by business editor Trevor Sturgess

You've heard of the O2 and Kia Oval.

Now a sponsor is being sought for the Events Venue at Bluewater.

The £60m complex opens in November and is thought to be the first of its kind at a major retail venue in Europe.

Lend Lease, the global property group that runs Bluewater has hired sponsorship consultancy Generate to find a single or multiple sponsors.

Experts estimate the cost of sole naming rights could be more than a million pounds over five years.

But "second tier" sponsorships may also be available at lower cost.

Simon Donaldson, head of commercial partnerships at Lend Lease, is looking for strong brands to express interest.

He said: "It's not just about money or a commercial transaction, it's about all the other benefits of working with the right brand."

The venue will have two arenas, staging a wide range of lifestyle shows, as well as product launches and award ceremonies. It opens with a Spirit of Christmas extravaganza.

A topping-out ceremony was held recently, marking the countdown to the handover by builders BAM to Lend Lease.

More business news in Kent Business, out this week with most KM Group paid-for titles across the county.