THE county needs more go-getters.

That was the message from HSBC's county commercial manager Donald Tonar at the Institute of Directors' (IoD) young entrepreneurs forum KAYE.

He said there are "not enough people willing to take a chance on business" in Kent and Medway.

The lively Irish bank manager said this was a county of huge opportunity for young business, with improving infrastructure, investment and European links, but held itself back through lack of entrepreneurial spirit.

Speaking with the passion he expects in would-be borrowers, Mr Toner gave KAYE members a lender's viewpoint on how to gain business funding.

Preparation was top of the list. Mr Toner told his listeners to make sure business plan assumptions stood up to scrutiny. Know how much funding and what length of borrowing is needed and prepare for a variation of business circumstances.

Estimate funding requirements for optimistic, realistic and pessimistic scenarios to show you have thought through all business possibilities.

Most importantly, the bank manager said, believe in yourself and your idea. "Be positive, and be passionate."

Candidates often fell down on this key communication while other frequent failings included preparation and ability to explain a product or service. Many applicants also underestimated costs of personal living requirements.

Dan Ghinn, managing director of Maidstone creative consultancy Frog Creation, and Tim Hawkes, who launched his corporate coaching business Unlimited Potential in December, were both there to take notes.

They agreed getting the bank manager's inside view was valuable.

Mr Hawkes said: "It was exactly what someone of my age needed. It's good to meet like minded people and talk through shared issues."