The Wealden Business Group has adopted the Kent Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs as its Charity of the Year.

The Tenterden-based WBG meets weekly to help members maximise their business opportunities and exchange information, sales leads and referrals, In the past two years, it has raised almost £10,000 for local good causes.

Chairman David Meredith: said: “We believe that we can be of real help to young people starting their careers, and wanted to offer practical support to those who will own and manage the Kent businesses of tomorrow.”

The Kent Foundation was formed in 1985, and provides tailored support through business mentoring, specialist enterprise training and access to finance through the Start Up Loans initiative.

Kent Foundation director Paul Barron was delighted by the news, and said: “Having attended WBG I was inspired by their appetite for business and their enthusiasm to support the local economy."