#EDiT Summer 2015

STYLISH BUSINESS 07/15

JUXDIT FROM CROWD FUNDING TO CROWD PLEASING

MENSWEAR SUMMER SHORTS: THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT

LIVERPOOL GIRL GEEKS TECH DECODED

WELLNESS IS IT THE NEW 'BLACK'?

#Influencer - Rick Stedman

What it really means to be a 'Stedman'

ZeroONE

#Contents

Welcome to #EDiT 'the' digital stylish business publication for the Northwest. With a long held belief that style and business should not be mutually exclusive we have combined the two and curated a magazine that represents the best of both worlds. In our July edition we uncover the best in tech and innovation with Liverpool Girl Geeks, Innovators Hub and Juxdit, who are all transforming the creative and digital space right on our doorstep. We talk to menswear fashion influencer, Rick Stedman, who gives us the low down on what it's like to be a 'Stedman' and how his grandfathers colourful past still influences their collections today.

We finally get to celebrate summertime with the best (and brightest) summer shorts for men and if you are hankering after dinner and drinks Al Fresco take a look at our favourite spots - not quite one for every day of the week but you can always visit twice!

Enjoy....

In this issue of #EDiT

Features: Innovators Hub Digital influencer Robyn Dooley talks about growing Northwest #talent and #tech From Crowd Funding to Crowd Pleasing How Juxdit are revolutionising the retail space for the latest product innovations #Influencer Rick Stedman of Menswear brand Harry Stedman talks design, collection classics and the legacy of his grandfather Harry.

Do law firms need a S.W.A.T team How Impact BD are injecting skills and expertise into the legal sector.....only law firms with ambitious plans need apply #Wellness Is Wellness the new 'black' Tech Decoded Liverpool Girl Geeks let us rummage inside their brains to see the future of tech for women Lifestyle Drinking Al Fresco this summer - we bring you the best of the Northwest

Send your news stories to: For business news, features, press releases and contact: debbie@hashtagedit.com For consumer news, fashion, beauty and lifestyle contact: nicki@hashtagedit.com Tel: 0151 550 4520 #EDiT is published by LittleBird Agency Limited.

Designed by Colourwheel Creative info@colourwheelcreative.co.uk Photography by Adam Kenrick www.adamkenrick.com

Style: Menswear Fashion The long and the short of it Other: All that Glitters A round-up of fabulous summer accessories Boodles Tennis served up at the Mere One Magnificent city A visit from Cunards 3Graces and a 175 Year legacy

ZeroTHREE

FORMER BIRKDALE DENTAL CENTRE BECOMES TRACEY BELL CLINIC After acquiring the well established Birkdale Dental Centre earlier this year, leading businesswoman Tracey Bell today announced that her team have completed the renovation of this popular dental practice to make it an official Tracey Bell Clinic.

The announcement comes as the Tracey Bell team celebrated the success of another recently opened Tracey Bell clinic in Castletown in the Isle of Man and a busy spring for their established sites, such as the Hanover Street Tracey Bell Clinic in Liverpool city centre.

based in the North West of England and the Isle of Man, plus our own popular Skinscription product line which we sell online and through our clinics.

“We’ve made a big investment in all of our clinics and it’s really exciting to see the new Tracey Bell Birkdale clinic looking so stylish following its facelift.

Our new Castletown dental clinic in the Isle of Man is also doing really well and the team is also delighted to have been shortlisted for a series of prestigious industry awards. The growth of the business and the cosmetic dentistry and aesthetics awards that we take home every year is a reflection of a lot of hard work from the whole Tracey Bell team.”

After investing heavily in the former Birkdale Dental Centre on Liverpool Road and creating new jobs, Tracey said she was delighted to announce that the rebranding of the business was complete. She added: “This marks an exciting period of expansion for the Tracey Bell brand.

We now have five Tracey Bell clinics

Tracey concluded: “There’s been a lot of hard work behind the scenes leading up to the unveiling of the Tracey Bell Clinic in Birkdale and we can’t wait to welcome both existing and new clients to this stylish site.”

Tracey Bell Birkdale offers an extensive list of treatments, including non-surgical treatments, orthodontics, implants and much more.

LIVERPOOL

# NEWS

“We have wanted to open a dedicated Liverpool office for some time and the Tempest provides us with the perfect location. It is a well-designed, quirky and alternative office space in the heart of the city’s business district.

The Liverpool opening, allied to the launch of our new Chester office, forms part of an exciting programme of expansion. We are committed to the North West region and to providing all of our clients with legal services of the highest quality.”

LAW FIRM EXPANDS WITH NEW LIVERPOOL OFFICE

#HillyerMcKeown

A

leading North West law firm will open an office in Liverpool next month as part of its expansion plans across the region.

Hillyer McKeown has selected the newly developed Tempest on Tithebarn Street as its base in the city.

The launch follows the opening earlier this month of the firm’s new office in Chester.

Hillyer McKeown, which already employs 65 people across its Chester, North Wales and Wirral offices, provides clients with a comprehensive range of business and personal legal services. The Liverpool team will be offering corporate, employment,

property and litigation services as well as family law.

Steve Harvey, Hillyer McKeown’s Managing Partner, said: “We have wanted to open a dedicated Liverpool office for some time and the Tempest provides us with the perfect location.

It is a well-designed, quirky and alternative office space in the heart of the city’s business district. The Liverpool opening, allied to the launch of our new Chester office, forms part of an exciting programme of expansion. We are committed to the North West region and to providing all of our clients with legal services of the highest quality.”

Hillyer McKeown has committed to a three-year lease at the Tempest which has been developed by Capital and Centric.

Paul Marsh, the Partner who will manage the new Liverpool office, said: “The Tempest is the ideal location from which to further grow our ties with the business community in Liverpool. We want our commercial clients to see us as a trusted business advisor as much as their legal partner.

Over the coming months, we will be rolling out a number of additional service lines which will enable us to build broader and long-term relationships with our clients.”

ZeroFOUR

Wirral fashion boutique captivate Hollywood.

