Yorkshire BusinessWoman February 2024 by Yorkshire BusinessWoman & TopicUK

S u p p o r t i n g fe m a l e b u s i n e s s w o m e n a c r o s s t h e Yo r k s h i r e r e g i o n

Nº19 Bi-Monthly

A TopicUK Publication

February2024

MEET

Asma KEEPING

LAW IN YORKSHIRE

YORKSHIRE TO SHOWCASE REGENERATION 2024 NEW CEO FOR HERITAGE THEATRES

Contents

Group Editor Gill Laidler Design Rob Blackwell Associate editor Freda Shafi Administrator Charlotte Hall

Printed By: Charlesworth Press Wakefield

Official Photographers Roth Read Photography Cover : Asma Iqbal Image : Roth Read Photography The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those held by the publishers and therefore, no responsibility can be held by the publisher for misinterpretation. Reproduction of this magazine without the express permission of the publisher is prohibited. Whilst every care is taken in the production of this magazine, the publisher/editor and staff cannot accept any responsibility for errors in articles, advertisements or programme schedules. To subscribe to this magazine contact 07711 539047 or email editor@yorkshirebusinesswoman.co.uk. Published by Ghost Publishing who decline all responsibility for advice given. ISSN 2756-0457

To Partner Yorkshirebusinesswoman

Tel: 07711 539047

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C E L E B R AT I N G G E N D E R EQUALITY CHAMPIONS

R EG E N E R AT I O N A N D DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

FORMER ROYAL RESIDENCE NOW A LUXURY HOTEL

YORKSHIRE BUSINESSWOMAN AWARDS 2024

C A L D E R D A L E ’ S Y E A R O F C U LT U R E

M E E T A S M A - PA RT N E R AT CHADWICK LAWRENCE

N E W C E O F O R H E R I TA G E T H E AT R E S

FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR ON A MISSION

U K’ S V EG A N P O P U L AT I O N GROWS

Digital Copy Now available on e-mail Yo r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s Wo m a n

EditorsNotes By group editor Gill Laidler

We are so excited here in the Yorkshire Businesswoman office as our first ever awards are just around the corner. In the planning for more than a year, as we went to press, we were just finalising all the details and as you read this, the see-out awards will either be about to take place, or you may even be reading this at the awards as the edition contains a run-down of the evening. There are several people to thank, and I really don’t want to miss anyone, but I must mention our valued sponsors and supporters, of course our talented committee and The Marriott Hotel who have been amazing and I cannot recommend them enough. Should you be thinking of booking any kind of event they are the people to call. So many people have volunteered to help and are making these awards possible, my heartfelt thanks go to all.

We have just held our first networking event of 2024, another huge success with a large turn out at Banyan Bar & Kitchen in Leeds. Our next event takes place the afternoon before our Awards on 7th March at a new venue MaHe Indian Coastal restaurant on Wade Lane. Not one to be missed. Next edition, we will be bringing you all the awards news and winners, so make sure you order your copy now or download the digital edition from the App Store. Gill x

Our cover features Asma Iqbal. Asma is a partner in Chadwick Lawrence who are the headline sponsors of our awards, do take time to read Asma’s fascinating story. Last autumn I was lucky enough to be a guest at the midlife magic event which took place at Goldsborough Hall. What a gem that place is just a short drive from the A1M. As a result, I was invited back to enjoy afternoon tea and a good look around. A former Royal residence, you can read about it on page 38. Midlife Magic will be happening again later this year and once we have details, we’ll let you know. You can email us at hello@yorkshirebusinesswoman.co.uk or call us on 07711 539047 yorkshire_businesswoman yorkshirebusin2

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CEO selected as chair of specialist engineering & manufacturing organisation The CEO of Derwent Training, ba sed in Malton has been selected to chair the EAL Advisor y Group, par t of the Enginuity Group. Claire Gavaghan will now lead the Advisory Group which consists of providers and employers from across the nations of the UK, including BAE Systems, Jaguar Land Rover and Toyota. EAL is the specialist skills partner and awarding organisation for industry. Claire said: “It’s a real honour to receive this recognition and be selected to help drive forward the excellent work that the Advisory Group does. Made up of highly regarded individuals from all areas of the industry, we are committed to ensuring the continued delivery of outstanding training in engineering and manufacturing.” The purpose of the group is to bring together a unique cohort of individuals whose shared knowledge, experience, and insight represents the education, skills and industry landscape it serves. It will help to shape EAL’s future strategy ensuring that any products and services have a clear line of sight to providing engineering skills to affect positive change and that EAL continues to be industry’s partner of choice delivering high quality, progressive skills, qualifications and assessment services across the four nations of the UK and where appropriate, overseas. Claire has worked in post-16 education for over 30 years and has vast experience of working with and for awarding organisations. Her involvement with

Apprenticeships began in 2010 at a large Further Education College in Essex where she led on the engineering, construction and automotive curriculum. 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.

The company provides training to apprentices, employers and individuals to build skills and improve employability across Yorkshire and the North East 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. Yo r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s Wo m a n

Wellington Place reveals first window art installation of 2024

Wellington Place, the thriving urban quarter, has launched the next installation of its Artist’s Window initiative, which celebrates and showcases the talents of local artists.

MEPC, the developer and asset manager behind Wellington Place, said: “We’re excited to start a brand-new year with a new window installation at 11 Wellington Place. It really is a fantastic piece of art, that depicts how wonderfully diverse the buildings across the city are. With its warming colours it’s certain to brighten up the day of those visiting and working here, this January.

On being chosen as one of Wellington Place’s window artists, Holly said: “As soon as I stepped foot in Leeds, I was inspired! There are so many wonderful buildings that caught my eye, like The Corn Exchange and the Parkinson Showcased in the window at 11 Building, so I paired this inspiration, “We are big advocates of inspiring Wellington Place, the second installation with a beautiful autumnal colour pallet and supporting the local community, ‘September’ has been created by second representative of the season I arrived including giving fresh talent a platform to express and showcases year creative advertising student Holly here, for my artwork. themselves, and our Artist Window Prosser. Based on long autumn walks that Holly used to take when she first arrived “The Artist Window initiative has been an initiative is just one way we do that.” in Leeds, the piece depicts prominent excellent opportunity to have my work buildings from across the city, including displayed to a wider audience beyond Fo r m o re i n fo r m a t i o n o n the Corn Exchange, and uses golden the university setting. It’s exciting to our Artist Windows in 2023, shades to represent the Autumn season. have my work showcased at such a please visit: htt ps://www. highly visited site as Wellington Place, wellingtonplace.co.uk/media/ wellington-place-launchesFive winning students were selected and it’s something I’m very proud of.” new -series-of-window -artfrom Leeds Art University in 2023 with their work to be displayed across the next Dominique Murray, marketing manager installations -to - celebrate year and Holly the second artist selected. and head of customer experience at young-local-talent/ Working alongside Leeds Arts University, the Artist’s Window initiative was set up to support creative talent in the region, by providing them a platform to bring their visions to life in Leeds city centre.

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Yorkshire fabric manufacturer hires trio of textile graduates AW Hainsworth, a 240-year-old fabric manufacturer and woollen mill responsible for the look of iconic England, has hired three textile graduates from northern universities. Angela Augusto, Rachael Frame, and Polly Armond are the newest additions to the Hainsworth team and part of the company’s future of textile expertise. Angela and Rachael have joined the team as technical and innovation managers, responsible for driving innovation, product development and continuous improvement. They have recently graduated with a Masters in Textile Science from the University

of Leeds and are already applying that knowledge at the mill.

future as an innovator in fabric development.

Polly is a design and development manager joining the Replin team to create bespoke fabric designs for aviation and rail. Polly studied textiles at Manchester Metropolitan University, specialising in weaving, and is already contributing to key projects as part of the design team.

As part of this, AW Hainsworth completed the development of a UKAS-accredited, state-of-the-art laboratory in 2022 that includes a range of advanced instruments and machinery to enhance in-house testing abilities.

AW Hainsworth is committed to bridging the skills gap in the UK textile industry, and these recent hires are part of that pledge. The family-run, heritage textile mill is also investing significantly in UK textile innovation - ensuring continuous quality, skills and sustainability improvement to secure the firm’s

A m a n d a Mc L a r e n , m a n a g i n g director, comments, “We are so pleased that Angela, Rachael and Polly have chosen to join us and excited to leverage the knowledge they all bring to their roles. All three talented graduates have settled into life at the mill seamlessly, and we are excited to see what their careers with us will bring. Yo r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s Wo m a n

Celebrating gender equality champions in the North From someone who launched a tech firm at 67 and is now a recognised thought leader in the 50+ generation and is discussing the opportunities for this age group with MPs to a law firm that was launched with the founding principles of mental health and wellbeing at its heart, Yorkshire is well represented in the 2024 Northern Power Women Awards shortlists. Northern Power Women, a leading organisation dedicated to advancing gender equality, is delighted to unveil the shortlist for the prestigious Northern Power Women Awards 2024. This highly anticipated list showcases the outstanding accomplishments of individuals who are setting new benchmarks for gender equality in the North. Over 70 judges selected the shortlist from o ve r 1400 nominations across 11 c a te g o r i e s a n d g a m e c h a n g e r

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lists. Each nominee has demonstrated a commitment to advancing gender equality and has been recognised for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields. The gamechanger lists (Power, Future and Advocacy Lists) will be announced on 6th February 2024. Now in its eighth year, the Northern Power Women Awards, which is the largest event celebrating gender equality in Europe, have become a symbol of recognition for those who

tirelessly work towards establishing gender balance in workplaces and advocating for equality throughout the North. Simone Roche MBE, CEO of Northern Power Women, expresses her excitement, saying, "The shortlist for the 2024 Northern Power Women Awards is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication we have in the North. These individuals are not only making a difference in their respective fields but are paving the way for a more inclusive and equal future." Stephen Church, EY’s North Market Leader, said: “EY is incredibly proud to be headline sponsor of the Northern Power Women Awards once again this year. Northern Power Women – an organisation whose values around diversity, equity and inclusion are closely aligned with our own – is dedicated to advancing gender equality and celebrates the

Born Ugly appoints new senior director Brand transformation and creative change agency Born Ugly today announces the addition Clare Deacon, senior director provocation & creative strategy, to the Born Ugly team. Clare joins to provide world-class strategic brand and creative support to the firm’s diverse global client base, to deliver norm-defying and category defining work that delivers meaningful impact for brands and people. changemakers in our region. This year’s awards include an impressive shortlist of talented and dedicated individuals, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at the awards ceremony in March.” Northern Power Women have also partnered with the following organisations who will be category sponsors at the 2024 awards: Boohoo Group PLC, Stella Insurance, NatWest, Connected Places Catapult, Barclays, Bank of America, Michael Page, Liverpool John Moores University, and Bentley Motors.

She brings a wealth of experience, having previously been strategy director at PHD Media and a senior strategist at Ph. Creative and LOVE. Clare has worked with a plethora of household names including North Face, Diageo, Nestle, and Nordstrom in the US, as well as FMCG brands

such as Funkin, Benecol and Haagen Dazs. Her appointment to the team will become an integral part of the agency’s future strategic endeavours. Speaking on her appointment, Clare said: “Working with brands who care, and with brands people care about, to help solve their punchy and provocative problems is right up my street. I’m so glad to have been able to get stuck in at this exciting stage of the Born Ugly journey.” Wander Bruijel, chief strategy officer added: “Clare’s background and creative vision align perfectly with our ethos of helping clients get ahead of change by challenging the status quo to change the game. She brings with her a blend of creative, brand, innovation and channel strategy experience that complements the changing needs of our clients.”

The inspiring people on the shortlist hail from various sectors and professions across the North and they will be honoured at the Northern Power Women Awards ceremony on Monday, 18th March 2024. The event will take place at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, providing a platform to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable individuals. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 11

AD:VENTURE Start up spotlight: Sophie Seddon PR By: Daneile Moore AD:VENTURE

Learning from peers can provide valuable insights to new business owners. Here we talk to Sophie Seddon to hear how her journey began, and what she’s learned along the way!

away from traditional employment to establish my copywriting and public relations business – a venture that began somewhat serendipitously.

Sophie, tell us a bit about yourself.

What sparked the initial idea for your business?

I am a mum to two daughters, Ellie (14) and Gracie (10). We have a golden retriever, two indoor kitties and a pony that we have on loan. As

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we are mostly females my husband is outnumbered. I am a former journalist (NCTJ qualified) and a former West Yorkshire Police Communications Officer (some call the role poacher turned gamekeeper) who stepped

Somewhere deep down I always knew I would. The decision arose from the challenges of shift work and on-call rota responsibilities conflicting with

family life. As my husband worked on establishing his businesses, I found myself at a crossroads. A chance encounter with another mum and doctor while dropping my daughters off at ballet set the wheels in motion. Over coffee in a supermarket café, she sought help with promoting her occupational health care company. Word-of-mouth referrals followed, forming the foundation of my own small business – Sophie Seddon PR. What was your biggest obstacle when launching your business? Myself ! My self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism tendencies initially held me back. Overcoming these limitations required the belief and encouragement of others. Ironically, despite spending my career promoting others, publishing my website took a year as I grappled with the challenge of self-promotion. I always knew I could handle managing my business, I just needed to believe. What resources or tools were most helpful during your start-up journey? Joining the AD:VENTURE Business Support Programme in Kirklees was instrumental in overcoming my moments of doubt. The mentorship from my business manager, Bruce McLeod, and the supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs kept me going. AD:VENTURE’s free workshops for start-ups provided valuable insights into various elements of running a business. Learning from each other has been a key aspect of my journey.

What surprised you the most about starting your own business? Discovering the importance of networking and, dare I say it, selfpromotion. Shifting from promoting others to working on my own business required a mindset adjustment. Embracing self-promotion, even when uncomfortable, became essential to thrive in a competitive market. Helping other businesses find a comfortable spotlight has become my mission. What advice would you give to your younger self about starting a business? Don’t listen to that niggling voice of self-doubt and start sooner. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Embrace courage, take risks, and recognise that learning is a crucial part of the process. What does success look like for you and your business? Happy clients. Success, for me, is reflected in the satisfaction of my clients. I assist them in finding their voice in a crowded market. Returning clients indicate that I’ve played a role in their success. What are some of the unexpected joys and rewards you’ve experienced as a business owner? Building a supportive network through AD:VENTURE and the Honley Business Association has been a joy. Collaborations and

partnerships have led to lasting friendships. In the end, we’re all in it together, and there’s a wonderful network of support. What keeps you motivated and inspired on challenging days? My family. I aim to inspire my daughters, showing them the value of overcoming self-limiting beliefs and pursuing their dreams. Additionally, the joy of contributing to other businesses’ success, rooted in my passion for promoting others, fuels my determination. How do you assure your clients that their messaging and communication needs are handled with expertise and care? ‘Said and Done’ is more than a tagline; it’s a family motto that echoes through generations of Seddons. This guiding principle has deeply influenced the ethos of my business. It signifies not just making promises but ensuring they are fulfilled effectively. In every client interaction, I bring the same commitment to turning words into actions. With me, your words are in safe hands.

To f i n d o u t m o re a b o u t Sophie Seddon PR visit www.sophieseddonpr.co.uk TolearnmoreaboutAD:VENTURE and register for funded support, visit www.ad:venture.org.uk

Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 13

Dean Clough sets precedent for Calderdale's year of culture Dean Clough, the 22-acre mixed use destination in Halifax, has reported a successful year in business as it prepares to play a key role in Calderdale’s 2024 Year of Culture celebrations. The historic venue has enjoyed a period of evolution with new flexible working and wellbeing initiatives that have attracted a multitude of new customers. It has also extended relationships with existing occupiers throughout 2023, signifying a positive return to workplace engagement. In the last fifteen months alone Dean Clough has signed and renewed deals with occupiers on more than 110,000 sq ft of space and currently has a further 110,000 sq ft of work, office, and leisure space in discussion or under offer. Recent highlights include the UK’s largest online florist, Prestige Gifting, taking a 10,000 sq ft HQ, a new purpose designed 8,000 sq ft gym facility for Jim-Nas-Tiks, and Pinc College supporting neurodiverse students taking 4,000 sq ft. Greenarc Energy, SSP, And Digital, Frog, Chef Benson Smith Academy and HUBB Coffee have also helped to boost trading at Dean Clough and enhance its digital and educational excellence. Considerable investment in renovating more of the unique spaces within the historic mill buildings has also attracted a number of independent retail operators offering beauty, health and wellbeing, and upmarket shopping.

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Dean Clough is already home to around 150 businesses employing over 3,000 people including the UK HQ of Covea Insurance and provides the Halifax base for Chadwick Lawrence solicitors. Whilst a drive to incentivise more businesses to benefit from the characterful Grade A office space at Dean Clough is underway, its cultural attraction has also significantly boosted its national profile.

