Organisers of the largest business event in the south east are calling on the county's commercial leaders to debate the key issues challenging Kent at this year's event.

Business Vision Live takes place on Wednesday, May 15 at the Kent Event Centre in Detling and is expecting thousands to attend.

The free event, seen as one of the key networking events on the calendar, was formerly known as Kent Vision Live.

Event sponsors, Maidstone law firm Brachers and business advisors Kreston Reeves, will be hosting the Kent Business Debate on the day.

What promises to be a lively and informative session will see discussion focused on what is needed to ensure economic success in the region and how Kent businesses can continue to thrive and survive, debated by an expert panel and business owners from across the region.

This year’s panel will be made up of two representatives from the sponsors, Erol Huseyin, partner of the commercial team at Brachers, and Clive Stevens, chairman at Kreston Reeves.

They will sit alongside Barbara Cooper, the corporate director of growth, environment and transport at Kent County Council and Paul Winter, chairman and managing director of leading Kent manufacturing business Wire Belt Company.

Also adding their perspective will be Elizabeth de Jong, policy director at the Freight Transport Association, Deidre Wells, chief executive of Visit Kent and Allan Buckwell, chair of the Kent Landowners Association.

Taking place during the day-long event, the Kent Business Debate is open to business leaders from across the region.

It is free to attend but tickets are limited and available on application.

Last year's Business Vision Live event attracted more than 3,000 people and more than 250 exhibitors.

A number of round table discussion will also be taking place as part of the day.

For details on this year's event and how to secure your free entry ticket click here.

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