Wirral based designer store Smudge Boutique recently captivated Hollywood, showing off their designer brands at several VIP events during a trip to LA. Owned by Alison Dunn, Lauren Casey and Carina Walsh, Smudge Boutique showcased their labels during the Beverley Hills Film Festival, the Festival Gala Dinner at the prestigious Beverley Hills Hotel and at the world famous Santa Monica Pier.

Smudge Boutique enjoyed liaising with celebrity clients on the stateside trip, including actor Barry Sloane and his actress wife Kate Drew Jones.

Former Hollyoaks star Barry is a successful actor in Los Angeles, having starred in hit TV show Revenge, several movies and the new ABC show The Whispers. Smudge Boutique styled his wife, Katy for a plethora of red-carpet events including the premier of his new film “Set Fire to the Stars” starring Elijah Wood.

The West Kirby based boutique have built their reputation for sourcing the latest fashion styles, brands and directional fashion for their clients.

With over 50 coveted fashion brands retailing across their main store in West Kirby Wirral, and online store, Smudge have gone from strength to strength since their opening 3 years ago.

Smudge Boutique founder Alison said ”We want to be known for setting

trends. To be the "go to” fashion name for something fresh and new and for our clients to know that we source a superb range of directional, affordable fashion pieces from all over the globe” Smudge Boutique use their trips to Los Angeles to stay 'at the forefront of fashion', Smudge Boutique’s Lauren said: “It is important for us to pick up the LA vibe, to see and to source inspired and innovative brands that we can bring back to the UK”.

Smudge Boutique will celebrate its third birthday this July, and they have plenty to celebrate. With more trips to LA to dress their celebrity clients and a host of exciting events and showcases planned for the near future.

WIRRAL FIRM EMBARK ON AMBITIOUS RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOLLOWING GROWTH

# NEWS

Wirral based accountants, Woods Squared, is embarking on an ambitious recruitment drive to meet the growing client demand for its services.

The Hamilton Square based firm who grew their turnover by over 20% in 2014 and who recognised a 37% client increase, have announced a recruitment drive across the company, beginning with a campaign to recruit a qualified 'Client Manager'. The firm are riding high following a successful year last year, they were named Accountancy Firm of the Year at the 2020 awards in October as well as being shortlisted for two awards at the Wirral Business Awards.

Alan Woods, Director, Woods Squared said:" The firm has seen huge organic growth over the last 12 months, following a substantial increase in the number of new clients. We now enter an exciting phase in the firms development as we expand with a focused recruitment drive that will strengthen our team with yet more qualified talent. As a firm with strong core values, we place high value on quality, innovation and fun. It's not only important to the firm, but to me personally, that our team feel as valued as our clients. With a vision to continue on our path of strong growth, we want to attract quality candidates who bring with them not only the relevant qualifications, but also the skills and approach to help our fast-growing, entrepreneurial clients to thrive."

“We now enter an exciting phase in the firms development as we expand with a focused recruitment drive that will strengthen our team with yet more qualified talent.

As a firm with strong core values, we place high value on quality, innovation and fun. ”

ZeroSIX

Dower & Hall 18ct Gold Vermeil Small Apatite Orissa Bracelet £98

All that glitters...

Orissa Bracelets by Dower & Hall Let Dower & Hall conjure feelings of nostalgia with their grown-up take on friendship bracelets.

With this seasons Orissa Bracelets, you’ll find a medley of semi-precious gemstones in a kaleidoscope of colours; from lively Peridot to classic rose gold.

Designed by Dower & Hall’s creative team, the handmade beaded bracelets are perfect for marking cherished memories and special moments in your life.

Bring a personal touch to gifts with a delightful add-on from their extensive charm collection.

Each bracelet is produced at the Dower & Hall London studio and the signature quatrefoil catch finishes the look off. www.dowerandhall.com Bracelets priced at: £85 Charms start from: £15

Dower & Hall 18ct Gold Vermeil Strawberry Quartz Orissa Bracelet £98

Dower & Hall Azure Bracelet £98

CHESHIRE

# NEWS

BOODLES TENNIS SERVED UP AT THE MERE Cheshire resort's Executive Corporate Hospitality Event team serves an ace for the Boodles Tennis, known as ‘the’ Wimbledon of The North.

It was game, set and match at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa this weekend, as host to the prestigious Boodles Tennis tournament for the third consecutive year. Sponsored by renowned jewellers, Boodles, the three day event began on 2nd July 2015 at the luxury Cheshire Golf and Spa Resort, with a three day garden party of fine dining and world class tennis.

Over a thousand guests attended during the event weekend, to see ex-Championship tennis legends such as Henri Leconte, Peter McNamara, Richard Krajicek, Mikael Pernfors, Younes El Aynaoui and Xavier Malisse hit the court, with an exclusive Champions Ball on the final day to celebrate Henri Leconte’s birthday.

The event was founded by Vicky Collins of White Events, an avid tennis player with a passion for the sport and a desire to create exclusive tennis events that would be enjoyed throughout the UK. Testament to the

event management and fine banqueting provided by The Mere over the past two years, White Events chose to return to the resort for yet another star-studded gathering. It’s this high quality event service and seamless event management that also brought the R&A Open Qualifier back to The Mere for the seventh consecutive year.

With seamless corporate event planning managed by Commercial Manager, Janice Crosbie, and five star menus created by Executive Head Chef, Mark Walker, The Mere’s event team executed impeccable service that received glowing feedback, meaning the brief downpours certainly didn’t’ put a dampener on the weekend.

The Mere’s corporate banqueting team served over 600 afternoon teas, opened 700 bottles of Champagne and 450 litres of Pimms.

Concluding on the event and the efficiency of the Mere resort team, Owner and CEO, Mr. Mark Boler said: “Hospitality and event management is what we do. We are delighted to be the chosen venue for Boodles Tennis at The Mere yet again , testimony to the teams skill and passion in delighting our guests and customers.”

