She Inspires Magazine Issue 3

GINA SAMUEL-RICHARDS

THE LEICESTERSHIRE LAW SOCIETY

PRESIDENT STRIVING FOR SOCIETAL CHANGE

PLUS: HOW WILL WORKERS’ RIGHTS BE AFFECTED BY BREXIT GETTING CREATIVE | MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

TOP TIPS FOR BID WRITING

Bid writing can be a daunting task, especially for small charities and start-up businesses. However, it’s vital to create the best chance to securing any funding that’s out there.

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HERE ARE SOME TOP BID-WRITING TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED IN SECURING FUNDING

Top Tips for Bid Writing

1. UNDERSTAND THE FUNDING CRITERIA

5. BUDGET

Bid writing can be a daunting task, especially for small charities and start-up businesses. However, it’s vital to create the best chance to of securing any funding that’s out there.

Before you start writing your bid, make sure you fully understand the funding criteria. This will help you to tailor your bid to the specific requirements of the funding organisation and increase your chances of success.

Here are some top bid-writing tips to help you succeed in securing funding.

A well-prepared budget is an important part of your bid. Make sure your budget is realistic and fully justifies all costs. Make sure you show how your project will be sustainable in the long term.

6. SHOW YOUR TEAM’S EXPERTISE

1. Understand the funding criteria

Before you start writing your bid, make sure you fully understand the funding criteria. This will help you to tailor your bid to the specific requirements of the funding

2. SHOW HOW YOUR PROJECT ALIGNS WITH THE FUNDING ORGANISATION’S MISSION Funding organisations are looking for projects that align with their mission and values. Make sure you clearly demonstrate how your project aligns with the funding organisation’s mission and how it will have a positive impact on the community.

3. BE CLEAR AND CONCISE

Keep your bid as clear and concise as possible. Avoid using jargon and be sure to explain any technical terms you use. Be sure to answer all questions asked in the bid application and stick to the word limit.

4. SHOW EVIDENCE OF NEED

Make sure you provide evidence of need for your project. This can be in the form of statistics, testimonials or case studies.

Funding organisations want to see that your team has the expertise and experience to carry out your project. Provide details of your team’s qualifications and experience and show how they have relevant experience.

7. SHOW EVIDENCE OF PAST SUCCESS

If you have successfully delivered similar projects in the past, make sure you include this in your bid. Showing that you have a track record of delivering successful projects will increase the funding organisation’s confidence in your ability to deliver the proposed project.

8. PROOFREAD

Before submitting your bid make sure you proofread it thoroughly. Check for spelling and grammar errors and ensure that all information is accurate and up to date.

Bid writing can be a challenging task, but by following these tips you can increase your chances of securing funding.

Remember to understand the funding criteria, show how your project aligns with the funding organisation’s mission, be clear and concise, provide evidence of need, budget, show your team’s expertise, show evidence of past success and proofread your bid fully before submitting it.

For more help and advice on setting up and running a new charity or business, get in touch with She Inspires now info@sheinspiresglobal.org.uk | 0116 482 6598 | sheinspiresglobal.org.uk

IN THIS ISSUE

Product of Cross Productions Contact us sally@crossproductions.co.uk crossproductions.co.uk

Disclaimer – She Inspires and Cross Productions Ltd are fully protected by copyright; no part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without the complete and expressed permission of the publisher. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, however, there can be no liability accepted by the publisher for errors and omissions. We can under no circumstance be held responsible for any materials, matter or photographical copy submitted for publication or not within the website or magazine. We cannot be held responsible or liable for any breaches of copyright from adverts, materials, or photography or any other such material supplied by a third party. The views and opinions expressed within our publications are not necessarily those of the publisher or indeed She Inspires or any featured parties.

Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan

ere we are at our third edition of the annual She Inspires Magazine. This issue, we cover issues affecting women in 2023 a little deeper, exploring supporting women’s mental health and creativity in the workplace and the legalities of HR laws post-Brexit and their effects on working women.

International Women’s Day reaches its 111th year and to mark this we take a look at the history of the day and why it’s still very much a necessary annual day for everyone’s diary in 2023.

We hear from both women and men who talk about the ways they have overcome adversities, and from those in Leicestershire who are passionate about helping to support women who need it at whatever stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Each story provides inspiration for those who need it.

