Dynamic Magazine - Issue 43

How to deal with C-Suite burnout

IN PROFILE

Poppy

Gustafsson

THE DYNAMIC AWARDS 2025

Open for entries

Monetising a community company

Britain’s unregulated cosmetics industry

DEALING WITH

NEW JOB ANXIETY

8

FEATURE

Poppy Gustafsson

Dynamic profiles the newly-appointed Minister for Investment, Baroness Gustafsson, and her rise from cyber security to the heart of government and the House of Lords

Lean

18

COVER STORY

New job anxiety

Dr. Sophie Ward, the Deputy Head of Psychology at Arden University, suggests how to best handle a career change

in, speak out, have a voice in your organisation, and never use the word, ‘sorry’.”

– Trish Bertuzzi

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

16

FEATURE ‘A balancing act’

Pippa Moyle, Founder of the City Girl Network describes how she finally managed to monetise her community work without letting go of her principles

The percentage of female founders who self-fund their business 79%

REGULARS

News

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

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

Spotlight

22 Lesley Alcock

Dynamic chronicles Platinum’s long-standing Commercial Director, Lesley Alcock

23 Fiona Graves

A focus on Platinum Events Director, Fiona Graves, whose experience in business awards put Platinum at the top of the tree

Further Reading

28 Written by S.J. Clarke, a keen sportswoman and practitioner of Muay Thai boxing. Many years spent in the ring and researching the philosophy of Muay Thai culminated in her debut novel.

Art Scene

30 ‘Smile to the Sun’. Kellie Miller discusses the work of artist, Helen Phoenix

Travel

32 The Grand Brighton

Fine Dining

34 Cyan, located in The Grand Brighton

Girl Torque

34 Fiona Shafer, MD of MDHub, road tests a VW ID-7, the latest electric vehicle off the line from the German giant

What’s On

38 A brief snapshot of art and culture cross Sussex and Surrey

FEATURE

20 Britain’s unregulated cosmetics industry

Following on from an article in June’s Dynamic highlighting the dangers inherent in the unregulated industry, Dynamic looks at ITV’s exposé, ‘Britain’s Backstreet Surgery Scandal’

Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”

–

GD Anderson

FEATURE

26 C-Suite burn out

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the wellbeing of C-Suite employees is increasingly under threat.

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

Welcome to our last Dynamic edition of the year.

Our cover story features Dr Sophie Ward explaining how we can ‘override’ our primitive brain to deal with anxieties related to career change. Our main profile brings you the rise of the the very impressive Minister of investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson. We wish her all the best in her new role.

In her column, Pippa Moyle shares how she managed to monetise her business while staying true to the values that inspired City Girl Network in the first place. No easy task. But, of course, professional challenges and anxieties aren’t limited to business owners.

We have a special Spotlight for you this month, the fantastic Lesley Alcock and Fiona Graves of Platinum. Neither of them knew that they would be featured so… surprise!

There is more, of course. In Wellbeing, we take a look at the shocking unregulated cosmetics industry while Further Reading brings you a novel this month. The author, S. J. Clarke shares some very wise lessons she has learnt from her years in Muay Thai Boxing as well as the corporate world.

I hope you enjoy Dynamic this month and I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Editor, Dynamic Magazine tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk

WOMEN SUE PHARMACEUTICAL GIANT

Hundreds of women in the UK are planning to take on one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies over alleged links between talcum powder and cancer.

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, Cassandra Wardle is one of the women launching a group action against the biggest seller of talc, Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Cassandra, who stumbled on a Facebook article linking cancer and talc following her diagnosis, said it was used on her as a baby and she continued to use it “for 20 years or more”. If it proceeds, the legal action would be the first of its kind brought against the pharmaceutical multinational in the UK. With 1,900 potential claimants, including cancer patients, survivors and families, lawyers say it is set to be the largest pharmaceutical product group action in English and Welsh legal history.

CASH USE INCREASES GIVING MORE WOMEN CONTROL

Cash use in the shops rose for a second year in a row after a decade of falls, according to retailers. Notes and coins were used in a fifth of transactions last year, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said, as shoppers found cash helped them to budget better.

The findings were published after charities told a committee of MPs that numerous groups were excluded from essential services and community venues that had started to refuse cash. They cited issues for women in abusive relationships, whose partners use a bank account as a form of control or to track their movements.

Deidre Cartwright, policy manager at charity Surviving Economic Abuse, said: “Often, access to cash is their only means to actually acquiring essentials for themselves and their children.”

UPFRONT

THE LATEST BULLETINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

❛ Fearlessness is not the absence of fear. It’s the mastery of fear. It’s about getting up one more time than we fall down.”

Arianna Huffington

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ON THE RISE

A new report by UN Women and the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reveals that at least 51,000 women and girls were intentionally killed around the world in 2023, with the majority of these murders committed by intimate partners or family members.

This marks an increase from 48,800 victims in 2022, though some of the rise is attributed to improved data collection.

“The home is the most dangerous place for women and girls,” the report highlights, stressing that no region is exempt from this extreme form of gender-based violence.

Despite decades of awareness campaigns and efforts to combat domestic violence, these figures underline the ongoing vulnerability of women in what should be a place of safety.

GYNAECOLOGY WAITING LISTS GROW AT A STEEP RATE SINCE 2020

Waiting lists for gynaecology appointments across the UK have more than doubled since February 2020. Records show around threequarters of a million (755,046) women’s health appointments are waiting to happen - up from 360,400 just

before the pandemic. This suggests around 630,000 people - at the very least - are on the list to be seen for problems that range from fibroids and endometriosis to incontinence and menopause care. As a result, women feel they are being forced to go private. Health ministers across

People respond well to those that are sure of what they want.”

– Anna Wintour

UK GOVERNMENT URGES WOMEN’S MEDICAL ACCESS

The UK government has strongly called for the Taliban to allow women and girls to access medical education, following recent reports that these have been banned in Afghanistan.

Courses in nursing, midwifery, and dentistry were some of the few educational pathways still available to women under the Taliban’s oppressive regime, and the government call the prohibition of these “an appalling violation of fundamental human rights.”

The British government urges that this policy will severely undermine the provision of healthcare to women and children, and will have serious long-term implications to the health of many Afghans who will be denied critical medical care in a country with high levels of maternal and infant mortality.

FEMALE BUSINESS FINANCE BODIES TEAM UP

UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Female Founder Finance have partnered up to help more women-owned businesses access export finance support to help grow their business and compete on the international stage.  Having launched in June 2023, Female Founder Finance has handled over £115 million worth of funding.

Female Founder Finance works with women who have founded their own businesses and who have been disadvantaged when seeking access to finance.

The partnership between UKEF and Female Founder Finance will streamline the process for referring eligible businesses into one another’s financing programmes, therefore reducing missed opportunities for women owners.

the UK say they are working on plans to improve the situation, but health leaders say that women are being let down. The heads of 11 leading women’s health organisations have signed an open letter urging the public and health professionals to participate in their “Change NHS” conversation.

A New York priest who let popstar Sabrina Carpenter film provocative scenes for a music video inside his church has been accused of mismanagement and stripped of his duties.

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was relieved of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at the church, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn said in a statement. Church officials launched an investigation after the October 2023 music video release for Carpenter’s hit song Feather, filmed inside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

The Diocese said the investigation found other instances of mismanagement beyond the music video that appalled some, including unapproved financial transfers.

SUSSEX WOMAN EXPRESSES GRATITUDE AT MEDICAL AI PRIEST REMOVED FOR CARPENTER VIDEO

A woman is “deeply grateful” to artificial intelligence for finding her breast cancer after she was given the all clear following a routine scan.

Sheila Tooth from Littlehampton, West Sussex, had a mammogram at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, which is using AI to improve breast cancer screening by spotting cancer that human “readers” might miss. The 68-year-old’s cancerous cells were almost undetectable and had not been spotted before they were found by AI.

“I’m deeply grateful for it to have been caught so early,” she said. “When I talk to friends, we just can’t believe this AI can detect what the human eye can’t always see. I just feel so lucky.

One assumes that, to the outside world, a CEO of a cyber security company would, by the very nature of their job, be largely unknown.

Poppy Gustafsson is the co-Founder and ultimately CEO of Darktrace, one of the world’s leading cyber security companies, based in Cambridge. Her time at the top was, not unlike the tasks many CEOs face, a fairly rocky one on occasions.

