Longer holidays and fun working conditions are two of the secrets of a successful business.

A group of Eastbourne entrepreneurs revealed their golden rules for getting to the top at a meeting of the Business Builder Forum for Entrepreneurs.

Simon Dodds, managing partner of law firm Mayo and Perkins, described the benefits achieved by taking a three-month sabbatical every five years.

Partners returned with a renewed enthusiasm which made them a much more effective force within the company.

He said: "I know someone who believes the more time off he takes, the more profit he tends to make."

Other success secrets included having clear objectives with written goals and regular reviews, respect for staff and awareness of customer needs.

Michael Ogilvie, of The Profit Team at Ogilvie Booth Coles, is continuing the research into working conditions and practices, which will be compiled into a report next year, available free to all participants.

Free copies of the current success secrets are available by calling 01323 720555.