ZeroEIGHT

ZeroNINE

Tech decoded by Girl Geeks As the digital industry across the Northwest gathers pace we take a look at local tech talent, Liverpool Girl Geeks, who are garnering the interest of a new generation and lifting the veil on tech and code.

Words by Debbie Edwards

T

he statistics are quite mind-blowing. Only 14% of technology jobs are currently filled by women and 98% of internet coding is programmed by men - pretty damning in 2015 when the digital world has never looked more exciting but for some reason girls are still swerving the tech option as a career choice. Whilst prolific online they regard 'likes' and 'followers' like currency. Their mobile and online 'tech' persona defines them, and memories and moments are not deemed important until they have been snapped and shared - so why does their interest stop at the 'front end' for many of the younger female generation?

We speak to Chelsea Slater and Rebecca Jones, founders of Liverpool Girl Geeks and pioneers on a mission to decrease the gender gap, about their vision to 'inspire women in Liverpool and teach them the skills they need to thrive in this industry'.

https://liverpoolgirlgeeks.wordpress.com/ www.facebook.com/Liverpoolgirlgeeks

The support from across the city has been phenomenal, particularly the Liverpool Digital scene who are always seeking to be innovative and creative and seem to have taken this approach to the gender balancing of their work forces.

Tell us a bit about yourselves and who is involved with Liverpool Girl Geeks (LGG)?

Chelsea and I are both Marketing Professionals that work in different industries, Chelsea previously worked for a tech company but now works in retail and I've worked in Education since 2011. We came together a couple of years ago when one of the schools I work for was looking to recruit more girls - and that's when Liverpool Girl Geeks was born!

It has grown from being a series of individual events and a social media community, to a massively successful blog and now we're moving into offering courses and professional development opportunities. Chelsea and I both have so much passion for what Liverpool Girl Geeks aims to do and we're always planning, so there will be more coming!

The support from across the city has been phenomenal, particularly the Liverpool Digital scene who are always seeking to be innovative and creative and seem to have taken this approach to the gender balancing of their work forces.

Particular stars have been LJMU Open Labs, DoEs Liverpool, Another Level, Red Ninja and Draw and Code.

They've supported all our events and are always really enthusiastic about what we've got coming next. Open Labs have been instrumental in the running of our courses by allowing us to use their space so can't thank them enough really.

Liverpool has been named as one of the UK's fastest growing hubs for digital companies - whats the tech scene like across Liverpool and why do you think there is there a growing collective of tech entrepreneurs emerging?

The tech scene in Liverpool is sort of representative of the city as a whole.

Liverpool is above all else a community and the tech sector here really celebrates that. There is so much collaboration, creativity and out of that innovation that happens

Role models are key, schools have begun to teach computing in Primary Schools so there is a hope there that if managed and encouraged well we will see an upcoming generation of young female coders and tech innovators.

in the tech sector in Liverpool that it doesn't matter if you're a first class Computer Science graduate or an independent, self-taught artist and you'll be welcomed with open arms and supported wholeheartedly. Talent is passionately recognised in the tech sector and utilised to its fullest, which is infectious really.

What Liverpool Girl Geeks has found is that if you have a digital idea or an interest in a digital aspect to your chosen career the support that will be offered to you is really unbelieveable, across the board there's been a kindness and genuine interest in what we're doing that means we've felt inspired to achieve. The type of Girl Geeks we've established in Liverpool is distinctly different from other girl geeks manifestations across the country and that is because of what has inspired Chelsea and I from the tech community, as well as the support we've received back.

Its is a bold statement that 'by 2040 only 1% of the tech sector will be female - how can we bridge the gender gap and what is your vision for playing a part in that?

Role models are key, schools have begun to teach computing in Primary Schools so there is a hope there that if managed and encouraged well we will see an upcoming generation of young female coders and tech innovators.

However for Chelsea and I's generation and above there is a lack of digital skills in women. Historically coding and tech have been seen as a masculine pursuit, the leaders of which have been largely male (think Mark Zuckerberg) even the characters in computer games - the protagonists - have all been predominantly male, Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, James Bond and so on.

There needs to be a sector wide shift of thinking. In the short term, until it is a natural way of doing business, companies need to consider what they are producing, for who and why and to consciously include women into that thinking. You wouldn't automatically exclude your market for example only attracting brunettes and not blondes so why operate in that manner because of gender? There is an inherent skills gap because of all this so Chelsea and I are putting a lot of focus on ensuring these women not only have the knowledge to enter the sector but also to seek promotion within it. This is down to confidence, looking around the boardroom and perhaps the intimidation of realising you are alone as a woman and perhaps not wanting to put yourself in that position. If by 2040 the number of women in the whole sector is only 1% what does that also spell out for the number of women in leadership roles within that industry?

ZeroTEN

ZeroNINE

What Liverpool Girl Geeks has found is that if you have a digital idea or an interest in a digital aspect to your chosen career the support that will be offered to you is really unbelieveable

From our discussions with the Tech sector in Liverpool there is no question that the companies here are immensely keen to hire more women - we just need to make sure they're ready and waiting.

Who are your tech inspiration - female and male!

For me, my personal tech inspiration is Martha Lane Fox. In her recent Richard Dimblebly Lecture she mentioned that the first question she was asked by potential investors was when she was going to have a baby. That shocked me as I hadn't even thought beyond the skills gap and encouraging women to consider tech roles, there was the potential bias of employers which thankfully I've not seen in Liverpool's industry. She has been seeking to redress the gender balance in this industry for over a decade, o the top of your head can you even think of another woman in such a profile tech role? Until there are more she has to be our talisman and I'm incredibly proud to have her championing our cause nationally.

Other tech inspiration has to be everyone DoEs Liverpool, they facilitate an invaluable facility on Hanover Street that brings together makers and creators and digital entrepreneurs and gives them the space to flourish. Everything they do is fabulous.

Getting more women into tech - is it appetite or education?

Has to be a mixture of both, education is pivotal and The Studio in the Baltic Triangle is doing amazing things to prepare our young people to an industry-ready standard, as well as for University or to be entrepreneurs in their own right.