Our front cover features the President of the Leicestershire Law Society Gina Samuel-Richards who shares her experiences of breaking down the stereotype and having the confidence to grow in places that are initially out of their comfort zone.

Hopefully, this magazine will help those who read it and I want to personally invite you to reach out to us at She Inspires if you need any further support on your entrepreneurial journey.

WHO ARE WE?

She Inspires provides affordable, practical support and advice to not-for-profit organisations in the Midlands. All profits are re-invested, providing capacity-building support to women-led organisations in the developing world

e have supported five grassroots projects in Sri Lanka and Nepal on top of providing quality enterprise development support and seed funding to over 30 female-led start-ups since the foundation of our organisation in 2018.

In 2021, the first She Inspires Magazine was published along with a Community and Enterprise Hub located at 10 Bishop Street. It offers training, meeting and co-working space, networking opportunities, and business and voluntary sector set up and growth support.

Our purpose is to help expand small non-profit organisations, charities and start-up businesses by offering a range of tailored and useful support services. The company profits raised by She Inspires are then donated to women-led grassroots movements and projects around the UK, as well as developing countries around the world.

It serves to support small but growing voluntary groups and women-led businesses, offering a range of support services such as training, meeting room space, co-working space, networking opportunities and of course support with setting up and growing your business or voluntary sector organisation.

THE HUB PROVIDES:

➤ Flexible co-working spaces

➤ City centre business address/mailbox

➤ Meeting rooms

➤ Business start-up support including support for social enterprise and not-for-profit organisations

➤ Regular networking opportunities and access to our monthly book club

➤ Mentoring and coaching

WHO IS OUR FOUNDER?

Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan has over 15 years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector, designing and delivering programmes aimed at combating and preventing violence against women. Working to alleviate poverty, discrimination and helping to give women and girls a voice when they don’t have one.

Her expertise include providing leadership training and capacity-building support to not-for-profit organisations,

in particular women-led organisations in the UK as well as developing countries, designing and developing programmes to prevent gender-based violence in emergencies as well as working on issues relating to women, security and peace.

Zinthiya creates opportunities for open dialogue about women’s issues so that everyone has somewhere to turn to.

She said: “Growing up in Sri Lanka, I witnessed the violence women and girls undergo and saw abject poverty and social exclusion. I have witnessed the impact of a prolonged conflict that led to communities being torn apart.

“These have taught me to value humanity, democracy and civil liberties that this country offers that we so often take for granted.”

The work she undertakes through her numerous ventures is laying the foundations for a future where women and girls can live fulfilling lives.

HOW SHE INSPIRES CAN HELP YOU

Training & Mentoring: For founders, Board members, staff or volunteers in areas such as leadership, governance, strategic planning, monitoring evaluation, programme design and delivery and income generation.

Strategy: We can support strategic reviews, strategy development and succession planning to ensure the sustainability of your organisation.

Organisational Development: Helping to set up and grow an organisation including support with transition and change management, organisational health checks, and developing policies and procedures.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning: We support the creation of robust monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks, impact data collection tools, analysis, and reporting.

Business Hub: Use our Hub as an event or meeting space, a co-working space or as a registered mailbox address for your organisation.

For more information on the support we provide, or if you are interested in using the Hub services, please contact us at info@sheinspiresglobal.org.uk, or call 0116 482 6598.

GETTING CREATIVE

Women are a powerful creative force – so, as an employer, how can you support them?

Whether

omen creatives have made significant progress over the past few decades, but there is still a long way to go.

In the digital sector, only 26% of the workforce are women; 37% are women in the TV and film industry; women account for 25% of senior positions in advertising; and there are less than 33% of female managers in the cultural industries. The statistics were reported by Glassdoor Economic Research. Creativity is a valuable commodity in business, closely related to innovation, problem-solving, and the ability to stay ahead of the competition. To a business, creative minds are vital for survival.

In the UK, there were over 15m women aged 16+ in employment between October and December 2021 (Office for National Statistics). That poses a lot of opportunity to foster creativity among women. If women are confident to share their ideas at work, imagine how much more innovation could be taking place.

Employers can foster creativity in their female employees by recognising their achievements, encouragement, providing equal opportunities, offering flexibility, providing mentorship and networking opportunities, and celebrating differences in the workplace.

Discover more ways to encourage women’s creativity at diversityq.com.

