Maggie Philbin speaks at Kent 2020 Vision LIVE

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Tomorrow's world for young people and jobs featured prominently at the county's business show of the year that attracted thousands to the Kent Showground yesterday.

Maggie Philbin, former presenter of Tomorrow's World, urged businesses to look ahead by taking on young people with digital skills at Kent 2020 Vision LIVE, the biggest business event in the south east outside London.

They had to be proactive to attract them from the "relatively small pool of graduates and apprentices with the right talent to take the business forward".

She had this message for business: "If you can't get the right kind of people, why aren't you creating a really good apprenticeship scheme or are you going to keep moaning about not getting the right people."

Ms Philbin, who works with young people through the TeenTech scheme, presented Tomorrow's World for 10 years.

During that time, she featured many innovations that had become commonplace, including the internet and satellite navigation.

Video: Crowds turn out for Kent 2020

"I handled the first ever digital camera," she said. "I never thought it would put Kodak out of business." She now hosts a new futures programme Bang Goes the Theory. The next big thing would be 3D printing, she forecast.

Paul Carter, Kent County Council leader, said it was important for councils and businesses to take on young people.

The show opened with a networking breakfast event, sponsored by Kent Association of FE Colleges (CAFEC), debating whether graduates were "fit for purpose". Senior college staff said they were doing all they could to equip young people for the world of work, but some business people said they still had trouble finding young recruits with the right skills.

The show was attended by dozens of business people from France. Hundreds of exhibitors found the event had a real buzz. Ms Philbin described the show as "awesome".

This year's themes were "Get Connected", reflecting the show's key role in helping Kent businesses to access a range of exciting opportunities, and Tomorrow's Business, looking at the shape of business organisations over the next 10 years.

The show was promoted by BSK-CIC, organised by Revolution Events, Pembury, and backed by Kent County Council, KM Group and Kent Event Centre.