by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Locate in Kent, the agency that promotes the county as a great place for business, is cranking up its campaign to bring in more jobs over the next five years.

The agency, based in Kings Hill, West Malling, has unveiled a five-year plan that promises to "position the county ahead of competitors".

Bosses believe that Kent and Medway are poised for a "leap forward" on the back of high-speed domestic trains, the London Array wind farm and the Olympic Games 2012, convinced that businesses from London and overseas will be attracted to an area with so much going for it.

Paul Wookey, chief executive, said: "Locate in Kent (LiK) has ambitious plans for the county over the next five years and will continue to play a vital role in Kent's economic recovery by positioning it ahead of its competitors."

The plan was unveiled at a reception at Leeds Castle and follows a year in which the agency attracted a record number of UK and international businesses, together creating nearly 2,900 jobs, 23 per cent up on the previous year. LiK's efforts also helped to keep 1,600 jobs that might otherwise have been lost.

The agency is targeting sectors with potential growth such as financial and business services, security, life sciences, film and media, and green technologies.

LiK chairman Sir Brandon Gough said the agency had achieved a record 76 projects last year, with 14 more successes - and 380 jobs - already notched up this year.

"There is a lot of gloom around that’s still to be overcome but there are some good times for Kent and a good story we can take into the market," he said.

"We feel pretty good about the outlook. there is a lot of work to be done and it will be hard work but we will tackle it with focus, enthusiam and aggression. We will be pushing very hard to bring new businesses to Kent."

Kevin Lynes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development at Kent County Council, LiK's chief funder, added that the Kent "brand" was a valuable jewel that could be promoted by the public and private sectors working together.

"It’s that partnership that makes Locate in Kent a world-leading promotion agency," he said.