Yorkshire BusinessWoman April 2024 Edition

Meet the Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year

£80m boost for West Yorkshire Designer flies the flag for Yorkshire

Supporting female business women across the Yorkshire region

EditorsNotes

By group editor Gill Laidler

What a month March was, I don’t think we have seen a busier month since we launched Yorkshire Businesswoman in 2020.

This obviously was mostly down to our awards that took place at the Leeds Marriott Hotel on 8th March as we celebrated International Women’s Day.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each person who either judged, sponsored, supported, or came along, the evening was a huge success, and I was thrilled we were able to celebrate the most amazing businesswomen we have here in Yorkshire. Congratulations to all who were nominated, those shortlisted and most of all our winners.

You can read the full round-up from page 38. Images from the evening are available too (link on our website) taken by our fabulous photographers Roth Read.

Work now begins on the 2025 awards and nominations and ticket sales will open in the autumn on our website. In the

meantime, if you would like to sponsor a category or be a main sponsor, do let me know as many of these have been snapped up already from businesses who supported us this year.

As we look forward to the lighter nights, we are seeing many more people out and about, not least at our monthly networking events, we love meeting up with all or members and their guests, so if you’re interested in coming along, check out all the dates on our website.

This edition our cover features Kate Ball who was the overall winner of Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year. Kate’s business journey is remarkable, and you can read all about her on page 34.

Our next edition will be out in early June.

Gill x

You can email us at hello@yorkshirebusinesswoman.co.uk or call us on 07711 539047

yorkshire_businesswoman yorkshirebusin2

Yorkshire TV duo reunite to champion suicide prevention

Yorkshire TV favourites

Duncan Wood and Christine Talbot have announced they will be re-uniting for a special cause this spring

The award-winning former ITV Calendar presenters developed a special rapport on screen which proved highly popular with TV audiences.

Now they have agreed to present a national conference being organised by friend Mike McCarthy, a former presenter from the rival news programme BBC Look North.

Mike tragically lost his son to suicide three years ago and since then has campaigned for suicide prevention

and improvements in mental health support. He has co-founded the national suicide prevention charity, Baton of Hope which is dedicated to sma shing the stigma around suicide and helping to reduce suicide statistics which have stagnated in the UK for more than 15 years.

The duo will present the inaugural Baton of Hope conference this May 16th which aims to bring together people who care about suicide prevention to change the way suicide is seen, talked about, and treated.

Mike said: “I cannot thank Duncan and Christine enough for generously agreeing to give their time for this vital cause. As a former tv presenter myself I know the hosting of this

conference is in very capable and talented hands.

Duncan and Yorkshire Businesswoman ambassador Christine added: “We are honoured to be supporting this event. Nobody is immune to mental health problems and the nation is losing far too many people to suicide. It is the biggest killer of men under 50 and women under 35 and we welcome the opportunity to play a part in this event.”

The conference entitled: ‘Making Suicide Everyone’s Business’ takes place at the Octagon Centre in Sheffield on May 16th. Speakers include former political spin doctor Alastair Campbell, and world leader on suicide research and prevention and President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, Professor Rory O’Connor amongst many more.

The event is open to all and tickets are available at https://batonofhopeuk. org/events/

Elland grade II listed canal side office accommodation up for sale

A Grade II listed former canal moorings warehouse in Elland which has been converted into modern, highspecification office space is up for sale freehold for £1.05m.

Located adjacent to the Calder and Hebble Navigation on Gas Works Lane, off Elland Bridge, Elland Wharf comprises two buildings, the warehouse, and the stables. The property currently produces a gross rental income of £90,960 PAX, representing a gross initial yield of 8.66 percent.

Set over three floors, the warehouse offers modern and characterful office accommodation ranging from 320 sq ft to 1,890 sq ft. The stables is split into three suites, with associated reception entrances.

Both buildings contain kitchen and WC provision.

Externally, the buildings are set within well-manicured gardens and there is onsite parking for 36 cars.

The property benefits from excellent transport links, with the M62 less than two miles away allowing access to Leeds and Manchester.

Commercial property consultancy

Walker Singleton has brought the site to market and it is available to purchase with a guide price of £1.05m.

Commenting on the listing, director, Ryan Barker said: “We anticipate Elland Wharf will be a popular site as it offers a strong investment opportunity to prospective buyers.

“With one unit currently vacant and the potential development of another suite would give it a potential gross reversionary yield of over 10 percent.

“The property’s picturesque canal-side surroundings and strategic location near to major transport links will boost its appeal further.

“There has already been strong interest in the site, therefore I would advise any interested parties to get in contact to discuss the opportunity and arrange a viewing.”

Integrated communications agency expands team

Integrated communications agency tigerbond is continuing to build its presence in the north with the appointment of a new associate director.

Co-founder, Rachel Gladwin, added: “With offices in Leeds and Manchester, we are well-established heavyweights in the region and the appointment our first head of the north cements our commitment to cultivating and further growing our presence.”

As well as working on the crisis and corporate communications team, Emma Streets is the company’s first head of the north – playing a key role in empowering teams in Leeds and Manchester, positively influencing change, and mentoring professionals across the full UK business.

With over 20 years' experience, Emma has expertise across a huge breadth of industries and channels, from social media to crisis and online reputation management.

For more than a decade, Emma has worked in integrated brand and specialist PR agencies, leading national and global communications programmes for clients across FMCG, e-commerce, logistics, maritime and not-for-profit sectors. Emma also spent four years in-house leading on PR and reputation management for one of the UK’s largest delivery companies, Evri.

Speaking of the move, Emma said: “I’m so pleased to be joining the team. It’s exciting to be part of an agency that is committed to embracing and expanding its northern heritage, at a time when the merging of online and traditional PR practices has never been so important, particularly when it comes to crisis and corporate communications.”

The appointment follows the signing of Carina Everest as a senior account manager on the consumer team in the London office. Carina returns to the business following her departure five years ago to live in France and

will see her work across the agency’s consumer portfolio.

She said: “I feel like I've come home to my tigerbond family, and I look forward to growing our consumer brand offering to existing and prospect clients.”

Formed in 2021 following a management buyout, tigerbond is a full-service communications agency with offices across England, Scotland and Ireland, as well as a joint venture – tartanbond – in Canada.

York business marks 20th anniversary

Organisational development consultancy firm h2h is celebrating its 20th anniversary with growth plans. h2h enables businesses to flourish through targeted people development and is expanding its team in response to a series of new opportunities for the Yorkshire based business.

In the last four years, h2h has grown its revenue by 53% and is currently

recruiting for additional consultants to meet the rising demand for its services since the pandemic. It recently won a new contract with an international engineering organisation to provide leadership and organisation development support.

Last year, leadership development work accounted for over 65% of projects and the firm has seen unprecedented demand for support in developing first-line managers, who face increasing responsibilities often with minimal experience.

Founded by Susan Binnersleyone of the first female directors at BAE Systems and with three decades’ experience in HR and talent development - h2h works with global brands predominantly in STEM sectors.

Many of its first customers from 2004 continue to work with h2h today, along with more than 20 other organisations spanning sectors with global reach including science, engineering, retail, FMCG, food manufacturing, F1 and nuclear sectors.

Susan says: “Our 20th anniversary is a very special moment and testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our team and the support of our customers over the last two decades.

I am particularly proud of our track record of returning customers, many of which we’ve partnered with since the beginning and continue to work with to this day.

“Organisations and their employees are facing unprecedented challenges in the post-pandemic workplace, and with the right guidance, training and development there is a real opportunity to transform the world of work for the better. It’s an exciting time for h2h and I’m looking forward to expanding the team further so we can continue to achieve our purpose of making working lives better.”

Carina Nesbitt, former group talent management director at Trelleborg, said: “The best thing is having access to h2h’s broad experience. With its different faculties being specialised in different areas, we can always get a good fit for our programme modules.” Referring to a recent graduate programme, she added: “It is creating the culture we want to see in our leaders, the environmental behaviours we need and, crucially, helping to retain the talented people we need to take us into the future.”

Speaking about a leadership programme h2h has delivered to international prospecting business Sopro, Michelle Thomas, chief people officer, said: “The effects of the Powering Growth in our People programme continue to be felt across every level of the business from employee through to senior leadership, as a result of the newly honed skills developed by our people managers. Whether it be increased confidence in having effective career conversations, improved communication or greater self-awareness leading to heightened emotional intelligence - the impact is far reaching and continues to have a positive impact.”

MEPC appoints new marketing manager at Wellington Place

MEPC, the asset manager and developer behind Wellington Place, has announced the appointment of Sarah Limbert as its new marketing manager as it strengthens its customer experience, events, and marketing team.

Sarah brings nearly twenty years of extensive marketing experience to the role. She spent 17 years working within leisure and hospitality, including with leading hotel group QHotels, before her most recent role at Medical Protection Society.

Wellington Place is a thriving urban quarter based in Leeds city centre. It’s home to award-winning, state-ofthe-art, mixed use buildings spanning office, leisure and retail space and is the location of choice to over 60 leading companies, including EY, ghd, Lloyds Banking Group, NHS England, and Willis Towers Watson.

In her new role, Sarah will be responsible for delivering multi-channel marketing

strategies, and further strengthening the community at Wellington Place through participatory and social impact led placemaking activities.

Sarah said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as Marketing Manager. My passion for bringing people together and delivering outstanding customer service will be a great fit for Wellington Place.

“Wellington Place has always stood out to me as a vibrant business hub in Leeds city centre that puts people firmly at its centre, and I’m looking forward to shaping this exciting neighbourhood.

“I’m particularly excited to driving forward our activities and initiatives that have social impact at the heart, including working with organisations doing great things in Leeds such as Ahead Partnership, to add more value to the lives of people that work here, and the wider community.”

Dominique Murray, associate marketing director added: “Sarah joins us at an exciting time. We now have a working population of over 16,000 people and want to continue to expand our exciting and engaging events that will bring together both our business and local community. We’re passionate about Wellington Place being a destination that people really want to come to, whether that’s work or pleasure, Sarah’s wealth of experience is key to delivering this.”

25 years’ service for Nichola, in male-dominated industry

A Malton-based training and apprenticeship provider is celebrating 25 years’ service for one of its employees despite women continuing to be underrepresented in the engineering industry.

Nichola Zanda joined the business in 1999 as a receptionist, having previously worked in the travel industry. During her time in this role she was trained to use the data systems, which led to her being promoted into the senior team in 2018. Her new position as business support manager saw her become line manager the whole business support team, in addition to other new responsibilities.

The Business Support department includes marketing, sales, funding, registrar functions, assessing all apprentice applicants before onboarding starts, conducting onboarding and assessing additional learning support needs, and coordinating support functions to ensure the business simply functions.

CEO, Claire Gavaghan said: “When I first arrived as CEO, I think it is fair to say that Nikki was unsure of her own abilities. However, it was evident to me that she was more than capable if she was encouraged to follow her instinct because she had acquired a vast amount of knowledge.

“I gave Nikki space to take the lead once the direction and strategy was agreed and finalised. She always seeks guidance when needed but quite simply - she has flown. She has my full confidence when speaking to the Department of Education or any auditor. I have certainly seen her as an integral part of the Derwent Training team during the five years I have been here. I congratulate her on her 25 years at an independent training

provider - just think of the number of apprentices she has supported, what a phenomenal achievement.”

Research conducted in 2022* shows that women make up 16.5 per cent of all UK engineers, and females represent 23 per cent of the construction and utilities workforce, but there is a target in place to grow these figures to at least 30 per cent by 2030.

Launched

Nichola said: “I started as a young woman who moved across from working in the travel industry and the education sector was completely new to me. I am proud to have worked my way up in the company and have seen a lot of changes both in the education sector and the company as it has grown. It has not always been easy; however I have been able to make a significant contribution

to its success and stability. Looking back, I smile at the young woman who was not sure she would stay but look at me now!”

Derwent Training recently launched its Leadership & Management apprenticeship which directly addresses a gap in education provision as detailed by the York and North Yorkshire LEP Business Board.

Boost

Derwent Training Association, which was founded 35 years ago, has earned an enviable reputation for its engineering apprenticeships – achieving a 98 per cent employer satisfaction score (January 2023) and is rated ‘good’ by OFSTED. Following a report released by the LEP which described a lack of leadership training in the region being a core cause of holding back productivity, the Derwent Training team decided to invest in making this available to boost the local economy.

The national qualification achievement rate target for apprenticeships is 67%, and nationally the achievement in Engineering Apprenticeships is 58% (currently) – at Derwent Training, the current rate is 78%.

The company provides training to apprentices, employers and individuals to build skills and improve employability across Yorkshire and the Northeast from its training centre in Malton, where it can offer face-toface delivery such as level three and level four apprenticeships, as well as online delivery to upskill employees through bespoke training and CPD courses.

Valerie Donaldson announced as general manager of Radisson Blu Sheffield

Radisson Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Valerie Donaldson as general manager of the new Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield, which is scheduled to open this summer. Valerie will play a pivotal role in overseeing the opening of the stunning new property with its grand Victorian facade in the heart of Sheffield city centre.

The hotel features 154 light and airy modern rooms, many of which look out over the picturesque landscape of the city’s Peace Gardens and its historic clock tower, where the combination

of Sheffield’s history and regeneration unfolds.

As an integral part of Radisson Hotel Group since 2008, Valerie brings a wealth of experience to her newly appointed position. Having worked across several hotels within the Group, Valerie successfully headed up the refurbishment and re-positioning of Radisson Blu Hotel in Leeds between 2012 and 2015. Prior to that, she was also part of the management team for the opening of Radisson SAS in Birmingham.

Valerie says: “Sheffield is undergoing significant investment right now, with the Heart of the City II regeneration, and I’m thrilled that we are part of the

transformation. I’m truly excited with the hotel plans; this is an amazing property which will play a big part in the city, and I cannot wait for it to open. My goal is to create a destination where people can relax, dine, meet-up, and enjoy themselves – a true hub within the city.”

Heart of the City II is revamping Sheffield’s city centre to deliver its longawaited commercial, leisure, retail and residential area. As part of the scheme, the new hotel will help rejuvenate the centre of Sheffield with easy access to key attractions including The Crucible Theatre, Lyceum Theatre and live music venue O2 Academy Sheffield, as well as Sheffield Hallam University.

Suzanne Speak, RHG managing director UK and Ireland says: “Valerie has extensive experience in hotel openings and repositioning, as well as a proven track record within our group. There is no doubt that Valerie’s passion and commitment to excellence, along with her leadership skills, will play a key role in providing a first-class guest experience for the city of Sheffield.”

With her passion for hospitality, Valerie aims to reflect this throughout the hotel with a team who emulate her commitment to providing excellent service standards for their guests. The hotel is currently undergoing a recruitment drive and Valerie is keen to assemble a group of people with the same ‘can-do’ attitude she holds herself.

Radisson Blu Hotel Sheffield is situated within 10 minutes’ walk of Sheffield train station, and a 40-minute drive from Sheffield Airport. Valerie is a hardworking mum of two boys. She has an international background but classes herself as a proud Yorkshire woman after marrying a Yorkshire man and moving to the region, where she has lived with her family for over 14 years.

Laura Greenwood Therapy grows the team

Huddersfield-based accredited psychotherapist and maternal mental health coach, Laura Greenwood, is celebrating two years of her Psychotherapy practice, ‘Laura Greenwood Therapy’.

Throughout her career, including over 10 years in the NHS, Laura has discovered patterns in the ways that people respond to mental health difficulties, and has made it her mission to help clients overcome these difficulties, realise their full potential, and live the life they love.

She made the decision to set up her own specialist Psychotherapy clinic in February 2022, to reach and support more mothers and parents than were being helped my mainstream services.

Laura has noticed a huge need for more expert mental health and wellbeing support for mothers, as both a preventative strategy for reducing the chance of developing more significant

I am so proud of how the business has grown which all started with a knowledge that there was a gap that needed filling...

As reported by the Guardian, nearly 20,000 women annually experience mental health challenges stemming from pregnancy or childbirth are not receiving adequate support from the NHS. Those seeking support often face significant delays, with wait times of up to 19 months in certain regions of England, as overstretched specialist services struggle to meet demand.

Laura says: “I am so proud of how the business has grown which all started with a knowledge that there was a gap that needed filling, a drive to change that and a self-belief that I could do it. I am a clinician at heart, not a natural businessperson, so I have certainly learnt a lot during this time. But one thing that has always supported me, is following my heart, gut instinct, and the whole purpose behind why I am doing this.

"Maternal mental health issues are believed to incur an annual cost of £1.2 billion for the NHS and £8.1 billion for society overall. My team and I provide support to women both individually and through group sessions. Additionally, we collaborate with organisations to offer corporate maternal and paternal wellness programs for their employees. While we've made significant progress in two years, our growth journey continues!”

New team member, CBT therapist

mental health challenges, and when those challenges reach clinical levels. As a result, she has grown her team of therapists to cope with this demand, reduce waiting times and help to fill this gap, with mainstream services being so overrun.

