by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Enterprise hubs in Kent and Medway are to be replaced by teams of experts who will help growing and innovative firms drive their way out of recession.

The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is sending out South East Business Innovation and Growth Teams (IGTs) to coach, mentor and encourage networking among ambitious, capable and fast-growth enterprises.

The experts will tailor their support to the needs of each business, drawing on a £20m public sector fund as well as private sector investment.

They will focus on five areas of support funded by the Government as part of its Solutions for Business scheme: starting a high growth business, innovation advice and guidance, coaching for high growth, understanding finance, and networks.

The support, backed by local economic partnerships, universities and Business Link, is available to businesses of all sizes with high growth potential, from start-ups to large corporations.

Pam Alexander, SEEDA chief executive, said: "SEEDA’s overall objective is to drive economic growth within the South East.

"South East Business Innovation and Growth Teams provide a new approach to ensure that businesses can access the expertise they need now. It will build on the successes of the Enterprise Hub Network, Innovation Advisory Service and High Growth Coaching and is a major boost for innovative and high growth businesses in the region."

Enterprise Hubs will continue to operate in Kent and Medway until the introduction of Innovation and Growth Teams at the end of 2009.