TIPS ON HOW TO FOSTER CREATIVITY

RECOGNITION

Recognising women’s creativity is the first step in helping to support them. Give employees a shout out at team meetings for creative ideas they’ve suggested or put into action in the past month or week.

CULTURE

Create a culture that thrives on peer-to-peer recognition. Make sure your teams have the opportunity to congratulate each other. When employees celebrate the success of their colleagues and their milestones, this will help to inspire one another and keep team morale high. Most of all, supporting women and their creativity will contribute to breaking the bias.

ENCOURAGEMENT

Encouraging women to take risks and be themselves is another important step. Too often, women are asked to play second fiddle to their male counterparts. This doesn’t have to be the case. Women can be empowered and successful if they’re given the opportunity to be heard and to shine.

SUPPORT

Make sure you have a solid support system in place. This will help women feel safe and supported in their creative endeavours. Give them the opportunity to share their ideas

and thoughts. You can provide this throughout one to one meetings that exist purely for them to express their wants, needs, ideas and opinions, and to recognise their recent achievements.

SPEAKING UP

It’s important to encourage women to be themselves. You don’t need to change who they are or what they do, you just need to make sure you’re creating an environment where they can be themselves and feel comfortable without judgment. When women are comfortable in their work environment, they are more likely to be successful. Encourage them to raise issues if they feel they’ve been wronged or if they think their ideas could improve the workplace.

INSPIRE

Encourage women to take on new challenges and help them develop their skills. If women feel that their employer wants them to succeed and grow professionally, they’re more likely to stay with a company for a long time.

BE FLEXIBLE

Many women are often juggling multiple roles in their lives and need flexibility to balance work and family. Provide them with the opportunity to do so and they’ll be more likely to stay with your company and offer up their most ingenious ideas.

you’re a woman working in the creative field or just want to support others, here we explore ways in which you can do more

HOW WILL WORKERS’ RIGHTS BE AFFECTED BY BREXIT?

Women could be most affected by changes to workers rights Post-Brexit as they make up the majority of part-time employees. Here’s an overview of what current protections may be amended or scrapped

rexit has put many employment laws in jeopardy, with vulnerable areas specifically affecting women with income, childcare and parental leave all areas likely to be affected.

So, which women are we specifically talking about? A struggling economy and a change in the laws that protected much of our working lives post-Brexit adds to the potential struggles that are typically affected by austerity. Some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our society are likely to be hurt the most.

The Work Foundation at Lancaster University reported that the Government’s 2023 plans will risk UK employee’s rights for 8.6 million people.

Those most in jeopardy are those whose contracts are part-time, fixed-term, or agency workers. That’s if the Government really does move forward with its post-Brexit plans to change or get rid of thousands of pieces of retained EU Law by the end of the year.

If you are a part-time, fixed-term or agency worker and are concerned about changes to UK workers’ rights, free and impartial advice is available at visit acas.org.uk.

PART-TIME WORKERS

There are 8.2 million part-time workers who are at risk, and 72% of those in the UK are women (Lancaster University). If the retained EU law bill is rushed, as Lancaster University predicts, it could mean that parttime workers are treated unequally to their colleagues and receive different treatment around annual leave, pensions and training.

WORKERS ON FIXED-TERM CONTRACTS

Of those on fixed-term contracts in the UK, 56% are women. The EU’s Fixed-Term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002 currently protects these workers. Without this legislation, pay and pensions for could see significant negative effects.

AGENCY WORKERS

The Agency Workers Regulations 2010 could be lost by the end of 2023. This legislation ensures workers have equal basic working and employment conditions as those employed directly by a company.

STRIVING FOR SOCIETAL CHANGE

What does a modern-day lawyer look like in your mind? Intimidating and fierce or relaxed and approachable? Do they strive for financial gain or societal justice?

I can’t say I had thought about it a great deal myself, but after sitting down with Gina Samuel-Richards I was pleasantly surprised and inspired for good

s I arrived at the newly appointed Leicestershire Law Society President Gina Samuel-Richards’ city centre offices I immediately felt at ease. As someone who always gets a tiny bit nervous with a certain pressure ahead of meeting a magazine cover interviewee, it was a nice feeling. Plus, I’d parked in the wrong car park and she at once made me feel like my mix up and therefore my slightly flustered manner was in no way a problem!