Elspeth Campbell says: "I’m thrilled to have joined Team LGT. I’m so passionate about our mission to help parents overcome the difficulties that come with the transition to parenthood, improve their wellbeing and help them show up as the best versions of themselves for their children and families."

New name for landmark City One development

Caddick Developments, part of Caddick Group, has today received a unanimous resolution to approve from Leeds City Council planning committee for a major, new, mixed-use neighborhood in the South Bank of Leeds.

To mark the planning decision, the 2m sq ft scheme, previously named City One, has been rebranded as South Village. The new name reflects not only its location within one of the UK’s largest brownfield regeneration sites - South Bank, Leeds - but also the development’s design as a contemporary urban village perfectly suited for modern city living.

South Village could provide up to 1,925 homes, 650,000 sq ft of

commercial space and significant landscaped areas, all centered around a curated ‘village green’ the size of a professional sports field, and accessible to both residents and local community alike.

Located just off Meadow Road, South Village has been designed to meet the highest environmental standards, improve connectivity across the south of the city, and will make a significant contribution to Leeds’ target for new housing provision within the city centre.

Positively received today by Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel, the “exciting” scheme was praised for its potential, which would “change this part of the city altogether”.

This futuristic, campus-style development will offer a range of living products for professionals, families, empty nesters and students alike.

A dynamic new place brand has also been developed to accompany the name change, which will be revealed in due course.

Lee Savage, director said: “South Village will offer a revolution in city-centre living, transforming this strategically located brownfield site into an ambitious and accessible new neighbourhood. Our proposals are incredibly exciting, having been designed to provide bold, modern architecture, significant public space, and enhanced connectivity between Holbeck and the city centre.

“As we work towards submission of a detailed planning application, we will continue to collaborate closely with key partners and the community to bring forward a vibrant new chapter for this part of the South Bank.”

Johnny Caddick said: “We’re delighted to have received the resolution to approve from Leeds planning committee for this transformational new development. South Village is set to redefine contemporary urban living in Leeds, offering all the amenities of a traditional village, while being in the heart of the city centre.

“Perfectly suited to modern patterns of living and working, South Village has been carefully designed to provide significant public realm and community space, promote active lifestyles and connectivity, and ultimately enable the creation of a dynamic, multi-generational community.”

Yorkshire Sculpture Park unveils new family friendly outdoor play space

An exciting new place to play, discover and imagine, Little Wild Wood at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) opened in time for the Easter holidays, building on the charity’s reputation as one of Yorkshire’s premier family visitor attractions.

The family-friendly Little Wild Wood has nature and creativity at its heart and sits within two of YSP’s 500 acres of beautiful landscape. It has been created predominantly using sustainable natural materials that have been foraged or repurposed from other areas of the Park. YSP’s talented Technical Team has utilised windfall trees, stumps, willow and refurbished picnic benches to create the brand-new space for our younger visitors to enjoy.

Located next to the main Visitor Centre, Little Wild Wood welcomes you in with tunnels made from natural willow, leading to a vibrant willow dome. It then opens up into a magical woodland to reveal teepees where families can build dens together, and tree stump stepping stones and raised wooden platforms to adventure

across. There is even a wooden house which encourages imaginative play, where children can get creative with found natural materials and invent their own games and stories.

Celebrated local sculptor Brian Fell, whose studio is based at YSP, has also generously donated three giant sculptures to Little Wild Wood – a two-metre-high desert rat, a towering pineapple and a 360-degree onion seat – specially for children to discover and explore.

Director of YSP Clare Lilley said: “We’re really excited by Little Wild Wood and know it’s something our new and regular visitors will love. Creative play is central to YSP’s cause – play at all ages improves our physical, social, cognitive and emotional well-being and is an

essential element of children’s learning and development.”

This easily accessible art and nature play area enables young visitors to get messy and make their own playground in nature. It adds another element to an already rich offer at YSP, sitting alongside our award-winning galleries, shops, restaurants, outdoor sculpture and beautiful, sprawling landscape. It also complements YSP’s Hidden Forest, another permanent outdoor creative woodland, specifically designed for under-5s, which is open for special activity sessions on advertised dates throughout the year.

With a degree of freedom that is not available in the classroom or even many homes, children can visit Little Wild Wood to make and build, lift and carry, get muddy, create their own games and natural sculptures, think through challenges, bond with others and be inspired, but most of all, have fun.

The Coniston Hotel welcomes Michelle Wood

The Coniston Country Estate in the Yorkshire Dales is delighted to welcome Michelle Wood as corporate & events sales manager.

Michelle will be responsible for heading up the corporate and events side of the business; account management, new business and assuming responsibility for developing the property’s C&E offering.

Nestled within a stunning 1,400-acre

estate, The Coniston Hotel, sits within beautiful woodland and parkland on the edge of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales.

Nick Bannister, managing director Michelle: “We are absolutely delighted to have Michelle lead the corporate

& events side of our business. Her invaluable experience coupled with her thorough understanding of our purpose-driven approach, means that further exciting times are ahead!”

Michelle added: “I’m delighted to be joining the team and ensuring we continue to go above and beyond to deliver results, whilst building relationships with existing and new guests and suppliers”.

Michelle joins from Beyondly Global Ltd, an environmental consultancy who educate to positively impact society and the environment. During this role, Michelle was the account manager to John Lewis, B&M and Aldi with tasks that included managing relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders, ensuring high levels of customer service.

During her career Michelle worked for another independent family business, Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate. During her time as customer insight manager, Michelle provided directors with quality, actionable customer insight and foresight through a mix of desk research, face to face interviews and survey creation with analysis, resulting in comprehensive insights and recommendations.

Michelle held the role of operations manager throughout the pandemic for another food brand, Love Brownies, producing reports to track sales, identify trends and build forecasts.

Michelle is a local Yorkshire woman and a fluent French speaker, having gained her degree in the language. With a passion for great food, in her spare time she enjoys trying out local restaurants and experimenting in the kitchen at home. Also, a cricket fan, Michelle is a qualified cricket scorer through the ACU&S.

New state-of-the-art apartment block arrives in Leeds

Popular rental brand UNCLE is opening its highly anticipated first building in Leeds. UNCLE Leeds will offer 463 brand new apartments for renters located on Whitehall Road in Leeds city centre. With a strong presence in Manchester and London, UNCLE is bringing its mission of ‘taking the lord attitude out of being a landlord’ to Leeds.

Set to open its doors in early spring, UNCLE Leeds comprises 69 studio apartments, 163 one-bedroom apartments, 208 two-bedroom apartments and 23 three-bedroom apartments. UNCLE is known for its emphasis on design with interior designers behind the likes of Soho House. UNCLE Leeds has bespoke, designed amenity spaces, which include a cinema room, residents’ gym and Peloton room, performance room, and 2 co-working spaces, for communal or quiet work. Unlike any other apartment block in Leeds, it also includes a resident-only bowling alley. Other amenities include a rooftop terrace, outdoor space, high speed WiFi and secure car park and bike storage.

UNCLE Leeds is pet-friendly, reflecting a common need for many who are looking to rent in the city. Residents at UNCLE buildings

are known to start pet sitting and pet walking groups, among other social activities.

Inside UNCLE’s apartments, renters will find Architectural Digest-worthy designs, including BoConcept furniture and Bosch appliances.

The UNCLE brand is well known for its brand promises, which include he ‘love it or leave it’ initiative, allowing tenants to cut their lease within the first two weeks, no questions asked, if the apartment doesn’t feel like a true fit. Additionally, UNCLE also offers its ‘sleep around’ option, which lets its renters swap flats or location any time they like (availability dependent).

Ryan Prince, founder, commented: "We’re really excited to be launching UNCLE Leeds and continue to look towards investing in rental solutions in the North. Cities are the heart and soul of our world, and that is why we continue to invest in quality city living. In today’s hybrid world, your neighbours are more than your neighbours, they are your workfrom-home-colleagues, which is why we have invested in multiple, flexible co-working spaces, social areas and even a resident-only bowling alley. We want renters to feel respected, looked after, and even a little bit loved and we think UNCLE Leeds does just that.”

Sunak's apprenticeship Package: will it support SMEs?

The Prime Minister has announced a major reform package which will see £60 million invested to support small businesses in their efforts to offer apprenticeships.

Here, an expert comment from Les Roberts, Small Business Comparison Expert, at Bionic with his thoughts on the reform package and if it goes far enough to support struggling SMEs in the UK.

“The main aim of this package is to remove financial obstacles for small businesses looking to hire apprentices. The plans include the government shouldering more of the costs that bringing apprentices onboard can involve and will include:

• The government will fully fund apprenticeships in small businesses by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21

• The government will also increase the amount of funding that employers who are paying the apprenticeship levy can pass onto other businesses

Under the new package, large employers who currently pay the apprenticeship levy are able to transfer up to 50% of their funds to support smaller firms looking to hire apprentices.

The government claims that the package will open the door to 20,000 more apprenticeship opportunities for small businesses, but does it go far enough?

The scheme helps to remove the red tape and more funding for apprenticeships will be welcome news for both business owners looking to train up staff and for young people looking to kickstart their careers. Here are just a few benefits of employing apprentices for small businesses:

• Opportunity to fill skill gap in your workforce

• Cost effective way to boost your workforce due to available funding and 1st year apprenticeship wage

• Boost productivity with enthusiastic employees who are eager to learn

• Opportunity to retain loyal employees if apprenticeship becomes full-fledged job

• Diversify your team with new talent and knowledge

Government figures show that there were 176,500 people aged 19 to 24 participating in an apprenticeship in England during the 2022/23 academic year. But when you consider that government figures also show that UK SMEs employ 16.7 million people, it’s clear that the scheme will only help a small percentage of UK businesses boost their workforces and invest in future talent.

Although energy prices have fallen since they peaked in 2022, inflation continues to push prices up and high interest rates are pushing up rental costs. This means tens of thousands of micro and small businesses are still facing challenging trading conditions with no sign of government support, especially as the Energy Bills Discount Scheme is coming to an end. Let's hope this support package aimed at small businesses is the first of many.”

Caddick Group and Moda bring Places for Life Pavilion back to UKREiiF for 2024

Caddick Group and Moda Living have confirmed their Places for Life Pavilion will return to UKREiiF for a third year in May, with a brand-new programme filled with discussions, Q&As, networking opportunities, and two major development launches across 21-23 May.

Established in Yorkshire over 45 years ago, Caddick Group comprises a number of organisations including Caddick Land, Caddick Developments, Caddick Construction, and Oakgate Group, with its unique organisational structure allowing it to lead the entire development process, from initial land acquisition to full completion.

It also owns Moda Living – the pioneering rental living that has a pipeline of 26,000

homes worth a combined £6.8bn across the UK, from Brighton to Edinburgh, across the BTR, single-family rental and PBSA markets.

Nationally, Caddick Group has over £9.8bn worth of assets in the development pipeline, including over 19m sq ft in logistics and distribution space and over 34,000 Build-to Rentunits. With its roots firmly in Yorkshire, UKREiiF provides Caddick with a unique

opportunity to showcase its national activity to an international audience, right on the doorstep of some of its pioneering Leeds schemes.

Speaking of their involvement, Johnny Caddick, director at Caddick Group and chief executive at Moda Living, said: “It’s been another exciting year for us across our residential and industrial and logistics divisions. Returning to UKREiiF allows us to showcase some of the team’s fantastic work and engage in discussions with other sector leaders about how we can work together to create a greener, fairer industry for all, build lasting communities, and demonstrate best practice across every sector.

“We look forward to meeting with partners and friends old and new to explore partnership opportunities, discuss best practice and crucially, unlock the potential of the next generation of built environment professionals.”

Nathan Spencer, director at UKREiiF, said: “We are so pleased to announce the return of Caddick and Moda at UKREiiF 2024! Caddick Group and Moda stand as beacons of inspiration for businesses in the Yorkshire region, having sprouted from local roots to blossom into leading developers, operators, and contractors nationwide.

“While firmly grounded in Yorkshire, their influence extends well beyond, positioning them as key players in the UK's development and construction landscape. Their commitment to creating sustainable and vibrant neighbourhoods, fostering communities where individuals desire to live, work, and engage in recreational activities, transcends regional boundaries.

“This dedication not only impacts Yorkshire but also catalyses a broader transformation in the industry throughout the entire United Kingdom. Their participation in UKREiiF marks a significant achievement for the event, underscoring their pivotal role in reshaping the approach to the industry nationwide.”

The third annual UKREiiF event will be held in Leeds on 21-23 May 2024 and is supported by some of the biggest UK property and infrastructure companies. The forum will attract inward investment, generate economic growth, and drive a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction industries.

New Hire for Han Law Co

Yorkshire-based, Han Law Co has bolstered its team with the appointment of Natalie Saunders, an HR director and employment lawyer with nearly 25 years of experience.

Natalie has worked with a range of businesses from start-ups to global household names, in financial services, professional services, higher education, food and drink, and manufacturing. She also has the invaluable experience of running her own businesses.

Her work-related passions are strategy, culture, people experience, leadership development and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Pragmatic and highly commercial, Natalie recognises the value and impact of prioritising people experience on crucial KPIs such as attraction, recruitment,

retention, and individual as well as organisational performance.

On the appointment, Hannah Strawbridge, founder, and CEO said; “I’m thrilled to welcome Natalie, and I’m very excited about what she can bring to the table. Natalie has a huge depth of HR knowledge, particularly in the field of equality, diversity, and inclusion, that will add so much value to our clients. She’s also a naturally curious and empathetic ‘people’ person, making her the perfect fit for us and our clients. She’s a brilliant addition to the team.”

Natalie commented; “Hannah and the team are disrupting the market for employment law and HR advice, reimagining the relationship between providers of professional services and their clients. It’s a truly exciting business to be a part of and I’m delighted to supplement their legal advisory services with my HR expertise, making our offer even more compelling.”

York Fashion Week announces line-up of events for May 2024

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE FROM YORK FASHION WEEK

York Fashion Week 2024

Part One returns to the city on 2nd May and will once again unite talented creatives, fashionistas, stylists and volunteers passionate about celebrating all things fashion, with a particular focus on grassroots design. Key attractions include:

Thursday 2 May

The Debut - introducing Vine & Moor. No. 1 Guesthouse, 2-4pm

Award winning Yorkshire Milliner, Suzanne Gill, launches her first couture fashion line. The collection features 13 luxe pieces that include tailored skirts, fitted jackets and long line coats, and each piece is crafted from wool that is made by the prestigious Hainsworth Mill – which proudly holds the Royal Warrant. The event includes a sparkling reception and cream tea.

Breast Friends Runway Show. Browns Department Store, 7-10pm

Back once again is the beautiful Breast Friends runway show - an exceptional showcase of fashion, modelled by real people who are moving on from a breast cancer diagnosis. This uplifting

and empowering show is a chance to explore the latest collections in Browns Department Store, whilst supporting the wonderful charity, Breast Friends. The store will remain open after the show, so guests can enjoy an out of hours shopping experience with 20% off.

Friday 3 May

Estee Lauder Afternoon Tea. Middletons Hotel,

In collaboration with Browns Department Store, Estee Lauder is hosting a luxury afternoon tea and makeup masterclass with the brilliant artists at Estee Lauder. The event includes gin tasting with the team from Yorkshire Gin and guests will be treated to a gift bag.

My Generation. Pink Room, The Impossible, 6pm-9pm

Rachel Peru will host a runway show, celebrating the gift of ageing. A team of mature models will bring the runway to life, in fashion that doesn’t discriminate. Rachel is a silver haired curve model, body confidence activist, midlife influencer and founder of the empowering midlife women’s platform – LibertéLtd. Focusing on the theme, representation matters, this event will celebrate midlife, inspiring the audience to experiment with fashion.

Saturday 4th May

The Indie Show. York Art Gallery, 7.30 – 10.30pm

The stand-out runway show is back, bringing to life independent design on the exceptional stage that is York Art Gallery.

Sunday 5th May

Exploring Smartworks Leeds with Jackie Crawford. The Impossible York, 10am-12pm

Smartworks Leeds is the brilliant

charity that works to support women and non-binary people back into work, which includes providing the perfect interview outfit. Well-known local stylist, Jackie Crawford, will explore Smartworks’ fashion archive with this stylish fashion showcase.

Tee Style Tribe: The Debut Collection. Clarendon Art Gallery, 2-5pm

Last season, Tendai showcased her exceptional debut collection featuring vibrant African print. And now, guests are invited to come in and get up close and personal by meeting Tendai and viewing the special collection of art that has been carefully curated for the occasion in what promises to be a stunning exhibit.

Echoes of Home: Yorkshire & African Fusion is a collection of clothes and accessories inspired by Tee’s life experiences, combining the best of both countries, and celebrating different cultures. Each piece tells a story of her life and the places she’s called home.

