SBT issue 475

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL MEET THE SUSSEX WOMEN WHO ARE AT THE VERY TOP OF THEIR GAME

live iEntertaIn

lunch speaker

giveaway prizes|netw orking|drink

Ted Jackson EXPLORER

Marc Convey OVERCOMING ADVERSITY SPEAKER

Kenney Jones THE WHO & THE FACES

Jamie Laing CANDY KITTENS TV PERSONALITY

Carole Gaskell FULL POTENTIAL GROUP SOLICITORS

SBTWelcome

Welcome to another special edition of SBT

Welcome to a special edition of the Sussex Business Times, dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the voices of women from across Sussex in recognition of International Women’s Day.

In this issue, you will encounter a vibrant tapestry of stories woven by women who are shaping the future - from health experts putting inclusion at the heart of everything they do to entrepreneurs reshaping industries, not to mention everyday role models leaving lasting impacts.

We learn about their journeys – their triumphs and challenges, their resilience and determination. Each woman’s story is unique, yet collectively they paint a powerful picture of the extraordinary potential that resides within us all to #InspireInclusion - the theme of this year’s global event.

This issue is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action. It’s a call to recognise the ongoing fight for gender equality, to be inspired by the progress made and to remain committed to pushing for a future where every woman has the freedom and opportunity to thrive.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we highlight the latest legal and financial advice for businesses, discover what’s happening with major Sussex B2B events and, once again, throw a spotlight on the rich rewards of networking.

We also hear from Rivervale and our resident wine expert, Michael Yeoman.

It wasn’t an easy ‘ask’ to request stories that mark International Women’s Day but it is a credit to the Sussex business community to see just how many rose to that challenge. It has been a privilege to preside over this themed edition.

I hope these stories spark your own desire to #InspireInclusion, propel your own dreams and empower you to be the change you wish to see in the world. Happy International Women’s Day!

Sam Thomas, Managing Director

Cover 475

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Monthly News

We meet Lisa Seymour, of Fox&Bear, and also learn what’s on offer at TEDxBrighton, taking place next month.

Finance

Roy Thompson, a Partner at Carpenter Box, advises what five Annual Allowances and Exemptions you should be using up before the start of the new tax year.

Legal

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Joint

Production & Design Kim Butler kim@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Accounts Clare Fermor clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk

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Alex Jones, Managing Director of 365 Employment Law, marks International Women’s Day by highlighting equality and women’s rights in the workplace. James O’Conner, Partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter, writes about the legal pitfalls of broken contracts.

Cover Story - International Women’s Day Special

Happy International Women’s Day! We mark the global event with stories from women Inspiring Inclusion and leading by example here in Sussex. From seasoned marketers to fertility experts and beyond, we shine a light on the successes being achieved on our doorstep. Inspirational and thoughtprovoking, these are stories of barriers being overcome and journeys to the top. Think talent, determination and the sheer will to succeed.

Motoring

There has been a government U-turn on taxation for a certain type of commercial vehicle and Rivervale is here to explain the change and what it means. Rivervale is also on hand to offer advice on the best vehicle for the construction industry.

Networking & Events

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www.gemini-print.co.uk

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Meet the women inspiring innovation at this year’s Brighton & Hove Business Show and Sussex Business Show, and those breaking boundaries in women’s cricket. We also have news from the Big Business Breakfast Club and always possible.

Charity

Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and Flexibility Matters hosted the very first Wellbeing in the Workplace event at the i360 in Brighton on the 21 February 2024 with gold-medallist Sally Gunnell OBE.

Wine of the Month

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Michael Yeoman celebrates women in the wine industry and shares his top tipple for County Business Clubs’ March Wine of the Month.

First Friday Lunch Club

Sam Thomas, Managing Director of Sussex Business Times, attends the lunch club for the first time and shares his thoughts.

‘Hang out with women who are different from you - don’t see their differences as a threat’

This International Women’s Day, we had a conversation with Lisa Seymour, Head of Brand Development at Fox&Bear, about her female inspirations, her perspectives on supporting women in the workplace, and the importance of diversity, creativity, collaboration, and resilience within digital marketing.

Tell us about your role and what you like best about it.

As Head of Brand Development at Fox&Bear, it’s my job to lead a group of talented designers and creatives. Together we aim to bridge the gap between brand and audience, for clients in sectors such as healthcare, professional services, leisure and B2B.

Solving brand challenges varies with messaging and audience dynamics, be it websites, campaigns or rebranding, each presenting unique hurdles. I enjoy combining audience research with team brainstorming, leveraging knowledge and experience for refined designs, pushing boundaries, and empowering my team while upholding brand integrity.

Which women have inspired you the most?

My first boss, Charlie Chant, was a game-changer for me. Despite juggling two kids as a single parent at 27, starting as an admin assistant, I felt drawn to design but unsure how to integrate it with my role. Charlie’s leadership allowed us to spread our wings, pushing us out of our comfort zones while being our biggest cheerleader. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

As for Frida Kahlo, my admiration started at 15 during a summer in Miami, surrounded by copies of her iconic look. Her journey, overcoming struggles, championing feminist beliefs, and her daring art challenging the status quo, deeply inspired me. While I don’t own her work, her design style influences mine - bold, funky, with a touch of heroism. That’s how I got the bug. I really care about how things look. As

marketers, we don’t create for ourselves like picking art for our homes. It’s better in many ways. We must immerse ourselves in the audience’s mindset to meet their brand expectations.

As women, how can we support each other to achieve our goals?

Hang out with women who are different from you, and don’t see their differences

Lisa Seymour

as a threat - see them as someone you can learn from. The women in my life come from all walks of life: old friends, new friends, all age groups, with all sorts of beliefs, and each of them has taught me something valuable.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we’re always learning and that the people we are around are our teachers. Understanding different viewpoints, lifestyles and experiences helps me grow professionally. We should be each other’s biggest fans, celebrate each other’s victories, ditch the competitive mindset, and work together no matter our job titles.

What advice would you give women looking to get into marketing?

Get a handle on your ‘why’? What’s driving you? What’s your mission? Why are you drawn to doing what you do? Figuring out what excites you, what you’re passionate about, and how you want to make a difference is key to finding your place in marketing.

It’s ok to mess up sometimes – that’s how we learn and grow. While there are norms and best practices in the industry, it’s totally fine to experiment. Speak your mind; don’t be afraid to share your thoughts. Marketing is all about connecting with people; the success of our campaigns or designs depends on the emotions they incite. So, if you’ve got an idea, don’t hold back.

What are some key skills or qualities you believe are essential for success in the world of marketing?

• Listening – it’s super important. It’s about really getting what your clients are saying about their needs, problems, and ideas for solutions. And

as you get better at it, you start picking up on the stuff they don’t say.

• Data curious – What tools can you leverage to give you a better picture of the audience? Consumer research tools and analytics tools can give you some great insights into the audience you help you design for them. A win as they’re the ones you’re trying to attract.

• Creativity - The ability to think creatively and come up with original concepts and designs that effectively communicate the brand’s message and values. This is imperative and some subject are more difficult than others.

• Collaborative – work with your peers, get their take, share research. Discuss what you know and build a picture. Once you have your initial concepts, ask you peers to give you feedback.

• Resilience – creative marketing can be a hard job at times. A little bit of you goes into every piece of work you do. Often your clients will require changes and sometimes a complete do over. Learn not to take it personally, be

happy to go on the journey with your client - the results will be worth it!

• Detail – it’s a must. Once you’ve launched something, there’s no turning back. So, making sure everything is spot-on is key. If you’re not naturally great at noticing the little things, it’s worth figuring out your own system to double-check your work.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership positions in their careers?

I still believe in the idea of leading by example. Pay attention to the leadership styles around you. Engage in volunteering or mentoring programs like Young Enterprise for confidence-building or seek mentorship for support with challenges. These experiences cultivate adaptability, effective communication and resilience, which is important in a leadership role.

www.foxbear.co.uk

TEDxBrighton is back! And this year they’ve really ‘Got Our Attention’

Filling the Brighton Dome for one whole day of joy, ideas and inspiration, TEDxBrighton is set to be an unforgettable day for everyone in the audience.

It’s all happening on Friday 5th April from 9am to 5pm, and whether you’re going it alone, or taking the whole team with you, there are many exciting reasons not to miss this one.

Twenty-plus speakers and performers will be stepping up to the famous Red Dot, to share big ideas for the future and to get us all thinking differently about what might be possible. Toby Moore, the curator for TEDxBrighton, who has been growing the event for over 10 years, told SBT: “My aim with TEDxBrighton 2024 is to surprise the audience, show them ideas, stories and experiences they never knew existed. From the complex worlds that live in the soil beneath our feet, to what humanity in space might look like in 1,000 years’ time.”

But what is TEDx? And why has this simple concept of someone standing on a stage for 15 minutes, managed to sweep across almost every person on the planet?

The TED (the big brother of TEDx) story goes back to the 1980s to a small, university campus conference. After a decade of stops and starts, the event was picked up by Media maverick Chris Anderson, who took it on its journey to becoming what it is today. A worldwide, non-profit platform for Ideas Worth Spreading.

Big TED events (as Toby Moore calls them) happen just a few times a year, and can cost around $10,000 to attend! TEDx events, on the other hand, happen as many as 2,000 times a year and have strict rules for making them accessible and affordable so wider communities can get to experience TED-esque thinking.

TEDxBrighton though is a bit different to your normal TEDx. Most TEDx events are only allowed to host an audience of 100, rely heavily on sponsorship and maybe run for an evening or for a few hours.

TEDxBrighton is both a jewel in the crown for Brighton and for TEDx,

with well over 1,000 people in the audience and exciting, free exhibiting opportunities for local entrepreneurs and artists. There’s also an unparalleled community tickets programme that gives more than 150 free tickets to charities across the city!

Toby is clearly passionate about TEDxBrighton and finished by saying: “Our long and deep connection to our own community, plus our great relationship with [Big] TED allows us to offer some really exciting things that just aren’t possible for other events around the world.”

TEDxBrighton

Friday 5th April, The Brighton Dome, 9am - 5pm

Tickets from £47, available at TEDxBrighton.com

5 Annual Allowances and Exemptions to use before the end of tax year

By Roy Thompson, Partner and Head of Financial Services at Carpenter Box Financial Advisers.

The 2023/2024 tax year ends on 5th April; this is also the deadline for using some or all of the annual investment* and tax+ allowances, and exemptions offered to individuals in the UK. Due to the majority of these having a “use them or lose them” status, it is important to explore how annual allowances and exemptions can be used as part of a wider financial plan.

In this article, we introduce five of the annual allowances and exemptions that offer tax advantages.

1. The Individual Savings Account (ISA) Allowance

The ISA allowance is the maximum amount to be paid into tax-advantaged ISA wrappers in a tax year. The annual allowance for an ISA is currently £20,000. Investments within an ISA are protected from UK Income and Capital Gains tax, meaning they can produce income or grow in value without producing a tax bill.

A Stocks and Shares ISA can be a key component of a financial plan and can be funded by lump sum or regular payments. It is also possible to

consolidate previous tax years’ ISAs into a single ISA. Investors add funds to the ISA to get the tax advantages while maintaining the ability to access the funds when they need them.

The ISA annual allowance cannot be carried forward to future years and resets on the 6th of April each year.

2. The Pension Annual Allowance

The pension annual allowance is the maximum amount you can contribute to your pensions in the tax year without suffering a tax charge. Personal contributions will benefit from tax relief

Finance

if they don’t exceed your UK-relevant earnings in the year.

The annual allowance for a pension is currently £60,000, but this amount is reduced for the highest earners or people who have flexibly accessed their pension. Unlike an ISA, investments within a pension are sheltered from UK tax but are subject to UK tax on withdrawal apart from the tax-free cash element.

A pension is the foundation of retirement planning and is usually funded by regular payments. Investors add funds to the pension to build retirement funds and obtain tax advantages but cannot re-access the funds until normal retirement age. The normal retirement age is 55 but will increase to 57 in April 2028.

The pension annual allowance can be carried forward for up to three tax years if eligible and replenished on the 6th of April each year, meaning there is ample opportunity to designate funds for your retirement.

3. The Dividend Allowance

The dividend allowance is the dividend income an individual can earn during the tax year before income tax is payable.

In 2023/2024, the dividend annual allowance is £1,000. Dividend income arises most commonly from the direct ownership of shares in a company or via a collective investment, such as a unit trust, and is often used to supplement income from employment or other savings. Dividends within ISAs and pensions are not taxable and do not count towards the allowance.

In the 2022 Autumn Statement the Government announced that the Dividend Allowance will be decreasing to £500 from 6th April 2024. This will limit the level of dividends that can be received tax-free.

The ownership of shares as part of a diversified portfolio allows investors to receive dividend income and use the dividend allowance. Furthermore, the value of the shares can also increase over time, allowing the investor to use the next allowance – the capital gains annual exempt amount.

The dividend allowance cannot be carried forward to future years and resets on 6th April each year.

4. The Capital Gains Annual Exempt Amount

The annual exempt amount is the amount of net capital gains an individual can make during the tax year before capital gains tax is payable.

In 2023/2024, the annual exempt amount will be £6,000. Capital gains can arise from selling various assets, including shares and property. Capital gains within ISAs and pensions do not count towards the allowance.

In the 2022 Autumn Statement the Government announced that the Capital Gains Annual Exempt Amount will be decreasing to £3,000 from 6th April 2024. This will limit the level of gains that can be received tax-free.

If the value of the gain is within the annual exempt amount, there is no tax to pay on sale. Particularly for shares, which can be sold one at a time or in tranches, there is an opportunity to sell the right amount each year to use the annual exempt amount. If you are currently holding assets with large gains, it may be worth considering realising these gains before the allowances are decreased in April.

The annual exempt amount cannot be carried forward to future years and resets on 6th April each year.

5. The Inheritance Tax Annual Gift Exemption

The annual gift exemption is one of the ways of making gifts that are classed as being immediately out of the donor’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. The annual gift exemption is currently £3,000, and there are various ways the gift can be made.

Gifting can be a key component of inheritance tax planning, and the £3,000 annual gift exemption is useful for people who wish to reduce the inheritance tax.

The annual gift exemption can be carried forward for up to one tax year as long as the current tax year exemption is also being fully used that year and resets on the 6th of April each year.

If you would like to discuss any of the allowances in this article or investment planning and tax planning more generally, please contact us on 01903 534587.

* The value of investments can increase or decrease so you may get back less than you invested

+ The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice

Roy Thompson

Employment Law: International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of March, and it is a day that recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world.

It also serves as a call to action to further advance gender equality and women’s rights. In the UK, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in terms of women’s rights in the workplace, as well as the work that still needs to be done, writes Alex Jones, Managing Director of 365 Employment Law.