Once I was in the right parking spot, I opened by asking her how she feels about gracing our cover. Her coy laughter at the thought is immediate, followed by a humble explanation that the limelight isn’t her typical or favoured spot, nor is it in her comfort zone.

It’s important to add here that she’s not saying any of this for me to bump up her ego either. It seems to be as simple as an honest confession and one that consequently has me feeling as though there’s a nice familiarity about being in her company.

THE BEGINNING

When I ask her to ‘start at the beginning’, she really does. Starting from her very first inclination towards law. She tells me,” No one but me expected me to be a lawyer. Many of family members worked in service of some kind, but none in law. At nine years old I loved to watch cheesy law shows like LA Law, and I remember thinking, ‘I want to be on the side of the good guys.’

“When I told my family it’s what I wanted to do they just didn’t see it – not until much later on at least. They understood it when, as I grew, they saw I could put forward a good argument! And, when I started to do well academically.”

BREAKING BARRIERS

The next few years brought full days and nights studying, volunteering and… a baby. “I was newly graduated and had a newborn baby. I moved back to Leicester to have the support of my family. Becoming a mother didn’t stop me from doing anything at all. Under a Labour government and with Gordon Brown as Prime Minister I was able to work, volunteer and raise my child.”

Which of course, is absolutely as it should be.

Taking her baby along to council meetings, to offices

“A stronger society all starts

with the foundations of family, doesn’t it?”

and voluntary groups, some might call her a trailblazer as a working mother breaking the barriers. But for Gina, it’s just how she’s always done things: without barriers.

Working her way through a couple of firms, learning the trade and honing where her strengths were, Gina found family law to be her calling. “A stronger society all starts with the foundations of family, doesn’t it? If a family dynamic presents itself as stable as it can be, it trickles out and up in my view.”

A MORAL THREAD

It strikes me that it’s this sense of helping to make society better and stronger, by looking after people compassionately

when they need it most, when they need a voice, that is the central guide in her career. It seems her goals were never about money but about pushing the boundaries of what a lawyer ‘should’ look like, in addition to simply wanting to help make society a better place.

“When the funding cuts to legal aid happened in 2007 and then again in 2013, the whole system did for me. There were greater injustices for people in society who didn’t have access to legal aid and therefore, the legal system. It particularly affected those in abusive situations.”

Uncomfortable in firms where the company culture didn’t sit right with her own moral compass, Gina changed firms on this conviction a couple of times before realising it was only by starting her own business that things could change.

“There was a period of my career where I was working at firms that weren’t even owned by a lawyer, it was a business from the top down only. The sense of justice and moral compass in the work that we did wasn’t at its heart.”

This is the story here. Her sense of making right the wrong, for everyone, no matter their ‘positioning’. Her sense of fighting for the right corner is what’s carried her through her career – that, and an ability to fight the corner for those who can’t for themselves.

This sense of justice should be there for all lawyers, shouldn’t it? Well, yes, but in reality, it’s not what’s always most important like it is for Gina. Throughout our conversation I can’t count the number of times she mentioned voluntary work, charity aid, and supporting young people and the education sector.

“I believe really strongly in education, and that everyone should have access to it. Being in a position where I can offer something to those who need it, that’s really important to me even outside of my day job!”

BECOMING PRESIDENT

“It’s an honour to take the chair of President of Leicestershire Law Society, of course it is. When I was first approached, I knew I wasn’t ready, but, after becoming Vice Deputy President and developing there, as well as growing my own firm, AGR Law, it’s made me feel like I am in a position to enjoy the challenges that it brings.”

When I ask her what the challenges might be, she reveals that much of her fear is similar to us all: “I’m nervous about lots of things, but I also know that I can meet the challenges. Even writing and delivering my first speech feels intimidating!

What can I say that will be of interest to the audience?”

Sounds a bit like Gina might suffer from imposter syndrome, much like so many of us, and when I suggest this, she replies: “Yes, I suppose so. Confidence comes from doing, doesn’t it? I will start believing in my ability in the role when I get on with doing it, I have that belief about myself”.

I believe Gina’s speech will write itself if she simply shares her passions, her experiences and her way of doing things. It’s from doing it her way that’s earned her the respect and reverence that she has, so I have a feeling doing it her way is where she’ll hit and make her mark here.

