Dynamic Magazine - issue 40 by Platinum Media Group

Women@Work

TRAVEL

Namibia –untamed beauty

Health data

Avoiding productivity monitoring

FEATURE

Business borrowing in an uncertain market

Alison Jones and David Pettit of Kreston Reeves offer the best advice as to when to borrow for your business, and what kind of loans you can take out 8

BIG

STORY

Kamala Harris

Now facing off against Donald Trump for the US Presidency, the current vice-President has it within her grasp to make history on many different levels

Perseverance is failing nineteen times and succeeding the twentieth.

Julie Andrews

WELLBEING

What is 'Health Data'?

And how is it used for research? There are many concerns over how our personal and medical data is used. Monica Fletcher reveals how this information is gathered and used

The growth in the number of women-owned businesses in the US over the past 20 years 114%

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

REGULARS

News

6 Upfront: The top international news stories involving women in business

20 In the Right Direction: Good news stories from around the world

Spotlight

24 Mia Bird

The journey of, among other things, the founder of BN1 Arts

25 Iris Jackson

The recipient of this year's Dynamic Businesswoman of the Year, and Director of OG Kicks

Wellbeing

28 SK:N

The abrupt closure of SK:N has left many patients in a difficult situation

32 Period mapping

Work with your body by menstrual cycle mapping

MOTORING

42 GIRL TORQUE: The British Motoring Show

Fiona Shafer visited Farnborough for this annual show. A few things raised her eyebrows, others less so. Read up on her day...

❛

❛ We are here, not because we are lawbreakers; we are here in our efforts to be law-makers.

Emmeline Pankhurat

TRAVEL

38 Namibia

Tess de Klerk explores a place where the desert meets the ocean, where ancient cultures thrive and nature always reigns supreme

CONTACTS

PUBLISHER: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk

EDITOR: Tess de Klerk tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk

MOTORING EDITOR: Fiona Shafer fionaas@platinummediagroup.co.uk

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Lesley Alcock lesley@platinummediagroup.co.uk

EVENTS DIRECTOR: Fiona Graves fiona@platinummediagroup.co.uk

EVENTS MANAGER: Žaneta Bealing zaneta@platinummediagroup.co.uk

HEAD OF DESIGN / SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk

EDITOR’S NOTE

A warm welcome to Dynamic.

This month we joyfully revisit Kamala Harris in our Big Story. She is a beacon of hope for diversity and inclusivity on the world stage and, crucially, another example of obstacles crumbling in the face of female power. We wish her success.

Success is very much a word we associate with both Iris Jackson and Mia Bird who feature in Spotlight this month; success achieved through grit and determination - in spite of the many hurdles they’ve faced.

Unfortunately, many women still face too many fundamental challenges in their careers, as laid out in this year’s Deloitte Women@Work Global Report on page 20, but the good news is that the number of leaders who focus on Gender Equality within the workplace is on the increase globally.

In Wellbeing, we explore period tracking as a way to empower us to live in alignment with the natural ebb and flow of our natural biorhythms, while Monica Fletcher explains the power of our health data in contributing to medical research.

As always, we bring you more. We present thought-provoking art from Kellie Miller’s gallery, inspirational travel all the way from Namibia this month, and plenty of ideas to fill your days and nights from across the South East.

We hope you that you enjoy Dynamic.

Editor, Dynamic Magazine tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk

WOMEN MAKING UK ‘MORE ENTREPRENEURIAL’

The UK has become a “significantly more entrepreneurial society” in the 21st century with a marked increase in female entrepreneurship, a new Aston University report has shown. The latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) UK report, produced in partnership with NatWest, has analysed the past 25 years of economic activity in the UK as businesses navigate challenges from the credit crunch and financial crisis to Brexit and the pandemic.

The latest report shows nearly 30% of working-age individuals in 2023 intended to start a business within three years, were actively trying to start a business, or were running their own business.

EQUAL PAY VICTORY AT NEXT

More than 3,500 current and former workers at Next have won the final stage of a six-year legal battle for equal pay. An employment tribunal said store staff, who are predominantly women, should not have been paid at lower rates than employees in warehouses, where just over half the staff are male.

Lawyers for the shop staff described the judgement as “hugely significant” and the amount of back-pay owed could amount to more than £30m. However, Next said it would appeal against the ruling.

UPFRONT

THE LATEST BULLETINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

EE ADVISES PARENTS NOT TO GIVE SMARTPHONES TO CHILDREN

One of the UK’s largest mobile network providers is advising parents not to give primary school-aged children their own smartphone. EE, which is owned by BT, said it aims to improve children’s “digital wellbeing” after receiving increasing requests for guidance from parents. It said that under-11s should be given “non-smart” devices that

have similar capabilities as old brick phones.

The recommendation - announced for the start of the new school yearcomes amid growing concern about the effects of smartphone and internet usage on children’s mental health and behaviour.

UK ENERGY PRICE CAP RISES

❛ ❛ Expect the unexpected, and whenever possible, be the unexpected

Lynda Berry

A typical household’s annual energy bill will rise by £149 in October under the new price cap. People using an average amount of gas and electricity will pay £1,717 a year, a 10% rise compared with now.

The cap, set by the energy regulator Ofgem, affects the price paid for each unit of gas and electricity used in 27 million homes in England, Wales and Scotland. Although prices are still lower than last winter, the rise in bills comes as some support for bills has been withdrawn, and the new government has announced it will halt winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners in England and Wales.

Plus ça change.

❛ ❛

EQUAL NUMER OF MALE AND FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS IN SCOTLAND

Women in Scotland have reached a “landmark moment” in business, with the number of female entrepreneurs matching the number of men for the first time. A report has found that women were starting and running new businesses at virtually the same rate as men last year. The global entrepreneurship monitor

People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it

Simon Sinek

WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS MORE CONFIDENT THAN MEN

After decades of research into empowering women in business, a PNC survey reveals that the number of women who feel confident in running their business outnumbers that of men. According to PNC’s most recent Economic Outlook Survey, women in the US are claiming to be more confident about running their businesses compared to men. Survey results showed that while 69% of women and 73 % of men were hopeful towards their business prospects when it comes to confidence towards running a business, women outranked men.

TRIBUTES TO JUDY BLOOMER

Tributes have been paid to the family of Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy following their deaths in the sinking of a Mike Lynch’s luxury yacht in Sicily. In a statement paying tribute to the couple, they said: “We are grieving for our loved ones and all of those affected by the tragedy.

“Our parents were incredible people and an inspiration to many, but first and foremost they were focused on and loved their family and spending time with their new grandchildren. Together for five decades, our only comfort is that they are still together now.”

(GEM), an annual measure of entrepreneurship, found 8.6% of working-age women in Scotland were running or setting up a new business in 2023 compared with 9.8% of men, something the report describes as “statistical parity”. This compares with 7.2% of women and 10.5% of men in 2022.

BBC DRAGON NAMED AVON INSPIRATION OFFICER

Avon UK has named Sara Davies MBE, renowned entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor, as its new Chief Inspiration Officer.

The appointment aims to bolster efforts to help more women launch and grow their own businesses. Avon’s recent research reveals highlights that 33% of women feel the business landscape favours men, and 23% believe they have fewer opportunities compared to their male counterparts.

As Chief Inspiration Officer, Davies will host masterclasses and mentoring sessions to provide Avon Representatives (Reps) with the guidance and support needed to overcome these challenges.

By ALISON JONES, Partner and DAVID PETITT, Accounts Manager at Kreston Reeves

BUSINESS BORROWING IN AN UNCERTAIN MARKET

When is the right time for a business to borrow? It’s a question we’re regularly asked, and it’s not always easy to answer. This is especially difficult now with so many changes happening in the world this year including the election in the US, the ongoing situation with Ukraine and Russia as well as our own new government.

There is some way to go before the cost of borrowing returns to what many people would deem to be a ‘normal level’

to lend to businesses with a strong business plan that can demonstrate growth and opportunity.

Businesses have, until recently, been able to access relatively easy and affordable borrowing. However, since autumn 2022, the base interest rate has climbed, before reducing to 5% (August).

Whilst the drop in inflation has begun to filter through into interest rates, there is some way to go before the cost of borrowing returns to what many people would deem to be a ‘normal level’. There is also the uncertainty of the impact of the October Budget. All of which leaves businesses asking whether they should borrow now or wait and see the impact of all these factors.

BORROWING FOR GROWTH

Borrowing might at first be considered a high cost to the business, but considering borrowing through the lens of cost alone would be a mistake. Borrowing must be viewed through the lens of business opportunity. Businesses should always ask why they are borrowing and what will the cash injection be used for.

The most compelling reason for borrowing now is to fund an opportunity for growth. Where a business has identified a strategic or tactical opportunity that might give it a competitive edge, borrowing might be the most sensible and practical way to unlock growth. Lenders are still willing

The cost of borrowing needs to be factored into those plans. And those plans will need to include the opportunity cost of acting now against delaying, in the hope of falling interest rates. Businesses should ask whether opportunity value outweighs the opportunity cost.

Businesses need also to consider corporation tax. Interest on borrowing is tax deductible, reducing the amount of corporation tax paid.

BUSINESS CREDIT SCORE

It may surprise you to know that borrowing will help a business build a positive credit score, making it easier to access future borrowing should it be needed or if you need to expand trading facilities with your suppliers. Businesses with little or no credit score can find it tough to access affordable borrowing or to open new supplier accounts.

Credit scores are determined by the financial results of the company and certain behavioural traits. Do they, for example, file their financial statements on time? Do they pay suppliers within agreed payment terms? They are a valuable indicator of creditworthiness and can help a business make informed decisions around the financial relationship they wish to have with a particular business.

