Phillip's decision to sign up to the organisation will mean that the three ventures now fall under the Produced in Kent umbrella. These include Thackeray's, in Tunbridge Wells, the fine dining restaurant Hengist in Aylesford, near Maidstone, and Richard Phillips at Chapel Down Vineyard in Tenterden, Kent. The Kent chef is a passionate believer in using quality, fresh, seasonal produce that has been grown as close to home as possible and he has deep respect for the work that Produced in Kent has been doing over the past decade to place the 'Garden of England' on the culinary and food map. He said: "I am passionate about the regional issue and am delighted to become an active member of this forward-thinking organisation," said Richard. "If you buy local produce, you are naturally buying in season, which means the produce is going to be widely available, fresher, better quality and tastier. By using locally grown produce that is in season, we are able to deliver the best possible flavours and value for money to customers dining in our restaurants." "There was a time when 'the little guy' couldn't compete with the big suppliers and supermarkets. But Produced in Kent has provided a genuine and united campaigning voice, with considerable marketing and business support for its members to enable smaller and innovative growers and producers to raise their game in the county. "Every restaurant customer who dines in restaurants who subscribe to Produced in Kent's philosophy is supporting Kent's outstanding food and drink businesses and sustaining the countryside and rural communities, by supporting local farmers and vineyards." Julie Monkman, manager of Produced in Kent, said she was delighted by the high profile addition of Richard Phillips to the membership. "We are absolutely thrilled to have such a talented, passionate individual and his trio of restaurants under the Produced in Kent umbrella. "We are really looking forward to working with and supporting Richard's businesses and given his dynamism and profile, we also look forward to him spearheading some of the work Produced in Kent does at county-wide events and educationally through our schools competitions."