“I will start believing in my ability in the role when I get on with doing it, I have that belief about myself”

MORTGAGE ADVICE FROM APPLICATION TO KEYS

Where do you turn to if you’re a woman fleeing an abusive relationship who has next to no credit history, a handful of mixed addresses and is trying to get on the property ladder alone? Kamlesh Lodhia, Director at Airborne Mortgages in Leicester, tells me why he helps those that need it

hen you go to a bank to ask for a mortgage, you fill in the forms detailing your employment history, your previous addresses, and your credit history. These then go through various ‘processes’ at the bank and, if your history is anything but straightforward, or ‘vanilla’ as Kamlesh calls it, you become a number in a pile of automatic rejections.

“Each case that isn’t vanilla needs the back story behind it, cases where the financial footing isn’t strong simply don’t get looked at in detail. They need presenting by a mortgage advisor to stand any chance of getting through,” Kamlesh tells me.

So, why can’t women in difficult financial circumstances just go to any mortgage advisor? Well, they can, but in order to succeed in obtaining a mortgage offer they need to choose an advisor who is highly experienced and motivated to do all that they can to support them through the entire process.

Kamlesh is just like any mortgage advisor in that he too has his own mortgage to pay, but thankfully, money isn’t the sole motivator for Kamlesh. His social conscience

and empathy means he has the drive to help: “It’s always rewarding to help clients get a mortgage no matter their positioning – but helping those who really need the help, that’s the most rewarding for me.”

He once helped a woman who had fled an abusive relationship and had lived in seven temporary addresses in a short period of time, hadn’t had control of her finances for years, and had built up a lot of debt simply by surviving. She wanted to get a mortgage with her new partner but was struggling.

“When we got the mortgage offer it was such a thrill, to know that I had helped her. We had to delve quite far into the logistics of it all and it was complicated and timeconsuming, but I am always there even after the mortgage offer comes through. It’s personal for me, I am there through all the solicitor form-filling stages too – it’s until the keys are in hand for me!”

His experience, compassion and empathy for those that need his skill set has meant that he has helped countless women here in our Leicester community. Kamlesh wants to encourage those who need help to reach out for a chat on 08000 835 209.

111 YEARS OF IWD: WHY

DO WE STILL DO IT?

International Women’s

Day is everywhere in the media, thankfully. It needs to be on everyone’s lips no matter your background or indeed, your gender

he date: March 8 2023. Why do we need this day? Aren’t women equal yet? After all, for more than a century people have been marking this day. In short, the answer is no.

International Women’s Day, or IWD for short, is recognised by the UN today as a yearly occasion.

WHEN AND HOW DID IT START?

When 15,000 women marched through New York in 1908 calling for shorter hours, higher pay, and the opportunity to vote, the seeds of today’s movement were planted. The first National Woman’s Day was proclaimed by the Socialist Party of America a year later.

The idea for an international day originated with communist activist and champion for women’s rights Clara Zetkin. In 1910, she presented her concept to a gathering of working women in Copenhagen, and the 100 women in attendance, who represented 17 different nations, unanimously endorsed it.

The year 1911 saw the first celebrations of International Women’s Day in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. As the centenary was commemorated in 2011, this year is actually the 111th anniversary.

When the United Nations began commemorating the day in 1975, the celebrations became official. In 1996, “Celebrating the Past, Preparing for the Future” was chosen as the organisation’s initial subject.

Because of its political origins, International Women’s Day has evolved into a day to recognise the progress made

by women in society, politics, and the economy. Strikes and protests are also organised on this day to draw attention to ongoing inequalities.

There was no set date for Clara’s concept of an International Women’s Day.

It wasn’t formally recognised until a 1917 wartime strike in which Russian women called for “food and peace” led to the tsar’s forced abdication and the provisional government’s granting of the right to vote four days later.

The strike started on March 8, which is now recognised as International Women’s Day.

WHY DO WE STILL MARK IT?

In the midst of war, violence, and policy changes in their individual nations throughout the last year, women have fought for their rights in numerous places, including Afghanistan, Iran, the Ukraine, and the US.

The Taliban’s return in Afghanistan has slowed the growth of human rights, as women and girls are now prohibited from pursuing higher education, working the majority of occupations outside the home, travelling long distances alone, and being told to hide their faces in public.

Mahsa Amini, 22, was killed in protests in Iran after she was detained by morality police in Tehran on September 13, 2022. Mahsa was accused of breaking one of Iran’s harsh laws requiring women to cover their hair with a scarf.

