Absolutely West Essex Magazine March 2025 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

PLUS HOLLYWOOD

CALLING

The cream of cinema heads to Essex

• SPRING INTO ACTION

Days out to banish the winter blues

• LA DOLCE VITA

The ﬁnest Italian food at FIGO Brentwood

SPECIAL

Over 30 pages of inspiration and insight

Super MODEL

THE MEADOWS AT FELSTED, CLIFFORD SMITH DRIVE, FELSTED, ESSEX, CM6 3UG Thursday – Monday 10 – 5pm, Sunday 10 – 4pm

Discover family living at its ﬁnest at The Meadows. The perfect countryside escape within easy reach of town and city living you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Located just a short walk from the local primary school, our collection of homes are perfect for families looking for outstanding local education in a well-connected, beautiful community.

BOOK YOUR FREE INTERIOR DESIGNER

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We don’t just make beautiful Danish furniture — we create spaces that reﬂect your style. Our interior designers offer a free personalised service, guiding you on furniture selection, materials, and layouts to bring your vision to life. Whether in-store or at home, you’ll also receive 3D renderings of your space to visualise the transformation. For more information or to book, call or visit us in-store.

NEW COLLECTION

Inspired by our heritage, designed for the modern bedroom. The Iconic Collection features floating beds with unparalleled comfort and exclusive fabrics. Handmade in Sweden

NEW ARRIVAL Bed: Hällsö Walnut I MattressFabric: Kvadrat’s Fjord 0322 I Rug: Hemsedal 2300 I Bed Linen: Vindstilla I Headboard: Pinnö

Where Happiness Happens

Celebrate your love under the big Suffolk skies in our secluded and exclusive grounds. Located close to the historic town of Woodbridge, Hungarian Hall is a wonderful place for your special moments. We offer ultimate flexibility to ensure your vision for your dream day comes true

A COUNTRYSIDE WEDDING DESTINATION

Our next wedding open day is on 4th May 2025. Visit us to view our venue, newly launched accommodation and speak to our lovely wedding suppliers

CULTURE

16 Agenda It's a month of solo shows in Essex

18 Essex International Film Festival Going behind the scenes

22 Area Feature Essex events and places to jump into spring

FOOD & DRINK

34 FIGO Heading to Brentwood for proper Italian food

37 Drinks Exploring the producers to raise a glass to

FASHION

40 The Shoot Jump into spring with Oliver Bonas

43 Jewellery Nine pieces we absolutely love this month

HOME SPECIAL

54 Neatsmith Marking 20 years of the bespoke design business

58 Real Home An illuminating project in Essex

62 Jade Waller Interiors inspiration with the Essex inﬂuencer

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com

For advertising enquiries please call 07861 994764 or email: claire@zest-media.com

EDUCATION

85 World Book Day How the campaign makes reading fun

86 Chelmsford Learning Partnership Helping to build oracy skills

91 Dame Bradbury's First past the post when it comes to sports

ON THE COVER

Helena Christensen, the new Global Artistic Director of BoConcept (boconcept.com)

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S

Iwill always remember interviewing Danny Dyer. It was about 20 years ago, in a swish hotel in the centre of London. I was whisked up a few ﬂoors and directed to a room where there were two lone seats positioned opposite each other. It was like an interrogation was about to begin.

Then, in he walked: he looked hungover, but that may have just been his look at that time. For the next 30 minutes or so, each sentence was punctuated by a profanity – but I found him great fun.

I'd have never imagined then that he would go on to become a hugely popular character on EastEnders – and given that role, he had to mind his language when interviewed, which he did with aplomb. What he probably doesn't get credit for is his classical training, and the fact he is a very good actor.

It is fair to say, though, that the Essex local became known for certain roles, and he returns to that with the ﬁlm Marching Powder, out this month. It's a reunion with Nick Love, so any fans out there know what to expect. I can't wait.

One of their top ﬁlms made together was called The Business, which is apt for us too as this month we met nine female leaders in their respective ﬁeld. The business, indeed.

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

ﬁnest properties in the county (p51)

Wish LIST

FLEECY FEEL

We're coveting Wyse's Celia borg jacket with its cosy feel, chic faux leather detail, mock horn buttons and boxy ﬁt, £295. wyselondon.com

SOFT BUTTER

Loewe's Flamenco clutch has a chunky gold chain strap; it's beautifully so and gathers along the drawstring top, £2,700. net-a-porter.com

SCENE SET

Disney and Sanderson have joined together to bring a collection of enchanting fabrics in delicious, vintageinspires hues. From deep within the Sanderson archive emerges a newly discovered selection of classic fabrics, sprinkled in magic. sandersondesigngroup.com

WHITE OR BROWN

Richard Hart's long-awaited book on intuitive sourdough baking is here – a must for bakers everywhere, £28. hardiegrant.com

SEE ME

Eyesight failing you? No problem. We love Bloobloom's selection of specs for their stylish colours and shapes. How many pairs do we need? bloobloom.com

NEARLY NUDE

For a wide range of lingerie in all shapes and colours, visit Amelie's Follies' colourful website. We love this set by Aubade Lingerie. ameliesfollies.co.uk

KNIT KNACK

Cra ed from a blend of Australian Merino Wool and Nylon, Iris & Wool's Katherine Sweater is a mid-weight, crew-neck knit designed for style and warmth, with striking contrast colour accents, £184. irisandwool.com

BISCUIT SHADES

Born out of a love for high-quality fabrics and exquisite cra smanship, ILA's everyday styles celebrate an elegant and playful attitude with reﬁ ned attention to detail. ilao cial.co.uk

FELT TOP

Simba's Stormur slipper is designed to mimic the relaxing sensation of Reﬂ exology by applying gentle, cushioned pressure to key points on the soles of your feet. Which makes them super comfortable, £69. simbasleep.com

This ﬁ ve-armed candelabra was designed exclusively for Cerabella and is the creation of designer Sybilla, £76. scp.co.uk

CULTURE

Josh Berry

30 MARCH, CHELMSFORD THEATRE

It’s clear what toxic masculinity is, but what does positive masculinity look like in a modern context? Josh Berry intends to provide some sort of answer to this question, through his many impressions and characters, as he tells the tale of being his best friend’s best man earlier this year. From routines on how to organise a ‘progressive stag do’, to the amusing difficulties men seem to face around positive emotional expression, the show is an opportunity for us to have a ruddy good laugh at a concept that could do with being taken a bit less seriously.

chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

PHOTO: MATT CROCKETT

MARCH'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

The Agenda

James Martin

14 MARCH • CLIFFS PAVILION

Celebrity chef James Martin is heading back on the road with his all new LIVE tour for 2025 including this date in Southend. Following four sell-out tours, James Martin Live will see the popular TV chef and best-selling author visit 20 amazing venues across England, Scotland and Wales, combining the perfect ingredients of mouth-watering dishes with his warm Yorkshire witwith some music thrown in too.

trafalgartickets.com

COMEDY

Jon Culshaw

8 March

PALACE THEATRE

The star of BBC Radio 4's Dead Ringers, BBC One's The Impressions Show and Channel 4’s Partygate takes his brand new show on the road following a completely sold out and critically acclaimed season at the Edinburgh Festival. Join Jon for an evening of comedy and music as he conjures up an array of the best-known personalities in his trademark style. trafalgartickets.com

5 March

COLCHESTER CHARTER HALL

An Evening with Rick Stein will see the culinary legend dish-up his favourite memories from nearly 50 years of gastronomic experience. This show will explore his unwavering devotion to the brilliance of great British produce. Revelations from the kitchen, musical delights, poetic interludes and stories of global adventures are all on the menu. colchester-events.co.uk

MUSIC

Queen of the

Night

8 March BRENTWOOD CENTRE

Queen of the Night: A Tribute to Whitney Houston brings the danceﬂoor hits, the soul-stirring ballads, and the showstopping numbers you love – brought to life with all the glamour, drama, and electrifying energy of Whitney herself. From the joyous explosion of I Wanna Dance With Somebody to the heartwrenching beauty of I Will Always Love You, and the anthems that deﬁned a generation like How Will I Know and The Greatest Love of All, this fantastic production doesn’t just honour Whitney – it celebrates her. everyoneevents.com

AL FRESCO DINING

A one-of-a-kind food experience is heading back outdoors

THE WOMEN OF LLANRUMNEY

19 March-12 April

STRATFORD EAST

Llanrumney plantation. Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica. 1765. Annie and Cerys are enslaved by the Morgan family from Wales. Their future hangs in the balance when Elizabeth Morgan is faced with losing her plantation. Fearing what could lie ahead, Annie does everything she can to secure her position in the Great House. But sooner or later, with a storm of rebellion building, Annie will have to face up to the horror and trauma, including her own. stratfordeast.com

This Month’s Must See

TAP FACTORY

Tap Factory returns to the UK with its 10th Anniversary Tour. Prepare to be captivated as eight extraordinary male performers deliver a sensational blend of dance, acrobatics, music, and comedy, creating a show that appeals to all. Brace yourself for an electrifying display of high-energy dance, explosive percussion, and jaw-dropping acrobatics, seamlessly woven together with live music. westcli clacton.co.uk

After two consecutive years of sell-out success, YOXMAN - the one-ofa-kind Michelin-starred dining experience - is returning to Wilderness Reserve, Su olk, with the first of a five-part series taking place from Friday 7th-Monday 10th March 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of the 8,000-acre estate of Wilderness Reserve, YOXMAN promises the ultimate three-day culinary retreat in the heart of the British countryside. Indulge in exceptional creations by three critically acclaimed Michelin starred chefs - Simon Rogan, Nathan Davies and Dan Cox - luxury accommodation, country pursuits, and masterclasses by world experts in fine wine and spirits.

Nathan Davies, the incredible former head chef at Michelin-starred restaurant SY23 in Aberystwyth, Wales will be kicking o the weekend’s culinary festivities on Friday evening with a canapé reception and an unforgettable Fire Feast Woodland Dining experience. Saturday evening will see acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, who currently holds an impressive nine Michelin stars across his eight restaurants worldwide, host a canapé evening followed by an exquisite Gala Dinner at Sibton Manor House, followed by after-dinner entertainment. Bringing the weekend to a close with a delicious lunch hosted at Chapel Barn will be Dan Cox, chef patron of Michelin-starred Crocadon, a shining gem in the world of sustainable dining. yoxman.com

15 MARCH • WEST CLIFF THEATRE

Lights! Camera! Essex!

Absolutely takes a behind the scenes look at the ﬁrst Essex International Film Festival with co-directors Lily Streames and Charles Sharman-Cox

Essex has a long history for producing great cinematic talent, from director Alfred Hitchcock to the playwright behind the Oscar-winning ﬁlm ‘Judy’, Peter Quilter, and a cast of actors including Dame Helen Mirren and Thomas Coombes.

Now the county is set to host its ﬁrst countywide celebration of ﬁlm, the Essex International Film Festival, from 27th30th March, at venues across the county.

The festival will open with a red-carpet launch event at the Minories in Colchester before heading to the Curzon cinema, a few steps away, for special screenings for some of the ‘Made in Essex’ films. The film ‘Gilbert and George Go Daytripping’ will also be screened with the Turner Prize winning artists Gilbert and George in attendance. The film, directed by Iain B. MacDonald, follows the artists as they visit Southend and explore the meaning of life, the universe and everything!

OPENING TITLES

The Essex International Film Festival (EIFF) is the brainchild of Lily Streames,

LILY STREAMES

Iain B. MacDonald and Charles SharmanCox. All three are involved in ﬁlm and together they are co-directors of the festival – and all have strong Essex backgrounds and a stronger belief in the vibrant, creative talent inside the county.

Lily is from Southend and is an actor, writer, producer and director. She also heads up the Essex Film Collective and it was through her connections with the collective that she met the Southend born, Hollywood based producer and director Iain. As a director Iain has worked on both British and American TV shows ‘Episodes’ and ‘Shameless’, as well as ﬁlms with the artists Gilbert and George. Completing the director’s cast is another Southend resident, actor, writer and director Charles, who has won numerous ﬁlm awards including Best Actor at Global Shorts in Los Angeles and the Cannes Short Film Festival.

The festival organisers received 120 films from around the world; the best 50 films have been shortlisted for screening. There were entries from Europe and America, plus films from all corners of the UK. There were an amazing 54 films with an Essex connection submitted, with 14 shortlisted. This really underlines the

belief that the festival team has that Essex is a county rich with cinematic talent. This may be the inaugural international ﬁlm festival in Essex, but it has already gained the support of top Hollywood talent. Essex-born Dame Helen Mirren is backing the festival, saying: “I’m excited and proud that my home county of Essex will be hosting a countywide ﬁlm festival.

The Essex International Film Festival will remind the ﬁlm industry that we have a thriving and talented ﬁlm industry right on the doorstep of London.”

SCENE ONE: LILY

The quality of the films submitted have enormously impressed the festival codirectors. “There have been films that have literally blown me away!” exclaims Lily. “Some are as good as anything I’ve ever seen. Several of those films have been from Essex-based directors, some we have been aware of, others who are totally new to us. I love that! I love that people have been working away in the county creating something they are totally passionate about and it’s gone undetected until this festival.