The most compelling reason for borrowing now is to fund an opportunity for growth

+ FUNDING OPTIONS

BOUNCE BACK LOANS

You may have taken out a Bounce Back Loan during Covid under the ‘pay as you grow’ scheme. You can now extend the loan term from six years to ten, at the same fixed interest rate of 2.5%.

There is also the option to take one six-month repayment holiday or reduce payments for six months by paying interest only (available up to three times during the term of your loan). In theory you can access all three of these options and any of these options could be useful for managing your cashflow.

THE GROWTH GUARANTEE SCHEME

The Growth Guarantee Scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme. Launched in July, it is designed to support access to finance for UK smaller businesses (up to £45m turnover) as they look to invest and grow. A wide range of products are available, and this could include term loans, overdrafts and assetbased lending.

Finance up to £2m can be accessed via this scheme, and the lender is provided with a 70% governmentbacked guarantee. Businesses can use the finance for any legitimate business purpose – including managing cashflow and investment.

GETTING READY FOR BORROWING

If you are looking for new funding, refinancing existing facilities or would like to review your credit score, you are likely to need the following things in place:

• Latest set of full accounts

• Six months bank statements

• Latest management accounts

• Cashflow forecasts/budgets

• Business case explaining the business purpose and plan

There are also other funding options that you might want to consider as there are several grants available for all types of business and in some instances match funding is available for training.

CONCLUSIONS

Businesses should focus on maintaining stability, and perhaps wait for the outcome of the budget on October 30th to find out if their business or personal wealth might be affected by further tax changes. But don’t let yourself be too cautious and miss out on that golden opportunity.

To fully understand the lending landscape and the impact and opportunity borrowing might have for your business, please get in touch with Alison Jones, Partner or David Petitt, Accounts Manager:

Call: +44 (0)33 0124 1399

Email: alison.jones@krestonreeves.com or david.petitt@krestonreeves.com

Visit: www.krestonreeves.com

Vice-President KAMALA HARRIS

The highest ranking woman in US history

There is no hyperbole in that headline. Kamala Harris, in serving the past four years as vice-President of the United States of America, has achieved a status no woman in that country has ever done.

With the withdrawal of President Biden from the Presidential Election, she has now accepted the Democrat nomination, and faces off against Donald Trump, the former President who has no understanding of the word ‘defeat’. Nor an understanding of most other words.

Alan Wares re-visits Kamala Harris’ rise – from being voted in as vice-President of the US in 2020, to her leading the polls ahead of the 2024 election

In November 2020, Dynamic’s sister magazine, Platinum ran the rule over the vice-President-elect of the United States of America, Kamala Harris. It opened with the line, “Should many of the pundits be correct in the assertion that Biden will not see out the first four years, whether from age, illness or choice, Kamala Harris will make history in too many ways to count.”

Biden will indeed see out his first four years in office – just. However, on July 21st, he withdrew his candidacy for a second four years at the White House. His statements had drawn much criticism as they had been as largely indecipherable and error-strewn as anything mumbled by Donald Trump, the man he was supposed to be running against.

It was not a time for celebration – more one of relief. It also left the path open for vice-President Kamala Harris to take her shot at the top job. Although not exactly a coronation into that role, Kamala was, given the relative lack of time available, just about the only name who could have possibly replaced Biden on the Democrat ticket.

FOUR YEARS AGO

Kamala Harris savoured the moment she became the first woman, and the first black and Asian American, to be vice President-elect, with a very hearty laugh. The smile that greeted the nation on her investiture as vice-President went around the world in no time.

In a video posted to her social media, she shared the news with then-President-elect Joe Biden: “We did it, we did it, Joe. You’re going to be the next President of the United States!” Her words are about him but the history of the moment is hers.

A COLOURFUL WOMAN

“We know that, being descendants of enslaved people and people of colour coming out of colonisation, that we have a special role and having an education gives us a special position in society to help effect change,” she explains – it was a philosophy and a call to action that was part of the university experience Ms Harris lived.

She returned to address students at Howard in 2017 and took them on a journey from the Ferguson race protests of 2014 to the halls of Capitol Hill in just one sentence: “You students have joined the fight for justice - you protested. From the streets of

“She has always had that laugh, she has always had a sense of humour too, she had a sense of wit to get those points across.”

Just over a year previously, as the senator from California hoping to win the Democratic nomination for Presidency, she launched a potent attack on Joe Biden over race during a debate. Many thought it inflicted a serious blow on his ambitions. But by the end of the year, her campaign was dead and it was Mr Biden who returned the 56-year-old to the national spotlight by putting her on his ticket.

“It is a big reversal of fortune for Kamala Harris,” says Gil Duran, a communications director for Ms Harris in 2013 and who has critiqued her run for the presidential nomination.

“Many people didn’t think she had the discipline and focus to ascend to a position in the White House so quickly... although people knew she had ambition and star potential. It was always clear that she had the raw talent.” What she has demonstrated from the moment she took the national stage with her pitch for the presidency – is grit.

Four

years – and Biden’s time was up

Ferguson to the halls of the United States Congress, you have lived the words of James Baldwin, ‘There is never a time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment, the time is always now.’

But Ms Harris also operates with ease in predominantly white communities. Her early years included a brief period in Canada. When her mother took a job teaching at McGill University, Ms Harris and her younger sister Maya went with her, attending school in Montreal for five years.

Ms Harris says she’s always been comfortable with her identity and simply describes herself as an “American”.

She told the Washington Post in 2019, that politicians should not have to fit into compartments because of their colour or background. “My point was: I am who I am. I’m good with it. You might need to figure it out, but I’m fine with it,” she said. In 2014, Senator Harris married lawyer Doug Emhoff – now a fixture at her campaign stops – and became stepmother to his two children.

In 2019, she wrote an article for Elle magazine about the experience of becoming a stepmother and unveiled the name that would then come to dominate many headlines that followed.

“When Doug and I got married, Cole, Ella, and I agreed that we didn’t like the term ‘stepmom’. Instead, they came up with the name ‘Momala’.”

They were portrayed as the epitome of the modern American 'blended' family, an image the media took to and one that occupied many column inches about how we talk about female politicians.

In a bizarre twist, Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 Presidential Elections, the hitherto unheard-of JD Vance, offered up a critique that Harris is never going to be fit for Presidency due to her not being a mother. He chose to call her ‘a childless cat lady’ for good measure. This month’s Platinum Business Magazine highlights some equally vacuous statements from the Lunar twins

On becoming vice-President-elect, many argued she should also be seen and recognised as the descendant of another kind

of family and that is the inheritor of generations of black female activists.

But from the very earliest, as her friend Ms RosarioRichardson attests, she showed the skills that allowed her to be one of few women to break through barriers. “That is what attracted me to get her to join the debate team at Howard University, a fearlessness.”

AS A PERSON

Wit and humour are part of that armoury. The laugh she greeted Joe Biden with upon his election victory, when making that first momentous phone call, was one her friend recognised immediately and intimately.

“It clearly shows her personality, even in the short time she has been on the campaign trail. She has always had that laugh, she has always had a sense of humour too, she had a sense of wit - even in the context of a university debate - to get those points across,” remarked Duran.

The ability to deliver zingers to her opponents in a live debate was very much part of the momentum behind the start of her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. She wasn’t afraid of confrontation as in this Twitter exchange with Donald Trump Jr last October.

“Why is @KamalaHarris the only person that laughs at her jokes... always way too long and way too hard?” Mr Trump’s son asked.

“You wouldn’t know a joke if one raised you,” she wrote back.

A simple burn on social media, but a popular shorthand for the kind of skills that meant a career in law and politics was a natural fit. Although her career as a prosecutor is what made her a politician, it brought with it political benefits and risks.

“The childless cat lady”

Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance’s take on Kamala Harris, adding nothing to the debate

Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz

KAMALA AS VICE-PRESIDENT

It’s often extremely difficult for the time served as a vice-President to be judged, especially by the public. They may be No.2 to the most powerful person in the land – maybe even the world – but their role isn’t one of being a ‘near-equal’.

It is not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work. According to the New York Times, “Harris’ critics and detractors alike acknowledge that the vice presidency is intended to be a supporting role. Many of her predecessors have laboured to make themselves relevant, as well.”

Put it this way, how many VPs that didn’t ultimately make it to the top job can one name?

But she struggled to achieve broad appeal among Americans. Despite leftward leanings on issues like gay marriage and the death penalty, she faced repeated attacks for not being progressive enough for some Democratic voters. “Kamala is a cop” was a common refrain on the 2020 campaign trail.

Mr Biden also called upon Ms Harris to lead efforts addressing the root causes of migration as a record number of immigrants fled to the US-Mexico border.

Her track record as a vice-President will be put under even more intense scrutiny now that she has secured the Democratic nomination

Even so, her track record as a vice-President will be put under even more intense scrutiny now that she has secured the Democratic nomination. Over the last four years, Harris has taken the lead on several critical issues while Biden focused his efforts elsewhere.

She launched a nationwide “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour, highlighting the harm caused by abortion bans. She called on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v Wade after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in 2022.

Ms Harris set a new record for the most tie-breaking votes cast by a vice-President in the history of the Senate. Her vote helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan, which provided Covid relief funds including stimulus payments.

+UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL TITLE

For the sake of formal protocol, every living former president of the United States is referred to as ‘President…’. In more informal instances, or where there may be confusion, any previous president may be referred to as ‘former President…’. This is seen as a sign of dignity and courtesy in the States, and across other countries.

The title of ‘Governor’ or ‘Senator’ offered carries similar protocol, whether that person is a current or previous dignitary.

It is an issue opponents point to as one where she hasn’t made enough progress, and she was criticised by Republicans and some Democrats for taking six months to plan a trip to the border after entering office.

While border crossings have fallen dramatically this year, it remains to be seen if she can turn that success to her advantage in the presidential election.

DEMOCRAT NOMINATION

On August 22nd, Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democrat presidential nomination at the party’s national congress, becoming the first woman of colour to become a major party’s presidential nominee. She has nominated the Governor of Minnesota, the

“In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man,” she said. “But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious.”