Since then, protests have persisted around the nation, with many Iranians – both male and female – asking for more gender equality and an end to the current political

system. The protesters’ catchphrase is “Women, life, freedom”. Authorities have called them “riots” and used force in response. There have been over 500 fatalities.

The UN reports that gender disparities in food insecurity, hunger, poverty, and increasing gender-based violence have gotten worse in Ukraine and around the world as a result of war-related price increases and shortages since Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, a landmark law that had safeguarded American women’s right to an abortion. This decision sparked significant protests and outrage in the US. Several American women have turned to individuals in Mexico for assistance in abortion after a revolutionary decision there effectively decriminalised the practise in 2021.

POSITIVE CHANGE

After a 10-year battle, the European Parliament adopted a law in November 2022 to guarantee that more women are represented on the boards of publicly traded corporations by July 2026. There are many women who are competent for high-level positions, and the EU asserted that its new regulation will provide them a genuine opportunity to obtain them.

In the meantime, Colombia and Armenia revised their parental leave laws, and Spain introduced legislation supporting menstrual health leave and expanding access to abortion.

According to the International Olympic Committee,

Beijing 2022 will host the most gender-balanced Winter Games, with women making up 45% of competitors. Despite the fact that gender parity was not attained, new regulations encouraged more impartial coverage of women’s sports.

Thirty-six teams will compete in the significantly expanded 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The US Soccer Federation agreed to pay its men’s and women’s teams equally before to the competition, making it the first organisation in the sport to make such a commitment. For more than five years, female athletes have argued their case in numerous lawsuits and equal wage demands.

2023’S THEME FOR CHANGE

“DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” is the UN’s theme for 2023. The purpose of this subject is to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions that women and girls are making to technology and online learning.

IWD this year will also focus on the effects of the digital gender gap on inequality for women and girls because, according to the UN, if nothing is done, women’s lack of access to the internet will cost low- and middle-income nations’ GDP $1.5 trillion by 2025.

But, there are other themes present as well. The International Women’s Day website has chosen the theme #EmbraceEquity, with organisers and events aiming to “challenge gender norms” and “offer a platform to forge good change for women.

Find out more at un.org/en/observances/womens-day and internationalwomensday.com.

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HOW AFFIRMATIONS CAN HELP YOU THRIVE IN BUSINESS

Self-doubt can raise its head in all walks of life, but for those in leadership positions at work, it can be hugely limiting, but also the root cause of anxiety and high stress levels. I speak to Chris Goodman of Soar Valley Press to discover how affirmations transformed his mental health and in turn, his business

How do you take a business from postpandemic debt to a thriving professional entity? Soar Valley Press began 2022 with high debt compared to turnover and a company director who was burdened by worry, anxiety and stress. And yet, the business finished 2022 with reduced debt and a 50% increase in turnover – a huge ratio shift.

So, how did Chris Goodman do it? “It hasn’t been easy, but I have developed successful ways of managing the stress of our business surviving the pandemic,” the company director told me. “I started 2022 anxious about turning the business around – questions like – ‘Can we succeed? Are we good enough? What if we have a bad few weeks or months?’ These thoughts were affecting my mindset and how I led the company.”

They did more than worry Chris – he shared with me an anxiety attack that occurred last May whilst holidaying with his family on a beautiful Greek Island. “I was completely fine one minute, enjoying the weather and break, then I got a text about something that set my anxiety off. My breathing changed, and I fainted hitting my head on the way down. I was rushed to hospital with concussion. It was a watershed moment.”

Having been to the GP with anxiety prior to the holiday, he had put in place support to help, but he knew at this point that he needed to take action. “With the support of medication, breathing techniques, my family, faith and my business coach, the anxiety improved, but I also harnessed the power of using affirmations.

“Affirmations have been key to the business achieving goals. Affirmations help me focus on the important goals in the business and transform my mindset so I can achieve more. But more than that, they have really helped my mental health. Affirmations have been important in bringing me back from the brink.”

Not only have they helped Chris with his personal mental health, but he is also certain they have helped SVP to survive the effects of the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and the rising fuel costs, and that they are helping it to thrive.

“One of my affirmations was about hitting a high sales

target, this was the highest monthly figure in our budget for 2022. It was two times the average month in 2021 – and we achieved it.”