Legal

Historically, women in the UK have faced significant barriers to workplace equality. Prior to the 20th century, women were largely excluded from the formal labour force and were confined to domestic work, which was undervalued and often unpaid. Even when women did enter the labour force, they faced discrimination in terms of pay, promotion and job opportunities. In the mid-20th century, however, the feminist movement

gained momentum, and women began to make significant strides towards equality in the workplace.

The introduction of the Equal Pay Act in 1970 was a major milestone for women’s rights in the UK. This legislation made it illegal for employers to pay men and women differently for doing the same work. Whilst being a powerful piece of legislation, the complexity of it (and subsequent successor legislation on the

right) means it is rarely used other than in large scale collective matters. It is a right that is often unused when there are clear pay differentials in small and medium sized employers.

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 introduced the right to claim for sex discrimination for the first time. That right still exists today, and is covered under the Equality Act 2010. Women can bring sex discrimination claims for both direct and indirect discrimination acts, with the latter being the more commonly used route for claims, with employers often putting conditions in place that seemingly treat men and women equally, but when examined do not.

However, despite the progress made, the gender pay gap remains a significant issue in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, in

2020, the gender pay gap for full-time workers was 15.5%. Women are also underrepresented in senior leadership positions and in industries such as technology and engineering.

There is a growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity in the workplace, and many companies are taking steps to address gender inequality. This includes implementing policies such as flexible working hours, parental leave, and mentoring and sponsorship programmes for women. In addition, initiatives that aim to achieve better gender balance on company boards, have been successful in increasing the number of women in senior leadership positions.

Looking to the future, it is essential that we continue to push for progress in terms of women’s rights in the workplace. This means addressing the root causes of the gender pay gap and creating more opportunities for women in male-dominated industries. It also means addressing other forms of discrimination, such as racial and disability-based discrimination, that can disproportionately affect women.

It is crucial that all employers take a proactive approach to addressing these issues and create workplaces that are truly inclusive and supportive of all employees.

International Women’s Day in the UK, whilst being an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in terms of women’s rights in the workplace, is also a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. By continuing to address issues such as the gender pay gap and underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, as well as making access to justice easier, those steps can continue to be taken.

Please always take advice on any staff related issues.

365 Employment Law Solicitors

Tel: 01903 863284

ajones@365employmentlaw.co.uk

www.365employmentlaw.co.uk

Alex Jones

Broken contract? Whether you realise it or not, you’re playing poker

By James O’Connell, Partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter.

As a business lawyer (albeit one with a special interest in the wine industry and crypto currencies), I am often asked to advise people looking for ways to get out of a contract - or who have had a business partner break a contract with them.

Perpetrator or victim, both sides in a contract dispute are frequently surprised at how the legal position is

just one factor amongst many, and often the least important.

Sure, if the matter is going to go to court, then it’s 9/10ths about the law. But most disputes don’t get to court, and so tend to be decided on other things. Court cases are (mostly) boxing matches with the court enforcing Marquess of Queensbury rules. Dispute resolution outside of court, on the other hand, is still boxing, but more akin to the bare-knuckle variety.

So, if you (a) want to get out of a contract in a situation where the contract doesn’t allow you to just walk away, or (b) the person (aka ‘party’) that you have contracted with has unilaterally thrown the contract in the bin. What to do?

Firstly, do what a surprising number of businesspeople fail to do, and really read the contract. Don’t just skim it, glossing over the bits that don’t appear relevant or seem written in language from 1724.

Legal

Secondly, make a note of two things:

1. every single situation where the other side had an obligation that it hasn’t kept; and

2. every single time assumptions were made instead of things being spelt out in detail. A typical example is the contract being silent on delivery: who is responsible; was advanced notice required; when did risk of loss pass from seller to buyer (when it left the seller’s factory or when it arrived at the buyer’s premises?).

These breaches and ambiguities are going to be your basic ammunition to justify early termination and/or to counterclaim against somebody who is trying to kill the contract.

There’s usually something to work with because so many people demand a contradictory thing from their contracts. On the one hand they want ironclad protection, but on the other hand they want the contracts immediately, short, in plain English, cheap and acceptable so the other side will sign (i.e. blurring contentious issues in the hope that everyone will sign). This is an impossible circle to square. But since the latter is cheaper, quicker, easier and less confrontational, people usually choose the short, sweet and simple version – which is great unless something goes wrong.

The second thing to do is to look at the entirety of your communications with the other side, and plan them. This is where it becomes a game of poker. The simple truth is you can have the best legal argument in the world, but it is just an argument/opinion unless backed

up by a court order. Your arguments can be irrefutable and the other side’s arguments can border on being nonsense, but until a court agrees with you, it’s just two angry people shouting at each other.

You can have a weak case but if the other side genuinely believes that you’re going to pursue it through the courts with ferocity, then they’re likely to compromise.

Equally, you can have a great case but if they think you haven’t got the guts, money or time to follow through, then they won’t give a damn. You have to make sure that they believe that tangling with you is a very bad idea. Poker.

James O’Connell

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

MEET THE SUSSEX WOMEN WHO ARE AT THE VERY TOP OF THEIR GAME

Celebrating progress, inspiring inclusion:

International Women’s Day 2024

Every year on March 8th, the world unites to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD). This year, with the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’, the focus is on amplifying the critical role women play in building a more equitable and sustainable future. The Sussex Business Times is thrilled to throw the spotlight on women who inspire progress and inclusion, and so much more.

The 2024 theme of International Women’s Day resonates with women across Sussex and beyond, highlighting the vital need to invest in women across all aspects of life. This includes access to quality education, good healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation. Inspiring inclusion isn’t just about empowering individuals; it’s about unlocking the full potential of half the world’s population, leading to positive

ripple effects across entire societies. In this section of the magazine, we meet some of the women paving the way for others in Sussex. They are truly inspirational and talk candidly about their experiences, aspirations and influences.

Looking back, moving forward

International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the immense progress women have made throughout history. From securing voting rights to breaking glass ceilings in various fields, countless women have paved the way

for generations to come. Celebrating these achievements is crucial, as it acknowledges the struggles faced and the victories earned.

However, despite the progress, significant challenges remain. Gender inequalities persist in various spheres, hindering women’s full participation and stalling overall progress. The gender pay gap continues to be a glaring issue, with women often earning significantly less than men for the same work. Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions

IWD

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across various sectors, and access to education and healthcare remains unequal in many parts of the world.

Investing in women: A multifaceted approach

Investing in women requires a multifaceted approach, addressing various aspects that contribute to gender equality and inclusion. Here are some key areas:

Education: Ensuring girls have access to quality education from an early age is fundamental. Education empowers women, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the world and pursue their aspirations.

Economic empowerment: Providing women with equal access to financial resources and opportunities is vital. This includes fostering entrepreneurship, promoting equal pay for equal work, and dismantling discriminatory practices in the workplace.

Healthcare: Ensuring women have access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare, including reproductive health services, is crucial. This contributes to their well-being, empowers them to make informed choices about their bodies, and creates a healthier future for generations to come.

Political participation: Increasing

women’s participation in political and decision-making processes is essential. When women are at the table, their voices and perspectives are heard, contributing to more inclusive and responsive policies.

Individual and collective action

International Women’s Day is not just a single day of celebration; it’s a call to action. Everyone, regardless of gender, has a role to play in advancing gender equality.

You can help by empowering women in your communities: Support initiatives focused on women’s education, health, and economic empowerment.

Always challenge bias and discrimination: Speak out against gender stereotypes and inequalities whenever and wherever you encounter them.

Be a mentor and advocate for women: Share your knowledge and experience with women, and advocate for their inclusion and advancement.

Embracing “Inspire Inclusion”

The “Inspire Inclusion” campaign theme plays a crucial role in this year’s event. When we inspire others to understand and value the inclusion of women, we create a more welcoming and equitable environment for everyone.

This goes beyond merely ensuring women are present; it’s about valuing their unique perspectives, contributions, and experiences. It’s about fostering an environment where women feel empowered to share their voices, take initiative, and lead in various spheres.

Celebrating the journey, building a brighter future

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the incredible journey women have taken, acknowledge the challenges that remain and commit to forging a future where women thrive. By investing in women, fostering inclusion, and taking action towards gender equality, we can build a future that benefits everyone, leaving a legacy of progress and empowerment for generations to come.

Remember, the work towards gender equality is ongoing, and International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we all share. Let’s continue to invest in women, inspire inclusion and, together, build a brighter future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Enjoy the amazing stories women share in this issue - and let them inspire you!

Empowering connections: City Girl Network’s blueprint for business in the Social Network 2.0 era

Belong where you are. Four poignant words at the very heart of the City Girl Network’s Mission for the last eight years. Four words that, even if you’re not one of the 125,000 City Girls within our nationwide community, are likely part of your own social mission too.

For those new to the City Girl Network, it was sparked by a beach walk along Hove Promenade in 2016. I moved to Brighton as a graduate in 2015, with the dream of building my adult life in the city. But within months, I felt profoundly lost and disconnected from the city. One day, I took a walk along the seafront and saw a girl who looked just like me staring out to sea,

IWD Special

and found myself wondering if she felt as lonely as I did. It was in that moment that I decided to create ‘Brighton Girl’, a community for women to connect, inspire and empower each other.

The reaction was incredible. Within months we had a volunteer team hosting events and writing content, with thousands joining our Brighton Girl Facebook Group (now at 31,000 members). By the end of 2016, we

expanded to two more cities, and the City Girl Network was born. I left my marketing career in January 2017 to focus on growing the business.

Over the last eight years, the City Girl Network has grown to 18 communities, including Worthing and Rural Sussex, and we’ve recently built a professional network called the City Girl Creatives for members working across the creative economy.

Our impact to this point has been helping over 125,000 women across 18 UK communities to find friends, business connections, jobs, housemates, travel companions, businesses, campaigns and charities to support, as well as things to do in their local community and beyond. We have also helped thousands of women to break free from vulnerable situations, including domestic and sexual violence, and exploitation.

We have found belonging in the lives of over 125,000 City Girls; as have our advertising partners.

The power of the City Girl Network is deep rooted in its ability to live as vibrantly offline as it does online. Thousands of City Girls start their morning by offering advice and recommendations on our social networks, to go to work at a job found through our network. They discuss the latest conversations in their office, and ask their City Girl Community for the best corporate lawyer to go to for their new project. As well as dress, nail, brow and lash recommendations for their next City Girl Party.

68.7% of consumers prefer to purchase from brands that they interact with in an online community. Imagine how much higher that number is for brands who are fully immersed into a community like ours.

Hundreds of business owners have planted the seed for their business idea within their City Girl Network, and found their customers and suppliers through our recommendations. They’ve attended City Girl Approved training, found their next hire through us, and their property and employment lawyers, too.

Fewer than 10% of CEOs at UK FTSE 350 companies are female, but as the City Girl Network grows, that number will too.

This synergy between digital conversations and real-life outcomes underpins the growth trajectory of community-led businesses in the 2020s. This space isn’t just about engaging conversations or digital interfaces; it’s about crafting Social Network 2.0 — a realm where meaningful interactions reflect the richness of human behavior and relationships.

People over profit. Profit led by people

The essence of our success lies in our commitment to blending these spaces, serving as a model for how businesses can adapt, thrive, and genuinely connect in today’s hybrid world. It’s a space where digital engagement translates into real-world influence, embodying the practical application of social networks evolving to meet human needs for interaction, support, and community.

Where Social Network 1.0 was about creating Parasocial Relationships, Social Network 2.0 is about creating Actual Relationships and offering multidimensional opportunities to connect with customers.

The tech, operations and marketing approach for our ambitious, high-scale product launching over the next 18 months are all underpinned by the Social Network 2.0 model. With our recent launch of the City Girl Creatives for example, we have encapsulated the multi-hyphenate and hybrid nature of the creative economy in a way that is unique from other networks –capturing a range of data points to grow an impactful community.

Whilst this piece champions the Social Network 2.0 approach for growing impact and profit, it’s important to highlight its synergy with this year’s International Women’s Day theme of #InspireInclusion. Both require acknowledgement of the complex, multifaceted nature of being human, and the integral importance of each person resonating with four simple words: belonging where they are.

www.citygirlnetwork.com

Bridging Brighton: How April Baker and Anne Ackord are leading the community with compassion and connection

In the vibrant heart of Brighton, two remarkable women, April Baker and Anne Ackord, are forging paths of unity and joy, proving that leadership and community spirit can indeed go together.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, their story of innovation, collaboration and compassion serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for communities far and wide.

April Baker, CEO of Together Co, a charity dedicated to combatting loneliness and social isolation in Brighton and Hove, has been at the forefront of creating meaningful connections within the community.

With a mission that resonates more deeply in today’s fast-paced world, Together Co focuses on befriending, social prescribing and volunteering services, striving to ensure that no one in the city feels alone.

On the other side of this dynamic partnership stands Anne Ackord, CEO of Brighton Pier Group plc, owners of Brighton Palace Pier, an iconic landmark that draws millions of visitors each year.

Under her guidance, the pier has not only been a source of entertainment but

has also become a crucial community space, hosting events and initiatives that foster togetherness and belonging.

The strength of their collaboration shone through at the Pier2Peer event during Loneliness Awareness Week in June 2023, a campaign that celebrated the pier as a place of connection.

Symbolising their shared vision, the event attracted more than 150 guests and garnered attention from The New York Times, BBC Southeast, BBC Radio Sussex, BBC Radio London,

and other regional news outlets. The international interest underscored the global relevance of their local efforts, highlighting the power of community spaces in combating loneliness.

It even caught the attention of Swiss News Channel SRF, who filmed a six-minute piece on loneliness with Together Co and Brighton Palace Pier, which was broadcast nationally in Switzerland, and online globally, over Christmas last year.

Both Together Co and Brighton Palace Pier embody the essence of their leaders: innovative, communityfocused and deeply committed to social wellbeing. April Baker and Anne Ackord’s leadership showcases how charities, and the business sector can collaborate effectively, achieving remarkable outcomes that resonate both locally and internationally.

April Baker reflects on their collaboration:

“Working together with Brighton Palace Pier has allowed us to reach new heights in our fight against loneliness.

“Anne’s visionary leadership and the pier’s iconic status have opened new avenues for community engagement and support.”

Anne Ackord shares a similar sentiment: “Our partnership with Together Co exemplifies the pier’s commitment to the Brighton community.

“April’s passion and the charity’s impactful work inspire us to use our space for more than entertainment; it’s about creating lasting connections and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.”

Their initiatives have not only addressed the critical issue of loneliness but have also sparked conversations about the necessity for innovative community solutions.