60-year-old Tim Walz as her running mate – a role he immediately accepted.

The conservative media didn’t take long to pile into him –or rather, his family, after his son was overcome with emotion upon his nomination. Far-right political commentator Ann Coulter was forced to take down a post – after an onslaught of criticism, including from her own side – mocking his family, a post that went against the long-held tradition within the US media that presidential candidates’ families are not ‘fair game’.

She made her keynote address to the congress that night. She had already secured the support of President Biden and President Obama, and the strong backing of Michelle Obama, with whom Harris had performed a knockabout tag-team takedown of their Republican opponent, Donald Trump, two days earlier.

“In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man,” she said. “But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious.” She brought up the January 6th attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters, and mentioned his criminal convictions.

She also hit what has become a favourite Democratic punching bag, the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 blueprint for a Republican presidency. Although former President Trump has disavowed the plan, she noted that it was written by his advisers and it sought to “pull our country back into the past.

The congress has been commented upon by many political diarists and writers as a strong one for the Democrats in every way that Trump is struggling on his side with the Republicans.

The ‘future v the past’ contrast has been a central theme of the Harris campaign so far, as it was in her nomination acceptance speech. It’s one of the ways the vice-President has been able to draw a distinction not only from her current Republican opponent, but from the unpopular aspects of her boss, Joe Biden, who just a few weeks ago was the presumptive Democratic nominee.

HARRIS V TRUMP

Many, if not most, political commentators believe Harris has a better chance of beating Trump in the November elections than Biden would have had. Two old men, barely making sense, while presiding over the future of the planet’s one superpower would not have made for a gratifying spectacle.

Then one has to consider Trump’s expected petulant behaviour should - and this is a real possibility given the state of the polls – be defeated by Harris. Losing two elections in a row – three if you consider he didn’t win the popular vote when he won the Presidential College Vote system in 2016 – isn’t something his colossal, yet vast ego can handle.

It’s now up to the electorate in the US – 300 million people that the rest of the world wearily shakes its head at – to deliver us from orange, and into the right kind of historical outcome.

Now in its fourth edition, Deloitte Global’s Women @ Work: A Global Outlook report explores key workplace and societal elements that shape women’s career trajectories

DELOITTE WOMEN@WORK A Global Outlook

The report draws insights from 5,000 women across ten countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States) to understand their workplace experiences and how aspects of their personal lives influence these experiences. Below is a summary of the findings.

INCREASED STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA

This year’s survey reveals that half of the women reported higher stress levels than a year ago, with a similar number expressing concern or significant concern about their mental health. Two-thirds do not feel comfortable discussing mental health at work or disclosing it as the reason for taking time off. While workplace culture may contribute to this reluctance, it is not the sole reason; many women fear discrimination or redundancy, and one in ten have had negative experiences when discussing mental health at work in the past.

The findings also show a correlation between working hours and mental health. While half of the women who work only their contracted hours describe their mental health as good, this figure drops to 23% for those who frequently work additional hours.

WORKING THROUGH PAIN

More than a quarter (27%) of women reported challenges related to menstruation, menopause, or fertility. Over 40% of women who experience severe menstrual pain said they work through it without taking time off, a similar figure to 2023. Additionally, 39% of those experiencing pain or discomfort due to menopause work through it, nearly double the percentage from 2023.

Fewer women feel comfortable discussing these health challenges with their managers compared to last year, and more report that their careers have been negatively impacted by raising these issues at work. Women with fertility-related health challenges report similar trends – three in ten stated they have not taken time off despite experiencing severe pain or symptoms, and nearly two in ten have taken time off but did not disclose the true reason. A similar proportion indicated that discussing these issues in the past had adversely affected their careers.

Among women who regularly work overtime, only 23% say their mental wellbeing is good and 22% say their physical health is good

UNEQUAL CAREGIVING RESPONSIBILITIES

This year, half of the women who live with a partner and have children at home reported bearing the majority of childcare responsibilities, up from 46% last year. This compares to 12% who said their partner takes the lead and 26% who said they share childcare responsibilities equally with their partner.

Nearly 60% of women involved in caring for another adult said they take the greatest responsibility for this, a significant increase from the 44% who reported this in 2023. Only 5% said this responsibility falls to their partner, a decrease from last year.

One-fifth of women in this year’s survey identified as the primary earner in their household. Of these, nearly half still bear most of the childcare responsibilities; only 19% said their partners carry the most responsibility. Affordable childcare options remain out of reach for some women, leading them to make difficult career decisions. Two in ten women believe that the lack of affordable childcare may force them to quit their jobs or slow down their careers.

The survey also highlights the impact of domestic responsibilities on mental health: women who bear the greatest share of household responsibilities are far less likely to report good mental health than those who do not.

FLEXIBILITY AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE ARE CRUCIAL FOR RETENTION

Women who are currently looking to leave their employer for another organisation cite poor work-life balance and a lack of flexibility regarding working hours among the top reasons. Women who have left their employer in the past year cited inadequate pay, work-life balance, and a lack of flexibility among the main reasons. Conversely, those who plan to stay with their organisation for five or more years cited the ability to manage work-life balance and personal responsibilities alongside their careers as one of the top reasons for staying.

Despite this, fewer women than last year feel supported by their employers in balancing work responsibilities with commitments outside of work. Only one in ten

feel they can openly discuss work-life balance at work. Nearly all women (95%) believe that requesting or taking advantage of flexible working opportunities will negatively impact their chances of promotion, and 93% do not believe their workload would be adjusted accordingly if they requested flexible work options.

HYBRID WORK EXPERIENCES AND RETURN-TO-OFFICE POLICIES

This year, there has been an improvement in women’s experiences of hybrid working, particularly regarding exclusion, predictability, and flexibility. However, about three in ten women working in a hybrid way still experience exclusion from meetings, a lack of predictability in their working pattern, and a lack of flexibility. Additionally, 27% of these women reported being expected to go into the workplace despite messages to the contrary. The same proportion said that the hybrid model has reduced their exposure to senior leaders.

More than 40% of women in the survey said their employer has recently implemented a return-to-office policy, requiring them to be on-site either full-time or on certain days. Nearly four in ten women who were recently asked to return on-site full-time said they have requested a reduction in working hours following the policy’s introduction, and three in ten said they have needed to relocate. A quarter said their mental health has been negatively impacted, and a fifth said it has made them less productive.

SAFETY CONCERNS AND NON-INCLUSIVE BEHAVIOURS

Nearly half of all respondents are concerned about their personal safety in the workplace or while commuting or travelling for work. Of these women, one in ten reported being harassed while travelling for work, and a similar number said they had been sexually harassed by a colleague. Additionally, 16% deal with customers or clients who have harassed them or made them feel uncomfortable.

The number of women who reported experiencing non-inclusive behaviours such as harassment or microaggressions at work has decreased since last year, but 43% of women still reported experiencing one or more of these behaviours in the past year. A quarter of women experienced inappropriate comments or actions from senior figures in their organisation. Among those who left an employer in the past year, 16% said that one of the main reasons was their experience of harassment or microaggressions.

However, these behaviours often go unreported. More than a third of the women who experienced sexual harassment did not report it to their organisation, and over 40% who experienced microaggressions also chose not to report them. The most frequently cited reason for this was the belief that the behaviour was not serious enough to report. However, 14% of women were concerned that the behaviour would worsen if they reported it, and about one in ten worried that reporting it would damage their career.

GENDER EQUALITY LEADERS REMAIN UNCOMMON

As in previous years, the survey identified a small number of organisations referred to as Gender Equality Leaders. Only 6% of the women in the survey work for one of these organisations.

Women who don’t regularly work overtime are more than twice as likely to report good mental well-being (50%) and good physical health (59%)

FAMILY CHILDCARE SPLIT

The

Deloitte report highlights the pressing need for employers to create supportive, inclusive workplaces that understand and address the unique challenges women face

These women feel safer, are more comfortable discussing their mental health at work, and are more confident that they can work flexibly without harming their careers. They also report higher levels of loyalty towards their employer, as well as greater productivity and motivation at work.

Women working for Gender Equality Leaders are more optimistic about their career prospects and are less likely to experience inappropriate behaviours or comments from senior leaders. They are also less likely to have experienced non-inclusive behaviours, experience lower stress levels, and are less likely to have taken time off due to mental health challenges.

Women working for these organisations are also significantly more likely to plan to stay with their employer for longer and view it as a place where they want to advance their careers. More than 60% of women working for Gender Equality Leaders plan to stay with their employer for more than three years, compared to 41% of the rest of the sample. Furthermore, 92% of women working for Gender Equality Leaders aspire to progress to a senior leadership position within their organisation.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM DELOITTE

To address these issues, Deloitte offers several recommendations:

• Address workplace stress: Organisations must go beyond recognising the importance of mental health by understanding the drivers of workplace stress and taking action to mitigate them. This includes addressing workplace stigma and fostering a culture where women can openly discuss mental health without fear of penalty.

• Reflect the importance of women’s health in policies: Organisations should normalise conversations about women’s health, addressing the stigma that remains, and ensure women can access the workplace support they need. This may involve providing training for leaders and revising policies to support women encountering health challenges.

• Ensure safety in the workplace: Employers should address women’s concerns about safety by reinforcing policies that protect their rights, even when customers and clients are involved, and providing clear reporting and support routes.

• Embed family-friendly policies and benefits: Employers should implement family-friendly policies and benefits, such as parental leave and emergency care options, to help women succeed at work alongside their commitments outside work. This also includes offering flexible working options that leaders actively encourage employees to use without fear of stigma.

• Evaluate return-to-office policies: Employers should assess the impact of return-to-office policies on women, considering effects on mental health, earning power, and productivity, and finding a balance that meets business needs without adversely affecting women’s ability to succeed.