Chris has nine affirmations in total but he uses them in varying ways, sometimes using them at the start of the day or a couple before a big meeting. “They aren’t a magic wand; they are part of a strategy and a structure of support. I believe affirmations are a massive help in becoming who you desire to be and to achieving your goals, squashing limiting beliefs about ourselves in the process.”

He adds that his ’supportive family, his coach and having clear goals,’ have all contributed to improved mental health, as well the business’ prospects too.

CHRIS’ GUIDE TO USING AFFIRMATIONS IN YOUR BUSINESS

1 Plan to achieve – have clear realistic goals in business and life

2 Put the support necessary to succeed in place

3 Use affirmations regularly to keep yourself moving towards your goals, to help you really believe in yourself, especially when times are tough

4 Recognise when you achieve goals and affirmations and celebrate it

5 Review your goals and affirmations and go again!

CHRIS, A FEW MINUTES BEFORE FAINTING AFTER AN ANXIETY ATTACK

SUPPORTING WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

An essential ingredient for encouraging productivity in the workplace is creating an inclusive and equitable environment. Here’s how to do it

upporting women’s health in the workplace is essential for creating an inclusive environment that encourages productivity. It is also important for companies to ensure that their female employees have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and thrive.

Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to support women’s health in the workplace, from providing access to health care services and resources, to creating a culture of understanding and respect.

Women are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress than men. These issues can lead to decreased productivity, missed days at work, and even job loss. To support the mental health of women in the workplace, employers should take proactive steps to create a safe and supportive environment.

WOMEN ARE OFTEN PRIMARY CAREGIVERS

Women are more likely to be the primary caregiver for their children and elderly parents, and this can put a lot of stress on their mental health – and, they’re twice as likely to experience mental health issues than men, according to Mental Health UK. As a result, it’s important to consider how the workplace can support employees with mental health issues.

The most effective way to do this is to create a culture that fosters open conversations about mental wellbeing, mental illnesses and disorders, thoughts, ideas and opinions. By inviting such discussions and establishing confidentiality, employees will feel more comfortable talking about their mental health concerns and can work

with their employer to find solutions. By implementing these policies, you can help women at your workplace maintain a healthy mental state.

WOMEN’S IMPACT ON THE WORKPLACE

Women’s health has a significant impact on the workplace because of the potential consequences of the decisions they make. The rise of women in the workplace has changed the way women’s health is perceived. This is a good thing of course, as it means women are more likely to be aware of their health and take steps to protect it.

In fact, the World Health Organisation has declared that “the promotion of mental health” is a key factor in enabling women to participate actively in social and economic life.” The WHO also states that: “Mental health is crucial to women’s empowerment and gender equality. It is essential to promote mental health and well-being, particularly in the areas of prevention, promotion and support, to enable women to realise their full potential and participate actively in all spheres of life.”

Companies must create environments that encourages open communication and allows employees to feel safe and supported. This can be achieved through providing mental health resources, offering flexible scheduling, and providing psychological services. These measures can help create an environment where employees feel empowered to take care of their own mental health and the mental health of their colleagues.

Ultimately, creating an environment that supports the mental health of women in the workplace is key to creating a successful, productive work culture.

UNDER THE SKIN

A BEAUTY BUSINESS DRIVEN BY WELLNESS AND RESULTS

t the age of 42, Jacquie Jones decided it was time to do something for herself. With her two children old enough to be left to their own devices a little more, Jacquie headed back to college to study beauty. “It felt like quite a bold move at the time, I was nervous but excited. I knew it was time to turn my attention to things that sparked my interest and that was skincare.”

For Jacquie, her interest in skin is more than outer beauty, it’s about self-esteem and how you feel on the inside. It comes directly from her own experiences as she explains: “I had some insecurities about my skin when I was a teen, it felt like a battle that I couldn’t win. Now I really get my enjoyment in what I do from helping women on their skin journey.”

This passion to help others drives her salon today, still 15 years on from first opening the doors. “I have always been motivated to create a space where women can come and relax, where they don’t feel rushed, where they feel comfortable.” The salon has relaxing zen area and wellbeing treatments to encourage clients to stay and take some time out of their busy days, another important aspect of what she offers anyone who steps through the Inner Beauty doors.