The acquisition of Darktrace into US private equity was the catalyst for Poppy to join Sir Keir Starmer’s government portfolio. Dynamic looks at the rise of this tenacious business leader turned Minister of State...

BARONESS POPPY GUSTAFSSON

From cyber security to Minister for Investment

Poppy Clare Veronica Gustafsson, Baroness Gustafsson, OBE (née Prentis) was born August 24th 1982. Her father, John, ran an agricultural sales business, and her mother, Gilly, was a journalist for Farmers Weekly. She grew up in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, she attended Hinchingbrooke School.

She subsequently gained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in mathematics from the University of Sheffield in 2003 before studying for an accountancy qualification at Deloitte, qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2006.

In 2008, Poppy married Roland Joel Gustafsson, a Swedish engineer, and they have two daughters. She took her husband’s surname after the birth of her eldest daughter.

In her early career, Gustafsson worked for the venture capital firm Amadeus Capital Partners. In 2009, she moved to Autonomy, working as a corporate controller until the company’s acquisition by HP. She co-founded Darktrace in 2013 and initially held the

A mathematician and cyber defence expert, she was named CEO of the Year at the 2021 Digital Masters Awards and Tech CEO of the Year at the UK Tech Awards 2021. In 2019, she — along with Darktrace CTO Jack Stockdale — was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to cybersecurity.

Gustafsson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 Birthday Honours for services to the cyber security industry. She was named Tech Businesswoman of the Year at the 2019 UK Tech Awards. In 2022, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree by the University of Sheffield, her alma mater.

DARKTRACE

“Under co-Founder Poppy Gustafsson’s leadership, the company experienced huge growth

Darktrace was founded in 2013 in Cambridge, by a number of mathematicians and British intelligence officers from MI5 and GCHQ, and by cyber defence experts at Invoke Capital, a company once owned by Mike Lynch. There is also a Darktrace AI Research Centre based, with the company’s second R&D centre, in The Hague, Netherlands.

Lynch, as stated in a recent issue of Platinum, was co-founder of Autonomy, sold to Hewlett-Packard in 2011 in a transaction leading to accusations of fraud and to a legal fight over extraditing him to the United States. In 2024, Lynch and Autonomy’s former finance executive, Stephen Chamberlain were cleared

Many of Darktrace’s management personnel, including former chief executive Poppy Gustafsson, chief technology officer Jack Stockdale, and chief strategy and artificial intelligence officer Nicole Eagan, were recruited from Autonomy.

Under co-Founder Poppy Gustafsson’s leadership, the company experienced huge growth and global expansion, resulting in it being listed on the London Stock Exchange from 2021, until it was acquired by Chicago-based private equity firm Thoma Bravo in October this year.

During her tenure, Darktrace became a world leader in autonomous cyber AI, having created one of the first, at-scale deployments of AI for enterprises. Developed by mathematicians Gustafsson, Stockdale and fellow founders Dave Palmer, Emily Orton and Nicole Eagan, the company uses self-learning AI algorithms to detect and neutralise cyber threats

+“HOW

DARK TRACE HELPS McLAREN STTAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE...”

Darktrace describes its relationship with McLaren –

“In a world defined by speed, two teams race against the clock – driven by innovation. Each F1 team would love to know each other’s secrets – badly.

Darktrace’s Cyber AI helps McLaren Racing stay ahead of the curve against attackers that move at machine-speed, allowing their teams to focus on innovation and winning, knowing they’re protected from novel threats.”

across the cloud, IoT and industrial control systems and requires minimal set-up.

Darktrace AI also protects against previously-unknown vulnerabilities including ransomware, data loss and insider threats. The company has more than 4,700 customers worldwide.

Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute in 2022, Gustafsson herself called for a dedicated cyber task force designed to enforce accountability, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in cyber warfare and the global cyber threat landscape. She shared valuable Darktrace data that showed a huge uptick in global attacks on critical national infrastructure, with a 90% increase in high priority security incidents in Europe during the week of the invasion.

SHORT SELLING ACCUSATIONS

Darktrace’s accounting performance has seen some controversy in its 11-year lifespan. In January 2023, a New Yorkbased hedge fund and short seller, published a detailed report alleging potential accounting errors at Darktrace, making claims about potential irregularities in contracts with resellers and customers, predominantly dating from before Darktrace’s public listing in 2021.

“During her tenure, Darktrace became a world leader in autonomous cyber AI”

+MINISTER

OF STATE FOR INVESTMENT

Poppy Gustafsson is only the third person to hold this title; the role having only been created in March 2020, for former Barclays Bank Chairman Gerald Grimstone, Baron Grimstone of Boscobel, and subsequently taken over by Dominic Johnson, Baron Johnson of Lainston.

It is a position within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) - itself an amalgamation in 2023 of the former Department for International Trade and some of the functions of the former Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy. The current Secretary of State is the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP.

Responsibilities in this role include:

• investment strategy

• investment promotion across all sectors

• investor relationship management

• investment events (including Global Investment Summit)

• DBT Investor Screening

• Office for Investment

• defence and security exports

• Lords trade legislation

Darktrace has disputed this. The hedge fund pointed towards connections between Darktrace and HP Autonomy, the UK software company with which Darktrace shared many ties. Autonomy was accused of irregular accounting practices relating to its $11.7bn sale to Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

The company’s share price fell 12% when the accusations were first made, and a further 8% the following day. This led Gustafsson to publish a robust 1,200-word rebuttal, denying the accusations.

Six months later, Ernst & Young concluded its thorough review into the company’s contracts and internal financial processes. Its found a “small number of errors and inconsistencies” with some of the contracts but nothing that would be “material” to Darktrace’s financial statements.

Since then, all of the original accusations have fallen silent.

MIKE LYNCH CASE

As featured in the cover story of Platinum Busines Magazine #125, Mike Lynch and Sushovan Hussain had been accused of falsifying financial facts and documents in the run-up to an $11bn sale of Lynch’s software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. Hussain was found

Poppy Gustafsson (second right), with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the Council of Nations and Regions meeting, 2024

INVITATION TO GOVERNMENT

In October 2024, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer invited Gustafsson into government, making her Minister of State for Investment, while elevating her to the House of Lords for a life peerage.

Upon leaving Darktrace, she told her ex-colleagues, “Darktrace has been a huge part of my life and my identity for over a decade and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved in that time. Together we have revolutionised the marketplace for cyber security and brought our AI-powered technology to almost 10,000 customers around the world, keeping them safe from cyber disruption.

“ ‘When the prime minister asked me, it was an easy yes. His mission-driven approach to government is the right one –something I’ve seen a lot of in my time in business.’ ”

Poppy Gustafsson, on entering government

guilty and sentenced to five years in prison in the US. In January, Lynch lost a high-profile civil lawsuit brought by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, the judge making a finding of civil fraud against him and Hussain.

However, in a spectacular move earlier this year, Lynch – who had been sold down the river by the then Home Secretary Pritti Patel to face these charges – was acquitted on all counts within the criminal judicial system in the US. The judge felt the prosecution’s case was poorly presented to relied too much on hearsay and innuendo.

During this time, Gustafsson charted a course between defending her former colleagues while making efforts to distance herself and the company from the Autonomy founder – and the potential reputational fallout of the association. She offered written testimony and was cross-examined during Lynch’s civil fraud trial, and she wrote a letter to the judge in defence of Hussain, describing him as a ‘close friend’.

Dr Mike Lynch

“This challenge has required tremendous personal and professional commitment from me. With the acquisition of Darktrace by Thoma Bravo nearing its completion and with us having identified an excellent successor, now is the right time to hand over the reins so that Darktrace can be led through its transition into private ownership and beyond. I am profoundly grateful to have had the privilege of leading such an exceptional team and I look forward to remaining engaged in this exciting next chapter of the business as a non-executive director after the transaction completes. I remain Darktrace’s number one fan.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am delighted to welcome Poppy Gustafsson as our new Investment Minister –an accomplished entrepreneur who brings invaluable experience to the role. We’re upgrading the Office for Investment to ensure it is fit for purpose and has the capability it needs to make the UK the first choice for investment and the best place in the world to do business, which is central to our mission to drive growth and make people better off.”

The 59-year-old Lynch and six others died in August, when a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily in a storm.