A Cosmopolitan Wedding Showcase. The Impossible York, 7.30 – 10pm

It’s not a village. It’s Not New York. It’s a vibrant and bustling city, filled with creative minds, gorgeous fashion and interesting venues. This showcase is YFW’s debut Wedding Runway, inspired by chic city living and high fashion lifestyles, featuring Master Debonair and Aberdevine Lingerie.

Monday 5th May

Yorwaste x YFW. Mansion House, 7pm-10pm

YFW, in collaboration with local waste management and recycling company – Yorwaste – staged its first ever major sustainable design competition. The initiative challenged designers to explore ways of repurposing and remodelling PPE and discarded clothing, transforming it into innovative and stylish statement pieces. 40 of the best fashion pieces by young designers across the North East and Yorkshire will be unveiled at this innovative fashion show.

Nicky Hayer, Creative Director at York Fashion Week, explained: “This season we’re delighted to be back with a diverse calendar that will see us move across the city. We’re in venues like Mansion House, York Art Gallery, Clarendon Gallery, The Impossible and more. And the designers have really brought their A game, with what they’re showing this season. I’m incredibly proud that YFW can once again be a platform for so many innovative minds.”

York Fashion Week launched in 2018, and even with a two-year break due to Covid, the event has grown year on year. It has been the first to host runway shows in iconic venues such as York Art Gallery and The Guildhall. YFW has worked with brands such as Rolls-Royce Motorcars Leeds and Gary James McQueen, and has welcomed guests from as far as China to the events. Since its growth, the event is proudly sponsored by NIMA, York Bid and MARK. With Associate Sponsors including Rae & Rae Opticians, Cresci Pizzeria, House of Dandelions and Party Octopus.

Tickets for the events can be obtained by visiting:

www.yorkfashionweek.co.uk

www.yorkfashionweek.com

www.facebook.com

yorkfashionweek

www.instagram.com/yorkfashionweek

Prime Minister visits familyowned farm shop following £20k investment

A well-known farm shop and café located between Bedale and Northallerton welcomed MP Rishi Sunak last week, following its new owners investing over £20,000 in the property and business.

Mark and Karen Gatenby took over Spring House Farm Shop in late 2023, retaining the existing team and investing in new equipment, new windows, a brand refresh, a website, new uniforms and much more.

The Prime Minister, who is the MP for Richmond, visited as part of a tour of the local area, speaking with staff and customers, and enjoying a pot of tea and some homemade cake.

Mark said: “When we purchased the business, we knew it was a real gem – very well known locally, a great reputation and a team who were dedicated to customer service and excellent food. We have made changes to enhance the existing business and make the customer experience even better, including moving to being

open seven days a week – with record numbers of covers served.

“It was a real honour to welcome the Prime Minister here so he could see the work we have been doing and also sample some of our homemade food.”

Mark and Karen have been working hard to make these changes while supporting local businesses, including sourcing outdoor furniture from Fall Timber which is less than a mile away, and blinds being designed, made and installed by Made 2 Measure in Northallerton.

Mark continues: “Spring House has always been, and always will be, a local business employing local people and supporting the community. It’s important to us that we work with

local suppliers right across the board, not just in terms of the ingredients and products that we buy and sell but for services, maintenance and more.”

In addition to a range of tasty homemade meals, cakes and treats, and a very popular Sunday lunch (all available to eat in or takeaway), the café offers ‘ready to cook at home’ meals including cottage pie, lasagne and mince and dumplings, full-size cakes and desserts made to order and much more.

Mark and Karen are currently in the process of applying for an alcohol license to sell alcohol in both the shop and café and have plans to install a butchery/deli section that will sell locally sourced meats and cheeses amongst other things. The farm shop and cafe is ideally situated on a main road and is easily accessible from the A1 so appeals to both regular customers, tourists and those looking for something more than a motorway service station as they pass through.

£80 million boost for West Yorkshire’s digital and health technology firms

Businesses, universities and hospitals will benefit from a multi-million-pound investment zone to drive the development of lifechanging technologies.

The £80 million plan will be brought forward by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin when regional leaders meet for the final Combined Authority meeting of her mayoral term.

The first half of the 10-year, £160 million West Yorkshire Healthtech and Digital Tech Investment Zone – which received the green light from Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove– is expected to leverage over £220 million of public and private sector investment over the next 5 years, creating over 2,500 skilled jobs.

The unprecedented package of support will bring together universities, businesses, and hospitals to deliver cutting-edge research and develop innovative new technologies for patients, to be used in the UK and world-wide.

As the home of NHS England, West Yorkshire is a global leader in health and digital technology, with universities in Bradford, Huddersfield and Leeds partnering with NHS Trusts and local firms to share their expertise, develop exciting new products, and transform patient care for millions of people.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West

Yorkshire, said: “For the UK economy to prosper it needs West Yorkshire to succeed, and devolution is helping us empower our healthtech and digital sectors, transforming the lives of patients world-wide.

“This multi-million-pound investment will help us build worldleading centres of innovation in Bradford, Huddersfield and Leeds, bringing together our universities, businesses and hospitals to drive the development of lifechanging technologies and deliver thousands of skilled jobs.

“Through our investment zone, we’re changing our region for the longterm, working with partners and the government to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all”.

The investment zone will centre around three, nationally significant clusters of economic activity, powered by investment in infrastructure, skills training and business support.

They are:

The Digital Health Enterprise Zone at the University of Bradford, which supports business growth, knowledge and skills development by connecting academics, researchers and health and

social care partners. It also contributes to the training of future healthcare professionals, advancing research and commercial opportunities through its dedicated simulation space, The Technology House. Its aim is to work with other universities, local government and wider partners to make West Yorkshire the place for health tech innovation.

A National Health Innovation Campus at the University of Huddersfield, where the university is investing over £250 million to develop a state-ofthe-art campus, focused on specialist clinical teaching and research to tackle health inequalities.

A HealthTech Innovation Hub in Leeds – a flagship project of the investment zone which will see the development of the first phase of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s 1 million square foot “Leeds Innovation Village”, on the site of Leeds General Infirmary. This will involve the construction of the Trust’s new, world-leading, state of the art digital hospital at the Old Medical School.

Professor Shirley Congdon, ViceChancellor at the University of Bradford, said: "We welcome the opportunities for Bradford and West Yorkshire businesses afforded by the Investment Zone.

“Our university will offer businesses in the digital and health technology sectors access to many ways to make a difference, through innovation, workforce development and access to high end facilities, an example of which is our recent £4.8m award from Research England to develop and evaluate innovative health technology.”

Professor Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, said: “The University of Huddersfield is proud to be at the heart of Huddersfield’s Station to Stadium Corridor.

“The University’s National Health Innovation Campus will be core to the success of the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, with seven stateof-the-art buildings designed to tackle health inequalities, provide specialist clinical teaching facilities, and drive entrepreneurial academic activity, in addition to providing space to support business growth and innovation.

“This will be truly transformational for the town and the West Yorkshire region. This announcement demonstrates the crucial role universities play in driving regional economic growth.”Dame Linda Pollard, Chair of the Leeds Innovation Partnership, said: “I am delighted that the Old Medical School has been chosen to be the flagship project for the West Yorkshire Healthtech and Digital Technology zone and it is great to see our vision for a leading Healthtech Innovation hub get this boost.

“The Healthtech Innovation Hub will uniquely co-locate clinicians, entrepreneurs, and academics for the first time and provide space for scale ups and start-ups. Running alongside the Trust’s new state of the art hospitals of the future, this infrastructure for the city really will be a hotbed of innovative thinking, collaboration and development bringing life-changing benefits for patients being treated in Leeds and impressive economic benefits for the city and wider region.”

(L-R)

Cllr Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council; Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire; and Dame Linda Pollard, Chair of the Leeds Innovation Partnership and Chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust copy

Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II provides £660m boost for Yorkshire and the Humber small businesses

The British Business Bank has launched its new Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), a £660m fund set to cover the entire North of England.

Since the launch of the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund in 2017, has delivered over £445m of direct and private co-sector investment into 552 businesses, helping to create nearly 4,300 jobs across the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Aiming to build on the success of the initial fund, Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will also drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North.

It will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for Northern smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.

Providing loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m, the Fund will continue investing into companies operating within

the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber and Tees Valley. It is now expanded to include the whole of the North East enabling businesses across the whole of the North to access the Fund to start up, scale up or continue on their growth journey.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, Mercia will deliver debt finance (£100,000 to £2 million), as well as equity finance (up to £5 million) to smaller businesses with Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) delivering smaller loans between £25,000 and £100,000.

Yorkshire businesses that have benefitted from the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund include Castings Technology International (CTI), a world leading casting

manufacturer based in Rotherham. Providing manufacturing expertise to the cast metals sector and global supply chain, it created the largest ever titanium part poured into a ceramic mould. Its novel casting techniques has placed Rotherham and CTI on the map for cast metal innovation.

Richard Cook, managing director at CTI, said: “Thanks to the support of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, we have been able to push forward with our growth plans. We are innovators by nature, and since the Fund’s involvement, we have been able to fulfil orders and deliver on contracts for some of the biggest brands.”

Tinsley Bridge, a historic Sheffield engineering firm, also benefitted from NPIF funding. As a major supplier of suspension parts to the European truck industry, the business has used the investment to keep up with record demand it has experience post-pandemic.

Mark Webber, managing director at Tinsley Bridge Group, said: “With the help of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund we’ve been able to meet record demand in several of our key markets, despite disruptions in the global supply chain. It is clear that NPIF is committed to supporting the growth of smaller businesses, no matter what challenges they face.”

Kevin Hollinrake MP, Minister of State for Enterprise, Markets, and Small Business, said: “This new fund will unlock millions in equity and loans for SMEs across the North to realise their full potential and builds upon British Business Bank’s vital work ensuring that any small business owner in the UK can scale up and grow.

“SMEs are the engines of growth for our economy and across government we are improving access to finance, cutting red tape and removing barriers to ensure that they can go further and faster than ever before.”

Louis Taylor, Chief Executive of the British Business Bank, said: “The success of the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has proven the instrumental change that access to finance can have for small businesses. From creating hundreds of jobs to developing ground-breaking products, we have seen companies that previously lacked funding options accelerate forward in their growth journeys, which has ultimately benefitted the whole of the Northern economy.

“This is why it was important to continue the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund into its next phase. With further funding available, and a greater geographical reach in the Northeast, the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will engage more stakeholders across the regions, bringing the business community closer together to create more opportunities for entrepreneurs everywhere.” Following the official launch in Leeds, the British Business Bank will be holding a roadshow of events for small business finance intermediaries across the region to provide more information about the Fund. Destinations include Newcastle (18th April); Manchester (24th April), Sheffield (30th April).

Further dates for roadshow events in Liverpool, Hull, Lancashire, Tees Valley, York, Cheshire, Durham, Cumbria and Northumberland will be announced shortly.

Amelia Peckham announced as adviser on the Government-led Lilac Review

The Government-led independent review aims to make the UK the best place for disabled entrepreneurs to start a business.

• Levelling the playing field could boost the UK’s business turnover by a huge £230 million.

• Amelia Peckham, co-founder of Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks has been selected to be part of the committee on the Lilac Review.

One-quarter (25%) of UK entrepreneurs are disabled. However, due to the current lack of support, their

businesses are only contributing 8.6% of small business turnover. Levelling the playing field could boost the UK’s business turnover by a huge £230 million.

Small Business Britain's Disability

and Entrepreneurship Report with Lloyds Banking Group last year revealed that 84% of disabled founders feel side-lined, without equal access to opportunities or resources. Disabled founders must

pay an additional £975 monthly due to disability before business expenses are considered according to Scope. Six in ten disabled entrepreneurs (60%) received no support when starting up. A further 70% said they lack suitable role models.

Changemakers led by Michelle Ovens OBE, Founder of Small Business Britain and Director of Small Business Saturday called for a government-led independent report following the report. The government have announced The Lilac Review, an

independent review aiming to make the UK the best place for disabled entrepreneurs to start a business.

The government invited select influential disabled entrepreneurs to 10 Downing Street in January and early February to redefine the landscape of business support and aims to tackle the inequality faced by disabled-led businesses and elevate entrepreneurial opportunity across the UK. The Lilac Review will include research into the challenges faced by disabled entrepreneurs, calls to action for all organisations to commit to change, and best practices in supporting disabled entrepreneurs.

Amelia Peckham, co-founder of Cool Crutches and Walking Sticks has been selected as one of only 10 disabled founders. Amelia also participated in the Small Business Britain’s Disability and Entrepreneurship Report.

Win

The company was inspired by Amelia’s experiences of using regular crutches following a spinal cord injury from a quad bike accident leaving her with a life-altering long-term disability at the age of 19. Following her accident, she was given traditional crutches which left her with severe blisters that delayed her in her time-sensitive rehabilitation.

Since its launch, Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks has gone on to win over thousands of customers and it has grown into an online community of over 80,000. The brand also counts dozens of celebrity fans amongst its customers with the likes of Amanda Holden, Eamonn Holmes, Dame Prue Leith and Jamie Laing all having purchased a pair of Cool Crutches or Walking Sticks.

Amelia commented “In the same way NatWest led The Rose Review focusing on female-founded businesses and the gap in representation, the Lilac Review will seek to support disabled entrepreneurs. Breaking barriers to investment, information, support, resources, and growth.

“By making disabled entrepreneurs a priority, the government is placing the significant imbalance on a national platform with dedicated teams and plans to support and harness growth. Not only shining a light on the shortfall but providing a clear and concerted path to resolving it.

option. We know employment often doesn’t work when you live with a disability, I certainly found this and can say it is what led me to take on running our business full-time. Entrepreneurship often becomes the only feasible option to work in a manageable way so to make it a better option and one people could take more readily, is fantastic.

If you look at successful entrepreneurs and the qualities, they possess they are resilience, tenacity, knowing their strengths...

“As a disabled founder who has spent the last three years scaling our business, I know first-hand the barriers we face - from accessing networks, funding, training, and entrepreneur programmes to events - they are there every step of the way. By making a concerted effort to make business support accessible and achievable, the Lilac Review will have an enormous impact on our community, acknowledge its barriers and most importantly realise its potential.

“Not only could this transform the 25% of entrepreneurs who live with disability but give other disabled people considering setting up their own business the confidence to know it’s a financially viable and appealing

“If you look at successful entrepreneurs and the qualities, they possess they are resilience, tenacity, knowing their strengths, knowing their weaknesses, asking for help, hard work and succeeding in the face of adversity. All these qualities cannot be learned in a classroom. They are born out of life experience and with over 80% of disabilities being acquired vs. from birth, these qualities are all part of adapting to life with a disability. Our community has what it takes to succeed, we are armed with everything and more we need as individuals but require some support for accessing external opportunities to capitalise and maximise our potential. This initiative does just that, it will ensure access to the resources required to really grow.

“Having been part of the Small Business Saturday community since June 2023 I can attest to their incredible approach to small business support. Not only in quantity and quality but accessibility too. Every resource, training and seminar has been made available virtually as well as on demand, every event has had a proactive approach to access and inclusion and I know they will be the best team to execute the plans outlined. The impact Small Business Saturday has had on our business has been huge, with over 80% growth in 2023 we are excited to embrace the opportunities ahead to further push the business forward.

Championing Women's Causes

A care home worker who won at a prestigious regional award in November is now up for a national award, recognising her dedication to her work.

Clare Tomlinson, deputy manager at the Park View and Rowan House care homes in Scarborough, won the award for Support Worker of the Year at the Great British Care Awards (Yorkshire & Humber Region).

Her win sees her nominated for the national award, alongside eight other nominees from across the country. The winner will be revealed at the National Finals in Birmingham.

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events

They represent the very best of the care industry, celebrating the hard work and skill of individuals who go the extra mile.

Clare works at the care home for young adults with learning difficulties.

Clare said: “It’s really exciting to be nominated for a national award. Winning the Yorkshire & Humber award was incredible, but winning this would top it all.

“It’s great that we get to have nights like this for all of us in the sector to see the amazing work everyone in care is doing all over the country. It will be a night of celebration regardless, but hopefully I can celebrate a little bit more!”Martyn Heginbotham, chief executive said “I continue to be immensely proud of Clare and the team and the results they achieve. I am very much looking forward to celebrating Clare’s achievement at this prestigious event.”

The Super Soapbox Challenge is back in Bradford

Bradford is getting ready to welcome back the Super Soapbox Challenge! Bradford BID is again the headline sponsor for the popular event which will be making a return on Sunday 5th May for a third year following the success of the previous years which attracted over 35,000 visitors into the city centre. Entries to the race are required to make a cart that will hurtle down the huge ramp and navigate the course around the city centre, with the fastest lap taking the winning trophy. Awards will also be made on the day for Innovative Cart Design and Best turned-out Soapbox crew.

The free event will Ready, Steady, Go! from 11am on Kirkgate. It’s a free, fun packed day for all the family with plenty of food and drink vendors and retailers open throughout the day.