Jeremy Hall, chairman and managing director said, “We are delighted to have enjoyed such a vibrant and productive year at Dean Clough, working with the wonderful mix of creative and engaged partners and stakeholders.... Dean Clough was selected to host the ultimate awards finale for The British Urban Film Festival (BUFF) as its first venture outside of London. It also hosted award winning TV and film productions including Happy Valley, the Gallows Pole, and Marvel’s Secret Invasion, giving substance to the regions ‘Culturedale’ label. Dean Clough has long been widely

recognised for itccs cultural offering including its unique subterranean theatre and one of the largest private art galleries in the UK which is free to the public. The theatre has enjoyed a great year of diverse productions with the hugely popular pantomime just ended and this experience is bolstered with pre theatre dining experience in True North restaurant - together with the other establishments on site. The Mills are the home of the world-renowned theatre company, Northern Broadsides whose mixed touring programme of Shakespearean productions, adapted classic plays and new writing in a northern voice have built a significant following. Dean Clough hosted the “Our House Party” event in the summer, and the Prestige/Next Level firework e x t r a v a g a n z a i n N o v e m b e r, attracting thousands of partygoers to Dean Clough in the process. The mills are also the base for the Halifax Philharmonic Club, hosting a wonderful mix of concerts for the second year in succession and is also set to host the launch of Calderdale’s landmark Year of Culture 2024 later this month, playing an integral part in activities throughout the year. Jeremy Hall, chairman and managing director said, “We are delighted to have enjoyed such a vibrant and productive year at Dean Clough, working with the wonderful mix of creative and engaged partners and

stakeholders from and within our extensive community. “The outputs achieved reflect the benefits of the long-term investment and commitment of all our stakeholders, building on the incredible legacy of the mills. The community of Dean Clough has always been rooted in creativity, business, and place making to c r e a te a n d f o s te r a l o c a t i o n which is attractive and appealing to people and businesses alike. The new and sustaining deals we have signed in the last period are a notable achievement and are a direct testament to that journey and investment.“The reuse of these historic mills delivers indisputable

carbon be nefits, which whe n combined with a best practice approach to their repurposing creates a product that is energy efficient, sustainable, and rewarding. “There is such a vibrant breadth of amenity on site now, with a fabulously diverse range of cafes, bars, restaurants, hairdressers, beauticians, therapists, retailers, galleries, theatre and student f a c i l i t i e s. W i t h t h e e n v i a b l e combination of landscaped space, engaging public realm, and ample onsite parking, we feel that the Dean Clough offer and community has become even more relevant to the requirements and needs of the market since the pandemic reset.

“The site benefits from constant evolution and investment, numerous projects are planned for the coming year which include amongst others, the installation of high-speed EV charging stations which will be a fantastic addition to the sites offer” Dean Clough has energy efficient Grade A work and office space available – up to 50,000sq.ft. in addition to serviced offices/retail/ workspace from 50sq.ft. D ean Clough is located on the edge of Halifax town centre, between Leeds and Manchester, and just 15 minutes from the M62 with direct train links to Leeds, Manchester, York and London. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 15

Starting the New Year with strong financial planning You may have read our previous article by Vanessa Eve, colleague and Investment Manager at Quilter Cheviot, about the female financial journey. Vanessa is passionate on this topic and on a mission to give women confidence to invest. Here I would like to talk about financial planning which can cover a number of crucial steps before money is invested. This is your time to think about where you are now and where you want to go. Your Financial Planner’s role is to guide you on how to make this possible. Before you can begin to think about how and where to invest your money it’s essential to take things back a step and create the financial plan. This involves looking at elements related to what you are hoping to achieve. What are your goals and objectives? Before moving on to personal information such as how much you earn and how much you are able to save. Life events can also create a boost or a bump in the road and being aware of what could potentially happen can be a big help. We recognise that a woman’s journey through life can be very different to that of a man and it’s important that we factor this in. Of course, situations vary on a case-by-case basis but, generally speaking, while there has been progress made in recent years a

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significant gender pay gap still exists. There are several reasons for this such as women being more likely to take a career break or word reduced hours (72% of part-time workers are women) due to caring responsibilities for children or elderly relatives. This reduction in earnings inevitably has a direct impact on pension s av i n g s. O n av e ra g e , w o m e n are retiring with £123,000 less than men, according to Scottish Widows¹. We ask the question, what can we do about it? Thinking ahead can hold the key, building your knowledge and engaging with your financial planner. The process your financial planner will take you through involves cash flow modelling. This involves creating your “ideal scenario” and can also include what we call “what ifs”. Much like having a business plan it’s designed to be fluid, a working plan that needs reviewing and tweaking to suit your circumstances and accommodate change. Financial planning is not just about investing we want to work with you for life. Once you have set your goals and

started to plan you will need to think about time horizon, investment risk and diversifying your assets. There is a common misconception that women are “risk averse”, however from my experience I believe that women are “risk aware” meaning that we like to understand the pros and cons as well as considering the consequences of losing any of the capital. Working with us will help you discuss your concerns, align these with your objectives and see where the two can meet. Women currently own 48% of Britain’s personal assets, but this is expected to rise to 60% by 2025, according to the Guardian2 . With this is mind it is more important than ever for women to protect and grow their money. There is clear evidence that society has changed, with women often the higher earners in their household and taking control of arranging all household finances. Thankfully, we have come a long way since the 1970s when you still needed to ask a husband or father for permission to open a bank account. What holds people back? Often people will say “oh I don’t need a financial planner, I don’t have enough money”. This is a misconception. A financial planner is often most needed while you are building your wealth as this crucial stage helps to ensure your building tax efficiently in the

right places, consolidating where appropriate and saving on debts. We will also ensure at this stage that you are protected should the worst happen, which can be essential in keeping all of your other plans on track.

with your solicitor, accountant or other professionals you can often only understand the benefit of what you’re paying for when you see the result. We operate a clear and transparent structure, meaning we will agree what we are doing and how much it will cost, but also show you where we are making, saving or solving a problem. The first consultation is free.

Another reason people often hold back is because they worry about cost. This is understandable but as

The journey We want to create a community for women where we can share our knowledge and give you the confidence to talk openly about money. Watch out for an invite to our offices to one of our sessions in the coming months. In the meantime, you can follow us on Linkedin where we would be happy to hear your thoughts.

¹International Women’s Day | Scottish Widows | Gender equality ² Women 'will own 60% of UK's wealth within two decades' | Business | The Guardian

How we can help at every stage of your financial life

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Get started with a complimentary initial consultation with one of our Financial Planners Retirement planning

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Areas we can advise you on whether you are just starting your financial journey, growing your wealth, approaching retirement or in retirement.

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Preserving wealth Preserving the value of your estate for your loved ones.

Robin Howcroft Robin.Howcroft@quiltercheviot.com

Dawn Patrick Dawn.Patrick@quiltercheviot.com

Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited & Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited 5/1/2024. All references to clients’ examples in this article are fictitious. Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change. Quilter Cheviot Financial Planning is a trading name of Quilter Private Client Advisers Limited which is an appointed representative of Quilter Financial Services Limited and Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited, which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 06201261, registered address: Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Quilter Financial Services Limited and Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited is entered on the FCA register (https://register.fca.org.uk/s/) under reference 440703 and 440718. Trusts, Estate planning, some Buy to Let Mortgage, Taxation and Inheritance Tax Advice are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The representative member of the VAT group is Quilter Business Services Limited. VAT registration number: 386 1301 59. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 17

Mayor of West Yorkshire attends reopening of Kirklees College’s Landings 72 restaurant number of landings, where boats could moor as they wait for the lock to fill, and Jane thought that the landing outside the new college building was number 72, hence her name suggestion Landings 72. It has since been discovered that the landing number of the lock outside the college is actually 3E, but the name Landings 72 is still very memorable and has become a local landmark in the 11 years since it opened.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin visited Kirklees College recently to mark the refurbishment of the college’s restaurant, Landings 72. Tracy formally reopened the restaurant in a ribbon cutting ceremony and plaque unveiling alongside the college’s Principal Palvinder Singh during the annual West Yorkshire Colleges Principal’s dinner. Principals from further education colleges across West Yorkshire were among the first guests to enjoy a meal at the restaurant since its relaunch and were treated to a spectacular threecourse dinner prepared by Kirklees College students. Kirklees College Principal Palvinder Singh commented: “The reopening of Landings 72 is a momentous occasion, and we are very thankful to Tracy Brabin for taking the time to come and join us for this celebration. It was perfectly timed with the annual West Yorkshire Colleges Principal’s Dinner, and we were delighted to host the event, which was a great opportunity for us to discuss our strategic priorities and opportunities for the FE sector in our region.” Landings 72 has been student-led since it opened in 2012, when the college opened

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In an article published by the Huddersfield Examiner in 2012, Jane is quoted saying: “I pass by Chapel Hill in the car and the new building looks very nice. I am interested in Huddersfield history, we have so many quite magnificent buildings here, each with their own interesting story.

its Huddersfield Centre in the Waterfront Quarter on Manchester Road. Before the restaurant was opened to the public, the college decided to run a competition to name the new restaurant.

“I thought that Landings 72 was a good name, as it is a bit different. The restaurant will overlook the canal and it is a reminder of its history.”

A local woman named Jane Woodage won the competition after researching the history of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Opened in 1811, the canal had a

To find out more about Landings 72, visit www.kirkleescollege. ac.uk/services-to-the-public/ landings-72.

Axiologik’s marketing director Rachel Mcelroy joins FareShare Yorkshire as a board trustee with the company’s underpinning value of positively impacting society. By investing time and resources into charity partnerships, businesses support their ESG and Triple Bottom Line activities and offer the ultimate blueprint for business growth.

Advanced digital delivery company Axiologik’s marketing director Rachel Mcelroy has recently joined FareShare Yorkshire as a board trustee to help shape the future growth strategy of the charity. FareShare redirects surplus food to those who need it most, minimising the environmental footprint of food

that would otherwise be destined for landfill. Axiologik’s team regularly volunteers to help the charity, aligning

On joining the board, Rachel comments, “As a business, we volunteer with FareShare to help them distribute surplus food, and in the last year, this food has created 4.2m meals for vulnerable people in the region. Therefore, I have seen first-hand the impact that access to good food has on communities, giving hope and creating the opportunity to come together. It is vital to ensure they have the right support from the private sector to deliver their services in the long term.”

Company of the Month

Enjoy a day out at Yorkshire Sculpture Park Yorkshire Post Tourist Attraction of The Year 2023

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Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 19

doing. This is a charity that deserves our fullest support. It is no secret that the National Health Service is struggling to cope with the demand on its mental health services and Wellspring is helping, in a focused and pro-active way, in helping to ease this burden.” “It is no exaggeration to say that almost all of us, either directly or indirectly, have been affected by mental health challenges and it was humbling to witness such a dedicated group of counsellors and volunteers working so hard and with such commitment to ease such a pressing problem.” The well-respected charity, which was founded in 2003, provides affordable short and long-term counselling, on a pay-as-you-can-basis, for the Harrogate and district community.

High Sheriff praises “inspirational” Harrogate mental health charity restaurant

Emily Fullarton, the executive director of Wellspring, commented: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Clare Granger, the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, to Wellspring. It was a great honour to show her around our premises and counselling rooms and to explain in detail what we do.

“Clare and her husband Mark had attended our 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Crown Hotel in The “inspirational” service by the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Harrogate in November and, as a by provided by Wellspring Clare Granger. result, she was keen to learn more Therapy & Training, the about the charity. We are thrilled that leading Harrogate-based The High Sheriff visited Wellspring’s she has taken such an interest in our counselling service, has been headquarters at the former St Andrew’s work, and we hope her visit will help praised by the High Sheriff Vicarage in Starbeck and revealed she to highlight what we do and what we of North Yorkshire, Clare was “incredibly impressed by the are trying to achieve.” Granger. warmth, friendliness and inclusivity” of the charity, which, she added, “was Emily continued: “This has been a High Sheriff praises “inspirational” providing a vitally important service very exciting 12 months for us, as in extremely challenging times for we celebrated our 20th anniversary. Harrogate mental health charity Apart from the Gala Dinner, we held The “inspirational” service by mental health.” a special church service in Starbeck, provided by Wellspring Therapy & Training, the leading Harrogate-based “It was a tremendous privilege to hear led by our patron Rt Rev Nick Baines, counselling service, has been praised about the vital work Wellspring are the Bishop of Leeds.

20 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n

“These two events illustrated how a small local charity has survived and thrived during the past 20 years and how we have tackled the problem of increasing poor mental health, anxiety and depression, which has threatened to overwhelm the NHS. We are proud of what we have achieved a nd look forward to building on this during the next 20 years. The demand for Wellspring’s services from children and young people aged between four and 18 has never been higher, according to Emily Fullarton, Wellspring’s executive director. “There are a number of reasons, some interlinked, for this increase in demand. The pandemic is one, of course, as is the relentless pressure of social media and exams. The cost-of-living crisis has meant that many families are struggling to make ends meet and this has a knock-on effect on family dynamics and the atmosphere at home,” explained Emily. “Through counselling, children and young people can re-gain trust in people, have a greater sense of themselves and their identity, develop and improve their confidence, selfesteem, resilience, emotional wellbeing and reduce feelings of anxiety, distress, isolation and loneliness.” Emily continued: “There are major challenges ahead. Unfortunately, we have been unable to grow the number of counselling sessions we offer due to a lack of suitably qualified people looking for placements and work. This, alongside the lack of funding available for these services, has led to a stagnation in the growth of our service and a massive gap in the provision of services to children and young people.”

Yorkshire Businesswoman to support Martin House Each year, Yorkshire Businesswoman choose a charity to support with free promotional space within the magazine and this year our charity of choice is Martin House Hospice in Boston Spa. Martin House has been providing family-led care and support for babies, children and young people with lifelimiting conditions for 37 years (lifelimiting 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 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 lifelimiting condition but did not have the opportunity to use the hospice or following a sudden death. Martin House will be one of two charities benefitting from the proceeds of the raffle at the Yorkshire Businesswoman Awards on 8th March along with last year’s charity, Focus for Hope. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 21

Yorkshire to showcase regeneration and development opportunities at UKREiiF

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Yorkshire is set to have a huge presence at a major UK forum that is focused on connecting investors and developers with sustainable and inclusive regeneration opportunities. Over 12,000 domestic and international investors, developers, and built environment thought leaders will head to Leeds in May for The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, and the Yorkshire region will build on its already impressive presence at the event, with new regions set to be involved as they look to entice investment into the region to create jobs and prosperity. The biggest presence will be from West Yorkshire Combined Authority who have their own dedicated Pavilion, whilst others including Hull City Council, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, and York & North Yorkshire LEP have all secured a position to promote their region to investors and developers.

In addition to looking to showcase and attract developers, investors, and job creators to the region, they’ll also take to numerous stages to highlight the opportunities while discussing pressing subjects such as social and affordable housing, sustainable infrastructure, the net zero agenda, and skills. Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “UKREiiF represents a significant platform for highlighting the city [Leeds] and our dedication to fostering innovation, inclusive growth and resilience. It demonstrates the art of the possible when private and public sector come together, working in tandem with industry leaders and fellow innovators, to drive positive change with a more diverse delegation. "Hosting the largest real estate conference of its kind in the UK is a testament to the growing reputation

of Leeds and West Yorkshire allowing us to showcase our region’s vibrant economy, our regeneration market, and development opportunities; together with our ambitions for a healthier, greener and inclusive future for the city. "We've been blown away by the positive feedback about the city from the many thousands of delegates we have welcomed each year, and we look forward to extending a warm Yorkshire welcome to many more, as UKREiiF continues to go from strength to strength. People knew about us, and the success of the last few years, but they really know our story now and we are delighted to showcase this work, our changing city and the ambitions we have for the future.” Event Background Launched in 2022, the event is held over three days and brings together the public and private sectors, with all of the UK’s cities and regions represented alongside

Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 23

development, life sciences, energy, and healthcare estates, the event looks to showcase national and international best practice across all sectors. Having grown from 3,500 attendees in 2022 to 7,500 in 2023, the event in 2024 is set to attract over 12,000 to Leeds. In addition to 12,000 attendees, the event is set to attract a further 3,000 people to the city to enjoy the fringe events across the city, with £20m set to be generated for the local Leeds community. Facilitation and Investment

Michael Heseltine

the UK Government and numerous governmental departments. Over 700 speakers will be involved across 30 stages, including Dame Linda Pollard, chair at The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Tom Riordan, chief executive at Leeds City Council, Kate Josephs CB, chief executive at Sheffield City Council, Angela Barnicle, chief officer for asset management and regeneration at Leeds City Council, Nicola Shaw CBE, chief executive at Yorkshire Water, Oliver Coppard, Mayor at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Vincent Hodder, chief executive Officer at Leeds Bradford Airport, Joanne Neville, regional head of planning ( Yorkshire & Central) at Harworth Group, Tracy Brabin, Mayor at West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Garry Taylor, assistant director of major projects, culture and place at Hull City Council. The event covers many topics in addition to Yorkshire’s own

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presence through bespoke and dedicated content the region is planning to put on. From the high street, social value, and social housing to industrial

UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum is the UK’s leading event for inward investment into the regeneration and development sectors, focused on bringing transformational, inclusive, and sustainable growth to UK cities and regions that is beneficial to local communities. Details: www.ukreiif.com

The event has already been lauded across the UK by many cities and regions, with Torbay Council recently confirming a major £100m investment into the seaside destination, which is set to create jobs, homes, and revitalise the leisure offering in the region, in addition to several other schemes totalling over £500m of investment known to be in the pipeline following direct facilitation and introductions at the event. The region's involvement includes a dedicated facilitation session where sustainability and socially aware investors and developers who’re known for their community-first approach will be introduced to those councils in attendance from the Yorkshire region to explore how they can work together across all aspects of the built environment. High Praise Yorkshire’s enhanced involvement comes following its sudden emergence as Europe’s fastest-growing real estate and built environment event. President of international investors Amro Partners said: “UKREiiF tells me that the UK is open to business, and as an investor, that is a fantastic message. The event brings together Government ministers and officials, people from

Whitehall, local authorities, investors, and developers – it’s a phenomenal representation of the real estate sector.” Alan Denby, Director of Pride in Place at Torbay Council, added: “Being at UKREiiF has enabled Torbay to have discussions with investors, developers, and occupiers, and from these discussions we’ve announced the preferred development partner to work with us on four key development sites worth over £100m to the local community, and that investment is a direct result of being involved in UKREiiF.” Alastair Campbell, Former Director of Communications for No. 10 Downing Street, said: “UKREiiF

Rachel Reeves & Tom Riordan

brings together all the different parts of the equation that are needed to regenerate regions and the economy successfully. And it’s changing people's views of the industry world.