Given these to high-profile instances, it wouldn’t be a stretch to conculde that Corporate America really didn’t like these successful entrepreneurs operating in their homeland.

Upon her invitation to government, Gustafsson wrote, “I know working in government will be challenging. It might even be the most challenging job I’ll ever have. It requires strong people skills, strategic thinking, good communication, a clear direction of travel. Skills that I’ve learned in my time in the business world.

“So when the prime minister asked me, it was an easy yes. His mission-driven approach to government is the right one – something I’ve seen a lot of in my time in business. Also right is his focus on investment and full-throated backing of UK plc.”

While the leap from cyber security expertise to leading the Government’s investment policies is not necessarily an obvious one, Gustafsson’s appointment has, across politics and and business, been seen as a prudent one. So begins Poppy’s new career in amongst some real skulldugerry...

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it’s right.”

Rosa Parks

GAPS BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADES CLOSING

Private school pupils in England no longer outperform state school pupils in core GCSE subjects like English, maths, and science, according to research by University College London. However, a grade gap remains in creative subjects such as music, drama, and art, even after adjustments.

Lead author Professor Jake Anders noted state schools’ improved focus on core subjects over two decades, benefiting social mobility, but warned that inequality persists—and may be worsening—in creative industries.

IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

EXERCISE REDUCES RISK OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

A major analysis of existing research has found that doing at least 80 minutes of moderate exercise per week can nearly halve the risk of new mothers developing postpartum depression. While exercise is known to reduce anxiety and depression in the general population, Canadian researchers have shown it also benefits new mothers.

FOUR-DAY WEEK TRIAL DEFIES SCEPTICS

A long-running dispute over a four-day workweek at South Cambridgeshire district council has ended in victory for its supporters. The council began a 15-month trial in January 2023, despite opposition from the then-Conservative government, which argued it wasn’t fulfilling its duty to taxpayers.

However, the trial showed improved or stable worker performance, a 39% drop in staff turnover, and savings of over £370,000. The new Labour government has now lifted objections to such trials, with the Cambridgeshire results aligning

with other successful four-day week pilots, though critics question the longterm sustainability of these benefits.

Their study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, involved 4,000 mothers and found a 45% reduction in the likelihood of postpartum depression with regular exercise. Lead author Prof Margie Davenport advised that after recovery from childbirth, new mothers start with gentle walks, gradually increasing exercise intensity.

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

Maya Angelou

CLIMATE POLICIES PASSED IN THE US ELECTIONS

Experts warned that Donald Trump’s re-election is a significant setback for climate action, but the US election also saw some environmental victories at the state level.

In Washington, voters rejected plans to weaken the state’s Climate Commitment Act, which funds conservation and climate efforts. Californians approved a $10bn climate bond, and Minnesota renewed the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for 25 years, securing $2bn for environmental protection.

“When climate and conservation are prioritised on the ballot, voters strongly back these initiatives,” said Adam Snyder of The Nature Conservancy.

RELATIVELY EASY SOLUTION TO CONTRAIL WARMING

Research from the European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E) suggests that adjusting flight routes could significantly reduce the warming effects of plane contrails. Contrails, which have a warming impact almost equal to aviation CO2 emissions, are mostly caused by just 3% of flights, responsible for 80% of contrail warming. Rerouting these flights could cut global contrail warming by over half by 2040, without significantly increasing fuel consumption.

T&E’s Carlos Lopez de la Osa emphasised the potential for rapid action through targeted flight path adjustments.

NOVEL THERAPY FOR LUPUS

A cancer therapy could potentially “revolutionise” treatment for lupus, a condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.

Scientists are trialling CAR-T, which involves genetically modifying a patient’s T-cells to target problematic B-cells— key drivers of lupus. Researchers hope this one-off treatment could reduce or eliminate the need for life-long medication. Lupus affects 70,000 people in the UK, 90% of them women. It causes debilitating joint pain, fatigue, and rashes.

The trial is led by University College London.

THE UK’S RIVAL TO GDP PUBLISHED ITS LATEST DATA

For years, gross domestic product (GDP) has been the standard measure of a country’s prosperity, despite overlooking contributions like childcare. Now, the UK has introduced a more comprehensive alternative.

Developed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the ‘inclusive income’ dataset considers factors GDP ignores, such as housework, environmental damage, and ecosystem services, offering a clearer view of ‘sustainable income.’

“This marks the first year we’ve compiled the complete dataset, including UK carbon emission reductions,” said Richard Heys, ONS deputy chief economist, calling it a significant milestone. In 2022, net inclusive income per person rose by 5%, outpacing GDP’s 4.3% growth, partly due to renewable energy adoption. The aim is to promote global use of this metric, enabling smarter policymaking.

NATIONS JOIN A COALITION TO END FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES

Expectations for the Cop29 climate summit, hosted by Azerbaijan—a petrostate aiming to expand fossil fuel production—had been low. However, climate groups have welcomed news that the UK, New Zealand, and Colombia have joined the Coalition on Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Incentives.

The coalition now includes 16 nations, with Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, and others already onboard. Members aim to present a plan to end oil and gas subsidies at Cop30.

Greenpeace UK’s Rebecca Newsom called the UK’s move a sign

of revived climate diplomacy but stressed the need for urgent action. She urged the government to redirect fossil fuel subsidies, worth billions annually, and impose extra industry taxes to fund climate commitments for developing nations.

Pippa Moyle, CEO and Founder of the City Girl Network on how her company finally got round to making some money!

A BALANCING ACT Monetising a community and staying true to your values

For nearly nine years, I’ve been growing a national network of women across the UK made up of local community groups. The mission is simple: helping women belong where they are. The execution is complex.

We host a range of different events to help women connect with each other, as well as managing several social media channels to facilitate that connection online. We’re building a content bank of advice to help guide women through their lives and a business directory to help them find the products and services they need.

We also have an app called the Friends Pass where we highlight exclusive deals across the country to help them save money and find places to go. Our latest product, a Wedding Directory, has been created in response to the 130% increase in people coming to us for wedding recommendations.

A jobs board is in development, due to our latest discovery that 2,124 women have found jobs through our events, social media channels and us recommending certain City Girls for job openings.

At the time of writing this, we support 153,712 women across 19 communities in the UK. Our impact is multidimensional. They’re finding friends, jobs, travel deals, properties to buy, business connections, fitness communities, insurance brokers and local support services when they’re at a vulnerable point in their lives. That’s really just scratching the surface, but I think you get the idea.

“When it comes to building a community, I’m an expert. When it comes to building a community business, I’m a disruptor.”

When it comes to building a community, I’m an expert.

When it comes to building a community business, I’m a disruptor.

Monetising the City Girl Network has been my greatest challenge. I have built this community on the principle of being inclusive: free at the point of entry, affordable events, free recommendations, affordable products. Withholding

access to knowledge, opportunities and experiences has resulted in iron-clad barriers for women: that cycle ends with us.

“I applied my “A, B, C” formula of building a community to building a business: Accountability, Boundaries, Communication.”

Rejecting the easiest and traditional model of charging for membership threw me into an advanced business course before I’d even learned the basics. Like most women who were educated in the state school system, I was actively discouraged from building a business – more on that another time.

I’ve spent years reading books, theories and studies about business; attending free courses and workshops; having countless coffees with mentors. I became such an encyclopaedia of knowledge that I started to lecture in business and consult on other successful businesses. I just struggled to financially sustain mine.

Until this year. The year I was listed as a “Top 100 UK Female Entrepreneur for 2024”; an accolade that, on reflection, was a premonition rather than an accurate placement.

This year, I had to rip out the rule book in a last ditch effort to save the City Girl Network. Our audience may have been growing, but our bank balance wasn’t. I had to radically lean into the reality that I was the only person who could save it. So, I applied my “A, B, C” formula of building a community to building a business: Accountability, Boundaries, Communication.

Accountability in community-building terms is staying true to your mission. With every event, product and relationship opportunity that comes our way, it has to pass our mission test first: does it help women to belong where they are? If yes, pass go.

Boundaries are ensuring that the audience knows what you’re here for and what you’re not – we can guide you in the right direction, but we can’t solve your problems for you. Communication is the core ingredient for facilitating connections, building trust and growing relationships.

