by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Kent Science Park is offering hope to any Pfizer workers who want to set up on their own.

The promise of help was made after Pfizer announced the likely closure of its huge plant in Sandwich with the loss of some 2,400 jobs.

The Sittingbourne complex is already home to 1,200 hi-tech jobs and 60 businesses.

Until some three years ago, it was home to Pfizer's laboratories that developed the Viagra anti-impotence drug.

Those labs have been unoccupied since Pfizer left, and could suit scientific staff who are keen to develop their own business ideas.

James Speck, KSP site director, said Pfizer's decision had been expected because of recent contractions at the Sandwich site, but the timing was a surprise.

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"We as a team here have been discussing whether there's anything we can do to help," he said.

The park could accommodate a further 1,300 jobs and had the facilities to help people start up in scientific business.

"We have the space, we have existing laboratory space and can tailor some of the laboratories to bespoke needs."

Several research companies had grown at KSP but Mr Speck did not expect an embryonic Pfizer to emerge.

He added: "That's being very optimistic but we have some interesting developments."

Mr Speck said Pfizer's decision was a huge blow to the pharmaceutical sector which has been a key industry sector in Kent.

However, the county has already lost GlaxoSmithKline's long-established plant in Dartford, and now faces the closure of the county's biggest pharmaceutical player.

Meanwhile, Mr Speck hopes the Park will be represented on a proposed Taskforce set up by Business Secretary Vince Cable with Kent County Council and the new Kent, Essex and East Sussex Local Enterprise Partnership.

It will consider whether research and development can continue on the Pfizer site at Sandwich after the pharmaceutical giant has pulled out.

Mr Speck urged Mr Cable to remember that "we are here, take a look at us, come and use us".