Jonny Noble, Bradford BID’s Chief Executive says: “The Bradford Super Soapbox Challenge is a fantastic fun day for everyone. We’re looking for adventurous teams of five people to enter The Super Soapbox Challenge, build their cart and have a great day’s racing. I can’t wait to see the teams that enter this year and their wacky designs making their way around the city centre. It all adds to the brilliant atmosphere on the day.”

The charity partners for this year’s event include Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Centrepoint and Mind in Bradford. In between races, live music will also entertain the crowds.

Further details on the event, and to enter your team head to https:// supersoapboxchallenge. co.uk/bradford/

Meet the Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year

Kate Ball

On March 8 we held our inaugural Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year awards at Leeds Marriott Hotel, celebrating the businesswomen of Yorkshire on International Women’s Day.

All images many Thanks to Roth Read Photography

We had a fantastic response with more than 300 nominations in 11 different categories, the ultimate award being for Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year. All the nominations were judged by an esteemed panel of high-profile businesspeople from across the region and we are delighted that Kate Ball founding director of Mini First Aid was selected as the overall winner.

The full list of winners can be found on page 38, but here, and on our cover, we caught up with Kate to find out exactly why she was chosen by the judges.

Mum of six, Kate Ball initially started Mini First Aid in 2014 from her kitchen table in Leeds, offering high quality baby & child first aid classes to parents and carers. Demand grew and Kate saw the potential for growth, so she started franchising the business in 2015. In 2021, BBC

Dragon’s Den star Sara Davies, also saw the huge potential in Mini First Aid and she came on board as an investor and adviser. Mini First Aid is now a multi-award-winning organisation and has almost 70 franchises nationwide.

Kate’s first ever job was as a Saturday girl at Topshop (She wanted the clothing discount!) Then went on to study sociology and social policy at Cardiff University. Post University, Kate began working for Scottish Power, answering the phone to people who had their electricity cut off. “It was intense,” she told us. “Growing up, I wanted to be a nurse, then a midwife, so much so I applied for a midwifery degree then changed my mind at the very last minute.

A few months after graduating, Kate hung up the phone at Scottish Power and was accepted onto a graduate scheme in a personnel

The style of training is relaxed, informal and crucially accessible for everyone, I want everyone to feel empowered to be a first aid hero...

department of a large property firm. “I moved through a couple of businesses working in recruitment, HR and learning and development, before finally securing my dream job at Mars, heading up learning and development. I stayed there 11 years.

“Working for a London & Philadelphia based business, I had spent most of the working week

travelling and living in hotels. Once I had my first baby, I knew that my career was going to need to change,” she explained.

“MY brother Matthew died suddenly at the age of 22 of cardiomyopathy, when he had been in cardiac arrest. Those first on the scene had not known how to do CPR so I made it my mantra to make sure that everyone knew how to do CPR and with a young family in 2014, I decided that teaching new parents was a great place to start.

“I trained to teach first aid and began teaching “Mini First Aid” classes in our kitchen in North Leeds. The demand was huge, so I decided to franchise the business and launched my first franchise 18 months later in Bristol. Nine years on Mini First Aid now has 72 franchises across the UK, and trains parents and carers, those needing a first aid qualification and children in schools. Every week Mini First Aid train on average 1000 people in life saving first aid.

“The style of training is relaxed, informal and crucially accessible for everyone, I want everyone to feel empowered to be a first aid hero. Not only that, I designed a first aid kit, initially to be sold at first aid classes, today over 1000 Mini First Aid Kits & Family First Aid kits are sold in major retailers, online and at classes each week,” she continued.

“Today, I am supported by my husband Matt and team of 9 at our Head Office in Leeds. Matt, myself and 4 of our 6 children, pitched Mini First Aid on Dragons’ Den. The pitch was a huge success and we secured investment from Sara Davies MBE. Sara continues to mentor me, and support in raising the profile of Mini First Aid.”

Kate works 3 long days each week so that she can balance work and home life of being a mum to her 6 children. “The day starts with school drop-offs and then onto work. Every day is different and varies between meetings, teaching webinars,

FACT FILE:

• Husband name: Matt

• Children: Alfie 13, Grace 11, Emily & Olivia (twins) 7, Poppy & Amelia (twins) 5.

• What car do you drive? Landrover discovery with special back seat to allow for four.

• What do you do in your leisure time?

I go to two PT sessions and one pilates session a week – that keeps me sane! I’m also taking part in the Coppafeel Trek for breast cancer awareness in June. Walking 100 Kilometers across the Brecon Beacons with celebrities, Giovanna Fletcher, Amy Dowden & Sara Davies – I hope my knees are up for the challenge!

• Where is your favourite restaurant? Zucco in Meanwood (Leeds)

• What is your favourite food and drink?

Wine & Cheese

• Where is your favourite holiday destination? New York (I would love to take all my children one day)

• Where is your favourite place in Yorkshire? Bolton Abbey

• What is your favourite gadget?

My hairdryer

• What couldn’t you live without?

My phone (and my husband and children of course)

podcast hosting and some media engagements. When I get home, family life is manic, so I never stop,” she laughed.

So, what are Kate’s plans and what, if anything would she do differently? “We have a few more franchises to fill in the UK then we plan to extend Mini First Aid overseas. Over the years I’ve needed to implement more rigour, standards, and brand control. Launching overseas for us will be like starting again so we can take all our learnings to build a robust business from the beginning that hopefully scales up with less challenges. I wish I had got on better with my brother, we argued all the time as children and then I didn’t get to enjoy adulthood with him. I often wonder what he would be doing now.”

What was it like being the very first winner of the Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year? “I cannot explain how overwhelming the awards evening was. It’s a huge accolade and to be the first winner is beyond anything I could have dreamt of achieving when I started out teaching first aid in our kitchen. It’s a fitting tribute to my brother that so many lives are saved because of our teaching and to be recognised for growing this business from its Yorkshire heritage is fantastic. I’m telling everyone who will listen, I even answered the phone the other day with ‘Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year’”, she laughed. “We are a 95% female business, and the majority of our franchises are owned by women, I hope I can be an inspiration to them to continue to drive and grow their individual businesses and I would love for this to motivate other female entrepreneurs in Yorkshire,” she concluded.

Society of Dyers and Colourists relaunches its Global Colourist Award for 2024

Long-time education provider Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) is delighted to announce that applications have now reopened for its Global Colourist Award.

The award recognises the professional achievements of those working across the wider coloration sector. Entries are open to colourists worldwide across the full gamut of specialisms including – but not limited to – textiles, dyes and pigments, leather, food and paint. Production dyers, shift dyers or printing colourists are all eligible. A £1000 prize is on offer for the chosen recipient, with Advanced Colours and Chemicals Ltd in Rossendale UK kindly sponsoring the competition. Applications

are welcomed up until the deadline of 30 June 2024 Dr Graham Clayton, chief executive officer of SDC, said: “The society is once again delighted to be reopening applications for the Global Colourist Award for a second year running. We’re looking for an outstanding individual who is able to demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment, excellent performance, competence, a contribution to team effort and strong

Mark Eastwood MP and Kirklees College host Apprenticeships Fair to inspire local young people

Mark Eastwood, MP for Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton and Denby Dale, recently partnered with Kirklees College on his third Apprenticeships Fair at Pioneer Higher Skills Centre. The annual event aims to inspire local young people to consider doing an apprenticeship after they leave school. By collaborating with the college, the largest provider of apprenticeships in Calderdale and Kirklees, the fair also enabled invited

students to find out more about Kirklees College’s apprenticeship provision.

This year’s event was attended by students from four local feeder schools to Kirklees College. The students took part in a range of workshops, including CV writing skills and interview skills delivered by Santander Bank. There was also a Careers Fair, attended by a range of employer partners who currently offer

general knowledge of the coloration industry.”

Judging of the entries will take place in June, with interviews scheduled in early September. The winner will be notified in mid-September. Highly commended winner for 2023, Hannah Rampley, teaching technician at the University of Manchester, said: “Being selected as last year's Global Colourist was completely unexpected and was a huge achievement for me, so thank you to the judges for selecting me as their winner and to the SDC for the award.” For details on how to nominate/ enter please visit the SDC website.

Company of the Month

apprenticeships with Kirklees College.

Speaking about the event, Mark Eastwood commented: “We had a fantastic time held in collaboration with Kirklees College. We invited school students from the local area to meet a range of employers and learn more about apprenticeships, which are providing the next generation with the skills they need to enter the world of work. Thank you to the college for hosting the event and to the employers who attended for promoting apprenticeships to our local young people.”

Kirklees College has a range of apprenticeships available to start now, and the Business Development Team are currently looking for September applicants who are eager to start.

To find out more, go to www. kirkleescollege.ac.uk/employers.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN AFC

The first Yorkshire Businesswoman awards took place at the Leeds Marriott Hotel on 8th March as we celebrated International Women’s Day and what a fantastic success they were.

The awards opened on our website for nominations around October last year and we were overwhelmed with the response we received; the number of nominations way exceeded our expectations.

Closing the nominations at the end of 2023 we had the mammoth task of gathering all the information ready for

This year winners have been chosen by a panel, our thanks go to our panelists:

Sinead Rocks Managing Director of Channel 4

Tracy Brabin Mayor of West Yorkshire

Andrew Cooper CEO of Leeds BID

Sarah Power Partner at Chadwick Lawrence

Sir Rodney Walker Chair of the London Marathon

Sharon Jandu OBE Founder of Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA)

Dame Linda Pollard DBE hon LLD Chair Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust Leeds

our esteemed panel of judges who joined us for a day of selection. Just eleven incredible ladies were selected from the hundreds of entries received as winners.The support we had for our awards was incredible and we thank all our amazing partners, judges, sponsors, contributors, and everyone who worked behind the scenes.

Hosted by: Danni Hewson Broadcaster & Financial Analyst

With over 20 years of experience broadcasting on radio and television, for three years Danni was the voice of business on BBC Five Live, she has appeared on BBC Breakfast, BBC News and BBC World Service, but she’s best known in Yorkshire for her tenure as Look North’s business correspondent.

In 2021 Danni joined the

investment platform A J Bell and is now working across television, radio and online as a commentator and writer, delivering insight and analysis both in the UK and for media outlets around the world.

Yorkshire-born and bred, event host and afterdinner speaker Danni is mum to two teenage girls.

On the night we raised a fantastic £4,300 which will be split between our two charities, Martin House Hospice and Focus for Hope. Funds were raised from our raffle

Martin House has been providing family-led care and support for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions for 37 years (life-limiting means the child or young person is not expected to live beyond young adulthood).

Every year they support over 440 children and young people, and their

and one lucky winner won a pair of diamond solitaire earrings kindly donated by Phillip Stoner Jewellers, based in Victoria Quarter.

families plus more than 150 bereaved families across West, North and East Yorkshire, at our hospice, in hospitals and in families’ own homes.

The hospice, based in Boston Spa, has nine bedrooms in Martin House, and six in Whitby Lodge, which cares for teenagers and young people. Our services include respite stays, symptom control, emergency care, community care and end of life care.

Bereavement support is offered to families, often for two to three years after their child’s death. We also offer bereavement support to families whose child had a life-limiting condition but did not have the opportunity to use the hospice or following a sudden death.

Focus4Hope is a registered charity, that seeks to provide support for the homeless, elderly, isolated, and vulnerable.

They were founded in 2016 as a communitybased group of friends, who wanted to develop ways of collectively making a difference in the region. From these humble beginnings, the organisation has gone on to become a pillar in the local charitable community. They have had the great pleasure of helping thousands of vulnerable people in the area, as well as refugees in France. Here in the local region, they predominantly work with the elderly, the homeless, those who are fleeing domestic violence, and isolated/lonely individuals in need of support. They also operate a food bank in Brighouse, which delivers dozens of food parcels to people in our community each week.

Winners

Yorkshire Businesswoman Equity & Diversity Award

Sponsored by Money Matters by A J Bell

Yasmin De Nardo - Head of Connected Technology Academy - KPMG

Yorkshire Business Woman Networker of the Year Award

Sponsored by Dakota Hotels

Zoe Hands - Sales Leader - Marriott Hotel Leeds

Yorkshire Business Woman Digital Award

Sponsored by Perfect Branded Gifts

Georgia Halston - Group CEO - Halston Marketing

Yorkshire Business Woman Rising star of the Year Award

Sponsored by Lloyds Bank

Lisa Shepherd & Saskia Roskam - Co-Founders and Directors -The Biskery

Yorkshire Business Woman Mentor Award

Sponsored by Grantley Hall

Julie Bickerdyke - Managing Director - MoonStone FD

Yorkshire Business Woman New Business Award

Sponsored by AD:Venture

Jamie Juma - Co - Founder - Drapers England Ltd

Yorkshire Business Woman Inspirational Volunteer Award

Sponsored by Proper Financial Planning

Tracy Foster - Founder - Burns Club

Yorkshire Business Woman Social Media Award

Sponsored by Femme Magazine

Freda Shafi - Creative Industries Consultant - Freda Shafi

Yorkshire Business Woman Mandy Taylor Award

Sponsored by Youbee Media

Lisa Darwin - Founder - fb fashion ball

Yorkshire Business Woman Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by Gino D'Acampo

Sarah Loftus - Managing Director - Make it York

Yorkshire Business Woman of the Year Award

Sponsored by Chad wick Lawrence Solicitors

Kate Ball - Founder & Managing Director - Mini First Aid

Celebrate your business story through film and photography

Are you an entrepreneur,business owner or leader, trailblazer or visionary? If so, you likely serve as a beacon of inspiration to those around you, motivating them to pursue their ambitions with resilience and determination.

What if you could inspire and guide others, way beyond your reach, to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams?

Well, now you can! We have teamed up with Andy Green, a professional film maker, to enable you to tell your story through film and portrait images.

Story telling structure

Introduction: Begin your film with an engaging introduction that captures the tone of your journey.

Background: Delve into your backstory, and recount your up-bringing, education and early career influences that ultimately led you down the path of success.

Challenges: Be candid about the challenges you faced and openly share the setbacks, failures, and obstacles you faced and how you overcame them.

Success Stories: Celebrate your achievements and milestones by highlighting key successes, and share

projects, ventures or initiatives that have been particularly impactful or rewarding.

Regrets/Lessons Learned:

Reflect on any regrets or mistakes you’ve encountered along the way., Emphasise the valuable lessons learned from these experiences and how they have contributed to your growth and overall development.

Inspiration: Conclude with an uplifting and inspiring message that leaves a lasting impression on your audience. And a call to action, inviting your audience to take meaningful steps towards their own business adventure.

Pre-shoot consultation:

The content of the film and photos is driven by the pre-shoot consultation.

During this discussion, Andy will help you determine your video content, whilst we work with you to create striking portraits in locations that are meaningful to you and reflect your story.

These images not only feed into the film and your digital online presence but create beautiful works of art for your home and workspace locations. Your remarkable story, complete with its highs and lows, holds the power to resonate with and inspire a broad audience for generations to come.

If you’d like to know more get in touch with us via our website:

Lincoln & Perrin

Roth Read Photography

www.rothreadphotography.com

The University of Law, Leeds duo win National Negotiation Competition

The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution CEDR) is a successful charity which specialises in mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

CEDR has worked with The University of Law in sponsoring the National Student Negotiation Competition each year for the last ten years. The competition sees teams of two law students from various universities from all around England and Wales compete against each other to find the most effective negotiation teams. The winners of the National Competition can represent England and Wales at the International Negotiation Competition each summer.

The University of Law has hosted the regional heats at our Leeds and London Moorgate campuses. The competition also holds a virtual heat. This year, The University of Law Leeds campus nominated two teams who competed in the regional finals in Leeds in February 2024. One such team was Leeds Bar Practice Course students, Charlie Procter, and James Leech.

James is a first-class law graduate and 2022 winner of the Lincoln’s

Inn Neuberger prize for academic excellence. Charlie is a first-class history graduate and ULAW MA Law graduate with distinction. Both students were keen to compete together and were successful in two rounds of an internal competition before becoming eligible to compete in the northern regional heat in February 2024.

In the regional heats, teams were asked to compete in two scenarios with one of the scenarios having an active legal claim or dispute between the parties. Students are judged on their performance by legal professionals, business professionals and academics and are judged in eight categories including negotiation planning, teamwork, relationship between negotiating teams, information gathering, bargaining, outcome, negotiation ethics and self-analysis.

James and Charlie preformed excellently against 12 other negotiation teams and achieved strong marks during both negotiations which they performed on the day. They successfully achieved first place and as a result, qualified to compete in the National Finals in London at ULAW Moorgate in March 2024.

In the National Final, teams were asked to participate in three new scenarios. One was between three teams and the other two are two-way negotiations with one having an international context. James and Charlie again performed very well and obtained high scores which resulted in them again achieving first place and an opportunity to represent England and Wales at the International Negotiation Final.

This year, the International Negotiation Competition Executive Committee has announced that the 2024 International Negotiation will take place in Manaus, Brazil between 10th and 14th July 2024. Charlie and James will compete there against the top negotiation teams from around the world and are currently taking steps to prepare for their competition.

