The MegaGrowth 50 list was unveiled this morning - revealing the fastest growing independently-owned firms in Kent.

And there was a new number one at the top of the main list while there was a familiar face at the top of the export sales chart.

Taking place at The Orangery at Turkey Mill in Maidstone, the breakfast unveiling event was well attended and featured speeches by the event's sponsors Kreston Reeves, asb law and Lloyds Bank.

The event was organised and the list compiled by the KM Media Group.

Host was Nicola Everett, news editor and presenter of kmfm.

The list ranks firms by their increase in turnover over the last three financial years with an additional table highlighting the top export sales.

Shaun Kelly of asb law said a key ingredient to growth was maintaining and nurturing staff.

He explained: "We’ve always recognised the value in how people interact in business. It’s not all about software, process and algorithms. Investing time in building rapport and understanding with your staff generally results in a motivational environment, greater productivity and skill retention.

"We’ve seen so many examples of Kent MegaGrowth businesses investing in emotional intelligence across my visits this year - predominantly with their staff but also understanding the drivers and motivations throughout the supply chain and their customer base.

"SMEs are nimble and operate at a human level. It has been so rewarding to see so many financial successes predicated on great internal communication, training and teamship. Sometimes it’s as simple as treating people properly, politely and with respect. These small, maybe old fashioned behaviours can mean so much.

"We should be so grateful to this Kent SME community - growth and job creation that is pivotal to the local economy."