The students at The Studio are wonderful examples of where the tech sector in this city is going and it really excites me. If they maintain the level of innovation they demonstrate on a day to day basis, and we retain their talent in the city, I can see us being a tech-community to rival Silicon Valley.

The statistics are good as well with a large number of girls attending the school - all of them encouraged to flourish.

In terms of aspiration, that's where the role models are crucial, so that the girls have the figures to be aspirational towards. At the moment Chelsea and I are trying to encourage so many of the grils that engage with the blog or attend our courses to be those role models.

You are in an elevator with Baroness Joanna Shields.....go!

Aaaahhhh, gosh. Ok. I'd probably encourage her to decentralise tech business growth support.

I understand that economically London as our capital serves as a beacon for investment, and return on that further improves our economic position nationally but it shouldn't be a given that for success you must go to London. Help citiies to retain their talent, programmes like Future Fifty are wonderful and inspiring but very London-centric.

Finally....what does the future hold for Liverpool Girl Geeks?

Our first course 'Get Your Head Around Code' was a great success and due to this it will be repeated every few months from now on.

A calendar of longer, coding and data specific courses will also be launched on our website and eventbrite so that's definitely something to look out for.

Chelsea and I both work full time aside from this project, and I'm also a student part-time so we're sometimes limited as to how quickly we can achieve everything we aspire to with Liverpool Girl Geeks but the next year is going to be very exciting for us, as well as hopefully the city's women.

BEAUTY FEATURE Naturally Radiant Gradual Tan £34.00 (200ml) ESPA We're loving this newly launched, gradual tan from skincare experts, ESPA. Their Naturally Radiant Gradual Tan provides the next generation of smart tanning - and it's proved a huge hit in the #EDiT office! We loved the nourishing feel of this smoothing body cream. Rich, yet lightweight, containing shea butter, coconut and sweet almond oil and infused with antioxidant -rich natural tanning agents, you'll love the beautifully even and natural looking colour it provides! Thumbs up guys we love it!

www.espaskincare.com

Beauty THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD

Satin Oil Body and Hair £36 (100ml) Diptyque Inspired by Rhodes, this dry oil, non-greasy, evokes bright scents like jasmine, ylang-ylang and saffron. Sprayed on the skin, we love how it makes skin satiny, smooth, and brilliantly beautiful. Oh and did we mention this works on your hair too? Repairs, nourishes, softens and gives incomparable shine! A Summer essential, to use throughout the day, again and again.

www.diptyqueparis.co.uk

SeaSource Detox Express Set £108 Arbonne A feel good spa experience at home? The Arbonne SeaSource Detox Spa was the ultimate home spa experience, tried and tested by the #EDiT team, we found this pampering experience fitted perfectly into our hectic schedule! Marine botanicals combined with leading European spa sciences help the skin to detoxify the skin. In our opinion the best of science and nature combined! www.arbonne.com

Peppermint Water Facial Spritz £22 (100ml) SUTI Anything that promises to revive our senses and cool emotions has our interest from the start, and this revitalising herbal facial water didn't disappoint!

Known as 'wake up' water this cooling spritz instantly soothes and awakens the senses, an instant mood lifter. We're making this our handbag essential for the summer, revitalising tired minds this cooling spritz also balances sensitive oily and inflamed skin. Our top tip?.. place in the fridge for a chilled burst on hot humid days!

www.suti.co.uk

ZeroTWELVE

EleVEN

FASHION FEATURE

#influencer Rick Stedman (Harry Stedman) Their collections define contemporary menswear and since launching in 2011, Harry Stedman have been producing timeless classic styles. We catch up with Rick Stedman to talk style, influences and what its like to be a Stedman.

Tell us a bit about the history of Harry Stedman Well first and foremost, Harry Stedman is my grandfather, a man that I’ve spent great times with growing up, often playing his guitar wearing big daft hats when he would look after my sister and I when we would visit Liverpool.

He always intrigued me with his stories of overseas travel during his merchant days and the house was filled with all kinds of musical influences he’d picked up along the way.

It was only later that I became aware of the impact that his globetrotting life had on his style, the classic white T-Shirt, his Navy Harrington style jackets and oxford button downs. It was all those stylistic qualities that inspired Phil Stedman and myself to start the brand, wanting to capture and update all those classic staples my grandfather wore, pieces that should last a lifetime, with superior quality.

My grandad hates waste and would always be fixing and building things, whether a shirt or a chair and I think we have become too quick to throw things away in this modern world and it just isn’t sustainable for life.

Photography obviously plays a big part in your brand image - is this influenced by the Harry Stedman archives?

Yes they play a huge part. Many of the photos are from Harrys life, days spent on the ships with his mates, in the cinema with his family, and he always looks so damn cool.

Photography was another big part of Harry’s life. I have great memories of his spare room in Liverpool being turned into a dark room so he could develop his own pictures. The amazement of watching his photos come to life in the tray, moments captured after spending hours in the local park or from one of our mini holidays.

FASHION FEATURE Liberty Fairs was your first international trade show - how did it feel to put the Harry Stedman story into context?

It felt great it was almost like a homecoming, visiting the city that Harry and his fellow Cunard Yanks were heavily influenced by, and only being a couple of piers up from where Harry would’ve come into town in the 50s and 60s.

It really brought the history to life both for our team and the loyal follwing of the brand we’ve gained so far. Plus, all our values of making quality clothes that last and can take the harshest of weather couldn’t of had more suitable test ground then a proper New York winter.

“We focus on classic pieces that Harry would wear and that’s key, allowing influences from his past to add to our designs today.”

FourTEEN

FiftTEEN

FASHION FEATURE

Based in East London, with a legacy from Liverpool, entwined with an east-coast vibe - how do you keep the essence of those influences in your designs?

We focus on classic pieces that Harry would wear and that’s key, allowing influences from his past to add to our designs today. An example is the pocket on our Vetile mac, where you can even access the pockets on your trousers through a vent, a classic bit of design that works on an updated classic wardrobe staple helping keep out the wind.