By leveraging the pier’s appeal and Together Co’s network, April and Anne have laid a foundation for a more connected and supportive Brighton. The impact of their work extends beyond the events they have hosted; it is about setting a precedent for how businesses and charities can unite for the greater good.

The success stories from their collaborations, featured in outlets like PIERS magazine, serve as a blueprint for other communities striving to tackle similar challenges.

As Brighton continues to navigate the complexities of modern life, the leadership of April Baker and Anne Ackord offers a powerful reminder of the importance of community, collaboration, and compassion.

As we look to the future, the partnership between Together Co and Brighton Palace Pier continues to inspire, demonstrating the incredible potential where charity meets commerce, led by women who are as determined as they are compassionate.

It is a collaboration that not only brings

Brighton together, but also sets a benchmark for cities worldwide to follow, proving that together we are stronger.

Excitement is already building for the next event, especially with the announcement that Mr Motivator, the renowned fitness instructor and motivational speaker known for his energetic television workouts and positive messages, will be joining them.

His involvement promises to add a dynamic and uplifting element to their efforts, encouraging even more people to come together for health, happiness, and community.

For those who are inspired by the work of April and Anne and wish to become a part of this transformative project, you are encouraged to reach out.

By connecting with April Baker at ceo@ togetherco.org.uk, you can find out more about participating in or supporting their upcoming initiatives.

Giving voice to our stories

As we embrace the theme of #InspiringInclusion for this year’s International Women’s Day, Helen Packham finds herself reflecting on her journey - a journey marked by challenges, self-discovery and irony.

My corporate career, which at points was focused on nurturing future leaders within financial services organisations, had a goal to achieve a 50/50 gender balance at senior levels. This has always been important to me as I have witnessed the challenges women have faced, including myself, many times over in my career.

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I vividly recall a time when, despite her qualifications and experience, a female Managing Director couldn’t officially join the board, or even sit on the same floor as her male colleagues solely because of her gender. That was in 2005, and though progress has been made, the journey towards true inclusion continues.

However, my confession feels somewhat hypocritical. I, too, contributed to the unbalanced statistics of women leaders in senior positions, when I stepped away from my corporate career after becoming a mother. I wasn’t prepared for the colossal impact it would have on my brain capacity, confidence and identity within the workplace.

I was diagnosed with postnatal anxiety disorder and was having a hard time functioning in seemingly normal situations. I remember having to run out of a meeting and throw up in the toilet for fear of the spotlight being put on me. And the irony of this is, I had carved out a career that involved ‘standing up’ in front of people on a daily basis, and training and coaching

leaders to be more effective in their behaviour and communication.

It got to a point where the negative self talk and limiting beliefs were showing up in my performance. So I ran away. I left the career I had been building since I was 18 years old, vowed never to stand up in front of a room full of people again, and kept myself safe and small at home. I lost my voice and didn’t feel worthy of it any more.

That voice would eventually be given space to emerge again through counselling, where I realised that my identity as a mother AND a business woman could co exist. So I started to re-define what I stood for and what was important to me. I rediscovered the strengths that could help others,

and what goals I wanted to achieve, including standing in front of an audience again.

Giving a TEDx talk at the Brighton Dome was a pivotal moment in my life. I was able to squash any doubts about my career skills and turn them into something that could really do good in the world. My focus turned to giving voice to many women who wanted to share their stories. I set up programmes, events and workshops all focused on amplifying the voice of women (and men) so that they too could feel brave and courageous and help others with their words.

Returning to the corporate world as a leadership behaviour consultant allowed me to coach leaders on the integral role of communication, and how to present effectively, influence others, speak up and resolve conflict. I was also invited to become a curator and speaker coach for TEDx Moseley which enabled me

to provide a platform for marginlised voices, particularly those of women, to be heard and celebrated.

Through my latest venture, The Words that Change Lives podcast, I continue to explore the power of effective communication in shaping narratives and providing tools and strategies for having more confident, honest conversations.

Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, I am reminded of the importance of supporting each other in our journeys toward inclusion. While I may have stepped away from the corporate ladder, I am grateful for the opportunity to uplift and empower other women as they carve their paths and make their voices heard.

In the pursuit of #InspiringInclusion, let us continue to champion diversity, embrace our stories, and empower each other to create a world where every voice is valued and heard.

Connect with Helen

The Words that Change Lives Podcast is available to listen to here

https://link.chtbl.com/ wordsthatchangelives

Watch Helen’s TEDx talk on Youtube

https://youtu.be/PSeoucDBLJM ?si=zKDD4q5wYBYwiRSJ

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ helenpackham/

Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ helenpackham/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/helen. packham1

The power of personal branding in business - your story is your secret sauce to scaling and growth

Hayley Comber-Berry is the Founder of Founderello, marketing and personal brand agency for Founders, helping them to amplify their presence, visibility and impact both online and offline.

Let’s face it, personal branding works. Consumers are looking to be captivated, edutained and inspired. They want to hear your insights, your experience and your stories. Your story is your secret sauce and it’s as mighty as Thor’s hammer when it comes to creating content… IF it is done right. I’m not talking about

selfies here, although often they have their place, I’m talking about delving into your treasure trove of stories and sharing them to create connections.

More often than not, personal branding gets bad press. It only takes a quick mindless scroll on LinkedIn to see selfie posts, which normally attract a certain level of controversy from the corporate fun police. ‘This isn’t

Facebook’, they hark in their finger shaking droves. The thing is, social media is changing and so is marketing too. If we don’t adapt, we get left behind and that’s not best practice for business. Sure, posting a quick gym selfie may not be seem on the surface like a strategic content decision but actually, when paired with a compelling caption and cleverly integrating a content pillar, it can become the

perfect post. And most importantly, result in increased engagement and inbound lead generation.

Do you remember the crying CEO post? He got some stick online but he also went viral too. The result? A flurry of press activity and generous exposure for the company he worked at. They say that any press is good press but with that, and with the increased use of personal branding comes a very important factor to bear in mind: Only share what you want to share. You absolutely should ringfence the areas of your life and story that you do not wish to discuss. Personal branding doesn’t mean bare all, it means using your stories strategically and with a considered approach.

For example, I shared a vulnerable post on LinkedIn last year that performed very well. I had been accepted to do a

TedX talk about neurodiversity. Having been late diagnosed with ADHD in January last year, I wanted to share my story and raise awareness of how our traits as neurodivergent people can be used as a positive. I was over the moon when I was asked to be a speaker but sadly, I didn’t receive the support that I needed from the organisers of the event, resulting in me having to pull out due to feeling completely overwhelmed. I felt shame and I was embarrassed but I knew that by being vulnerable and honest, I could help others. The result of sharing my experience was inbound enquiries, other speaking opportunities and a podcast invitation as well.

Unfortunately, generic business content is no longer cutting the mustard and customers are eager for more. They want to know the face behind the brand and they crave that connection, first and foremost. It’s that connection that builds a sense of community, trust and knowing, that builds the bedrock for more. Personal branding is storytelling in a strategic way. It’s about strategically sharing your experiences, thoughts and opinions. Visibility creates opportunities and that’s where the sweet spot is.

It can take a certain level of bravery and courage to start to share your story

online. Personally, I have always found it easier to share my story in the national press and on online publications than on social media. Even though that type of press attracts such a higher number of viewers than social media, the latter just feels that little bit more exposing to me. I have spoken about many different subjects and been featured in BBC News, Forbes and in Daily Express, to name but a few. The point is, you can pick and choose where you share your stories, it doesn’t just have to be online. If not social media, pitch to the press or speak on a podcast or even, enter an award. You have many options open to you and although a great tool, social media is one tool in a sea of promotional channels that you have to hand.

You certainly do not need to act fast with it either and go all in. By taking your time and sharing breadcrumbs to begin with, it will help you to build up your confidence and be more comfortable with the idea of sharing. This could look like sharing a story on Instagram, creating a mini v-log of an event that you’ve been to for TikTok or even just responding to other people’s posts on LinkedIn with comments about your experience.

Personal branding isn’t something to fear, it’s something to embrace. However, it should be approached strategically and from a place of readiness. You certainly shouldn’t be opening a can of worms that you can’t close back up. Utilising the magic of your stories, supported by a strategic backbone and a dash of clever copy, you can absolutely use personal branding to power up your business growth.

For more details, visit www.founderello.com or email hello@founderello.com

#InspireInclusion - what can we achieve on International Women’s Day 2024 and

beyond

Alison Jones, a Partner at Kreston Reeves, writes about what International Women’s Day means for her and the accountancy/wealth advice business.

I was very encouraged to meet with a prospective new client recently who told me one of the reasons they chose Kreston Reeves as their accounting and business advisory firm was the clear gender equality within the firm and the

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profile of female partners like me.

We have all worked hard to achieve this in our firm, to maintain a fair and equal culture and we take our purpose and values seriously.

As a firm, we know that a gender, ethnic, age, experience and social background

diverse workplace is a happy and successful one because, by bringing together our differences, we bring a better understanding of our clients goals and objectives and what success looks like to them.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #InspireInclusion and it

aims to ‘imagine a gender equal world which is free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination’. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, and where difference is valued and celebrated.

This year we are hosting in London an International Women’s Day Breakfast roundtable for a number of leading business women from different sectors to discuss this year’s theme, the ongoing issues and challenges they have faced in their careers and also to discuss how a more inclusive working environment can be created.

I’m sure this will lead to some excellent discussion and ideas being shared and we look forward to sharing this to our wider network in due course.

This year, once again, it is hard to believe that, despite this long-running campaign around International Women’s Day and all the positive work that is going on in our workplaces here in the UK, that when we look globally there is still so much inequality which continues for women around the world.

I wonder if we in the business world can do anything to change this for them. I suspect we can, but it is going to take time and that is why it is important to keep plugging away and why highlighting this once a year isn’t enough. We need to action this and have it in the forefront of our minds every day.

In the last six months the devastating effect of the October 7th attacks in Israel, the war taking place in Gaza, the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has now passed the two-year anniversary, all still lead the news agenda.

But, sadly, the inequity and suffering still carries on whilst our attention is turned elsewhere. Afghanistan still leads the way on inequality where there is an indefinite ban on secondary schools

for girls, depriving some 3.5 million teenagers of an education and all the universities are still closed to female students. Women are no longer allowed to go into parks with their children and they are banned from many workplaces. How can it be right that they are being treated in this way?

Throughout the world there are so many inequalities and gender-based crimes that women encounter every day such as Africa and Syria. Pakistan still has significant amounts of domestic abuse and honour killings are prevalent. One in 10 girls in Africa still miss school due to period poverty.

There are times you might feel like me that on the one hand so much has been achieved and yet on the other hand for our sisters overseas, things just get worse.

Women from around the world will gather at the Summer Olympics in Paris in July and August this year and this is a great opportunity to reflect on the hard work and determination and sacrifice which all female athletes make to earn

their place on the team and achieve medal success. I hope it is a moment for all of us to take and reflect. The eternal flame of the Olympic torch is a beacon of hope and I do believe that one day our collective action and the shared ownership for driving gender parity across the world will succeed.

We should all care about rights – human rights and the freedoms that belong to all of us, even if it isn’t always obvious what we can do to make things better.

My thought for this year is that everyone please on this one day stop and spare a thought for all the women and girls across the world that are not as lucky as us. And then make sure for the other 365 days we also give this issue our equal attention and action.

alison.jones@krestonreeves.com www.krestonreeves.com

Meet Rose Macfarlane, leading Irwin Mitchell’s private client offering in Brighton

Rose’s journey to law started in her teens, spending school holidays answering phones in her mother’s small family law practice.

A decade and a half later, with a business degree and two careers under her belt (financial markets, and music video production), and a newborn baby in tow (literally!), Rose embarked on becoming a Solicitor.

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Now, 19 years on, Rose is thrilled to be leading Irwin Mitchell LLP’s private client offering from their newest office in her home city, Brighton.

Wait, baby literally in tow?

I started the Graduate Diploma in Law when my daughter was a month old, so she had to come too. I studied part time attending BPP law college on weekends. My husband gamely joined us and cuddled our daughter during my lectures and classes so that I could feed her between times. It sounds mad, but it worked and I don’t regret a moment. She’s now all grown and in her first year at uni.

You’ve had a couple of career changes?

What prompts us to pursue different professional and economic roles, and by whom and how have we been inspired? Why a teacher, or an entrepreneur? I’ve always been fascinated by people’s career choices and I love to ask my clients. I believe there is more than one career in everyone. Last September I was invited to join a panel of lawyers giving the first lecture of the year to law students at the University of Brighton. I encouraged the students to see

themselves as free to choose different paths at different stages of their lives. In my area of law, having other world experience is beneficial. The incredible loyalty shown by my clients suggests they appreciate my multi-focus view, looking way beyond just the legal, even if they aren’t aware of my background influencing this approach.

So, what is private client law?

People will be familiar with Wills,

trusts and powers of attorney, and the preparation of these documents is often an outcome of my work. I’m really all about people and their families. I’m interested in what motivates them, the mark they hope to leave on this world, and the wealth they wish to pass to their loved ones. I advise on ownership of assets, the taxes which apply to them (particularly inheritance tax), and how best to prepare for succession. This can include steps to mitigate tax, but I find clients are most interested in protecting

their loved ones, including by providing for disabled, elderly or dependents, and enabling their business which they’ve worked hard to build to flourish. It’s a real privilege to get to know my clients, families and businesses in the way that I do and I love that I often advise all generations in a family, in their 80s to those in their 20s.

Do you advise women in business?

You may already notice that amongst your friends and family, there will be women who are the main or only household breadwinner, carving exciting and dynamic careers, or just carrying the family finances through tough times. Women are already economic superheroes.

In 2021, women investors in Western Europe controlled around a third of total assets under management (AUM), or €4.6 trillion. This share is expected to increase rapidly over the next few years, reaching 45 percent of AUM and a total of €10 trillion by 2030. With increasing independent wealth, the sphere of influence of women can expand and become more meaningful.

My firm Irwin Mitchell’s attention to the female space is firmly in support of our clients and communities. We have launched our Female Voice initiative in which we bring together women from professional networks and beyond, putting us at the forefront of supporting women with their wealth planning and protection. We also have a partnership with The Women’s Chapter, a movement for high impact women in business to connect, inspire and thrive; raising our profile beyond our immediate connections.

On International Women’s Day, how are UK women in law fairing?

The historical inequities for women in

the legal space is well known and men remain dominant in management and ownership of law firms, despite 63% of law graduates being women. Pockets of good practice are around, but the overall stats still reflect woeful inequality.