We wish Charlie and James the very best of luck representing England and Wales in Brazil.

This year witnessed the participation of 48 teams (96 students) from various law schools across the country, engaging in a total of 132 negotiations spanning the regionals (London, Leeds, and Online) and the final. It is an excellent opportunity for law students to improve their negotiation skills and to compete against various other universities around the country and the world. Congratulations to all teams who made it through to compete at the Regional, National, and International finals now and in previous years. It has been excellent to see students progress throughout the time of the competition and it continues to be a popular competition with many universities.

Smash hit The Syndicate returns, this time to the theatre

It’s exactly 12 years since the smash hit television programme The Syndicate burst onto our TV screens with a host of famous faces amongst the cast.

All images many Thanks to Roth Read Photography

Written, directed and produced by the wonderful Kay Mellor with daughter Gaynor Faye by her side as series script editor and appearing herself in series four, the show featured an all-star cast including Timothy Spall and Joanne Page.

The first series has now been adapted for the stage by Kay in what became her final venture into theatre before

her sad untimely death two years ago. Kay had already asked Gaynor to co-direct the project with her, so now the actress is going it alone in her first solo directing role.

“Mum’s shoes are big ones to fill, but I understand her vision and what she wanted for this production, and I am determined to do her proud. I think being an actress as well as a director

helps me to see every character’s development from the actors perspective and I’m loving every second of it” Gaynor told us when I caught up with her in rehearsals.

The Syndicate tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery numbers come in just as their jobs are under threat. But what will the win mean for the syndicate, will it make their dreams come true or their nightmares a reality?

This stage adaptation stars Emmerdale’s Samantha Giles, Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent

as well as Gaynor’s son, Kay’s grandson, Oliver Anthony. “I cast the actors for the roles that I knew my mum would have wanted,” Gaynor told us.

Brooke became a household name as Sophie Webster in Coronation Street between 2004 and 2019. Gaynor also enjoyed a spell in Coronation Street as Judy Mallet. “Landing the role as Amy was a real thrill. I’d kind of taken a step back from acting to look after my two boys but having the chance to work alongside Gaynor was a chance I couldn’t pass up. I love all Kay’s work, it has real Northern warmth and humour. Playing Amy is different to playing Sophie Webster, Amy is very glamorous, a real dolly bird with hair extensions,” she laughed. “Really quite different to me!” This is only the second play that Brooke has undertaken in live theatre.

Samantha was looking for a new challenge after leaving her role as Bernice Blackstock in Emmerdale after 26 years. “Everyone is used to seeing me as the glamorous Bernice, so playing a polar opposite character, the frumpy Denise will be a real lovely role to play.

Both actors are very nervous ahead of the show opening at Leeds Grand theatre on 18th April. Both have been used to working in soap so stepping out

My Mum wrote for people. Those who watch her shows are the kind of people she related to...

onto a live stage will be quite daunting. Oliver, however is super excited and can’t wait to make his stage debut.

As well as taking on her first solo directing role, Gaynor has been persuaded to appear in the production herself. “That really wasn’t part of the

plan,” she said, “but there was a role we hadn’t cast and it was the perfect fit for me, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be in my mum’s last play. I would have been so jealous seeing everyone up on stage if I hadn’t agreed to be in it.”

Concluding Gaynor said “My Mum wrote for people. Those who watch her shows are the kind of people she related to. She encapsulated them in her shows, at times funny, at times dramatic and moving, but always in a way that people could see themselves in many of the characters she created which is why everyone loves her work.”

The syndicate tours the length of the UK, visiting many of the UKs top venues, starting in Kay and Gaynor’s hometown of Leeds, before heading to Richmond, Norwich, Newcastle, New Brighton, Salford, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Hull, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bradford, and Cardiff.

Gaynor and Brooke both took time out of their busy rehearsals to talk to Yorkshire Businesswoman editor Gill Laidler.

The designer flying the flag for Yorkshire fashion

Isabelle Randall is aiming to enhance Yorkshire’s reputation in the fashion world with the launch of her stunning collection of Tailored Tweed coats and jackets.

Designed and made by Isabelle in her own studio in North Yorkshire using Yorkshire-crafted Tweeds, her stylish outwear is timeless.

Isabelle’s passion for fashion began at the age of 12 when she attended her first clothes show in Batley. She has always had a deep love of exceptional clothing, spurred on by four-years of schooling in Monaco, surrounded by chic French flair and panache.

After seeing the creations modelled on the catwalk, she realised she could make her dreams a reality.

She gained a BA Hons Degree in Fashion Design at Leeds University and won a scholarship at the Royal College of Art to undertake a Master’s Degree specialising in womenswear. This is where she was able to develop her unique style and hone her craft to such creativity and precision.

By way of Aberdeen, Norway and Brussels, 35 years on she has returned to her beloved Yorkshire, now based in Scarborough at the Woodend Creative Centre. Her luxury fashion brand label called isabelleRANDALL was launched in 2004 and specialises in bespoke bridalwear, evening wear and tailoring.

Isabelle prides herself on designing and making clothing that fit and flatter anyone.

“The garments are ageless and timeless,” she said. “They are designed with the individual in mind. I focus on what my clients want, capturing their essence and personality - guaranteeing that they look good and feel great.”

Isabelle’s bespoke service is dedicated and personal and she welcomes people to visit her range and see for themselves. From initial consultation, a client is involved in the process from start to finish. The design is discussed together as Isabelle sketches out ideas. “They then choose the right fabric, colour, lining and haberdasheries that will complement the design. By being involved in each stage, you are

guaranteed to walk away with exactly what you wanted - if not better!,” Isabelle told YBW.

She is extremely passionate about launching her Tailored Tweed Collection – she feels there is a gap in the countrywear market for something more couture.

She pays great attention to the cut, fit and silhouette - ensuring the wearer feels brightened, boosted and empowered when wearing any of her fabulous garments.

Choosing the best British tweeds from renowned Huddersfield’s Dugdale Bros & Co cloth merchants and Abraham Moon & Son “MOON” in Guiseley Leeds, the quality of the coats and jackets stands out. There is as much design detail on the inside as outside.

“It makes these statement pieces

really special for anyone for any occasion or even as elegant casual wear,” she said.

Adding vibrant colours to more muted shades of greens, has given the collection a fresh, fun and youthful feel.

“My Tailored Tweeds are designed to be worn in the city as well as the countryside … they can be dressed up or down, worn with heels or wellies.”

A recent fashion shoot in Malton reflected her own flair on classic country designs.

isabelleRANDALL is slow, sustainable fashion. Her clothing is striking, cherished and wearable “to be loved and cared for through the years”.

Isabelle’s collections are ideal

for attending weddings, awards ceremonies, days out or anniversaries, ladies day at the races, or simply as a statement piece in your wardrobe. The superb range can be viewed at www.isabellerandall.com which includes details of how to contact Isabelle for a consultation.

Her website features an array of testimonials, her luxury bridal wear and evening wear, all handcrafted and sourced in the UK. She works in silks, taffeta, satin and wools.

“Yorkshire flies the flag for many things and I think we should include fashion in all the facets that the county is highly-regarded for,” Isabelle said.

Latest collection - "Tailored Tweeds":

Josh Harrison Photography.

Location Malton

“Aberdeen Forever”

Tartan collection:

Jonathan Addie Photography.

Location Aberdeenshire

Bridal/Eveningwear Creations:

Location Aberdeenshire

Portraiture Photography

Black Swan

Dean Clough becomes venue for sewing retreats with global appeal

The latest trailblazing creative business to take occupation at Calderdale’s iconic Dean Clough mills complex comes from an internationally renowned blogger in the art of sewing.

Laura Casey of Sew Different has selected Dean Clough for a unique sewing retreat, taking over 1,000 sq ft of space on a flexible lease to house sewing workstations, fabrics, patterns, and social areas.

Established over ten years ago, initially as a blog to share a passion for pattern design, Sew Different has grown exponentially to distribute individually designed clothing pattern packs all over the world with suppliers in Australia, Sweden, and USA.

Due to immense popularity, particularly during the pandemic when sewing machine sales hit an all-time high, Laura went expanded the Sewing Retreat, not as a training class, but as a holiday for sharing a passion and making new friends.

Laura Casey, said, “I could never have

imagined how sharing designs for an all-consuming passion would become so popular to the point where I could grow a successful business. Lockdown seems to have ignited a spark for crafting at home as a tool for mindfulness and mental wellbeing. Indeed, our free medical scrubs designs were downloaded more than 40,000 times during the pandemic.

“Setting up the Sewing Retreat seemed like a natural step forward in making a largely solitary hobby into a social space where we can share ideas. The holiday package for up to ten people includes a tour of our local fabric studios with step-by-step support from our team on sizing and design through to creating bespoke garments. We include afternoon tea in a warm and welcoming environment for all skill levels and overnight accommodation is available on site.

“Selecting Dean Clough as our new base and host venue for the Sewing Retreats was an obvious choice given its textile manufacturing heritage. Our guests are always blown away by the size and scale of Dean Clough and how it is now such a vibrant destination for business and pleasure. Our space occupies the first floor of a bright and airy mill which is perfect for light and authenticity and the management team have been hugely accommodating with our use of the wider gallery, hotel, and leisure facilities.”

Jeremy Hall, Chairman and Managing Director at Dean Clough Ltd, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sew Differently into the community here at Dean Clough. Creativity and diversity are what ultimately delivers excellence and Laura’s venture is a fine example of how a passion can become a sustainable business.

“Dean Clough is thriving with talented independents working alongside major business enterprise and we are hugely proud of what we have achieved in revitalising these magnificent mills for 21st century use.

“We continue to invest in providing Grade A office accommodation alongside the unique space for retail, leisure, and cultural amenity. This includes the introduction of flexible workspaces, unique outdoor pods with enhanced public realm, and the redevelopment of an historic courtyard.”

Dean Clough is already home to around 150 businesses employing over 3,000 people. In the last 18 months alone new deals have been secured with occupiers on more than 110,000 sq ft of space with a further 110,000 sq ft of work, office, and leisure space in discussion or under offer.

We believe that when businesses work together, they can achieve fantastic things.

Together, we have that power; the power to change the status quo, the power to create a better future for your business, your employees and your customers. Change rarely happens in isolation, but when businesses work together, anything is possible.

Just imagine what we could do together.

Martin House provides a lifeline to families

For hundreds of families, Martin House Children’s Hospice is a lifeline, providing support when they need it most.

Receiving the news your child has a life-limiting condition is devastating, so being able to turn to Martin House for support and expert care is vital for families.

For Courtney, the support she got from our clinical nurse specialists (CNS) while she was pregnant with daughter Minnie-Mae was crucial.

Doctors discovered Minnie-Mae had significant health problems caused by a common virus at her 20-week scan, and they were unsure if she would survive.

“The scan just lit up like a Christmas tree,” said Courtney, “She had blood in the bowel, severe brain damage, anaemia, fluid in her heart and liver, my placenta was failing. Everything was wrong.”

Courtney was referred to Martin House, and our CNSs were able to support her throughout her pregnancy and help her make difficult decisions about what she wanted for Minnie Mae.

Courtney said: “The CNSs used to speak to me on the phone a couple of times a week, and visit me every week. It just made those days a bit brighter.

“They even came to scans and hospital appointments with me. I genuinely don’t know what I’d have done without Martin House.”

When Minnie-Mae was born at 34 weeks, no one knew whether she would survive, so Courtney came to Martin House, where they could be supported by our care team.

They also did memory making activities, including a photo shoot and creating keepsake artwork using Minnie-Mae’s hand and footprints.

Fortunately, Minnie-Mae, now four, has done much better than expected, although she has serious health problems, including brain damage, global development delay and seizures.

Courtney and Minnie-Mae are still supported by Martin House, and visit for regular planned respite stays. Crucially, Courtney knows she can still turn to Martin House for help and advice from its care team and specialist doctors.

She said: “I think Minnie-Mae would be 10 times worse if we didn’t have the support of Martin House.”

Minnie-Mae is just one of hundreds of children and their families supported by Martin House, and it’s only thanks to the generosity of the people of Yorkshire that we are able to provide our specialist care.

You can find out how to support us at www.martinhouse.org.uk.

Join us for quality networking in 2024

Yorkshire Businesswoman hold 12 events each year, usually on the first Friday of each month from 3pm to 5pm. We welcome both members and guests at different locations across Yorkshire. Members can reserve their place on the private member area and guests can sign up on the event section on the Yorkshire Businesswoman website

Save the dates:

Below are the dates and venues confirmed so far this year.

• Friday 5th April - Banyan Bar & Kitchen, Leeds City Square 3pm to 5pm.

• Friday 10th May - This is the Yorkshire Businesswo'MAN' event that we hold annually in partnership with Lexus Leeds. This year the event, where we invite men to join us, will be a garden party with luxurious cream tea and a glass of fizz,

at the historic Goldsborough Hall just 5 minutes from the A1 in the village of Goldsborough. Lexus will have several cars on display and members and guests can drive one of the cars on the day to enjoy the 'Lexus Experience' There is a small charge of £10 for this event.

• Friday 7th June - Hilton Sky Bar, Granary Wharf 3pm to 5pm

• Friday 5th July - Grantley Hall near Ripon - details to be confirmed.

• Friday 2nd August - First Direct Arena, Leeds 3pm to 5pm

• Friday 6th SeptemberRevolution de Cuba, Leeds 3pm to 5pm

• Friday 4th October - Toyota Showrooms, Holbeck - details to be confirmed

• Friday 1st November - John Lewis, Leeds - details to be confirmed

• Friday 6th December - Christmas party - details to be confirmed

• Friday 7th March 2025Yorkshire Businesswoman Awards, Marriott Hotel, Leeds

Understanding female investors

The rise of the female investor is set to continue according to new research, which poses important considerations for advisers.

Investment has traditionally been a maledominated arena, both professionally and among those investing in the markets. We are seeing a change and shifting demographics will see 60% of the UK’s wealth in the hands of women by 2025. This is not just a short-lived fad advisers can simply ignore. Instead, this will impact businesses across the advice space of all sizes. Which is why it is important for advisers to start preparing now.

Understanding female investors

We studied this area in a recent report, by gauging the opinions and perspectives of our female clients.

Crucially, although the majority of our

female clients are the primary decision maker over household finances (55%), they are less comfortable with longterm financial decisions. This links to the fact many of our female clients identified gaps in their understanding of investment.

This creates an understandable hesitation to invest. If an investor does not understand risk, they will be reluctant to invest their money.

This can make it difficult to help them achieve their financial goals and could potentially limit their options. This also feeds into the misconception that women are more risk-averse than men.

Indeed, most of our female clients (70%)

agree that men’s and women’s attitudes to investment are different. However, when delving deeper, such attitudes are not hugely different. The minority of respondents (14.8%) report that the difference is by “a great deal”, with nearly half (44%) regarding them as moderate. These findings reflect the fact there is an unconscious bias in the financial services industry, with women being asked different questions about risk. Other research has found women are more willing to take on risk when given better information – meaning women are more ‘risk-aware’ than necessarily ‘risk-averse’.

Key statistics

• 79% of women want to make investments that are environmentally responsible.

• 45% of women would like less investment jargon

• Nearly 55% of our female clients described themselves as the primary decision maker over household finances.

• 60% of the UK's wealth in the hands of women by 2025.

Advisers should also understand how attitudes among female investors can differ from men in relation to responsible investment. A WealthiHer survey found

79% of women wanted their investments to be environmentally responsible, versus 65% of men. Responses of 89% and 70%, respectively, were received when asked about socially responsible investment. It is clear female investors put a greater emphasis on such issues, which should be recognised by advisers.

Of course, advisers also need to take into account the other financial differences between men and women. Aside from the obvious ramifications of the gender pay gap, women are more likely to have worked part-time, taken career breaks to have children, or acted as a caregiver. Pay disparity, combined with longer life expectancies, means women will usually need an average of £50,000 more in savings to compensate for retirement income shortfalls.

This has clear repercussions for the role investments will play in a woman’s retirement plan. Of our sample, 64% said they had held their wealth in cash which is not known for its growth properties. Given their smaller pension

pots, female investors’ investments will actually need to work harder to achieve greater returns to be comparable to men’s pensions.

Responding to the rise of female investors

It is important advisers ensure they are giving female investors the appropriate support and advice they need. This involves creating a positive investment experience for women.

Communication is a key part of this. Our research shows nearly half (45%) of clients would like less jargon to promote investment understanding, while almost the same percentage want help understanding how changes in their personal life impact their finances. This echoes the findings of a 2018 study by Fidelity that found nearly a quarter of women would be more willing to invest if it was made easier to understand. Advice practices set up to cater to a more even split of male and female investors will be better placed to gain new clients.