My approach to accountability in monetising a community began by looking at the principles of our mission – making knowledge, opportunities and experiences accessible – and the boundaries for that. Our audience should be able to access where to find the best products and services for free. But those businesses should pay to access them. Finding ways to save money through our deals and discounts app adds value to their lives and therefore matches our mission, but it’s a premium service that our audience should be paid for.

Communication snuck in a few more ‘Cs’ when it came to business – confidence and conviction. The City Girl Network is now an advertising business, powering a thriving multi-channel community.

When businesses advertise with us, they’re advertising to a highly-targeted, engaged audience who trust our brand. When our audience sees those advertisers, they know that they’re a business who’s investing into their community and are more likely to buy from them. The success of this has resulted in hiring a full-time Head of UK Communities to support and develop our audience experience.

This is how we now monetise our community. But please don’t make the same mistake as I have and see this as a blueprint. There is no blueprint when it comes to people. All you can do is listen, innovate and apply your ABC(CC)s.

Pippa Moyle CEO + Founder

Our Communities: Brighton, London, Manchester, Bristol, Bath, Leeds, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Worthing, Liverpool, Newcastle, Chester, Milton Keynes, Oxford, York, Cardiff, Glasgow, Perth and Rural Sussex

By Dr Sophie Ward

NEW JOB ANXIETY?

The best way to handle a career change

Our brain tries its best to protect us at all costs. As it handles so much at once, a lot of the tasks the brain completes are repetitive; it becomes programmed to operate on autopilot to stop us from thinking too hard about everyday activities. But when something new comes along – something our brain isn’t used to or knows little about – it can trigger a level of anxiety.

This can be exactly what happens when we’re starting a new job or changing careers. Humans are hardwired to be risk averse – it’s something that has been instilled in us since the Stone Age. And with career change comes a sense of risk. The fear of the unknown sets off our fight-or-flight response, and that’s why, when big life changes come our way, we often experience excitement underpinned with a sense of anxiety or worry.

achieved in the past will remind you that you are qualified for a new challenge. Remember – if you’ve managed to get through the things that have caused you stress before, you can certainly do it again.

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

As we are constantly using previously-stored knowledge to help us deal with new information, our expectations will generally drive our future experiences – or at least our hopes for them. When changing careers, if you’ve not enjoyed your previous jobs, you may fear this new path may be no different.

❛❛ A lot of our anxiety is around the fear of the unknown, and it can lead us to question ourselves and our abilities ❜❜

But, as we know, our minds can play tricks on us. It’s only trying to protect us but life is all about change and we should embrace it.

REMEMBER YOUR WORTH

A lot of our anxiety is around the fear of the unknown, and it can lead us to question ourselves and our abilities. We might question if we’ve made the right decision in starting a new job or changing career, or whether we have the right knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful. But a lot of the time, we are much more capable than we give ourselves credit for.

At times such as these, it is important to remind yourself of your worth; one way you can do this is by writing down a list of your skills and achievements. Recognising what you’ve

But our internal monologue is not entirely true, and our capabilities are not set in stone. By adopting a growth mindset, you can change the way you see your peaks and troughs of life. A growth mindset will mean you can begin to see your mistakes as opportunities for learning. Facing change becomes so much easier when you think of it in terms of growth and learning, as opposed to seeing your identity as a fixed, unchangeable set of traits and skills.

DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN

To ease any worries, coming up with a thorough plan can help to keep you on track and organised. List the things you want to achieve and how you think you will go about it. Writing down the reasons why you want to change career also serves as a good reminder as to why you’re considering a new role. This will not only get you ready to think practically about the change, but it will also help you to see how it will happen in a realistic manner. List out how your current skillset will help you, alongside the new skills you wish to learn and how you will go about this.

❛❛ Setting smaller goals can help our brain adapt to the changes we are embracing, while giving us the confidence we need to reach our end goal.❜❜

GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED

A successful career change is about tapping into the assets surrounding you, and a lot of the time, it’s about connecting and networking to learn how best to set off in your new career. When you buy a house, you can benefit from the expertise of a mortgage adviser; when you are ready to have a child, you may seek the advice of a doctor. The same thinking applies when changing career – seeking out help and advice will get you on the right track, as well as answer any questions that may be causing worry.

REMIND YOURSELF OF YOUR END GOAL

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in what others may think of you or of what will happen if you fail. We may think this way because of a lack of confidence or because we are jumping in too deep, too quickly.

Setting smaller goals can help our brain adapt to the changes we are embracing, while giving us the confidence we need to reach our end goal. Small steps could include volunteering for a few days to give you a taste of the career you may want to go into. It may also include completing short courses to learn more about the industry, or even watching videos to pick up some skills and give you an idea of what you may have to learn.

When embarking on a change in career, it’s worth remembering there are these simple steps to overcome the obstacles our protective brains may be throwing our way.

Dr. Sophie Ward is the Deputy

Head of Psychology at Arden University

Following on from an article in June’s Dynamic highlighting the dangers inherent in the unregulated industry, Dynamic looks at ITV’s exposé, ‘Britain’s Backstreet Surgery Scandal’

Britain’s unregulated cosmetics industry

Undercover filming by ITV News gave an insight into dangerous cosmetic practices being carried out in some of Britain’s high-street salons by ‘wild west operators’. It’s part of a year-long investigation into unregulated cosmetic surgery for a new ITV documentary - ‘Britain’s Backstreet Surgery Scandal’ - in which the Health Secretary Wes Streeting has committed to taking action against those carrying out these procedures.

As part of that investigation, ITV discovered that, every week, behind the doors of an unassuming beauty salon in south London, dangerous cosmetic training courses are taking place.

An undercover reporter signed up for a one-day training course in ‘fat reduction’ procedures at Luxury Medical Aesthetics in Clapham. The salon charged £1,500 to teach the treatment.

“In the UK, there is no regulation to prevent non-medics performing these procedures, while doctors face strict regulation from the General Medical Council”

The undercover footage shows the moment an incision is made in a client’s jawline, before the beautician begins to remove fat with a ‘suction wand’ – a sharp, long metal tube that pierces the skin and crudely sucks fat out as the operator plunges it up and down beneath her skin. The client –who has had only local anaesthetic – is clearly experiencing pain, but the trainer continues regardless.

“If we damage the nerves on one side, then we’re very, very careful on the other side,” the trainer tells her students. She even tries to reassure the group that during hundreds of procedures, she has only damaged “two nerves” and “one artery”.

Shockingly, despite having no prior experience, it isn’t long before she hands over the instrument to her students to have a go. The reporter then made her excuses and left before she was invited to join in, but despite this, she still passed the course, leaving with a certificate from Luxury Medical Aesthetics.

A Freedom of Information request found that, since 2021, there have been 1,193 ambulance callouts to businesses with ‘beauty’ or ‘aesthetics’ in the name, for reasons including “chest pain”, “immediate threats to life” and “major trauma”. In the last five years, there have been 670 complaints to local authorities about aesthetic procedures.

It’s not just high-street liposuction treatments which are cause for concern. Liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) are also a popular choice for people searching for a fuller figure. Surgeons performing a BBL would typically inject fat from another part of the body into the buttocks. However, salons are able to offer a ‘non-surgical’ option, by inserting hundreds of millilitres of filler instead. Both options are very high risk.

In September, 33-year-old Alice Webb became the first person in the UK to die from a liquid BBL procedure at a clinic in south west England. Leaving behind her five daughters. Her partner, Dane Knight and his family are now calling for the introduction of Alice’s Law, which would make it illegal for anyone other than a registered Plastic Surgeon on the GMC specialist register, operating from a Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated environment, to perform buttock augmentation procedures using hyaluronic acid dermal fillers.

“ ‘If we damage the nerves on one side, then we’re very, very careful on the other side,’ the trainer tells her students.”

In the UK, there is no regulation to prevent non-medics performing these procedures, while doctors face strict regulation from the General Medical Council (GMC).

Consultant plastic surgeon, Professor Iain Whitaker said, after viewing the footage, “I’ve been a doctor for over 22 years, and I never thought in my lifetime I’d see something like that. How she can be allowed to do this, with zero training, or medical background is just beyond belief. They’re just not thinking about the patient… it disgusts me, to be honest.”

