The new principal and chief executive of Orpington College, Kevin Finnigan, presented his views on the changing patterns of employment and the need for individuals to regard learning as a lifelong activity, to keep their skills and abilities current.

He said this maintains the maximum employability and the best position to face inevitable future trends which will challenge each and every one of us.

Business owners were keen to hear Kevin's views on how the employers' costs for training are translated into measurable bottom-line benefits for a firm.

Kevin justified the title of his presentation, Skills Mean Business, by demonstrating how these connections can be made.

He also explained how training is now being made even more flexible to make sure no-one need be excluded from opportunities to improve their skills and their effectiveness.

Questions from the floor showed the degree of interest generated by the presentation.

As usual, two members of Business Focus were given a few minutes each to introduce themselves and to say just what their business does for its clients or customers.

John Gardner, of John Gardner Associates explained his fresh approach to business counselling and consultancy, and Val Hood, who runs Executive Business Services, demonstrated how businesses could benefit by outsourcing a number of their clerical and typing activities.

A full programme of events is available to all businesses in and around the Bromley borough, including more business breakfasts, evening business-to-business events, corporate hospitality opportunities, as well as training courses and workshops.

The next networking event for Business Focus will be on Thursday, May 18. It will be held at the Bromley Court Hotel, from 5.30pm. It is intended to be an opportunity for new members to introduce themselves.

The event is open to all businesses. It will be an opportunity for local people to meet to share ideas and to inter-trade.If you would like to attend this meeting, call Roger Megeary on 020 8290 6568.

If you are interested in the membership benefits of Business Focus, you should call Roger Megeary on 020 8290 6568.