What can we expect to see from the Harry Stedman Collections in 2016?

Our 2016 collections will explore some of the destinations Harry frequented during his time as a merchant seaman. SS16 will be inspired by South America and in particular Brazil. Keep an eye out for what's to come…

“...get wrapped up, get out and take on the elements whilst looking amazing.

That’s what we want people doing in their Harry Stedman clobber.”

What pieces should we be investing in for AW15?

For me it has to be a heavy pair of our 16.5oz selvedge denim jeans that you can just beat up all winter and come out with a well worn awesome pair of jeans come spring . Our peacoat is another, get wrapped up, get out and take on the elements whilst looking amazing. That’s what we want people doing in their Harry Stedman clobber.

What does it mean to be a 'Stedman’?

An Honest, hardworking person always striving to better oneself Describe your 'at the office' style?

Long wing brogues and an oxford button down, classic smart style.

Best piece of career advice you've ever been given?

Slow down and take your time, not everything has to happen straight away 'Investment Piece' or 'Time Piece'?

Investment piece of course.

Iconic menswear designer?

Hmmm, a tough one, good old Ralph Lauren has to be admired.

Who are your 'go to' brands for menswear and lifestyle?

Well apart from Harry Stedman, I’m a big Patagonia fan, not just because of what they make but how they go about doing business in a sustainable way. I also love brands like OrSlow and Hiut Denim. www.harrystedman.com @Harry_Stedman www.facebook.com/harrystedmanclothing

SixTEEN

SevenTEEN

Do professional service firms need Professional services firms may be forgiven for feeling on an eternal treadmill these days.

Facing tremendous competition, increasingly demanding clients, and the ever present threat of economic challenges, it has not been easy to thrive, or even survive, for many.

I

n the aftermath of a recession the rules seem to have changed and customers have become particularly savvy about both the advice they want and what they are prepared to pay - it's tough, and the service sector, in the main, is waking up to the fact. However, not all firms will be able to reinstate, or reinvest, in large marketing and business development teams to see growth, so one Northwest business has created a solution that might just work.

'To have a full quota of both marketing and business development staff during recent challenging economic times has not been achievable for all professional firms, and even coming out of these challenges, many are reluctant to permanently increase their overheads - that's where Impact BD comes into its own.' Impact BD, founded by Andrea Davies, works as a specialist support agency for professional service firms. Clients are typically mid-tier, local, national and international, and they retain their services for everything from strategic direction through to campaigns and implementation.

Clients have access to a specialist team of four, all with extensive expertise in marketing and business development (BD) in the professional services sector, and all share the same focussed ethos, 'what we deliver is not just marketing; it is sophisticated BD that focusses on a number of key things that are fundamental to growth. Base retention - how do you retain, gain loyalty and up-sell to your current clients, and share gain - identifying new prospects, partnership and opportunities and getting them to convert. We cannot be shy of talking about the 'P' word either - profit, and most importantly, return on investment (ROI) are the cornerstone of our success and we are happy to be measured on both.' Davies continues, 'Its not that clients want to invest less they just want to see more for their efforts and a timely injection of specialist skills can help them to realise that. It is an efficient use of resources and it works.'

Davies herself has a strong background in the legal sector but see's many of their challenges mirrored across the entire professional services sector, 'many firms can often see marketing and BD as the same function but there needs to be clearer delineation between the two, as although they need to work closely they deliver very different outcomes. Our approach to BD is more analytical,

#impactBD Words by Debbie Edwards

d a SWAT team?

almost forensic, and we target data in the first instance to inform where the prime areas for growth are.'

Data, and its use to create a competitive advantage, is an area that is still very much under utilised across many sectors. Quite often its only function is to generate billing, rather than provide strategic insights, and this is an area where Davies feels firms need to become smarter. 'Most professional services firms have a wealth of data that has been built over a number of years, but quite often the information is fragmented across dierent systems making it diďŹƒcult to create value from it.

Ultimately we help firms to realise

that data is an asset, and by analysing it not only do they gain greater understanding of client behaviour but also where there are areas for growth, what sectors they are servicing the most and where do their profit opportunities lie. The ongoing work that we do with clients and their incumbent agencies is smarter and more targeted as a result and ultimately we see outcomes quicker when this level of understanding is put in place.'

There is no doubt that there are still challenging times ahead across most professional sectors and it is not just the external landscape that has changed.

Everyone on the inside also needs to be commercially savvy but Davies is acutely aware that this shift will not happen overnight, 'traditional fee earners cannot immediately become experts in BD just because the market dictates it, so we provide a solution, short or long term, whilst this skills base develops.

We put processes in place to both educate and generate income which means that not only do we create impact immediately but we invest in developing skills from within, so that the momentum we generate continues long after we've gone and ethically, and commercially, this sits well with us.' https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/andrea-davies/2a/659/358

EightTEEN

Innovators Hub Tech, Talent and Transforming the landscape for creatives across the Northwest Words by Debbie Edwards

When you first meet Robyn Dooley, the brains behind new business Innovators Hub, you could be forgiven for feeling a tad inferior. Her career history so far is enviable, not just because it sounds so damn exciting, but more so because she is already leaving a significant legacy. All this, and she is only 18. We kicked back at the Goldensquare coffee house in Liverpool and talked all things tech, talent and her vision for the future impact of Innovators Hub.

W

e are only ten minutes into our interview and Dooley is already someone I would like my kids to meet. Grounded, insightful, ambitious but humble it takes all my energy not to take her home with me as motivation for their own aspirations in life. She has already gained experience that many only dream of but for Dooley, I get the feeling that this is just the start.

Having dropped out of college after only one year in to her course Dooley has already decided to choose the road less travelled, 'I know that colleges provide a fantastic platform for many but just not for me. I had started a course in Fashion and Styling but realised quickly that I needed something a bit more challenging and innovative, and Innovators Hub was the result.' She goes on to explain, 'I don't blame the course itself, just the way in which it was being taught. It was the same content and systematic way of teaching

'Liverpool is one of the most vibrant, creative cities in the UK but when I started my own job search I found that many of the opportunities were in London.

