business leaders were urged to develop battlefield tactics to defeat competition at an Institute of Directors' breakfast meeting. Members and guests were told by Nick Skellon, an international marketing specialist and author, that they could pick up a tip or two from the battle of Crecy in 1346.

It was at Crecy that Edward III's forces used longbows and a new battlefield formation to defeat an army four times its size.

Mr Skellon said in business, as in war, success depended on developing superior weapons and tactics.

He said: "Go away and think what the equivalent of the longbow could be to your business."

The meeting at The Solent Hotel, Whiteley, was oversubscribed, so much so that the IoD is organising another breakfast for April 14.

Its next meeting is for new members at the D-Day Museum, Southsea on February 25.

Click on to www.iod.com/hampshire for details.