THE first enterprise hub in Kent is expected to encourage the growth of 100 jobs and several cutting-edge businesses.

It is based at the East Malling complex of Horticulture Research International, an institute that pioneers new strains of fruit and encourages organic production. Enterprise hubs aim to nurture growing businesses by giving them good facilities at reasonable cost with easy access to the best advice.

The first hub will develop new businesses in food, health and the environment. It is sponsored by HRI, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Kent County Council and East Malling Trust for Horticultural Research.

Bobby Neame, chairman of Faversham brewer Shepherd Neame and High Sheriff of Kent, is the hub's so-called "business champion," a prominent business figure who will promote the project in the corridors of power.

Dr David Parry, the hub director, said it was "a place, people and networks". It would promote innovation by giving start-ups access to money, the best expert advice and business support. It was likely to create around 90 jobs and 20 new ventures.

HRI would be offering incubator units at flexible rents for start-up enterprises, some of which would be spun off from its own activities.

"It's what we need here and it's what Kent needs," he said. "It's very exciting and challenging. At the moment we have an empty building, so there's nowhere we can go but up."

Hubs have been developed along the lines of those based around Oxford and Cambridge where hi-tech enterprises often started by bright young graduates are flourishing.

Kent has lagged behind in this knowledge-based revolution and enterprise hubs, a flagship project promoted by Kent-based SEEDA chairman Allan Willett, aim to improve the situation and create clusters of fast-growing firms.

The East Malling hub is one of eight hubs approved in the south east. There could be others in Kent and Medway, with Sittingbourne Research Centre, Chatham Maritime and Broadstairs under consideration.