I decided to see this as an opportunity to harvest local creative talent for local businesses in need of expertise and Innovators Hub was launched.'

that had been done for years and I needed something that allowed me as an individual to be more creative.'

It's no surprise really. Member of the UK Youth Parliament for Knowsley at 17 and taking a coveted place as a Youth Ambassador for World Merit soon after, I get the feeling that a 'structured' learning environment was only ever going to pale by comparison. However, it takes guts to drop out of the system, especially when the local landscape for creative talent opportunities was looking a bit scarce, 'Liverpool is one of the most vibrant, creative cities in the UK but when I started my own job search I found that many of the opportunities were in London. I decided to see this as an opportunity to harvest local creative talent for local businesses in need of expertise and Innovators Hub was launched.'

Dooley now works with some of the most creative businesses in the Northwest, Apposing, Uniform and Studio Mashbo to name a few, and with over 50 talented creatives already on her books exciting times are ahead. Dooley sees this as Phase I of Innovators Hub and she already has Phase II in mind, ' I feel as though I really need to 'live' the matching process myself first so that I can understand the expectations of both client and candidate. More than ever, cultural fit is cited as one of the most essential elements of getting a positive match and I can only do that from within. I plan to spend two days with prospective businesses so that I can really understand what they are looking for - if we are the glue between young creatives and innovative businesses then I need to know more than the usual salary and people speciďŹ cation.

I need to know what makes them tick.

I plan to spend two days with prospective businesses so that I can really understand what they are looking for - if we are the glue between young creatives and innovative businesses then I need to know more than the usual salary and people specification. I need to know what makes them tick.

This is both talent spotting and matching, but it has method behind it, and this is where Dooleys personal motivations rise to the surface again, 'Successful placements give people a greater chance of gaining something more permanent and that is my ultimate goal. For some, the placement itself may be considered an outcome, and ofcourse it is, but I am looking to create something longer lasting, placing talent within local industry and seeing them both flourish - that's the real result.'

You get the feeling that college was never really going to make the cut. It wouldn't have allowed Dooley to 'pay it forward' on her own terms and that would have been disappointing for us all. Deep down I wish there were more like her, brave enough to see beyond the traditional routes to learning and altruistic enough to create a more risky path that will no doubt teach her more in a few months than any course could in years. In her own words, 'All you need in business is a challenge, a solution, and the willingness to learn.

No qualifications necessary, you won't be graded at the end of this, you determine your own success and this is a journey that doesn't end until you call the cuts.

Hmmm.....impressive. I think I'll leave it there. www.innovatorshubuk.com @innovatorshubuk

Grounded, insightful, ambitious but humble it takes all my energy not to take her home with me as motivation for their own aspirations in life. She has already gained experience that many only dream of but for Dooley, I get the feeling that this is just the start.

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TwentyONE

HEALTH FEATURE

Words by Debbie Edwards

Is Wellness the new Black?

The consumerism of health and wellbeing started a long time ago with the emergence of apps, devices and products to track and monitor everything from sleep patterns to movement and food, so it is no surprise that the global wellness industry is now estimated at being worth over $3 trillion dollars. With wellness being hailed as 'the new black' we wanted to look at the businesses who are not just embracing the latest trend but who have a clear vision for the part they want to play and their vision for impacting people's health, nutrition and happiness.

D

on't look at me like that because I know you are doing it too - baking your own kale, looking at white potatoes with disdain and coveting the last pack of sweet potatoes on the supermarket shelves. There has been a seismic shift in the 'value' we place on our own health, wellbeing and happiness and for the first time in my life I am happy to be one of the growing tribe of followers and believers. Yes, the Hemsley + Hemsley cook book sits on my shelf where the Hairy Bikers used to be and yes, my twitter feed is now full of healthy #foodporn from such likes as Deliciously Ella and Madeleine Shaw.

I also have the obligatory gadgets to support my health quest - a juicer, a blender, a food processor and even the latest 'spiraliser' which allows me to pulp, grind, mash and create clean healthy meals that I will eat and my family will (mostly) sco at! So the trillion dollar question is, 'has any of this actually made me feel any better?'

The answer is a resounding 'yes'. Not just because I am healthier (and happier) but because for the first time in my life I am more educated about the choices that I make in my life and that in itself is empowering. It is also all within reach, can be accessed at any time and doesn't have to cost a fortune if I don't want it to - not too shabby considering the amount of wasted time and money I have previously invested in gym memberships and food that goes to waste. Access to wellness is no longer only open to those who can aord to pay - everyone, like me, can now access work-outs on their

Hot Yoga Centre Wirral, ofcourse we invest heavily in helping individuals to improve their fitness but their journey with us needs to be rooted in something much more fulfilling than that.' There is a calmness to their studio, an Ibiza vibe that gives a clear indication of what you can expect when you join as a member.

Welcoming, with subdued lighting and low level seating and communal areas this is certainly not the usual sterile, equipment focussed arena usually found in other fitness studios.

phone or online, can track their diet on apps such as 'My Fitness Pal' or join ďŹ tness and food communities who welcome and share expertise, experiences and provide a key source of motivation to those who are tuned in.

However, the investment in health doesn't stop there - fridges are stacked with clean protein shakes, healthy juices and nutritionally balanced pots of goodness and there are various self-help books littered around the communal areas where members are encouraged to mingle and get to know each other.

'The ethos of our studio is about teaching individuals how to make lifestyle changes that they can stick to and where they learn, and most importantly choose, how to redefine their relationship with food and their bodies'. As I watch members pour out of one of their classes it is clear that the classes are also fun. Backed with that 'community' feel there is a real sense of camaraderie that I am certain adds to the desire to join in.

This is where the real phenomena exists, this coming together of individuals on a shared journey who are only too willing to support, praise and raise people up in a way that we may not be used to in our ordinary, everyday lives. Reaching your health goals becomes something to celebrate widely, creating a feel good factor that no money can buy.

