by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Reporting from the the Mipim Property Show, Cannes

An East Kent Enterprise zone is needed to help salvage jobs at the Pfizer site in Sandwich.

That's the message to the Chancellor who has promised to set up 10 enterprise zones across the UK.

Although most are to be in the north and midlands, Kent experts are urging him to include east Kent.

An enterprise zone would give tax and planning incentives to firms creating jobs in the area.

Jackie Sadek, chief executive of UK Regeneration and former boss of the Kent Thameside Delivery Board, said at the Mipim Property Show in Cannes that it would be a shame for the government to miss the opportunity.

"I would be abolutely thrilled to see an enterprise zone with the Pfizer site at its heart."

But if Kent missed out, local councils in Kent, Dover and Thanet should consider similar incentives.

Alex King, deputy Kent County Council leader, is in Cannes to promote the Pfizer site to investors and development companies.

"An enterprise zone in east Kent would be a major opportunity given the situation we face with Pfizer," he said.

The Pfizer task force, chairmed by KCC leader Paul Carter, is due to present it's first progress report next week.