THE county’s young business people are being given the opportunity to meet mentors from all aspects of business during National Enterprise Week (November 15-21).

In association with HSBC, the Kent Association of Young Entrepreneurs (KAYE) is holding a mentoring supper at the Ashford International Hotel on 18 November. Guests will have the chance to discuss problems and share knowledge.

Alyson Howard, chairman of the Kent branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD), said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to benefit from the advice of experienced business men and women in an informal environment.

“We intend to have several mentors on each table who will ‘rotate’ so that each course is eaten with people from different areas of business.

“KAYE is not only aimed at business owners but also young directors or professionals within a company who are keen to build a network of peers in similar industries and benefit from the advice of more experienced business people.”

Enterprise Week is the first national celebration of enterprise and is designed to encourage young people to think about starting up a business and to create a more dynamic enterprise culture.

Ian Legg, HSBC’s area director for Kent, said: “We share many objectives with KAYE – including supporting young businesses and encouraging enterprise – which is why we are so keen to be involved with the organisation.”

KAYE is an IoD Kent Branch initiative and is aimed at young people aged between 18 and 35.

Places at the mentoring supper, which takes place from 7pm until late, are £25 + VAT for KAYE members and £50 + VAT for non-members.

For further information and to book a place contact Estella Last on 01732 849570, e-mail: iod.kent@iod.com or visit www.iodkaye.com.