Some 63 jobs have been created across the county courtesy of investments by a growth fund.

The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) has ploughed more than £180,000 into a host of SMEs to help boost performance and increase sales.

The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Economic Growth Solutions (EGS).

Companies ranging from food and drink to aerospace to textile manufacturers are among those to have succeeded.

Among them Chatham-based the Juice Executive.

Explains Martin Coats, managing director of EGS: "We are continually proving that the right support, delivered at the right time and by the right people, can make a significant difference to manufacturers.

“Over £180,000 has been awarded in the form of grants so far and this has been used by firms across Kent and Medway to improve the way they manufacture, launch new products or access additional or new markets. This has already equated to 63 new jobs, with more expected to be created once projects are completed.

“The difference with MGP is that it is delivered by manufacturing experts who understand the challenges companies are facing. They understand the language MDs are talking and can guide them on making the right decisions, before bringing in specialists on specific issues they are facing or opportunities they’re looking to explore.”