ITV spoke to several women who experienced severe complications after visiting Luxury Medical Aesthetics. KeyleaAnne Griffiths, who underwent the fat reduction procedure, described excruciating pain as a hot metal rod pierced her skin. She also recalled seeing another client’s blood splattered on the salon wall.

After the procedure, Griffiths suffered temporary bladder damage and required emergency hospital treatment when she could not pass urine. When she reported the incident to the salon, it took two days to receive a dismissive response, with the salon blaming her for focusing on the equipment instead of aftercare advice.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE AND CAMPAIGN FOR REFORM

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the lack of regulation as “absolutely disgusting” and pledged to continue the regulatory review begun by the previous government. “We are working as fast as we can. We know that we need to act. We are taking this seriously,” he stated. However, he wasn’t able to provide a specific timeframe, frustrating campaigners who argue that laws have failed to keep pace with the rapidly growing, multi-million-pound industry.

Campaigners are demanding an overarching licensing system to protect patients and prevent further harm.

‘Britain’s Backstreet Surgery Scandal’ was originally broadcast on ITV, and is available to view on ITVX

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

This month’s Spotlight is a little self indulgent as the Publisher has taken hold of this section to highlight two of the Platinum management team, who work diligently behind the scenes of the events and publishing businesses to ensure we are the best in the business and he thought they needed some recognition.

Lesley Alcock

Lesley is the Commercial Director for Platinum Media Group, the publishers of this very magazine, and has been with the company for almost ten years.

Lesley’s career has been varied and highly successful having started life at the London Evening Standard carrying out a range of high pressure sales positions when the Standard was selling millions of copies every day. She then moved onto the Observer newspaper before becoming the Business Development Director at a top London advertising agency, running the creative partnerships team at Capital Radio. She was known affectionately as the ‘Duracell Bunny’ due to her ‘never give up’ attitude.

For the past ten years, Lesley has been Platinum’s Commercial Director and handles all business development, sales and client relations alongside the Managing Director and Publisher, Maarten Hoffmann.

Maarten comments, “I met Lesley for her interview at the Grand in Brighton, and knew within minutes that she was ‘one of us’. Her ‘can do’, never give up attitude is rare today and a total breath of fresh air. Lesley is a pleasure to work with, is adored by all clients and great fun to be around’

Lesley lives in Cuckfield with her partner, has two adult children and, most importantly, a dog called Harry. Outside of work, she is obsessed with sailing and has done so all over the world and refuses to adhere to Maarten’s rule of ‘Motor Boats only’. His passion for loud speed at all times is not shared.

“Lesley

is a pleasure to work with, is adored by all clients and great fun to be around”

Fiona Graves

Fiona is the Events Director for Platinum Media Group and is in charge of the vast array of live events that Platinum produce across the year.

With over a decade of media experience, Fiona worked across countless PR campaigns and product launches, spanning design, beauty and tech. Such clients include Fujifilm, The Daily Mail Group’s Outdoors Show, Grand Designs Live, Ford Motor Company, Npower, L’Oreal and Mercedes F1.

Live events then took over and she worked in media relations, producing award-winning events for high profile companies such as the Sky Sports Living for Sports Awards, UK Startup Awards to name but a few.

For the past ten years, Fiona has been in charge of all Platinum’s events such as the famous BAHBAs (the Brighton & Hove Business Awards), the Surrey Business Awards, the Central South Business Awards, the Dynamic Awards and the longest-running such awards programme in the UK, the 36 year-old Sussex Business Awards.

Never shy of a challenge, when Platinum announced the launch of the all-new Sussex Property Awards, she rose to the challenge and is excited to produce the first ever event in June 2025.

Platinum Managing Director Maarten Hoffmann states, “Fiona is a powerhouse and has such an in-depth knowledge of the events industry that she is leant on by the entire team. With my 20 years’ experience in television production, I really needed someone to run the events business with the same professionalism, drive and work ethic l was used to in TV. I found Fiona; problem solved.

Fiona lives in Hassocks with her husband and young family of two and is often up before the children to get to the gym.

“I really needed someone to run the events business with the same professionalism, drive and work ethic I was used to in TV. I found Fiona; problem solved.”

Entry is open to businesswomen with office based in Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire. Entrants can either nominate themselves or be nominated someone else.

H 18 categories

H £25 per entry

H Maximum: three entries per person

H Entry deadline: February 5th 2025

H Awards ceremony: April 30th 2025

In

today’s fast-paced corporate world, the wellbeing of

C-Suite

employees is increasingly under threat.

C-Suite burnout Sabbaticals may be the answer

According to a landmark study by Deloitte, 70% of C-Suite executives interviewed were at risk of burnout and considered moving to organisations that offer better workplace cultures. This alarming statistic raises fresh questions about how businesses can improve their wellbeing support to help retain staff and prevent burnout.

David Banaghan, Interim CEO at recruitment software experts, Occupop said: “With 20% to 50% of employee turnover a result of burnout, it is a pressing concern for businesses and HR departments in particular. One option to combat this could be the use of sabbaticals which can have restorative health benefits while improving your internal staff retention statistics.”

We explore how businesses can enhance their wellbeing initiatives, with a particular focus on the benefits of sabbaticals.

THE IMPORTANCE OF C-SUITE WELLBEING

As the highest management level in any given organisation, C-Suite executives are often the driving force behind a company’s strategic vision and long-term success. Despite this, C-Suite wellbeing can often be overlooked with 73% of C-Suite reporting they don’t feel able to take time off work and fully disconnect.

While 20% of UK workers experience burnout, it can be particularly detrimental at executive level because it affects not just the individual, but also the entire organisation. Stressed and overworked leaders may consequently struggle to make clear decisions, foster innovation and

effectively guide their teams. Over time, this can erode company culture and employee morale, leading to higher turnover rates and a decrease in overall performance.

To mitigate these risks, businesses need to take proactive steps to support the wellbeing of their executives. By doing so, they can retain top talent, ensure long-term leadership stability and create a more resilient organisation.

CAN SABBATICALS BE A POWERFUL TOOL?

One of the most effective ways to support the wellbeing of C-Suite executives is through sabbaticals. A reported 90,000 UK professionals are estimated to take a career break each year with 62% saying they’d take one if it were an option.

Historically, sabbaticals have been rare outside of academic professions, yet businesses are starting to embrace their benefits, affording executives the opportunity to recharge and return with renewed energy and a greater sense of perspective. The benefits of sabbaticals are well-documented. In the UK, 50% of respondents who took sabbaticals did so to relieve stress: 43% of which reported improved mental health as a result.

For executives, a sabbatical offers a rare chance to reflect on their personal and professional goals, explore

“70% of C-Suite executives interviewed were at risk of burnout and considered moving to organisations that offer better workplace cultures.”

“Businesses can promote the mental and physical health benefits of taking an extended break through internal communications, wellness programmes and workshops”

new ideas and gain fresh perspectives. This period of reflection can lead to greater clarity in decision-making, improved leadership skills and a deeper commitment to their role.

ENCOURAGING SABBATICAL UPTAKE

Despite some clear benefits, many executives may – understandably – be hesitant to take sabbaticals. When asked why C-Suite executives were reluctant to take time off, 24% reported having too much work to do while 22% questioned whether others would be able to cover for them while away. Businesses can play a crucial role in encouraging sabbatical uptake by addressing these concerns and fostering a culture that values and supports employee wellbeing at all levels.

Here are some practical tips to encourage uptake:

CREATE A SABBATICAL POLICY

If you are considering employing a sabbatical policy, be clear around what expectations are. Having a clear and well-communicated sabbatical policy is the first step in encouraging executives to take time off.

The policy should outline the eligibility criteria, duration of the sabbatical, and any expectations around communication and workload management during the break. By providing a structured framework, companies can make it easier for executives to plan their sabbatical and feel confident that their absence will not negatively impact the business.

PROMOTE THE BENEFITS

Businesses can promote the mental and physical health benefits of taking an extended break through internal communications, wellness programmes and workshops. By highlighting the positive impact that a sabbatical can have on stress levels, companies can make a case for why executives (who may be silently suffering) should openup and prioritise their wellbeing.

PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR ROLES IN TRANSITION

Clearly, not all businesses will be set up to allow for sabbaticals and this may only be done in exceptional circumstances. One of the main concerns around sabbaticals will be how responsibilities are managed in an employee’s absence. To address this, businesses can provide support in the form of succession planning, cross-training or interim leadership appointments. By ensuring that there is a clear plan in place for managing the executive’s duties, companies can help alleviate the anxiety around taking a sabbatical.