Advisers are also at risk of losing existing business as men are likely to take a lead over a couple’s financial matters and deal directly with their adviser. Research by UBS found 85% of women will manage day-to-day expenses, but only 19% will share longterm financial decisions with their partner. This can create issues in times of divorce or death (we found 46% of women first engaged with investment after receiving an inheritance). It is not surprising in these circumstances (which are not uncommon due to the fact women live longer than men) that upon discovering a lack of relationship and support, a wife will take her money elsewhere.

It is important for advisers to differentiate their approach between male and female clients. This also should not be restricted to couples and engaging with both partners. More women are putting their careers first, ahead of having families, and becoming successful in their own right. The days of targeting solely men as prospects are long gone.

Parsons celebrates double win at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards 2024

Yorkshire based Parsons, Chartered Accountants has scooped two awards at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards 2024 (YAA).

The team was elated to have been shortlisted in no less than five categories, before collecting two prestigious awards at the glitzy ceremony in New Dock Hall, Leeds.

Maggie Dearnley, audit senior, picked up the strongly contested Trainee of the Year award, triumphing over a fantastic shortlist of six incredibly talented trainees. Lisa Butterworth, head of marketing, scooped the Support Staff of the Year award.

Managing partner and head of corporate finance, Ian Parsons, said: “We are immensely proud of Maggie and Lisa; both awards are thoroughly deserved. This success is testament to the wealth of talent in our team, which has driven the growth and prosperity we’ve realised over recent years. We simply could not achieve this without the skills and efforts of every individual in our team.”

After being shortlisted in 2023 and 2024 for the Audit Service Award, the firm’s Audit team missed out once again this year. Richard Walker, head of audit commented: “We are looking forward to another successful year and making it third time lucky in 2025!”

The Yorkshire Accountancy Awards celebrate the achievements and successes of the region’s best and brightest professionals and firms. The awards, now in their seventh year, are the benchmark by which professionals and organisations within the accountancy sector judge themselves and their service delivery. Only the highest calibre entries can impress the independent judging panel to beat stiff competition and reach the final.

Bev Flanagan, chair of the Judging Panel and director of the Association of Accounting Technicians said: “As chair of the judging panel for this year’s Yorkshire Accountancy Awards, I am honoured to congratulate all of the winners on your outstanding achievements. Your dedication to excellence and commitment to the highest standards in accountancy have set a remarkable example for our industry and our region. I commend each of you for your hard work and innovation, and I look forward to witnessing your continued success in the future.”

L-R Lisa Butterworth, Head of Marketing (Support Staff of The Year) and Maggie Dearnley, Audit Senior (Trainee of The Year.) Yorkshire Accountancy Awards 2024

Plans for new Leeds Kirkgate Market food village are stacking up nicely

Plans for a new food village at Leeds Kirkgate Market have taken a significant step forward with the confirmation of a preferred operator for the ‘container-style’ venue.

Leeds City Council invited initial expressions of interest in April last year from private operators keen to develop and run the attraction proposed for part of the market’s outdoor trading area.

Now, following a robust selection process conducted over the course of 10 months, the council has announced STACK as its preferred operator.

STACK specialises in creating sustainable leisure destinations that offer a mix of street food and beverage outlets as well as events and entertainment.

More than 2.5 million people have flocked to STACK Seaburn – constructed from repurposed shipping containers –since it opened on the Northeast coast in 2020.

Work is now under way on two new STACK venues in Newcastle city centre, one of which will be a ‘fan zone’ next to Newcastle United’s St James’ Park ground.

STACK also has sites at various stages of development in Lincoln, Bishop

Auckland, Middlesbrough, Whitley Bay, Durham, Carlisle, Northampton, Manchester, Wigan and Sheffield.

STACK was one of three private operators that submitted formal bids to the council in relation to the Leeds site.

Its selection as the preferred operator was based on both its rental offer and detailed proposals showing how the project would complement the market and generate new custom for existing traders.

The start of any work is subject to the scheme securing the necessary planning and licensing approvals.

We are delighted to be able to confirm STACK as our preferred operator for what will be, subject to the necessary planning and licensing approvals, a really exciting addition to Leeds Kirkgate Market...

Councillor Jonathan Pryor

The cost of building the food, beverage and entertainment venue would be met by the operator, with rental payments generating a new income stream for the council.

The development would, it is hoped, boost footfall across the whole market site and help attract a new customer base to this historic jewel in the city’s retail crown.

It would also create jobs and deliver increased opportunities for independent traders thanks to a seven-days-a-week operation that would extend into the evenings.

The outdoor market currently has room for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of those being filled on its busiest days.

Under plans first announced by the council in late 2022, the number of outdoor pitches would be reduced, and the freed-up space used as the location for the new container village.

The reconfigured area would still be able to comfortably accommodate all existing traders – as well as new arrivals – and would also remain one of the largest sites of its kind in the region.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm STACK as our preferred operator for what will be, subject to the necessary planning and licensing approvals, a really exciting addition to Leeds Kirkgate Market.

“STACK’s track record and proposals make it an ideal fit for a scheme that would complement other major improvements at the market –improvements that recently helped push monthly visitor numbers past 500,000.

“Our ongoing investment in this important and historic retail destination means it is now well placed to play its part in powering the further regeneration of the eastern side of the city centre.

“The council is also committed to continuing to work with the market’s existing traders to ensure they can reap the maximum benefit from the proposed food village.”

Neill Winch, STACK’s chief executive officer, said: "We at STACK are thrilled to be selected as the preferred operator for the new food village at Leeds Kirkgate Market. Our passion for creating vibrant, community-focused destinations aligns perfectly with the council's vision for regeneration and cultural enrichment.

“STACK's approach is all about sustainability and synergy with local businesses. We're excited to bring our unique blend of street food, beverage offerings and entertainment to Leeds and to integrate with the historic and bustling market environment. This opportunity not only allows us to contribute to the city's dynamic growth but also to create a space where the community and visitors can enjoy a diverse and engaging experience.

“We're committed to ensuring that the new container village will be a place where both existing and new traders can thrive, enhancing the overall market and ensuring it remains a key attraction in Leeds. We look forward to working closely with the council and local stakeholders to make this vision a reality."

Recent improvements at the market include an ongoing £10m project to repair, conserve and enhance the 1875 ‘blockshops’, the oldest surviving structures on the site. Phase one of this scheme was completed in August last year, with the second and final stage now under way.

The blockshops work followed the creation of the popular Market Kitchen Street food hall and event space as part of a £14m refurbishment.The council has also secured planning permission for a new hotel and gym on the George Street side of the Grade I listed market building.

How Youbee Media supported the inaugural Yorkshire BusinessWoman Awards

In March, we were part of the organising committee for the first Yorkshire BusinessWoman Awards. The event was a huge success and brought together business founders, thought leaders, influencers, and collaborators from across the region. It was a true celebration of all that’s fantastic about living and working in Yorkshire.

Planning an event like this is no mean feat, so Yorkshire BusinessWoman needed a committee that could help navigate all the moving parts. The committee comprised of Zoe Hands, sales leader of the Leeds Marriott, Jane Clynes, of Jane Clyne Events, Rebecca Hopwood, director of Youbee Media, and Debbie Dobson of Dakota Leeds. The committee supported Gill Laidler, Rob Blackwell and Freda Shafi of Yorkshire BusinessWoman and contributed at all stages of the planning.

Rebecca Hopwood chats about her experience and highlights.

What motivated you to support this event?

As partners of Topic UK and Yorkshire BusinessWoman, we knew that we would be in a great position to manage communications for the event across multiple platforms. I have a team of expert digital marketers and experienced graphic designers, so I knew that we could help with the event both visually and technically. I’m someone who likes to ‘get things done’ and I love organising,

planning, and coordinating marketing campaigns. As a team, I know we’d have the right skills for the job.

What did you learn from this event?

Well, until you do it, I don’t think you can appreciate how much work is involved in planning an awards ceremony. One minute I could be storyboarding a promotional video for the venue, or sampling the evening menu, the next I’m folding 1000 raffle tickets and putting them in a bucket! We all get stuck in and brought together some amazing businesses to put on a fantastic event.

From a marketing perspective, what were the highlights?

Youbee Media have been fortunate to not only attend a few award ceremonies, but also win awards. So, we took some of what we’d experienced as a nominee

and guest and tried to give the Yorkshire BusinessWoman finalists an even better experience. We communicated what to expect on the evening, created digital assets for guests to share, and encouraged attendees to use the hashtag #YBWAwards. The result was over 1300% uplift in content interactions, and an increase in reach over 144.4%. We’re really pleased with the engagement leading up to and covering the event.

What do you feel this has done for your network?

The Yorkshire BusinessWoman community is so supportive, it’s strengthened relationships. It’s also wonderful to be seen as a collaborative agency that can support an event on this scale with digital marketing and design. We’re very excited to do more events like this and show more people what we can do!

A Transformational masterclass with Jowita Penkala in partnership with YBW

Hi everyone, I’m Jowita. Some of you already know of me from my recent talk at The Banyan earlier this year. I even went on to work with some of you following that talk, such was its impact. I’m currently on a mission; with the help of the Yorkshire Businesswoman network, to help as many women (and men!) to transform their lives, as I did mine.

Some stats: Did you know that a staggering 98% of people are victims of circumstances and are not in control of their own lives? Shocking, isn’t it? More shocking still; I was one of them. By the age of 10, I had undergone 3 major surgeries. The first of which when I was only 8 months old, the second when I was 9 years old and the third when I was 10 years old. Doctors gave me zero chance of surviving and were convinced of my imminent death. I had spent more than a year in hospital, but surprisingly I survived against all odds.

Those traumatic events made me realise that I had two choices in my life: remain a victim, or stop being a victim.

I decided on the latter; it was a pivotal moment for me. By tapping into the power of my mind to develop tools that I believe we all possess, I overcame fear, defeat, and acquiescence. I’ve been working on reprogramming my subconscious mind ever since, for good health, success, and happiness. As a result, I’ve been achieving all my dream goals with ease. And guess what? YOU can do it, too.

Many people live with debilitating feelings of stress, frustration, anger; almost believing that it is normal in

their day to day life. Alongside that the limiting belief patterns that certain things in life are beyond their reach. Some find it difficult to achieve their goals with ease and some feel success and happiness are somehow intrinsically linked.

I have created a masterclass that addresses all the above through a deeply transformative workshop where you will:

• Learn how to reprogramme thoughts, beliefs and habits that hold you back from experiencing abundance, of love, happiness, joy, health, success and fulfilment

• Learn how to awaken the innate genius within

• Learn how to take charge of being the ‘architect’ of your life rather than a victim of circumstance.

The transformative outcomes include:

• Regaining your peace of mind

• Becoming your true authentic self by shedding baggage of what we think ‘we ought to be’.

• Elevating your self-belief, confidence, and self-worth

• Awakening your true creativity and the genius within

• Creating the life you deeply desire.

More information about the Masterclass to be confirmed at the next Yorkshire Businesswoman event April 5th Banyan Leeds.

I encourage my clients to invest in themselves now, so that any thoughts of “I wish I had done things differently” have not become their mantra.

e-mail : penkala@excellence.one

Tel : 07915 609025

Muddy boots and sunny smiles as CFFC walk around Ogden Water

CFFC kicked off their first walk of the year with a walk around Ogden Water.

Opting to take the woodland and march route, everyone had a good laugh as they navigated their way around some pretty boggy parts. Luckily, the sun was shining, the breath-taking scenery, and

the great conversations made the walk well worth the effort.

Lisa Kempster from Best You Health guides us round walks around Calderdale and helps CFFC connect people who care with causes that matter. You don’t need to book, just turn up.

For more information about events happening at CFFC, visit https://cffc.co.uk/ events/

Make your entrance at FB Fashion Ball

By Lisa Darwin - Life Coach & Fashion Stylist

Spring is in the air, and this can only mean one thing,FB FASHION BALL, is fast approaching, we are looking forward to this glamorous Ball on 25th April at New Dock in Leeds join us to celebrate our 27th year!

I love being a fashion stylist and I have enjoyed almost three decades of my renowned Fashion Ball, involving hundreds of business professionals from the Yorkshire Business Community not only styling them but building relationships that last a lifetime! Professionals from across the Yorkshire region and covering every sector sign up to model on the catwalk or to perform to raise awareness for their chosen local charity. I am delighted and so proud as a team we have been able to support so many amazing charities over all these years, a true testament to every individual and business involved.

Every person who signs up to model and perform give their all and really do put on the greatest show to an audience of hundreds of professionals, representing so many businesses in our region. I’m living my fashion stylist dream working with my ongoing fashion partners John Lewis & Partners, Reiss, Ted Baker, Jigsaw, Hawes & Curtis, Mint Velvet, All Saints, Rebecca Rhodes and my own brand Glamour Rocks, the SS/24 collections are compelling,

and we can’t wait to showcase them on the night. SS/24 has so much colour, style and glitz, the model looks are strong, vibrant, sexy and classic and the outfits speak for themselves. We are excited once again to partner with Creative Ambition, hosting a team of beauty graduates in fashion, film, TV and theatre with experienced makeup brands MAC Cosmetics, Illamasqua and Urban Decay to create a flawless model look.

We are thrilled once again to partner with Yorkshire Businesswoman as one of our media partners attending on the evening to capture the redcarpet moments, bring on the Met Gala vibes! Huge thanks to our sponsors and partners, Grantley Hall, RSM, Vantage Motor Group/ Lexus, Leeds Law Society, Leeds Arena, Ward Hadaway LLP, Thomas Coombs, Dakota Hotels, Resource, ICAEW, LCASS, LYP, P100, JLD, YABA, The Club, Leeds Smart Works, Life Reach, J9 Advisory, Amiee Willow Connex, Yorkshire Leadership Group, PM Forum and Lavish.

Don’t miss out on this spectacular glitzy event, with Glamourous Networking, Sparkling Drinks Reception, Delicious 3-Course

Dinner, Live Fashion Show, celebrating the winners of a prestigious Yorkshire Business Hero Award and plenty of FUN with Dancing until late!

The Yorkshire Businesswoman has only a couple of discounted tables left so don’t walk, run to book your seats today. If you would like to get involved with the event as a Model, Sponsor or Partner get in touch quickly as places are limited!

Contact: Lisa Darwin

Email:lisa@fbfashionball.show www.fbfashionball.show @ fbfashionball

Excited to see you there, all glammed up with your dancing shoes on!

Lisa x

Become A Style Insider

Join The Style Edit, Lisa’s exclusive email list for the latest trends, shopping guides, celebrity style, beauty top-tips and more. Invest in yourself this season with your own Fashion Stylist, Life Coach or Mentor. My team of expert coaches and I would love to enhance you and your life! Don’t hesitate to get in touch for details.

Contact:

Lisa Darwin

E:lisa@lisadarwin.com

www.lisadarwin.com

@lisadarwin1111

www.fbfashionball.show

@fbfashionball

The Style Edit by Lisa Darwin

Every SS/24 dress collection you need to see on the FB FASHION BALL Runway

The fashion horizon for SS/24 is set to revitalise women’s dresses, blending time-honoured silhouettes with innovative twists. Focusing on inclusivity, comfort, and versatility, these trends not only cater to consumer demands but also reflect the shifting dynamics of fashion retail. Embracing these trends will empower women to curate their own personal style and wardrobe affordability. Girls here come the dresses!

Lisa’s Dress Edit:

• Stuble Tailoring. Perfect for business attire, power dressing, crossing over from day to night

• Sheer Delight. Sexy, glitzy, or festival grunge anything goes as along as its seethrough

• Abstract Pattens. Perfect alternative to flowers, adds interest and expense to any dress

• Minis. Seasonal must have, classic go to dress in any colour and style, get those legs out girls

• Baby Talk. Babydoll, puffball, bouncy dresses, layers, and ruffles to nail the look, playtime!

• Rosettes. Feminine and pretty adds glamour to any dress, also wear as an accessory.

• Leopard Print. All-time favourite, dress up or down, classic wardrobe piece, always on trend

• Slips. Slinky, figure hugging, sexy and a steady rise in popularity, perfect for SS/24

• Feather Finish. Fabulous and feathers! Bright feathers and textures are essential for this look

• Drop Waist. Compliments your figure, extends the waist, and gives a youthful style

• Polka Dots. Seasonal favourite, classic and simple look

• Goddess Drapery. Channel your inner goddess, its all about drama, rich tones, shimmery fabric

• Wrap Dress. Timeless appeal with modern twists, perfect for enhancing your body shape/ waist

• The Bodycon. Firm favourite embracing inclusivity and comfort, mini or knee length looks best

• Glitz & Glamour. Perfect for a special or formal occasion, plenty of sparkle to shine all year

By Freda Shafi: Associate editor food & health

Hello May …. Spring is most definitely in the air!

Are you blowing away the cobwebs and making the most of the longer days?

