A FORMER Lib Dem leader was on hand to launch a Hampshire business hub aiming to inspire workers in countryside surroundings.

Lord Ashdown joined the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Angela Clear, on Friday to unveil a plaque at the Business Life Centre, near Wickham.

The new facility, on a converted ostrich farm outside the village, seeks to escape bland urban offices and place workers in a friendly environment.

In his speech to dozens of guests, Lord Ashdown addressed the importance of the knowledge economy, a strong suit for Hampshire business and many firms at the centre.

They include ip-Xchange, a business telecoms company run by site owner Kevin Winstanley, who addressed guest on how the rural site could help businesses develop with state-of-theart internet and telecoms.

The event also featured a site tour and raised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.