The election of Barack Obama as the next US president is focusing attention on the trade opportunities for Kent firms across the Pond.

The falling pound against the dollar make it a good time to consider exporting to the States.

But it’s not always easy knowing how to start, which makes a star-studded breakfast event at the Marriott Tudor Park Hotel and Country Club on November 18 all the more important.

Ardell Fleeson, a Washington DC business guru who has playfully called her fellow Americans "obnoxious", is teaming up with Kent’s own haircare magnate Graham Webb and international trade adviser Tery Dunk to give firms all the help they need to succeed.

This entertaining speaker will give helpful tips on American business culture and how not to make those simple mistakes that can often lead to losing a valuable order.

Graham Webb MBE founded the globally distributed, multi-million pound haircare company Graham Webb International.

He is now as well known in the US as he is in the UK, with frequent tours promoting his products and his remarkable autobiography "Out of the Bottle."

He will share his experiences of doing business with American companies.

Ms Fleeson said: "Understanding American’s networking behaviour will increase your effectiveness with us. Networking functions are a level playing field for Americans, with no social class distinctions."

Tickets cost just £15, including continental breakfast (or £10 for members of the Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Businesses, and chambers of commerce).

To book, phone Diane Mapes at the Kent Messenger Group on 01622 794607 or email dmapes@thekmgroup.co.uk