I am proud to be part of a firm which is standout amongst its peers. We have circa 255 partners, of which over half are women. This makes us the leading UK top 50 law firm for UK female partners, according to Law.com. Half our firm’s executive committee and over two thirds of our 900+ lawyers are women. We still have ground to travel in this space, and being recognised in Great Place to Work surveys as one of the UK’s best workplaces for women (not just in law) for three consecutive years shows that the firm is taking strides ahead of the curve.

So Irwin Mitchell has opened an office in Brighton?

At the photoshoot for this special IWD edition, it was a privilege to meet the amazing women who are also being featured. Most hadn’t heard of Irwin Mitchell. I want that to change. We’re one of the largest law firms in the UK, home grown (so not a big international) and we offer a full range of legal services

to individuals, families and businesses. We’ve been covering this region from our offices in Gatwick and along the coast. Now, with a number of brilliant colleagues living in or near Brighton, it’s absolutely the right time for us to be on the doorstep of the vibrant and energetic communities we serve here.

And what next?

For the first time in my career, it’s just a short bus ride from home to office which leaves more time to spend in this inclusive city, forging meaningful connections. There is such a buzz of economic and creative energy; it feels like right now is the time to thrive.

If you’d like to know more about Rose or Irwin Mitchell, or have a legal matter for you or your business you need help with, please contact Rose on the details below. Always happy to meet for coffee or have an initial chat.

Rose Macfarlane – head of private client for Brighton

+44 (0)7867 131498

rose.macfarlane@irwinmitchell.com

Shaking things up - for charities and businesses

Known for her organisation and planning skills, marketer Rachael Dines never planned to be a business owner.

In a way, Rachael Dines has already come full circle. Her teen dream was to work in media and whilst that didn’t happen, in recent years she’s been on live TV, radio and in national newspapers. And despite no longer having the time to be in the organisation, she qualified as a Brownie leader at just 18 because Guiding had given her so many opportunities and she disagreed that only boys should have these (girls could not be Scouts until the

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nineties) - now she is an advocate of International Women’s Day.

Rachael’s business life began solo as a freelancer, was followed by five years in a business partnership and now she’s sole owner of her marketing company, Shake It Up Creative, and loving being at the helm.

In the early 2000’s Rachael was hosting camera crews, sports journalists and corporate sponsors at top-flight professional basketball

matches in a packed Brighton arena, in her first marketing job.

She said: “I didn’t truly know what marketing was, but the job sounded fun and it came with the opportunity for paid study of Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualifications so I jumped on board - it was low pay but very cool, plus I had a Marketing Director to learn from.”

Following the sports marketing role and marketing positions across publishing,

travel and software, the 2008-9 recession rolled in. In a shock announcement, Rachael was made redundant whilst in early pregnancy with her first child. She decided the best option was to set up temporarily as a freelancer.

“My first client came via a friend of my sister’s and that hospitality company ended up working with me for almost six years,” she said. “Their core need was PR but I was a generalist marketer so there was a lot I could help them with. I’d also set myself up properly, with branding, and following a UKTI scholarship to study B2B marketing in Chicago, I then purposefully achieved my Chartered Marketer status for credibility. I didn’t just play at it.”

With the realisation that she had a strong business head despite never thinking that she might work for herself, that temporary plan became an ambition to grow a successful marketing company. In 2015, she cofounded Shake It Up Creative. Keen to make the business stand out, an initiative called ShakeItHUB came to life, a free drop-in session for people

to bring their marketing and website questions to. One lady even travelled down from London to get advice. The initiative grew in awareness and expanded into pop-up sessions across Sussex. When the pandemic hit, Rachael went through a stressful business breakup and ShakeItHUB moved online - it stayed this way as it was more efficient all round.

Rachael said: “A book taught me that my purpose is to help people and I really love helping others, so alongside the profit-making company, the ShakeItHUB hours combined with my other pro bono work (BIPC Sussex, Community Works and The Social Society) is united in the form of a brand promise; Shake It Up Creative gives an hour of free support to a startup or solopreneur for every project it works on and I’m incredibly proud of that.”

Rachael now has three sons and she is a Trustee and the Chair of her youngest’s primary school charity. She is an Ambassador for Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce, an Enterprise Nation Adviser and a Growth Champion for the Coast to Capital LEP. Her Worthing-based marketing and web agency turns ten next year and is going from strength to strength with a couple of awards under its belt and a small team in place. Shake It Up Creative has worked with brand clients including Savile Row Company, BONRAW and Brighton Gin. But the company’s strengths lie within the arts and culture, hospitality and charity sectors, all of which Rachael feels personally connected to.

“I’ve worked in all of these sectors

myself and had clients in each, stretching right back to my freelance days,” she said. “I can’t seem to help but get behind every cause and organisation I work with either; I go to the performances, I eat in the restaurants and I champion the charities, as a company we are all about working in collaboration with our clients and not just for them.”

So what’s next? Shake It Up Creative is launching a new website this year and as part of that, there are some plans that are currently embargoed, as they say in the PR world. The five core creative service areas won’t change though and the company will continue to do a lot of public sector work within funded business support programmes.

When asked about International Women’s Day, Rachael says it’s something she has always supported in her business because she strongly believes in gender equality.

“IWD is a celebration of women’s achievements but more importantly, a day to loudly call for change. If we are to improve gender equity then it should not just be women gathering for IWD events or celebrating each other, we need other genders to do this too. When I held my own IWD event it was inclusive for all, both in terms of the speakers and the audience. For me, this is essential so that we are not just hearing our own echo and we can unite as humanity in driving positive change. I’m honoured to be part of this year’s SBT feature, thank you, and I do hope I see men reading and sharing the stories being told!”

www.shakeitupcreative.com

Crafting powerful stories that drive change

Meet Abi Mellor, Co-Founder and Managing Director of award-winning creative agency MOREVER which supports charities and purpose-led brands.

It’s 2024, yet still very few creative agencies are led by women. Abi Mellor is one of them.

Having earned her stripes at charity heavyweights like The British Heart Foundation and digital agencies where she looked after high profile clients like GlaxoSmithKline and the Department of Health, she co-founded MOREVER with her husband, Creative Director Dan, just a few weeks before the birth of their second child in 2014.

The agency delivers creative campaigns including advertising films, animations and photography to some of the UK’s best loved purpose-led brands and charities, such as The British Red Cross, The Stroke Association and Greenpeace. Its mission is to uncover powerful stories, in any purpose-led sector, and turn them into emotive marketing campaigns that educate, inspire and drive change.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Very few agencies are founded by women, but they’re staffed by a workforce that’s around 55% female. They can be gritty, highly-stressful places to work. Burn-out is common. There’s an opportunity for change, to create a more equitable workplace, where there’s more understanding of the previously taboo subjects that affect women whilst they’re

working, and support for dealing with them. We want to see organisations where women are valued as an asset because of the qualities, such as communication, emotional intelligence and collaboration, that women often bring to the workplace.

International Women’s Day is a small window in which to focus on championing women and our own needs. Every year there’s an opportunity to peel back another layer of the onion, to take that next step towards supporting women properly. That’s definitely something to be celebrated.

Why did you choose to support charities and purpose-led brands?

My mum is of Armenian descent; she was born and grew up in Iraq. She came to England in her mid 20s. Her story and courage have been a source of inspiration to me. I’m eternally thankful for the opportunities that growing up here has given me and feel compelled to use them for good.

Additionally, when I had my children I knew I’d have, and want, to be working alongside raising them. If a job was going to take me away from them, it needed to be meaningful and worthwhile; something to be proud of, that they could be proud of in the future too. Work that drives change for good and has a positive social impact.

What’s the secret to creating advertising campaigns that have impact?

Campaigns have more impact when you draw from the lived experiences of the people the organisation supports. For example, our client, Ben, the automotive charity, needed a film to launch a fundraising campaign at its annual gala dinner, the Ben Ball. Using insights generated from research allowed us to create a film that highlighted the number one source of stress and anxiety for its community. It had a huge impact.

In a sector where getting to the heart of the matter is critical, having strong empathy skills is a superpower. When we worked with Tommy’s, the pregnancy and baby loss charity, I drew on my own experiences of recurrent miscarriage to host a focus group for the project. That helped us unlock previously unspoken thoughts and feelings; it made the campaign infinitely more powerful.

How is MOREVER different from other agencies?

We’re fierce believers in empowering and inspiring women to reach their fullest potential, and are in-tune with the issues and challenges women may

encounter. For example, once a quarter we host a MOREVER Meetup, our fun and supportive event for women working as charity communicators. We get together in person, to share insights into life as a creative in the sector and connect with others in similar roles.The Meetups have been attended by female employees from charities like WaterAid, Bowel Cancer UK and the British Red Cross.

What advice would you give to someone starting their own agency today?

Do it. Don’t just dream it. Take action, break it into steps and make a start.

When we started up, the obvious route was to target smaller projects that we could win more easily. Instead we listed our dream clients and spent months knocking on doors to reach those specific organisations. It was a bold but successful approach; our first few clients included the GHIT Fund, Diabetes UK and Crohns and Colitis UK.

Whilst it’s helpful to listen and learn from others - by reading, listening to podcasts, or talking to successful business owners - it’s also important

to trust your own instincts. Make sure you can hear your own voice above all the noise, and trust your judgement.

What’s next for your business?

There’s a huge party incoming, we’re approaching our 10th anniversary!

To continue to grow. We’ve created a strong blueprint for delivering great work in the charity sector. Recently we’ve seen how relevant this experience is for the ecology sector; where there are so many planet-saving stories to tell. We’re looking forward to adapting our blueprint for new sectors and using it craft campaigns that drive change wherever we can.

To be more. To have more impact.

To watch MOREVER’s award winning films visit: www.morever.co.uk

Abi would love to connect with you on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ in/abimellor/ or via email: abi@morever.co.uk

Abi Mellor attending The Ben Ball with Matt Wigginton, Zara Ross and Rachel Clift from Ben, the automotive industry charity.

From chronic pain to freedom

How Victoria Jahkeline Salomon, Federation of Holistic Therapists Tutor of the Year 2023, created a unique healing methodology that transforms lives.

For so many years, I was in pain. For much of my life, misdiagnosed Coeliac disease left me in agony and unable to function, while generations of family trauma meant that anxiety and depression were never far away.

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I felt like I had tried everything to shift my physical and emotional pain – and I felt like the medical world had failed me.

Then, on a trip to India just over 25 years ago, I discovered the healing power of so-called ‘alternative’ medicine and – for the first time – began to connect my body’s pain with my life experiences.

Fast forward to today, and I’m a qualified therapist specialising in bodywork and mobility. Through gaining qualifications in Clinical Massage, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Medical Acupuncture, Reflexology and more, I’ve been able to help hundreds of people – including myself – to recover from acute and chronic pain or illness.

But in my private practice, I noticed that clients were often coming to me after being in pain for years. Most of them had spent hundreds or even thousands of pounds on chiropractors, osteopaths, physios and other healing modalities. And yet, nothing seemed to be working to relieve their pain in the long term. Then, every time they were in pain, they had to go back to someone else to relieve it.

I believed they could heal themselves, like I had healed myself. So, I started

to teach them what I knew. Teaching and empowering my clients to understand their bodies, their internal alignment and how their bodies and emotions were connected led me to the path I am on today, as the creator of The Ixchel System® and the Get Into Your Body methodology.

What is The Ixchel System?

At its core, The Ixchel System® is a series of courses and workshops designed to bring health and pain relief to all systems of your body.

The system is specifically designed to give you the power to break free from chronic pain by teaching you to understand and rebalance your posture, gait, biomechanics, autonomic nervous system (ANS), nutrition and any genetic or inherited disorders.

Starting with our signature Get Into Your Body courses, all our programmes connect and integrate with one other, creating a systematic, easy-to-follow approach that brings lasting pain relief, sustainable wellness and functional, ongoing emotional and physical health.

The entire system was created from my own life experiences of recovering from pain and trauma, as well as all my experience of working directly with clients who have learnt to heal themselves.

I am so thankful to have been able to reclaim my health and my driving purpose now is to help everyone else to reclaim theirs, to enjoy the freedom of an energised and happy life.

Why aren’t we taught how our bodies work?

Without fail, every single one of my clients asks me why their doctor, physio or osteopath has never shown or told them about what they learn in the Get Into Your Body Methodology.

What’s more, when I work with yoga teachers, other movement therapists and medical students even they wonder why they have never been shown the basics of what I teach in my clinic, workshops and courses.

And my answer is, I don’t know. The practices I teach within The Ixchel System® aren’t complicated. In fact, they’re beautifully simple.

Many of these practices are inspired by my teachers Gary Ward and Chris Sritharan, combining elements of The Anatomy In Motion – Flow Motion Model together with mindfulness to help you feel into, realign and rebalance your whole body.

Remembering how we’re supposed to move

Most joints in your body are designed to move in three directions (known as planes of movement) in particular timing with all of your other joints, in every step you take.

When I first learnt this essential aspect of rehabilitation and preventative movement therapy, I was amazed at how simple it was. Ultimately, the key to being pain-free is simply a by-product of shifting your body mass and moving your body correctly.

Learning these movement skills and the natural relationships that are meant to exist between different parts of my body created extraordinary shifts in my life – and when I started incorporating this approach into my sessions with clients, it revolutionised the results of all my treatments.

We all need to learn to walk well Movement therapy isn’t just yoga poses, pilates moves or a trip to the osteopath or physio – you need to learn to walk well. Your body needs to be reminded how to access its natural, correct postures with every step you take.

Most of us have lost the art of these crucial alignments and continue, step after step, to put imbalance into our bodies.

It’s not just physical issues like sprains that cause imbalances, they can also be a result of emotional experiences like grief and trauma.

To avoid pain, the body collapses or rearranges where its weight is distributed. This creates pressure on joints, disturbs blood flow and impacts the function of all systems in the body.

After a while, the brain has a kind of amnesia about what movement can relieve pressure – as a result, people end up stuck in very narrow or imbalanced alignments.

This is the fundamental place we start from in The Ixchel System® – how you walk.

So, if this article has piqued your curiosity or feels like it could be a lifeline when you need it most, get in touch with me at victoria@ixcheltherapies.co.uk.

We’ll start by looking at how you walk in slo-motion and take it from there into our first Get Into Your Body programme. As I say to everyone: give me just seven weeks, and you’ll see the results.