'It was the community aspect of health and wellbeing that we focussed on here, says Vicky Lewis, co-founder of Renu Wellness and

Opened in December 2014 and founded by Vicky Lewis and Lee Brogan, they have managed to tap directly in to the latest thirst for a more holistic approach to health and fitness, 'all of our teachers have been chosen for their speciality, they are the best at what they do, and this allows our clients to experience everything from classic yoga and strengthening classes to our more 'pumped up' funky budda or fusion classes. It's varied and challenging so that they get to choose what suits them in order to see the results they need - whether that be diet and fitness related or something related to reducing stress and focussing on mindfullness, it can all be achieved'.

Access to wellness is no longer only accessible to those who can afford to pay - everyone, like me, can now access work-outs on their phone or online, can track their diet on apps such as 'My Fitness Pal' or join fitness and food communities who welcome and share expertise, experiences and provide a key source of motivation to those who are tuned in.

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HEALTH FEATURE

I think we, in the main, have all educated ourselves enough to know that taking regular exercise, or indeed any investment in our health, needn't feel like an endurance test of our personal pain threshold. If the wellness industry has taught us anything in recent years it's that improvements in health can be achieved but not at the expense of our happiness.

This ethos is mirrored by Hayley Fahy, owner and visionary behind Northwest based 'The Organic Juicery' who produce and distribute raw juices and nut milks that promise to 'naturally cleanse, replenish and heal your body'. Juicing has always intrigued me. I have watched friends and colleagues bring out their strange looking, liquid concoctions and continue to look on in dismay as they hold their noses in order to consume this 'youth elixir'. I have no doubts that the juicing industry has come a long way in recent years but I have never been intrigued enough to try it - until now.

I meet Hayley early one Monday morning and am already heartened as she quickly orders coee for both of us, and with a quick round-up of our respective weekends (which, I confess included alcohol!), it is great to hear that she understands the need for juicing to fit in with your lifestyle. 'Juicing is not about a quick fix to aid weight loss. Ofcourse some of our clients use it as part of a cleansing or healthy eating routine but our philosophy is about maintaining a balance long term, so that people can continue to live their lives but feel great at the same time.'

With a 15 year background in complimentary therapies and as a qualified nutritionist Hayley certainly knows what she is talking about, and as the first organic juicery in the Northwest to be certified by The Soil Association there is certainly a heritage that is already setting them apart in the industry. Their juices and nut milk drinks are made from the best raw organic ingredients, and they are cold pressed which, to those like me who raise a quizzical eyebrow, means that this is as good as it gets. Hayley smiles and explains, 'the joy of cold pressing is that it traps all of the vitamins, powerful antioxidants, minerals and goodness inside the juice, and by using only the best raw ingredients we guarantee the best possible impact on your body. There's a lot of science behind it but essentially they taste great and it would also feel very wrong to advise my clients and customers to eat the best possible, natural diet and to then add preservatives and additives to our juices.'

Ethical advice and an ethical product that tastes absolutely delicious. Yes, I signed up to the three day 'Classic Cleanse', (more about how this went next month) and it arrived beautifully chilled, filled with a rainbow of bottled beauties ready for me to feel suitably smug on completion.

And so my 'wellness quest' continues but, isn't that just part of life? Always willing to try new things and challenging your fitness boundaries until you at least get close to that 'holy grail' of aspirations......balance. Hmmmm.........to be continued,

'It was the community aspect of health and wellbeing that we focussed on here, says Vicky Lewis, co-founder of Hot Yoga Wirral, of course we invest heavily in helping individuals to improve their fitness but their journey with us needs to be rooted in something much more fulfilling than that.'

Wellness Roundup

People, Apps & websites to inspire your own 'quest'.

Health and Nutrition: Hemsley and Hemsley www.hemsleyandhemsley.com Madeleine Shaw madeleineshaw.com Deliciously Ella deliciouslyella.com The Organic Juicery theorganicjuicery.org

Fitness Apps: My Fitness Pal www.myfitnesspal.com Headspace www.headspace.com Earthmiles www.earthmiles.co.uk

Fitness Instagrammers: The Body Coach instagram.com/thebodycoach Kayla Itsines instagram.com/kayla_itsines

Fitness Classes: Hot Yoga Wirral hot-yoga-wirral.co.uk

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TwentyFIVE

The Best North West Bars for Summer Cocktails

The Mere Resort, Cheshire The Mere Resort, Cheshire The Mere Golf Resort and Spa in Cheshire is an upmarket classy joint set alongside the Mere Lake and close to the picturesque town of Knutsford.

Just a stones throw from the bustling cities of Manchester and Liverpool and the historic city of Chester this refined venue provides the perfect setting for summer cocktails in their lush lakeside gardens. As you'd expect there's an extensive cocktail menu but we couldn't resist their MEREtini- complete with fresh lemons from the Mere orchard! www.themereresort.co.uk

Beef & Pudding, Manchester The cosmopolitan bar scene at Beef & Pudding attracts a clientele keen to relax over a few well deserved drinks, choosing from a sumptuous selection of fine wines, delicious bespoke cocktails and a premium selection of beers. The relaxing vibes go on long into the evening, with lights turned low, candles adorning the tables and live music every Friday. Beef & Pudding is the hottest place in Manchester to hang out. Classic cocktails such as Singapore Sling and Mojito can be found on the menu alongside Beef & Pudding signature blends such as the Captain Mooney and the Lord Newman, named after owners David and Paul. www.beefandpudding.co.uk

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Gin Rickey’s, Chester 'Gin Rickey’s...a space where handcrafted cocktails are presented alongside carefully selected beers, spirits, wines and an ever growing gin collection. Serving all time classics from the iconic age of mixology; the bourbon Old Fashioned, the whiskey Blood and Sand, the rum Zombie and even the namesake Gin Rickey are all getting a 21st century overhaul. Honing their unique take on casual fine dining & drinking, premium ingredients & industrial chic aesthetics in the heart of Chester City Centre.' www.lukeseatinghouse.com

Camp & Furnace, Liverpool The Camp and Furnace chaps don't do thing by halves! So their summer oering stretches a mighty 10 weeks and comes in the form of a Summer Slam!

