BUSINESS Link Kent has appointed a new area manager for businesses in and around the Channel corridor area.

Chris Callander, 36, who grew up in the Folkestone and Hythe area, has a dedicated team including skills and business advisers to help secure growth and economic prosperity in the Maidstone, Ashford and Shepway local authority areas.

He has most recently been working at Business Link Kent managing a team of skills advisers and he has brought his experience and knowledge to the new role.

Mr Callander said: "At the moment I’m really at the listening stage, trying to find out as much as I can about the issues affecting stakeholders and business people in the area.

"This is a challenging and exciting role in an area which is set for significant change and development in the future, and along with my team we have the support and tools needed to help the diverse range of businesses across the region."