TWO leading Kent business figures will be contributing their experience to the development of skills and training in the county.

Ashley West, a non-executive director of mhs homes, and Fiona Pollard, the former owner of the Hop Farm Country Park, have been appointed to the Learning & Skills Council (LSC) for Kent and Medway, which has 16 members drawn from both the public and private sectors.

LSC executive director Simon Norton said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome two new council members who bring with them considerable and wide-ranging business expertise.

"The council provides great in-depth strength for the LSC and its members, who working on a voluntary basis, make important contributions to all aspects of our work.

"The council provides a vital link with the wider community in Kent and Medway, with council members being drawn from the business world, education, local authorities, public bodies, unions and voluntary groups."

Mr West is an accountant with a background in international finance. He has been a group finance director and a company chairman in several business sectors and now holds serveral non-executive directorships.

Mrs Pollard was a derivatives dealer in the City, before moving to Kent to build up the Hop Farm as a major tourist and leisure attraction.

She and her husband Brent have recently sold the Hop Farm, but will continue to be involved in its operations.