By Business Editor Trevor Sturgess

A record 5,500 jobs were created or saved in the county last year despite the downturn, according to the agency that promotes Kent and Medway as great places for business.
Locate in Kent, based in Kings Hill, West Malling, said it helped create 2,891 jobs in the 12 months ending in March, 23 per cent up on the previous year. With indirect and so-called retained jobs added, the agency notched up a total of 5,439.
A record 76 UK and international companies expanded in the county or moved in, injecting an estimated £126m into the Kent economy and occupying more than 1.5m sq ft of commercial property space.
All areas of the county attracted investors, but the biggest successes by job numbers were in Thames Gateway Kent and West Kent (1,437 and 951 respectively).
Companies helped by LiK ranged from Ecoffins, a manufacturer of eco-friendly coffins, to blue chip names such as supermarket giant Morrisons which created 1,000 warehousing and distribution jobs in Sittingbourne.
LiK chairman Sir Brandon Gough said the agency had exceeded all its targets despite the challenging global financial situation.
Prospects for the coming year were encouraging as the county geared up for high-speed domestic rail services. "We believe that investment from overseas companies will be an increasingly important vehicle for economic growth in Kent, further fuelling job creation and supporting local businesses," he said.
"The imminent launch of high speed rail connections to London and improvement to infrastructure and facilities means Kent is perfectly positioned to attract further international investment."
Paul Wookey, chief executive, added: "We’re extremely optimistic about where our high speed future is taking us and we are ready to seize opportunities as the economy recovers.
"It’s clear that Kent has all the attributes to attract innovative companies in growing sectors and can compete on a global level in attracting international names and blue-chip investors.
"Kent has an enviable track record, a bright future and we have the energy and drive to continue promoting it as a great location for business. We plan to work even harder and closer with our partners over the next year to boost investment even further and to ensure Kent is positioned centre stage."
Lik is funded and supported by Kent County Council, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), East Kent Partnership, Medway Council, local councils, and the Kent Developers Group.