I'M BACKING business, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent pledged when he opened the new headquarters of Kent Reliance Building Society.

Speaking at Sun Pier, Chatham, Allan Willett said it was the first time he had opened a business facility in the county since becoming Lord Lieutenant in January.

"I want to make it absolutely clear that this Lord Lieutenant is going to be very closely associated with business in Kent and the Medway," he said.

A successful businessman himself, he said it would be one of the foundations of his policy. He said: "Kent must continue to prosper and it will prosper if businesses prosper."

Change was coming to the county with the coming of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and the eastwards shift out of London. Medway would be the pivot of this change and it was important for local people to grab the opportunities.

Before unveiling a plaque, he congratulated Kent Reliance on its move from Manor Road, Chatham, to Sun Pier, former headquarters of BBC Radio Kent now known as New Reliance House.

Sun Pier has had a complete makeover, with a corporate style of purple and aqua, a theme that even extends to ties, scarves and office mugs.

The mutual society, formerly known as Chatham Reliance, is 150 years old and this year expects to boost assets to £600 million, a huge increase on the previous year. Since moving HQ, it has invested heavily in new technology and best buy products.

Kent Reliance sold several properties in Manor Road to fund the purchase and facelift of Sun Pier.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Carol Hattersley hailed the society's move. "It's fantastic," she said. "It's important that they've stayed where their roots are. The building is grand and the décor is wonderful. I'm sure they will go on to bigger and better things. It's very good for Medway."