Last Word Laura Ash
Rock Solid Health Owner and Founder
Laura Ash, a former Police and Counter Terrorism Officer, transformed her crisis into a thriving career as a Burnout and Energy Management Coach. She co-owns Rock Solid Health with her husband Barry. Founded after Laura’s medical retirement, Rock Solid has flourished over ten years, featuring on BodyPower Expo and Channel 5star’s “It’s Your Fault I’m Fat.” Laura’s resilience from a burnout in 2017 has shaped their mission. Besides authoring a children’s book and engaging in charity work, they extend their expertise to corporate wellness programs, empowering professionals to elevate their health and well-being. What was your first job and what was the pay packet? I was a trainee Travel Agent for Going Places in Folkestone Kent. My wages per week back then was £50 per week from what I can remember. What do you always carry with you to work? I always carry with me a water bottle, being hydrated has been shown to boost your concentration and strength. What is the biggest challenge facing your business? Helping people to see that self-care is not a luxury and that it should be part of your overall business plan and strategy. If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business? I would give sick pay to self-employed people who run small businesses. Sometimes we need to be able to take time off and not being paid can cause a huge strain on people. What can you see from your office window? Our beautiful garden which is an escape and always offers something new to see as the seasons change. If you could do another job, what would it be? I would lean more into our charity work that we do with children’s hospitals and hospices. Helping create smiles and magical memories. As a businessperson, what are your three main qualities? Compassion, Truth, Vulnerability. What was your biggest mistake in business? Looking at everyone else’s success and making that my measure, instead of creating my own measure of success. It is part of the reason I burned out in 2017. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs? Go for it, believe in yourself, set your own measure of success. Who do you most admire in business? Anyone who has the guts and determination to make a business and run it, it is not for everyone, and it can be a challenge, but the rewards are worth it! ThinkingBusiness Business 50 50 Thinking
Avondale Environmental Services is thrilled to have appointed a new Managing Director Danny Patel brings a wealth of experience and passion for sustainability and service excellence that is at the core of Avondale Environmental Services’ values. His previous background in facilities management and client engagement will underpin Danny’s challenge to grow the business whilst promoting the company values and engaging with local businesses. Danny’s journey in facilities management began over a decade ago. He earned his reputation through unwavering commitment to business
Movers and Shakers
management and innovation and his extensive experience has positioned him as a trusted expert in the industry. His approach is to treat each client as unique, with a personalised approach to address their specific business needs, challenges, and objectives. Under his leadership, Avondale will ensure that its clients receive tailored solutions that align with their values and goals. Avondale Environmental Services offers comprehensive vegetation clearances, grounds maintenance, tree works, invasive weed control, sports pitches and much more that are tailored to specific needs by using technology, specialist
equipment and highly trained staff. Avondale prides itself on putting the customer first by delivering excellent standards, great communication and competitive pricing. Their main areas of business are railways, highways, construction and local authority work, across the whole of the UK. Find out more at www.avondaleuk.com
Produced in Kent appoints fresh food expert Carol Ford as new Board Director Trade organisation Produced in Kent, the voice of the local independent food and drink sector in Kent and Medway, is thrilled to announce the appointment of fresh food specialist and all-round industry heavy-weight Carol Ford as a new Director on its Board.
Carol says: “I feel honoured to join Produced in Kent, especially at such a critical and important time for food. As we all know, Kent is a county with a proud heritage as the Garden of England and on the back of that we have a dynamic and modern food sector based here, be that in hospitality, growing, producing and innovating new food and drink products. “We go from incubator projects to multi-million-pound food and drink businesses and everything
in between. Food is incredibly important in all aspects of life and supports our economy, health, culture and sense of identity in our place.
“The imaginative work and support that Produced in Kent provides in championing food and drink in Kent and Medway is second to none. I hope my passion and experience for fresh food, fresh produce, horticulture, agriculture and the wider sector will complement the amazing work already being undertaken by Produced in Kent for our county, districts and critically our food and drink businesses.” Carol has more than 20 years’ experience in the fresh food and fresh produce sectors and the wider southeast business and rural community. She started as a retail buyer at Sainsbury’s
and held various marketing and commercial management roles. She has also held Director roles on the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP), Kent Business Advisory Board (KBAB) and South East Local Economic Partnership (SELEP). She continues to advise Kent County Council and chairs the Fresh Food Production/Horticulture Task Force, a grower and producer network which tackles challenges faced in the sector. Floortje Hoette, CEO of Produced in Kent, says: “We are incredibly lucky to have Carol as a new Director on our Board. She brings such a wealth of knowledge but is also a fantastic person to work with: passionate, no nonsense, results-driven and so positive about the opportunities for our sector.”
Nick Barker joins Avante Care & Support as Director of Quality Avante Care & Support is delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Barker as the organisation’s Director of Quality. In this crucial role, Nick will lead the company’s quality assurance initiatives, ensuring Avante Care & Support maintains its high-quality standards of care and service. With a distinguished background in quality management, Nick brings a wealth of experience to Avante and his impressive
track record and commitment to excellence, will play a pivotal role in Avante’s ongoing vision to provide ‘Communities where everyone has a vibrant and fulfilling life’.
Nick will be responsible for overseeing quality control measures, implementing best practice, and driving process improvements across Avante. He will work closely with colleagues in Care Operations to enhance the high-quality care for which Avante is known.
For more information on Avante Care & Support please visit www.avantecare.org
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