In short, in an era where nearly 70% of C-suite executives are considering leaving their organisations for better wellbeing support, businesses cannot afford to ignore the importance of executive health. A sabbatical may be an effective means of addressing this and is not just beneficial for the individual but your organisation as a whole.

www.occupop.com

FURTHER READING… RINGSIDE GAMBLE

This month we bring you

Ringside Gamble, a novel for the Christmas holidays. Authored by S.J. Clarke, a keen sportswoman and practitioner of Muay Thai boxing. Many years spent in the ring and researching the philosophy of Muay Thai culminated in her debut novel.

Ringside Gamble has garnered accolades for its authentic depiction of the underworld of Thai boxing and the resilience required to be a fighter. This actionpacked novel takes readers on an uplifting journey with Nong, a spirited Muay Thai fighter who is chasing his dream of stepping into the legendary Lumpinee ring in Bangkok. Amidst a whirlwind of shady companions, tempting offers, and the painful sting of poverty, this story weaves together magic and gritty reality, showcasing the essence of Muay Thai through acts of kindness, valour, pain, and courage.

BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

Years ago, after an exhausting stint running a financial technology company, I took a break to train in Thailand. One morning, as I waited for class, a trainer stopped abruptly and told me to go home. I was stunned and asked why. “You look weak,” he said, lifting my slumped shoulders and chin. “Think strong, and you will be. If not, better go to the beach.”That moment made me realise how much our body language reflects our mindset. When I adjusted my posture, I felt stronger, and the training session went much better. In business, this lesson applies every day. No matter how challenging things get, projecting confidence and strength can change how others perceive you—and how you perceive yourself.

YOU MUST HAVE COURAGE

FROM THE MUAY THAI BOXING RING TO THE BOARDROOM: LIFE LESSONS FROM MY JOURNEY IN MUAY THAI AND BUSINESS

“Over the years, my experiences in Muay Thai and as an entrepreneur have taught me invaluable lessons about discipline, strategy, and resilience. Both worlds demand courage, focus, and adaptability. Here are eight lessons I’ve learned that have transformed how I approach life and business.

difficult a situation is at work, there are not going to be any physical dangers. No-one is going to knock you out. Turn up to your career like a Muay Thai fighter, with heart. If you can’t, then perhaps question whether the career you have chosen is right for you.

PREPARE THOROUGHLY—THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS

“ ‘Think strong, and you will be. If not, better go to the beach.’ That moment made me realise how much our body language reflects our mindset.”

Muay Thai training is gruelling. Not just because of the physical aspects but mentally you must be prepared. Muay Thai trainers will tell you they can teach a student to have a perfect roundhouse kick, an incredible knee strike, but not courage or “heart”. You have to want to win and believe you can. Fighters that do not have heart may win the first or even the third round, but they are not going to last the distance.

You can be smaller than your opponent, but your spirit is everything. Muay Thai is a tough test; both psychological and physical. In fact, it’s one with real physical consequences. Fighters lose eyes, suffer head injuries. No matter how

In Muay Thai, success comes from relentless preparation. Every session builds muscle memory, enabling fighters to perform under pressure. I’ve carried this approach into business. Whether preparing for a pitch, running a meeting, or developing a new product, I know that practising and seeking feedback is crucial. When I wanted to write a book, I immersed myself in reading. The same principle applies to any skill—prepare, practise, and don’t cut corners.

WALK AWAY WHEN NECESSARY

Muay Thai fighters never succeed alone; trainers are vital. But not every trainer is worth your time. I’ve walked out of gyms where trainers were distracted or overly focused on upselling private sessions. This same principle applies to business. If co-founders or colleagues don’t share your values or pull their weight, it’s time to make decisive changes. Leaving a bad situation can be difficult, but staying will only drain your energy and hinder your growth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

S. J. Clarke (Sally) is a British-born entrepreneur, author and educator.

She was the recipient of the 2014 La Salle Incubator Fund Award and steered the advisory practice of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. A former advisor to the board of the Substation, Singapore, a leading contemporary arts platform, she has curated conferences and exhibitions in the visual arts and poetry.

Clarke taught Central Asia Art History at the La Salle. She holds master’s degrees from the University of Barcelona (International Finance and Commerce), University of London (Modern Asian Art Histories) and a B.A. (Hons.) majoring in Economics and Politics.

CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS

Before stepping into the ring, fighters calm their minds. I’ll never forget removing the ceremonial headpiece (Mongkhon) from my trainer, Kru Wah, before a fight. He exuded such serenity it seemed as though he had already won. Watching him fight was mesmerising—every move was precise, every strike calculated.

His calmness allowed him to adapt seamlessly to his opponent’s strategy. In business, staying calm in tense situations is just as critical. I’ve learned to observe others’ body language, adjust my approach, and trust the strategies I’ve prepared. Remaining composed under pressure often leads to better outcomes.

BE GRATEFUL AND GIVE BACK

Femur fighters are strategic and adaptable, while Muay Mat fighters rely on aggressive, explosive moves. Trainers help fighters find the approach that suits their temperament.

The same applies in business. I’ve learned to identify the strategies and environments where I thrive. Am I best suited to a bold, high-energy approach or a thoughtful, methodical one? Knowing yourself is essential to succeeding in any arena.

FOCUS COMPLETELY

“Whether preparing for a pitch, running a meeting, or developing a new product, I know that practising and seeking feedback is crucial.”

One of the most inspiring moments in my Muay Thai journey was watching a young girl named Mongkunpet. After winning a fight with a broken foot, she limped into the gym the next day to bow in gratitude to each of her trainers. Her humility and respect left a lasting impression on me. I’ve carried this spirit of gratitude into my career. Whether it’s showing appreciation to mentors or taking on mentees myself, giving back has become a priority. When I mentor young entrepreneurs, I feel I’m honouring those who helped me along my journey.

CHOOSE A STRATEGY THAT FITS YOU

In Muay Thai, a fighter’s style reflects their strengths. Muay

Training in Muay Thai demands absolute focus. It’s not like a casual spin class where your mind can wander. For those few hours, I think only about the present moment—no work stress, no family concerns. This focus has been a game-changer in other areas of my life. When I’m fully present at work or with my family, I perform better and feel less overwhelmed. Giving your mind a break from distractions can make a world of difference.”

Ringside Gamble by S.J. Clarke is available on Amazon Books (November 2023)

By KELLIE MILLER

SMILE TO THE SUN THE WORKS OF HELEN PHOENIX

Helen Phoenix — her first name means light, warm, and shining; her surname is destined to take all birds under her creative wing.

The phoenix is a mythological, immortal bird that appears in Greek, Egyptian and Persian folklore. Being associated with the sun, it resembles the Greek legend of Icarus, who flew too close to its rays and burned his wings.  The story of Icarus symbolises human frailty in trying to achieve something impossible.  In the case of the phoenix, the spectacular burning process is a renewal, and cleansing is necessary to be reborn and raised again through the ashes, symbolising the death of the old.

What she is doing is capturing aspects of a bird’s character, as evidenced by her use of titles like Mine is the Morning, depicting the blackbird’s preferred time of day; Curiosity to describe the robin’s inquisitive traits; and Twilight Dance to recognise the gestures and movement of the swifts.

Helen’s paintings have luxurious qualities achieved using an ancient egg tempera technique. It was primarily used in medieval paintings until the late Renaissance when oil paints superseded it. Dry pigments are mixed with egg yolk, which acts as a binder.

Through her paintings, the bird characters develop distinct personalities

With the names read together, it could translate to shining the light on the old and new.  With the phoenix component, it is no surprise that her obsession with all things bird-related.

Helen says: “Hope is a thing with feathers. Across cultures, mythologies and folklore, birds embody many roles — symbols of freedom, messengers between worlds and signals of change. All of these elements influence my work. I love to explore the interaction of nature with the human spirit.”

Through her paintings, the bird characters develop distinct personalities, showcasing her daily observations and interactions with her feathered friends who surround her. She is mindful that they wake us up in the morning; they follow the sun, the moon and the stars, often returning to nests across many miles, evoking a sense of homecoming.

