AFRICA Express Line, a shipping company that organises the transport of fresh fruit between West Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe, is pondering its longer-term future at Kings Hill, West Malling, after renewing its lease for just three months.

AEL operates refrigerated vessels on weekly liner services, handling temperature-sensitive cargoes to and from ports on the West African coast.

The company and its sister business Compagnie Fruitiere have been based at Kings Hill since 2001 and occupy 4,644 sq ft in 30 Tower View.

But the business is contemplating a restructuring that could involve moving from the area.

"We have come to the end of our five year lease but as we are not sure whether our re-organisation will involve a relocation, we are keen to stay here until the final decisions have been made," said Chris Larkin, AEL’s general manager.

"We really enjoy being at Kings Hill and are delighted that we were able to extend our lease on a temporary basis."

Andrew Blevins, managing director of Liberty Property Trust UK, which runs Kings Hill, said he was happy to grant a short extension while the company reviewed its operations. But he hoped AEL would decide to stay.

He said: "We always try to accommodate a tenant’s requirements if we can, and in this case it was for a short extension to the lease while the company reviews its operations.

"We hope in the long run they will renew for a longer period or at the very least be our ambassadors when talking to other businesses about Kings Hill."