• Address non-inclusive behaviours: Employers must focus on creating an inclusive culture where women feel empowered to report non-inclusive behaviours without fear of adverse impact.

• Be a Gender Equality Leader: Organisations that focus on culture, work/life balance, and meaningful career development for women will see positive outcomes in attraction, retention, and overall employee satisfaction.

The Deloitte report highlights the pressing need for employers to create supportive, inclusive workplaces that understand and address the unique challenges women face. Implementing the recommended actions could significantly improve women’s experiences at work, leading to greater retention, productivity, and career satisfaction.

www.deloitte.com/womenatwork

What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters

Kamala Harris

USA GETTING ON BOARD

In a significant policy shift, the U.S. has announced its support for a global treaty aimed at reducing plastic production. Previously, the USA, one of the world’s largest plastic producers, had resisted such efforts. According to the Financial Times, US officials now indicate backing for the treaty, which the UN aims to finalise by year’s end. This change could greatly enhance the treaty’s prospects.

IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

TRANSFORMING DIABETES TREATMENT

Researchers are working on a new class of ‘smart’ insulins that could revolutionise Type 1 diabetes treatment. These innovative insulins automatically adjust to blood sugar fluctuations, potentially reducing the need for daily injections to just once a week. A £2.7 million grant was recently awarded to accelerate the development of these ‘glucose-responsive’ insulins as part of the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge. If successful, these treatments could represent a significant breakthrough in diabetes care.

AFGHAN WOMEN TO STUDY IN SCOTLAND

Nineteen Afghan women medical students, barred from education under the Taliban regime, arrived in Scotland in August to resume their studies. After the Taliban seized control three years ago and restricted women’s rights, these students were forced to abandon their education. The Linda

Norgrove Foundation, established by the parents of a Scottish charity worker killed in Afghanistan, facilitated their safe passage and student visas. “After 1,000 days of suffering, we’re finally free,” said Omulbanin Sultani, one of the students. “We’ve gone from hell to paradise.”

CHILDREN WILL BE TAUGHT TO SPOT FAKE INFORMATION

Children in England will soon receive education on how to identify fake news as part of a major curriculum update announced by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. This decision comes in the wake of the recent far-right riots, which were fuelled by misinformation. Phillipson emphasised the importance of equipping young people with the

skills to critically evaluate online content, stating that the curriculum review aims to integrate these essential skills into everyday lessons.

In Finland, media literacy is already a key part of the curriculum, helping students recognise propaganda and misinformation.

❛ ❛ Behind every great woman –is another great woman

Kate Hodges

COUNTERACTING THE HATRED

In response to the recent far-right anti-immigrant unrest in the UK, refugees and asylum seekers have received messages of support and welcome. These messages are part of a ‘love’ campaign launched by Brighton-based NGO Conversations Over Borders (COB), which encouraged the public to send words of “support and solidarity” to newcomers in the UK.

“We wanted to counter the hate with love,” said COB founder Colette Batten-Turner in an interview with the BBC. The campaign garnered over 1,000 submissions in its first 24 hours.

“The racist, far-right voices are a loud minority,” Batten-Turner noted, “They don’t reflect the views of most people in the UK.”

PARKINSON’S TREATMENT IMPROVING

A new brain implant that adjusts electrical stimulation in real-time could offer Parkinson’s patients better symptom control, according to a recent clinical trial. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a common treatment for Parkinson’s, helping to reduce symptoms like tremors by delivering constant electrical signals to movement-controlling areas of the brain. However, this stimulation is usually set at a fixed level, regardless of a patient’s immediate needs. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco have tested a new version of DBS that adapts in real-time, cutting motor symptoms by half compared to conventional DBS. Although only four patients participated, the results are promising. Parkinson’s UK call the research a significant advancement.

THE STATE OF OUR WATER

In response to growing public outrage over the dire condition of the UK’s rivers and seas, the water regulator Ofwat has imposed unprecedented fines on major polluters. Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, and Northumbrian Water have been hit with a collective £168 million penalty for their frequent discharges of sewage into waterways, which have harmed both the environment and their

customers. Alongside these fines, Ofwat is considering new regulations requiring the companies to implement necessary upgrades.

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) hailed this as a victory for environmental activists, with CEO Giles Bristow emphasising the importance of ensuring customers are not charged for these penalties or the additional maintenance.

By Tess de Klerk

Evading workplace productivity monitoring

The advent of digital technology has significantly altered how businesses can monitor employee productivity. With the increase in remote work and the proliferation of productivity monitoring software, companies can now track virtually every move their employees make online.

From keystroke logging and screen recording to time-tracking software, the tools for monitoring productivity are more advanced than ever. However, as businesses enhance their ability to monitor, employees are increasingly turning to ‘skiving’ tech – tools designed to help them evade these surveillance measures and maintain control over their work time.

WHAT IS SKIVING TECH?

‘Skiving’ tech refers to a range of software, apps, and devices that employees use to bypass or trick workplace productivity monitoring systems. Skiving tech allows employees to engage in personal activities, take breaks, or simply manage their time more freely without the fear of repercussions from employers who rely on digital monitoring tools.

TYPES OF SKIVING TECH

• Mouse jigglers and macro tools: Mouse jigglers are small devices or software that simulate mouse movement on a computer, making it appear as though the employee is actively working. These tools are particularly effective against timetracking software that monitors idle time based on mouse or keyboard activity. Similarly, macro tools can be programmed to perform repetitive tasks automatically, such as moving the mouse cursor or typing predefined text at intervals, further simulating continuous activity.

• Browser extensions: Browser extensions like “Undetectable” or “IdleTime” are designed to

obscure or manipulate online activity. These extensions can block certain tracking scripts, alter browsing history, or even create fake activity logs. This allows employees to browse non-workrelated websites or take breaks without triggering monitoring alerts.

• VPNs and proxy servers: Virtual private networks (VPNs) and proxy servers are commonly used to hide a user’s true IP address and encrypt their internet traffic. While typically associated with security and privacy, these tools also allow employees to evade network-based monitoring systems that track their online activities. By masking their digital footprint, workers can engage in personal browsing or access restricted sites without being detected.

• Anti-surveillance software: Anti-surveillance software is specifically designed to block or scramble the data collected by monitoring tools. These programmes can disable screen recording, prevent keystroke logging, and even detect when monitoring software is active. Some advanced versions can create fake activity reports, showing that the employee was busy during periods when they were not.

• Automated task simulators: These tools are more sophisticated and can simulate entire workflows. For example, they can automatically generate emails, open documents, or run specific applications at pre-set times. This creates the appearance of ongoing work, making it difficult for monitoring software to distinguish between genuine and simulated activity.

‘Skiving’ tech refers to a range of software that employees use to bypass or trick workplace productivity monitoring systems

By using these tools, they can take breaks, manage their time more flexibly, or simply avoid the stress of being constantly monitored

THE MOTIVATION BEHIND SKIVING

The use of skiving tech is often driven by a combination of privacy concerns, the need for work-life balance, and resistance to micromanagement. In many cases, employees feel that productivity monitoring tools are overly intrusive, encroaching on their personal lives and creating a work environment where they are under constant surveillance. This feeling is particularly pronounced in remote work settings, where the boundaries between work and personal time are already blurred.

For some employees, skiving tech provides a way to reclaim their autonomy. By using these tools, they can take breaks, manage their time more flexibly, or simply avoid the stress of being constantly monitored. In a sense, skiving tech can be seen as a form of resistance against a work culture that prioritises productivity over well-being.

+

WHO USES ‘SKIVING TECH’ MOST?

Hove workers are nearly 40% more likely to use skiving software than the UK average, ranking fifth nationwide. London workers are the least likely to use these tools. Reading leads the list, followed by Preston and Wakefield. These findings come from tech expert QR Code Generator, based on Google searches for software that simulates activity.

Moreover, the rise of skiving tech highlights the growing tension between employers’ desire to ensure productivity and employees’ need for privacy. While businesses have legitimate reasons to monitor work performance, especially in environments where direct supervision is not possible, employees often feel that such measures undermine trust and create a climate of surveillance.

THE ETHICAL AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The growing use of skiving tech highlights critical ethical issues around trust, autonomy, and workplace surveillance. Employers need to ensure their employees fulfil responsibilities, particularly in remote work settings where oversight is challenging. However, employees also deserve privacy and should not feel constantly monitored.

The ethical dilemma intensifies when considering the potential impact on workplace culture. If employees turn to skiving tech, it may signal deeper organisational issues, such as mistrust or overly controlling management. In this light, skiving tech becomes a symptom of a broader problem, not just the issue itself.

Practically, skiving tech complicates matters for employers, making it harder to distinguish genuine activity from simulated efforts, potentially leading to inefficiencies and inaccurate performance assessments. Ultimately, the rise of skiving tech reflects the ongoing struggle to balance productivity and privacy, calling for a more balanced approach to workplace monitoring that respects employees’ rights and fosters trust.

In our exclusive Spotlight feature, we highlight women who are doing good things in their community. They’re not always seen but we think they should be

SP OTLIGH T

Mia Bird

Mia Bird founded Brighton’s BN1 Arts. Here we hear her story and what keeps her going.

Mia Bird is the ultimate creative entrepreneur, blending her passion for the arts with a sharp business sense. At just 16, she kickstarted her first business, selling vintage clothing and vinyl records to fund her drama school training. Her big break came in 1995 with her West End debut in ‘Sunset Boulevard’, and from there, she went on to play lead roles in numerous shows, plays and TV productions whilst also catching the attention of Universal Music which led her to become part of a multi-label songwriting network.

Parallel to her performing career, Mia delved into further business ventures and developed a strong interest in training and education. Over 25 years, Mia founded many creative academies across London and the UK, including more recently in Brighton including Bird Studios, BRICTT and the Institute for Contemporary Theatre.