The festival will give them the opportunity to share their labours of love with ﬁlm

fans in the county and beyond. We’ll be shining a light on under-the-radar talent.”

For Lily, the diversity in the submissions has been very rewarding: “We’ve had dramas, comedies, horrors, documentaries, animations, experimental, sci-fi, LGBTQ+ and student films submitted. But there is also diversity in the film crews as well, and that’s wonderful, and a credit to the passion films inspire in everyone.”

TAKE TWO: CHARLES

Charles has spent time working in Hollywood and was also an associate director at the Palace Theatre in Westcli . Like Lily, Charles has been impressed with the high quality of the submissions: “We’ve had ﬁlms submitted from America, France, Finland, even Russia and a healthy proportion from Essex.

“The creative talent on ﬁlm and behind the scenes is top quality. Actors such as Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather, Calendar Girls), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Coronation Street) and Con O’Neill (Chernobyl) will grab the headlines, but all the acting talent on display is inspiring

“Behind the camera too there is real quality with Eastenders, Harry

CHARLES SHARMAN-COX

MERCURY THEATRE WILL BE SHOWING FILMS

DAME HELEN MIRREN IS BACKING THE FESTIVAL

Potter, Spike Lee, Netﬂix and Apple TV all included on CVs, we’ve really hit a rich stream of talent,” Charles adds.

CLOSE UP

What is undisputed is that the festival will put Essex firmly on the film map. With a good proportion of the shortlisted films having Essex talent in front of and behind the camera, and several of the films shot in the county, Essex and its people will shine through. Charles enthuses: “One of the Essex directors, Eleanor Church, filmed her entry ‘Within the Water’ actually in the sea around Mersea Island. Another entry, ‘Typical?’, was shot on location in Sa ron Walden, so the county itself will have a starring role.”

Essex has been going through a boom recently with TV and film crews, with ‘The Essex Serpent’ being filmed around Maldon and the county’s saltmarshes, Chelmsford’s Shire Hall in ‘Mr Bates Vs the Post O ce’ and Harwich for the ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ film. The festival will now not only focus on our county on screen, but also celebrate creative talent.

Both Lily and Charles are confident that this first festival will be a success and will go on and become a respected film festival in the film industry diary.

Other venues participating in the festival include the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, the Electric Palace in Harwich and Chelmsford Theatre, along with smaller satellite venues in Rayleigh, and Hadleigh.

SUPPORTING ROLE

The Essex International Film Festival has been enabled by the Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund. Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for The Arts, Heritage and Culture is keen to shine a light on the growing film industry in Essex. He says: “Essex has always given open arms to the film industry, welcoming many productions here via our film o ce. Film and TV productions bring many benefits to our local economy, such as hotels, catering and freelancers. The county has many attractive features for the industry – the proximity to London, our diverse environments, but our people are the real stars of the show!”

To discover more about the event, the full program and to book tickets, visit essexinternationalﬁlmfestival.com

Cinematic GEMS

Absolutely asked Lily Streames and Charles Sharman-Cox to select their favourite ﬁlms

LILY’S TOP FIVE FILMS OF ALL TIME:

Blue Valentine

Bridesmaids (Kristen Wiig is just comedy gold)

The Lobster Midsommar

The Peanut Butter Falcon

CHARLES’S TOP FIVE FILMS OF ALL TIME:

Saving Private Ryan

The Maltese Falcon

Chinatown

Modern Times

Uwantme2killhim

THE ESSEX SERPENT WAS FILMED IN ESSEX BRIDESMAIDS

ALFRED HITCHCOCK HAD LINKS TO ESSEX

SPRING into action

Blooming brilliant days out with Visit Essex

This spring, rediscover the Essex countryside thanks to the county’s local tourism organisation. Visit Essex have rounded up the greenest, brightest and best places to get out and about this March. Whether you have friends staying for the weekend, or want to treat that someone special, there are an abundance of options.

GARDENS GALORE

Essex is home to the award-winning Beth Chatto gardens near Colchester. Beth took on a challenging site in the 1960s, yet created an inspiring sanctuary for plant life based on her principles of 'right plant, right place'. Spring is a wonderful time to

visit as everything is bursting back into life across the di erent garden spaces.

Gardening enthusiasts should also explore RHS Hyde Hall’s hilltop garden with its delightful pink and white blossom trees and cheery yellow narcissus. Marvel at its specialist dry garden or explore the hidden nooks of the wild woodland gardens. Wander by sparkling ponds and linger under fragrant pergolas as you take in spring’s new growth. Visit their tempting gift shop and grab co ee and cake in one of their stylish cafés or opt for the Clover Café next to the gift shop.

Discover Sa ron Walden’s Bridge End Garden, which was created around 1840 by Francis Gibson, a local Quaker businessman who also built the Fry Art Gallery. The garden is registered as Grade II* by Historic England and is home to a mix of pretty garden spaces. Wander through the formal rose garden or have fun ﬁnding your way through the hedge maze. Adventure to the heart of the maze and climb the viewing platform to take in the views over the surrounding countryside. Or if you prefer more natural outdoor spaces, be wowed by the carpets of gently nodding bluebells at Hanningﬁeld’s Nature Discovery Centre. Set in mature woodland, the nature reserve has a beautiful sea of bluebells from late March. Nature lovers can revel in the wild woodland walks,

taking in bird hides and views across the water. Hanningﬁeld is also home to some well-loved characters from the Wind in the Willows stories. Purchase a trail map from the centre to explore the woods and see who you might ﬁnd along the way.

COAST TO COAST

Spring is the perfect time to view Essex’s 350-mile coastline from the sea. Head to historic Harwich harbour for a two-hour seal watching trip that takes in Horsey Island. Wrap up warm and watch the seals playing and popping up on the waterside. Horsey Island is best known as the inspiration for novelist Arthur Ransome’s Swallow Island in the childhood favourite, Swallows and Amazons. Today it is a paradise for nature with both harbour and grey seals calling the island home. From the water, migrant birds can be spotted with species such as godwits, redshanks and shelducks, wading alongside the terns which breed there. Visit the port side town of Brightlingsea. It’s home to pretty beach huts, independent shops and cafes, plus a lido (if it’s warm enough). The port is rich in seafaring history and has the distinction of being the only Cinque Port outside Kent and Sussex. The town is a haven for yachting and hosts international sailing events annually. If you fancy venturing further aﬁeld, step onboard

TAKE TO THE WATERS

RHS HYDE HALL GARDENS, PHOTO BY ROD EDWARDS

REVISED RECYCLING AND REFUSE EASTER HOLIDAY COLLECTION DATE

EASTER collections 2025

SCHEDULED COLLECTION DATE

Friday 18th April 2025

REVISED COLLECTION DATE

Saturday 19th April 2025

Normal collections resume Tuesday 22nd April 2025

For further information on Waste and Recycling please contact the Council on 01992 564000 or visit our website www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Bread and Roses, a Thames Sailing Barge where you can indulge in an afternoon tea as you sail the Colne estuary. Departing from Brightlingsea, you will head up the creek towards St Osyth Boatyard. After passing colourful moorings and picturesque views, sip on warming cups of tea and soft fruit scones served with Tiptree jam and lashings of clotted cream. Maldon is known nationally and across the world for its rich maritime heritage and diverse coastal habitats, and it is home to the largest fleet of Thames sailing barges. Topsail Charters invites you to step aboard a vintage sailing barge for a memorable river cruise. Sailing Barges ‘Thistle’, built in 1895, and ‘Hydrogen’, built 1906, were once part of the east coast’s traditional fleet of cargo vessels. A gentle cruise on one of these barges down the river Blackwater allows you to view the stunning coastline onboard. There is a selection of trips to choose from, such as a ‘Brunch Cruise’, serving a Hu er roll with bacon, sausage and egg with comforting hot drinks. Or book a tasty ‘Slow Roast’ cruise to two di erent islands with the addition of either a slow roast pork and apple chutney filled warm baguette, or a two-course roast. Guests will be seated inside the barge for a warming and hearty meal. Enjoy the peaceful rivers of the east coast in a memorable and relaxing way. Join them for one of their public cruises or be part of a group booking, catering for up to 50 people.

PAMPER SOMEONE SPECIAL

Spring is a time for rejuvenation. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, why not take the opportunity to thank your mum with the ultimate treat? In Southend, the Roslin Beach Hotel Retreat is an ideal

haven for guests to enjoy some TLC. This celebrity-attracting boutique hotel and spa o ers bespoke rooms, fabulous coastal views, and amazing spa treatments and packages. A refreshing facial or aromatherapy massage with essential oils will brighten any Mother’s Day. Or visit Five Lakes resort near Maldon which is set within a peaceful location, a stone’s throw from Colchester and Tiptree, famous for its tea rooms and jam. The Spa at Five Lakes provides an idyllic venue to rejuvenate the body and mind. They o er a range of treatments and blissful day packages complete with afternoon tea and refreshments to help guests to relax and refresh. If you love rolling countryside, try the four-star award-winning Stoke by Nayland Resort. It is situated in 300 acres of stunning countryside, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Essex/Su olk border. Their Peake

spa has a jacuzzi, saunarium, steam room, exotic Rasul and Hammam treatment rooms, and o ers treatments that will leave your special someone feeling radiant.

TREAT AND EAT

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to treat mum or heading out with friends and family, Essex is home to a wide range of top eateries. In the north of the county, indulge yourselves with a visit to the Mistley Thorn. The restaurant is well-known for its celebration of seasonal ingredients and fresh native oysters. Dishes to wow your friends and family include Baja-style cauliﬂower tacos with shredded cabbage, tomato salsa, cashew crema, black beans, guacamole, pepitas and pickled pink shallots, or Linguine vongole, steamed palourde clams, butter, garlic, chilli and white wine.

For a top family country pub experience, visit the AA 3 Rosettes Culinary Excellence and Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024 winners, The Three Horseshoes at Fordham, near Colchester. Born out of a passion for great food and hospitality, they are committed to bringing you the very best in local produce and friendly service. Reserve a table for a memorable ﬁne dining treat or pop in for a drink in the bar area that welcomes dogs and muddy boots.

Owned by Michelin star chefs, the Galvin Brothers, enjoy fresh food at their Essex The Galvin Green Man pub, near Great Waltham, Chelmsford. The food is award winning and o ers relaxed dining set within an acre of riverside meadows, amidst beautiful countryside. The River Chelmer ﬂows at the bottom of the gardens, a perfect setting for a spring lunch or dinner.

With so much to experience from coasts to gardens, to boat trips and spas, Visit Essex has all bases covered this spring. To ﬁnd out more and get booking at visitessex.com

ROSLIN BEACH HOTEL

The BUSINESS

It’s a tough time ﬁnancially for many companies, but to mark International Women's Day this month, here are locals whose stories will inspire

Justine Solazzo

Travel Counsellors

justine.solazzo@mytc.com INSTAGRAM: @justinesolazzotravel

Q Have you always been interested in travelling?

A Even as a little girl, I have been lucky enough to go on some fabulous holidays with my family so I deﬁnitely caught the travel bug early!

In my early 20s I worked as an In-Flight Beauty Therapist in the Upper Class cabin for Virgin Atlantic, which saw me massaging the rich and famous at 35,000ft in the air! On arrival, we would stay in stunning 5-star hotels and have a few days to explore our destination at our leisure, before working the return ﬂight home. This took me to some unbelievable places, all over the world from Shanghai to Cape Town.

Q What services do you o er via Travel Counsellors?

A I help take the stress out of travel by planning and booking everything for you. We all lead such busy lives nowadays and put pressure on ourselves for

our holidays to be picture-perfect! But many people simply don’t have the time to spend researching every last detail and then trying to ﬁnd the best deal – and that’s why they come to me to do it for them. I can arrange anything from a short city break, beach holidays, to tailor-made long haul, cruises, Disney, Lapland – you name it, I can arrange and book it.

Q Can you give an example of a unique experience you have helped curate?

A My favourite ever was for this fantastic couple who wanted to get married in Vegas. They started o in Vancouver, then worked their way down the whole of the West Coast of America in a convertible, stopping at some incredible hidden gems and National Parks along the way. Their nearest and dearest ﬂew out to meet them once they reached Vegas, sent them all up in a champagne helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon at sunset and I even booked their wedding in the chapel. It really was a trip of a lifetime!

Q What is your personal dream destination?

A Hawaii is on my bucket list for sure!

JUSTINE SOLAZZO

Pariena Charalambous

Owner, Creative Director and Designer, YVMV Studios yvmvstudios.co.uk

Q Before launching your business, what was your working background?

A My journey in the design world started as a graphic designer. I worked in various media sectors, including newspapers, fashion, and lifestyle magazines. From media I ventured into the public relations industry, collaborating with esteemed UK and international brands, I utilised my design and media proﬁciency to elevate brands' and establish a deep connection with their target audience.

Q What inspired you to launch your business?

A I love design and a thoroughbred creative who really enjoys everything visual. After my dad passed away, a pivotal moment that altered my perspective on life, brought a surge of urgency – not to wait for the 'right moment', but to embrace life and without hesitation. I needed to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way, honouring his legacy by living fully and passionately and doing what I love best.

