FIRMS in south Hampshire have been warned against complacency by one of Britain's leading speakers on business growth.

Robert Craven, whose punchy presentations have galvanised small to medium businesses across the country, told 80 businessmen and women in Southampton that standing still was not an option.

He added: "Beware of being a busy fool.''

According to Mr Craven, who is the author of a best-selling book on kick-starting businesses, successful firms are the ones who have an obsessive focus on strategy, marketing and teams.

Mr Craven said: "What differentiates great businesses from people with great ideas is the ability to act quickly and decisively and focus their efforts on those activities that will provide the highest return.''

His words of wisdom came free of charge for the audience at a Kick-Start Your Business seminar, sponsored by Barclays Bank and held yesterday at the Mick Channon suite at the Saints' stadium in St Mary's.

Colin Matthews, the bank's local head of small businesses, said: "It's been great to see how businesses in the area have responded to this opportunity.

"Judging by the feedback we have had from previous events, people find the seminars a useful opportunity to assess their strengths and weaknesses and to identify ways to help their businesses develop and grow."

The seminar, backed by the Daily Echo, was run as part of Barclays' support for the business community and was open to all small companies.