This experience gave Mia a unique insight into the unlevel playing field there appeared to be in this elitist pathway. She soon set about rewriting the rule book.

Mia opened BN1 Arts in response to cuts in funded creative training in Brighton, seemingly doing the impossible and actualising a college for 100 happy young people in just four months.

One year later, BN1 Arts has gone on from strength to strength, and is looking forward to enrolling a further 100

BN1 Arts has gone from strength to strength, and is looking forward to enrolling a further 100 talented young people to study

talented young people to study fully-funded Diplomas for 16-18 year olds in music and performing arts.

Another passion of Mia’s is ensuring the availability of creative arts to a culturally diverse audience. She had a vision of opening an Arts Centre that would act as a hub for our whole community – no matter what the background.

This dream has materialised as BN1 Arts Centre CIC, which recently received Arts Council funding, enabling free and subsidised classes and workshops in everything from Afro House dance to Over 50s Contemporary.

There have certainly been challenges along the way – none more so than the lack of governmental financial support for colleges and schools leaving creative subjects like music and performing arts at risk.

This led Mia to create the campaign “Keep Creative Arts Education Free!” With such backers as Hove & Portslade MP Peter Kyle, and leading players from the entertainment industry, no one is more determined to ensure the creative arts truly are accessible to all and to spread the word that “Art really does matter.”

www.bn1arts.co.uk

Iris Jackson

Iris is Dynamic’s Businesswoman of the Year, and Director of Et Cetera at OG Kicks. Here, she shares some of her memorable career experiences

I hope to inspire young businesswomen by showing that hard work pays off and anything is possible

After completing a media studies degree at Goldsmiths College, my first job was as a publicity manager for a ski holiday company. One of my worst professional experiences occurred during a series of VIP promotional events I organised. At the first event, a technical glitch led to a disastrous presentation where images of ski chalet toilets were paired with audio about ski lessons. The audience mocked, the refreshments ran out, and the sponsor nearly withdrew. It was humiliating, but I survived the ordeal.

At 30, I started a marketing agency and, competing against large London agencies, secured a major campaign for BT. Despite initial doubts about our ability to handle the project, we delivered successfully. Another significant achievement in the ‘90s was producing accommodation guides for the national tourist board. This project was a massive undertaking, involving over 20,000 advertisers. Upon completion, the client gifted me a French commemorative medal featuring Nike, the goddess of victory, a symbol that would later become significant in my life.

be helping to run a £4m+ business. Retail was a new industry for me, and I took on various roles, from operations to finance, marketing and more.

Working on the government’s Great Britain campaign, which aimed to promote Britain’s education, business, and tourism opportunities, was another career highlight. Meetings at 10 Downing Street were nerve-wracking, but I was proud to challenge myself in my late 50s.

I intended to retire after this project, but unexpected personal circumstances required me to continue working. My son, Ryan Jackson, started selling second-hand trainers, and when OG Kicks launched in 2019, I offered to help with the business. I never expected that five years later, I’d

Working with Ryan, an exceptional young entrepreneur, has been fulfilling. Watching him and his team, all under 26, develop has been rewarding. Although I may not fit the typical Businesswoman of the Year mould, I’m grateful for the recognition. I admire those who give back to the community, invent something useful, or fulfil a need. I hope to inspire young businesswomen by showing that hard work pays off and anything is possible. Don’t be afraid to punch above your weight, and be willing to adapt and learn continuously. It will keep you motivated, fulfilled, and young at heart.

THE ONLY AWARDS EXCLUSIVELY

THURSDAY

MAY

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The abrupt closure of SK:N, a leading name in the cosmetic surgery industry, has left many patients in a difficult situation, underscoring the importance of careful research when choosing a provider

CLOSURE OF SK:N HAS LEFT PEOPLE AT RISK AND OUT OF POCKET

The shutdown has particularly affected patients who had recently undergone procedures at The Harley Medical Group (HMG), another wellknown entity in the field. With the sudden closure, many patients found themselves without access to their surgeons or support staff for critical follow-up care.

This lack of professional guidance has raised serious concerns about patient safety, especially for those experiencing post-surgery complications. Additionally, the closure has created uncertainty for patients who had prepaid for treatments or were scheduled for upcoming procedures, leaving them in financial and emotional distress.

little notice and were left to turn away clients who showed up for appointments. This chaotic and secretive handling of the closure has only added to the anxieties of those affected.

Annabelle Baugh, founder of the Cosmetic Surgery Advancements (CSA) website and Consultant Directory, highlighted The Harley Medical Group as an example of the risks within the cosmetic surgery industry. She criticised the group for prioritising profits over patient care, pointing to their use of PIP implants, which were cheaper but later found to contain substandard materials.

This chaotic and secretive handling of the closure has only added to the anxieties of those affected

One of the most troubling aspects of this situation is the lack of communication from SK:N to both its staff and patients. An anonymous HMG practitioner expressed frustration, revealing that staff were informed of the closure with

These implants, eventually banned, were known to be unsafe by reputable plastic surgeons long before the scandal broke, illustrating the dangers of financial motivations in the industry.

Her own journey into cosmetic surgery advocacy began after discovering her Allergan breast implants were recalled due to

their association with Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Motivated by her own experience, Annabelle created the CSA site and consultant directory as a reliable resource for women facing similar risks. She also co-authored “The Beginner’s Guide to Cosmetic Breast Surgery” with Mr. Douglas McGeorge, providing practical insights into choosing reputable surgeons and managing expectations throughout the surgical process. However, she remains deeply concerned about lax regulations, especially since some leading cosmetic surgery websites allow any surgeon to market themselves as cosmetic surgeons, regardless of qualifications.

Mr. Douglas McGeorge FRCS (Plast), a director of his own cosmetic and plastic surgery clinic, supported Annabelle’s mission to challenge profit-driven websites promoting inadequately trained cosmetic surgeons. He warned that the appeal of cosmetic surgery should not overshadow the importance of thorough research, emphasising that choosing a provider based solely on reputation can have serious consequences.

In an official statement, SK:N acknowledged the impact of its closure but offered little reassurance to those affected. This lack of a clear exit strategy highlights the problematic nature of an industry where financial stability and ethical practices are not always guaranteed. The absence of stringent regulatory oversight allows companies like SK:N to operate with significant autonomy, often at the expense of patient safety.

** Since the closure of SK:N and The Harley Medical Group, Cosmetics Holdings SPV Limited have completed the acquisition of both. They provide contact details for patients with immediate enquiries.

Tel: 0333 240 7070

Email: patientinformation@skngroup.co.uk

+ STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

By following these steps, patients can protect their rights, seek appropriate care, and potentially recover financial losses. For patients affected by such closures, there are several steps to take for help:

• Contact Regulatory Bodies: Report concerns to the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which can investigate the situation and uphold patient safety standards.

• Seek Legal Advice: Consult a solicitor specialising in medical negligence or consumer rights to explore compensation or recover prepaid funds.

• Consult Another Qualified Surgeon: Seek follow-up care from a vetted surgeon, using platforms like the CSA Consultant Directory to find qualified professionals.

• Contact Financial Institutions: If treatments were paid for via credit card, initiate a chargeback or refund process. Contact insurers if applicable.

• Join Support Groups: Engage with online forums and advocacy groups for emotional support and practical advice.

• Report to the Media: In cases of significant malpractice, sharing the story with the media can raise awareness and pressure regulatory bodies to take action.

• File a Complaint: Even if the company has closed, filing an official complaint can be useful for legal proceedings or recovering funds.

• Stay Informed: Keep track of updates from regulatory bodies, clinic administrators, or legal advisers to take timely action.

By Monica Fletcher OBE

WHAT IS ‘HEALTH DATA’?

And how is it currently used for research?

Scientists and academics collect facts and statistics for research and analysis, and this is commonly called ‘data’. Data comes from a range of sources. Some from specific research studies, which are set up to generate data, but increasingly from day-to-day data often referred to as ‘real world evidence’ – that is generated for various reasons; weather, finance, education and so forth.

Have you ever considered how much data we generate about our health during our lifetime? Data will be collected every time we visit our GP, have a vaccination, attend a hospital appointment, when a prescription is dispensed, blood taken, scan results released – the list goes on. Even the data generated from our fitness devices is unique data about ourselves. If this could be linked together and aggregated to larger scale populations, with linkages to where we live, our demographics, census data, and eventually our cause of death, just think how useful that information could be to medical science.

Your health data is not only important for your personalised care, management and prevention of diseases, but also to improve healthcare for everyone. Good quality data enable rapid and transformative advances in healthcare. We could also map what interventions work for both individuals and populations, and improve health care and services across the NHS.

and health conditions – for example, understanding their causes and symptoms and knowing how many people are affected. It provides new ways of identifying people most at risk of becoming ill, diagnosing diseases earlier, and providing better care and treatment. And it helps health services to run more efficiently and effectively, so everyone can get the care that they need.

So, there is huge potential to make better use of information that can be obtained from individual patient records. Every day, large amounts of health-related data are generated by the NHS and other health and care services

Health data research is a rapidly expanding and developing area. It combines maths, statistics, and technology to

“Organisations such as your GP practice or hospital, which holds your data, are referred to as data custodians and are responsible for keeping your data safe”

manage and analyse very large amounts of different health data sets across our health and care systems. It is a way of gathering, analysing and linking information about people and their health.

If data from many different patients are linked up and pooled, researchers and medical professionals can look for patterns in the data, helping them develop new ways of predicting or diagnosing illness, and identify ways to improve clinical care.

Using health data in research helps us understand diseases

An example of how improved knowledge helped solve a challenging problem is COVID-19. Combatting the pandemic depended upon the ability to collect, link, access and use health data for research. It allowed the NHS to identify and protect millions of people at high risk of COVID-19, to deliver and monitor the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccinations programme, and to identify

life-saving treatments for COVID-19 and to rapidly track new variants of the virus.