Find out more about working with Victoria, her programs and workshops and The Ixchel System® at ixcheltherapies.co.uk

Victoria’s book which teaches you all the basics of her methodology, Get Into Your Body Level 1: The Workbook is available from Amazon for just £19.99

Dynamic mother and daughter team who have made inclusivity a guiding principle of fertility

In a world where women continue to break barriers, the story of the Agora Clinic is one that truly exemplifies the essence of empowerment, resilience and inclusivity. At the heart of this narrative lies the dynamic mother and daughter duo of Carole Gilling-Smith and Michele Gilling-Ulph

Carole Gilling-Smith, Founder, CEO and Medical Director of the Agora Clinic

As a newly qualified Doctor 40 years ago, I could think of no better career than one spent dedicated to our National Health Service. I believed passionately in there being no barriers to accessing excellent health care, least of all financial. 20 years later, I was in my dream role as a Consultant Gynaecologist, leading an IVF service in a busy London teaching hospital.

I had set up the first UK service for those living with HIV to have children safely and was leading a large clinical

research team, passionate about delivering equitable healthcare and breaking down barriers. However, I was trapped in a broken health care system and witnessing the decline and fall of our beloved NHS.

I had so many ideas that I wanted to implement that I knew would improve the care our patients received, but red tape blocked me from making those changes. Middle management was mushrooming out of nowhere, so focused on delivering on targets, they had forgotten the existence of both patients and their own workforce. The final straw for me came in 2004, returning to full time work after maternity leave following the birth of my third

child. I was marginalised to a lesser role, no longer allowed to lead, but still expected to work the long hours. Déjà vu, as I had experienced a similar situation after my second child.

That was the catalyst that fuelled a huge leap of faith and why in 2007, during a global recession, and with three young children to raise, I left my secure NHS post to set up the Agora Fertility Clinic in Brighton. I had a very clear vision of what I wanted to do and more importantly I knew I had the balls to do it! I also promised myself I would never work for anyone else again and would move mountains to ensure my staff would never experience what I had been through after having my children.

I would enable them to feel empowered to reach their potential and career goals, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, health, or ethnicity. Not only would we help others to have families, but we would also ensure we always looked after our own.

Over the last 17 years, the Agora has grown to become the largest fertility centre in Sussex, with an exemplary record for fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity and always delivering the best for its staff and its patients. I feel that much of the dream I had as a young doctor has been fulfilled as across our three clinics in Brighton, Eastbourne, and Worthing, 70% of our patients enjoy fully funded NHS fertility care, delivered with no waiting time, the highest success rates in London and the South-East and exceptional patient support every step of the way. We have also become national and international leaders in the delivery of inclusive fertility care, standing as a beacon of inspiration to so many in the realm of fertility clinics.

My father warmly advised my husband before we got married that I had been a very single minded and obstinate child, never letting things stand in my way. I openly admit that was true and I do also have a habit of challenging conventional thinking. At 16 I was one of only a handful of girls to break with tradition by attending my older brother’s all-male school and followed this by being one of the first few girls to study medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge. During my specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (the care of women’s sexual and reproductive health) I was repeatedly advised that less than 10% of women became consultants as, apparently, ‘we have babies’ which it seems is our downfall and barrier to surviving in surgical specialties. It did strike me as an odd reason for career failure as having

children does make us rather good at understanding the whole fertility and childbirth thing! I have never viewed my gender as an obstacle, just an excuse to rise to any challenge with the same energy and passion as my male counterparts, with the added benefit of greater stamina which is one advantage our gender confers on us.

Never in my wildest dreams as a medical student did I imagine I would become the only female founder, sole owner and CEO of a large IVF centre in the UK. That happened as a by-product of trying to achieve my vision of a better healthcare system. I don’t care much for the politicians, but I just wish one of them would come down to visit the Agora to learn about how things should be done if they want to mend our broken healthcare system. What they would see is a meticulously organised and highly efficient model of care, making the best use of limited NHS financial resources and one in which both strong leadership and high EQ are key.

They would observe empowered, happy staff living our values of wisdom, honesty and compassion every day of their lives and the impact that positive culture has on patient care and staff wellbeing. What they wouldn’t find is ‘middle management’ eating up precious financial resources, just highly skilled and well trained medical, nursing, scientific, administrative and financial teams that enjoy networking together on a daily basis using a quality management system to define, implement, measure and improve every aspect of the care they deliver. They would drop in on a large family, where

inclusivity is the norm and everyone commits to serve each other as well as our patients. They would see an independent healthcare provider that can ethically deliver private and NHS services seamlessly side by side, with no difference in patient experience.

I often refer to the Agora as my ‘4th baby’ and watching her grow has also been a huge part of my family’s life so I could not have been more delighted when my ‘first baby’, Michele, chose to join our team 6 years ago after graduating from university. She now works tirelessly as our Director of Operations, with unwavering dedication to our cause, and a passion for always delivering the best for our staff and patients. We couldn’t be more aligned in our vision!

Together we are conceiving and delivering a better future, filled with possibilities, for all those to come to us for help to have a family, as well as for those who join our Agora family.

For more information on the Agora please visit www.agoraclinic.co.uk

Michele Gilling-Ulph, Director of Operations at the Agora Clinic

As the Director of Operations at the Agora Clinic, I am privileged to work alongside my mother, Carole Gilling-Smith, the CEO and Founder of our esteemed institution.

Our journey together in running one of the most inclusive fertility clinics in the UK has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the importance of empowerment, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to supporting women in all facets of their lives.

At the Agora Clinic, inclusivity isn’t just a goal; it’s our guiding principle. From our diverse workforce to our unwavering commitment to supporting women at every stage of their reproductive lives, we have created a

sanctuary where every individual feels valued and respected.

My passion for supporting women in the workplace runs deep, fuelled by the example set forth by my mother, Carole. Raised by an inspirational woman who defied conventions and blazed her own trail, I am endlessly grateful for the invaluable lessons she has imparted along the way. Working alongside her, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges that women face, particularly when balancing work and motherhood. But my mother proved it was possible.

I have such fond memories of the

quality family time I had growing up with my parents and siblings. Looking back, I feel inspired that my mother truly was determined to do it all without compromising her time with her children. We truly value family time and know that creating a working life that supports this is essential for our employee’s wellbeing. Together, Carole and I are rewriting the narrative, proving that it’s possible to thrive in both spheres without compromise.

Our joint aim to support women at all stages of their lives, including when they have young families, is at the core of everything we do. In a society where

the demands of motherhood can often feel overwhelming, the Agora Clinic stands as a beacon of hope, a safe haven, where women can navigate the complexities of their own fertility, and at a later stage in their lives the menopause, with dignity and grace.

At a time when more and more women are wanting reproductive autonomy, the Agora is championing their cause by offering programs such as egg freezing, solo motherhood and egg donation which means women can now choose when and how to have a family.

I am extremely fortunate to have taken on the role on egg donation coordinator in 2020 which not only gave me a huge insight into the gift of egg donation, but also helped me to find ways of overcoming many of the obstacles such as the huge shortage of donors and long waiting times. I am very proud of where the Agora is today with its own egg bank, a wealth of egg donation options and the ability to offer our patients no waiting time to be matched to their ideal donor.

Carole and I have always strived for a vision of inclusivity and belonging. It is for this reason that we have created our clinics as a safe space where we accept that no two journeys are the same. This thinking has enabled us to become welcoming arms to those who may otherwise feel shunned by society. We are proud to be able to offer bespoke and unique services to the LGBTQ+ community such as supporting those seeking a family through surrogacy where our pathway is unique; our intended parents benefit from free Q&A sessions from the outset followed by regular check ins along the way to make sure they and the surrogate and egg donor are all carefully coordinated and supported at every step.

I am in awe of my mother’s unwavering

determination and resilience, qualities that have shaped not only her career but also my own journey. I started as a volunteer at the Agora from a young age, working during the school holidays. During this time, I learnt a great deal about female reproductive health and the challenges of infertility and began to understand the huge emotional toll that a fertility journey can have. I joined her working team full time after graduating from University, and felt privileged to become a part of the world she had created at the Agora along with her wisdom, honesty and compassion that she has shared with me along the way. Working alongside her, I am inspired every day to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, knowing that together, we can deliver a more inclusive future for all.

The Agora Clinic is more than just a place of work; it’s a community, a family bound by a shared commitment to making a difference. In the corridors of our clinic, amidst the whirlwind of consultations and treatments, there is a palpable sense of purpose, a shared belief in the power of women to shape their destinies and change

the world. I have enjoyed setting up our own Workplace Wellbeing program to support our staff and to educate other businesses on the importance of considering the impact of the fertility journey on their staff through our educational workplace seminars and fertility policies.

As the sun sets on another day at the Agora Clinic, I look ahead with optimism, knowing that the work we do today will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. Empowerment isn’t just a destination, it’s a journey, and I am honoured to walk this path alongside my mother and the incredible team at the Agora Clinic. Together, we dream of a future where inclusivity knows no bounds, a future where every woman can embrace her reproductive journey, whenever and however she wants, with autonomy, courage and conviction and with our full support.

For more information on the Agora please visit www.agoraclinic.co.uk

The power of meaningful marketing: Building lasting connections in the digital world

Stephanie Prior, Director of Prior Media & Marketing, explores why businesses should promote more than their products and services, when communicating with their target audience.

In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of marketing, the significance of meaningful connections cannot be overstated. In an era dominated by digital platforms and constant information overload, consumers are

IWD Special

not just seeking products or services; they are yearning for experiences that resonate with their values and aspirations. This shift in consumer behaviour underscores the importance of meaningful marketing strategies that go beyond mere transactions, aiming to establish deep and lasting connections with the audience.

Meaningful marketing involves creating campaigns and interactions that extend beyond the immediate goal of selling a product or service. It revolves around building a brand narrative that aligns with the values, beliefs, and aspirations of the target audience. This approach recognises that consumers are not just buying a product; they are investing in

a brand that reflects their identity and contributes to their sense of purpose.

Authenticity

At the heart of meaningful marketing lies authenticity. Modern consumers can discern genuine efforts from mere marketing gimmicks. Brands that genuinely embrace their values and communicate them authentically are more likely to establish trust and loyalty among their customer base. Authenticity creates a bridge between the brand and the consumer, creating a sense of connection that transcends the transactional nature of business.

Emotional connections

Meaningful marketing aims to tap into the emotional reservoir of consumers. By creating campaigns that evoke emotions, brands can leave a lasting impact on their audience. Emotional connections are powerful drivers of brand loyalty, as consumers are more likely to remember how a brand made them feel rather than the specifics of a product or service. Whether it’s joy, inspiration, or empathy, emotions play a pivotal role in forging lasting connections.

Social responsibility and purpose

In today’s socially conscious landscape, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and purpose. Meaningful marketing goes beyond profit margins and highlights a brand’s efforts to make a positive impact on society. From diversity and inclusion campaigns to eco-friendly initiatives and community outreach programs, brands that align with social causes resonate more deeply with consumers who prioritise values-driven choices.

Tailored experiences

Meaningful marketing recognises the individuality of consumers and seeks to provide personalised experiences. By utilising data analytics and technology, brands can tailor their messaging and offerings to match the unique preferences and needs of their audience. Personalisation not only enhances customer satisfaction but also reinforces the idea that the brand understands and values each customer on a personal level.

Building a sustainable relationship

The power of meaningful marketing lies in its ability to build sustainable, long-term relationships with customers. While transactional interactions may result in short-term gains, it is the emotional and meaningful connections that transform one-time buyers into

loyal advocates for the brand. In an era where consumer choices are vast, creating a sense of loyalty can be a key differentiator for businesses.

In the fast-paced world of marketing, the power of meaningful connections cannot be ignored. Brands that go beyond superficial transactions and invest in creating authentic, emotional, and purpose-driven relationships with their audience are better positioned to thrive in the digital age.

By understanding the values and aspirations of their consumers, businesses can leverage meaningful marketing to not only drive sales but also to leave a lasting and positive impact on society. Ultimately, in the realm of meaningful marketing, the true measure of success lies in the depth and authenticity of the connections forged between brands and their consumers.

Prior Media & Marketing Ltd takes on a creative approach to implement and deliver meaningful marketing campaigns. The aim is to help your brand stand out against the crowd and maximise on business opportunities.

With over 10 years’ experience specialising in marketing and business development in the corporate, fashion, and community sector, Prior Media & Marketing is passionate about helping you to communicate why your brand is important to your prospective and existing customers.

For more information on how we can support your marketing strategy, please don’t hesitate to contact Stephanie Prior at: stephanie@prior-media.com

Effortless style and affordable fashion: the Velvet way

Meet Emma Draper and Gemma Vaughan, the dynamic duo behind brilliant independent fashion and gift store Velvet, as they scale new heights in 2024 and beyond.

Velvet is a retail institution set in the heart of Hove and currently enjoying its 24th year of trading. A magnificent independent store, full of wonderful fashion, homeware and lifestyle products, it is situated on the busy main street of Hove, Church Road.

As with most success stories, there is a fundamental narrative involving difficult personal journeys, passionate and inspired ideas, followed by years of hard work and unswerving commitment to put them in to practice and make them stick.

CEO and Founder Emma and MD Gemma are here to provide the detail that goes into making retail gold from the very bare bones of a simple great idea.

Back in 2000, Emma Draper started the whole Velvet story when she opened her very first store in Brighton’s North Laine in partnership with her wonderful mum, Iris. The Velvet name moved around the city a few times until landing at the current Hove location is 2009.

They have more than 2,500 square feet of retail space over two floors and the essence of the brand is finding that perfect blend of affordability and style. They have achieved this rare gift of retail alchemy by keeping things fresh, always on the hunt for new ideas and never afraid of trying something, whilst always keeping to the Velvet ethos.

In Gemma’s words: “It is the constant ability to adapt and change to follow market trends, delivered with excellent customer service and a personal touch. We have a wonderful vibe throughout the team and we do our best to communicate this through to our customers. It’s never less than hard work but we really do have fun here, and the whole team gets involved in making it happen, each and every day.”

Joining the business in 2009 as a sales assistant, Gemma has grown with the

business and last year was promoted to become Velvet’s first ever Managing Director, an appointment that put the stamp of authority on her impressive rise through the ranks. Gemma’s’ role is pivotal in making Velvet stay ahead of the pack when it comes to retail excellence. She has a firm hand in all the key decision making, works alongside Emma in sourcing all the new lines and creating the seasonal edits, manages the 18 strong team of great women that you will see across the store each day. She helps to design and create the breath-taking window displays and

instore experience, and is primarily responsible for the entertaining and ever gowing Velvet Instagram page.

For Emma, her partner in crime is essential to making Velvet what it is today and she doubles down on the essentials of the business, as well as the customer focussed ethos that she has instilled in every single one of the Velvet team.

“You have to always put the customer first in all your deliberations and by adhering to this first principal, it makes the rest of the decision-making process so much easier,” she says. “You could easily get carried away with ideas on how to make the store the ideal retail experience but if you depart from that simple principle, you can easily get lost and end up with a confusing offer.