Utilising the very latest non-invasive equipment and products she trusts, Jacquie has created a space where clients start their skincare transformation, and she supports them throughout: “I believe that it is a journey for clients. I recently helped a woman who had severe skin problems, her skin was starting to affect her mental health.

“We approached her skin treatments as a long-term solution, as a journey utilising skin care that works in combination with the very best equipment and supplements – they complement one another perfectly.

“Her skin transformed, with her mental health transformed in the process – she has since achieved her dream job goals and is radiant from the inside out!”

To get these results, Jacquie uses technologies from BioTherapeutic, microcurrent pioneers with 50 years’ experience as the leader in microcurrent technology.

As FDA approved machines they have gone through rigorous tests with scientific proof that they are effective at delivering the results they claim and safe, medical device certified.

Utilising microcurrent technology, the machinery rejuvenates muscles without anything invasive, alongside

other none-invasive advanced skin treatments. and products from Dermalogica – a brand that Jacquie has used since achieving lasting results from the products when she experienced skin problems as a teen.

I can tell that this is what lights Jacquie up – this ability to help women feel good from within through addressing their skin concerns. That and the drive to continue to develop and grow the business through learning about the very latest products and skin are through non-invasive procedures.

She explains: “I love to learn about new methods and really believe in the importance of discussing how and why things work and what each client needs for realistic results that work. It’s long-term relationships with our clients that we ae building, being part of their skin health journey – that’s where the enjoyment in what we do lies. “There’s plenty more behind Inner Beauty’s offering that you can find at innerbeautyleicester.co.uk, from massages to makeup and reflexology to skincare.

When I meet Jacquie Jones for a chat, I’m struck by what seems to have motivated her as an entrepreneur for over 15 years – her path to success is one which centres around empathy for her clients and a passion for skincare results

WORDS OF ADVICE: THE BEST OF BUSINESS BOOKS

ost of us go into business believing our ability will bring success, yet the vast majority are shocked to discover that ability only carries us so far, causing some to give up.

When asked what brought him success, Warren Buffet answered “compound interest”. The idea is that if you invest £10,000 in year one, 30 years later it will be worth over £1m. The same principle works with learning; if you read one book, it won’t change your life, but read a book a month and – five years later – you will have read 60. Each one will have only changed how you think a little, but after five years,

THE ROAD LESS STUPID

by Keith J Cunningham

This book teaches us how to run a business and avoid the mistakes that could hold you back. Most of us start our morning by reading emails and reacting to what the business day is throwing at us. When I hear a business owner say ‘I was too busy’, what they’re really saying is ‘my day took control of me’ – this book teaches how to take back control. One strategy is ‘The Three Pillars to Success’.

➤ Write down your major outcomes that must be achieved that day

➤ Plan your day before it starts

➤ Be accountable to someone for your plans, commitments and results

HIGH PERFORMANCE:

LESSONS FROM THE BEST ON BECOMING YOUR BEST

by Damian Hughes & Jake Humphrey

This book will show you that successful people are not superhuman. They don’t have magical powers or greater intelligence than you. What eludes most people is grasping an opportunity. The skill is to focus on what you are good at, and become great at it. The book’s first action teaches us to focus on what you can control and less on the things you can’t.

you’ll act, think and work very differently and will be vastly more successful than if you’d never started the journey. The books I recommend here give you the confidence to believe in yourself. Confidence starts with the absence of negative thoughts. These five books will give you lots of positives, and by starting your learning journey, I can guarantee you will think and act smarter than your competitors.

THE E MYTH

by Michael E Gerber

I send this book to every business owner I coach. It covers the foundation of how to run a successful business and the steps of how to build it. It will reveal the mistakes you are making and how to change direction. If there’s one book every business owner should read, it’s this one.

THINK AND GROW RICH

by Napoleon Hill

This book taught me about consistency. One of the most common reasons for a business to fail is the habit of quitting when faced with temporary defeat. We change direction and don’t stick to the principles that we know bring success. The book shares how success comes for those who lay out a plan and focus on their daily goals. Business owners who focus on this principle are those who find real success.

EAT THAT FROG by

Brian Tracey

A little book you can read in under an hour, and – if you take on its learnings – will bring organisation to your life. You will get more done, and what you get done will move your business forward.

When it comes to business advice, there’s a lot of information available, but knowing where to start can be a challenge. Phil Nassau gave us his recommendations