Q What do you think makes you di erent?

A My experience in the magazine and public relations sectors has been instrumental in reﬁning my understanding of the relationship between graphic design and powerful imagery. In the world of beauty, fashion and lifestyle publications, my creative skills in visual communication accelerated, learning how to create and produce amazing imagery/ shoots and using graphic design skills to speak volumes. The journey has been a testament to the profound impact that thoughtful design and imagery can have in creating designs that captivate and engage.

Tracey Hatch

Founder, The Contented Mind Life Coach / Raspberry Interiors raspberryinteriordesign.co.uk instagram.com/contented.mind.life.coach/

Q How are things going with Raspberry Interiors?

A Raspberry Interiors is ﬂourishing, I can hardly believe I have been in the industry for nearly 30 years, and I still wake up eager to head to our Ingatestone studio. The mixture of being creative with the practical skills of organising trades and nurturing clients through a house renovation keeps my work extremely varied and satisfying.

Q Why have you decided to launch a life coaching business?

A After work, I am a 5 years+ Samaritan volunteer. As you can imagine, I hear all sorts of heartache with people struggling to lead a contented life. Hungry to help more people, I decided to add another feather to my bow by training to be a Life Coach, undertaking an intensive course to learn the speciﬁc tools that are required. Eight months later with diplomas in two ﬁelds and numerous coaching sessions under my belt, I launched my Contented Mind Life Coaching business.

Q How does a typical coaching session pan out with you?

A Generally ﬁve x one-hour sessions are typical. We always set out a goal then we work through how to achieve that goal. I am trained to ask questions that prompt deeper

thinking. It’s not like therapy where we delve into the past, it’s about looking ahead to the future, a positive mindset and having an awareness of why you might react badly in certain situations. My sessions are very uplifting and most importantly relevant to my clients' lives whether its work issues, relationships troubles or feeling that their life has something missing.

Q What has the response been like to what you o er?

A Feedback from my clients is awesome. It seems I am really good at connecting with people (a skill that is also important in the interior design world). I am a problem solver so help clients ﬁnd ways to troubleshoot areas that are stopping them from leading a happy life. One clients review said, “It’s like Tracey wiped the ﬁlm away from my glasses, everything is so much clearer now”. When my interior clients learn about my new business they say, “I am not surprised”, which I take as a compliment!

Q How do you manage the running of the two businesses?

A I am extremely grateful, and may I say proud, that I have two Essex businesses. Raspberry Interiors is as strong as ever and now running alongside it is my new baby, The Contented Mind Life Coach. It is relatively easy for me to juggle both businesses, most of my coaching sessions are evenings or weekends leaving the days free for my interior projects. I really do have the best of both words!

TRACEY HATCH

PARIENA CHARALAMBOUS

Gemma Copsey & Hayley Cutts

Co-owners, Knights Country Kitchens knightscountrykitchens.co.uk

Q Can you give us a little insight into the history of Knights Country Kitchens?

A We are a family run business established since 1976 in Clare, Su olk, dedicated to designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke kitchen and interior furniture in our workshop by our fully skilled craftsmen.

Q What are the advantages of being a family run business?

A As sisters we share similar values and goals. This vision drives our passion and dedication to the business. We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses andby leveraging our strengths together we create a wellrounded and dynamic team. We gain strong working relationships with our clients and o er a personal service and commit to client satisfaction.

Q How do you like to work on a new project?

A When ﬁrst approached by a new client we like to arrange

to meet at the property where the kitchen is going to be installed so that we can get a feel for the character of the home and discuss the clients requirements. Following this initial visit we invite the client to our showroom in Clare to discuss our design proposal.

Q Can you give us an example of a recent project that really showcases what your business is all about?

A We have recently completed a project for a lovely family where we worked alongside them over 18 months whilst they renovated their family home with touches of Knights Country Kitchens throughout. We transformed the kitchen into an open plan family area, with an island, seating area, a place to cook and entertain. This hub of the home kitchen lead into a homely snug area where we completed a bespoke TV media cabinet which complemented the kitchen furniture linking all areas to the new open plan space. We further worked alongside our clients to personally create a bespoke boot room and utility room with designs that met their busy family life style, which were attractive and stylish too.

Hasina Choudhury

Partner, Clinical Negligence Thompson Smith & Puxon tsplegal.com

Q Why did you originally want to work in law?

A Having grown up in Bangladesh, I saw a society where there was considerable injustice with people being treated unfairly and inhumanely. Wealthy people were able to “buy” justice and medical treatment, whereas poor people were denied basic human rights. At 10 years of age, I developed a desire to enter a profession where I could ensure people were treated justly and equally.

Q Why did you decide to specialise in Clinical Negligence?

A Being from an Asian background, my parents instilled in me the importance of medicine and law. I read Law and Psychology at University, majoring in Law as I felt this was where I could make the greatest di erence to people’s lives. Given my childhood interest in science, learning about basic medicine and working alongside clinicians appealed to me.

Q What attracted you to joining TSP back in 2021?

A I trained at a City ﬁrm, qualifying into PICN before becoming Partner. After joining the AvMA

HAYLEY & GEMMA

HASINA CHOUDHURY, PHOTO BY ANTHONY CULLEN

“I WANTED TO ENSURE PEOPLE WERE TREATED JUSTLY AND EQUALLY”

and Law Society panels in 2019, I moved to Su olk in 2020 hoping to achieve a better work-life balance. Drawn to TSP’s strong reputation for technical excellence and growth plans, I joined in 2021 and was promoted to Director in 2023.

Q What have been some of your highlights in your time at TSP?

A Since joining TSP I have mentored many junior fee earners, which I thoroughly enjoy. Being asked to be Deputy Head of the PICN team and being promoted to a Director within 15 months of joining are career highlights.

Q What does 2025 hold in store for you?

A At the end of 2024, the ﬁrm came together to develop its ﬁve year strategy at its Collaboration Day event. The mission (to transform, to succeed and to prosper) established the roadmap for the future of TSP. This year will be about embedding the actions from this event and shaping the next generation of lawyers through training and collaboration.

Adele Carnera

Founder, The OPRA Group theopragroup.com

Q How do you look back on 2024?

A Looking back on 2024, we have learnt from our challenges in 2023 and I’m incredibly proud of The OPRA Group’s growth and innovation. We’ve strengthened client relationships, grown stronger teams, and maintained exceptional service. Personally, it’s been a year of reﬂection, balancing leadership with fostering an inclusive culture. We’ve adapted to a changing economic situation, and I’m excited for what lies ahead as we continue to lead with passion and purpose.

Q Has The OPRA Group evolved?

A Absolutely. Since our last interview, The OPRA Group has evolved signiﬁcantly. We've expanded into new sectors, embraced technology for sleeker service delivery, and focused on diversity and inclusion. Our approach is now more personalised, fostering stronger, long-term relationships with clients and candidates. It’s been an exciting period of transformation, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.

Q What is it about people that you love to base a business around?

A At The OPRA Group, connection is at our core. I’ve said before that I have an endless curiosity about people and their needs, wants and motivations and the whole OPRA team are the same! We focus on understanding client needs and ﬁnding the right

talent at a human level, which helps businesses grow successfully. I’m passionate about recognising potential and building genuine relationships. Our business thrives on trust, collaboration, and the belief that people are our greatest asset.

Q How do you see the economic landscape?

A The economic landscape is challenging but o ers opportunities. Businesses are adapting, embracing digital transformation, and seeking talent to drive change. At The OPRA Group, we’ve seen a shift towards di erent ways of ﬂexible working and a focus on skills over experience. While unemployment ﬂuctuates, the right talent remains in demand. Adaptability and resilience are key for both businesses and jobseekers. There are still good job opportunities out there!

Q What are you looking forward to in 2025?

A In 2025, I’m excited to keep evolving The OPRA Group as we expand our services and grow our teams. I look forward to exploring new sectors and building deeper, more meaningful partnerships with both clients and candidates. Personally, I’m committed to further championing opportunities for underrepresented talent, apprenticeships and broadening our HR, Screening and Wellbeing services. With a constantly shifting landscape, agility and innovation is key. Ultimately, I’m excited to nurture a culture where both people and businesses thrive – exciting times ahead!

ADELE CARNERA

Rachel Addison

Founder, Benems benems.co.uk

Q Can you give us a potted history of Benems?

A Benems is a family run business trading in its 30th year – and the name is an anagram of my children’s names, Ben and Emma Benems motto is: “Where YOU the customer comes first, every time.” An old fashioned value that is often forgotten, one that Mr Selfridge prided himself on all those years ago. Without our customers we would have no business, so Benems heart is its customers new and old. At Benems the whole team works as a team, from selection, estimating, and pricing to the final fitting, making the customer’s vision become a reality. Valuing each and every opportunity as important, regardless of how big or small the job is. Out of little acorns come big oak trees.

Q Today, what do you o er?

A Much more than just what’s under your feet – apart from our values and pride in installation and service and guiding our customers, we o er carpets, room size remnants, laminate vinyl flooring, laminate and bespoke stair runners and rugs made to order. That’s not all: we have fireplaces to suit all budgets and styles and our own fitting teams, from solid fuel stoves to gas fires and or electric, and the new evolving media walls. Plus we have added our comfort and accessories, from quirky ornaments,

“WE WANT TO HELP MAKE YOUR HOME YOUR CASTLE”

cushions, lamps, or maybe a fragrance to scent your home.

Q What do you think makes the business di erent from competitors?

A We are family-run, we care and take pride in all we do, we are friendly and approachable and really want your experience to be a positive one from start to ﬁnish. We are award-winning across all aspects as voted by our customers, year on year. We support local charities and sponsor two football teams giving back to our local community.

Q What’s new for 2025?

A New styles, colours across all our ranges – whether it be ﬂooring, ﬁreplaces and our home accessories. Interiors making your home your castle.

Q What do you love best about your job?

A I love hearing the happiness of returning customers. Then watching the younger generations returning, so a daughter or son who used to eat our sweets and run around the store returning as a young adult setting out with their ﬁrst new home with proud parents or grandparents who are previous customers of ours. Every day is di erent and we value each and every order, and this is the experience we want for our customers.

Karen Plane

MINI Brand Manager, Group 1 Colchester group1auto.co.uk/bmw

Q Have you always had an interest in cars?

A I have always had an interest in the mechanical side of the motor car – my father was an engineer, and I spent many happy times under the bonnet of an old car that he was attempting to repair. However, my interest in the dealer network began from a customer care perspective. All customers I believe should receive a ﬁrst-class level of service every visit.

Q What does your role as MINI brand manager entail?

A Wow... So much more than you think. Day to day tasks to one side I am the face of MINI and all it represents. With my valuable team we live and breathe the MINI brand 24/7. We live locally, we work locally, we are all about the local community and giving back.

Q What’s new for 2025 at Group 1 Colchester with the MINI brand?

A We are about to begin a new era – as of 1st March, with the

RACHEL ADDISON

entire MINI network, we become an agency store. Basically, going forward, it will be manufacturer ﬁxed pricing on all our models. My team of MINI experts will be on hand to facilitate and assist with the online ordering process for all new MINIs; we appreciate each client will have di erent needs. It is important to note that we will always be there to make every MINI handover memorable.

Q What else are you looking forward to in 2025?

A I feel everything we changed and implemented during 2024 will complement the agency model – it will be about a high-end customer experience. We have a completely fresh model lineup, some of the most modern and exciting cars you can drive, with the latest technology. At Group 1 MINI Colchester we cannot wait to put the fun back into the MINI adventure.

I also have a new role to fulﬁl this year as Mother of the Bride – terrifying but exciting.

So this year is going to be fabulous for so many reasons!

Rommalee Young

Harold White Funeral Directors haroldwhitefunerals.co.uk

Q What inspired you to work at your business?

A Family. My great great grandfather, George White, founded this funeral business in 1888. When our dad passed away unexpectedly a couple of years ago, my sisters and I inherited the business. It’s a privilege, albeit a slightly daunting one, to take the reins of a business that has prospered for over 135 years.

Q Looking back, how was last year for you?

A Last year was rewarding and challenging in equal measures. In July, we helped to organise a funeral at Westminster Abbey, one of the largest that Harold White has ever been involved with. It was a terribly sad day, but the service ran smoothly and we were honoured to be asked by the family. As for challenges, the last 18 months has seen a signiﬁcant increase in the number of online companies o ering direct cremations, i.e. funeral services which happen behind closed doors

without any mourners present. These companies tend to invest heavily in digital advertising and this has prompted us to evolve our own marketing strategy to help us remain visible in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Q What do you think makes you di erent?

A People are at the heart of what we do and clear communication is really important to us. Families that come to us are usually stricken with grief and apprehensive about the unfamiliar process of arranging a funeral. Our amazing team are naturally compassionate and supportive, but they are also adept at breaking the process down into simple steps. By explaining the available options and being totally transparent about our prices, we hope to remove some of the anxiety and make the experience more manageable.

Q Outside of work, what are you looking forward to this year?

A I’m happiest when spending time with my family, and especially my two daughters. They’re young teenagers so I’m relishing every moment because I know it won’t be long before they decide to opt-out of cuddles on the sofa and family holidays!