“We always seek to change things when it’s right to do so, but this must never be at the cost of the overall brand message. Allied to that principle is affordability, and in the current uncertain economic

climate, it is even more important to find the right balance between style and cost. We would never compromise on quality and always seek to sell a range of products that we are proud to wear ourselves and have the confidence in our suppliers that we can consistently deliver on this, week in, week out.

“But still the most rewarding aspect of working at Velvet is witnessing the delight that our customers experience from our store environment and our selection of wonderful products. It’s always a joy and a pleasure to meet them and get to know them better and understand what they are looking for from our store”.

For Emma, there are other exciting plans on the horizon as she continues to develop the Velvet brand and grow her secondary business Velvet Property Ltd. She explains: “Though Velvet the store will always be my first love and main priority, I have also been carefully building a property portfolio of local, high-spec apartments and will

continue to dedicate time and energy to growing that business at the same time. It’s a really enjoyable project to have alongside the retail business and also one that has great potential for the future.”

Over the past year, Emma has also somehow found time out of her busy schedule to deliver some wise words at various public events, and after winning the prestigious Dynamic Awards, Sussex & Surrey Business Woman of the Year in 2023, she is enjoying finding her voice, in particular to highlight the role of women in her own business life and the potential for young women to achieve great things in their own careers.

To find out more about Velvet and the magnificent team of great women, visit www.velvetstore.co.uk or check out the Instagram feed @velvethove

Shattering the glass ceiling - embrace empowerment in your career journey

Meet Alex Young, an expert in career and workplace culture. She specialises in setting up shared workspaces across the UK, supporting thousands of organisations in their growth.

Alex Young is a Director at Projects, a shared work space with two thriving buildings in Brighton and ambitious plans for further openings across the UK. Her vision for the flexible work space industry is deeply rooted in the belief that the creation of inspiring and inclusive workspaces not only empowers individuals to achieve their best but also inspires them to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable future.

Alex’s passion for empowerment extends beyond work spaces. She is the Founder of Favourite Positions, an online platform, accompanied by a podcast and event series, which is dedicated to assisting individuals in uncovering and pursuing their passions. Through interviews with thought-leaders, she aims to prove that finding what you love to do is possible, irrespective of one’s life stage. She’s built an audience of over 10k followers organically and her work has been featured on the BBC and

Channel 4, as well as Cosmopolitan, Metro and Start Up Magazine.

Alex shares her views on why it’s so important to align yourself with people that genuinely want to see you succeed in order to progress in your career.

She said: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I think it’s imperative that we also reflect on the challenges women face in the workplace, especially regarding recognition and advancement.

In many professional environments, women encounter barriers that hinder their progress and stifle their accomplishments. One prevalent issue is the lack of acknowledgment and celebration for their contributions, often overshadowed by gender biases and ageism.

“Reflecting on my journey, I recall the days when I poured my heart and soul into my work, striving for validation from my employers. Early in my career, I sacrificed all of my personal time, skipped lunches and remained tethered to my phone all evening and throughout the weekends, just in case my bosses ‘needed’ me, all in pursuit of professional success. I’d often come in on my annual leave because I’d been asked by the CEOs ‘just to be around’. This relentless pursuit for recognition took its toll on my health. I endured physical and emotional strain, grappling with stress-related symptoms that I became unable to ignore (hair loss, amenorrhea and brain fog, to name a few).

“In hindsight, I realise that my employers’ lack of support was a stark wake-up call. They failed to recognise me as a whole person, not just a worker. It was a hard truth to accept, but I am grateful for the lessons learned. I’ve come to understand the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising self-care and not entrusting my well-being to others who do not prioritise it.”

Alex adds: “Now, I find myself in a

different place entirely. At Projects, I am fortunate to work with a team that champions me, celebrates my successes as if they were their own and has my back at every turn. We work together to ensure that each team member can thrive in a sustainable way.

“I firmly believe that we all have a role to play in making our workforces as fair and positive as possible, no matter our role in a business. Improving women’s experiences in the workplace requires concerted efforts from organisations and policymakers but also from us, as individuals, too.

“It’s a harsh reality to acknowledge that sometimes, leaving a role that you love becomes necessary for selfpreservation. No job should compromise one’s health and no company should overlook the well-being of its employees. The decision to walk away is daunting, but the alternative—suffering and being held back—is far worse.”

Staying in environments where contributions are undervalued perpetuates a cycle of marginalisation and stifles personal growth. Together, we can refuse to tolerate workplaces that disregard our worth, says Alex. By refusing to accept less than we deserve, we challenge the systemic oppression of women in the workforce and create space for meaningful growth and fulfilment.

Looking to make a move? Here are

some green flags to look out for when it comes to organisations that are breaking down barriers:

1. They ensure equal pay and benefits (they should report openly on these)

2. They address unconscious biases in their hiring, promotions and performance evaluations. Also, they retain women at all levels of the organisation

3. They offer flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid roles, flexible hours and job-sharing and they promote work-life balance through realistic workload expectations and by providing shared parental leave

4. They provide mentorship, leadership programmes and networking events to help women build confidence and advance their careers

5. They are advocates for policies and legislation that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as affordable childcare options and antidiscrimination laws

In conclusion, Alex says: “To all the women out there facing obstacles in their careers: know that there are allies who will champion your cause, celebrate your successes and empower you to reach greater heights. Don’t settle for environments where your light is dimmed—embrace change, seek opportunities where you’re celebrated and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.”

Changing the face of technology…together

By Grace Prior, Co-Founder of Silicon Brighton.

Silicon Brighton is a not-for-profit with a mission to drive digital growth across the South East. Our purpose is to put Brighton on the map and spotlight the city and the region for talent and investment.

A vibrant tech hub known for fostering innovation and collaboration, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the power of bringing passionate, knowledgeable people together.

Magic really can happen! We’ve seen the community come together during challenging times such as lockdown to tackle common issues that affect the industry, as well as individuals providing each other with peer-to-peer support to navigate difficulties and collectively explore opportunities.

Among the challenges that persist, one stands out prominently: the persistent lack of diversity. Referred to frequently, we know that diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental driver of

innovation and progress. Despite our collective efforts, the tech industry remains predominantly homogenous. Recognising this reality, we’ve made it our responsibility to confront this issue head-on, harnessing the community and using our programme of activity as a catalyst for change.

Community engagement serves as a cornerstone of our approach to fostering diversity in tech. By nurturing a supportive and inclusive culture, we create a space where individuals from

diverse backgrounds feel welcome and empowered to pursue their aspirations in technology. Through networking events, workshops, and mentorship programmes, we strive to cultivate an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Events play a pivotal role in driving diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity within the industry. From hackathons to panel discussions, these gatherings provide invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.

Representation matters. Visible role models who inspire and empower the next generation are hugely important. At Silicon Brighton, we prioritise hosting events that celebrate diversity and showcase a wide range of voices and perspectives. By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, we not only foster a sense of belonging but also facilitate meaningful connections and opportunities for growth.

Accessibility is another key focus area for us. We recognise that systemic barriers often hinder individuals from underrepresented groups from fully participating in the tech community. That’s why we’re committed to making our

events as accessible as possible, from making them free to attend, to offering live streaming options, to ensuring venues are wheelchair accessible. By removing these barriers, we strive to create a more inclusive environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to participate and thrive.

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We firmly believe that diversity of thought, background, and experience drives innovation and creativity. That’s why we actively seek out speakers, panellists, and workshop facilitators who represent a diverse range of perspectives. By amplifying underrepresented voices and shining a spotlight on their contributions, we challenge existing stereotypes and inspire others to embrace diversity in their own work. This not only encourages young talent from underrepresented groups but also challenges existing stereotypes.

Education and awareness are also integral components of our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in tech. Through our events, we aim to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and provide resources and support for individuals looking to enter

or advance within the industry. From career development workshops to diversity-focused panel discussions, we strive to equip our community with the knowledge and tools they need to effect positive change.

Furthermore, accountability is key, and transparency is crucial. Companies must be willing to publicly disclose their diversity data and hold themselves accountable for progress. It also allows us to benchmark against other businesses and track change.

Ultimately though, achieving a more fairly represented sector requires a collective effort and takes collaboration. We need to work together - governments, corporations, educational institutions, and other community organisations to drive meaningful change. By leveraging our collective resources and expertise, we can create a more diverse and inclusive tech ecosystem.

At Silicon Brighton, we’re focussing on harnessing the power of community and events, in order to create a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

The doctors treating women’s health needs with a tailored approach

We meet Dr. Olivia Hum and Dr. Zoe Schaedel, founders of Myla Health.

Dr. Olivia Hum and Dr. Zoe Schaedel, both NHS GPs with a collective experience of 32 years, founded Myla Health in response to the unmet needs of their female patients within the NHS. Specialising in women’s health, they further honed their expertise by undergoing advanced menopause training at Guy’s Hospital in London in

2019 and becoming British Menopause Society specialists. Disheartened by the NHS’s inability to provide the necessary time and care for their female patients, they established Myla Health to offer comprehensive healthcare services tailored specifically to women.

Myla Health operates across five bases in Sussex and Kent, offering appointments to women seeking

specialist care. They collaborate with a team of associate doctors who provide appointments in Sheffield, Exeter, and through online consultations. This strategic expansion ensures accessibility to quality healthcare services for women across the whole of the UK, and payment plans make the prices more accessible to reach as many women as possible. Myla Health’s doctors also contribute to enhancing knowledge

within the medical profession, teaching thousands of doctors throughout the country over the last three years.

In recent years, there has been a surge in national interest in women’s health, with a growing emphasis on the responsibility of workplaces to support and care for their employees. The average person in the UK spends a significant portion of their life at work, and there is now a heightened awareness of the importance of investing in employee wellbeing. Studies have shown that prioritising employee health and wellness can lead to reduced sickness absence, increased performance, and higher productivity levels. Fostering a supportive work environment that prioritises health not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to organisational success and sustainability.

The ‘menopause revolution’ of the past few years, catalysed by groundbreaking documentaries like the one featuring Davina McCall in May 2021, has brought significant attention to the impact of menopause on women’s lives, particularly in the workplace. Previously shrouded in stigma and misconceptions, menopause is now being openly discussed, leading to a better understanding of its symptoms and their implications. It is now recognised that hormonal changes during perimenopause can manifest in various cognitive and psychological symptoms, often affecting work performance and productivity.

In their clinic, Dr. Hum and Dr. Schaedel frequently encounter women grappling with cognitive and psychological symptoms such as “brain fog,” characterised by difficulties in concentration, memory, and mental sharpness. Many women describe feeling like they are “wading through treacle’. They describe struggling to

articulate thoughts and find words, especially in professional settings such as business meetings or presentations. These symptoms are often accompanied by anxiety, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates the challenges women face at work.

The consequences of untreated menopausal symptoms are significant, leading to a decline in performance, loss of confidence, and withdrawal from workplace participation. Many women, particularly older ones who experienced menopause before the recent surge in awareness, have faced job loss or abandonment of career aspirations due to untreated symptoms. The statistic that one in ten women has left a job due to menopause underscores the urgent need for workplace policies and support systems that address women’s health issues.

It’s not just menopausal women who face challenges in the workplace due to health issues. Younger women also encounter obstacles related to menstrual health and fertility treatment. Research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) revealed that over two-thirds of women experience negative impacts at work due to menstrual symptoms, with a significant portion taking sickness absence as a result. Despite these widespread challenges, many employees feel unable to discuss their health concerns with their managers, perpetuating a culture of silence and stigma surrounding women’s health issues in the workplace.

Fertility treatment presents another area of concern for women in the workforce, with only a quarter of employers having policies addressing this issue. The demanding nature of fertility treatment, both physically and emotionally, requires flexibility and understanding from employers. However, many women feel compelled to keep their struggles hidden

from their managers, fearing judgement or repercussions. This lack of support can lead to increased stress, and ultimately impact their ability to perform effectively at work.

As women’s health experts, Dr. Hum and Dr. Schaedel are frequently invited to workplaces to educate employers and employees about women’s health and its implications for the workplace. They have collaborated with multiple organisations - ranging from large corporations to local businesses, schools, and universities - offering seminars on various health topics, including menopause, mental health, and breast cancer. By sharing their expertise, they aim to foster a culture of understanding, support, and inclusivity in the workplace, where women feel empowered to prioritise their health without fear of stigma or discrimination.

With 72% of women aged 16-64 in the UK actively participating in the workforce, the impact of women’s health issues on workplace performance and happiness cannot be ignored. It is imperative for organisations to proactively address these issues by implementing supportive policies, fostering a culture of open communication, and providing resources for employee wellbeing.

By partnering with Myla Health, employers can access tailored healthcare solutions and educational resources to support their female employees and create a workplace environment where all individuals can thrive. To request a workplace seminar, or employee consultations with Myla Health, employers can contact them via email at info@mylahealth.co.uk or through their website’s online form.

Government U-turn on taxation for Double Cab Pickup Truck drivers

In a significant turn of events for businesses and individuals reliant on Double Cab Pickup Trucks (DCPUs), the government has reversed its decision regarding the tax treatment of these vehicles.

The announcement comes following careful consideration of feedback from various stakeholders, including farmers and the motoring industry. Experts at Rivervale explain what you need to know about this pivotal update.

Motoring News

On Monday 12 February 2024, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) revised its guidance on the tax treatment of DCPUs. Originally, it was intended that DCPUs with a payload of one tonne or more would be classified as cars rather than goods vehicles for tax purposes starting from 1 July 2024. However, subsequent discussions and the recognition of potential adverse impacts led to a re-evaluation of this decision.

Government’s response

Acknowledging concerns raised by various stakeholders and the potential implications for businesses, the government opted to withdraw the existing guidance. This means that DCPUs will continue to be treated as goods vehicles rather than cars, preserving the historic tax treatment that many have come to rely on.

To ensure clarity and consistency in tax treatment, the government will proceed with legislative changes. Draft legislation will be subject to consultation before being introduced in the next available Finance Bill. This proactive approach aims to mitigate

unintended consequences and support sectors such as motoring and farming, crucial pillars of the UK economy.

Nigel Huddleston, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, emphasised the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers, van drivers, and the broader economy. By rectifying potential tax discrepancies, the forthcoming legislation aims to provide certainty and stability for businesses and individuals alike.

Implications for Rivervale customers

At Rivervale, we understand the importance of clarity and consistency in tax regulations, especially for our customers in the market for DCPUs. With the government’s decision to maintain the goods vehicle classification for DCPUs, businesses and individuals can continue to benefit from favourable tax treatment when buying or leasing these vehicles.

