LOCATE in Kent, the county's inward investment agency, is positive about 2006 after the release of its latest performance figures.

In the nine months since April, the agency has attracted investment from 32 companies, which has led to 1,810 new jobs throughout the county.

The Locate in Kent team is currently working with 216 businesses known to be either considering a move to Kent or making a further investment in the county, with 19 per cent likely to confirm their decision to invest in Kent by April this year.

According to the figures, the agency has also helped safeguard a further 784 jobs by working with the management of existing Kent businesses, ensuring they can continue to trade and expand in the county.

Paul Wookey, chief executive of Locate in Kent said: "Despite the generally difficult economic conditions it is clear that we have made significant progress in highlighting the cost effectiveness of Kent as a business location.

"The county’s profile has also been raised by the Government’s investment in Thames Gateway Kent and Ashford and this helped ensure that 2005 has been a good year for attracting business to Kent.

"We expect even greater interest in Thames Gateway Kent during 2006 with the completion of the high speed rail link fast approaching and work in and around Ebbsfleet moving forward."