BUSINESS Link has introduced a free online service to help the county's business owners to maximise the value of their companies when they sell-up or transfer the firm to new owners.

The latest South East Business Monitor survey shows that business owners only tend to start thinking about their exit strategy and succession planning too late or during crises.

This means many are not only missing out on maximising the value of their businesses, but are also facing difficulties in achieving a smooth transition to new owners for their staff and customers.

Deryck Banks, business services manager at Business Link Kent, said: "Passing on a business can be a delicate and complex process.

"The new Business Link online tool is highly accessible and user-friendly and will help business owners plan for and work through the transfer.

"It will also assist business owners achieve the reward they deserve for all the time and effort that they have invested in starting up and running a business."