The seasonal produce in the grocery stores lean towards ‘lighter’ vegetables and fruits with which create our meals. It’s a primal instinct that we adapt to, as warmer days set in. That’s why we should in fact, eat what is ‘in season’. Our diets don’t require as many carbohydrates to fuel our bodies in the warmer months, as they do in the winter and we have a propensity to graze on fresh salads,

fruits and berries – all part of this seasons’ bounty. Which is why this months’ recipes are all about keeping it light and relatively low on the ‘carb’ intake.

The grazing board is a brilliant example of that, and even the crackers I created for you are made without flour. See the full recipe below and other recipes for the spring season!

Keto-friendly grazing board …

One ingredient seeded crackers

A keto diet for those who don’t know, in simple terms is that low in carbs. Our bodies are still not equipped to digesting too many carb heavy foods despite our evolution over thousands of years! Whether you follow a keto diet or not, keeping the carb intake low has been shown to be beneficial when it comes to nutrition and wellbeing.

So, on that note, have you ever tried making crackers for the grazing board with only grains and seeds?. If not, then this is a must try and you won’t believe it when I tell you it’s only one, yes one ingredient if you consider mixed seeds as being that ingredient. Savour them with all your favourite dips, which again are limited in carbs and adhere to a keto, friendly diet. Full recipe for the crackers and dips in this month’s recipes.

Ingredients :

• 250g of mixed seeds (pre mixed available from most supermarkets)

• Alternatively, you can also buy ready “milled” or ground seeds

Method :

• Heat the oven to 175C fan forced

• Keep 50g of whole seeds aside.

• Grind 200g of the mixed seeds to a relatively course powdery consistency

• Add water in small increments.

• Using a spatula or large spoon, mix the milled seeds with water to form a stiff dough.

• Take a sheet of baking paper and place the dough in the centre.

• Place another sheet of baking paper over the top and use a rolling pin to roll and flatten the dough gently rolling it to approximately ½ cm . Try to keep it even.

• Score or cut the dough with a pizza cutter into squares, 5cm x 5cm.

• Sprinkle the extra whole seeds over the dough and press gently in with the rolling pin.

• Place the flattened dough on a baking tray and transfer to the oven and bake for 45 – 50 minutes. Be sure to keep your eye on it; it needs to be golden brown in colour and relatively hardened

• Remove from the oven and cool. Break into squares where the scores have been made already.

Shown here enjoyed with a “bullet proof” keto coffee made with Neutrient Butterfat keto in lieu of milk. Get 20% off Neutrient using the code: KETO20 at checkout. Available at: neutrient.com

Classic Guacamole

Easy enough to create a classic that you can enjoy as a dip or snack or as part of a grazing board. However you enjoy avocado’s, they’re a brilliant source of healthy fats and overall nutrition

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados

• Handful of cherry / baby plum tomatoes or 1 vine tomatoes chopped finely or smashed

• 1 small bunch coriander chopped

Homemade hummus

It’s so easy from scratch. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a blender. You can even make 5 times as much for the cost of one shop bought portion; the latter often has hidden processed elements and preservatives, so it’s not ideal. In making your own, you know exactly what’s going in, and honestly; it tastes so much better. Whether you like it ultra smooth or grainy, it’s one of the healthiest dips you can make yourself. If you want a smoother texture, try soaking and removing the outer skin. I also used extra garlic, so it’s more fragrant and garnished with a sprinkling of sweet paprika.It can be the perfect lunch with a side of flatbread or a brilliant addition to your grazing board.

Ingredients

• 400g soaked and cooked chickpeas.

• Juice of ½ fresh lemon

• 2tbsp tahini

• 3-5 garlic cloves

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Beetroot dip

This dip provides not only a splash of colour but a huge hit of tangy flavour. Only a few elements required to

• Salt to taste

• 3-4 tbsp cold water

• Extra Chickpeas and paprika to garnish

Method

Combine tahini and lemon juice in the processor followed by the garlic

create this flavourful dip to complete this delicious selection of dips for the grazing board.

Ingredients

• 1 vacuum pack (usually 4 beets) ready prepped beetroot – It is easy to come by already prepped, to save time as I used here.

• 250g (1 cup) Greek Style Yoghurt

• Juice of ½ fresh lemon

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 small red onion finely diced

• 3-4 cloves garlic

• Juice of 1 lime

• Chilli flakes (optional)

• Salt to taste

Method

Crush the avocado (it should be soft enough to crush) with a fork.

Fold in all other fresh ingredients and seasonings Squeeze in the lime and add salt to taste.

and cumin, then add the chickpeas and water (keep a few aside for garnish) Process until you have reached the consistency you desire. Serve in a bowl with some extra chickpeas, olive oil and paprika as shown.

Method

Chop the beetroot coarsely and add into a blender

Add all other ingredients and process until smooth

Season with sea salt

Serve with the crackers and other elements on this grazing board

Get 20% off Neutrient using the code: KETO20 at checkout.

Available at: neutrient.com

The Wild & Wood effect

In March, vegan and sustainable skincare brand, Wild & Wood, opened their new Pontefract store and were amazed to see hundreds of visitors wait in line for hours to have a first-look on the day.

It wasn’t just shoppers from the local community showing their support either, some of their customers travelled over three hours to check out the store.

Aimee Bowers from Wakefield, was one of the first shoppers waiting in line she said, “I use all of their products for my skincare and was originally introduced to the brand through a friend.”

Aimee wasn’t the only one looking for her Wild & Wood fix, Gemma Hastings from Leeds made the trip over and commented; “My family are based in Leicester and are jealous that they couldn’t be here today – especially my sister - but for me being able to come and support is something I’m really excited about. Having the shop will allow me the opportunity to try new scents and smells, which isn’t something you can do online.”

There’s no denying that the lasting effects of the pandemic caused struggle for many local businesses within the region, but Wild & Wood’s strong online presence has meant that their loyal community of customers, innovate worldclass products and now their new workshop and store cements the business as one that is here to stay.

Just a few years ago Hollie and Lorna were standing at their kitchen sinks with their babies strapped to their backs whilst hand crafting bath milks. Fast forward to today and the Wild & Wood legacy couldn’t look much different for the pair, who now have a team of women working with them to hand craft each product.

The brand, whose sustainable concept has garnered the attention

of many, including the likes of TV personality Stacey Solomon, have now surpassed over a million orders.

Speaking of the store opening Lorna said, “It’s just crazy, we can’t believe how far we’ve come. I was honestly worried that nobody would show to the opening, so much so I couldn’t sleep the night before due to serious imposter syndrome and pre-opening nerves. So, to see the long line of customers waiting outside was incredibly touching and pushed all my previous doubt away, because Wild & Wood really is a labour of love and days like today make it all worth it.”

Hollie added, “We knew that opening a store to this scale would be a lot of work, but we never lost sight of our why – which was to provide a space for our customers that felt intimate and inviting.

You can find the store on 45 Southgate, Pontefract, WF8 1IN.

10

ways to get and keep a great head of hair

YBW member Louise Howard-Long has owned her award-winning salon Architect Hair for over 20 years, her busy team look after a clientele of super loyal clients in Headingley Leeds.

Great hair really does make a difference, it gives confidence and can make you stand out in a crowd. Just think about how you would describe someone – it’s always hair first. Great hair cut or colour will always get you noticed.

Here Louise shares her top tips on how to get the best hair possible wherever you are, in the salon or at home.

In the salon…

Find a great hairdresser! A good

hairdresser can be hard to find so go by personal recommendation or ask someone who’s hair you admire. Most hairdressers offer complimentary consultations so you can talk through your hair ideas face to face and suss out if they’re the right match for you. Many salons will have specialists within their team so when you call the salon ask for the expert in your type of hair or issue.

Expect to pay for a good service, a good hairdresser will not (and shouldn’t) come cheap but get the right one for you and they’ll be worth their weight in gold. The best hairdressers train long and hard to get to be as good as they are, and that expertise and knowledge comes at a cost to the salon.

Realise the limitations of your hair. To quote The Rolling Stones, you can’t

always get what you want! Delicate hair sometimes simply will not lift to a pale blonde, and fine hair will not always grow as long you want but a good hairdresser will create a plan to get you the best hair possible and will be honest and tell you when it’s just not going to work.

Consider extensions, they can add length or just volume to most kinds of hair and in lots of cases are undetectable.

It’s a good idea to work within your budget and time constraints. Some cuts need attention every 5-6 weeks, some colours need 4/5week maintenance, that will cost and take up time. if you’re always short of time for colour consider a balayage technique rather than full highlights as they will last longer and need less visits to the salon.

At home….

Don’t shampoo your hair every day unless you work in a mucky job. It doesn’t need it and too much shampooing simply strips the hair. Always use a good quality shampoo, but if you’re watching the pennies spend more on a treatment.

Condition is all!! Your locks won’t look as good, and colour won’t hold if the hair is dry, over processed, and tatty. A thing to remember is that whilst a basic conditioner is essential in day-to-day haircare it won’t do the job of a treatment that is specific to your hair’s needs, Olaplex No3 really does the job for us; apply weekly and leave for at least 20 mins. A good hairdresser will advise you on the right one for you.

Get a good kit together and get comfy! When you’re styling lay

out your products and equipment so that you can access them easily whilst blow drying. Get yourself two brushes; a more open brush that will help you section and dry off at the roots and a tighter bristle type brush that allows you to get some tension on the hair, therefore enabling you to get more control. Use section clips to separate the hair and dry one section at a time.

If your irons are older than the hills, update them, thermostats can go without you realising!

As you’d always use a sunscreen, you should always use a heat protector, ask any professional about the toast test!! For curly or dry hair, we love Redken’s Mega Soft Curls (£28.00), when we need something lighter we go for Keratin Complex’s Keratin Obsessed (£28.00)

Weather conditions in the UK often dictate a need for a finishing product that repels moisture be it the damp in winter or humidity in summer. They really do make a difference and stop the creeping frizz that gets worse throughout the day. Our go to is Neal and Wolf Control Hairspray - an absolute bargain at £12.95.

The team at Architect are totally focused on creating the very best hair for all our clients and as an introductory offer will give a complimentary intense conditioning treatment to all our guests who mention this article when they book their first appointment at Architect Hair

Architect Hair, 52 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2AL

Tel: 0113 275 5884

architecthairsalon.co.uk

@architect_hair

The surprising benefits of growing your own food

Photo by Greta Hoffman : https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-person-gardening-7729130/

In an age of convenience and fast-paced lifestyles, the notion of growing one's own food might seem antiquated or impractical to some.

Yet, as more people seek sustainable and healthier lifestyles, the trend of cultivating personal gardens or participating in community agriculture initiatives is on the rise. Beyond the obvious advantage of having fresh produce at your fingertips, there's a myriad of unexpected benefits to be reaped from tending to your own garden plot.

1. Healthier Eating Habits When you grow your own food, you have complete control over what goes into the soil and onto your plate. This means you can avoid harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, opting instead for organic and sustainable cultivation methods. With a garden brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, you're more likely to incorporate these nutritious ingredients into your daily meals, leading to a healthier diet overall.

2. Connection to Nature In our increasingly urbanized world, it's easy to become disconnected from the natural world. However, nurturing plants from seedlings to harvest fosters a deep connection to the earth and its cycles. Spending time outdoors, tending to the soil, and observing the growth of your plants can be a grounding and therapeutic experience, offering respite from the stresses of modern life.

3. Environmental Impact By growing your own food, you reduce your carbon footprint in several ways. Firstly, you eliminate the need for transportation emissions associated with shipping produce from farms to supermarkets. Secondly, organic gardening practices promote soil health and biodiversity, contributing to ecosystem resilience and

mitigating climate change. Finally, you can compost organic waste from your kitchen and garden, reducing the amount of organic matter sent to landfills and returning valuable nutrients to the soil.

4. Cost Savings While there's an initial investment of time and resources involved in setting up a garden, growing your own food can ultimately save you money in the long run. Once your garden is established, you'll spend less on grocery bills, as fresh produce from your backyard is considerably cheaper than store-bought equivalents. Additionally, by preserving surplus harvests through techniques such as canning, freezing, or drying, you can enjoy homegrown goodness throughout the year.

5. Sense of Accomplishment There's a unique satisfaction that comes from nurturing a seedling into a thriving plant and harvesting the fruits of your labour. Whether it's a vibrant tomato plant, a fragrant herb garden, or a row of crisp lettuce, the sense of accomplishment and pride derived from growing your own food is unparalleled. This tangible connection to the food on your plate fosters appreciation for the natural world

and a deeper understanding of where our food comes from.

6. Community Building In many communities, gardening is a shared activity that brings people together. Whether it's through participating in community gardens, joining local gardening clubs, or exchanging seeds and tips with neighbours, growing food can be a catalyst for building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. Sharing surplus harvests with friends and neighbours strengthens social bonds and promotes a spirit of generosity and cooperation.

In conclusion, the benefits of growing your own food extend far beyond the satisfaction of harvesting a ripe tomato or plucking fresh herbs from the garden. From promoting healthier eating habits and environmental sustainability to fostering connections with nature and community, cultivating your own food is a rewarding endeavour with profound personal and societal implications. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a trowel, and start reaping the abundant rewards of homegrown goodness.

It’s here at lastSpring has arrived!

Michaela Axford our regular gardening contributor shares tips with us on what we can plant and grow ourselves.

At long last spring is here – we made it! The clocks have gone forward, the days are longer, and the birdsong portends warm and sunny evenings not too far ahead. Springtime is the most frenetic period in the allotment calendar. February and March are often a battle to complete the winter tasks that were defeated by wind, rain, and snow.

The hardiest gardeners will have striven to manure their beds in less than clement weather conditions, and pruning and repairs will have dominated our free time. Whilst February seems almost never-ending, March passes so much more quickly, as we juggle the planting of seeds and begin to fill our greenhouses, conservatories, and kitchen windows with seedlings. I am grateful that I have an extraordinarily tolerant family who contend with squeezing past my many propagators and potted plants that have taken up every available space. I am always a passionate grower, but this season I have added motivation and determination.

In It to Win It

Some allotmenteers choose to grow flowers as their primary focus, with some edible varieties dotted here and there. I have always taken the view that the allotment is for produce, and I have been quite purist in this approach. I declined to participate in the annual September show because, well, I ate it all. It is the purpose of an allotment after all, I shrugged. However, my fellow committee members applied some expert psychology and I have found myself engaged in a more competitive spirit. Like Columbo in dungarees, I have snooped around the allotment, observing the most successful prize winners, and taking notes. “Just one more thing,” I ask my fellow plot-holders “How exactly does one grow longer

carrots?” I’ve pored through the gardening magazines and spent my daily commute listening to podcasts all so that that I have just five varieties to a standard that I can exhibit. I am pinning my hopes on winning the “Biggest Pumpkin” competition. To that end, I purchased ten Atlantic Giant seeds. If you are unfamiliar with this cultivar, it is the one that American competitors select to produce the fantastically gigantic

specimens that weigh over a ton. Now, I’m not about to cancel my summer holiday plans to go out every night to monitor the air temperature as the champions do, so I think a modest say, twenty-pound pumpkin might just do the job. However, I am already preparing the bed and toughening up my seedlings, only one of which will be chosen to bear the prized fruit. Of course, some people have enquired as to how I intend to move the pumpkin

Being passionate as I am about growing my food, I love to encourage people who have never dabbled previously, to just have a go...

if I am as successful as I hope to be. I have declined a response because that’s just not helpful.

Dishing the Dirt

If you enjoy scrolling through visual media of a lifestyle bent, or viewing video clips of traditional homesteaders, (I mean, who doesn’t?) you probably think – as I did, that beautiful green Brassicas such as Savoy cabbage simply grow in the ground. This is an absolute myth that I am here to expose. My three years of allotment growing have demonstrated the folly of this belief. It transpires that

Brassicas are complete divas. They make more demands than Mariah Carey on tour. Intent on producing a perfect head of cabbage that I can show off, I have weeded, manured, and raked a six square metre bed. I have added lime to prevent club root, and I have constructed a frame over which I have draped scaffold netting to deny entry to greedy wood pigeons and Cabbage White butterflies. I shall be planting nasturtiums amongst the cabbages to provide a tasty distraction to any rogue caterpillars that find their way in. Finally, I shall be mulching each cabbage with Strulch to deter the pervasive and villainous slugs. If all this effort and time does not bear fruit, then know that I will be having a low-key tantrum about it all.

