A data centre which holds information for more than 300 clients has more than doubled its capability after a £4 million investment.

Custodian Data Centres has added a new floor at its headquarters in Maidstone TV Studios, meaning it can power 16,000 computer servers, up from 6,000.

Its racks of computer hardware, which can send information to London in less than one millisecond, are monitored around the clock by engineers and a security team.

It was founded in 2009 by chief executive Rowland Kinch, chairman Geoff Miles and technical director Robert Williams.

Mr Williams said: “Kent is an ideal location for communications equipment and IT services to be hosted.

“In placing their core infrastructure into a Kent-based data centre, local businesses can gain all the benefits associated with central London colocation but without any of the drawbacks.

“It is without any of the travel, traffic or power constraints associated with inner-London.

“As well as allowing easy, secure and quick access to the equipment when required, it gives businesses the opportunity to meet ‘on-site’ with their clients and tour their facility.

“By having the local touch and a professional yet out-of-London location, a Kent business can truly compete at any level without having to locate their services hours away by car or train.”