KENT'S importance as a location for call centres continues to grow, according to Locate in Kent (LiK), following the inward investment agency’s attendance at Call Centre Expo, the UK’s largest exhibition for the industry.

LiK promoted the advantages of the county as a business location to call centre operators and took 10 enquiries from prospective relocators.

The business development team is now in discussions with all 10 companies and three are considering immediate investments. These enquiries could result in up to 450 jobs being created in the county.

Paul Wookey, LiK's chief executive, said: "Kent has a burgeoning call centre industry.

"It has a great deal to offer, notably a skilled, loyal workforce and competitive commercial property prices compared to the likes of Leeds or Manchester."