HIGH-PROFILE businessman Cliff Hardcastle, chairman of Densitron Technologies based at Biggin Hill, is to take over from Jill Cochrane as the next chairman of the Kent branch of the Institute of Directors, one of the most successful in Britain.

Cliff is a past chairman of the CBI South Eastern regional council, its present vice-chairman, and a government adviser on education and training targets.

He founded his company with a few thousand pounds some 30 years ago and it now has a turnover of more than £40 million, employing nearly 500 people all over the world.

Jill Cochrane, a television presenter and successful businesswoman, said: "We searched long and hard for the right person to take over and believe that we have found him with an entrepreneurial business leader who believes in the future of Kent business and the part it plays in GB plc."

Cliff is expected to take over the reins in early 2003. Kent IoD is one of the most successful in Britain, with 2,300 members and more commercial sponsorship than any other branch.