The government’s reversal on the tax treatment of Double Cab Pickup Trucks signifies a responsive approach to addressing concerns raised by stakeholders. By prioritising the needs of businesses and individuals, the forthcoming legislative changes aim to ensure fairness and support economic growth. At Rivervale, we remain committed to providing our customers with reliable vehicles and expert guidance to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes.

For more information on the government’s decision, you can visit the official announcement on the www.gov.uk website.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for personalised guidance regarding their specific circumstances.

Is the MAXUS Deliver 9 perfect for the construction industry?

When it comes to the construction industry or the business of transporting unique and often awkward loads, the choice of vehicle is paramount, explains

The MAXUS Deliver 9 Tipper and MAXUS Deliver 9 Dropside vehicles have rapidly become the go-to choice for professionals seeking reliability, versatility, and outstanding value. At Rivervale, we’re thrilled to showcase these vehicles as the ideal companions for those in the construction sector or those faced with the challenge of carrying obscure loads. Moreover, with our exclusive Finance Lease offers, getting behind the wheel of these industry-leading vehicles has never been more accessible.

Tailored for the tough jobs: the MAXUS Deliver 9 Tipper

The MAXUS Deliver 9 Tipper is designed with the rigorous demands of the construction industry in mind. Boasting a robust build and a high payload capacity, it is perfectly suited for transporting heavy materials such as sand, gravel, and construction waste. The hydraulic tipper mechanism simplifies the unloading process, saving time and reducing the physical strain on workers. Its reliability and efficiency make it an indispensable tool for construction projects of all sizes.

Versatility at its best: the MAXUS Deliver 9 Dropside

For those tasked with transporting more diverse or obscure loads, the MAXUS Deliver 9 Dropside offers unparalleled flexibility. Its open bed and dropdown sides provide easy loading and unloading of materials of various shapes and sizes, from building supplies to

Rivervale.

oversized equipment. The Dropside’s adaptability makes it an excellent choice for businesses that require a versatile vehicle capable of handling a wide range of transport needs.

Exceptional value with Rivervale’s finance lease offers

Understanding the financial pressures faced by businesses today, Rivervale is proud to present special Finance Lease offers on the MAXUS Deliver 9 Tipper and Dropside models. With monthly pricing starting from as little as £389.99, these deals are designed to provide exceptional value without compromising on quality or performance. Our Finance Lease options offer the flexibility to tailor payments to suit your budget, allowing you to manage your finances effectively while benefiting from a top-of-the-line commercial vehicle.

Why choose Rivervale?

At Rivervale, we are committed to offering our customers the best possible

deals on commercial vehicles. Our team of experts is dedicated to understanding your specific needs and recommending the perfect vehicle to match. With our special Finance Lease offers, we aim to make it easier for businesses to access the vehicles they need to thrive. Whether you’re in the construction industry or face the challenge of transporting unusual loads, the MAXUS Deliver 9 range and Rivervale’s exceptional deals are the solution you’ve been searching for.

The MAXUS Deliver 9 Tipper and Dropside vehicles stand out as the ideal choices for the construction industry and the transportation of obscure loads. With their robust build, versatility and the outstanding Finance Lease offers available at Rivervale, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your commercial vehicle fleet.

Contact Rivervale today on 01273 433953 to discover how the MAXUS Deliver 9 range can drive your business forward.

ACUMEN Business Law sponsors March meeting of Big Business Breakfast Club

The meeting is taking place on Friday 15th March.

Networking & Events

The Big Business Breakfast Club will be back for its third meeting of the year at Leonardo Royal. This month’s meeting is sponsored by Acumen Business Law.

Join the breakfast on Friday 15th March at Leonardo Royal, on Brighton Seafront, from 8am. The event’s special guest is Emma Draper - 2024 Sussex Businesswoman of the Year -and she will be in a head-to-head with Sam Thomas, followed by Alex Ryan from Marketing 101 with his marketing hints and tips. As always, there will be plenty of time to meet other like-minded business people in the room.

The sponsor - ACUMEN Business Law

“Working with you, the entrepreneur, business owner and changemaker, we are here to protect you and your business.”

ACUMEN are business law specialists who quote fixed fees at the outset and advise clients from all over the world. It is a law firm democratically run by all, with no secretaries, letters dictation or pretension - just modern, approachable, smart lawyers and top-

notch support of a different kind.

Guest speaker - Emma Draper

Entrepreneur, business founder and CEO of an award-winning retail store, Emma owns Velvet, is a property developer, owns a buy to let business and was Businesswoman of the Year 2023 for Surrey and Sussex

Emma is a successful and driven entrepreneur. The owner of a hugely popular multi-million pound retail business in Hove for over 23 years, Emma also owns a high-end refurbishment/buy to let business, Velvet Property Limited. The brands’ very interactive and profitable social media channels showcase the businesses.

Emma is also a dedicated long distance runner and pub fan.

Sponsor’s nominated charity - Focus Foundation

Focus Foundation is a registered charitable organisation, and the philanthropic arm of Focus Group – a leading provider of powerful business technology services across IT, telecoms, connectivity, cyber security, mobile and energy. Founded in

2003, Focus Group supports over 25,000 businesses, with a team of over 650 and offices across the UK.

The foundation’s aim is to promote collective action across Focus Group’s community of employees, customers and suppliers, working in partnership with innovative and effective UK charities, supporting them make a positive and lasting difference to people’s lives, while maintaining independence and transparency in how we operate.

With all the charitable foundation’s administrative costs covered by Focus Group, everything raised goes directly to the charities we support.

The Big Business Breakfast Club team looks forward to seeing attendees on Friday 15th March. Tickets will sell out, so book in advance.

Book here now: https://www. bigbusinessbreakfastclub.co.uk/

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a sponsor of the BBBC then, please get in touch with the team at team@ bigbusinessbreakfastclub.co.uk

Women’s cricket in Sussex breaking boundaries

2023 was a year for growth in the women’s game across the county, and in 2024 Sussex Cricket has set its sights on encouraging more women to work in roles behind the scenes of the club.

Networking & Events

Sussex Cricket and its charitable arm, the Sussex Cricket Foundation, recently published its Impact Report for 2023 and the numbers show that participation of women and girls at cricket clubs across the county continues to grow year on year.

Growth within the women’s game is once again set to continue into 2024 and beyond, however the number of females working behind the scenes at professional cricket clubs doesn’t correlate.

This is why Sussex Cricket Club has begun its mission to encourage more women to make the leap and begin careers at the professional sports club.

Starting this spring, female employees at the club will begin a series of focus groups designed to come up with programmes and initiatives to help inspire women who may want to embark on a new chapter within an industry typically saturated by men.

The group first met this week ahead of International Women’s Day to not only discuss the challenges women face working in sport, but also to begin the process of creating a mentorship programme to guide any potential new members of the team.

As well as looking to inspire young women to take the plunge into professional sport, the group will also focus on creating a clear pathway for women to take up leadership roles within the organisation.

Currently four females sit on the board of Sussex Cricket Limited and eight males, with the club seeking to address the balance within the coming years, in line with targets set by the governing board of the game, the ECB.

On the pitch, Sussex is currently working through a tender process as it bids to become one of eight professional women’s cricket teams in the country.

If successful, The 1st Central County Ground will become the home of both the male and female professional cricket teams, a truly exciting prospect for the city of Brighton & Hove, a place renowned for a community that embraces progress and diversity.

Harnessing the appetite of a city which has already proven its hunger for professional sports for all will be key to the bid.

Brighton & Hove Albion FC have already laid out the blueprint for how to establish an impactful professional women’s team and Sussex Cricket aims to do the same.

Back-to-back sellouts for England Women’s internationals at The 1st

Central County Ground in the past two years prove the audience is there and with the Club on track to sell out yet another women’s international fixture this year, it only further demonstrates the need for even more female professional sports events in the city.

A groundbreaking rematch

It was 20 years ago this summer when Sussex hosted the first ever women’s international twenty-over cricket match when England Women hosted New Zealand Women at Hove and the two sides are set to battle it out in the rematch this June.

Sussex Cricket offers a range of Corporate Hospitality experiences, with many still available for the upcoming rematch on 9th June 2024.

It’s the perfect environment to entertain clients, in front of a sellout crowd at The 1st Central County Ground, with first-class food & service alongside the high-octane international T20 cricket.

If you’d like to know more, please reach out to corporatesales@ sussexcricket.co.uk

Meet and learn from inspiring women making their mark in Brighton

Successful women, recognised as leaders in their field, play a key role in Brighton and Hove Business Show.

Networking & Events

On March 8th, the world unites under the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’. International Women’s Day celebrates the remarkable achievements of women while acknowledging the urgent need for investment in their full potential.

Successful women play a pivotal role in

Brighton & Hove Business Show - not only highlighting their expertise but also sharing some of their valuable knowledge.

Before the show officially opens, it will be a woman spearheading the conversation at this year’s Networking Breakfast.

Camille Pierson is founder of The Float Spa. It is a business built from the ground up, starting from nothing to

a clientele of more than 25,000. She now also helps clients make changes in their lives so they can feel happier, healthier and fulfilled. Camille is a trained health coach who specialises in wellbeing and fitness.

She is the guest speaker for the second consecutive year by popular demand.

‘Wellbeing That Works’ is the topic and it aims to help attendees prioritise their

own and their employees’ wellbeing by making small changes.

The talk will help people understand where they have gone wrong in the past and how to implement change. Camille will focus on breaking bad habits, human behaviour crafting and how to create micro-practices with meaning.

The Networking Breakfast is taking place in HB’s Restaurant at the Amex Stadium from 8am on June 13.

Tickets are available here - https:// ticketpass.org/event/EGTDGL/ brighton-and-hove-business-showbreakfast-2024

Emma Pearce is a leading marketing consultant and business owner. She is a captivating storyteller, weaving data and creativity to connect brands with audiences. She is also an analytical wizard, measuring success and adapting strategies on the fly. With a finger on the pulse of trends, she

navigates the ever-changing landscape, always pinpointing the next big win.

Importantly, she is a social media expert with laser focus on LinkedIn. If you want to power up your presence on the platform, be guided by a pro. Emma is talking about ‘Learn to Love and Leverage LinkedIn’ at the show on June 13. Her free workshop guarantees to help you optimise your personal profile, develop story ideas that meet best practice criteria and, importantly, how to use LinkedIn to generate leads.

Recognised as an engaging speaker, Emma has been helping SMEs get their marketing strategies right for 15 years. Find her in the Donatello Lounge in the Amex Stadium at 11.30am.

Women aren’t just speaking at Brighton and Hove Business Show, they are exhibiting too. Among them is Susan Beckingham, owner of Sussex Copywriting Services.

Based in Brighton, she supports a broad clientele spanning Sussex and London with expertly crafted words that persuade, educate and inform. She doesn’t just engage clients’ website visitors, she writes copy for a wide range of mediums including print.

Susan has a firm handle on SEO and marketing practices and has a stellar reputation for getting results. Find her on Stand 39.

International Women’s Day is about amplifying the voices of women, advocating for their rights and breaking down barriers. Together, we can accelerate progress towards a world where women thrive and equality becomes a reality.

See how women are forging ahead in Sussex at Brighton and Hove Business Show - register for a free visitor pass here: https:// brightonandhovebusinessshow.uk/ visitor-registration/

Love

and lightbulbs, fear and bullsh*t –helping 21st century leaders create positive change through practical bravery

By Oliver Blackwell, writer and storyteller for responsible businesses.

Networking & Events

Many of us grow up with cautionary tales about the perils of curiosity. It’s not always healthy for those of a feline persuasion. Daydreamers may fall down a rabbit hole…

For Richard Freeman and the team at always possible, however, applied curiosity is the catalytic game-changer that has helped many a client out of the mire.

The brave and the bold and the biscuits always possible is a team combining decades of experience across diverse, interconnected worlds of industry and endeavour. They strive to help 21st century leaders face complex challenges and create positive change through practical bravery.

And they’re all partial to a good biscuit. always possible was launched in the

peak of UK austerity as a counterbalance to the rising tide of risk-aversion.

“Our mission was simple,” says CEO Richard Freeman. “Help people become bolder in creating social and economic value that is more accessible, more sustainable and more likely to propagate.”

Through one global crisis after another, always possible has helped numerous organisations wrestle with threats to stability, growth and survival, including construction and tech firms as well as the Royal Opera House and Age UK.

Quite often, the team is brought in to help tackle a specific problem or seize a specific opportunity. Those who benefit far more are the teams who trust Richard and co. to lead the conversation behind the curtain of their next-step needs, recognising that a deeper diagnosis will be of even greater value.

Many factors can contribute to whether an organisation is willing to venture into this deeper level of diagnosis. Of these, perhaps the most important are the individual personalities and motivations at play, and none more so that those who approach opportunity from a place of love, and those who look upon it from a place of fear.

Behind the mask of those calling ‘bullsh*t’

“Sometimes people don’t want to think differently,” says Richard. “They don’t want friendly challenge, don’t want to take a step back, don’t want to explore. So, when we invite them to join us in our curiosity – to have a bigger conversation about co-design, impact strategy and long-term change – that’s when they call ‘bullsh*t’ and the walls go up.”

Part of the problem can be a very specific, secret anxiety: senior leaders

who fear they are no longer fit for purpose, or feel just as vulnerable for other reasons, can become the single biggest threat to their organisation.

“The CEO who launched the business 20 years ago might not be capable of scaling or stabilising in the current context. They can’t accept a new reality in which they may have to change or step aside; it’s easier to deny or even fight against it. The fear of failure, inadequacy or irrelevance is a terrible thing.

“In that shadow, if no one is brave enough to call out the danger, the entire organisation can become stuck. And there’s nothing anyone can do to help them.”

To solve the problem, you gotta love the problem

“What we’ve found, in every organisation that tells us ‘You’ve helped us do in weeks what we’ve been struggling with for years’, is that there is always someone who can love the problem. I don’t think we’ve ever not found that person, not in organisations that want to do more than tread water.”

This person – often in or close to senior leadership – will care about the organisation’s impact and legacy. They’ll have an intuitive grasp of what could be, and the motivation to make it happen. With the right support they can drive positive, transformational change in that direction.

“They’re often fighting a lot of things, though, from time and resource constraints to historical baggage across the organisation. They may also be fighting their own limiting beliefs. They’ll have allies, but maybe not the right tools or words to win wider influence. They may start to feel unheard, isolated and disempowered – and there’s a big risk they’ll walk away.”

Fortunately, these individuals tend to be comfortable asking for help…

“Problem lovers are more sensitive to strategic considerations and long-term possibilities, and more inclined to seek appropriate support – early and with

an open mind. With them, we can start creating the opportunities that enable an organisation to become more than their current trajectory might allow for.”