To find out more, visit www. ukreiif.com

Café Culture students take part in coffee competition

The winner was Wiktoria Piwowarska who created a Barbie themed strawberry bubble tea and strawberry milkshake. Brad Cooper, Director of Coffee Brothers was one of the judges in attendance. Speaking about the competition and the new partnership, he said:

Kirklees College is excited to announce a new partnership with Coffee Brothers. Coffee Brothers are a local, family-run business and are the new coffee suppliers for the college’s Landings 72 Café and Restaurant. On Wednesday 10 January, Level 2 Café Culture students at the college took part in a coffee competition to mark the beginning of the new partnership with

“We are very proud to partner with our local college and loved being part of the competition to mark the start of our collaboration with Kirklees College. We enjoyed tasting the student’s coffees and are looking forward to what’s to come during our work with the college.” Find out more about Landings 72 at www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk.

Coffee Brothers, judged by two representatives from the business. The students were challenged to make a coffee based on a theme of their choosing. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 25

Asma

Yorkshire Businesswoman editor Gill Laidler caught up recently with Asma Iqbal, partner at Chadwick Lawrence, based in Leeds, who shared with us details of her career. All images: Thanks to Roth Read Photography

My parents came to the UK in the early 70s from Karachi in Pakistan with very little and started to build their life in Bradford, West Yorkshire. My dad worked as weaver in the manufacturing industry for many years, up until his retirement. My mum never worked and did not speak English. I was often the translator for my mum in situations where she needed assistance. From a very early age, I recognised how important it was to be able to communicate in an articulate manner. My love of the English language stemmed from this necessity of helping my mum to communicate and encouraged me to enter debating competitions at school, every time I was successful in putting my point across eloquently, it encouraged me to challenge myself further. Without realising, I had in fact paved my way into a career in law through this passion of winning balanced arguments in an articulate manner. Being one of seven children and the eldest daughter coming from an Orthodox Pathan Muslim family, post 16 education for females was rare, however, I persuaded my parents to allow me to further my education, given that I was in a Roman Catholic single sex school and chances of me deviating or even meeting the opposite sex were non-existent. Having secured good grades at A ‘Level, I began to realise that my ability to persuade my parents to let me study away from home was not a possibility. I had decided that I was going to study law and given that I had my goal in mind, I looked for

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options closer to home, where I could commute on a daily basis. I enrolled to study the LLB Law at the University of Huddersfield. Where many other young people my age would be planning an adventure during the time they were applying to study at university, I was fending off pressure from members of the community and my extended family, who were trying to persuade my parents that they were making a huge mistake by allowing me to further my education. Furthermore, I had numerous suitors for marriage (turning up at home), given that it was “the norm” that girls my age, following their education,

I often felt isolated and struggled to find my sense of belonging in an environment which had no one I could relate to, as no one in this area of law... would be married rather than proceed to higher education. Luckily for me, I had the support of my parents, who despite this pressure believed in me and my potential. Studying law at university was a defining moment for

me, as I was aware that many other (Muslim) girls would be looking up to me, including my own younger sisters. I was determined to prove that going to study at university did not mean that you would be compromising on your morals and ethics. I had my goal in sight. After completing my degree and the Legal Practice Course, the next hurdle was securing a training contract. After sending 100+ applications, it dawned on me that my name and/or gender, perhaps both together, were not even getting me an acknowledgment, let alone an interview. I therefore decided to change tactics. I applied for voluntary work experience. It was costing the organisation nothing except for their time to give me a chance and offer me some training. This strategy worked for me. The two organisations that I worked for both offered me a training contract. Eventually, I opted for the private practice and spent my training contract years and a further year with Ralph C Yablon Solicitors in Bradford, before being head hunted to work in Leeds for a commercial practice, specialising in insolvency. Working as an insolvency lawyer, at Brooke North Solicitors, presented both challenges and opportunities. I was entering a male dominated area of law, which was associated with a drinking culture for networking. I often felt isolated and struggled to find my sense of belonging in an environment which had no one I could relate to, as no one in this area of law and this area

Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 27

of specialism looked like me. However, giving up was just not an option. I had defied the odds to get to where I was and I just was not prepared to walk away. The Senior Partner at Brooke North became my mentor. He not only taught me everything I needed to know in insolvency, he helped me through the insecurity I was feeling. He instilled in me that remaining true to myself and being my authentic self was more important than trying to be someone I wasn’t, just to fit in. Steven Frieze understood that my faith, religion and culture were integral to my values and these values made me who I was, so to compromise on any of this would have made me lose my identity.

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During my maternity leave, I received an offer to become Chair of the R3 Ladies Business Recovery in Yorkshire. I hesitated initially as to whether I should take this role, but again, as with everything in my life, I accepted the challenge and held this post for three years, which became pivotal in building my personal profile in insolvency. After five years with Brooke North and reaching the position of an Associate in Insolvency, I was ready for the next step up in my career to partnership. I left Brooke North and joined Chadwick Lawrence in or around 2007 and helped to set up an Insolvency Department with Kate Roberts. We were an all-female team in insolvency and the department

grew from strength to strength in six months of me joining, which ultimately led to an offer from Chadwick Lawrence to become an equity share partner with them. I became a Partner at the age of 30, fulfilling another goal and was the only female Partner of colour in the firm. Influence Since becoming an equity partner, as a Muslim woman in an area of law which still lacked representation and diversity, I felt I had to be the change I wanted to see. To do this, I had to earn a “seat at the table”, where I could influence change and policy. This resulted in me joining a number of Boards. The most significant of these has been to

become the Diversity and Inclusion Champion for Insolvency Service UK, a BAME Committee Member of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, a private sector Inclusivity Champion of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which led to being a LEP Board Member and now more recently, the Deputy Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire. As part of my role, I was asked to look at the ethnic minority business and EDI input in the West Yorkshire Economic Strategy for the West Yorkshire Plan. I feel that I am now in a position to make a difference by offering guidance, encouragement and mentoring to young women who may be struggling to find their identity in the legal sector. I have spoken at a number of Schools, Colleges, Universities, about my journey, in the hope that it brings inspiration to those

women that may doubt themselves during their journey. I recently spoke at an event hosted by Manchester Metropolitan University and received a testimonial from a student which confirmed that I was most definitely living my purpose: “I had the invaluable opportunity

as a student at Manchester Metropolitan University to host a “Telling Stories”Event with our guest speaker, Asma Iqbal. Having Asma, share her career journey for the students at my university, served as inspiration for all, aspiring legal professionals. Asma not only shared her incredible achievements throughout her career but shed light on the challenges she faced along the way. She highlighted to students the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Many students, including myself, are at the stage of our career journey where we are applying for work experience and navigating the best pathway for our chosen careers. Asma supported us with the best tips and advice for entering the profession. Importantly, as we are aspiring to enter highly competitive industries, Asma provided us with advice on what will make us “stand out above the crowd”. It is clear, Asma has achieved success with her career, but her impact extends past her position as a Partner at Chadwick Lawrence and to the legacy of empowerment and guidance she is providing the students as we start our career journeys”. [Elle-Sue Calderbank, 3rd year Law Undergraduate Student at Manchester Metropolitan University, 23rd November 2023]. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 29

of my case was considered to be a watershed moment, at which point a number of organisations re-visited their internal policies on EDI and reached out to me for assistance in this regard, to help their EDI journey. I created a Diversity Test, which helped me work with organisations in assessing their EDI needs and I can make recommendations for change in an inclusive and collaborative manner. Please do get in touch if you feel I can assist your organisation in your EDI journey - Asmaiqbal@chadlaw.co.uk

Fact File

Husband Asud Iqbal We met at university, he is an Accountant and in July 2024 we will have been married 25 years. Children We have two daughters, Alisha (23) and Arooj (17). Car I drive an electric Porsche Taycan.

In September 2020, I reached out to assist Azeem Rafiq, an ex-professional cricketer in his investigation into allegations of Institutional Racism, bullying and harassment against his employer, the Yorkshire County Cricket Club. The case gathered a real public interest, where the independent investigation and subsequently, the employment tribunal action that we brought, received widespread Media coverage and even made the Government take note. In 2021, Sajid Javid tweeted “heads should roll” and stated that “the P-word was never banter”. There was a finding that my client had been the victim of Institutional Racism and we were able to secure both an apology and a financial settlement. More importantly, my client was able to testify in Parliament before the DCMS Committee, shining

30 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n

a powerful spotlight on the issue of Institutional Racism. Accolades The outcome of the case made everyone look at their EDI policies a n d p ra c t i c e s. T h e E n g l a n d and Wales Cricket Board announced a 12-point plan to tackle racism and promote diversity, including setting up an Anti-Discrimination Unit and addressing all of the complaints in an independent whistleblowing system. The outcome of this case marked a turning point in my career, as many people and organisations reached out to me and were interested to learn about my journey into law and my fight for justice on grounds of gender and race equality. As a result of the outcome of my case, I won a number of awards and accolades. The outcome

What do you to in your leisure time? I listen to music whilst cooking. I have a love of cooking South Asian dishes. Many of the recipes that I have learnt from my mum. What is your favourite holiday destination? Dubai. As when I need, I feel to reflect on life, I regularly travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform a pilgrimage – this keeps me grounded and humble. What is your favourite place in Yorkshire? Howarth – being the home of the Bronte Sisters and having studied English language and English literature, it was one of the first places I visited during my A’ Level English literature course. What is your favourite gadget? Having recently invested in a SAGE Barista coffee machine, the coffee grinder and inbuilt milk frother is my most favourite gadget. What couldn’t you live without? My family.

TAX-WISE PENSION PLANNING FOR 2023/24 Authors: Simon Cowley of Yorwealth Financial Planners And Rebecca Davison, head of tax at Parsons, Chartered Accountants. it is no surprise that there are certain limits that sit alongside pension legislation and falling foul of these can cause unwelcome tax liabilities. This is definitely one area where doing it yourself and getting it wrong could cost you far more in penalties and tax than it would cost you to seek professional advice. Contact us if we can help you. Parsons and YorWealth will be hosting a free webinar on the subject of business exit and pensions in March. Watch-out for details at parsons.co.uk

With the tax year end in sight, there’s still time to consider how to maximise any unused tax allowances, particularly when it comes to pension planning. Pension-related budget changes in April included:

and timing of withdrawals should be carefully planned.

•

The annual allowance increased to £60,000 for the current tax year. This is the most you can contribute before being subject to income tax.

•

Contribution allowances increased for those remaining in a pension after drawing benefits.

•

The pension lifetime allowance will be abolished in April and the maximum amount of tax free cash that can be withdrawn will be frozen at £268,275.

Many of the tax advantages around pension planning are well known including tax relief on contributions for your business and personally, tax efficient returns within the pension itself, 25% tax free lump sum at retirement, the wider range of investable assets within a pension (such as commercial property), the ability to loan back funds to one’s business and the IHT saving on assets left to beneficiaries in the event of one’s death. However, there can be beneficial effects on other tax allowances that making additions to your pension can help with, such as the child benefit tax charge and the reclaiming of your personal allowance for those earning over £100,000 in the tax year.

This content is for information purposes only. For personalised and regulated advice regarding your situation, please consult an independent financial adviser. YorWealth Ltd is an appointed re prese ntative of Hexagon Wealth Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA no.483403). For registered company details visit http:// tinyurl.com/ylvdtcxn Contact us on 01924 669 500 or 01904 925 300.

Understanding how much you can pay into a pension, particularly if you have income over £200,000 and/or are a member of a final salary pension scheme, can be complex. The mechanism Given these advantages to pensions

Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 31

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) presents a new collection by Japanese woodcarver A display of 55 works, Basho no Kankaku – A Sense of Place will be Akama’s largest exhibition to date from March 9 to June 30 2024. It will showcase a new collection of beautiful, intricately carved wooden houses of various sizes – from just 4cm (slightly bigger than a 50p piece) up to 106cm – alongside a series of architectural technical drawings and mini prints. All works will be for sale, with prices ranging from £135 to £9,500. Working from a furniture maker’s workshop in Huddersfield, Akama is surrounded by the natural world. There, he creates these singular houses, carving each one from a single piece of wood. He draws on his experience as a joiner, through which he has refined his skills and techniques in woodworking. Each piece is given a unique appearance and takes between 3 hours and 3 days to complete. Beautiful Fo r t h i s l a t e s t c o l l e c t i o n , commissioned by YSP, Akama has developed a method of colouring the wood using iron acetate solution. The solution is painted onto the wood which reacts with the tannins to create a beautiful, ebonised finish. The wood often dictates the starting point for the designs, with the knots or grain guiding where Akama cuts and carves. Gradually they take on the appearance of a house – often low and long, or tall with stilt-like legs and large roofs, sometimes cantilevered out. Delicate

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Akama is an architectural technician by training, having studied architecture at Tohoku University of Art and Design, in Yamagata, Japan... and intricate detailing of clay render and pebbles minimally decorate and enhance the surfaces, adding to the overall effect of how precarious manmade structures can be and the now transient and perilous nature of so many people’s lives. Inspiration comes from many sources for these fantastic creations, but much comes from Japanese temples and shrines and particularly from Jomon-era ruins;

the shapes, textures and surfaces used in this period of 4,000 years ago. Akama is an architectural technician by training, having studied architecture at Tohoku University of Art and Design, in Yamagata, Japan. When living in Japan, Akama designed a house for a plot of land he owned, rich in native Japanese trees with wild fruits and mushrooms. He aims to capture a sense of place in his work, creating houses that belong in woodland forest settings – quiet and rural. In 2011, he and his family moved to the UK, drawn to Yorkshire due to its landscape and natural surroundings. Here he has pursued an alternative lifestyle and career, responding to an overwhelming need to work with his hands as a maker. His first solo UK exhibition took place in 2013, and this is his second solo exhibition at YSP.

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GET IN TOUCH AT INFO@YAFTA.CO.UK FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR VISIT WWW.YAFTA.ORG/TEAMBUILDING WE HAVE WORKED WITH 34 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n

Championing Women's Causes The awarding winning charitable grantmaker, Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC), are at the forefront of societal change in West Yorkshire. They are making remarkable strides in the voluntary sector, particularly in empowering women. By supporting women-focused causes, CFFC is playing a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable community. CFFC's dedication to women's issues is evident in its diverse range of projects. From supporting shelters for women affected by domestic abuse to funding programmes for female mental health and well-being, the Foundation’s impact is profound and far-reaching. The CEO of CFFC Steve Duncan DL stated, “These initiatives are more than just grant funded projects. They represent our commitment

The Foundation's role in nurturing women-led voluntary organisations is particularly noteworthy. Grants have e nabled these groups to flourish. Whether it's through advocacy, education, or direct support services, these organisations are making a tangible difference. CFFC's achievements in the voluntary sector are a beacon of hope and inspiration.

On the left is Sajida Kauser, Group Scout Leader at 51st Pellon Scout Group, on the right is Safoora Masood, a parent who also has a local baking business called Saf Sprinkles. The event was the Annual Awards Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the year.

to creating safe, supportive spaces where women's voices are heard, and their needs addressed”.