SISTERS ROMMALEE YOUNG, COURTNEY WHITE & ETTA WHITE

KAREN PLANE

FOOD & DRINK

Born out of love for all things Italian and a desire to offer “great classic dishes, served right”, the original FIGO opened in Stratford in 2019. Offering a large slice of traditional “Cucina Italiana”, a friendly atmosphere and hearty portions of wholesome Italian homestyle food, they have become a much-loved choice for lovers of Italian food. Additionally, they are now spreading the FIGO love in Leyton and our local, Brentwood. Absolutely takes a closer look over the page.

figorestaurant.co.uk

FIGO BRENTWOOD

Embracing TRADITION

Absolutely visits FIGO Brentwood and discovers why the group have become renowned for proper neighbourhood Italian restaurants

The quintessentially Italian restaurant group FIGO blends tradition with modern ﬂair, featuring a carefully crafted menu that showcases the diverse Italian regions, steeped in centuries of gastronomic history.

Each FIGO – with restaurants in Stratford, Leyton and Brentwood – has its own look and feel. Sunlight streams through ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows at FIGO Stratford, located in the modern Stratford Cross. FIGO Leyton is a rustic and relaxed neighbourhood restaurant, surrounded by residential homes, o ering a quintessential local Italian. Attached is a small deli o ering fresh co ee, pastries and a wide range of Italian products.

The third o ering, and of particular interest to Absolutely, is FIGO Brentwood. This restaurant is located on Brentwood High Street o ering locals an elevated

Italian experience in a luxurious setting, also home to its own cocktail bar The Loft located right above the main dining area, which is a popular spot for cocktail evenings and private functions.

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a leisurely weekend brunch, FIGO is here to delight your palate. Begin your experience with some appetizers: top picks for us included Sicilian green olives, bruschetta with tomato and creamy cheese, and zucchini fritti – deep-fried courgette with semolina ﬂour and tartare sauce.

Moving on to starters, Italian classics like arancini (homemade rice balls, deep fried with tru e and taleggio on pecorino fondue), and Melanzane Alla Parmigiana (baked aubergine, mozzarella, tomatoes, Parmesan) always go down well with FIGO regulars, while Cozze (mussels cooked in tomato sauce, served in a pizza crust dome) has become a FIGO signature dish at Brentwood.

Next comes the pasta and risotto section, o ering a hearty array of options for all seasons from spinach and ricotta ravioli, to risotto al fruitti mare and tagliatelle lamb ragu – served with FIGO’s slow-cooked lamb sauce – and lobster tortellini (lobster-ﬁlled tortellini with lobster bisque sauce, Taggiasche olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs).

An equally extensive menu of pizza is on o er. Try the fresh and simple Bu alina (Bu alo mozzarella, tomato sauce), Ortalana Vegan (vegan cheese, Italian plum tomato sauce, aubergines, courgettes, peppers, black olives and oregano basil, extra virgin olive oil) and namesake Figo (tomato sauce, mozzarella, rocket, Parma ham and Parmesan shaving).

Meat, ﬁsh and salad main courses are also o ered in abundance. Expect classics like Pollo Alla Milanese (breaded chicken breast with spaghetti and tomato sauce), Filetto Di Manzo (grilled beef, mash potato, topped with walnut

“THE CAREFULLY CRAFTED MENU SHOWCASES THE DIVERSE ITALIAN REGIONS”

crumble and peppercorn sauce) and Salmone Conﬁt (salmon conﬁt with seasonal salad, pomegranate and orange, cucumber, radish and citrus dressing).

Drinks at FIGO certainly do not take a back seat, as you can indulge in Italian classics and FIGO’s own creations on the cocktail list. Che Bella (Midori, Lime Sherbet, Eucalyptus Gin) and Amalﬁ Coast (Premium Vodka, Peach Liquor, Peach Puree, Pineapple Juice, Egg White) will both conjure up visions of Italian living with the ﬁrst sip.

FIGO’s wine list is carefully crafted from around the key wine making regions of Italy. Try Gavi Di Gavi DOCG, Cossetti from Piedmont, Primitivo IGT, Zonin from Puglia and Villa Carune organic Nero D’avalo DOC, Sicilia. Italian beers Peroni and Birra Moretti are also available.

FIGO Brentwood is somewhere you can discover the artistry of Italian cuisine, where every dish tells a story of Italy’s rich culinary heritage.

ﬁgorestaurant.co.uk

CABINET DRINKS

What to drink this month

By NATALIA SUTA @_winerocks_ winerocks.co.uk

A Radiant Experience

Nestled in the rolling hills of Surrey, Denbies Estate is no stranger to crafting memorable wines, and their Solaris Orange is no exception. Made from the lesser-known Solaris grape, this bold skin-contact white bursts with tropical fruit (think pineapple and guava!), a touch of spice, and a rich golden hue. For adventurous palates, it’s love at ﬁrst sip. denbies.co.uk

ROSÉ ALL DAY

Raise a glass to International Women’s Day with Folc, Kent’s answer to world-class rosé. Crafted from hand-picked grapes and bursting with notes of wild strawberry, lemon, and a touch of spice, it’s proof that English wine is here to rival the French. Pair it with spring sunshine or simply toast to the incredible women in your life! drinkfolc.com

A Glass for Every MOOD

Tucked away in the historic Devonshire House near London Bridge, Tap & Bottle feels like your best-kept secret. With a laid-back vibe, clued-up sta , and a by-the-glass wine selection that’ll make your heart ﬂutter, it’s the perfect spot for a postwork tipple or leisurely date night. tapandbottlelondon.co.uk

Discover the wild side of wine

Natural wine enthusiasts, it’s time to mark your calendars! Back by popular demand, Pour Choices Wine Fair is returning on 12th April, bringing its signature playful energy to Wagner Hall, Brighton. This isn’t your typical formal wine fair - it’s a lively celebration of wines that are unﬁltered, unpretentious, and unapologetically fun. With an impressive line-up of exhibitors from across the UK, including the most celebrated vineyards from Sussex, this fair showcases minimal intervention wines that burst with character. From small-batch wines to experimental ciders, expect to discover vibrant bottles with quirky labels and plenty of stories to tell. Wander through the stalls, meet the passionate producers, and sip your way through some of the most exciting o erings on the lowintervention wine scene.

But there’s more! Workshops and masterclasses will also be on o er for those looking to delve deeper into the fascinating world of wine. These sessions will provide the perfect opportunity to learn about sustainable winemaking practices, improve your tasting skills, or uncover the secrets behind the unique processes that make low-intervention wines so special. Local food pop-ups will be serving up delicious bites, too.

Whether you’re a natural wine enthusiast or just curious about what all the buzz is about, Pour Choices Wine Fair is a must-visit event, a proof that wine can be fun, dynamic, and anything but predictable. Cheers to shaking up the status quo!

pourchoices.wine

FASHION

Heart Felt

Cool girl pieces to mark Love Awareness Month

By CARLY GLENDINNING

MARIE LICHTENBERG

18K Yellow Gold, and White Diamonds Love Collar Clip, £5,305 carolinabucci.com

EDEN PRESLEY

14K Yellow Gold, Pink Sapphire, and Opal Love Transformer Earrings, £1,630 edenpresley.com

NADINE AYSOY

JACQUIE AICHE

14K Gold, Black Rhodium, and Black Diamond Pave Outline Heart Ring, £2,580 jacquieaiche.com

HEAVENLY VICES Pink Sapphire Love Lock, £5,700 heavenlyvicesﬁnejewelry.com

GUITA M

18K Yellow Gold, Pink Sapphires, and Red Rubies Heart Stud Earrings, £1,633 guitam-jewelry.com

CCWW DESIGNS

14K Gold, Diamonds, White Sapphires, and Ebony Heart Earrings, £2,124 ccwwdesigns.com

18K Yellow Gold, Pink Sapphire, and Ruby Le Cercle Inﬁnity Necklace, £2,785 nadineaysoy.com

JULIANA KRYS

18K Gold, Rubies, and Diamonds Besos Ring, £6,500 julianakrysjewelry.com

JADE TRAU

18K Yellow Gold, and Diamonds Friendship Charm Earrings, £2,915 (pair) jadetrau.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

SOUND OF STILLNESS

THE SPA AT COTTONMILL

National Sleep Day falls in March, so for us here at Absolutely that means we need to head down to one of our finest spas and just let go of it all. The Spa at Cottonmill know this and realise that everybody needs a haven. The Spa at Cottonmill is a vision of informed excellence. Conceived as a global leader, its founders have roamed the world to bring you a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and expert treatments. Now, just close your eyes... sopwellhouse.co.uk

BEAUTY

NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

EARL OF EAST

Earl of East has debuted its ﬁrst soap bars. A sustainable alternative to bottled cleansers, they’re available in the brand’s signature scents – Smoke & Musk, Wildﬂower, and Shinrin-Yoku, £15 each. earlofeast.com

MAKE WAVES SOAP IT UP MAGIC WAND

NIRA

The NIRA Laser bundle is clinically proven to reduce lines and wrinkles, stimulating collagen production. I’ve been using mine for several months and can deﬁnitely report younger looking skin, £898.20. niraskin.com

CURLSMITH

Jam-packed with superfoods to nourish your hair, Curlsmith’s ‘Wavy Discovery Kit’ contains everything you need to look after your curls. Gentle enough to use on my daughter’s hair, these products gave her curls a beautiful bounce, £57. curlsmith.com

Croma Arthrex PRP Skin Rejuvenation

If you want to go down the natural route, PRP is a very safe option,” says Dr Bhavik Shah as I sit back in the chair at the DrMediSpa clinic in Loughton. As someone who is on the fence about botox and fillers, I’ve been curious to find out if PRP (which stands for ‘Platelet Rich Plasma’) could be a good alternative. My appointment with Dr Shah begins with a consultation to discuss my skin concerns. Dr Shah explains that Croma Arthrex PRP (or the ‘vampire facial’ as it’s better known on TikTok), utilises a concentration of platelets and plasma derived from the patient’s own blood to stimulate collagen production and natural healing. The treatment starts with a small amount of blood being drawn from my arm. Dr Shah then processes it to separate the platelet-rich plasma and we wait for six minutes for it to be ‘spun’. There’s a good amount of golden plasma in the vial. If you’ve read this far, then you’re probably not squeamish, which is a definite plus for PRP. Luckily I’m ok with needles, but I close my eyes as Dr Shah uses a cannula to deliver the concentrated ‘PRP’ into three strategic points on each side of my face. I find this more uncomfortable than painful, although one side is definitely more sensitive than the other. I’m amazed to see how little swelling there is at the injection sites. The next day my face is a little pu y, but there’s no bruising and I can already see that my skin looks glowier. A few days on, lines are softened, and my under eye dark circles are reduced. I can definitely see myself booking into DrMediSpa again soon.

DRMEDISPA

Croma Arthrex PRP, £600 drmedispa.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Leading the WAY

Interview with Professor Mark Whiteley from The Whiteley

Clinic, the UK’s leading expert in the treatment of varicose veins and pelvic congestion syndrome

Q Can you tell us a little more about yourself and your clinics?

A I am Professor Mark Whiteley, consultant venous surgeon and executive chairman of The Whiteley Clinic, the UK’s leading vein clinic and an internationally recognised centre of excellence for varicose vein treatments and pelvic congestion syndrome. The Whiteley Clinic is known throughout the vein world for our multi award-winning research and innovative treatment methods, leading to the lowest possible recurrence rates and high long term patient satisfaction. We have seven clinics across the UK in London, Guildford, Henley, Poole, Bristol and recently opened in Manchester and Liverpool.

Q What are varicose veins?

A Varicose veins are abnormally large bulging veins that can be seen pressing out the skin of the legs or vulva/scrotum when standing or sitting. They bulge because of the pressure of the blood inside them. This occurs because the underlying veins have failed valves, reversing the blood ﬂow from the heart and back into the veins. Visible varicose veins in the legs can cause tired, aching, heavy legs and swollen ankles, but can also lead to red or brown stains around the ankles, bleeding, leg ulcers (open sores), or blood clots (DVT).

Q What are hidden varicose veins?

A “Hidden varicose veins” is the name given to the same underlying problem, but without

bulging veins, and therefore they cannot be seen. As such, these patients have the same problems and risks as those who have visible varicose veins, but do not know that they have them because they are not visible on the surface. They might be hidden because they are too deep in the leg, or because they are hidden deep inside the pelvis.

Hidden varicose veins in the legs still cause tired, aching, heavy legs as well as the skin damage, clots and ulcers, but within the pelvis can cause an aching feeling, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bladder, pain during intercourse, lower back pain, hip pain and haemorrhoids of the vulva or vagina in females or the scrotum in males.

Q What can this lead to?

A One in three (30%) of women attending gynaecology outpatients with chronic pelvic pain have pelvic hidden varicose veins, known as pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) or pelvic venous disorders (PeVD). Unfortunately, these conditions are not recognised by most gynaecologists and these patients are frequently told that they have endometriosis or that there is “nothing wrong with them”.