Making the most of sunshine drinking and some mighty night time moves (well with a two metre glitter ball and an 80's flashing dance floor it's hard not to party!) their focus is on partying hard this summer - fusing great food slams and street eats with summer cocktails - their Summer Spritz' cocktail complete with frozen melon and strawberries is the ultimate refreshing pick me up (best served in the C&F courtyard!) www.campandfurnace.com

Bretta & Co, Liverpool Turn left off Bold Street, follow the fairy lights, through the double doors and you enter an area of peace and calm away from the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest roads in Liverpool city centre. This is Bretta & Co, Liverpool’s best kept secret and prestigious watering hole. Their extensive bar consists of high calibre alcohol; the gin section alone includes the likes of Liverpool gin, Edinburgh gin, and Black Gin from Germany’s Black Forest that is distilled three times a year and has an elegant flavour of citrus, orange and chamomile, so you know you’re not in Kansas anymore. www.liverpooldeli.co.uk

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TwentyNINE

Crowd Funding to Crowd Pleasing From

Words by Debbie Edwards

This edition started out with a personal quest - to find, and celebrate, women in tech from across the Northwest who are challenging the statistics. With only a predicted 1% of women to be working to be in the tech industry by 2040 we certainly have a challenge on our hands. Even companies at the leading edge of tech and digital, google and facebook, are finding it difficult to even out the male to female ratio. So, I wondered what the local landscape was going to look like.

I

In a nutshell, this innovative new space is to provide an ecommerce platform for crowdfunded products bringing them direct to market - it is crowdfunding retailing at its best and they are not looking to be an 'also ran' in this field. The space is certainly innovative and in the UK, groundbreaking.

was more than pleasantly surprised. Not just because I found a wealth of inspiring women (and men) in tech, but more so because they were creating their own tech platform from which to launch their careers, and the careers of others, and were fearless in the pursuit of their vision.

Juxdit were one such company. There was a distinct energy in the room on the day of my interview with owner Annie O'Toole. Based in the Baltic Triangle (where else?) and crammed into a busy oďŹƒce space which is home to a small, but perfectly formed, team of marketeers, designers and developers, the atmosphere is infectious. The oďŹƒce itself is quirky - we sit on picnic benches to conduct the interview, but there is that undeniable, heady mix of hunger, drive and fun that seems ever present in other cool brands that everyone wants to emulate or work for. It is how I imagine Virgin started - a group of enthusiastic entrepreneurs whose ambitions hold no boundaries, giving an immediate sense that Juxdit is a company going places, and fast.

Originally starting out in the crowd funding space (and still providing consultancy and advice to new innovative businesses globally), they provided consultancy and events for individuals and businesses who were looking for alternative sources of funding to get their ideas, products and businesses o the ground. However, this arena quickly proved to be challenging as Annie explains, 'There was an explosion in the crowd funding space with many online platforms being launched in a short period and we realised that this growth may be unsustainable long term. We decided to manoeuvre ourselves into an innovative new space to compliment what we were doing and Juxdit was born.'

In a nutshell, this innovative new space is to provide an ecommerce platform for crowdfunded products bringing them direct to market - it is crowdfunding retailing at its best and they are not looking to be an 'also ran' in this field. The space is certainly innovative and in the UK, groundbreaking, 'Our background gives us a passion for working with leading edge products but time and again we witness great businesses struggling to break into the market. Businesses like these needed more immediate, and direct, access to consumers, and Juxdit provides this and more.'

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Although dierent in many ways Annie cites leading online retailer 'Not on the High Street' as a source of inspiration for the Juxdit model, 'Not on the High Street' is a huge source of inspiration for me as it shows what can be achieved when you have a simple vision for bringing great people together - there is power in that type of collaboration and fundamentally they have given many independent retailers the platform, and the marketing clout, to flourish in a way they might not if working on their own.'

There certainly are similarities, and they are all positive, but I get the feeling that Juxdit want to take the good bits and amplify them even further. They have already witnessed significant growth and with plans to increase head count and, most significantly, the launch of their website this summer, it won't be long before they too might be looking for investment.'We work with brands that are innovative and ground breaking and our own operation needs to reect that. Our plans include cutting edge marketing and clever use of online and digital techniques that will maintain our position as the leading retailer of crowd funded products.'

'We work with brands that are innovative and ground breaking and our own operation needs to reflect that.

Our plans include cutting edge marketing and clever use of online and digital techniques that will maintain our position as the leading retailer of crowd funded products.'

It is certainly an exciting office to be in. Not content with launching their website they are already working on version II and as they talk to me about their favourite crowd funded products I can see why this 'future proofing' of their business is not only necessary but critical. Wearable tech, sports performance products, children based coding products and jewellery that does more than adorn, I can see the need for Juxdit to deliver more than your 'average' ecommerce platform. 'We are taking risks and bringing something to the market that is totally different,' explains O'Toole, 'crowdfunding created an investment democracy - now we're going to create a retail revolution.'

With a clear goal to have 1000 products for sale within the next 18 months I come away feeling that Juxdit are about to launch the next 'big thing'. However, this will come about because they are so intent on helping others to be just that. Their entrepreneurial dexterity will keep them ahead of their rivals and their

investment in tech will no doubt set them apart, however, it will be their vision for giving entrepreneurs and consumers a combined voice that will ultimately be the making of Juxdit.

www.juxdit.com

This is powerful stuff. Our discussion has moved beyond the business model and now touches on a much bigger, fundamentally cultural, shift in both retailer and consumer behaviour. Innovative products funded by consumers which are then accessible to them online creates a demand driven marketplace where consumers take 'ownership' to a new level and where they can both 'buy' and 'buy in' to the product.

'We are taking risks and bringing something to the market that is totally different,' explains O'Toole, 'crowdfunding created an investment democracy - now we're going to create a retail revolution.'

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ThirtyFOUR

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