MEDIA firms can tap a new service that underlines the importance of this sector to the county.

Wired Kent aims to support the county's cluster of businesses involved in PR, television, radio, advertising, Internet and other media issues.

The new Business Link Kent initiative will help media enterprises to network, promote themselves and their products, raise finance, improve skills, solve staffing problems and win more customers.

Other services will include an online suppliers directory, newsletter, legal and accounting clinics.

Claire Smith, BLK chief executive, said at a launch ceremony in Chilston Park, near Maidstone, that media was one of a number of business sectors that were key to the county's prosperity. She urged media firms to get involved in "this exciting new opportunity".

Tony Bartlett heads the scheme. He said: "The media industry is, and will continue to be a major growth sector in Kent.

"Canterbury, Maidstone, Thanet, West Kent and Medway have already been identified as the homes of budding business clusters, and new clusters are expected to develop around the county's major academic institutions."

Wired Kent is a member of the South East Media Network, funded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). It is based on Wired Sussex which was set up some years ago.