Being passionate as I am about growing my food, I love to encourage people who have never dabbled previously, to just have a go. So, in April and May, what one variety can I persuade you to grow? It must be easy, inexpensive and take up little

Early potatoes to try:

• Swift

• Rocket

• Arran Pilot

• Pentland Javelin (the showwinner)

• Sharpe’s Express

• Charlotte (my personal favourite for flavour)

So, if you’re shopping in the supermarket or the discount store and you spot some bargain seed potatoes, why not try growing some on your patio. They’re easier and less demanding than you might think, and what beats a dish of steamed potatoes with mint or chives and lovely knob of butter?

space. Well, I think it must be new, or as horticulturists refer to them –early potatoes. These delightfully accommodating tubers are so easily grown in patio contaniers, require so little work, and reward the gardener so quickly – the Swift variety can be ready to eat in as little as eight weeks. All you need is three or four potatoes – seed potatoes are best, but you can in fact use supermarket bought ones – placed in a large tub or sack halffilled with compost. When the dark green shoots begin to appear, cover them in more compost to encourage growth. When white flowers begin to form after two or three months, you can simply pull them up to reveal a crop of new potatoes. If you want a fast-cropping variety, look for names that indicate speed. I’ve gone potato crazy this year, with Pentland Javelin, Charlotte, King Edwards, and Pink Fir Apples. But even that wasn’t enough, so I’ve added a row of containers to my mum and dad’s garden, where they await the arrival of Swift and Arran Pilot potatoes sometime in early June.

Wellness Trends in 2024

By: Janet Milner-Walker - Founder of Bespoke Advantage

It is great to see innovation and investment being poured into the wellness world, and one of the biggest trends emerging in 2024 is how we are prioritising our health more than ever before.

There is far greater awareness of the importance in managing our sugarlevels, which has a direct impact on our immunity, energy levels, weight gain, brain fog, and can lead to Type 2 diabetes and cancers. In response to this, there has been a launch of new fitness products and nutritional products for

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic which is set to become more mainstream through popping up in foods, beverages, and dietary supplements.

Monitoring our fitness

In line with prioritising our health we have experiencing a surge in consumers prioritising their daily fitness regimesfrom in-person fitness classes to personal training and “knockout workouts” which provide excellent cardio challenges and stimulate our mental-wellbeing. We are exploring how ‘wearables’ from watches to biometric rings, can measure

and improve the quality of our sleep,

Rather than guzzling sugar-laden drinks, and consuming a dozen coffees a day, instead we are seeking out ways in which to boost our energy levels naturally. Studies reveal that young people in the UK consume far less alcohol than Gen X and Baby Boomers and we have seen a surge in canned mocktails, near-beers and zero-proof spirits launching on the market, with the non-alcoholic beverage industry growing in popularity.

Veganism is being replaced by plantbased diets. Over the past few years many consumers turned to veganism, but it appears ‘vegan choices’ on the market weren’t popular, with several brands going into administration. This has since been replaced by a growing interest in natural plant-based foods,

from protein products like mushrooms, to walnuts, tempeh and legumes.

Getting a good night’s sleep

We all love a good night’s sleep, and sleep consistently ranks as the second highest health and wellbeing concern. It is also an area where we have many unmet needs. A McKinsey report found that 37% of US consumers expressed a desire for additional sleep and mindfulness products and services, however as there are so many factors which can lead to a disturbed night’s sleep, it is often hard to pinpoint which are those need to be addressed most. We are however far more aware of the impact of digital devices on the quality of our sleep, with many of us turning off social media on the weekends and relying less on apps on our phones.

Wellness starts from the inside out

The rise of supplements for our gut health, skincare, hair and beauty needs, continues to grow with Ashwagandha racking up over 1.1 billion views on TikTok in 2023. A plant naturally grown in Asia and Africa, it is commonly used to treat stress, chronic inflammation, improve the quality of our sleep, elevate

ABOUT JANET MILNERWALKER

Janet Milner-Walker is the founder and managing director of Bespoke Advantage, and BeautytoLife. She is an international speaker, a trusted advisor, and a freelance writer. Her expertise is built around her ability to shine a light on brands that are creating products to be talked about.

Bespoke Advantage is an international brand consultancy, supporting award-winning beauty and wellness clients including well established brands, retailers, investors, embassies, and trade bodies, in building brands across markets.

www.thebespokeadvantage. com.

our mood levels and it is highly beneficial to women through every life-stage.

Studies support the medicinal benefits of psychedelics like MDMA for treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, migraines and using MDMA to treat PTSD, may soon be approved through medical treatment plans.

Taking time off

Wellness extends into our rest and relaxation, and this year we have seen a rise in wellness travel as we become more aware of the importance of nurturing our wellbeing. From culinary holidays, to ski holidays and tropical retreats and meditation holidays. Often referred to as ‘slow travel’ hotels are introducing sleepsupporting amenities, social activities like wine tastings and nature walks. We are seeking out life-changing adrenaline experiences to work through our grief, trauma and blockages, including career stagnation, and lifestyle overhauls.

The beauty of women’s health

During Covid many topics that were previously considered ‘taboo’ came to the forefront, with consumers happy to share. These include menstrualhealth, sexual health, menopause and pregnancy concerns. In the past menopause was seen as a ‘taboo’ topic, Kindra is a contemporary wellness brand, for menopause essentials, launched in 2019, they raised $4.5 million seed funding. Womaness was launched in 2020 and raised $4 million in 2021, signalling investment in an area that has long been neglected.

As we are living longer, we want to age healthily and the quality of our longevity is high on our agenda with many of us seeking out science-backed products and services based on clinical evidence, substantiated by doctor’s recommendations.

The Avenue Clinic:

By Dr Magdalena Bejma

The Avenue clinic in Alwoodly is a new venture, that sees two dynamic people from two different sectors teaming up - Niyaz Raof and Dr. Bejma. Their vision is to transform the way in which health care is delivered more equitably to patients. With a strained underresourced NHS system, and over-stretched clinicians currently operating on sparse resources, this clinic is here to change the landscape of how healthcare is delivered.

The NHS, a cornerstone of the British healthcare system, has long been lauded for its commitment to providing healthcare services to all, regardless of their ability to pay. However, in recent years, the NHS has faced significant challenges, including underfunding, long waiting times, and resource constraints. These issues have left many individuals feeling frustrated and underserved, prompting the need for alternative solutions. Enter the

Avenue Clinic; a response to these challenges, offering a sanctuary for those seeking expedited access to medical care without compromising on quality. With a focus on efficiency, empathy, and excellence, the clinic has quickly garnered a reputation for its patient-centered approach and commitment to delivering timely interventions. What sets the Avenue Clinic apart is its dedication to providing a tailored approach to the unique needs of each patient.

The clinic prioritizes unhurried consultations and comprehensive assessments. Here, patients are not just names on a list but individuals with stories, concerns, and aspirations. The clinic's team of skilled healthcare professionals takes the time to listen, understand, and collaborate with patients to develop tailored treatment plans that prioritise both physical and emotional well-being. What truly sets the Avenue Clinic apart is its unwavering commitment to compassion and empathy.

In an era where healthcare can sometimes feel impersonal and transactional, the clinic serves as a refuge; a place where patients are welcomed with warmth and treated with dignity and respect. Every interaction at the Avenue Clinic is infused with empathy, from the moment patients walk through the door to their follow-up appointments and beyond. Here, healthcare is not just about treating ailments but about nurturing trust, building relationships,

and supporting patients through their health journeys. The Clinic is all about delivering 360 care and is proud to provide pioneering cosmetic treatments too.

One of the leading aesthetic practitioners is Dr Magdalena Bejma, well known cosmetic doctor and General Practitioner with a profound commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of her clients. Dr Bejma offers a comprehensive range of services, from injectable procedures to advanced skin treatments, minor surgeries, women’s wellness, health, and wellness services “My goal is to enhance your best features through an artistic, balanced and considered approach, tailored to your body. Cosmetic treatment isn’t about reversing the ageing process; it’s about releasing the real beauty that’s already in you.”

Dr Magdalena Bejma teamed up with Niyaz Raof. As the visionary and founder of the clinic, he began his career in law 15 years ago. His vision with The Avenue Clinic is to create a bespoke private medical practice catering to North Leeds and surrounding families who want high quality service and care. The Clinic has a further edge, in that it has a special interest in investing in and incubating new and evolving medical/

health practitioners and businesses with a view to scaling their success. They both share a passion for investing in people, and since the get go, the Clinic has done what it can to accommodate its patient’s needs.

The Avenue Clinic offers:

• Private GP services

• Menopause/women’s health

• Men’s health

• Blood and health screening tests

• Prescriptions

• Insurance work and referrals

• Ultrasound scans

The Clinic currently operates a scaled back version of its services, with a view to fully launch by early May 2024. However, with the current interest it has received, it is highly recommended to register asap with the Clinic, if not at least to get on a waiting list to secure your place as a future patient. In doing this, you would also benefit from any discounts and offers they plan to release to its private list.

Whilst you can call the Clinic to register as a patient, the easiest way is to go online on to their website and look for their registrations page.

www.theavenueclinic.co.uk

Where dry eyes and aesthetics intertwine

The Eye Retreat Medispa offers pioneering treatment for dry eye and aesthetics, in a new luxurious medispa setting in LS6

Sharon Flora founder of The Eye Retreat Medispa, providing advanced treatments for the management and relief of dry eye disease. Sharon is a passionate and dedicated professional in the eye care industry. With over two decades of experience, having founded Wood Street Opticians, a London based optical practice.

Sharon’s commitment to providing exceptional care is evident in her approach to treating every patient as if they were a part of her own family and offering a holistic approach. As an Award-Winning Dry Eye Specialist, she continuously strives to learn and develop her skills to offer the best in dry eye therapy. Sharon was recently honoured with the highly esteemed Award as The BCLA (British Contact Lens Association) Dry Eye Practitioner of the Year 2023. Her passion for utilising the latest technology to deliver outstanding results for her patients is truly remarkable. Sharon’s new clinic at David Lloyd is relaxed and luxurious, boasting the latest technology to treat patients.

What is dry eye? Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. It can lead to discomfort, irritation, and blurry vision. Common symptoms of dry eye include dryness, stinging or burning sensation, redness, a gritty feeling, sensitivity to light, watery eyes, blurred vision, and discomfort when wearing contact lenses.

Are you tired of dealing with dry, itchy eyes? Do you find yourself constantly reaching for eye drops? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from dry eye syndrome, a condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including ageing, medications, and environmental factors.

How can aesthetic treatments be used to help dry eye?

Radio frequency and intense pulsed light (IPL) have been used for years to improve the appearance of fine

lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. Now, these same treatments are being used to treat dry eye syndrome, with remarkable results.

How do radio frequency and intense pulsed light treatments help? At The Eye Retreat Medispa, we’ve seen first hand the transformative power of radio frequency and intense pulsed light treatments for dry eye syndrome. Our experienced team of Eye Care Professionals, Medical Aestheticians and Nurse

Practitioners uses the latest technology to provide safe, effective, and personalisedtreatments that improve eye health and appearance.

Radio frequency and intense pulsed light are both non-invasive treatments that use heat to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone and texture. When applied to the eye area, these treatments use heat that helps to improve the function of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil that keeps our eyes lubricated. After treatment, patients often report a significant reduction in dry eye symptoms, including itching, burning, watering and redness. Many also notice an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, as an added bonus.

What technology is used for the treatment?

Sharon is the first clinician in the UK to use the pioneering Inmode Envision technology, which incorporates dry eye treatment and skin tightening results. This groundbreaking, non-surgical ophthalmic device, deploys multiple programmable modalities which work synergistically to

deliver precision ocular and facial treatments.

What other aesthetic treatments are on offer? In addition to the dry eye disease treatments, The Eye Retreat offers a range of advanced aesthetic services, including Advanced Facials, Microneedling, Photofacials, Laser hair removal, Dermal Fillers, and more. These services are designed to help you look andfeel your best, with results that are both natural looking and longlasting.

At The Eye Retreat Medispa, we’re dedicated to providing safe, effective, and personalised treatments that improve eye health and appearance.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal eye health and comfort.

W: Theeyeretreat.co.uk

The Eye Retreat Tel: 0113 322 9063

David Lloyd, within Saks, Tongue Lane, Leeds LS6 4QW

Why NOW is the best time to submit your Tax Return Female intimate health & wellbeing

With Dr Uzma Qureshi

Treatments for the female intimate area have been around for at least a decade, but embarrassment and lack of awareness of options may lead to many women not openly discussing the problems they are experiencing.

Vaginal dryness can affect from 1/2 to 1/3 of women in peri-menopausal to menopausal stages. When we consider approximately 13million women in the UK are experiencing peri or menopausal symptoms that’s a lot of women that might have dryness alone as a symptom. Add to these other symptoms that women of all ages can experience such as painful sex, urinary leaking, changes in the way things look down below, its not surprising that Google searches by those seeking solutions are increasing.

Dr Uzma Qureshi is a surgically trained GP who works in the NHS as a GP partner, whilst also running her own CQC registered, multi-award winning private medical aesthetic clinic, MySkyn Clinic in Bradford.

Having an impressive list of women’s health qualifications and fitting coils, contraceptive implants, smears and

providing post-natal care on the NHS for the past 15 years, it only seemed natural to add the latest female rejuvenation services to her private clinic last year.

Alongside an array of aesthetic skin and hair related cutting-edge treatments, women can also access detailed consultations for symptoms in the vulvovaginal area and expert advice from Dr Uzma.

Symptoms such as dryness, itching, laxity can be addressed with radio frequency and muscle stimulation using the latest options in the women’s health arena such as the Empower device from Inmode. This utilises the power of radiofrequency to stimulate collagen production inside and outside the vaginal region. Different handpieces can be used to strengthen the pelvic floor if urinary leaking is a concern. Treatments are safe and comfortable with most women reporting improvements in as little as 2 sessions.

Where there are problems with appearance and looseness in the external

tissues, minimally invasive procedures such as Aviva can be used to cause tissue contraction and tightening and in effect a non-surgical labioplasty.

Skin rejuvenation and hydration of the vagina and surrounding tissues can now be performed with treatments that are growing in popularity such as polynucleotides and exosomes – both previously for facial skin - but now showing increasing evidence that they benefit the intimate area.

Each woman is an individual and a bespoke treatment plan will be provided following an in-depth consultation with Dr Uzma. We no longer must put up or simply ‘live with’ symptoms that can interfere with our ability to have active, healthy lives and intimate relationships.

For more details and a consultation contact Dr Uzma Qureshi

MySkyn Clinic

Allerton Health Centre

Belldean Road Bradford BD15 7WA

Enquiries@myskyn.co.uk

Tel 01274 921121

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V i s i t o u r “ m i n i T V s t u d i o ” i n L e e d s f o r p r o f e s s i o n a l a u d i o a n d v i d e o r e c o r d i n g . A v a i l a b l e t o f i l m u p t o 4 i n - p e r s o n g u e s t s i n a r e l a x e d s e t t i n g o r p a t c h i n r e m o t e l y . S t u d i o l i g h t i n g & 4 K c a m e r a s e n s u r e t e l e v i s i o n q u a l i t y f o o t a g e a n d p l e n t y o f b r a n d i n g o p t i o n s t o c r e a t e y o u r b e s p o k e s p a c e

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W h e t h e r y o u ’ r e r e c o r d i n g y o u r l a t e s t p o d c a s t , o n l i n e t u t o r i a l s o r s h o r t - f o r m v i d e o c o n t e n t f o r y o u r s o c i a l p l a t f o r m s , w e c a n h e l p . @thisisdistorted

Why domestic abuse is the next taboo to tackle

By Ros Jones - Business Coach

After much lobbying, the menopause finally has its place under the Equality Act 2010.

If menopause symptoms have a substantial impact on a woman’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, these symptoms could be considered a disability.

Whether you agree or not with the menopause being described as a disability, what is clear is that the topic of the menopause is now out in the open.

It’s no longer something women need to feel embarrassed or ashamed about.

This is the kind of change that’s needed on the issue of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is the last taboo. It directly impacts a huge proportion of the workplace, yet there is still no obligation for businesses to have any policies that specifically address it.

It’s also not on many people’s radars, even though it could be impacting a person’s performance or behaviour at work. It costs UK businesses £14 billion per year in lost productivity.

Impact

One in 5 people experience domestic abuse but less than 5% of businesses have any policy to support their workforce on the issue.

Domestic abuse is an uncomfortable topic for people to discuss. Those who are experiencing it can feel shame, fear, and guilt.

Making simple changes and actions within a workplace can have a huge impact.

Having posters with details of support organisations in toilets and communal areas is one example.

Asking the question “Is everything OK at home?” when there are concerns over performance or behaviour can also help open conversations.

However, doing the above needs to be underpinned by workplace culture that is genuinely caring, supportive, and educated on the issue of domestic abuse, and prepared to support colleagues if they do disclose their situation.

I created The Speaking Out: Domestic Abuse and the Workplace movement because of the deathly silence around the issue within the business community. It’s something that has been raised

by many support organisations, but traction is slow.

As a businesswoman, working with businesses every day in my role as a trainer and coach, it’s now a personal mission to get the community that I know can be caring, proactive and innovative, to step up and make the changes needed in their workplaces. These changes will mean that people experiencing domestic abuse in any of its many guises know they have the support to speak up and break the taboo on domestic abuse.

rosjones@businesswellbeing.club

GREEK STREET TERRACE

An elegant backdrop for drinks and dining, here you’ll enjoy classic and contemporary cocktails, and a carefully-curated seasonal menu of fresh, flavourful dishes.