AROUND 80 people in local business got inspiration from a different kind of high flyer at the seventh annual Eastleigh Business Conference.

Key note speaker Mandy Hickson, a former Tornado fighter pilot, told the audience assembled at the Ageas Bowl of her experiences of being one of the first female pilots to fly the multi-million pound jets for the Royal Air Force.

She particularly spoke of the importance of remaining calm under pressure and leading from the front to get the best from herself and her team and related this to the business world.

She also highlighted the importance of achieving targets by focusing your efforts and that anything is achievable if you put your mind to it.

Those who came were also given an insight into development plans at the home of Hampshire cricket from chairman Rod Bransgrove, including the new hotel complex.

Neil Nutburn, Managing Director of Coaching to Success, said it had been a good opportunity to make new contacts.