by Trevor Sturgess

Lord Digby Jones, the “voice of business” and former CBI director-general, will start the countdown to Kent’s biggest-ever “networking” wall.

The outspoken and charismatic ex-UK Trade and Investment minister will be in Maidstone on November 10 to throw down a networking challenge.

He will be offering tips on how to win more business ahead of next year’s annual business fest Kent 2020 Vision.

The expo on April 22 at the Kent Showground, Detling, will feature a massive wall for business people to use to promote their goods and services. The wall will be covered by sticky notes and other promotional material in the hope that others will be interested in buying.

The audience at Maidstone Studios on November 10 (7.30am - 10.30am) will be told how to make the most of this opportunity.

Both events are organised by Business Support Kent. Managing director Bob Jones says it can be daunting going into a room of strangers but he says they are not strangers but customers you have yet to meet.

It was exciting that Kent would have “the largest networking wall in the world” and the November event would offer a “fantastic opportunity to hear one of the world’s leading business speakers.”

“By meeting other people and making contacts, it is a sure route out of economic difficulties. In recession, that has got to be a crucial element of business recovery,” he said.

More details about both event on 01732 878016 or visit www.kent2020.co.uk