POLAR adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes inspired 400 people to explore new business horizons during a visit to Kent.

Using revelations about his amazing life, he told guests from across the county at the Kent Business Christmas Event – branded "Nothing is Beyond Your Reach" – that motivation was vital.

When he recruited team members to join his expeditions to the North and South Poles, he looked for special qualities, motivation being a crucial one.

He defined motivation as "surely the sum total of all your life experiences and how you reacted to them." He added: "If you’re born a wimp, you’ll probably stay one."

Sir Ranulph led the first unsupported crossing of Antarctica, the longest unsupported polar journey in history. He lost the tips of all fingers on one hand in the intense cold.

He has since recovered from a double heart- by-pass operation and the death of his wife with no loss of enthusiasm for adventure.

In 2003, after his operation, he ran seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.

His expeditions have raised more than £6million for charity, especially multiple sclerosis and, more recently, a juvenile cardiac disease centre.

Sir Ranulph, a former SAS officer, has been described as the world’s greatest living explorer. Prince Charles dubbed him "mad but marvellous". He has led 22 major projects to remote parts of the world.

In a humorous talk at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Hollingbourne, he quipped that "scrounging" was another word for "sponsorship".

He shrugged off the achievements that testify to the courage, endurance and motivation of a rare individual. In a message that has resonance for business people facing relentless overseas competition, he summed up the role of explorer.

"It’s a straightforward profession and what it’s all about is staying ahead of our international rivals," he said.

The event was hosted by Geoff Clark, the BBC presenter, and featured the magic of Keelan Leyser.