A number of the county's MPs are scheduled to attend the return of the Kent Business Summit in January - with Brexit set to be high on the agenda.

Organised by the Kent Business School at the University of Kent, and held in conjunction with the IOD, FSB and Locate in Kent, the event brings together local government, MPs, businesses and academics to debate key issues and agree strategies going forward.

In its inaugural event at the Canterbury campus earlier this year, more than 250 people attended, prompting calls for it to become an annual event.

Explains organiser at the university Floortje Hoette: "What the summit provides is a fantastic opportunity to talk to those who influence the way things are going in Kent.

"All parties will discuss how we can work together to sustain economic growth for the county."

Already confirmed to attend are MPs Sir Michael Fallon, Rosie Duffield, Kelly Tolhurst and Sir Roger Gale - with more expected.

"People are very keen to come together and for something to come of it," adds Ms Hoette.

"It's a great networking opportunity, but the key thing is to come here, sit down, agree action points and make sure things happen."

Key topics set to be discussed this year include transport infrastructure which will feature a discussion including the chair of the nearly formed Transport for the South East organisation, project director for the Lower Thames Crossing and the MD of Southern Rail.

Adds Ms Hoette: "I'm looking forward to that as there's a number of problems which have been voiced by people over the years.

"What I would find very interesting is what Transport for the South East will say on the county's strategy or the emphasis for years to come.

"There will be lots of talk about roads and the port immediately after Brexit, I am sure."

A debate on how to attract businesses and visitors will include the CEOs of Visit Kent and Locate in Kent while an addition panel on plugging the skills shortage will include the principal of the East Kent College Group and chair of the Kent and Medway Skills Commission.

"The academics will be involved in the discussions. We are an apolitical entity with an opinion based on research and that's whey we wanted to play an active role.

"We have done research into particular Brexit-related areas and we can inform the public on information sourced from research."

The event takes place on Friday, January 11, and runs from 7am until 2pm.

Tickets for the event cost £25 and can be obtained now.