Despite all the potential benefits for the use of health data, many members of the public rightly remain concerned about their personal health data being used in this manner, without their explicit consent. After all, your health data often contains sensitive information about you that not even your close relatives may be aware of. Data privacy and confidentiality is therefore incredibly important in health data research.

It is true that researchers can apply to access health data for research and innovation. However, there are strict controls and governance processes on how it can be accessed. The purpose must be approved before anyone can use the data, and they are only granted access to the minimum amount of data necessary.

Organisations such as your GP practice or hospital, which holds your data, are referred to as data custodians and are responsible for keeping your data safe. Every member of staff who works for these organisations has a legal obligation to keep information about you confidential. Where systems have been set up to collect data from the data custodians, for example by NHS Digital, the organisations collecting the data have responsibility for it. Once it has been collected, unless permissions have already been granted – your informed consent – the data is de-identified, so any traceable

Have you ever considered how much data we generate about our health during our lifetime?

+ ABOUT MONICA FLETCHER OBE

Monica Fletcher is an Honorary Research Fellow University of Edinburgh; an Advocacy Lead Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (AUKCAR) , Partnerships & Sustainability Lead HDRUK Respiratory datahub BREATHE.

She was appointed as a Global Respiratory Medical Expert by GSK in 2017 following 17 years as Chief Executive of Education for Health – an international medical education charity with a focus on respiratory health.

She is an associate of the Center for Managing Chronic Disease, University of Michigan, and Director of MonFletch Consulting.

information such as names are removed before being released for research. You should understand how your data will be used, who will access it, and for what purposes. Balancing consent with the need for research can be complex.

Health data research has huge potential to transform healthcare, both today and increasingly in the future. I am currently involved in a large National Institute Health Research (NIHR) programme, which is using a wide range of nationally available health datasets and deploying AI techniques to study multiple long-term conditions – from prevention through to early diagnosis and prediction of the success of possible interventions.

The benefits are potentially rapid and could be game changing. However, as this is a fast-moving new approach to health research, we need to remain vigilant and to keep ethical concerns and personal data protection front of mind.

www.understandingpatientdata.org.uk

Many of us view menstruation as an inconvenience that must be endured.

But what if we shifted this perspective and used our hormonal changes to our advantage?

Work with your body by menstrual cycle mapping

This approach, known as menstrual cycle mapping, involves making lifestyle adjustments based on the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Understanding the different phases of the cycle and how they impact not just reproductive health, but also emotional wellbeing, physical performance, and chronic disease risk can empower us to live in alignment with the natural ebb and flow of our natural bio rhythms.

In this article, we use the average cycle length of 28 days. However, it’s important to note that regular cycles can range from 21 to 40 days, according to the NHS, and may vary over time. Therefore, your phases might be slightly shorter or longer.

THE MENSTRUAL PHASE (DAYS 1-5):

Reflect and rest

The menstrual phase begins with the shedding of the uterine lining and the onset of your period. This phase is not only a signal that you are not pregnant but also a reflection of your nutritional status and stress levels. Heavy or painful periods may indicate issues such as fibroids or endometriosis, while light or absent periods can suggest nutritional deficiencies or high levels of physical or emotional stress.

This phase is an ideal time for rest and reflection. It’s natural to experience lower energy levels, so prioritise self-care and consider engaging in gentle activities like yoga or walking. Use this period to assess your diet and ensure you’re replenishing nutrients lost through bleeding, particularly iron.

THE FOLLICULAR PHASE (DAYS 5-13):

Energise and engage

The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period and continues until ovulation. During this time, rising oestrogen levels lead to increased energy, wellbeing, and libido as your body prepares for a potential pregnancy.

This is a great time for new beginnings and tackling challenging tasks, both physically and mentally. The surge in oestrogen can also enhance pain tolerance and muscle recovery, making it an optimal period for intense workouts or starting new fitness routines. Here, you have the most access to creative energy that you will have the entire month. Hormones are at a low point and your body is starting to increase oestrogen in particular. You are open and ready to try new things. This is a good time to start new projects at work. Plan the month ahead, do some project management, break out the excel document an brainstorm with people in meetings.

Track your cycle by recording the days that you start and finish your period on a calendar

OVULATION (DAYS 14-17):

Peak performance and social interaction

Ovulation marks the peak of your menstrual cycle when an egg is released from the ovary. High oestrogen levels during this phase can lead to peak physical and mental performance. You may find yourself more socially outgoing and possessing a sharper memory.

Communication and collaboration skills are at the highest all month. The brain chemistry you have during this phase heightens your verbal skills. This is a great time to have important conversations.

Consistent ovulation is generally a sign of balanced hormones, while frequent missed ovulations could indicate health issues such as PCOS or hypothalamic amenorrhea.

THE LUTEAL PHASE (DAYS 18-28):

Prepare and maintain

Following ovulation, the luteal phase begins, characterised by a rise in progesterone as your body prepares for a potential pregnancy. Progesterone can promote feelings of calm and centeredness, but is also responsible for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms that some women experience.

This is the phase for getting things done. You are most task oriented and focus is at its easiest. It is a good time to wrap up projects, do admin, expense reports etc.

During this phase, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial as your metabolism increases slightly, often leading to increased hunger. Some women might experience bloating or mood swings due to progesterone’s effects, which can signal hormone imbalances or sensitivities. Monitoring sleep quality is also important during the luteal phase, as some women may find it more challenging to sleep.

Understanding the different phases of the cycle can empower us to live in alignment with the natural ebb and flow of our natural bio rhythms

WAYS TO TRACK YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Track your cycle by recording the days that you start and finish your period on a calendar. From there it becomes relatively simple to understand where you are on a daily basis.

You could also use a basal thermometer (this shows you the temperature in tenths of a degree, so is faster and more exact than a regular thermometer), which can help you track when you’re ovulating – helpful even if you’re not trying to conceive.

Use apps such as the pre-set health apps on your devices or subscribe to specifically designed ones. There are plenty of them, some are paid for while others are free (with ads).

Menstrual cycle mapping can help us be aware of natural hormonal changes while helping us work with our bodies, rather than against it. Ovulating? Why not book that HIIT class? Worrying about feeling tired? That may be a perfectly natural part of your cycle.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods

GODDESSES, EARTHMOTHERS AND MADONNAS THE WORKS OF JESSIE MOOY

Jessie Mooy has an empathetic relationship with all animals. Through her art, she wants to bring awareness to those who are abused, exploited, and on the brink of extinction. She also wants to keep the conversation about our climate emergency alive.

Jessie’s sculptural figures depict strong archetypical females with animals. The animals and the women have a close bond, which respects them as sentient beings. She refers to the female artforms as Goddesses, Earthmothers and Madonnas of Justice, whose essential role is protecting, renewing, and nurturing.

Jessie explains, ”My sculptures revere all beasts and celebrate the archetype of the earthmother or female who guards them and tries to come to their rescue. Today, however, she herself needs care, so everything is very fragile and delicate with these mothers made from the earth itself.”

The decision to produce her sculptures in clay is no coincidence, it is a powerful material that supports her values of conservation. Ceramics require all the elements, earth, wind, fire and water, to come to being. She is passionate about safeguarding our planet and uses the dramatic Japanese firing technique of Raku, where low-fired ceramics are placed with combustible materials when very hot. The method starves the piece of oxygen, often creating metallic

glaze finishes and cracks. For Jessie, the cracks in her works are symbolic and illustrate how precarious life can be.

Because of her long career creating, she witnesses recurring themes, motifs, and symbols surfacing in her pieces. These further demonstrate how these critical climate issues need to be addressed. They urge us to question what is righteous and morally correct and to reflect on themes like humanity, love, compassion, duty, and justice towards all life forms.

Her work also evokes author Philip Pullman’s trilogy of fantasy novels, which follow two children as they come of age. Pullman’s dæmons are animal forms representing an individual’s inner self, almost soul. The idea is that each person is born with an animal spirit that can transform into different animals from childhood to adolescence when it settles into its final form. His inspiration for the dæmon came from paintings showing animals as companions, particularly Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine.

Although her art contains strong messages, it also includes folk law, fairy tales, and theatre elements that celebrate our profound relationship with nature and creatures.

Kellie Miller is an artist, curator, critic and gallery owner. www.kelliemillerarts.com

The decision to produce her sculptures in clay is no coincidence. Ceramics require all the elements, earth, wind, fire and water, to come to being

Although her art contains strong messages, it also includes folk law, fairy tales, and theatre elements

Land of untamed beauty

Namibia, with its dramatic beauty and serenity is one of my most beloved destinations. As a child it gave my imagination endless space to roam; as an adult it filters through my dreams. It is a place where the desert meets the ocean, where ancient cultures thrive and nature always reigns supreme. By Tess de Klerk

OTHERWORLDLY LANDSCAPES

At the heart of Namibia’s allure lies the Namib Desert, the oldest in the world. Its vast, ochre sands stretch endlessly towards the horizon, creating something as magical as it is desolate. In the southern part of this magnificent desert you’ll find Sossusvlei, a white salt and clay pan amongst the red dunes, the contrasting colours showing the desert at its most striking.

Climbing to the top of Dune 45 at sunrise offers a spectacle of light and shadow that transforms the landscape into a living painting. The sense of isolation is profound, yet it is here, in this seemingly barren wilderness, that life endures. The hardy oryx and the elusive desert-adapted elephants illustrate nature’s ability to thrive in a land that appears so unforgiving. If you get the opportunity to climb Dune 45 at sunrise – do it. The landscape is transformed into something ethereal and completely unforgettable.