“The King”

To maintain the paint’s consistency, the mixture must be continuously adjusted with distilled water and vinegar. Thin layers are applied, working from the dark to the light, with glaze used between each layer to build up the luminosity in the work. Final coatings of shellac are applied to protect the work and make the colours ‘sing’.  Enhancing her pieces with the luminosity of the gold brings vibrancy and enhances the ethereal quality of the final work.

The aim is for her works to be joyfully reflective and to ask us to pay a little more attention to the birds.

Helen is an acclaimed artist who has been selected for the Royal Academy Summer Show. Her paintings are held in private collections and owned by celebrities such as Jonathan Ross and Dawn French.

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

www.kelliemillerarts.com

“Hope is a thing with feathers. Across cultures, mythologies and folklore, birds embody many roles. I love to explore the interaction of nature with the human spirit.”

– Helen Phoenix

“Herald”

“Smiling To The Sun”

“Serenade”

THE GRAND BRIGHTON SIMPLY TIMELESS

This grandest of grande dames celebrated her 160th birthday this year, and she has never been more splendid. The new owners spared no expense in making sure of it.

By Tess de Klerk

Gazing along Brighton’s seafront, you can’t miss the illustrious Grand. She’s an icon, having been at the heart of Brighton since 1864. Her Victorian exterior with its intricate detailing, has been beautifully restored to its original splendour. In fact, an eye-watering £16.2 million was lavishly spent on refurbishment. I had to go see for myself.

Walk through the revolving doors (or have the impeccably dressed, bowler-hatted concierge hold it for you) into a hotel that will have you wondering if your Great Gatsby fantasies have finally materialised. Not that it is all Art Deco mind you, just that is all so very, very classically elegant. Plus, there’s that undeniable buzz; a buzz that evokes the feeling that this is where it all happens, that this

is the place to be, and that you’re in the thick of it! Who knows, a film crew might be filming a next big hit – there have been quite few.

The Grand is arguably Brighton’s most storied hotel with a tapestry of history so fascinating that I could easily fill pages writing about the famous visits, the shocking IRA bombing, the films and even the birth of a Royal baby. But it’s best to pay a visit yourself. As with the exceptional attention to detail in all areas, you will find Grand Moment plaques with convenient QR codes dotted around. Scan to reveal the fascinating stories and moments from bygone eras that have unfolded in each area of the hotel.

“There’s that undeniable buzz; a buzz that evokes the feeling that this is where it all happens, that this is the place to be”

ROOMS

But I digress. Back to the oh-sogorgeous lobby with emerald marble pillars, huge chandeliers and a sweeping staircase that lead the eye up seven floors to rooms and suites for various preferences. Since the new ownership took over, rooms have been redecorated to an exceptionally high standard – fresh, contemporary with Art Deco touches. Gone are the slightly dated bathrooms. Instead, find sleek, beautiful modern amenities that enhance the feeling of luxury.

Having revisited The Grand several times, I can confidently say the makeovers are stunning. Carefully curated furnishings and pastel sea-breezy tones instantly set the tone and puts the mind at ease. It’s like a breath of fresh air.

Room options range from cosy doubles to spacious suites, some with private balconies overlooking Brighton’s iconic seafront and all with high-thread-count linens, comfortable beds, and stylish en-suite bathrooms. From the King with Seaview rooms and upwards you can expect extra luxuries such as plush bathrobes and slippers, Bose speakers and Chromecast, to name a few.

The Junior Suites stand out, offering double-sized sea-facing balconies with outdoor furniture to make the most out of the stunning views and sunny days. These spacious suites are ideal for families with up to three children. Or, for ultimate indulgence, book one of two Grand Suites on the seventh floor. You’ll have your own private gym and lounge!

SERVICE

But it’s not just about aesthetics; service at The Grand is equally impressive. Staff are courteous, attentive, and always ready to go the extra mile to make your visit unforgettable. They’re clearly a well-oiled machine of a team.

WINE & DINE

One of the hotel’s standout features is the Victoria Bar & Lounge, with its lovely sea views, irresistible for an exceptional English afternoon tea. Savour perfect little cakes, pastries and finger sandwiches while sipping on the finest teas or something sparkling. Here I have to add, for the gluten-averse amongst us, that The Grand’s gluten-free afternoon tea is fantastic; it’s well worth it.

+ GOOD TO KNOW

Accessibility for guests with disabilities: Ramps are available, and 11 rooms are adapted.

Family-friendly: Absolutely. Interconnected rooms, extra beds, cots etc.

Pet-friendly: Dogs are welcome at £30 per night. Treats are free

Superior King Sea View Room inc breakfast: from £203 in December www.grandbrighton.co.uk

“Staff are courteous, attentive, and always ready to go the extra mile to make your visit unforgettable”

MEETINGS & EVENTS

The Grand Brighton has an unbeatable reputation for competence and professionalism as a venue for business, add to that attractive conference suites ranging in capacity from 12 - 900 people and you have the perfect location for board meetings and events of a range of sizes.

The Grand really does tick all my boxes. No matter what your reason is for visiting, you’re likely to have a fabulous stay. Highly recommended.

CYAN BRIGHTON

By Tess de Klerk

Cyan, tucked inside The Grand Brighton, offers a dining experience that’s equal parts stylish and relaxed. While technically a hotel restaurant, it doesn’t feel like one. Instead, Cyan stands on its own as a destination perfect for almost any occasion— whether you’re celebrating something special, catching up with friends, or just craving a great meal.

Drawing inspiration from the Sussex Downs and the sea off the Sussex coast, the restaurant’s name reflects the midpoint between green and blue. This isn’t just a theme—it’s woven into everything, from the rich cyan walls to the artwork that’s quirky enough to make you look twice.

A SPACE THAT FEELS SPECIAL WITHOUT TRYING TOO HARD

Cyan strikes a balance between being a treat-yourself spot and somewhere you’d feel comfortable dropping in for a casual dinner. The vibe is polished yet unfussy, and there’s a

definite sense of thoughtfulness in how the space has been designed.

The glass room, overlooking the sea, quickly became our favourite. It feels private and peaceful while offering some of the best views in Brighton—ideal for catching the changing colours of the sea or simply soaking in the coastal atmosphere. It’s a rare combination of understated elegance and casual comfort that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to impress.

FOOD THAT SURPRISES IN ALL THE RIGHT WAYS

Hotel restaurants often have to cater to a mix of guests, from solo travellers to locals celebrating something special. Cyan manages to do this effortlessly, and the menu is full of seasonal dishes that push boundaries without feeling overcomplicated.

We started with the fresh crab, served with crème fraîche, chives, cucumber, and beetroot. The beetroot was an unexpected highlight, adding a subtle sweetness that paired beautifully with the crab. My partner’s French onion soup— topped with Gruyère and puff pastry—was comforting and rich, perfect for a chilly evening.

I couldn’t resist trying the fresh oysters as well, which were served simply to let their natural flavours shine.

THE MAINS STEAL THE SHOW

For my main, I chose the Turbot, paired with samphire, potato purée, prawn beignet, and butter sauce. It was luxurious without being heavy, and the little bursts of flavour from the caviar were a clever touch. My partner went for the pork fillet, which came with potato terrine, apple purée, pork belly, roasted onion, and sage. Every element was perfectly cooked and balanced, from the crisp pork belly to the sweetness of the apple.

It’s clear that a lot of care goes into how the dishes are put together, with each ingredient adding something essential to the plate.

“Cyan strikes a balance between being a treat-yourself spot and somewhere you’d feel comfortable dropping in for a casual dinner”

DESSERTS AND DRINKS

The desserts at Cyan are generous, so come prepared to share (or not—no judgement). I went for the chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut cheesecake, which was rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying. Even with two of us digging in, we struggled to finish it—though that didn’t stop us from trying.

The drinks menu is just as impressive as the food. If champagne is your thing, they’ve got a great selection, but we couldn’t resist the cocktails. My partner got hooked on the spiced apple daiquiri and ended up ordering a few throughout the night. I opted for the pickled plum punch, a mix of rum, plum shrub, plum jam, lime juice, and cinnamon syrup. It was bold, tangy, and perfectly spiced—a cocktail I’d happily order again.

A PLACE TO KEEP COMING BACK TO

What makes Cyan special is how effortlessly it brings everything together—the food, the setting, the service. It’s sophisticated enough for a big night out but still manages to feel welcoming and unpretentious.

