The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Kent has welcomed the appointment of a Kent MP as minister for small business - and immediately called on her to address a key issue.

Rochester's Kelly Tolhurst has taken over the role of minister for small business, consumers and corporate responsibility.

Alison Parmar, development manager of the Kent arm of the business organisation said: "We are very pleased to hear that Kelly has been appointed to the role.

"From recent conversations, we know that she understands very well the challenges facing small businesses – from the hike in business rates, to infrastructure issues and the lack of skilled staff.

"We look forward to working closely with her on these topics on both a local and now, national level.”

The national FSB is calling on the minister to now take action on procurement as new figures reveal government spending with smaller businesses has fallen by more than £1 billion.

National chairman Mike Cherry said: “It’s good to see a new small business minister has now been appointed and we look forward to working with Kelly Tolhurst over the summer.

“There’s plenty of work to do. Procurement spend with small businesses is down to the tune of £1 billion, big question marks remain over the shape of Brexit and small retailers are still well and truly under the cosh.

“These new procurement figures are thoroughly disappointing. We’re calling on the minister to ensure the government meets its target of spending one pound in every three with smaller firms by 2022.”