Their work, funded through the generosity of businesses and individual donations (www. cffc.co.uk), is helping to build a robust network of support that uplifts and empowers women across Calderdale. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 35

Get Ahead franchise partner Fiona Ibbetson celebrates six years in business

In January 2018, Yorkshire Businesswoman member Fiona Ibbetson's dream of running her own business became a reality as she launched Get Ahead Leeds. Following a career spanning two decades at grocery giant Morrisons, Fiona was ready for a new challenge. She loved managing people and the fast pace of retail but had always wanted to run her own business. She discovered the perfect match at Get Ahead. Since then, it has been a rollercoaster few years. COVID had a considerable impact, but Fiona didn't give up. By 2021, she had extended her territory beyond Leeds to include York and Harrogate. In the same year, she won the first-ever Great British Franchisee Awards, organised by whichfranchise. com and was shortlisted in the British Franchise Association awards. In 2022, she was one of just four finalists in the Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards Woman Franchisee of the Year category. I’m proud and thankful that the business has gone

36 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n

from strength to strength despite the pandemic. I have discovered a love of networking and found the right balance between a career I love and being able to watch my family grow. I haven't looked back!

outsourcing agency in Leeds and expanding into York and Harrogate too. Fiona wanted to break away from the restraints of corporate life to get the flexibility she craved, to be present for her children, to build a business for herself, and, importantly, to give flexibility to others, both clients and our virtual experts.

I couldn’t have done it without my fantastic clients, who have believed in me. The Get Ahead team has also been a huge support. It’s comforting to know that I am not running a business alone but part of a collaborative and growing partnership."

Her journey from corporate career to franchise ownership is nothing short of inspiring. She didn’t just switch careers; she carved out a career path that resonates with her values and ambitions. She is living proof that with the right support and determination, women in business can truly thrive.”

Rebecca Newenham, founder of Get Ahead, said: “I am so proud of all that Fiona has achieved in the last six years - from meeting us at an event to then launching our

Get Ahead offers nationwide marketing and business support services. To learn more, contact Fiona Ibbetson on 01423 206645 or visit https://getaheadva.com/.

Business members club expands as food venue for pop-up restaurants Empire House the business members club established three years ago, has announced an expansion as it transforms into a unique food venue on Thursday and Friday evenings, starting in 2024.

kitchen on Thursday and Friday evenings •

The club is opening its doors, for free, to aspiring and fledgling food businesses, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their culinary talents. Recognising the challenges faced by small food businesses, Empire House is offering its kitchen facilities for free to selected food companies during the designated evenings. This initiative aims to support local entrepreneurs and contribute to Slaithwaite’s culinary scene.

Chance on Me, Icarus and Apollo, Crust Culture, The Little Sri Lankan and El Fuego, to name a few. • Any interested food businesses are encouraged to reach out and book their spot, as there are still openings available.

In 2023, Empire House trialled the concept and it proved to be a success, creating a dynamic space for food enthusiasts, community engagement and support for small businesses – the very reason the business was set up in the first instance. Empire House has already secured a robust booking list for the upcoming year, including RAD Burgers, Tikka

A prime location in Slaithwaite, with a sophisticated and welcoming ambiance

Key features of hosting a pop-up at Empire House include: •

Free access to a fully equipped

Networking opportunities with fellow food businesses and potential customers Marketing support through Empire House’s channels to promote featured pop-up restaurants. "We are thrilled to open our doors to more food businesses. This initiative aligns with our core values of community, collaboration, and support for small businesses. We already have a great line up, but we want to spread the word to as many chefs and food businesses as possible,” said Yorkshire Businesswoman member Amy North Byram, founder of Empire House.

For booking inquiries and more information,please contact: Amy North Byram,amy@empireoffice. co.uk. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 37

Tucked away in the village o f G o l d s b o ro u g h , y o u’ l l f ind Goldsborough Hall , a breathtaking 400 year old, 16th century, stately home, the former residence of HRH, Princess, Mary, the Princess Royal. The history of Goldsborough Hall is fascinating through 400 years, starting in Elizabethan era, through the English Civil War of the 17th century, the Harewood years in the 18th and 19th centuries, home to a Royal Princess in the 1920s, all the way to the present day. As you drive through the beautiful stone archway into the grounds of the mansion, you cannot help, but feel a sense of a time gone by, as if time had stood still. Everything about Goldsborough Hall is in keeping with its heritage from the foliage to the building work- even the drainpipes are authentic to its origin. The current owners, Claire and Mark Oglesby purchased Goldsborough Hall almost two decades ago and returned it to its current glory as a family residence and venue where they currently live and manage it as a hotel and venue. The hall hosts 16, luxurious, five-star bedrooms and 3AA rosette dining, serves superb afternoon teas (as we can confirm!) and has award-winning gardens as well as being a prestigious and exclusive wedding venue. Yorkshire Businesswoman editor and colleague Freda Shafi were lucky enough to be invited for a high tea and experience everything that Goldsborough Hall has to offer. We started with a champagne reception before being guided

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Former Royal residence now a fabulous hotel

The stunning dining room looks out onto the grounds so you can enjoy the beautiful 360 views of the garden and the seasonal foliage... through everything that was on offer by the brilliant staff, who host you impeccably through the high tea experience. Almost all the produce

is locally sourced, some even homegrown in the hall’s extensive kitchen garden, and you certainly can appreciate it through the flavours, from the variety of sandwiches salmon, free range egg, ham to the scones and pastries, all carefully, crafted and incredibly delicious. The cream tea, comprised of fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as a variety of patisserie, both chocolatey and non-chocolate to suit a variety of pallets. You are offered an option before you attend, to ensure that you are catered for in terms of your dietary needs, as we were. The stunning dining room looks out onto the grounds so you can enjoy the beautiful 360 views of the garden and the seasonal foliage. Yorkshire Businesswoman highly recommended Goldsborough Hall for many reasons including the afternoon tea. We will be retuning soon and hope to hold one of our events there in May. If you’ve never visited, do make sure you put it in the diary this year or book our event where you will find details on our website shortly.

Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 39

Vicky Cheetham announced CEO of Leeds Heritage Theatres House, and was a member of Leeds Youth Orchestra and City of Leeds Concert Band. “I benefitted from growing up in the city; it is a place full of rich, cultural opportunities and ambition; a home for creative innovators, artists and teachers, with a passion for connecting to the local and the global and I am delighted to be able to return.”

Joy

Leeds Heritage Theatres’ Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Vicky Cheetham as its new CEO. Vicky succeeds Chris Blythe who has been in post since 2015 and will retire at the end of March.

arts and creative learning, delivering ambitious artistic programmes both nationally and internationally. Vicky says: “I am very excited to be bringing my experiences to Leeds Heritage Theatres, an organisation that reflects my own beliefs and values. As chief executive, I want to deliver exceptional experiences that are culturally inclusive and relevant to both residents and the wider cultural sector.

Currently interim co-executive director at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Vicky brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge gained at some of the UK's most influential Passion cultural organisations including managing director of Tate, executive “I was fascinated to read about the work director, Arts at Southbank Centre, and and ambitions of both Leeds Heritage executive producer at London’s Barbican. Theatres and the wider Leeds cultural She has worked across music, theatre, sector. I grew up in Leeds, attending dance, comedy, film, literature, visual school near the Hyde Park Picture

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Alan Gay OBE, Chair of the Board says: “Trustees are thrilled that Vicky will be leading Leeds Heritage Theatres into the next chapter of its story. Over the past two years, we’ve been on a journey of change; redefining who we are and what we are aiming for. We believe that Vicky has the right mix of skills and experience to support the development of our programme, ensuring we make the most of our heritage venues whilst safeguarding their future and helping us to bring the extraordinary joy of film and performance to people across Leeds and the wider region.” The outgoing CEO, Chris Blythe has steered the organisation through a period of significant change and challenge. Under Chris's skilled leadership, Leeds Heritage Theatres has experienced significant growth and success. Some of his noteworthy accomplishments include overseeing the installation of a new roof on the iconic Leeds Grand Theatre, navigating the organisation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and completing the refurbishment of the historic Hyde Park Picture House.Vicky will take up post in summer 2024.

Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 41

Menopause is just one wilted rose amongst a much larger bouquet of blessings

40 plus blogger Claire Kenny is sharing her early menopause journey with Yorkshire Businesswoman readers.

The cruel irony of menopause is that it comes as you finally feel that you’re finding your feet. But I wouldn’t throw a bunch of roses away if only one had wilted, so why would I do that with my life? My forties have unequivocally been my best decade. Envisaging them years ago, I assumed I’d have everything figured out and be in some worryfree, part time work utopia, but they certainly didn’t work out that way. I was deeply unhappy in my early forties, but in hindsight I see that as a blessing because it led me to work hard on my mindset. I now have a life that truly excites me, something I don’t think I felt capable of creating so intentionally until I hit midlife. I used to heavily base my decisions on external guidance, almost seeking permission from someone - or something - separate from me for fear of what people would think. But I finally learned that I had everything I needed to not only live life, but love it, if I listened to and trusted myself. Which brought a wonderful dollop of unconditional happiness. Then came menopause. The cruel irony is that it comes as you’re finally finding your feet, but although it certainly threw a temporary spanner in the works, it just deepened my

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commitment to be happy and grateful regardless of external factors. So, I made a conscious effort to keep being grateful for what I did have rather than moan about what I didn’t. When I was younger, I’d be far too quick to say “I’ll be happy when…” as though when one element of my life wasn’t perfect, it invalidated the

rest. But I wouldn’t throw a bunch of roses away if only one had wilted, so why would I do that with my life? I’ve grown to accept that things are never perfect, and that happiness is more plentiful - and simple - than I ever realised. Menopause is just one wilted rose amongst a much larger bouquet of blessings.

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Max Nicholson Salon marks two years in business with unique new approach to hairdressing

44 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n

Max Nicholson Salon has marked two years in business by unveiling a unique, new approach to how hair is cut and styled. "Our new style menu is a unique mood board that allows our clientele to see and visualise what they want," said Max, 22, who leads a three-strong team of stylists, colourist, and assistants at the North Bar Within hairdresser. "The style menu is not a technical manual or a shade and colour chart. It's a simpler approach to hair styling that references textures and nature allowing customers to relate their feelings to things in real life. "I think that the mood board helps to give our customers the opportunity to say, 'I can relate to that or I like how that makes me feel', more closely reflecting who they are, their spirit and emotional being. It's about us helping them to be honest about who they are, perhaps being different without trying to be.

We are optimistic that the next 12 months will be as good if not better than 2023 and can't wait to see what 2024 brings...

timeless looks with a wash and cut which people maintain at home, repeatedly wash and dry and still look great." Max, who graduated with straight distinctions from East Riding College in 2018 and worked at local salons, opened the doors of his eponymous Max Nicholson Salon in 2021.

"Obviously, the cuts and colouring, men's and ladies, Now as the business enters are an essential part of the its third year the young high-quality service our ends. It's not about trends, entrepreneur and his team salon provides and Max trends are temporary, style have a growing client list Nicholson Salon offers our is permanent. approaching 600 customers. own versions of celebrity haircuts. But it's not just "Our job is to help make "We aim to make people feel at about the cut of the hair or our customers feel and home, to be relaxed and feel the colour we give the hair - look amazing and we are that they can be themselves. colour is just where the hair passionate about creating FF Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 45

This personal approach is coming out of school behind us having a loyal a n d t h r o u g h c o l l e g e , clientele of local customers i n c l u d i n g h i r i n g and also customers who a p p r e n t i c e s , w h i c h travel from across the north Max Nicholson Salon from towns and cities like h a s a l r e a d y d o n e Leeds, Harrogate and York; through the European these are customers who, Social Fund-supported typically, have been looking T h e A p p r e n t i c e s h i p for a salon when they visited Hub. Beverley and then made the choice to travel back "Apprentices bring a fresh here when they’ve liked the outlook to how you do service and cut and style, your business, a ne w we’ve given them." perspective, a beginner's outlook that can challenge M ax, added: "We are your technique so that optimistic that the next 12 while you are helping months will be as good if not to teach them, they are better than 2023 and can't teaching you. "That fits wait to see what 2024 brings." with our ethos of helping to create jobs, improve O n e a r e a i s t h e skills and offe r work d e v e l o p m e n t o f experiences as there is hairdressing as a career a lack of hairdressers f o r y o u n g p e o p l e coming into the industry."

46 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n

Blossom Training & Development (CIC) welcomes non-executive director By: Dena Reynolds

Co-founder and director Madeleine France anticipates further success for Blossom’s Corporate Training workshops, highlighting their ability to bring colleagues together. “Alongside our funded classes, we deliver corporate workshops that consistently gain amazing feedback,” says Madeline. “It’s a fantastic way for employers to unite colleagues from different parts of an organisation. We’re eager to explore new self-defence training and educational avenues, to cater to our corporate clients.” Yorkshire-based Blossom Training & Development, a CIC dedicated to fostering self-confidence through self-defence, proudly welcomes Rebecca Hopwood into the role of non-executive director. Rebecca brings a wealth of marketing experience to the flourishing CIC, joining forces with founders Rachael Allen and Madeleine France. As managing director of award-winning marketing agency Youbee Media, Rebecca is set to leverage her professional expertise, helping Blossom achieve ambitious goals with a wider audience. Blossom’s co-founder and director, Rachael Allen says, “We value Rebecca’s outstanding professional record in media and marketing. The way she invests in her all-female team shows values that align with our enterprise. We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca to the Blossom family”. Since inception in 2021, Blossom T&D has developed and delivered selfdefence workshops. Their multi-faceted approach focuses on self-defence and deescalation techniques, providing details of accessible personal safety technology, and education on how the law works in this area. Practical knowledge and

Madeleine knows that the employee wellbeing can influence any business’s success. She continues, hands-on experience combine “Our Corporate Team Building days h e r e , t r a n s f o r m i n g w o m e n ’ s cultivate stronger relationships confidence levels. Delegates leave between colleagues. In our safe the workshops feeling more in space, participants can share as control and better equipped to much or as little as they like, and we help teams develop greater respect navigate challenging situations. for and a better understanding Rebecca recalls, “My own team have of their peers”. Looking forward, benefited from Blossom’s workshop Rebecca is set to contribute to the training. The experience genuinely expansion and ongoing success of shifted our perspective on safety. these workshops, amplifying the Maddie and Rachael’s work is life- message of empowerment. She changing and it’s an honour to join notes, “It’s a real privilege to join the them as they continue to extend the Blossom Training & Development team and I anticipate a high demand reach of this enterprise.” for the Corporate Team Building The Blossom team have experienced days. Madeleine and Rachael are remarkable success with their fully committed to developing female funded workshops, providing self- strength and resilience, and I’m defence education to all, free of committed to making their goal charge. However, with funding a reality.” opportunities winding down for 2024, Madeleine and Rachael are To find out more about Blossom’s exploring new ways to secure Corporate Team Days, contact ongoing support for their meaningful Maddie and Rachael through their website www.blossom-uk.co.uk work. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 47

The perfect place to work for sisters Janette and Jackie Sisters Janette Ager and Jackie Ward are now both working as sales advisors for the same housebuilding company – having both initially applied for the same job. Jackie, 60, and younger sibling Janette, 58, recently joined Jones Homes and are selling newb u i l d p ro p e r t i e s a t d i f f e re n t developments in Yorkshire. Janette, who lives in Brough, was

48 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n

“I applied for the job first and told Jackie to go for it too as I knew she was looking to make a move from where she was working,” said Janette, a mum-of-two. “We both went for an interview on the same day. Jackie went in first and we saw each other in the car park and wished each other luck.

appointed by the firm in September and is a sales advisor at Teasel Green in Eggborough, while Jackie, who lives in Micklefield near Leeds, joined the company a month later, and works at Beaumont Grange “I got the job and have enjoyed every in Treeton.

closely before when we worked for 15 years at Argos, where we both became store managers. I am a real people person. I love talking to different people, learning about their lives and what makes them tick. At Jones Homes, as sales advisors we are encouraged not only to use our diplomatic and negotiation skills but also to take the time to get to know the customer and to listen to what they want. Only then can we start to deliver what is right for them and to help them make the move into their dream house. It’s a fantastic job and a real privilege to be given the chance to play such a part in a hugely significant journey in the lives of some lovely families.”

minute of it. Apparently, they were really impressed with Jackie too and found it hard to choose between us. In the end, they offered Jackie a job a few weeks later, so she has forgiven me.” T h e s i s te r s , w h o g r e w u p i n Pontefract, began their careers in the construction industry six years ago when Janette landed a job as a sales consultant, after she went along to a housing development when her daughter was buying a new house. “By the end of the appointment, the

sales advisor had persuaded me that I would not only be good at the job but that I should apply to the firm,” she said. “I did and they offered me a job which I took.” Jackie joined the building industry when Janette encouraged her to pursue a different career. “Janette knew I would be good at the job and, perhaps more importantly, really love it,” said Jackie, also a mum-of-two. “She was right on both counts. She knows me better than anyone and we have worked

Janette added: “Jones Homes is a fantastic place to work because I can tap into the people skills I have developed after running a hotel in Bridlington for seven years and being in retail for more than two decades. Their ethos is not to chase sales targets but to treat customers as real people and to ensure we support them and provide them with the best possible house-buying experience.” Jayne Swift, sales and marketing director said: “We are absolutely thrilled that both Janette and Jackie agreed to join us when we offered them a job. At Jones Homes, we pride ourselves on being a family firm with traditional values where we always put the needs of the customer first.”