Allies through the looking glass

Helping motivated people turn great ideas into even better realities is what really gets the always possible team out of bed in the mornings:

“We don’t offload ‘take it or leave it’ expertise from miles overhead and disappear into the sunset. Working side-by-side with those brave individuals ready to lead their organisation into loving the problem, we help them find a way to make it happen.”

Whether asked to remain for the whole journey or invited back later to celebrate success, the always possible legacy is always the same: a better foundation of belief and energy around the art of the possible, grounded in realistic objectives and practical action.

“We’ve sat with management teams who are equal parts terrified and excited by what we’ve helped them to see. We’ve watched them go on to achieve incredible things, leaving behind them all the limitations they thought they’d never escape. All because they were brave enough to play with the idea that their reality was not all that they’d learned to live with.

“If you can do that, you can do anything; it’s always possible.”

The full-length version of this interview is available to read as part of the ‘Insight out’ business blog from Oliver Blackwell on LinkedIn.

Inspiring the next generation of business leaders at the Sussex Business Show

As a father to a fiercely independent and ambitious daughter, Sonny Cutting has always sought to collaborate with entrepreneurs who are powerful, different and who speak out about equality. Watching his daughter look up to strong women gives Sonny hope that her future will be just as bright

With International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, we’re very excited to celebrate the female business leaders who will be sharing their wisdom with us later in the year at the Sussex Business Show.

Sonny has actively sought only the most inspiring voices to speak at the Sussex Business Show as both Keynote Speakers and Masterclass Leaders. Our lineup brings some of the most impactful voices in the industry to the stage.

Inspired by a talk - Karen Dobre Sonny met Karen Dobre a few years ago and was enthralled by a talk she delivered at the Acumen Business Convention in Brighton. A year later, Sonny asked Karen

if she’d deliver a keynote speech for the Sussex Business Show.

Karen’s voice for equality is loud, empowering and one that’s had an impact across industries.

As an Equality Activist and an Elected Director, Karen’s journey for equality has led her from modelling in the fashion industry, to being a trained counselling therapist - including setting up and managing an internal counselling service for PolyGram Records (now Universal), to becoming a unique voice on the Lewes FC board and more.

With zero interest in the footballing world originally, she came across Lewes FC’s equality initiative in 2017, was a board member for a number of years and now

finds herself delivering talks at business and sports conferences regularly on equality and inclusion in football and its effect on driving gender equality in the wider world too.

If that wasn’t already an impressiveenough resume, Karen has also led on multiple campaigns and created the club’s Sister Ships programme to build a network of organisations keen to support the club in solidarity with its equality stance.

We’re thrilled she’s taking to the stage to inspire at the Sussex Business Show as a keynote speaker.

A different way to do business - Sara Osterholzer.

Sara believes that there is a different way to do business. One that can be

Networking & Events

Karen Dobre

Sara Osterholzer

both profitable and also positively impact people and the environment.

She wears many impressive hats: impact-entrepreneur, good business optimist, and startup mentor, including co-founding The Good Business Club and most recently, Second Voice Pro.

Having been in the world of startups, social enterprise and ‘good business’ for nearly a decade, Sara has been part of the founding team of multiple startups, designed and delivered an accelerator programme, organised 100’s of business support and networking event series, and has facilitated workshops, peer sessions and training for entrepreneurs and small business teams.

Sara now mentors solo-founders so that they can set up sustainable businesses even if they don’t have a team around them, helping them launch their offers into the world and secure the resources they need to be able to build that team.

As a powerful changemaker, Sara is demystifying how to create a sustainable business and we can’t wait to hear from her onstage as a keynote speaker.

Connecting

Brighton - Lyndsey Clay Lyndsey Clay, Owner of Connected

Brighton, is featured in the top 100 inspiring female leaders in the 2024 f:Entrepreneur campaign. Which is no surprise to anyone who has crossed paths with her.

Passionate about connecting people and business, she started Connected Brighton in lockdown 2021 - an inperson social events company in a socially distanced pandemic to help people connect locally. After quickly gaining a following, she diversified into singles events co-creating The Single Sessions whilst continuing to build Connect Brighton as a franchise model to see other cities benefit from the amazing community.

Adding even more bows to her hat, Lyndsey is also a qualified coach and a powerful storyteller, helping people discover their niche in life, work and business.

Hearing Lyndsey’s story will give you chills (in a good way!), and we know she’ll be an unstoppable force as one of our Masterclass Speakers.

Community-led for digital growthGrace Prior

Co-founder of Silicon Brighton, Grace moved to Brighton at the beginning of

2021 and is now supporting the local community with digital growth. As a community-led initiative supporting digital growth to those in the South East, Silicon Brighton works hand-inhand with the local tech community.

Grace’s background in diversity, equality and inclusion strategy led to her belief that individuals should have opportunities to network, train, up-skill and develop. For free.

Helping people to take their careers and businesses to the next level drives Grace daily and is just one of many reasons as to why Grace is a must-see keynote speaker.

Hear from the above and more on the 26th of September

Our four female speakers will take to the stage, alongside a few more carefully curated speakers, at the Brighton Dome in September. You won’t want to miss the wisdom, inspiration and advice. Sonny’s daughter will certainly be popping in to hear some of the incredible female leaders, and to be encouraged that the business world can be her oyster too!

https://www.sussexbizshow.com/

Lyndsey Clay

Grace Prior

‘Wellbeing in the Workplace’ event

Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and Flexibility Matters hosted the very first Wellbeing in the Workplace event at the i360 in Brighton on the 21 February 2024 with gold-medallist Sally Gunnell OBE.

The event, presented by Rockinghorse and Flexibility Matters, was aimed at offering people interested in, or with the responsibility for, the wellbeing of their staff team, and offered a range of great opportunities to network and to learn more from experts in their field.

Donna Holland, Rockinghorse CEO, welcomed everyone to the event saying, “Wellbeing for us at the children’s hospital is a matter of life

and death. Our wellbeing programmes save lives – they reduce blood pressure, making it more likely kids make it through surgery, they support children with cancer to deal with their chemo, they enable children with complex and chronic (long term conditions) to learn about and manage their illness. They enable children and families to cope with everything a difficult diagnosis can bring.

“But Wellbeing is vital for you and your business too and this is why we’ve teamed up with the fabulous folks at

Flexibility Matters to bring you this awesome event. We also wanted to create a network of people who care about Wellbeing in the Workplace and to curate an event that can bring together best practice: a place to share incredible ideas and inspiration and give people a chance to come together and make wellbeing a priority for you, your teams and your business. “

The main event then began with a brilliant speech from Sally Gunnell OBE, who talked about how she achieved her goals and how to challenge yourself,

Charity

deal with setbacks and build resilience. Sally then took questions from the audience and shared some helpful insights and advice.

Following Sally’s speech was the panel discussion with panellists Dr Charlotte Rae from Sussex 4 Day Week, Dee Mathieson from Elekta, Camille Pierson from Float Spa, Anna Golawski from Stratus Coaching, and Panina Shepherd from Acumen Business Law.

Donna Holland, Rockinghorse CEO, and Emma Cleary, Director of Flexibility Matters, asked each panel member a question related to their work and the impact on wellbeing, followed by each member giving an example of best practice in wellbeing that they had come across.

It was then time for the room to enjoy

a session of laughing yoga, led by Sam Rehan, The Wellbeing Motivator, who led the room in a seated, health-boosting experiences that employed playful group exercises to elicit natural laughter.

Following a coffee break, everyone chose a table to join, each hosted by a table host, and enjoyed some further group discussions on a range of different wellbeing topics. Along with the panel members, other table hosts included Dr Zoe Schaedel from Myla Health, Kyriakos Baxevanis from Little Jasmine Therapies and Spa, Dr Carole Gilling-Smith from The Agora Clinic and Sam Rehan.

The discussions were varied and interesting, with a wide range of experiences and ideas shared between the people on each table including mental health, cancer support, the

menopause, and the benefits of coaching employees.

At the end of the morning, Donna and Emma thanked everyone for coming to the event and sharing their experiences and ideas, along with thanking all the panellists, table sponsors, the venue and Sally Gunnell, for helping to hopefully make this the first of many successful Wellbeing in the Workplace events.

To find out more about other Rockinghorse events, take a look at their website here: https://www. rockinghorse.org.uk/events/

County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month March 2024

Celebrating women and a wine from Plumpton Estate in East Sussex

To help celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th March, we have focused on a wine estate that employs some of the English wine industry’s most respected women. Several have worked extensively in the wine industry in a range of areas such as wine research, global wine sales and marketing and vineyard management. With their combined experience, passion and knowledge, the Plumpton Wine Division can certainly position themselves as one of the best wine training colleges in the world as well as producing some award winning fine wines. They are based within the stunning South Downs National Park, near Plumpton. Below are some of the women who have helped build Plumpton’s excellent reputation.

Sam Linter - Director of Wine Sam has a wealth of experience and is Director of Wine and also Chair of Wine GB. Prior to joining Plumpton College, she served as the Managing Director and Head Winemaker at Bolney Wine Estate, where she achieved remarkable milestones that transformed the brand into one of the UK’s top ten wine producers.

Dona Frost - Programme Manager Wine Skills

Growing up on an organic farm in Wales and frequent visits to family in Franconia, Germany, has meant that the food and wine culture is very much part of Dona’s DNA. Dona has a particular interest in food production systems and spent many years as the Senior Certification Officer for the Soil

Association where she managed more than 250 organic farm licences in the UK and internationally.

Rebecca Apley - Wine Business Lecturer

Rebecca has been working in the business of wine for 15 years, and is a lecturer in Wine Business at Plumpton College. Her experience in the hospitality industry is wide ranging, with a portfolio of clients across Yorkshire and Sussex, including time teaching WSET courses for the fantastic Yorkshire Wine School.

Sarah Midgley - Winemaker, Lecturer and Programme Manager for Wine Apprenticeships

After completing a Grad. Dip. at Lincoln University in NZ, she made wine around the world and worked as Assistant

Winemaker at Camel Valley vineyard in Cornwall. She worked as Plumpton College winemaker from 2014-2020 and is now a Wine Lecturer and heads up our apprenticeships in wine as Programme Manager. She is passionate about the wine industry and sustainability, and is current Chair of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) Winemaking group.

Deepika Koushik - Winemaker

Her winemaking experience includes stints in the Russian River Valley in the USA and Burgundy, where she was awarded the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin Award (2019).

March’s Wine of the Month is

Plumpton Estate Brut Classic NV

Production notes

Plumpton Estate Brut Classic NV is made by the traditional method using a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Grapes are hand-picked and fermented before our winemaker carefully crafts our signature blend with the help of our wine students. The wine spends at least two years ageing on lees in the bottle before riddling and disgorging.

Description

Dry, with refreshing acidity and delicate fine yet persistent mousse. This wine displays complex crisp apple and citrus fruit notes perfectly balanced with creamy brioche

roundness and a long refreshing finish. Quality English sparkling wine at its finest.

Grape Type

Chardonnay (45 %), Pinot Noir (41 %), Pinot Meunier (14 %)

Winemakers tasting notes

Fermented in a stainless steel tank, unoaked. Dry, clean and balanced with a soft, round finish owing to malolactic fermentation during the winemaking process. Lively citrus on the nose and tropical pineapple on the palate. A special wine.

Awards for Plumpton Estate NV Brut Classic (75cl)

CSWWC (Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships) Best in Class English Brut NV - 2023 Plumpton Estate NV Brut Classic (75cl)

UKVA Silver medal 2016

Michael’s tasting notes

The Plumpton NV is a classic style of English sparkling wine with floral and butter on the nose. This followed with a fresh and crisp apple and citrus coming through. The wine has good acidity and buttery notes with a rich toastiness from several years of cellar ageing. Get it whilst you can as this award winning wine will not be available by the end of the year.

Where to buy

Plumpton wines are available via their website directly or local vintners for around £28 to £30 a bottle.

Interested in studying at Plumpton?

It’s also worth mentioning that at Plumpton College they offer a range of wine courses to suit various levels of expertise and interests both part and full time. Some of the courses available include:

BA (Hons) International Wine Business

BSc (Hons) Wine Production

MSc Viticulture & Oenology

Level 3 Crop Technician (Viticulture) Apprenticeship

For more information on these courses please access the following link; https://www.plumpton.ac.uk/ courses/wine-division/

Michael Yeoman, Founder of Brighton and Hove Wine Club

Michael Yeoman specialises in working with small batch wine producers in and around Sussex and the South Downs. He founded Brighton and Hove Wine Club and also creates a range of small batch Sussex Brandies, Grape spirits and Vodka through Spirit of the Downs based at Bolney.

TGIFF…. Thank God it’s First Friday

By Sam Thomas, Managing Director of the Sussex Business Times.

Despite having been an active networker in Sussex for nearly 15 years, I recently attended my inaugural First Friday Lunch Club at the amazing Salt Room.

The credit for orchestrating this extraordinary networking affair goes to the brilliant Cognitive Law (one of our Value Added Partners) and Whitespace. I was well looked after by Richard and Amy from Cognitive Law, and always a pleasure to see Milly, from Whitespace.

In the vast realm of networking, I have always championed the philosophy that it transcends mere exchanges of business cards or rehearsed sales pitches. It’s about forging genuine connections and nurturing relationships. The First Friday Lunch Club encapsulated this ideology perfectly. Devoid of the usual salesy undertones

and lengthy speeches, it offered a relaxed and amicable setting where local business leaders engaged in stimulating conversations while relishing delectable food and wine.

The event provided an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces from the business community while also establishing connections with new acquaintances. The camaraderie was palpable, and the atmosphere was conducive to fostering meaningful connections.

A special shout-out to Preston Insurance Brokers, another of our valued VAP partners, for sponsoring this month’s gathering. Their contribution added an extra layer of enjoyment to an already delightful afternoon (and always great to catch up with Noel).

As a first-timer, I can confidently declare that this won’t be my last First Friday Lunch Club rendezvous. However, note to self: plan accordingly, avoid driving, and ensure the calendar is blissfully unencumbered for the full afternoon next time.

In conclusion, The First Friday Lunch Club is a reminder that networking, when done right, is not just a transaction but a celebration of authentic connections and shared experiences.

To book for next First Friday Lunch visit - www.firstfridaylunch.co.uk

6PM

THURSDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2024

SPONSORED BY

Join us for a special intimate Q&A in conversation with Brighton’s very own global superstar DJ,

NORMAN COOK

AKA

INCLUDING:

Ÿ complimentary drinks reception

Ÿ 4-course black-tie gala dinner

TABLES OF 10

NOW AVAILABLE FOR £1,250 +VAT

CO-SPONSORED BY

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