A Kent MP attended an exclusive business seminar at Brands Hatch racing circuit yesterday.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Business is GREAT Britain campaign hit top gear to mark the final fixture of the British Touring Car Championships with the seminar.

It was opened by Michael Fallon, the Secretary of State for Defence and local MP for Sevenoaks.

It was part of a series of seminars run by the Business is GREAT campaign offering practical advice, support and inspiration to small businesses help them grow, hire and export.

Mr Fallon said: “A big part of our plan to make the UK the best place to start up and grow a small business is ensuring that firms can access expert advice to accelerate their performance.

"That’s why the Business is GREAT Britain tour is so crucial. There are around 785,000 businesses in the South East and we are committed to helping them get the financial and exporting advice they need to grow.”

He was accompanied on his visit by expert advisors from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the Government’s Growth Vouchers scheme.

The advisors - Clive Lewis, a chartered accountant representing the ICAEW, Lisa Harding, an adviseron Growth Vouchers from Enterprise First and Andrew Mapstone, a UKTI International Trade Adviser for the South East - joinedafter a morning visiting small businesses around Kent.

Blends for friends were one of the businesses visited. Formed in 2007 by former master tea taster Alex Probyn, Blends for Friends supplies hotels, restaurants and other tea brands.

Alex Probyn, founder of Blends for Friends, said: “It was brilliant to be part of the Business is GREAT tour on Friday and speak one-on-one with the advisors about the opportunities for our business, Blends for Friends.

“Our turnover has increased by 10 per cent over the past year through our involvement with UKTI’s Passport to Export programme, and we expect this to increase with continuing support from UKTI."

Andrew Mapstone, a UKTI international trade advisor for the South East, who visited the businesses,commented: “On average, companies can earn £100,000 in additional sales within just 18 months of meeting with a UKTI International Trade Advisor.

Research shows exporting helps companies grow and exporters do better with UKTI’s help."

For more info visit: http://www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/ukti/