Summer's here and lots of us will be jetting off on holiday over the next couple of months, if we've not been already.

This week Business Argus has been asking the local business community what one thing is it esstential they pack when they go away for their annual two weeks:

Kath Lewis, IAC Ltd, Newport

My swimming costume, hat and goggles. I absolutely love swimming be it in the pool, lake, river or the sea – as long as there aren’t any jelly fish! I find swimming relaxing and I particularly like outdoor swimming as the change in scenery and current makes it more interesting. Just an hour away from everything, especially my phone and e-mails can make all the difference. Holiday time is precious and I intend to enjoy it.

Luke Welsh, head of employment law, Howells Solicitors, Newport

Flippers and snorkel – they are essential to keep up with my daughter as we spend most of our time in the sea.

Paul Fosh, MD, Paul Fosh Auctions, Newport

Books, proper books rather than a kindle. I love reading but don’t have as much time as I’d like normally to read so I read as much as I can when on holiday. I normally alternate between fiction and non-fiction. Sadly, as is the way of the world, a must take on holiday is also my iPhone and IPad. Whilst I like to keep half an eye on work I’m pretty disciplined in only checking my emails once an evening, it’s nice to switch off as much as possible and I’m sure the family appreciate it.

Gareth Jones, director, Audere Medical Services Limited, Usk

I’m a keen photographer and enjoy taking photos of the places we visit on holiday so I’d say my camera.

Gerald Davies, executive chairman, Kymin, Newport

I leave my mobile at home so that people can’t get in touch. It’s supposed to be a holiday isn’t it? I take a book, usually a large paperback detective novel. Recently I’ve been working my way through the novels of Henning Mankell, especially the Wallander books - much better than on television. On my next holiday, a cruise to the Norwegian Fijords, I am travelling with friends. My partner, another couple and a friend, five of us in all. We call ourselves The Famous Five. However, we go away every year to somewhere different. It’s good to travel with friends. As for what to wear, I take plenty of pairs of shorts, in the hope of good weather, no formal wear at all. Oh, and a good sun hat as I have to cover my head.

Tim Millwood, Millwood Online

I try to disconnect as much as I can when on holiday. I tell all clients that I am out, switch off my phone and shut down my laptop. However I have a great group of people that can allow me to do this, so it's all about putting the right planning in place. Lining up work, prioritising and delegating of tasks. When I go away I can then make sure I have everything for a great time, sunglasses, swim shorts and everything for the kids.

John Newell, director, Kingston Newell Estate Agents,Newport

Books. I like to take the opportunity to relax by reading books – autobiographies are my favourites.

Clive Thomas, managing partner, Watkins & Gunn Solicitors

For this year's summer holiday the most important thing for me to take was a pedometer! As to boost our staff's health and wellbeing this summer, we are walking to Mexico! Not literally - but using pedometers we are walking 5,000 miles between us all to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. So there was no time for any time off - even on holiday - so I had to pack the pedometer!

Rob Edmunds, director, Hindsight IT, Cwmbran

Sad to say it’s my laptop so I can keep in touch with clients and sort out any IT problems they have. I do my best to minimise the amount of time I’m on it.

Vince Taylor, director, Kinetic Workplace Design, Usk

It has to be my family. I spend a lot of time working all over the place so it’s lovely to have quality time with them.

Gareth Waters, director, BrandNuCreative, Cwmbran

I’ve forgotten my swimming shorts in the past so, as well as my mobile phone I’d have to say my swimming shorts as well!