Caption: Jackie Ward (left) and Janette Ager Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 49

Elevating Events with Production Light & Sound

a Leadership Away Day at Rudding Park in Harrogate followed by a corporate dinner in their Chapel. Plus, an awards dinner at Carden Park in Chester and a VIP and supporters event at the Corn Exchange in Leeds. We continually invest in the latest technology and provide training to individuals aspiring to make a career in the industry. Our passion for staying on the cutting edge ensures that your event benefits from the most advanced equipment and technical expertise available.

At Production Light & Sound, we are on a mission to transform events and breathe life into every occasion with our top-tier technical and creative event services. Based in the vibrant city of Leeds, we began our journey in 2001 and proudly stand today as a female-led company committed to excellence and diversity. Our extensive hire equipment stock includes lighting, sound, special effects, staging, drapes, dance floors, drinks bars and conference sets from leading industry suppliers, including Robe, Chamsys, Yamaha, Sennheiser, Milos and many more. We are your one-stop solution for all your event equipment needs. Whether it's a grand theatre production, a lively live music performance, an intimate

private party, a dream wedding, a corporate event, or a dynamic conference, we have you covered. Not only do we offer equipment for hire, but we also excel in providing full event production packages with our experienced technicians. We ensure that every event is a seamless and memorable experience, from the initial planning stages to the final curtain call. This year, some of our work has included

What truly sets us apart is our strong female leadership. Sarah Buckmaster, our company director and technical manager, boasts nearly 25 years of industry experience. She revels in the diversity of opportunities the events industry offers, from hotel conferences to racecourse car launches, and even magical moments in Victorian theatres. Sarah is particularly enthusiastic about increasing the presence of women in the industry and is determined to inspire the next generation to follow suit. At Production Light & Sound, we are not just about delivering exceptional events; we are also about creating opportunities and breaking barriers for women in the entertainment industry. It’s why we are delighted and proud to support and sponsor this year’s Yorkshire Businesswoman Awards, celebrating the incredible women of Yorkshire. Let us help you bring your next event to life - get in touch to discuss your ideas on 0113 2360951 www.productionlightandsound. com

50 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n

What does podcasting have to Ready to level up your do with personal branding content creation? By: Becky Lamb-Pritchard

leader’ in your industry. You can

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 rbe o authentic, fessio nitaallows l you to and portray your true character 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 and 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 rpersonal p a t‘brand’ c h ibe n that playful, cheeky, fun, serious, authoritative 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 it’s e your n sbrand, u r eyou decide and use the platform 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 dtoihelp n gelevate you. options to create your bespoke space. 3.

Content X 10 - with more and more people working on and developing 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 otheir d cpersonal a s t ,brand o nit lincreasingly ine means they need to “show up” tutorials or short-form video content for your social and that often means more and platforms, we can help. more social and digital content. The demands of social seem never ending, creating endless TikToks and Insta reels, even Linkedin Personal branding has been around for years, some might say is pushing for video content, to forever actually, but it is definitely one of the hot topics of the creating newsletters and webinars. moment, especially when it comes to Solopreneaurs, Entrepreneurs One podcast can be cut and crafted and small businesses. to give you 10 x more content. You can cut if for shorter form content podcast studio is actually a mini You are your brand, at all times, and platforms, you can film it for video TV studio and is great for creating more and more people are realising content or you can repurpose your all sorts of online content. From that how they show up in their personal content into blogs and newsletter long form content like webinars life should align with how they show content, you may even find it gives and tutorials, to short form content up in business. Expert coaches are in you extra PR content! suitable for TikTok and Insta reels. demand more than ever helping people Increasingly we have a variety of define their true authentic selves and clients booking out the studio All in all, if you are giving your personal stick to their core values no matter the to create social and other online brand some serious thought, then don’t environment they find themselves in. forget to add podcasting into that mix. It content, not just podcasting. may just do a few jobs in one! So how does that fit into what we 2. Podcasting is a great way to do as an audio agency? showcase your personal brand. I ’ m a l w a y s h a p p y t o c h a t It’s a platform that can allow podcasting so drop me an email 1. Well firstly, and probably the you to position yourself as an at becky@thisisdistorted.com most obvious, we have a visual authoritative voice or ‘thought @thisisdistorted audio studio. What we call our

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Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 51

detract from the service or the warm welcome we received. The easy-to-read menu is on the placemats with a selection of ‘specials’ on boards and if you’re not familiar with cuts of meat, everything is explained by the waiting staff. “We were left to make our choices whilst munching on mugs of popcorn and enjoying drinks and complimentary bottles of water.

A quirky restaurant in the heart of Leeds Yorkshire Businesswoman member Charlotte Hall was invited to visit the first northern restaurant of Flat Iron in Leeds to sample their new menu. Located on Lands Lane, the restaurant is a stone’s throw from Trinity Shopping Centre, Victoria Quarter and Briggate. Set in a historic church institute dating back to 1866, the restaurant has dramatic gothic windows on both floors allowing the light to flood in. The menu features the signature Flat Iron steak and sides of beef

dripping chips as well as the Bearnaise cheeseburger and a Wagyu cut of the day. The restaurant is in a great location with an interior that oozes great character. When we arrived, it was busy. We were shown to one of the last available tables next to the window overlooking the street, but this didn’t

Although the Wagu and sharing board was tempting, we opted for the Flat Iron steak with lots of side dishes including the homemade beef dripping chips and a green salad. The restaurant is for meat lovers and there are no options for vegans or vegetarians. Our steaks arrived presented on wooden boards already sliced and we were presented with our own meat cleavers. Both steaks were cooked just as we ordered and were delicious, the peppercorn sauce was lovely but the smoked chilli mayo a little on the mild side and both portions could have been bigger. It is worth noting too that if you have a healthy appetite speak to a member of the team about weights in advance. The restaurant is not for those wanting to take their time relaxing over desserts and coffee after the main course as diners are presented with a little meat cleaver to exchange on your way out for an ice-cream cornet. The result? We really enjoyed our meal the great service and restaurant atmosphere but good to know some of their quirkiness before you book. Flat Iron, 9a Lands Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AW. It’s open from 12pm to 10pm, Sunday to Tuesday, 12pm to 10:30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays & 12pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

52 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n

People. Results. Value.

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.

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0113 246 4425 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 53

Yorkshire BusinessWomen

AWARDS 2024

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN AFC

Programme Sponsor

54 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n

Yorkshire BusinessWoman Editor - Gill Laidler We are delighted to be organising the inaugural Yorkshire Businesswoman awards to celebrate and honour the businesswomen of Yorkshire on International Women’s Day who work and volunteer within our region. Thank you to our headline sponsor Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, our main sponsors, category sponsors and partners without whom these awards wouldn’t be possible.

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

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.

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 In 2021 Danni joined the girls. Y Woom maann 55 Yoo rr k k ss hh ii rr ee BBuussiinneessssW 55

Yorkshire Businesswoman are supporting two charities, Martin House Hospice and Focus 4 Hope. On the evening, we ask guests to get involved and purchase a bundle bag for £25, preferably using cash. The bundle bag will include a Manning Stainton door key with a chance if your key opens the door, to win a £300 voucher to dine at Ivy Asia. There will also be a ticket with a chance to win a pair of diamond earrings from Phillip Stoner Jewellers worth a fantastic £1500. Also included are raffle tickets with some amazing prizes on offer.

Diamond sponsor Phillip Stoner: Yorkshire Businesswoman partners Phillip Stoner Jewellers have donated a pair of gorgeous diamond earrings that one lucky guest will win. A ticket can be found in the bundle bag that is available to purchase when you arrive - no bag, no win, so make sure you bring your £25 in cash to purchase one of only 200 bags!

JonathanStoner

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OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE MARRIOT HOTEL LEEDS

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DINNER FOR 2 AT GINO’S RESTAURANT

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A SUPER CAR EXPERIENCE AT MOTORHOUSE OF SHIPLEY

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DINNER FOR TWO AND PERSONAL HEAD CHEF DEMO AT MA-HE COASTAL INDIAN

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AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT DAKOTA HOTEL

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CONSULTATION WITH LIVVE , WOMENS HORMONE HEALTH AND WELLBEING WORTH £175

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HIGH TEA FOR TWO AT GOLDSBROUGH HALL

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A PERSONAL STYLE CONSULTATION WITH EXPERT STYLIST ANNA MEWS

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SPA EXPERIENCE AT RUDDING PARK

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LEXUS LEEDS ARE OFFERING A CAR FOR THE WEEKEND AND AN AFTERNOON TEA AT HARVEY NICHOLS

Red door sponsor ManningStainton: Manning Stainton are supporting the Yorkshire Businesswoman Awards with their ‘Open the Door’ competition. When you purchase a bundle bag, inside you will find a key. If that key fits the red door during the evening you will be the lucky winner of a £300 to spend at Ivy Asia. All funds raised will be donated equally between Martin House Hospice and Focus 4 Hope.

the years by their clients. Their commitment extends beyond selling property and they are dedicated to actively supporting the communities they serve, generation after generation. https://manningstainton. co.uk/

Manning Stainton are the market-leading estate agent in Leeds, respecting the trust placed in them over

Nestled within a tranquil courtyard, the Leeds Marriott Hotel is strategically situated in the dynamic city of Leeds. Only a brief stroll away from Leeds train station, our prime location provides easy access to the city’s landmarks and attractions. The accommodation boasts 247 guest bedrooms and suites, each with a contemporary charm following recent refurbishments. The hotel features an exclusive Executive Lounge, a cutting-edge Fitness Centre equipped with Peleton Bikes, and a newly revamped Meetings and Events department offering 17 flexible

spaces capable of hosting up to 300 guests. Guests can also now savour an authentic Italian culinary experience at our brand new Gino D’Acampo Restaurant. As the proud Event Partner for the inaugural Yorkshire Businesswoman Awards, they extend their heartfelt congratulations to all the remarkable women shortlisted for an award. Your achievements are truly commendable, and they are honored to be part of this celebration. Best of luck to each nominee!

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LiveBand Entertainment create a memory you and your guests will never forget. They know how important it is to celebrate in style and party like never before. M e l o d y, t h e f o u n d e r o f L i v e Band Entertainment has been a wprofessional singer songwriter for over 10 years and has

The Biskery is an online baker y specialising in personalised and branded biscuits. Their all-female team pride themselves in making every biscuit by hand, using the best ingredients, and eco-friendly packaging. Friends Lisa Shepherd and Saskia Roskam started The Biskery as a little project in 2016, whilst caring for their young children full time. Today they are an awardwinning business creating bespoke biscuits for the likes of Meta,The BBC, and Fendi, as well as consumers of all backgrounds and ages! All at the same time as normalising flexible and part-time work, and creating a truly familyfriendly business.

Mrs P Events Limited, nestled in West Yorkshire, but yet travels all over the UK, epitomises bespoke celebrations. Headed by Mrs P, wife and mother of three beautiful girls, the company transforms ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences. With an exceptional eye for detail and a huge passion for creating unforgettable moments, Mrs P adds a special touch of magic to every event. Her unique perspective, informed by the joys of family life, ensures each celebration resonates with warmth and care. From milestone birthdays to corporate soirées & not forgetting the show-stopping weddings, Mrs P Events Limited, is a family-driven enterprise, & crafts flawless events that echo the values of love, connection, and genuine celebration.

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performed in many prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert hall, the NEC Birmingham, Doncaster Racecourse, The Dome. She knows all too well what your guests are expecting and Live Band Entertainment promises to give you even more.

NVRLND are a UK Events Management company that specialised in unique entertainment and campaign activations. Combining a wealth of knowledge and experience allows us to connect with our clients and gain a complete understanding for their vision, whilst offering our expertise and guidance to deliver a memorable experience.

Masons Gin “Masons of Yorkshire was created on World Gin Day in 2013 by Cathy and Karl Mason with a desire to create a different gin, not just a different label. As a fully independent family-run business, the pursuit of excellence is what drives Cathy and Karl: they call it ‘the Masons Way’. The Masons Way is the unwavering belief that when it came to creating Yorkshire’s first gin, doing things the right way without compromise would lead to the very best outcome. This has led to Masons being one of the most awarded gins with over 180 international awards and counting since.”

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

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 Every year they support over 440 did not have the opportunity to use the children and young people, and their hospice or following a sudden death. 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 Focus4Hope is a registered charity, that seeks to provide support for the homeless, elderly, isolated, and vulnerable. They were founded in 2016 as a community-based 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.

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The finalists are: Yorkshire Businesswoman Equity & Diversity Award

Sponsored by Money Matters by A J Bell Finalists: • Zoe Hayden Jones - Director - Jobs for Women • Alia Nessa - Operations Manager - Getaway Girls • Yasmin De Nardo - Head of Connected Technology Academy - KPMG

Yorkshire Business Woman Networker of the Year Award Sponsored by Dakota Hotels Finalists: • Sam Hartley - Founder - SAM Networking • Zoe Hands - Sales Leader - Marriott Hotel Leeds • Natalie Sarabia-Johnston - Director & Founder - Southgate & Sarabia Architects

Yorkshire Business Woman Digital Award Sponsored by Perfect Branded Gifts Finalists: • Annie Moss-Quate and Rose Mountague - Founder - She Does Digital • Georgia Halson - Group CEO - Halston Marketing • Zoe Thompson - Founder - Build it Brillant

Yorkshire Business Woman Rising star of the Year Award Sponsored by Lloyds Bank Finalists: • lisa Shepherd & Saskia Roskam - Co-Founders and Directors -The Biskery • Colette Safhill - MD - Myth Drinks Ltd • Alexa Wilkinson - Founder - Social by Alexa Yorkshire Business Woman Mentor Award Sponsored by Grantley Hall Finalists: • Julie Bickerdyke - Managing Director - MoonStone FD • Deborah Ogden - Founder - Deborah Ogden Limited • Naimah Kazi - Specialist Orthoptist - Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust

Yorkshire Business Woman New Business Award Sponsored by AD:Venture Finalists: • Blossom Training & Development - Founder - Blossom Training & Development • The Eye Retreat - Founder - The Eye Retreat • Jamie Juma - Co - Founder - Drapers England Ltd

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Yorkshire Business Woman Inspirational Volunteer Award Sponsored by Proper Financial Planning Finalists: • Louise Reed - Founder & CEO - Focus 4 Hope • Tracy Foster - Founder - Burns Club • Samantha Tootsie - Photographer & Social Entrepreneur - Simon on the Streets Volunteer

Yorkshire Business Woman Social Media Award Sponsored by Femme Magazine Finalists: • Erin Rush - Content Creator - Yorkshire Tots to Teens • Rebecca Hopwood - Marketing Director - Youbee Media • Freda Shafi - Creative Industries Consultant - Freda Shafi

Yorkshire Business Woman Mandy Taylor Award Sponsored by Youbee Media Finalists: • Emma Gibson - Co Founder - Missing Peace • Lisa Darwin - Founder - FB FASHION BALL • Sharon Brigden - MD - SLBPR

Yorkshire Business Woman Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by Gino D'Acampo Finalists: • Sarah Loftus - Managing Director - Make it York • Melinda Schofield - Regional Director - Bauer Media • Diane Watson - Principal Partner - St James`s Place Wealth Management

Yorkshire Business Woman of the Year Award Sponsored by Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors Finalists: • Rachel Varley - Co Founder - Thrive in Mind • Hannah Strawbridge - CEO & Founder - Han Law Co • Fiona Rocket Taylor - Portfolio FD - Rockett -Taylor Consulting • Poonam Kaur - CEO - fds Director Services Limited • Kate Ball - Founder & Managing Director - Mini First Aid

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The female entrepreneur on a mission to change how society views disability Rachel Hill founded Hillside Childcare in 2007, before that she and took life a day at a time. Tommy built her career in childcare, education and SEND (Special is now 14 and uses a walking frame or Educational Needs and Disabilities for children, young people. a wheelchair. In 2010 when Rachel became a mother to her son Tommy, she didn’t know at the time that her parenting journey may not be straightforward and that those same qualifications and experiences in special educational needs and disability would hold such value to her own family one day. Rachel said; “it wasn’t until I became a mother that I felt motivated to support others, especially those who

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have children with special needs and disabilities, as that was my new reality.” On realising her son wasn’t meeting his movement milestones as a baby, Rachel and her family began their journey. After many appointments, tests and assessments, there were no diagnoses and they were told that Tommy had developmental delay of his gross motor skills, not knowing what the future would hold, together they moved forward

Rachel added; “I think as a mum you know when something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s that magic mother instinct you hear so much about, and whilst other children Tommy’s age were starting to achieve certain milestones, especially in movement, we were told to wait until he was 12-18 months before any referrals would be made as it was too early to confirm if there were any problems.” She continued: “Between 18 months and

Alongside caring for her family, Rachel was building a successful daycare business, employing a staff team of 75 she had four thriving day nurseries. Juggling her business, providing support to children and their families, and managing household responsibilities, Rachel was often asked questions about Tommy’s development and to gain some control over this, she created the ‘Rock on Tommy’ Facebook group. “It was when he was due to start nursery school, I felt like I needed some control of the situation and his disability, and without being outfaced by lots of questions from other parents and even other children on the first day of school, I decided to share more online about our experiences and the things he was doing. It became a little diary, where we shared family days and special moments, as well as some of the not-so-fun moments.