It is estimated that approximately one million women in the UK are su ering from pelvic pain due to PCS and are not being given the diagnosis by their gynaecologists due to lack of understanding in how to diagnose and treat the condition.

To address this, we have just opened a new women’s health clinic in London’s Bond Street in February. Led by Dr Sophie Strong, a consultant gynaecologist specialising in pelvic pain, it will be the ﬁrst women’s pelvic pain clinic in the UK to specialise in both PCS and other gynaecological causes of pelvic pain.

Q Can visible or hidden varicose veins be easily treated?

A Although many doctors still think veins are easy, research has shown that there are many di erent patterns of veins disease – many relatively easy to treat for the specialist, but often there are complexities that cause early recurrence if missed.

Venous duplex ultrasound scans at The Whiteley Clinic are performed by a team of dedicated Vascular Scientists/Sonographers, allowing the Whiteley Clinic trained consultants to devise a complete and personalised treatment plan for each patient.

All treatments are walk-in, walk-out and performed under local anaesthetic, reducing the risks of general anaesthetic, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

If you have further questions, then please call The Whiteley Clinic on 0330 058 1850 or email info@thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk to book your consultation in your clinic of choice. For more information visit thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk

We believe you should never be held back because you are tired. That’s why we have devoted 75 years to perfecting the sleep that sharpens your mind and strengthens your body. Our beds are built in Norway using passion, tradition and innovation to make the most of your sleep. So you can make the most of your day.

FLOURISHING FURNISHING S

GREYCAINE

Greycaine is a designer Italian furniture emporium that combines timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship and Italian artistry to create an unparalleled collection of furniture. Every piece in the Greycaine collection is a testament to luxury and comfort. greycaine.co.uk

Inside this section

NEATSMITH p54

REAL HOME p58

JADE WALLER p62

CARPE DIEM p66

HELENA CHRISTENSEN p70

Compiled by PENDLE HARTE

INTERIORS NOTES

IDEAS, DESIGNS AND STYLES FOR YOUR HOME

IN THE FRAME

THE ROOST

The Roost's curated selection of unique, original artworks and high-quality prints spans limited editions and popular reproductions, plus beautiful frames. Whether you're looking to create a gallery wall, show o your favourite prints, or ﬁnd an original piece from an array of talented UK-based artists, there's something for you at The Roost. theroost.com

LIGHT HEARTED

MAGIC CIRCUS EDITIONS

Marie-Lise Féry founded Magic Circus Editions in France in 2015 and her lighting has a unique signature. Inspired by magic lanterns and infused with a sense of fun and theatricality, the new collection is colourful, striking and irreverant. magic-circus.fr

SIT BACK

KUSCH+CO

Kanu is a stylish and innovative lounge armchair collection designed by Tomasz Augustyniak. By promoting a sense of calm and wellbeing, Kanu brings comfort and fosters connections and creativity, while blending style and functionality. kusch.com

Pretty vases

POTTED HISTORY

BERGS POTTER

AFTER NOAH Terracotta Checked Vase, £68 a ernoah.com

Bergs Potter belives that great design is more than aesthetic; it's a way to foster harmony between people and plants. Whether it's the enduring warmth of terracotta or the clarity of mouth-blown glass, these pieces are an invitation to embrace greenery in all its beauty. bergspotter.com

ALESSI

Cronotime, originally designed by Pio Manzù, is a minimal yet playful desk clock re-issued and now manufactured by Alessi. Its tubular design, bold typeface, and rotating sections make it the perfect clock for a desk or bedside table, £60. scp.co.uk

CASA BY JJ

Cabbage Vintage Inspired Vase, £63 casabyjj.com

COX & COX

Glazed Urn Vase, £60 coxandcox.co.uk

ROSE & GREY

Sarai Wavy Vase, £75 roseandgrey.co.uk

CASA BY JJ Peacock Of Paradise Tulipiere Vase, £80 casabyjj.com

MEASURE MADE TO

Neatsmith , who have a showroom in Brentwood, have reached a very special milestone. Director Philipp Nagel explains how they did it

Bespoke design business Neatsmith is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Philipp Nagel, Director of Neatsmith, founded the company alongside his father, Andrew, and brother Mathew, in 2005, opening a showroom in Brentwood in 2017. The company has built a hardearned reputation for selling beautiful bespoke wardrobes, dressing rooms and home oﬃces. Absolutely chatted to Philipp to look back at the beginnings of the business and how they have thrived over the last 20 years.

Q What initially inspired you, your father and brother to launch a business?

A To build a brand, to work for ourselves and to enjoy it!

Q What was the grand idea behind Neatsmith?

A From the very beginning, we wanted Neatsmith to stand out for quality and exceptional service. While bespoke ﬁtted furniture already existed, we believed there was a gap in the market where quality craftsmanship and exceptional service go hand in hand. We agreed from day one that our product quality should always be matched, and exceeded, by the level of service we oﬀer.

Q Was it difficult to get off the ground?

A Incredibly diﬃcult in hindsight, but it never felt like a problem at the time – it just meant we had to look for other solutions. It is tricky to convince landlords or banks you’re a good bet with no track record or money. Every pound mattered!

Q From day one, what did you want to oﬀer?

A To try and aim for excellence in four areas – people, product, process and service. This year marks

our 20th anniversary and this ethos has been the foundation for our success and the reason we’re celebrating this milestone. This philosophy has enabled us to build our hard-earned reputation through customer recommendations to family and friends. We remain proud to be recognised for our unparalleled service – from initial consultation to ﬁnal installation.

Q What for you were the beneﬁts about going into business with your family?

A There is no one I trust more in business than my brother and father, and I think building Neatsmith with my family has enabled us to nurture the sense of personal connection that deﬁnes our business. Our customers recognise and feel this personal touch, which has contributed a lot to our success. Bespoke furniture is a lifetime investment, and we have always wanted to be a company that clients can trust and rely on.

Q What was the initial reaction like to the business back in 2005?

A It was slow, but the joy of having so few customers initially is you get to really look after them. They in turn told their friends and family and it gently grew. There was also a sense of optimism in the country and a real focus on the home, both in terms of buying and selling and renovations – conditions which help businesses like ours.

Q Have there been many downs as well as ups over 20 years?

A Like any business, we’ve had our share of challenges and success. We have grown from operating out of a garage in Tottenham to opening our ﬂagship store on the Kings Road in 2018, which was a major milestone for us. Today, we have six showrooms across London, Essex, and most

The Reﬂex walk-in wardrobe with Decorative Glass interior perfectly illustrates the Neatsmith approach.

recently Surrey, with a new location set to open in Tunbridge Wells later this year. But we also never forget to celebrate the small wins, such as our ﬁrst unsolicited positive review in 2006. It might seem like a small achievement now, but as a new company and one that has always prided ourselves on the quality of our product and service, it felt monumental – and a moment I will always remember.

Q How would you say the business has evolved?

A Neatsmith has evolved and grown into the brand that we always hoped it

could become. Throughout this growth, we tried to never deviate from our four core pillars: people, product, service and processes. One of the most rewarding aspects of the business has been building our teams. In 2019 for example, our first apprentice fitter graduated, and is now a well-established member of the fitting team, which is really special to see. He has since been joined by four more Neatsmith fitting graduates, and it’s been a privilege to support young people develop skills through this scheme. Furthermore and crucially for our customers, all of our employees are full time. We never subcontract our sales or fitting and this allows us to control every aspect of the process for the client, from order to installation.

Q Today, in a nutshell, what does Neatsmith oﬀer?

A Quality, design, and service. The beauty of bespoke is that each project is unique, and we’re proud to create ﬁtted wardrobes, dressing rooms, hallway storage, living rooms and even home bars that bring our clients’ unique visions to life.

Q What would we ﬁnd at your Brentwood showroom?

A Our Brentwood showroom, which opened in 2017, spans two storeys, showcasing a variety of modern and traditional designs, so customers are guaranteed to ﬁnd the inspiration they’re looking for. The showroom is conveniently located just oﬀ Brentwood High Street, and the team is always on hand to assist with customers as they look for the perfect pieces to elevate their homes.

Q Why do you like having an Essex base?

A It is a really vibrant area and a good ﬁt with our clients and product.

Q What is the ethos behind what you produce?

A At Neatsmith, we focus on design and functionality when creating beautiful and practical spaces for clients, with style and longevity always front of mind. We operate with the fundamental belief that our designs should not only look beautiful, but also work seamlessly with clients’ vision and spaces.

Q How do you set about working on a new project/design?

A We sit with the client and listen to them; what they want to achieve, what they like, what their expectations are, and we go from there. It really is a collaborative process and one we want to make enjoyable for them.

Q What have been some of the most exciting projects you’ve been involved with in the past?

A Working in bespoke design is always exciting because every project is truly unique. Our favourite projects are those that challenge us, pushing you to think creatively and outside the box. One particularly memorable project was a dressing room designed for a couple who had strong, uncompromising preferences. With a huge space to work with and every item requiring precise storage solutions, meticulous attention to detail was essential at every stage. To meet the ambitious brief, our design team worked incredibly hard, utilising every Neatsmith accessory to maximise the space while maintaining a sleek and luxurious aesthetic. Being entrusted with such a generous space and budget to bring their vision to life was a real privilege and a rewarding exercise.

Q Are you looking to mark the 20th anniversary in any way?

A We will celebrate it internally with the team, which we are all looking forward to. And of course on our socials and in-store marketing, but I am more excited for the next 20 years to be honest. It really does feel like yesterday we started this!

neatsmith.co.uk

ILLUMINATING

INSIGHT

John Cullen Lighting explain the thought processes behind an award winning project in Essex

The client of this Essex home, who have extensive experience in large-scale construction, approached John Cullen as they were seeking expertise in luxury residential lighting design along with discreet architectural products. The goal for this grand family home was to epitomise opulence while seamlessly blending functionality with comfort.

A great accolade for this project is that it won the lighting scheme award at the prestigious design et al International Design & Architecture Awards last September. Luke Thomas, Design Director at John Cullen, reveals more.

THE BRIEF

John Cullen’s brief was clear: deliver a holistic lighting solution for both the vast interiors and the picturesque surrounding landscape of this sprawling new build property, spanning four meticulously crafted ﬂoors tailored to the family’s every need.

This included a subterranean haven offering a luxurious wellness and spa complex; a ground floor dedicated to living and entertainment, complete with a private cinema and a dedicated worship space; a first floor featuring the principal

suite and additional family bedrooms; and lastly, a dedicated guest and family suite on the second ﬂoor. The lighting design served as a cornerstone, orchestrating the ambiance and seamlessly guiding transitions between communal gathering spaces and intimate retreats.

DESIGN

Central to the property’s allure was the breathtaking spiral staircase, an architectural marvel visible from every ﬂoor. John Cullen’s challenge was to accentuate its sweeping design with a sleek, linear lighting detail, navigating the complexities of concealed steel frames within the walls. Through collaboration, they reﬁned the proposals until achieving a design that harmonized aesthetic vision with technical precision.

CHALLENGES

The innovative movable pool ﬂoor presented its own set of challenges, requiring a lighting system adaptable enough to transform the space from serene swimming sanctuary to vibrant event venue at the push of a button. Controlled by a sophisticated Lutron system, the lighting eﬀortlessly adapts to preset scenes throughout, nowhere more impactful than in the luxurious basement retreat.

GROUND FLOOR

A number of different living areas provide relaxed areas to both unwind and entertain. For the living area off the hall, a more traditional approach was taken to the lighting with low glare small Polespring 40s downlights lighting the panels and the centre of the coffee table. Polespring

50s light the art and your eye is drawn through to the hallway beyond with Lucca 30s lighting the door frame and the curved wall beyond.

For the living area which sits at the other end of the kitchen surrounded by glass onto the garden beyond, carefully concealed Contour HD LED strip lights through the voile curtains and subtly lights up the light well above. Carefully positioned Vorsa Fix spotlights provide pools of light onto the centre of the coﬀee tables creating a more intimate space.

For the kitchen, decorative pendants set the scene, whilst Polespring 40s provide task light to the island and wash light down the front of the cupboards and curtains. This is layered with Contour LED strip under the island and the cabinets providing task light onto the work surfaces. A further layer is added with Lucca 30 uplights framing the windows.

LEISURE SPACES

The cinema and snooker room are discreetly hidden off the main hall. The lighting was designed to offer different light levels to suit the experience required. At low level, Contour LED strip is concealed under the steps to guide your way and concealed at high level to add interest. Infill light and lighting to the artwork is provided by Polespring 50s.

For the home oﬃce, task light was designed over the desk with Polespring 40s, but also backlit the integrated joinery unit and uplit the window reveals with Lucca 30s.

BEDROOMS

The elegant lighting designs for the luxurious bedrooms across the first and second floors provide sanctuaries to be enjoyed both during the day and at night. In the master bedroom below, hanging pendants either side of the bed are complemented with Polespring 40 downlights to the headboard and end of the bed and Lucca 30s uplighting to the art behind catching the 3D butterflies on them and the door frame to lead you to the bathroom.

BATHROOMS

Each bathroom had a different style, allowing for varying imaginative designs for each. For the bathroom with a stunning curved shower, Polespring 40s light the perimeter emphasising its curve. Individual niches are downlit with Lucca 30s.

DRESSING ROOM

The master dressing room features a central pendant. The light from this is supplemented with Polespring 40 downlights directing light to the centre of the island, cupboard fronts and the dressing table. Depth is added with Minims lighting the niches either side of the mirror and Contour LED front lighting the handbag section and underlighting the cabinetry.

THE OUTCOME

The culmination of the collaborative eﬀorts is a harmonious synergy of architecture, interiors, and lighting. Every detail has been meticulously crafted to pay homage to the client’s Indian heritage, creating a space that feels both personal and authentic.

johncullenlighting.com

Photography: James Balston

ESCAPETHEORDINARY E S C A P E T H E O R

D I N A R Y

www originpools co uk

“2025 will be the year of the bold. Expect rich colours and tones”

Ruby Vintage Living Room Mansﬁeld Armchair and Kostatine Side Table by Essential Home.

LIVING INSPIRATIONAL

Jade Waller is a celebrated home styling expert, interior and lifestyle columnist - and Essex through and through. Absolutely meets her

Q Did you always take an interest in your home surroundings when you were growing up?

A Absolutely! It was always part of my make up. I loved decorating shows as a kid. Whilst others were obsessed with kids shows and girls mags, I was always watching Changing Rooms and ﬂipping through the pages of Ideal Home. I grew up with humble beginnings, but my Mum always ensured our home was presentable and although we weren’t wealthy, she always kept a nice home and, looking back, I can see how important that was to her and absolutely became part of me.

We would drive down the fancy London streets looking at all the large, beautiful homes, you know, those ones with the huge windows and big stoops leading up to the beautifully lit front door. We would drive past and peer through the windows from the car as I used to love to get a peek of how they dressed their homes!

Q When did your interest in interiors start forming into a specialism?

A I’d say for me a turning point was when people would ask me to help decorate or style their homes. At ﬁrst it would be family members or friends, but then it would be friends’ parents and so on and one day I thought to myself, I guess I’m quite good at this!

Interiors isn’t just the physicality of how a home looks, it’s a feeling. I think that the key to creating the ideal space for someone is knowing how they want to feel in that space and transforming that feeling into vision and then creating it in physical form. That’s always been my strength: people. I get people, relate to them and understand how they want to feel in their homes. That’s the key.

I was helping others decorate, design and style, and I thought I’d love to share these ideas with a larger audience. Not only that, help them achieve a space that feels beautiful to them especially if they didn’t have access to a huge budget. That was when my page really started to take oﬀ as people appreciated and loved seeing how you could create looks for less on the high street and by being more frugal.

Q What do you think it is about your advice that people love?

A My advice is relatable to the everyday person because I am her. I’m the busy mum, I work, wear many hats and must juggle it all. I’m also not a millionaire either! My home is relatable and the way I style it with a mixture of high street ﬁnds, charity and antique gems with a little touch of luxury is really the balance most people want to achieve, and I think I deliver that through my content very well.

JADE WALLER

Q What kinds of things are you looking to pass on to the public?

A Overall, I want to inspire them to look at their homes and realise it should be their sanctuary. It’s not about the size, renting or owning, it’s about knowing you can create a beautiful space regardless and I hope by ﬁnding me they ﬁnd inspiration to do that. I ask people to really analyse how much time they spend at home. For most of us it’s a pretty high percentage, so I always encourage people to try and create a space that impacts their overall wellbeing in a positive way. It’s so important.

Q When it comes to your own style at home, how would you describe it?

A I would say my style is modern rustic. Our home is quite new build “boxy” and I’ve tried to incorporate my style into the home without making huge structural changes as we haven’t had the budget for that. I love natural elements like wood, stone, ceramic and marble, so choosing furniture pieces that include those materials has helped to create that ambience without spending a fortune.

Q Are there certain elements of your interiors that you always have to have?

A I love ﬂowers, branches and stems and include these within every room of the house whether that be from foraging or from ﬂower markets. It makes my house feel like a home and something I love to spend my time doing.

Q How long have you lived in Essex?

A I’ve lived in Essex most of my life with my family originating from East London. I love its versatility. You can go on country walks in the most gorgeous woods, ﬁnd nature trails and farms as well as heading out to the coast. I love that most about Essex.

Q What kind of home trends do you expect to see in 2025?

A I think 2025 will be the year of the bold. Furniture as art, rich colours and tones as well as lots of texture. Minimalism will take a welcomed warm turn, and people will be looking to create cosy, comforting spaces that feel like a warm hug. I love that people are experimenting more with vintage and

antiques and I am hopeful this continues way into 2025 and onward.

Q Why did you evolve to also oﬀer advice on building women’s selfconﬁdence?

A If there’s anyone in the world that needs a conﬁdence boost – it’s a woman! We have it so hard. From the beauty industry always moving the goal posts, social media brainwashing us into believing women with perfect bodies exist and most of our surroundings pointing towards our appearance can make us feel like crap! This is why having a platform and sharing the real and embracing it is so important. I won’t take full credit though. I’ve seen a huge increase in other female creators also using their platforms to send the same message and I am so glad to see it. I want women to know they are beautiful warriors who deserve to feel free to enjoy their bodies. The more we stick together and build each other up the stronger we become.

Q What else is to come in 2025?

A I hope to continue to reach and inspire as many people as possible, to create beautiful spaces, embrace their beautiful bodies and be kinder to themselves and have lots of laughter and fun along the way. I will be working with charities and young people that will make some dreams come true this year which I’m so excited about. Work wise, I want to grow my brand within the media industry and hopefully make it onto your TV screens helping people across the UK bring their home visions to life, so watch this space…

Follow Jade @feel.at.home.inspo

JADE LOVES HAVING FLOWERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

Sleep TALK

Carpe Diem Beds is expanding The Iconic Collection and releasing new products for the bedroom sanctuary

IIn celebration of this year’s 30th anniversary, Carpe Diem Beds has expanded The Iconic Collection, an innovative series of floating luxury beds first released last May. The brand is adding their best-selling bed model, Sandö, to the collection and releasing a range of new products to help customers turn their bedrooms into sanctuaries. The Iconic Collection debuted with four innovative designs: Kungsö, Hällsö Walnut, Hällsö Upholstery, and Vindö. Known for their innovative style, these beds feature a distinctive centred leg design, creating an ethereal floating effect. With the addition of Sandö Iconic, the collection continues to set new standards for luxury and innovation in the world of sleep.

REIMAGINING A CLASSIC

As Carpe Diem Beds’ most popular continental bed model, Sandö has been thoughtfully reimagined to align with the rest of The Iconic Collection. Its updated design incorporates the centred leg, giving it the ethereal ﬂoating appearance while maintaining the ergonomic excellence that has made it a customer favourite.

Sandö Iconic stands out due to its unique combination of three patented spring systems. Like all beds in the collection, Sandö Iconic includes both the Contour Pocket System and Visco Elastic Bottom Layer. The third layer, the X-pocket, is positioned between the top and bottom spring systems, providing exceptional suspension depth that creates an unparalleled sensation of weightlessnes and enhances the sleep experience, oﬀering an ideal balance of support and relaxation.

New standards for luxury and innovation in the world of sleep

ADDING TO THE BEDROOM SANCTUARY

Carpe Diem Beds oﬀers more than just luxury beds; they provide a variety of bedroom furniture and accessories that inspire customers to create their own bedroom sanctuary. The concept of a 360° view is central to the company’s philosophy, as they believe the bedroom should be the heart of the home – a space where one can truly unwind.

Among the new releases are the Otterö Headboard, Holme Walnut Nightstand, Holme Walnut Top and Cylinder Bed Leg in Walnut, all crafted from walnut, highlighting a commitment to materials that embody beauty, tranquillity, and lasting quality. This aligns with one of the company’s primary sources of design inspiration: nature. The new releases also include Holme Upholstery, Sälö, and Holme Plexi Top. Holme Upholstery is a soft, fabric-padded version of the popular Holme Nightstand. Sälö is an upholstered back panel designed to complement the walnut headboard models Pinnö and Otterö. The Holme Plexi Top is speciﬁcally designed for the Holme nightstands. This transparent top adds a modern touch while providing a protective surface.

Each new oﬀering is thoughtfully created to enhance the sleeping experience, reﬂecting meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

Find out more by visiting carpediembeds.co.uk

SANDÖ ICONIC

Feel REJUVENATED

Do you wake up fully rested? Take the Jensen Beds sleep test and ﬁnd out

The ﬁrst step to better sleep health is understanding what to change. Small tweaks to your daily routine can have a great impact on the quality of your sleep – and your quality of life. Jensen Beds’ sleep experts have developed a test which takes just a few minutes to complete and will help you on your way to waking up fully rested. Simply scan the QR code, left, and put your sleep to the test and take the ﬁrst step to better sleep health.

WHY JENSEN?

For over 75 years, Jensen Beds’ purpose has been to help people improve their sleep. The team developing their beds has expertise in physiology and sleep

science. Innovations such as Jensen Exact Comfort Adjustment, their unique zone system and the Aloy® spring system all contribute to better sleep comfort, limiting the need to wake and change your sleeping position. Because the less disruption you experience during sleep, the more rested you will be in the morning.

FOUR ROUTINES THAT IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP

1. Write a gratitude journal

Writing is a great way to process your emotions. Write down three things every night before you go to bed and see if it helps you ﬁnd a sense of calm and security that helps you sleep better. When you let go of negative thoughts, it becomes easier to relax. Lower stress levels contribute to the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, which helps you fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed.

2. Leave your mobile out of the bedroom

Make it a habit to keep your mobile phone in another room while you sleep. This reduces distractions and minimizes the temptation to check your phone if you wake during the night, which can interfere with your ability to fall back asleep quickly. This keeps your sleep environment healthier, free from the blue light emitted by screens, which is known to disrupt circadian rhythms and suppress melatonin production.

3. Sleep in a bed with optimal support for your body

Invest in a bed that is comfortable and gives your whole body good ergonomic support. To give you optimal support, your bed needs to meet the speciﬁc requirements of your body. When you are allowed to sleep without pressure, your brain doesn’t have to signal to your body to change position throughout the night. This helps you stay in restorative sleep for longer periods of time.

4. Use a wake-up light as a morning alarm

Traditional alarm clocks wake you very abruptly, which can be a stressful experience. A wake-up light wakes you gradually over 20-30 minutes as the light simulates a natural sunrise. This gentle approach to waking up helps you start the day with more energy and a positive mindset.

jensen-beds.com/uk/

A SUPER

MODEL

BoConcept has announced Helena Christensen as their Global Artistic Director

BoConcept has ushered in a new creative era as it appoints the world-renowned Danish supermodel, photographer and style icon Helena Christensen as Global Artistic Director for the brand.

In her new role, Helena will help to shape an exciting new chapter for the global interiors company, working closely with new design talent, featuring in and producing brand campaigns, and designing and styling pieces that speak to her eﬀortless sense of style and easy elegance.

Helena lends her unique experience and perspective to BoConcept’s ‘Art of Living Danishly’ campaign, bringing to life what it means to live well through inspiring content series, engaging lifestyle pieces across BoConcept’s channels and conversations with fellow Danish creatives addressing what it is to “Live Danish”.

The appointment takes BoConcept’s longstanding practice of collaborating with renowned designers to a new level. Helena says: “This is a dream come true for me. I’ve always loved interiors and this speaks to so many of my passions for design, creativity, and living intentionally.”

FROM FASHION TO FURNITURE

Helena says her whole career has been about “what the eye sees and how it makes you feel”. As one of the ‘Magniﬁcent Seven’ group of supermodels that dominated catwalks, billboards and magazines in the ’90s, she was part of the fashion and culture explosion of the decade – front and centre of an era that shaped culture as we know it.

Now, she says, “the way I decorate my home is as important as how I dress myself”, and her love of home and deep appreciation for living well keeps her ﬁrmly in step with today’s zeitgeist, favouring wellness and self-care, and quality over quantity.

As part of her role, Helena will be designing furniture and developing fabrics for the brand. Interiors have always been a passion, and alongside her modelling and photography, she has worked in the interiors space for two decades. Twenty years ago she launched the concept store Butik in New York City with Leif Sigersen. She is also co-founder, with long-term collaborator Camilla Staerk, of their interior design and lifestyle studio Staerk & Christensen, which creates work across fashion, furniture, photography and ﬁlm.

Recent design projects include collaborations with New York-based studio Bower on a range of home accessories and creating a special edition of the ‘Runner Chair’ with Danish designer Kasper Salto. The duo has also been working on an ongoing prefab project of three structural houses with Revolution Precrafted, alongside the architect Gulla Jonsdottir.

“This speaks to my passion for design and creativity ”

About her approach, Helena says: “Design is more than the details of aesthetics, it’s about how it makes you feel when you walk through the door,” she says. “When your environment is comforting, beautiful and feels like a true reﬂection of you, life is better. You’re freer, more productive, more creative and more relaxed and joyful. That matters a lot to me!"

DANISH DESIGN’S NEW WAVE

The partnership is also rooted in a shared Danish heritage and cultural experience. Copenhagen-born Helena, who lives in Manhattan and has a beach house on the Danish coast, joins BoConcept at a time when Danish design and the country’s creative and cultural output is globally inﬂuential – continuously shifting the dial across fashion, design, food and beyond.

“Being Global Artistic Director at BoConcept is more than just a role to me; it’s a creative journey of unpacking what it means to live well and sharing the beauty and brilliance of Danish design.”

Danish design played a crucial role in the mid-century modern movement, characterised by its clean lines and functional forms. This is still central to the new direction, but the new wave feels more playful and personal. It’s this

“I want to share the beauty and brilliance of Danish design”

marriage of minimalism’s sleek lines and Helena’s maverick ability to be nothing other than herself that makes the partnership so invigorating.

THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Helena’s ﬁrst creative endeavour comes with the launch of ‘Flora’, an exclusive set of art prints from her personal photography archive, available to buy in March 2025. The capsule of botanical prints highlights Helena’s love of nature and capturing the beauty of every day. “There’s something so fascinating about looking at a ﬂower, deeply and intensely,” Helena says. “The magic and complexity of nature is almost impossible to believe and understand, but I’m able to capture it, somehow, with my camera.”

A celebrated photographer, Helena’s work has been published extensively in art and design magazines and is frequently showcased in galleries from Europe to the US. Helena was also a founding partner and creative director of the hugely inﬂuential Nylon magazine.

She says photography has become “like breathing” to her. “I love the simple

fact that you can capture a moment in time. I see everything in frames. I am constantly searching for moments and always curious about everything that happens in my way.”

WORLD TRAVELLER AND UN AMBASSADOR

In a role in which she combines her passion for photography with humanitarian work, in 2019 Helena was appointed a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, travelling the globe to document the struggles of refugees and displaced people. “This is a role I take very seriously,” she says. “The fact that I get to travel the world and meet people who are refugees or displaced persons and photograph them, talk to them and convey their stories to the rest of the world is the most fulﬁlling and humbling job I will ever have.”

BoConcept is thrilled to be working with Helena and excited to see the vibrant, unique perspective this global icon will bring to the story of Danish design at BoConcept. Chief Marketing Oﬃcer Paula McGuinness says: “We are truly excited to harness

our BoConcept design expertise with Helena’s intrinsic sense of global style and her Danish life philosophy. We look forward to shaping a new agenda together to inspire consumers around the world.”

BoConcept was founded in 1952 in Denmark and today is the world’s most global furniture retailer, with over 300 stores spanning 64 countries. The brand works with award-winning designers to create collections of furniture, accessories and lighting for private homes and business spaces. Under the heading ‘Live Ekstraordinær’, BoConcept is committed to bringing its flexible Interior Design Service and industryleading customisation to spaces both private and public – without compromising on design vision or aesthetics.

Experience the collection at BoConcept stores located at Battersea Reach, Fenwick Brent Cross, Fenwick Kingston, Finchley Road, Guildford, Harrods, Notting Hill, Tottenham Court Road, Westﬁeld London, Fenwick Bracknell and St Albans. boconcept.com

Helena resides in New York City, where she continues to blend her passions for fashion, art, and philanthropy.

WHY CHOOSE US?

✔ Free design and quotation

✔ Design expertise and personalised service

✔ Premium materials and craftmanship

✔ Direct and responsive communication

✔ Transparent and fair pricing

✔ Established and large portfolio

Our showroom at 38 High Street, Ongar, Essex CM5 9EA is open Monday to Friday 9 - 5 and Saturday 10 - 3

01277 281414

info@kitchensbyguy.co.uk @kitchensbyguy

What sets premium pergolas apart is their remarkable versatility. Featuring rotating louvers that can be adjusted via a smart phone or remote control, they provide precise control over your outdoor environment.

Today’s pergolas can also be ﬁtted with LED lighting, infrared heating and windproof side screens, creating an allyear outdoor living space that can be used whatever the weather.

FUTURE PROOF OUTDOOR LIVING

SUN, SHADE and SHELTE R

Pergolas: the smart way to future proof your garden

Recent outdoor living trends have shown a real shift in garden design over the last few years, with garden renovations transforming outside spaces into elegant extensions of our homes that can be enjoyed whatever the weather throws at us.

In fact, a study conducted by external shading specialists, Caribbean Blinds, found that 66% of Brits treasure outdoor time for the simple pleasures of sunshine and fresh air, with nearly a quarter spending signiﬁcant time in their gardens each day. It’s not surprising that creating an idyllic outdoor sanctuary has become a top priority for many homeowners.

Making any improvements to your property, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, is a big investment. You

need to feel conﬁdent that you’re purchasing products that not only look great, but also stand the test of time and, most importantly, the unpredictable British climate.

The louvered roof pergola is a great example of an external shading solution designed to future proof any garden space. These innovative structures have revolutionised outdoor living, oﬀering the perfect balance of sun, shade and shelter – all controlled at the touch of a button.

Stuart Dantzic, MD of Caribbean Blinds, says: “Modern pergolas are worlds away from traditional garden structures. When manufactured to the highest standards and from the best quality materials, they make sophisticated outdoor rooms that adapt to a homeowners’ needs throughout the year.”

With 47% of people reporting feeling more relaxed when spending time outdoors, and 42% noticing they feel much happier after being in the fresh air, investing in a pergola isn’t just a garden feature – it’s a system that creates an enjoyable outdoor living experience. Whether you’re looking to create an intimate alfresco dining area, an entertainment space or a cosy lounge area where you can spend time outside reading, there’s a pergola to suit every garden size and budget.

Ready to invest in a future-proof solution for your garden renovation project?

Explore Caribbean Blinds full range of British-made louvered roof pergolas by visiting cbsolarshading.co.uk/ louvered-roofs

SPRING into ACTION

New ideas to revive the forgotten spaces in your home

From man cave to magniﬁcent extension… new approaches to garage conversions can turn underused areas into multifunctional spaces for living, working and entertaining.

It’s time we exposed the ‘man cave’ for what it is: an excuse for a reuse of a neglected space. If your garage lies largely dormant, damp and uninviting to any but your most loyal friends, you might be surprised to discover how easy it is to convert it into a multipurpose living space that you and your family will actually enjoy.

Imagine the possibilities. Most garages are around three quarters the size of the average living room – so plenty of scope for working, entertaining, eating or even putting up guests (perhaps not eating guests).

Once you’ve got an idea of how to use the space, get going on the practicalities. Most conversions fall within permitted development rights

so the only hurdle is meeting building regs. That means insulation upgrades of walls, ceiling and especially the ﬂoor, to meet habitation standards.

All of that is easier than it sounds and most conversions can be completed within a month. It’s worth spending time thinking through your plans and choosing windows and doors that will ﬁt seamlessly.

But what if you like your garage as it is. Could it be easier to use? New garage doors can transform an awkward, insecure or dated doorway into the portal of dreams it should be.

If you are one of the few who uses a garage as Alﬁeri Maserati intended, you may well be wondering what to do about its ageing wooden doors. Worse still, you might be living under the tyranny of the up and over.

Either way, good news awaits you as stylish innovations in garage door design and function, allied to very smart colour ﬁnishing, can revive the

frontage to honour whatever may lie within.

Have you got it covered? Renovating ﬂat roofs is simpler and more reliable than ever. If your garage has a ﬂat roof, doing a conversion would be a good time to consider ways to revive it. New techniques and new synthetic meshing systems are less complicated to install than older methods, and provide much more reliable and hardwearing surfaces.

There is also a big improvement for all kinds of flat roof extensions to take advantage of. SEH BAC use a flexible, single resin GRP system combining the best elements of fibre glass with the versatility of overlay systems. It provides a seamless, tough and flexible membrane for any roof or balcony area.

For more information on how SEH BAC can help with your next home improvement project, visit sehbac.com or call 0800 666444

Unleash your potential in 2025 ORIGIN RECHARGE WITH

Elevating your home with a custom indoor swimming pool and pool house from Origin is the ultimate way to enhance your living space. Not only does it create a haven of relaxation, wellness and enjoyment, but it also oﬀers the luxury of year-round swimming. An indoor pool is not just a beautiful feature for your home, but a life-changing investment that enriches your daily routine.

At Origin, they recognise that indoor swimming pools require a careful balance of planning, precision and expertise. Unlike traditional construction projects, designing an indoor pool involves three core elements that must be seamlessly integrated: the pool chamber, the management of the pool environment and, most importantly, the building structure. Each element must work together harmoniously from the outset to ensure the space is functional, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

This is where Origin truly excels. Their expert team guides you through every step of the process, offering insights into the design and materials best suited for your home. Whether you want your pool to serve as a relaxing sanctuary, a family gathering place or a wellness retreat, they ensure every detail works together to create your dream space. Swimming has long been one of the UK’s most cherished forms of exercise. It is a low-impact activity that is gentle on the joints, making it ideal for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Beyond fitness, swimming offers proven mental health benefits, from reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression to improving sleep quality and enhancing overall mood.

Additionally, saunas and steam rooms serve as an excellent addition to any indoor pool. These relaxing spaces enrich your experience and contribute to your well-being, creating a holistic retreat that promotes both physical and mental health.

From the initial concept to final construction, Origin manages every phase of your indoor pool project, offering you the expertise, guidance and peace of mind you require. With their tailor-made approach, you can be confident that your pool and pool house will reflect your vision and serve a source of enjoyment for years to come.

With limited slots available for 2025, now is the perfect time to start the conversation with one of their experts. Let them help you transform your home into a luxurious retreat with an indoor swimming pool from Origin.

originpools.co.uk

info@originpools.co.uk 01895 453996

JUGGLING

ACT

on family for childcare, or simply taking a deep breath and letting go of things that aren’t urgent (this has particularly helped).

Balancing business, motherhood, and marriage: a working mum’s journey in interior design

By ALICE MOLLOY

Juggling motherhood, a growing business, and planning a wedding is not for the faint-hearted. As a working mum in the interior design industry, I ﬁnd myself constantly balancing the demands of clients, family, and my own aspirations. There are days when I feel like I’m conquering the world, and others when I wonder if I’m barely keeping my head above water. But through the chaos, I’ve learned that resilience, passion, and a solid support system are the key ingredients to making it all work.

After taking a step back from my business to focus on my family, I’m now rebuilding it with fresh energy and determination. Interior design is more than just a job for me; it’s an extension of who I am. The ability to transform spaces and bring a client’s vision to

life is a privilege I never take for granted. However, growing a business, particularly in a competitive industry, is a challenge that requires both creativity and strategic planning. Some days, I’m sketching design concepts at the dining table while my daughter plays next to me; other days, I’m answering client emails in between wedding planning calls, in the oﬃce.

The journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Mum guilt is real – there are moments when I feel torn between deadlines and spending quality time with my daughter. The pressure to be everything to everyone can be overwhelming. But I’ve realised that perfection is a myth. Accepting that some days will be harder than others has been freeing. I’ve also learned to embrace help – whether that means delegating business tasks, leaning

Planning a wedding amidst all this has added another layer of busyness, but it’s also been a beautiful reminder of what truly matters. Love, family, and the joy of creating a future together make every sleepless night and stressful moment worth it. The skills I use in interior design – organisation, attention to detail, and creativity – have come in handy in planning our big day.

For other working mums trying to do it all, my advice is this: give yourself grace. Success isn’t measured by having a perfectly curated life (especially when it looks like it on social media), but by ﬁnding fulﬁlment in the journey. Build a strong support network, set boundaries, and make time for yourself, even if it’s just a quiet cup of tea in the morning. Most importantly, celebrate the small wins – because every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.

Life is a balancing act, and while it may never be perfect, it can still be beautiful. And at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.

info@alicemolloyinteriors.com

07826541669 alicemolloyinteriors.com

ALICE MOLLOY

SORT CODES

SQUARE ROUTE ANTLER

1 5

BIN IT BRABANTIA

Nobody wants a rubbish bin to look rubbish. Ever on-trend Brabantia have released a new colourway for their stylish and practical bins (intelligent opening, silent closing). Because in 2025, everything is brown. Even your new bin. brabantia.com

SHELF LIFE UMBRA

With three expandable tiers, you can customise this shelf to best ﬁt your cupboard, countertop or shelf space. Made with recycled plastic and sustainable wood materials, it's a great storage solution. umbra.com

To anyone who has resisted packing cubes so far, we say one thing: Antler. These cubes in various sizes have a clever compression zip that magically makes everything smaller. Not only can you compartmentalise everything, but you can ﬁt so much more in your suitcase, £50. antler.co.uk 1 3 4 5 2 3 2 4

PICK IT UP

JOSEPH JOSEPH Banish bathroom clutter with a simple yet ingenius storage caddy. This Joseph Joseph one has space for toothbrushes and all the paraphenalia that collects around the sink, £28. josephjoseph.com

HUNG UP ABODE LIVING

This is a shelf, but with a hanging rail. With one sleek looking item, you can solve several organisational problems at once. It even comes with hooks too, £77. abodeliving.com

TALKING THE TALK

Four ways to help your child develop their oracy skills outside of the classroom

By TAMSIN DUCKETT

My wish for the year ahead is that ministers turn talk into action by making oracy the fourth ‘R’ of education, of equal status to reading, writing and arithmetic,” said Rufus Norris, National Theatre artistic director and chief executive. Oracy skills – the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language and listening – are crucial for children’s academic and personal development.

Strong oracy skills are closely linked to academic success; when children can express their ideas verbally, it enhances their reading, writing and understanding. Employers rank communication skills as one of the most important skills for employability, so not only do strong oracy skills prepare students for success in the classroom, but they prepare them for success in the workplace. While the government has emphasised the importance of oracy and committed to embedding it into the national curriculum, at Chelmsford Learning Partnership, we already ensure that oracy skills are engrained across

subjects to guarantee that all of our students beneﬁt from opportunities to develop their ability to communicate.

In our schools, we use the Oracy Skills Framework, which identiﬁes skills in four key areas: how we use our voice and body to communicate; how we use language and vocabulary; how we organise our thoughts and articulate ideas; and how we communicate with empathy and respect. Using a comprehensive framework ensures all students develop a full range of communication skills and enables us to evaluate and support their progress.

Whether your child is preparing for the classroom or simply building their

social skills, oracy plays a huge role in their academic and personal success. As a parent, you can play a central role in nurturing these skills. Here are four simple ways you can support your child at home.

ENCOURAGE CONVERSATIONS

You are probably already spending time together talking about your child’s day, but did you know this can help them practise using language in a meaningful way? Make the most of everyday moments by asking open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no response. Instead of asking, “Did you have a good day at school?”, try something like, “What was the best

part of your day?” or “Tell me about the funniest thing that happened today”.

SPEAKING IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE

At the CLP trust, our students have regular opportunities to speak in front of an audience, whether this is storytelling, poetry reading or presentations. Reading to your child can help model good speaking habits, while having them read to you builds their confidence and improves their tone, pace and fluency. Children and young people who are fluent readers can continue to work on these skills by shifting their focus to delivering presentations at home. Presentations could include persuasive devices such as ‘Reasons why we should get a pet!’ or take on an informative tone, for example, ‘My new year’s resolutions’.

MODEL CORRECT

PRONUNCIATION AND GRAMMAR STRUCTURES

Children learn language patterns and rules by observing and imitating adults. As a parent, you can help improve your child’s oracy skills by modelling correct pronunciation and grammar. Instead of directly correcting their mistakes, try repeating their sentences back to them correctly, which reinforces proper language use without discouraging them. For example, if your child says, “I goed

to the park,” you can respond by gently repeating, “Oh, you went to the park? That sounds fun!” This method helps your child hear the correct form without feeling like they made a mistake.

ENCOURAGE DEBATES AND OPINION SHARING

As children grow, it’s important to encourage them to voice their opinions and explain their reasoning. Pose questions that invite them to think critically, like “Why do you think that happened?” or “What would you do in that situation?” Respecting their opinions and giving them the space to explain fosters conﬁdence and helps them learn to communicate their ideas clearly. Don’t shy away from healthy debates – teaching children how to disagree respectfully is a crucial communication skill that will serve them well in life. By supporting your child’s oracy development at home, you will help to equip them with the critical thinking, clear communication, and conﬁdent self-expression skills needed to strengthen their oracy alongside their reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Tamsin Duckett is Deputy Director of Standards and School Improvement at Chelmsford Learning Partnership. Find out more by visiting clptrust.com

GOLD STAR

How a Paralympian recently inspired students at a Sa ron Walden school

P“The children were bursting with energy”

energy and had some fantastic exercise ideas. I thoroughly enjoyed the morning.”

Sports captains at Dame Bradbury’s also beneﬁted from a private training session with Laura, during which they were encouraged to design and complete a programme of exercises to build strength and stamina.

Reﬂecting on the visit, Year 6 pupil and Sports captain, Jimmy, said: “I thought it was inspiring how Laura never gave up, even with her disability. She taught me that I should never give up and always say yes to new opportunities.”

upils at Dame Bradbury’s recently enjoyed a guest talk from Paralympian gold medallist, Laura Sugar MBE. Born with talipes (a clubfoot), Laura spoke about her disability and her journey to become a paracanoe, track and ﬁeld athlete.

Laura, who won a gold medal in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, was born in Sa ron Walden and studied to become a secondary school teacher. She left her role in 2015 to focus on her athletics career before switching to paracanoeing in 2018.

During her visit, Laura said: “It was a pleasure to come back to Dame Bradbury’s today. I am from Sa ron Walden and used to work here at summer camps so it was nice to see some familiar faces. The pupils were brilliant – they asked some great questions – and during our practical session, the children were bursting with

Pupils at Dame Bradbury’s beneﬁt from a wide range of educational visits from inspirational individuals to enrich their learning. In addition to Laura Sugar, other speakers this academic year include the authors Beverley Naidoo and Joseph Coehlo and poet Mark Grist. Speakers bring their varied experiences and perspectives to the school, opening students’ eyes to a wide range of opportunities and challenges facing communities around the world and inspiring them to be resilient and aspirational.

Dame Bradbury’s also o ers access to numerous state-of-the-art sports facilities, including astroturf and grass sports ﬁelds, cricket nets with bowling machines, a large sports hall and multiuse games areas. These ensure that pupils explore a range of sports and develop their talents with tailored support.

For more information about Dame Bradbury’s, visit damebradburys.com

LAURA SUGAR WITH PUPILS

CHURCH LANE, WHITE RODING

£1,250,000

This is a beautifully modernised three/four bedroom cottage o ering exceptional accommodation with many charming period features. Located to the south of the cottage is the historic, partly converted White Roding Windmill, which was originally built in 1877 and is a landmark Grade II listed building within the area.

A wonderfully presented period property which is stylishly presented to the market. This family home offers a spacious lounge/ dining room, modern kitchen breakfast room, three double bedrooms, three bathrooms, parking and a low maintenance rear garden - all just a short walk from the Central Line Station, Queens Road and excellent State & Independent schools.

Situated in an excellent spot, right in the heart of Buckhurst Hill, is this charming brick fronted two bedroom Victorian cottage. This property features a spacious lounge/dining room, modern kitchen with utility area and a south facing garden. St Johns’s Primary School close by and with Epping Forest close by you will never be short of leisure pursuits.

SPRING in the STEP

Co-founder

of Durden and Hunt, James Hunt ,

reﬂects on a positive start to

It’s natural to see spring as a time for fresh starts and new beginnings – and the property market is no di erent. Typically the market sees a predictable rise in activity at this time of year; however with the imminent changes to the current stamp duty relief, which I detailed in last month’s issue, it seems 2025 has started early.

In January Rightmove suggested the number of new properties coming to market was 11% ahead of the same period last year; and it hasn’t seemed to have shown any real signs of slowing down since. In the same period there was a 9% annual increase in the number of buyers contacting agents about properties for sale, while the number of sales being agreed was also up by 11%.

Although there is some speculation that demand may cool a little after April, Zoopla reports that there is an evident increase in renters and existing homeowners wanting to move home in the next two years. They also suggest three in five first time buyers will still benefit from the stamp duty relief, even at the reduced levels.

Additionally we’ve seen The Bank Of England kick o the year with their

2025

ﬁrst 2025 decision being to cut the base rate by 0.25%, taking it to 4.5%, after it was held in December. This was widely anticipated, but is a tentative step toward driving growth and will hopefully have some positive impacts. It could be that potential buyers may become a little more discerning and cautious about their budgets, particularly once the stamp duty changes are in place, but it is likely sellers who price strategically and ensure their properties stand out will be best positioned to make the most of the opportunities available.

On the market

A stunning and spacious home

Loughton, IG10

Durden and Hunt welcome to the market this ideally located six bedroom home complete with a stylish garden, convenient off road parking and a garage. Offering a flexible layout, the expansive property benefits from a large kitchen, living and dining space, multiple reception rooms, separate utility room, downstairs WC, primary bedroom with en-suite and two additional family bathrooms.

Asking Price £1,650,000

See more at durdenandhunt.co.uk

JAMES HUNT

Family run business for over 50 years!

TIED IN KNOTS

Cohabitation: the possible pitfalls of not getting married

By LINDA LAMB

There is a commonly believed myth that if you live together as a couple, you get some legal status, often referred to as ‘common law husband or wife’. This is not true. I want to let you know the risks and how these can be avoided. Separating spouses have legal entitlements including personal maintenance through spousal support if they cannot support themselves after separation. Courts can also divide property, assets and pension sharing fairly between both spouses. None of these apply to cohabitees on separation. Consider an unmarried couple who had children who stayed together for many years

and now those children have become adults. During their relationship one partner may have worked full time, accumulating savings, a pension and possibly purchasing property or other assets in their sole name. Meanwhile, the other partner may have taken more of the caregiver role, taking time o work to raise the children, which could impact their ﬁnancial security, such as reducing their national insurance contributions and a ecting their entitlement to a full state pension. If the couple chose to now separate, the ﬁnancially dependent partner may only be entitled to a share of the family home; that is, if it was jointly owned, a promise of a share had been made or if they contributed to its development. Otherwise, the partner who accumulated the assets in their

“A cohabitation agreement can prevent costly legal conﬂicts”

name may retain everything, leaving the ﬁnancially dependent partner with little or even nothing from the wealth accumulated during the relationship. This highlights the clear ﬁnancial vulnerability of the partner who took on caregiving responsibilities. During a separation if there is a dispute about a property, a court application would not be handled in the family court but in the civil court, which often includes high legal costs with the person bringing the claim required to submit all evidence upfront. If the claim is then unsuccessful, the court will order the losing party to pay some or all the legal costs of the other party.

COHABITATION AGREEMENT

Although it may not seem to be romantic, any uncertainty and issues like the above can be avoided if couples establish a cohabitation agreement. A legal document which outlines the financial and property arrangements during the relationship and in the event of a separation. Protecting both partners by clearly defining how assets are to be divided. A cohabitation agreement not only o ers legal protection, but helps prevent disputes and costly legal conflicts. It provides stability, especially when children are involved, by allowing partners to outline living arrangements and parenting responsibilities, ensuring both parties can continue to co-parent e ectively. A cohabitation agreement can be amended at any time to accommodate unforeseen future changes, ensuring it remains relevant should the agreement ever need to be enforced. It is rather like an insurance policy. You hope you don’t need to use it, but it is there ‘just in case’.

CAMPAIGNING FOR MORE AWARENESS

Resolution, a community of family professionals, are running a campaign to introduce legal ﬁnancial entitlements when an unmarried couple who live together end their relationship. You can ﬁnd out more information on their website resolution.org.uk.

Linda Lamb is the Director of LSL Family Law and has 25 years’ legal experience. Find out more by calling 020 3880 8309 or visiting lslfamilylaw.co.uk

LINDA LAMB

why everyone is talking about…

Danny Dyer

Essex’s favourite son is reuniting with director Nick Love

An outrageous, proper naughty comedy about addiction, violence, and happy endings, Marching Powder sees the longanticipated reunion of acclaimed director Nick Love (The Business, The Sweeney, The Football Factory, The Firm, TV’s Bulletproof) and long-term collaborator, national treasure and Essex local Danny Dyer (EastEnders, The Football Factory, The Business, Human Tra c).

There’s romance, there’s comedy, but don’t go expecting a ‘rom-com’… Set in the irreverent and profane world of cult classic The Football Factory, Marching Powder is a hilarious, poignant and action-packed big screen comedy-drama. The ﬁlm follows the story of Jack Jones (Danny Dyer), an aging, drug-taking football hooligan who feels increasingly irrelevant in today’s society as he struggles to keep his family together. Hooked on drugs and adrenaline, and struggling to resist the pull of his ﬁrm of fellow football fans, Jack is arrested after some violent matchday exploits and given six weeks to turn his life around, or else face a long spell in prison.

Juggling his marriage, his mates, his hard-nut bully of a father-in-law, and his unhinged 25-year-old brother-in-law, Jack tries to get his life back on track, but his world slowly starts to spiral out of control. Can Jack overcome his inner demons, or is he heading for jail?

Marching Powder is presented by True Brit Entertainment. True Brit was founded by veteran ﬁlm executive Zygi Kamasa, who has been

a leading proponent of investment in British independent ﬁlm and television for over 25 years.

As well as Marching Powder, another impending release is Gurinder Chadha’s Karma. The ﬁlm is a Bollywood Christmas feature set in London, inspired by A Christmas Carol and reuniting producer Zygi Kamasa with the Bend it Like Beckham director Chadha. The music will be created by Gary Barlow.

Prior to True Brit, Zygi Kamasa has shepherded the financing of over 50 British films, but has led the theatrical release of over 300 films within the

UK, including blockbusters from The Hunger Games to La La Land. British ﬁlms Zygi has executive produced have also garnered multiple BAFTA and Oscar nominations including Brooklyn, starring Saoirse Ronan, The Railway Man, starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman, The Father starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, and Films Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool starring Annette Bening and Jamie Bell.

Marching Powder is in cinemas from 7th March. See more at marchingpowderthemovie.com

MARCHING POWDER SEES DANNY DYER REUNITE WITH NICK LOVE