The prices are reasonable for what you get, which is another reason we’ll be heading back. Brighton has plenty of good restaurants, but this one might just be our new favourite.

££

cyanbrighton.co.uk

“Brighton has plenty of good restaurants, but this one might just be our new favourite.”

French onion soup

ID.7 Pro S Match EV Who needs a spa day when you can drive an ID.7?

TIn case you are wondering if I have completely lost the plot with that headline, I can assure you that I have not.

By Fiona Shafer, Managing Director, MDHub

he ID.7 comes with a rather splendid pressure point massage function in it’s ergo Active heated front seats, which I found quite by accident whilst navigating the Infotainment system to sort the heating out on a freezing November morning.

As a great fan of massages, I obviously then had to try out all of the six massage functions while driving to and from work on a daily basis for a week – which was no hardship, as you can imagine. It was a very nice way to start – and end – my busy day, with some lumbar action.

YAY +

• New Smart Glass panoramic roof – which can be switched to become either transparent or opaque almost instantly via an electronic layer in the glass.

• Comfortable and easy to open door handles – a vast improvement on Tesla.

• Seriously wide beam headlights for night driving. Loved them.

• Massive 530-litre boot capacity

• Two electric charging points – one on each side.

• Infotainment system is an improvement on earlier models but still a way to go (just don’t lose the massage function).

NAY –

• Augmented Reality ( AR ) heads up display – try as I might, I found it hugely distracting. It was just something else that I had to focus on, instead of the road ahead.

• Internal ambient lighting which comes in 30 different shades and had a very odd design. It looked naff, and friends who travelled with me thought the same.

• Lips on edge of the seat not easy to get over when getting out of the car– a cross generation complaint

• Rear windows are operated from the front

• Price – £55,480

7.5 /10

The ID.7 is a long, low, comfortable drive in every sense. It’s described by VW as the most “advanced, capacious and luxurious member of the ID.family,” and you can quite see why.

Based on VW’s ground breaking MEB modular electric drive vehicle platform, it is the largest and most advanced electric car offered by VW in the UK.

The ID.7 features a new electric motor offering the most power (210kW) and highest torque figure (545Nm) yet seen in an ID.model. This Pro S Match has a very impressive

battery WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing procedure – for those of you not ‘in the know’) range of more than 430 miles. As this figure comes from a lab test conditions, it is not always very accurate when driving in the real world. However, on my weekly jaunt around the badly maintained country lanes of Sussex with all manner of obstacles, I reckon 390-400 was about right.

I first reviewed an electric car in February 2020 and have gradually replaced my ‘range anxiety’ over these past four years with a ‘how fast will it charge anxiety’. As I don’t have a charger at home, I have to take more care on route planning.

family tree. This is a great shame especially for VW and BMW with their collective iconic design heritage.

It is a big, roomy, comfortable car with a lot of leg room and overall storage, which you can also have as an estate AKA Tourer. What it lacks in the design both inside and out it makes up for with excellent practicality .

“I suspect that the ID.7 will be a car that if you love it, you will keep for many years”

I am pleased to report that when charged at a DC quickcharging station, you will get 151 miles in 10 minutes (enough time to go and get a cuppa and a bacon sarnie) and if you find that you are as low as only 10%, it can be charged up to 80% again in around 26 minutes – say half an hour to be on the safe side (enough time to pop into the supermarket for a quick shop).

If you took the VW badge off of the ID.7, I don’t think you would automatically think it was a Volkswagen. It is so homogeneous looking that if you placed it alongside its rivals, the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the BMW i4, you might think that they were all related somewhere down the

It is an enjoyable and constant drive rather than an exciting one. It has a top speed of 112 mph and 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds. It handled well on poor roads, tight bends and wet conditions – I felt very safe in it.

I suspect that the ID.7 will be a car that if you love it, you will keep for many years as it won’t take you out of your comfort zone anytime soon. A solid 7.5 /10

Model tested: ID.7

Top: 112 mph

Power: 286 bhp

Speed: 0-62 - 6.6 s

Range: 436 miles / 702 km

Price from: £55,480

As tested: £60,280

TECH STUFF

HOVE BEACH HUT ADVENT CALENDAR

Visit Hove seafront from 5.30pm to 6.30pm between December 1st and 24th, where a different beach hut is beautifully decorated each day to celebrate advent. Enjoy mince pies, mulled wine, and festive carols as part of the experience. The huts are located along the seafront between First Avenue and Hove Lagoon. Check the schedule online or pick up a flyer at the i360 gift shop to see which hut is open each day. For those who visit daily, there’s a puzzle to complete by collecting pieces along the way.

December 1st – 24th

Hove Seafront beyondchurch.co.uk

HORSHAM JACK & THE BEANSTALK PANTO

Experience the enchanting magic of Jack and the Beanstalk in Horsham. Expect flamboyant costumes and a bespoke set by designed by Jack Lane — recently nominated for the National Panto Award 2024 for Best Set Design — Jack and the Beanstalk will burst to life in a festive, family-friendly delight that you won’t want to miss.

Various dates throughout December The Capitol Horsham www.thecapitolhorsham.com/events/jack-the-beanstalk/

WHAT’S ON...

A brief snapshot of art and culture in the region

ON TOUR THE KING & I

The beloved musical, inspired by the true story of a British governess in the Thai royal household during the early 1900s, is earning rave reviews at London’s Palladium. Now, you can catch it at cinemas across Sussex. After initial screenings on 29 November, many venues, including Chichester, Worthing, Littlehampton, East Grinstead, Brighton, Uckfield, and Tunbridge Wells, are hosting encores in December.

Various dates throughout December kingandImusicalcinema.com

Experience The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman’s, once home to Rudyard Kipling. Discover festive displays featuring Kipling’s beloved animals, with art by Claire Fletcher inspired by The Jungle Book, available to view and purchase. Explore the Oast House shop’s Christmas gifts and decorations, and enjoy seasonal treats at the Mulberry Tea-room. Celebrate tradition, creativity, and Kipling’s legacy in this cosy family home, bringing visitors back year after year.

Until January 5th

Bateman’s Lane, Burwash, East Sussex, TN19 7DS nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/batemans.co.uk

BURWASH THE JUNGLE BOOK CHRISTMAS

Photo by Matthew Murphy

FARNHAM PENGUIN FEEDING

Join the keepers at either Penguin Beach or Penguin Island as you feed the lively colony of penguins! Make the most of this rare opportunity to learn everything you need to know about penguins from our friendly and knowledgeable keepers! Available morning and afternoon at either 11am or 3:30pm, the price also includes access to the rest of the Birdworld site after your feeding experience.

Until December 24th Farnham Road, Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD birdworld.co.uk

GUILDFORD THE MISTLETOE BALL

The Mayor of Guildford and Guildford Philanthropy hosts this event. Why not gather some friends together for a night that’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, whilst raising funds for local charities! Expect a sparkling wine reception, 3-course meal and dancing to a live party band at the GLive Centre.

December 12th

GLive, London Road, Guildford, GU1 2ADYN guildford-philanthropy-ball.raiselysite.com/

FARNHAM SANTA SPECIAL AT RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM

For a different way to arrive to see Santa head to the Rural Life Living Museum in Surrey, here you ride on a steam hauled train to visit Santa in his rural grotto and explore the Museum decorated for Christmas. This museum tells the story of the countryside, with its unique collection of re-located historic buildings allow visitors to explore inside, complemented by one of the largest collections of agricultural implements and objects from everyday life. Suitable for the whole family.

December 14th-15th & 20th-21st

The Reeds, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2DL rural-life.org.uk/events/ christmas-at-the-museum-santa-special-2024/

GUILDFORD A FESTIVE EVENING OF BURLESQUE & VAUDEVILLE, GUILDFORD

Naughty or nice, Hundred Watt Club’s sizzling festive show is your perfect treat! Expect glittering showgirls, bawdy comedy, classic vaudeville, and jaw-dropping circus acts. Always seductive, always sublime, and a little ridiculous – ideal for a cheeky staff night out or festive fun with friends.

Note: Contains adult themes, strong language, and nudity. Over 18s only – no refunds for the faint-hearted!

December 14th

The Electric Theatre, Onslow Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4SZ electric.theatre/shows/ hundred-watt-club-festive-evening-burlesque-vaudeville2024/