Tommy is 14 now, and he is my biggest motivator every single day. I know that if he can do that to me, he can do it for others too...

3 years old, and having learnt more, I found it very difficult and was often upset and so very protective of him. There were some days where I could’ve wrapped him up and run away, other days where I felt like superwoman. It was a rollercoaster, but actually, these are all normal emotions as parents and I had to become stronger for Tommy and for myself.”

“ We g a i n e d s o m u c h c o m f o r t from the response we received from our followers, but it was the community of other parents in a similar situation that really made me feel most relatable. It filled me and my husband with so much hope that without realising we had built our very own community, and in a quick space of time, we had hundreds following the page too.” And whilst Rachel was her own boss and not personally subject to discrimination within the workplace, she was in contact with mothers who were. Through the Rock on Tommy platform and the work she was doing online with their Facebook community, Rachel's perspective

shifted when it came to business, and ultimately the type of work she wanted to put her energy into. In 2023, after sixteen years of outstanding success, Rachel stepped away from her childcare business and took some much-needed time out before taking on her new chapter; raising awareness and making change for families in the UK who have children with disabilities and special needs. By combining both her career pathway and her home life, Rachel is now using ‘her calling’ to campaign across the UK to ensure that Tommy, and others like him, are seen and heard. She said: “Tommy is 14 now, and he is my biggest motivator every single day. I know that if he can do that to me, he can do it for others too.” Rachel explained: “I started my childcare business scared and very nervous, with only two children on my books, and yes it was a lot of hard work – just like this will be - but we made it a success. I know now that this is my calling to combine my years of experience to support other children and offer online learning and a voice to families who look a lot like ours. It’s obvious now that the work I’ve done over two decades has been leading up to this, I just didn’t know it when I was eighteen and stepping into a childcare environment for the very first time.” In 2024 Rachel, alongside her family and of course her son Tommy, hopes to support families who may feel lost in a system, and at times, a world that isn’t always ready for them and if a New Year isn’t the right time to start, then when is? Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 63

Four steps to designing a productive day By Ros Jone s - Busi ness Co a ch

Sometimes the to-do list is so long it can be overwhelming, and we end up doing none of it. Or we spend so much of our day reacting to external stuff that nothing proactive gets done. What if we got to design our ideal day proactively? Here’s how to design your productive day in four super simple steps: 1.

Make a list of the six most important things (the six things) that need to be done tomorrow (always do this design work the day – or week – before). You might also have a list of other things that need to be done but the six Things are the things that absolutely must be done. (Consider delegating the other things.)

Work out how much time you need to allocate to each of the six things. Be realistic! There may be something that will take more than a day but decide how long you’ll spend on it on this day. Remember, there are five other things that need to be worked on. Your six things should add up to around six hours. You need some wiggle room!

Now, design your day and plan the six things into your diary. Block out the time. Be sure to include your lunch break!

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Always put the most important task first. Maybe this is something you really don’t want to do, but it’s super important...

Deliberately leave some space of around two hours between the six things. This is to deal with the things you will have to react to because there will always be some things to react to. This space acts as a “buffer” so that when you get off track through interruptions you still have the flexibility in your diary to get back to your designed day.

Always put the most important task first. Maybe this is something you really don’t want to do, but it’s super important. Do it first! You will feel enormous satisfaction when it’s done rather than having it looming over you all day and then finding that you’re too tired to do it, so it rolls over to the next day. When your day is designed in advance like this and you get interrupted with some emergency, you’ll be able to get back on track more easily once the emergency is dealt with because there it is, all mapped out.

Why not give it a go and see how much more productive you’ll feel?

Ros Jones, Business Coach rosjones@businesswellbeing. club

Elly Pattison-Walk Dukes Halifax

You can do it all in Halifax! Stay connected with us on social media to keep informed about the latest happenings in Halifax. DiscoverHx TopicUK FP Jan24.indd 1

05/02/2024 14:19

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Leena Parmar’s journey through entrepreneurship Ima ge s thanks to Ro t h -Rea d Ph o to gra ph y

When Leena Parmar founded Citrus Connect Recruitment in 2009, it wasn't just about tapping into a niche or fulfilling a market demand. It was about realising a vision: transforming lives. Partnering with their inaugural client, The Automobile Association, she witnessed firsthand the empowerment of individuals, with some transitioning from obscurity to commanding six-figure incomes in their first year of sales. This was not mere recruitment; this was an avenue for metamorphosis. Her journey, however, did not start in the corridors of the corporate world. Fresh out of college, her heart was set on International Relations, fortified by an invaluable stint at the United Nations in New York. The allure of the RAF beckoned, followed by the vibrant tapestry of the fashion world. Each chapter, be it the successes or the hurdles, was a lesson. An unexpected personal setback might have derailed

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many, but for Leena, it sowed the seeds for Citrus Connect.

desire to make a tangible difference. Drawing inspiration from her family's entrepreneurial legacy, she navigated the 2008 economic downturn and the pandemic, evolving stronger with each obstacle.

COVID-19 tested her mettle. Revenues Our rapport with our clients goes halted, and the future seemed beyond transactional,” she said. “We aim uncertain. But with adversity came to be allies in their growth journey. This an opportunity for introspection and commitment to genuine partnership, evolution. Anchored by practices of combined with our innovative approach, mindfulness and a commitment to distinguishes Citrus Connect. Being health, she steered Citrus Connect nominated for Business Woman of the through these turbulent times. They Year in 2020 was less about personal emerged, not just intact but fortified, accolades and more a reflection of our transitioning from their modest office daily commitment to excellence. to now gracing one of the most enviable “In essence, the Citrus Connect story is corporate spaces in Leeds. an odyssey. A voyage marked by highs Every entrepreneur faces challenges, and lows, challenges and triumphs. As but the nuances differ. When Leena I carve out moments of personal wellinitiated Citrus Connect, her experience being, whether through daily workouts in recruitment was negligible. Yet, what or immersing myself in nature, I'm she possessed was an unyielding reminded of the interconnectedness passion for success and an innate of life.

A Yorkshire solicitor has become one of the first in the country to qualify after studying under a new route designed to help candidates from non-traditional legal backgrounds get into law. Brittany Clark, a solicitor at law firm, Holden Smith, has qualified after two years studying the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). During her studies at The University of Law, Brittany also worked at Holden Smith to prepare for the two-stage SQE assessment while bolstering and developing her skills working in legal practice. She said: “I’m delighted to be one of the first in the UK to qualify as a solicitor via this new route. “The SQE has revolutionised the way in which solicitors can train, promoting social mobility and diversity in the legal profession, and opening the doors of a career in law to people who may not have considered it, or thought it was out of reach. “Qualifying via this route meant I was able to gain valuable, on-thejob experience and learn from my colleagues at Holden Smith, while also earning a salary from day one.” James Smith, co-founder and director at Holden Smith, said: “Until recently, the route into a career in law has been very prescriptive, but things have moved on. At Holden Smith, we welcomed the introduction of the SQE, because being able to recruit solicitors from a diverse talent pool is key to the future of our practice.” Matthew Tomlinson, dean at the University of Law, said: “Brittany

Former University of Law Student one of first to qualify studied her LLB with the University and was a stellar student who graduated with a 1st class degree. The rigidity of the old qualification regime meant that students like Brittany had to undertake another year of postgraduate study before entering a very competitive market in search of a training opportunity. The pressure of financing a further year of study stood as a significant barrier. The opportunity to study and train at the same time as an apprentice means that students like Brittany can access the profession through a different pathway.”

The SQE has revolutionised the way in which solicitors can train, promoting social mobility and diversity...

Holden Smith , which employs over 100 people across four off ices, was fo u n d e d i n 2 0 1 9 b y directors James Smith and David Bancroft. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 67

Providing vital care when families need it most Across Yorkshire, Martin House Children’s Hospice has been providing specialist care for the last 37 years to babies, children and young people with complex and life-shortening conditions. We are honoured to be chosen as the Yorkshire Businesswoman Magazine’s charity of the year, and we’re looking forward to sharing with you across the next year more about the vital care we provide. Every year, Martin House supports more than 440 families from across West, North and East Yorkshire, along with a further 150 bereaved families. We are open 24/7, 365 days a year, which includes on-call cover by our team of six doctors, meaning parents have access to expert medical advice day or night.

emergency stay when a child is unwell. We have a range of facilities and staff to make stays at the hospice fun – from sessions with one of our music therapists, time for arts and crafts, relaxing in our sensory room or making music in our recording studio.

whole family through their grief. Our care is free to families, but it costs around £9 million a year to run Martin House, and we only get a very small amount of statutory funding – so we rely on the support of our community in Yorkshire to help us provide this vital care.

Our care team provides specialist care in a homely environment to children and young people staying at Martin House, whether that’s a planned respite visit, where the family can enjoy time together, or a symptom control or

We are also there to provide end of life care, and, thanks to our special cooled bedrooms, we can give families more precious time to say goodbye to their child after they have died. Our bereavement team can also support the

There are lots of ways you can support us – we hold a range of events throughout the year, from our grand black tie Glitter Ball or our Accumulator Challenge for businesses, to one of our thrilling challenge events, which includes the Yorkshire Three Peaks, our Dragon Boat Race and a new zip wire challenge this May. You can also take on your own challenge from taking part in one of the many runs around the region, organising your own fundraising event or donating to one of our shops.

Jack and Rachel in the garden at Martin House

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You can find out more about Martin House and how you can support us at our website – www. martinhouse.org.uk.

HELLO

2024

The key fashion, colour and lifestyle trends you need to knowF Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 69

Style is accessible to everyone! By Lisa Darwin - Life Coach & Fashion Stylist

Let us jump into 2024 with good intentions and an open mind to believe anything is possible! A New Year brings a rekindled excitement to start a new chapter in our life’s journey, with pages unwritten. I have one question for you, What’s your plan this year? Such an important question to ask yourself at the dawn of 2024. Let’s create a clear roadmap for our life’s journey rather than resolutions. You wouldn’t jump into the driver’s seat of your car not knowing your destination, so what’s

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your destination this year? You want to grow your business, change your job, find love, or reinvent yourself? Our options are endless, we can do anything we wish to, just think about this for a moment, you can create the life you want, and it starts right now, with YOU! You would think that after being a personal stylist and life coach for

so many years I would get tired of collaborating with people on their image and lifestyle goals, but the truth is I love it! The power to change and make a significant difference in our own life and those around us is thrilling. I sense a revitalised energy for 2024, an excitement for trying new opportunities! So, with my passion being personal image and positive lifestyle, I have exciting trends for you on how to achieve a refreshed personal image

• • •

Porcelain White Pistachio Green Metalics - Mirror Silver/Bright Gold

Embrace the warmth of Peach Fuzz, this seasons number one pantone colour for SS/24 it will be everywhere with the number two trending colour being White, making white sexy is all the theme in SS/24 with sheer dresses, lace and crochet tops and shorts. You can only be a winner wearing these two favourite colours. Fashion Style Trends Ss/24 Business Casual For those struggling with their office wear look right now, why not adopt one of spring's biggest trends, relaxed tailoring and we don't just mean a skirt that you can breathe in. This business casual is taking things to the extreme, with super oversized suiting, blazers that fall to the top of your thigh, and even an elasticated waist on a Friday for those lunch meetings? Styled with a slim fit blouse, skinny knit to play with proportions, or a T-shirt for a real dressed down feel.

and lifestyle. Let’s start with colour, we all love a splash of colour, especially in these colder months, understanding your perfect colour palette is key, selecting the right colour and tone to match your skin, hair and personality. Colour Trends Ss/24 • Peach Fuzz • Pale Blue • Almonth Yellow • Steel Grey • Cherry Red • Chocolate Brown

High Raised Trousers High raised trousers have been all over trend reports for several seasons now, in fact only the super-high rise will do. Perfect for everything from office wear to formal dinners, date nights to days out, the high-rise rule can be splashed out across your entire trouser repertoire whether you're wearing jeans, sweats, or tailoring. Invest in a great, timeless belt to elevate the look. Sheer Fabrics Sheer fabrics have been big news on the eveningwear scene since the 80s and never more so than on red carpet celebrities, but for SS/24 there's a very specific way to wear the trend. Giving angelic white a sexy twist, there's nothing hotter come Spring than a

sheer white dress, whether you're heading out for dinner, off to the beach, or attending a glamourous event, just avoid it as a wedding guest. Go all out for Sheer in every colour in SS/24. Elevated Sports Wear Gone are the days when sportswear was reserved solely for sporting activities. In what is likely something of a hangover from the pandemic's lockdown aesthetic of daily loungewear, sportswear staples have slowly been infiltrating our everyday wardrobes recently, but never more so than for SS/24. Hooded sweatshirts are now supersize and have taken the place of casual day dresses, zip-up track-tops in monochrome are the perfect pairing piece for your favourite denim, and cropped leggings, reminiscent of the 60s pedal pusher, paired with a trainer or pump, comfort dressing? You don't have to tell us twice. Prepster Polo Club The country club vibe is a trend for both men and women this season, think Ralph Lauren with polo shirts, striped collared or ruffled tailored shirts, mini pencil skirts and tailored trousers, paired with a simple pump, flip-flops or wedge shoe. To sexy this lookup go with big messy hair, oversized jewellery, extra-large bag, sunglasses, and a bright glossy lip. Metalics The Christmas party season may well now be behind us, but it seems that that's no reason to pack away the wardrobe. In fact, metallics will serve you and your outfits well for months to come as golds and silver looks set to be one of the hottest colour trends of 2024. Of course, this trend lends itself most comfortably to eveningwear, but some of the designers are offering up perfect dressed-down iterations with clever layering there's no excuse to skip this trend come spring. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 71

Smell The Roses Florals for Spring, I know what you're thinking, but I’m not talking any old florals. This trend is strictly all about roses, bringing a style of romance to SS/24. Endless designers promoted the world's most traditionally romantic stem at their Spring/Summer shows, adding a touch of femineity and prettiness to their collection. Micro Shorts If you’re a keen follower of celebrity trends, you won't be surprised by this final trend, Micro shorts, sorry but I’ve been having a moment ever since these looks hit the runway, with everyone from Kendall Jenner to Beyoncé joining the street style set in trailing the trend. Of course, they take a certain amount of courage, warmer weather and a few glasses of champers to pull this look off, one way around leaving almost half of your body exposed is to wear a tight underneath, the trend being lace. Why not see the SS/24 trends for yourself at my event FB Fashion Ball on 25th April in Leeds. It’s a showstopper of a night with familiar faces on the runway as local business leaders and professionals model the latest

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fashion from high street brands to designers. Even better why not be a model yourself and strut to raise awareness for your chosen charity, its all about trying something new this year, stepping out of your comforts zone and living! Lifestyle Must Do’s • Be intentional about your health, exercise, drink plenty of water and eat healthy •

Create a simple morning and bedtime routine, get enough sleep

•

Journal your thoughts, daily goals and priorities

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Manage your time well

•

Develop and give time to your key relationships

•

Be kind to you always

•

Enjoy the moment and create space for fun

•

Be brave and try new things

•

Never lose sight of you and who you are becoming

•

Remember to enjoy your life, we only get one shot

Have you ever had a Fashion Stylist work with you on your image or analyse your colours? A Life Coach help you create a life plan? May be 2024 is your time for this, if so, I would love to support you, so please get in touch E:lisa@lisadarwin. com www.lisadar win .com @ l i s a d a r w i n 1 1 1 1 w w w. fbfashionball.show

Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 73

Now is a busy time for gardeners Michaela Axford our regular gardening contributor shares tips with us on what we can plant and grow ourselves.