On Namibia’s western flank lies the Skeleton Coast, where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean in a hauntingly beautiful confluence. Named for the shipwrecks that litter its shores, this remote, utterly untamed coastline is often shrouded in fog, adding to its eerie allure. The stark contrast between

the relentless crashing waves and the towering dunes creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere, befitting a Star Wars planet. Surely, only a few places on earth can illicit such a sense of isolation and realisation of our tininess in the vastness of this universe. Here you are guaranteed to experience nature in its rawest form.

If you get the opportunity to climb Dune 45 at sunrise – do it. The landscape is transformed into something ethereal and completely unforgettable

Damaraland is another of Namibia’s treasures, a northwestern region where the landscape shifts dramatically from rugged mountains to expansive valleys and rolling plains that feel unchanged since the dawn of time. Damaraland’s untamed beauty is highlighted by its incredible geological formations and ancient rock art, reminders of the rich history and culture of the indigenous peoples who called this land home for millennia.

NATURE, CULTURE AND ADVENTURE

Namibia’s appeal extends beyond its landscapes to its rich biodiversity. Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves, is just one example. The park’s expansive salt pan, visible even from space, provides a unique backdrop for wildlife viewing. Lions, elephants, rhinos, and many other species roam freely, reminding visitors of Africa’s ancient heartbeat. Across the park, waterholes become

Elephants roaming free in the Etosha National Park

Moonrise over the Sossusvlei salt pan

stages where the drama of life and death unfolds daily, with predators and prey engaged in their timeless struggle for survival.

Walking safaris are an especially intimate way to experience wildlife, providing the opportunity to track desert-adapted elephants, rhinos, and even lions on foot. Namibia is also home to the largest population of free-roaming black rhinos in Africa, a sign of the country’s commitment to conservation. Tracking these magnificent creatures in the wild is exhilarating and humbling.

For the adventurous traveller, Namibia is a playground like no other. The dunes of Swakopmund, a quirky town that feels like a little piece of Germany transplanted to the African coast, offers plenty of adventure including some of the world’s best sandboarding while the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world, is a hiker’s paradise. A short distance south lies Walvis Bay, where a catamaran cruise is a great choice for a chance to see dolphins and whales.

For those seeking a more serene experience, a hot air balloon ride over the Namib Desert provides a perspective that is exhilarating and meditative.

stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.

In Namibia, the ancient and the modern coexist in a delicate balance, creating a country as diverse as it is vast

The cultural tapestry of Namibia is as rich as its natural beauty. The Himba people, with their ochre-painted skin and intricate hairstyles, are perhaps the most iconic of Namibia’s indigenous groups. Living in the arid regions of Kunene, the Himba have maintained their traditional lifestyle despite the encroachment of modernity. Visiting a Himba village is like

In contrast, the capital city of Windhoek represents Namibia’s modern aspirations. A vibrant blend of African and European influences, Windhoek is a city where colonial architecture meets contemporary culture. Here, you can explore lively markets, dine in stylish restaurants, and experience the dynamic energy of a nation on the rise.

In Namibia, the ancient and the modern coexist in a delicate balance, creating a country as diverse as it is vast. Whether you are drawn by the magic of her deserts, the richness of her wildlife, or the vibrancy of her cultures, Namibia offers an experience that is profound and unforgettable.

+ WHEN TO GO

When to go: Namibia can be visited throughout the year. November to April is the summer rainy season but downpours are short and unlikely to interrupt your plans. During years with high rainfall, the desert explodes into bloom in August! Winter, May to October, sees sunny, warm days and cold nights. These dry winter months are ideal for wildlife viewing as animals tend to gather around water holes making them easy to observe.

Ugab valley and terraces, Damaraland

German architecture in the desert: the city of Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast

FROM FERRARI TO FANGWANG

A DAY OUT AT THE BRITISH MOTOR SHOW

by Fiona Shafer, MD, MDHUB

I love good surprises on a Monday morning, especially in the lazy month of August. So when Maarten extended a last-minute invite to join him at the Press Day at the British Motor show at Farnborough in a Lamborghini, I was delighted to accept. It was an opportunity to spend a rare day with my lovely Publisher, though there was one caveat –please could we park somewhere discreet so that I could exit the vehicle elegantly? You know, without kissing the tarmac with my bum in the air. It’s a first-world problem, I know –but it’s my first-world problem.

I need not have worried as Maarten was transporting me in Lamborghini’s slightly ungainly-named Urus Performante SUV. It’s named after the Urus, a large and wild ancestor of today’s domestic cattle which, with a top speed of 194 mph and 0 – 62 in 3.3s, you would not want to be chased by.

The new MG Cyberster GT stood loud and proud, and made us both smile. It’s quite a design departure from the traditional MG...

The alcantara interior was so gorgeous inside that I even found myself stroking the soft ceiling within five minutes of getting in the car which I have never, ever done before. It’s a perk of being in the passenger seat for a change and not having to concentrate on the road ahead.

It was an excellent start to a slightly underwhelming day for both of us. Once Maarten had recovered from having

Alpine A290

FANGWANG

to park in a field about two miles away and get a bus to the show. (How l wish l had a picture of Maarten on a bus!) We still managed to have fun – of course we did !

The organisation and logistics for the show left a lot to be desired compared to previous shows, especially alongside the incomparable Goodwood, but for a family day out it is probably worth it. For very serious petrol heads, less so as most of the big manufacturers were not in town for this particular show!

So, what did turn our heads? How time has moved on since my first review of an electric car in February 2020. I enjoyed meeting the team at EV Experts, a used electric car specialist based in Surrey and Hampshire, who had a really cool two year-old, four-seater Volkswagen e – up!

Of course, I just had to pronounce in a Yorkshire accent. It’s priced at £13,700 or CP at £196. It’s battery state of health after 13,800 miles was 98% (target for a car this age is 97%). It is

MG Cyberster

The ‘ridiculous’ Citroën Ami

ULEZ-compliant and vehicle tax / congestion charge-free until 2025. It has that nice, understated VW style, rounded off by a really well designed set of funky rear lights. A very nice, cross generational EV and we had a great conversation about the used EV market. It’s very healthy apparently.

The new MG Cyberster GT stood loud and proud, and made us both smile. It’s quite a design departure from the traditional MG; a rather sexy looking (which is absolutely what a good sports car should be ), fully electric, two-seater sports car with leather seats. I never thought I would use those two adjectives in the same sentence but there is a first time for everything and a sign of the times.

With 0 – 62 mph in 3.2 secs, a top speed of 125 mph, fully electric fabric hood and a starting price of £54,995, I would definitely add it to your Christmas list. You heard it here first.

Citroën had their ridiculous tiny clown car there, the Ami, which Maarten insisted l sit in and then managed

The team at EV Experts had a Volkswagen e–up! Of course, I just had to pronounce in a Yorkshire accent

A classic turns electric – Ford Capri

The YangWang U9 is a shameless rip-off of the McLaren (why can’t the Chinese come up with their own designs?)

What turned our heads – for all the wrong reasons –was the Tesla Cybertruck

to get a giant yellow duck in the shot, Ford presented the reincarnation of that famous marque, the Capri that has so divided opinion, McLaren must be furious at the Chinese YangWang U9, which is such a shameless rip off that l am surprised there are no lawsuits flying around. Meanwhile, the new Alpine A290 is cute as a button.

We also had a really interesting conversation with Michelle Brevitt, one of the founders of www.womendriveelectric. co.uk which has created a really useful platform for women to come together to share their experiences and learnings with EVs, with the aim of helping more women confidently transition to EVs. A great idea so do go and have a look and sign up.

What turned our heads – for all the wrong reasons – was the Tesla Cybertruck, which I have decided should take up residency as a Bond villain in its own right in a desert, in a faraway land until the battery runs out.

Maarten agreed but his comments about it cannot be printed! The burnt orange and black YangWang U8 SUV also caused quite a stir with its amazing upholstery and futuristic design – so much so that children seemed to be constantly clambering all over it, like bees drawn to a delicious honey pot. But do you want to drive a YangWang?

The classic cars likely saved the day for both Maarten and me. I got to purr over several beautiful Aston Martins whilst Maarten got to wistfully admire the only McLaren he has not yet driven – the McLaren PI. This is actually not a terrible surprise as it’s out of production, and valued at over £2m.

The rest of the Classics ranged from the most beautiful Ferrari Dino, to Cadillacs, Citroens, Austin Morris butchers’ vans to name just a few. It’s a glorious reminder of the impact and heritage of unique individual designs. This is highlighted all the more with the homogenisation of many of today’s vehicles.

In all, compared to the original Motor Show at Earls Court, which has every manufacturer launching their glitzy new models on rotating turntables in a blaze of celebrity driven publicity, this ‘new’ show was a bit of a damp squib.

+THE BRITISH MOTOR SHOW 2025

Thursday August 14th - Sunday August 17th 10.00am-6.00pm

Show Centre, Etps Road, Farnborough GU14 6FD

www.universe.com/events/the-british-motor-show-2025early-bird-offer-tickets-VTJXKY

THE BULL DITCHLING, EAST SUSSEX

By Tess de Klerk

The Bull is right at the heart of the charming little village of Ditchling – but don’t worry, the pub has plenty of parking! It is a great choice for sunny days with plenty of outdoor seating space, a play area for kids and an overall elegant pub vibe. Indoors is nice too, with a contemporary dining sector as well as a more traditional pub area.

One of the main draws of The Bull is its diverse and well thought-out menu, which caters to a wide range of dietary

preferences. Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegan, or in need of gluten-free options, the pub has something to offer. This inclusivity is commendable, and it’s clear that the kitchen takes care in ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. The menu features a good number of dishes, providing enough variety without being overwhelming, which is a balance that not all establishments manage to achieve.

Our party sampled a few dishes from the Sunday menu, starting with the Sunday roast, the dish that many consider a true test of a pub’s culinary prowess. The roast was good, if not exceptional. The beef was cooked to a satisfactory level, retaining its juiciness, and the accompanying vegetables were nicely roasted, providing a comforting meal that

The wine list is extensive and well-curated, offering a variety of choices that cater to different palates and preferences

ticked most of the boxes. However, while the dish was certainly enjoyable, it lacked that extra touch that elevates a meal from good to outstanding.

