The Kent and Medway chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, Roger House, has announced his retirement from the role.

Mr House is the longest-serving person to ever hold the job, having represented the interests of small companies in the county for 13 years.

A monthly Kent Business columnist, he turned 65 this month and has decided to concentrate on his community interest company the Centre for Micro Business.

He will formally handover responsibilities at the next FSB Kent and Medway AGM on November 27, although his successor may be announced before then.

Mr House, of Churchill Road, Horton Kirby, said: “I was an activist for the FSB for more than five years before I became regional chairman and I have given a third of my life to the group at different levels.

“I need to get some of that time back to grow my own business and have a bit of time for myself and my family.

“I turned 65 the other day and thought things might start getting quieter but my business is really getting quite exciting and I decided I don’t want to have to cope with the FSB as well.

“I really think it is time for some new leadership and new blood.”

“I wouldn’t have done it [been chairman] if I didn’t believe it is a fantastic organisation..." - FSB's Roger House

Career highlights with the FSB include interviewing a President of the European Parliament and hearing the news that London had got the Olympic Games while having dinner at No10 Downing Street in 2005.

Mr House founded the Centre for Micro Business in 2008 to offer his knowledge to the growing number of tiny companies which formed during the recession.

He is also a councillor on Horton Kirby and South Darenth Parish Council and continues to do consultancy work in public relations.

He said: “I wouldn’t have done it [been chairman] if I didn’t believe it is a fantastic organisation.

“I have worked with some really great people over the years.”