January really does feel like the longest month. The days are still short, the skies are grey, and the mercury is low. I confess that my visits to the allotment have been limited due to the less than inviting conditions. But believe it or not, January to March is as busy a time for allotment gardeners as any other time of the year. This is when we wash our pots to reduce pests, we clean out our greenhouses and poly tunnels and, now that frost has shrunk back any remaining growth, we set to the structural tasks for the year ahead. I spent a wonderful sunny afternoon on New Year’s Day organising the poly tunnel for a new season of harvests. After all the lazy afternoons watching Christmas movies, it was a tonic to get some fresh air and contemplate the sunnier months. Incredible The arrival of blustery February signals the beginning of the growing calendar in earnest. The seed potatoes will soon be available in the garden centres ready for chitting. For the uninitiated, this means giving the seed potatoes a head start by placing them, usually in an old egg box, on a warm sunny windowsill. Those yellow sprouts that we avoid when we keep them to eat are precisely what we need for growth. After a month or so, they will sprout tiny leaves and indicate that they are ready to be planted outdoors. Last summer I had some fantastic success with Charlotte salad potatoes, and I am eager to

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grow them again. They are most easily grown in a grow sack, or a large pot, and when they are ready to harvest in June or July, they can simple be tipped out and separated from the soil. This is also the time to start chilli pepper plants. They have a long growing period, and the sooner you can start them, the

more likely you are to harvest ripe peppers. There are some incredible varieties, from the ubiquitous De Cayenne, to the fiercely hot Chocolate Habanero. Low light levels at home produced a disappointing response last year, so this year I’m starting my chillies in a Hydroponic set-up that I was gifted. Once established, I shall pot the plants

This year’s wild card will be deliciously salty and crisp samphire, or sea asparagus. It is my mum’s absolute favourite vegetable... even junior horticulturists. If you want a truly hardy and winter resistant variety, choose Aquadulce Claudia. I start mine in pots in a sheltered spot, and I transfer when the ground is frost-free. They require very little intervention; they just need some support for their leggy stems and regular watering. This year’s wild card will be deliciously salty and crisp samphire, or sea asparagus. It is my mum’s absolute favourite vegetable, and it would make a beautiful mother day’s gift to present her with a planter full of samphire to accompany fish and seafood dishes. A member of the asparagus family, it can be tricky to germinate, and you will have to wait up to three weeks for signs of life. However, once established it is a gift that keeps on giving. As it turns brown and crispy in the autumn, the seeds can be crumbled into pots for a perpetual supply. My last attempt was wholly unsuccessful, so this year I am going to attempt to germinate the seeds hydroponically. After all, samphire is a plant that thrives in estuaries, salty marshes, and mud flats. on and then keep them safely sheltered in the greenhouse until the frosts have dissipated. If a splash of colour and a heady fragrance is what you crave, then sweet peas will benefit from an early start. They can be reluctant to germinate, so I soak the seeds for twenty-four hours

before planting them in pots. As they begin to grow, which they will do so with alarming speed, they will need to be staked upright to protect them until they are ready for planting outside. For the impatient grower, broad beans are a satisfyingly productive and hardy crop that will guarantee success for

Happy New Year to you all. I hope that I have encouraged some of you to don the gardening gloves and just have a go. May you be adventurous in your gardening journey, and I wish you all a bountiful harvest whether it be a single majestic sunflower, or a bumper crop of carrots. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 75

The UK's vegan population grows by an estimated 1.1 million in a year The estimated number of vegans in the UK is now 2.5 million, that’s 4.7% of the UK population

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More than 1 in 10 Brits (12%) want to adopt a meat-free diet in 2024. A quarter of generation Z (26%) is currently following a meat-free diet and a further quarter (26%) plan to adopt one in 2024 An estimated 2.5 million UK adults are following a vegan diet at the start of 2024, which is 4.7% of the population. This has grown by an impressive 1.1 million since last year when the annual research from personal finance comparison site finder.com found that there were an estimated 1.4 million vegans in the UK (2.5%). This year's research found an additional 3.8% of Brits are planning to adopt a vegan diet in 2024. While they might not stick to their intentions, if they did, this would equate to approximately 2 million more vegans by the start of 2025, bringing the total to around 4.5 million. An estimated 6.4 million Brits (12%) are intending to adopt some form of meat-free diet this year, whether that’s becoming vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian. Currently, 16% of UK adults are following a meat-free diet, which is around 8.6 million people. This has increased by around 20% since the start of 2023, when an estimated 7.2 million people were cutting out meat. More than a quarter of generation Z (26%), aged 18 to 23, are currently following a meat-free diet, including 9% vegans, 9% vegetarians, and 8% pescatarians. Another quarter (26%) are hoping to give up meat in 2024. If they stick to their plan, this means more than half of this generation (52%) would cut meat from their diet by 2025 - with fewer meateaters than those who have given it up. Millennials (aged 24-42) are not far behind, with more than 1 in 5 (22%)

eating a meat-free diet and 17% hoping to adopt one in 2024. However, the desire to give up meat decreases with age. 14% of generation X (aged 43-54), 12% of baby boomers (aged 55-73) and just 4% of the silent generation (aged 74+) currently follow a diet that excludes meat. When it comes to changing their habits in 2024, just 12% of generation X, 5% of baby boomers and 2% of the silent generation expressed an intention to become vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian. London leads the way with meat-free dieting, with 1 in 5 (20%) identifying as Methodology: Finder commissioned Censuswide to c a r r y o u t a n a t i o n a l l y representative survey of adults aged 18+. In January 2024, a total of 2,000 people were questioned throughout Great Britain, with representative quotas for gender, age and region. This survey was also conducted last year to estimate the number of people following a meat-free diet at the start of 2023. Finder commissioned Censuswide on 21 December 2022 to carry out a nationally representative survey of adults aged 18+. A total of 2,000 people were questioned throughout Great Britain, with representative quotas for gender, age and region. This is where the year-on-year comparisons are drawn. The population estimates were calculated using ONS figures for the UK adult population.

vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian and a further quarter (25%) planning to cut meat out this year. This is perhaps unsurprising in a city where there are so many varied and easily accessible options for those who want to eat vegan, vegetarian or pescetarian meals. At the other end of the scale, Northern Ireland and Wales have the smallest number of residents not eating meat, with just 7% each following one of these diets. Those in the Northeast are least likely to give up meat this year, with only 9% expressing a desire to do so. To see the research in full visit: https://www.finder.com/uk/uk-diettrends Louise Bastock, editor at the personal finance comparison site, finder.com, said: "A significant number of Brits want to try going meat-free in 2024, including an estimated 2 million Brits who want to try out a vegan diet. While there were reports of a dip in sales of meat substitutes in 2023, our annual research suggests that this hasn’t impacted the number of people identifying as vegan (currently an estimated 2.5 million Brits). Instead, it could be that consumers are ditching overpriced meat alternatives and seeking other ways to enjoy a plantbased diet. There are plenty of delicious meatfree meals that you can make without spending a fortune on branded substitutes, such as using beans, pulses, lentils and nuts, as well as grains and a range of veg. If you do want to try a meat substitute, keep an eye out for any deals, such as discounts with your supermarket loyalty card. To save money, you can also buy some items in bulk, such as grains and dry foods." Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 77

Marching to the beat of your own drum… Hello March!

By Freda Shafi - Associate editor food & health

Ending this year’s recipes on a note of gratitude and appreciation. It’s been a year with lots to celebrate, particularly about food. Having access to beautiful ingredients for all my recipes this year is a blessing; one I don’t take for granted. Thank

you to everyone who has tried my dishes, even saved the recipes as I have been told. It’s an honour and a privilege to share the food I make with you and help you create the same magic in your own homes. Enjoy x

Meatball Pasta This Luscious meatball pasta is made with a rich tomato base with the addition of a few heaped tablespoons of my roasted red pepper and tomato chutney and lots of garlic.

Ingredients : • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • •

1 kg ground beef Mixed herbs Breadcrumbs Salt Sauce 1 large onion finely diced 1 stick celery (optional ) diced 6-8 cloves garlic crushed Oil / ghee 500 ml Passata (or freshly ground up tomatoes ) 2 tbsp of roasted red pepper chutney; recipe below (optional) ½ tsp Oregano 1/2 tsp chilli powder 1/2 tsp turmeric Salt to taste

Method • •

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Mix the beef with 2-3 tbsp breadcrumbs and herbs Take small handful of beef and roll into small palm sized balls firmly

• • • •

• • •

Flash fry in a little oil to seal Sautée onions and garlic in oil Add spices and salt Add tomatoes/passata and the chutney if desired (recipe below) Simmer then add the meatballs Simmer slowly for 35-45 mins Serve over pasta as shown garnished with fresh basil

Roasted red pepper chutney The best and most versatile chutney ever. I make a huge batch, then put it into several jars and store in the fridge. Incredibly tasty, made with lots of red peppers roasted in olive oil with sea salt until the edges are charred too give a smoky taste. Then ground down and cooked with tomatoes and spices. It really is the King Kong of chutneys; eaten as a condiment,or used in sauces and a variety of dishes such as pasta sauces and curries.

Ingredients : • • •

• • • • •

4-6 red bell peppers 6 vine tomatoes 2 bulbs garlic sliced across the middle to reveal garlic inside the bulbs White vinagar 1 tbsp black mustard seeds 1 tbsp fennel seeds (optional) 1 cup tomato ketchup 2 heaped tbsp. sweet paprika

• • •

1 tsp chilli powder 1 tbsp Salt (or to taste) 2 tbsp Cajun spice blend or Achari (picking spice found in Asian grocery store).

Method • • •

•

Pre – heat the oven to 160C or 140C fan forced Cut the red peppers into 8 pieces taking out all the seeds Lay on a baking tray and sprinkle with olive oil and generously with rock salt In another tray, place the whole tomatoes and halved garlic bulbs and sprinkle generously with oil and rock salt Roast the peppers and tomatoes for approximately 20 minutes until sizzling and slightly charred on the edges (peppers)

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Raspberry and chia jam/compote and yogurt

Only a few ingredients required to create this delicious and healthy compote.This is a wonderful way to start the day as shown here and it takes a few steps to prepare.

Ingredients

Method

• • • •

•

Place the raspberries vanilla bean paste and honey in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer on a low heat.

•

Once the raspberries have

500g raspberries 3 tbsp honey 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 3 tbsp chia seeds (pre soaked if possible but not obligatory to soak)

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broken down, stir through the chia seeds and allow to cool down. It tends to thicken up once cooked. •

Sterilise a jar (or two) then place the compote into the jars and refrigerate. It can last a free weeks in the fridge unless consumed before then!

Easter brownies The fastest chocolate brownies you’ll ever make! These are perfect for an Easter bake and you can even garnish with your favourite mini eggs! sauces and curries.

•

Ingredients : • • • • •

150g caster sugar 150g plain flour 180g butter, melted 4 eggs 65g dark cocoa powder

Method

• • • •

1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt P r e h e a t t h e o v e n to 3 5 0 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan.

Mix all ingredients - sugar, flour, melted butter, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla, baking powder, in a processor until combined. Spread the batter into the lined tin Bake in the preheated oven - It takes around 30 mins; then cool before slicing into squares. Cool, then garnish with mini eggs.

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The Beauty Trends Shaping 2024 By: Janet Milner-Walker - Founder of Bespoke Advantage

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It has been another successful year in the industry,on both ends of the scale – for value shoppers looking for performance led products, as well as for prestige beauty brands as consumers traded up and spent more on haircare, skincare, fragrance, and body care. In the UK, sales were up 8%, whilst volumes rose by 2% according (Kantar October 2023). As 2024 rolls in, beauty remains firmly in the eyes of the consumer. If you are wondering what trends will be driving growth over the coming year, look no further. Here’s is my top ten for 2024. No 1: Skin longevity 'Longevity’ may have been one of 2023’s most popular buzzwords, but it has also become a rapidly growing industry, one that is poised to have a profound impact on beauty and wellness in the future. The growing interest in longevity reflects how consumers are seeking out ways to live better for longer. This is a science backed trend, supported by research, with scientists taking a concerted approach on how to keep our skin looking biologically younger.

No 2 Rejuvenating bio hacks We have seen a shift from anti-aging to pro-ageing, feeding into the bio hacking trend. Whilst aesthetics has their place, there is a greater emphasis on introducing more natural treatments. As we are living longer, there is a far greater interest in living well, and this includes optimising skin ageing. 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.

No 3 Scalp care Scalp health is a growing sector of the market, particularly since Covid, with consumers looking after their hair and scalp more than ever before, with a greater awareness that a healthy scalp leads to healthy hair. This is a growing category, that consumers are willing to trade up in spending on more premium products that they can use at home. No 4 Body care will boom Over the past few years, during and following Covid, consumers have taken greater care of their body – with skincare regimes extending beyond facial care. The global body care market is a growing market, and the increase in sales is attributed to body care being perceived as a form of self-care, addressing more Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a83 n

latest and greatest being fed to them. TikTok is the go-to platform in the beauty industry particularly for Gen Z and Millennials and has had a positive influence in growing brand awareness. Users turn to TikTok to gain inspiration and advice and TikTok has introduced paid influencer collaborations to encourage sales. They are also a videogeneration, happy to shop online and turn to advice from people through YouTube tutorials. No 9 Anti-ageing to age-agnostic beauty

taboo topics – from spots on your back, to dry skin and eczema, through active ingredients. No 5 Mushrooms and adaptogens The rise of adaptogens has seen herbs and roots like ginseng, turmeric, ashwagandha and mushrooms, being added to new product launches. Adaptogens help us to manage our stress levels more effectively by reducing anxiety, restoring balance, and bringing about a sense of calmness. A 2018 study found that adaptogens support you by closing your adrenal gland, diminishing stress hormones released when your body is feeling overwhelmed and boosting the production of cortisol to promote better sleep.

to grow. They are seeking out products and experiences that extend beyond luxury and brands are stepping up to fulfil their desires. For the ultra-wealthy, brands are creating exclusive products and immersing experiences – from skincare to hair care, fragrance, wellness and spa. No 7 Generative AI We certainly know technology isn’t looking to shy away any time soon. Ever evolving from personalisation, to the metaverse and online appointments, in the beauty world it has transformed into customisation, checking in with your skin care specialist over a video call. More beauty brands will turn to AI to introduce personalised skincare.

No 6 Ultra-luxe beauty

No 8 Technology & Gen Z

From a consumer perspective one of the most interesting emerging trends is the growth of ultra-luxe. Whilst we have spoken about the cost-of-living crisis and how consumers are shopping for value, on the other end of the scale, the number of affluent consumers continues

The use of social media and video content has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is no secret that the beauty industry is one of the largest industries and is a major influencer in social media. Gen Z are well versed in what to buy, and from where, with the

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Move over anti-ageing, and say hello to age-agnostic, led by Boomers and Gen X – a WGSN survey found that 74% of Gen X women worry about aging, and on average this starts as young as 29 years old. With age-agnostic beauty, brands will be creating products to meet consumers needs, based on where they are at, rather than their number, introducing a pro-age approach. No 10. Sustainability Sustainability remains top of mind, with consumers and companies committed to making a meaningful impact. Consumers are putting pressure on companies to step up and deliver their promises – this has a knock-on effect in packaging, particularly in an industry like the beauty industry, renowned for being the largest contributor to single use plastics. This has led to the introduction of refillable packaging and compostable packaging and packaging will continue to evolve in 2024. There are some exciting opportunities ahead for 2024, with numerous ways in which to grow your brand. We are well versed in building brands across the beauty and wellness industry. If you are looking to develop a brand get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

WELCOME TO HIGHER HIRE EDUCATION Want to get ahead in your career? Learn in-demand skills in virtual production, immersive design, visual effects and more at the Academy of Live Technology. For short courses and postgraduate degrees, go to academyoflivetechnology.co.uk.

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The art of subtle elegance: navigating aesthetic trends in minimally invasive procedures By Dr Magdalena Bejma

Hi everyone and welcome to my new column about rejuvenation, aesthetics and “tweekments”. As a qualified GP with over 15 years of experience, I have worked as a General Practitioner in hospitals and privately. Having set up my own practice a few years ago, I specialise in women’s intimate health and rejuvenation as well as facial aesthetics and I’m constantly on the hunt for the latest treatments to help women feel confident in their skin, working with them physically and mentally to achieve the best version of themselves. Today, I will be talking about a new technique which I have seen to have incredible effects for women who are not looking for invasive treatments.

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Ever-evolving field of cosmetic medicine, the pursuit of a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance has taken a sophisticated turn. The year 2024 is defined by a collective desire for subtle elegance—a refinement of features that complements and enhances, rather than masks, the inherent beauty of each patient. As a cosmetic doctor, I find myself at the forefront of an exciting shift in patient preferences – an inclination towards achieving a natural, yet enhanced aesthetic. This metamorphosis is characterized

by a move away from excessive filler usage, with a growing preference for cutting-edge skin boosters, prominently featuring polynucleotides. If you love following newest trends, you probably came across Ameela polynucleotides This amazing treatment was recently featured in This morning show, as well as Vogue, Tatler, Hello and more. The essence of this trend lies in achieving a delicate balance, where enhancements are subtle, and results are harmoniously integrated with an individual's unique features. Polynucleotides, known for their integral role in DNA structure, have garnered attention for their ability to stimulate collagen production, thus rejuvenating the skin from within. Unlike traditional fillers, these skin boosters prioritize longterm skin health, delivering a radiant complexion and improved skin texture. A significant concern amongst pote ntial aesthetic treatme nt

recipients is the apprehension of appearing fake or overdone. This fear, though understandable, can deter individuals from exploring the transformative benefits of cosmetic procedures. A s a practitione r c o m m i t te d to t h e a r t i s t r y o f natural enhancement, I emphasize the importance of personalized treatment plans that prioritize subtle enhancements over dramatic transformations. The paradigm shift towards less invasive procedures and the use of skin boosters has redefined the aesthetics landscape. This approach focuses on refining rather than reshaping, ensuring that each patient's unique beauty is accentuated rather than obscured. The era of frozen expressions and exaggerated features is making way for a more nuanced, sophisticated aesthetic where less truly is more. In

conclusion, the current trajectory of aesthetic medicine champions the celebration of individuality through strategic interventions. The use of skin boosters, particularly those enriched with polynucleotides, stands as a testame nt to this movement towards a refined, lessis-more aesthetic. As we navigate the dynamic realm of cosmetic medicine, let us embrace the art of subtle elegance, achieving a fresh and rejuvenated appearance that transcends the limitations of time.

