of business location that the Thames Gateway is all about, providing premises, security and that buzz of success for emerging technologies and knowledge companies."

Guest speakers will include Alex King, Kent County Council's cabinet member for regeneration, Tim Seddon, of property developers Land Securities, Marc Hume, chief executive of Thames Gateway Kent Partnership, and Nick Sharp, Kent Science Park site director.

Tickets costing £23.50 (including VAT) for IoD members and £29.38 for non-members are available by telephoning IoD Kent on 01732 849570.