RAISING skills in the hospitality and catering industry will be at the heart of a major expo to be held in Kent next year.

Plans are well advanced for an event of national importance – provisionally called the UK Hospitality and Catering Business Solutions Show – in Folkestone, probably in March.

The show, which is backed by the Channel Chamber of Commerce, is aimed at hotels, restaurants and all businesses involved in hospitality and catering across the county and beyond.

The sector is growing fast and experts believes Kent needs to raise its game as part of a regeneration strategy, especially in Folkestone.

Michael Howard, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, chaired a crucial planning meeting.

He welcomed the show. "It ticks a lot of the boxes we need to tick if Folkestone is to make the most of its potential," he said.

"It’s such a growth sector, it’s potential is so enormous. Whatever the ups and downs of the national or world economy, take the long view.

"People are going to have more disposable income and this is the way they are going to spend it. We want to get as big a chunk of that for Kent and for Folkestone as we can."

Malcolm Gallagher, director of BizVision, outlined plans. The show would inspire sector enterprises with actionable ideas that would lead to instant business improvement.

He said: "The hospitality and catering sector, which has been abused and ignored in the past, is certainly a big economic driver.

"We believe that by delivering a quality, well-managed, well-presented event that Folkestone will be regarded as a welcoming and enterprising destination."

Peter Hobbs, chief executive of Channel Chamber, said: "It is a challenge and a tremendous opportunity for us in the next few months."

Organisers believe the show will attract more than 1,000 delegates, 45 exhibitors and a host of leading speakers in the field. They also hope to attract backing from local sponsors.

The public might also be invited to take part by voting for the best restaurants in Shepway and elsewhere.