For more information and a consultation, contact my clinic Bespoke by Dr Bejma The Avenue Clinic 24 The Avenue Leeds LS17 7BE Tel: +44 7821944328 dr_bejma (Instagram) Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 87

Portrait Photographers Why NOW is the best time to of the Year! submit your Tax Return

The Roth Read household is full of giddiness after snagging the Prestige Portrait Photographers of the Year 2023/24 award. Hoorah! The Prestige panel carefully assessed our on-location portrait photoshoots, recognising not only technical aspects but also the unique locations, the collaborative relationship with our clients, and the guidance provided throughout each session. Every business seeks a distinctive quality that sets them apart, and ours lies in the dedicated time invested in our client’s sessions. It’s truly rewarding to see that aspect recognised and appreciated. Living a life we love It’s been a fare old trip since we left our IT contracting roles in the NHS in 2017 to set up our photography business. The passing of our dads, within a year of each other, served as the calling card to live a life we love. Photography has featured significantly in both our lives, tracing back to our early teens when anything digital only turned up as a plastic prop on Star Trek. From using a parent’s Box Brownie to a tiny Kodak Extralite 400, progressing through the earliest digital cameras to our latest Canon 5D mark IV’s, the

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fascination of capturing a moment in time has remained.

We gained momentum, successfully built our brand, established a studio and identified our ideal customers.

Pastime to professional Turning that love into a business presented its fair share of challenges, especially as we had no idea how to kickstart or run a business. Our starting point was to build a portfolio, inviting friends to be photographed in our kitchen against a simple black or white backdrop. We took those images, created a website and waited for customers. Alas, no calls, no emails, no idea! Naturally, coming from NHS b a c k g ro u n d s o u r i d e n t i t y a s photographers was unknown, and we found ourselves buried under a stack of Google pages. The turning point came when someone introduced us to networking, sparking a steady climb.

Everything was going swimmingly until the world shut down for Covid. In total, it set us back around two years since we were amongst the last businesses to be released from lockdown. Bouncing back took some effort, but we’re grateful that we did. Photographing the future Now here we are! Our business growing, with Portrait, Commercial and Event shoots flowing in – and to top it off, a cool award to celebrate not just our pictures, but our hard work, resolve and enduring love of photography. And we’ll continue photographing people and weaving their stories into framed wall art, because the idea that our images will spark conversations and evoke emotions across generations, affectionally connecting the present to the past, is a sheer privilege. Lincoln & Perrin Roth Read Photography www.rothreadphotography.com

Yorkshire footwear retailer opens another concession A York headquartered footwear retailer is set to open another concession with Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) next month.

fit with Yorkshire Garden Centres as we share a Yorkshire homegrown heritage and have family values at the core of everything that we do. We wish them every success with their new shop."

Pavers will open its third YGC concession at Otley Garden Centre on 22nd February, following success at Tong and Tingley Garden Centres.

The 150m2 concession will also be home to a wide range of bags and accessories and will open with free Pavers biscuits and a competition to win shoes for a year.Pavers is one of the UK's leading multi-channel shoe retailers with a strong focus on comfort, quality and affordability. The footwear retailer was founded by Catherine Paver in 1971 and remains family-owned today.

"We're thrilled to be launching at Otley Garden Centre where you will find allnew, just-landed styles that combine innovative comfort technologies and endless style inspiration, made for

Rachel Bumby Assistant Manager and Andy Bradley Store Manager at Otley

every season and every occasion," said Pavers' manager, Tanya Gosse. Otley Garden Centre's manager, Andy Bradley is delighted to welcome Tanya and the team to Otley: "Pavers is a great

Making heathy food taste good How to make healthy food taste great is the key ingredient of four intimate lunches being hosted by two North Yorkshire women in 2024. But that’s not all the diners will experience. The titles of each event – your Gut, the Brain, and to support Your Immune System – give you a flavour of the fact that there is more to the occasion than a mouth-watering meal! For starters, registered nutritionist Georgina Hickman will speak about the benefits of different foods for the topic of the day. And she knows what she is talking about. After years of struggling with her moods and being reluctant to take medication, she used diet, lifestyle and targeted supplementation to heal her gut, rebalance her hormones and restore her mental wellbeing. She now helps others do likewise. FF Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 89

“What is so unique about these events is that they break through barriers to change,” said Georgina. “The nutrition information we provide gives people a ‘why’ – why they should eat in a certain way and what evidence-based health benefits it will give them.” Taste buds will start to tingle when private chef Michaela Hanna follows Georgina’s talk with a cookery demonstration, showcasing how to make healthy food taste good. With years of catering experience and designing private cooking lessons, Michaela has developed a deep understanding of our approach to food, ingredient preparation, nutrition choices and the factors that impact the way we prepare and eat food.

This highly interactive menu is also a lot of fun, exploring how sight, smell and taste serve to affect the dining experience...

She takes all this into account when cooking the meal that the guests then eat and she also shares her tips and recipes so that the diners can try to replicate it at home. “The events are designed to be purposeful, educational, informative, encouraging and fun!” said Michaela who runs her own food experiences business, With M. “The level of information we impart is quite detailed, but easy to understand. Having lunch together then gives people the opportunity to spend quality time with a chef and a registered nutritionist, who can advise on all manner of topics. “They can ask any kind of question and it’s answered immediately - they don’t have to Google things or hope that what they read in a book will work for them. It’s easily and quickly accessed quality information and food.” Four similar lunches in 2023 were sell-outs and it was the positive

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feedback from those that encouraged Georgina and Michaela to organise them again. •

The events for 2024 are as follows:

•

Eating for your Gut – Thursday 9th May 2024

•

Eating for the Brain – Wednesday 18th September 2024

•

Eating to Support the Immune System – Thursday 28th November 2024

The events, held quarterly, take place at Dunesforde Vineyard, near York and the ticket price of £95 includes

a post-lunch tour of the vineyard. Dunesforde’s Head of Wine Development, Peter Townsend, said the Lunch and Learn events at the Vineyard had been one of the surprising successes of 2023. “It’s becoming increasingly apparent that good dietary choices make a massive difference to health outcomes but that clearly doesn’t mean you can’t eat delicious food and even have some lovely wine pairings to go with it! ”For more information and to book one of only 16 places at each, visit: https://www.numindsetnutrition. com/events

Why a career change can happen anytime come the last day of the month and still being in the same job or situation that they started the year, but that simply isn’t the case." Research indicates that job searches spike by as much as 30% in January compared to the yearly average. People often use the festive season to reflect on their careers and make resolutions for change in the new year.

As 2024 unfolds, social media, magazine and TV adverts are filled with ‘New Year, New Career’ and ‘New Year, New You’ messages, and as much so many of us seize January as a reinvention month, one businesswoman wants professionals to know that a career change can happen any-time, not just in month one. Amica Aesthetics Academy and Clinic, a skin clinic and training provider reaffirms its commitment to supporting individuals navigating career transitions into the thriving world of aesthetics. Contrary to popular belief, a career pivot doesn't require waiting for January, it also doesn’t mean it can’t be possible if not accomplished in the first month of a new year either; it's about embracing change whenever the time feels right. Which is a mantra founder and businesswoman, Claire Raby stands by. "While the start of the year often prompts reflection on future aspirations, career plans shouldn't

The growing interest in aesthetics as a career path stems from its embrace of creativity, innovation, and the growing societal emphasis on self-care...

be confined to January," says Claire. She continued: "Personal and professional growth is an ongoing journey, not constrained by set timeframes. Often the pressure of January can make people feel overwhelmed and under-achieving

Claire established Amica Aesthetics Academy in 2021 and has since gone on to train over 300 students since its inception. The academy's comprehensive programs ensure personalised attention in small class sizes, cultivating essential knowledge for aspiring professionals in the aesthetics industry. "The growing interest in aesthetics as a career path stems from its embrace of creativity, innovation, and the growing societal emphasis on self-care," notes Claire, emphasising the industry's steady growth in recent years. Last year, Claire launched her ‘More than Meets the Eye’ campaign, to help change the perception of the industry against those who seek aesthetic treatments and the reasoning behind it, knowing first-hand that choosing to undergo aesthetic treatments to reduce or improve skin concerns is not one to be considered lightly, often it increases a person’s self-esteem. Amica provides tailored guidance and a supportive community to facilitate a successful career change, no matter what time of year. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 91

E Class is a class act By: Graham Courtney - Motoring Correspondent

It’s highly likely that many of you reading this will be company car drivers. A lot of you will be able to follow the ‘traditional’ Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes route. Lucky old you! However, there is one of group people that you need to have on your side.

Try the new Mercedes E Class and head for the 300e which uses PHEV petrol / hybrid power.

The company accountants. We have an answer which will keep everyone happy.

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Mercedes reckon the 300e can manage 71 miles on a fully charged battery. If you have a daily commute of, say, 50

miles, trundling along in traffic for the majority of the time, this could be a handy saving because you’ll get to work and back on battery power alone. Plug in the 300e when you get home and you’ll have a fully recharged battery ready for the morning. Even better if you have a charger at work. You get an extra dollop of power because the 206bhp 2.0 litre petrol

managed a return of almost 60mpg which, bearing in mind the size and weight of this car, is seriously good going. The battery will also replenish itself thanks to regenerative braking. Company car drivers will be pleased to note that the 300e has very attractive 5 per cent BiK rates. Of course, having an economical, roomy, fully loaded exec car is also hugely attractive for private buyers although the price of £68,020 (Feb 24) will scare off some folk. Step inside and you can instantly see why the Mercedes E Class is viewed as a slightly smaller S Class. The central display is 14.5-inch scree n which melds with the optional 12.3-inch screen in front of the passenger. There’s also a 12.3inch screen in front of the driver. The sat nav is incredibly accurate and tells you which lane to shift into. There’s even the chance to have your own private disco thanks to the optional, and brilliant, sound system which makes the ambient lighting pulse to the rhythm of the music. How cool is that? Out on the road, the E-Class 300e does what the E Class does best…it wafts along. The battery is keen to do all of the work, but everything is so quiet and seamless that when the engine joins in you invariably need to check the rev counter to see if it’s running or not.

engine now has a 131bhp electric motor to join the party. 0-60 comes up in a shade over 6 seconds….top speed is 147mph. You can do up to 87mph on battery power alone.

As for economy, obviously if you can use the PHEV facility to its full extent, you’ll hardly use any petrol. You can even switch the car to EV mode, but on longer journeys we still

T h e Me r c e d e s E C l a s s 3 0 0 e offers the perfect combination of relaxed, long distance cruising and economical day to day commuting. Which, for business users, is music to their ears. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 93

Leeds restaurant moves forward with new tasting menu As the hospitality industry braces itself for another challenging year, one of Yorkshires most prolific restaurants continues to innovate. HOME, which has built a loyal following since TV chef and restaurateur Elizabeth Cottam opened back in 2017 are fighting back. With the economy placing new pressures on restaurants and many well-known names closing across the country, the chef has decided to resist the temptation to follow many of the nation’s top restaurants to discount, dumb down and ultimately change what they stand for to survive. Elizabeth has made the choice to celebrate the joy of dining out, by launching not just one, but two new menus. These tasting menus are filled with unique and flavourful dishes that are both playful and creative. Dining at HOME is always an extraordinary experience, and their new dishes are designed to push the team’s creativity even further than before, helping diners to escape from the world for a few hours and indulge in delicious food, good company, and a theatrical dining experience.

HOME’s forthcoming ‘Stuck in the Past’ tasting menu is a celebration of dishes close to Elizabeth’s heart, with modern twists on some of her all-time favourite classic flavour combinations. Designed to deliver comforting and familiar flavours, each plate on the winter menu will also feature surprising interpretations of classic combinations, delivering them on the plate in creative and surprising ways. It’s the perfect menu for the cold winter months. The second menu is something of a mystery, named Smoke & Mirrors, the menu is designed to play with diner's

senses. This highly interactive menu is also a lot of fun, exploring how sight, smell and taste serve to affect the dining experience. Also new for 2024 is a non-alcoholic drink pairing option. Eizabeth has worked closely with her team to concoct an interesting collection of juice, aromas, waters, infusions, ferments and more, each designed to perfectly match the dishes and entertain guests. Elizabeth said: “Stuck in the Past” is a menu that celebrates the dishes that hold a special place in my heart. Each plate is a modern twist on a classic flavour combination that I absolutely adore. Some of these dishes have been a part of my life for a long time, going back decades, while others are more recent discoveries. But they all have one thing in common – they evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity, reminding me of the first time I tasted them.

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Images thanks to Ro t h -Rea d Ph oto gra ph y

First female show director appointed to lead Great Yorkshire Show Dairy farmer Rachel Coates will make history as the first female to take over the role of show director of the Great Yorkshire Show Rachel, from Shipley, West Yorkshire, will take over from Charles Mills who has been show director since 2016. The handover will take place immediately after this year’s Show from Tuesday July 9 to Friday July 12 – which will be the 165th Great Yorkshire Show. Rachel said: “I am honoured to be taking over the reins as show director from Charles who’s done an amazing job over the last eight years. I have been coming to the Show since I was 18 which is when I got the bug for it. My aim will be to promote the Show to the younger generations so that it continues to flourish and grow.” Charles Mills said: “I can’t think of a better candidate to hand over the reins to and I know Rachel will take the show from strength to strength.” Rachel is a member of the Yorkshire

for around 15 years, winning Holstein Champion for two years running in 2023 and 2022. Rachel has worked in advertising, retail, education, and agriculture, and is currently a director of a Community Interest Company which runs her local farmer’s market. Passionate about British food, Rachel is also a member of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Women In Farming Network and enjoys volunteering at the Society’s Countryside Days for schoolchildren at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

Agricultural Society Council and farms a mixture of tenanted and owned land on the edge of Baildon Moor and the urban fringe. She has been part of the GYS cattle committee for a number of years and Rachel’s family have shown dairy cattle at The Great Yorkshire Show

Allister Nixon, CEO of Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “I am absolutely delighted that following a rigorous interview and selection process Rachel has been appointed to the role of Show Director. We wish her every success with her role and look forward to working with her to deliver future Great Yorkshire Shows.” Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 95

Networking January 2024

For the first event of 2024 we had a huge turnout of members and guests at Banyan Bar & Kitchen in Leeds City Square. Hosted by member Suz Ferreira, guests enjoyed talks from Claire Kenny and Jowita Penkala. Here is a selection of images, courtesy of Yorkshire Businesswoman photographers Roth Reed. The next event takes place at MaHe Coastal Indian Restaurant on Wade Lane on 7th March, you can reserve your place now on the member area or guests can reserve a place by visiting the website https://yorkshirebusinesswoman.co.uk/join-us-forour-march-networking-event-at-brand-new-location/

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Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 97

The Innovation of AI By Tina Catling, Innovation Director, ThinkOTB Bluetooth. It dates back to Harald Bluetooth, a Viking king of Denmark. ‘Bluetooth’ is now ubiquitous; part of our everyday lives, like electricity. Inevitably, there is a wave of uncertainty, sometimes doom or even dystopian fear, with each new technical innovation. Remember the Millennium Bug? Or the conspiracy theories around 5G. And so, to Artificial Intelligence (AI). We are in that moment in time, when AI causes unease: We’ll all be out of a job! Or worse, AI will destroy humankind! I’m a fan of AI. It is a little like Bluetooth, in that it’s already here, there, and everywhere. And like Bluetooth, soon it will be just taken for granted, as part of our toolbox. As an innovation director, with an MSc in Psychology, and 30 years’ experience working globally around strategic innovation management, creative thinking and unlocking potential makes me tick. It can also make the world tick. It is transformative. You can programme a number of scenarios into AI (i.e., the world is getting hotter, what’s the solution?) it will look at the critical success factors, safety, cost-effectiveness, legalities, and weigh each up. It will critically analyse every approach. AI can do the heavy lifting, that frees up great minds. Because, of course, we still need human minds to do the actual job. AI is simply a valued colleague(s) – a research assistant, strategist, copywriter…

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When it comes to analytics, processing information, on the what and how, identifying problems, AI is your go-to associate. We’re working on so many large, important projects globally, and AI is now part of the solution. Yet, we still see those who resist, as there is safety in what we know. Like Luddites. Change is scary. But remember, a few generations ago, we didn’t have planes or TVs. And who can imagine life without the internet? Yes, some of the work around AI can sound like the set-up of a bad sci fi movie.

What if AI becomes cognitive? What if we ask it to solve climate change, and its analysis shows humans are the biggest problem – so wiping us out will be the answer? Then there are huge ethical questions about the role it might play in warfare. It also raises ethical questions too about what is real or fake? With more power, comes more responsibility. Innovation has been my lifeblood for 30 years. I’ve seen many changes in this digital age. I co-founded my agency, ThinkOTB (Think Outside the Box), with the philosophy that we need to be open to change to evolve.

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