My choice for the main course was the pan-fried chalk stream trout, which turned out to be the highlight of the meal. The trout was excellently prepared, with a perfectly crispy skin that gave way to tender, flavourful flesh. The dish was paired with roasted artichoke, potatoes, samphire, and a delicate white wine sauce. The combination of these elements worked well together, creating a dish that was both well-balanced and satisfying. The only slight downside was the roasted artichoke, which I found to be undercooked for my taste, lacking the softness that would have made it truly enjoyable. Despite this flaw, the dish overall was delicious and showcased the kitchen’s ability to prepare fish dishes with finesse.

One of the main draws of The Bull is its diverse and well thought-out menu, which caters to a wide range of dietary preferences

crème anglaise felt watered down, lacking the richness that would have made the dessert more satisfying. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it fell short of what one might hope for in a classic pudding.

For dessert, we decided to share the rhubarb and apple crumble, a comforting end to the meal. The crumble itself was well-made, with the tartness of the rhubarb complementing the sweetness of the apple. However, the accompanying crème anglaise was a bit of a let down. I prefer a thick, creamy custard to go with a crumble, but the

One of the standout aspects of The Bull is its drinks selection. The wine list is extensive and well-curated, offering a variety of choices that cater to different palates and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp white, a robust red, or something sparkling, there’s likely a wine that will suit your taste. In addition to the wine, The Bull also has a nice summer cocktail menu, which we were eager to try. Unfortunately, the cocktails we sampled didn’t quite live up to expectations, as they tasted a bit watered down. It was a slight disappointment, especially given the otherwise strong showing in terms of drink offerings.

The Bull is a solid choice for a meal, the atmosphere is friendly and the menu caters to diverse dietary needs with particularly good selection of wines. While there were a few minor shortcomings in some of the dishes and drinks, overall, it’s a great spot to enjoy a meal with family or friends, especially with children and on sunny days.

££

The Bull, High Street, Ditchling, East Sussex, BN6 8TA

BRIGHTON GIN & RUM FESTIVAL

Discover a unique experience that celebrates the best of Gin and Rum and promises the party of the year! If you’re thirsty for knowledge or just want to party the night away, the Gin & Rum Festival is for you! Treat yourself at our themed Gin and Rum bars, and let your hair down with friends whilst enjoying music from our award-winning DJ and live entertainment.

The Dome, Brighton September 14th https://ginandrumfestival.com/

BOGNOR REGIS SOUTHDOWNS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Centred around Bognor Regis town centre and seafront, the Southdowns Music Festival aims to build on the big success of previous years. This fantastic festival celebrates folk music in all its styles, with evening concerts, ukulele music, Irish music, folk dancing, shanty showdowns, a Beer & Cider Festival, children’s activities and more.

Around Bognor Regis September 20th-22nd https://lovebognorregis.co.uk/whats-on/southdowns-musicfestival-2024/

WHAT’S ON...

A brief snapshot of art and culture in Sussex and Surrey

HAYWARDS

HEATH

SPECIALIST

AUTUMN PLANT FAIR

The ever-popular Specialist Autumn Plant Fair returns to Borde Hill on Sunday 15th September from 10am to 3pm. Hosted by the Plant Fairs Roadshow, a collective of independent specialist nurseries, visitors can expect an extraordinary lineup of locally grown, garden-worthy and unusual plants from leading growers from across the South East, including several RHS exhibitors, in a series of beautiful stalls on the Azalea Ring.

Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath September 15th https://bordehill.co.uk/

MIDHURST HELI HIKE IN SUSSEX

Lace up your hiking boots, grab your friends and family. It’s time for Heli Hike in Sussex. Hike around the stunning Cowdray Estate, stride for the skies, and support Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, your local air ambulance charity. This year, we’re excited to introduce a fantastic Family Fun Day. During this event, you can meet other emergency services, have fun with your loved ones, and learn about our lifesaving work before and after your hike.

Cowdray Estate, Midhurst October 5th

https://aakss.org.uk/get-involved/heli-hike-sussex

HASSOCKS FRIDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB

Head to Albourne vineyard, West Sussex this autumn and make the most of the last of summer with the tasty Friday Night Supper club events. These ‘pop-up’ dining events are supplied by some of our favourite local chefs and street food vendors. Pre-booking is required. The Tasting Room will be open from 4pm to 9pm serving drinks and food will be served from approximately 5pm to 8pm. A great way to get together with friends and celebrate summer.

Albourne Estate, Albourne Every Friday in September https://albourneestate.co.uk/visit-us/friday-night-supperclub/

GRAVETYE MANOR

Head Florist Sharon Coote’s workshops will be held in our oak framed Gazebo in our Little Garden. Group sizes will be kept small to ensure maximum attention. Gathering at 9.30am and finishing at approximately 1.30pm. £155.00 per person, tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival, 2 course lunch, wine, and workshop inclusive. Please note that although the Gazebo is heated, if the weather is inclement, we recommend warm clothing to be worn on the day. Lunch will be served on a shared table.

Gravetye Manor, West Hoathly October 9th-11th www.gravetyemanor.co.uk/events/whats-on/flowerworkshops-2024

SINGLETON MADE BY HAND –HERITAGE CRAFTS & SKILLS

Help keep our heritage crafts alive! Did you know that many heritage crafts are at risk of being lost forever? Join the Weald & Downland Living Museum as they explore heritage crafts & skills from past to present, and learn about how we can conserve these skills for our future. Over the weekend they will be demonstrating some of the many rural crafts and skills practiced at the Museum alongside visiting members of the Heritage Craft Association, who will showcase crafts from the Red List of Historic Endangered Crafts. They will also have demonstrations from some of the Museum’s resident craftspeople, regular demonstrators and course providers.

Weald & Downland Living Museum, Singleton Nr. Chichester September 14th-15th www.wealddown.co.uk/events/made-by-hand-heritage-crafts

WORTHING WORTHING ROCK CHOIR

The Worthing Rock Choir is led by local musician Emma Steele. People who have already joined the choir, who hail from Worthing and further afield in West Sussex often have never sung before or had any vocal tuition. Once you join the choir you will find you learn the songs by rote from a brilliant set of resources and you will be amazed how quickly you go from ‘not sure’ to ‘performance ready’. The songs are uniquely arranged by Rock Choir founder Caroline Redman Lusher to make songs easy to sing yet still challenge you in places.

Vale School, Worthing October 24th www.rockchoir.com

WEST HOATHLY FLOWER WORKSHOP AT

Dynamic Magazine - issue 40

FEATURE

BIG

WELLBEING

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

REGULARS

MOTORING

TRAVEL

CONTACTS

EDITOR’S NOTE

WOMEN MAKING UK ‘MORE ENTREPRENEURIAL’

EQUAL PAY VICTORY AT NEXT

UPFRONT

THE LATEST BULLETINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

EE ADVISES PARENTS NOT TO GIVE SMARTPHONES TO CHILDREN

UK ENERGY PRICE CAP RISES

❛ ❛

EQUAL NUMER OF MALE AND FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS IN SCOTLAND

WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS MORE CONFIDENT THAN MEN

TRIBUTES TO JUDY BLOOMER

BBC DRAGON NAMED AVON INSPIRATION OFFICER

BUSINESS BORROWING IN AN UNCERTAIN MARKET

BORROWING FOR GROWTH

BUSINESS CREDIT SCORE

+ FUNDING OPTIONS

BOUNCE BACK LOANS

THE GROWTH GUARANTEE SCHEME

GETTING READY FOR BORROWING

CONCLUSIONS

Vice-President KAMALA HARRIS

The highest ranking woman in US history

FOUR YEARS AGO

A COLOURFUL WOMAN

AS A PERSON

KAMALA AS VICE-PRESIDENT

+UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL TITLE

DEMOCRAT NOMINATION

HARRIS V TRUMP

DELOITTE WOMEN@WORK A Global Outlook

INCREASED STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA

WORKING THROUGH PAIN

UNEQUAL CAREGIVING RESPONSIBILITIES

FLEXIBILITY AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE ARE CRUCIAL FOR RETENTION

HYBRID WORK EXPERIENCES AND RETURN-TO-OFFICE POLICIES

SAFETY CONCERNS AND NON-INCLUSIVE BEHAVIOURS

GENDER EQUALITY LEADERS REMAIN UNCOMMON

The

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM DELOITTE

USA GETTING ON BOARD

IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

TRANSFORMING DIABETES TREATMENT

AFGHAN WOMEN TO STUDY IN SCOTLAND

CHILDREN WILL BE TAUGHT TO SPOT FAKE INFORMATION

COUNTERACTING THE HATRED

PARKINSON’S TREATMENT IMPROVING

THE STATE OF OUR WATER

Evading workplace productivity monitoring

WHAT IS SKIVING TECH?

TYPES OF SKIVING TECH

THE MOTIVATION BEHIND SKIVING

+

WHO USES ‘SKIVING TECH’ MOST?

THE ETHICAL AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

SP OTLIGH T

Mia Bird

Iris Jackson

THE ONLY AWARDS EXCLUSIVELY

CLOSURE OF SK:N HAS LEFT PEOPLE AT RISK AND OUT OF POCKET

+ STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

WHAT IS ‘HEALTH DATA’?

And how is it currently used for research?

+ ABOUT MONICA FLETCHER OBE

Work with your body by menstrual cycle mapping

THE FOLLICULAR PHASE (DAYS 5-13):

WAYS TO TRACK YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE

FURTHER READING… DOING LESS TO ACHIEVE MORE

HOW TO FIND FOCUS IN A DISTRACTING WORLD

DO

THINGS:

THE 5 RESETS: