The BBC Business Doctor, Paul Thomas, was the guest speaker at the Pembrokeshire Business Network Annual Conference held at Nant-Y-Ffin Hotel in Llandissilio.

As in his TV series 'Ban the Boss', Dr. Thomas spoke about his experiences of encouraging companies to hand over day-to-day management of the business to staff.

"Usually their first action is to take a day off," he said, but his alternative method of management has helped a number of businesses increase both productivity and profitability.

Eleanor Rees, of the Workways project, explained how they could help train and fund temporary job placements within Pembrokeshire businesses, while Karen Burch, of Dyfed Powys Police, used real life e-crime examples of small local businesses being targeted to illustrate sensible precautions that small businesses can take to protect themselves and their IT systems from IT bandits.

Janet Phillips's passion for business was inspirational as she described how local business G.D. Harries, of Narberth, has grown in recent years and Eric Sutherland illustrated how business owners can learn to improve their ability to cope with the extra pressure of today's tough economic climate.

Pembrokeshire Business Network members also took the opportunity to showcase their services during the day.

Pembrokeshire Business Network hosts regular information seminars and welcomes new members.