‘‘Winter’s chill is the season’s challengeendure it, and you’ll emerge stronger when the warmth returns”
If you are reading this and you would like to contribute an article, get in touch with me at: Paul@aspen-waite.co.uk
Welcome to the Aspen Waite 2025 Xmas Magazine. It is our 33rd Xmas and the world is a very different place than 1993. This has been one of the more interesting years with the collapse of the West including moral guidance and leadership, rampant global anti Semitism, the election of Donald Trump and the worst government in UK history.
Even the darkest night comes to an end, and the sun inevitably rises, I sincerely hope that 2025 is a year of transition to take us to happier times. I certainly feel this year was a transitional year for Aspen Waite. I have seen us grow from a start up to a Top 100 UK Practice and down again and consider the market has never been so receptive to our brand.
I used to think I was a really excellent CEO, but the pandemic made me realise that I was nowhere near as good as I thought I was. Looking back, I feel foolish at things I used to tolerate and the lack of structure, systems and focus.
Whatever happens I am proud of myself, I have worked very hard this year and become a more complete CEO. It only took 32 years for me to learn.
The main successes of the year can be summarized as follows:
· Greatly improved audit capability
· Improved credit control
· Improved gearing
· Greatly improved sales capability
· New cyber security service
I am also pleased to report that all my projects have moved forward during the year. Some of these are referenced in the main body of this issue.
I’m anticipating 2026 will be a breakthrough year for my media and music interests. I’m a great believer that if you have talent and a good product and you are persistent you will finally get there.
I have two main hopes for 2026
· a breakthrough for Aspen Waite Radio
· the successful launch of our new mentoring platform
This is something I really want to be doing at this stage of my career, and I have immense respect for my partner in this project, John Holden, my own coach/mentor.
My editorial was written prior to Mrs ‘Thieves’ budget but I have kept the release of the magazine back to ensure that its fully reported on. Once again, a labour government fails to understand basic economic principles and also the fundamental importance of the private sector.
The hike in National Insurance implemented for 25/26 has led to job losses and higher unemployment.
The belief that increasing tax rates leads to higher revenue is child-like, and has been proven wrong over decades in many different countries. The best way to understand this is through the Laffer Curve, which demonstrates the interaction between tax rates and tax yields. At zero tax rates there is no revenue. At 100% tax rates there is a complete disincentive to work so there is also no tax collected.
In graph 2 I have the maximum yield at around 20%.
My old boss always used to say a labour government was good for business. Another way of looking at this is that business owners need the best advice, especially with a socialist government. Wealth protection, inheritance tax planning and forward tax planning are all so important. Please be well advised. You work hard. You deserve it.
This year saw the passing of my dad, John, who brought me up to be a ‘proper bloke’ and was a wonderful Grandfather. At the
end he wanted to go and I know his family were waiting for him. This gave us both great comfort.
This will be my first Xmas without him, but the Waite family has become stronger and more united.
Life is hard and also wonderful, this year Xmas is at Calum and Emily’s in Stogursey the village where I was baptised and my beloved Grandparents lived, 5 doors away from Calum’s house. Around 30% of all my ancestors came from West Somerset.
I’m very proud of our client base and the friends I have amongst them. Despite the tough conditions our on the whole our clients are doing extremely well, and business confidence is holding up reasonably well.
I hope you like the cover design which I came up with and reflects our commitment to technology and cyber security. I am also passionate about AI which we increasingly use.
I hope you enjoy this feature and that you will reflect over Xmas and recharge for the New Year.
From Accounting to Wealth Management, our expert teams provide integrated advice and practical support to help your business thrive. Whatever your goals, Aspen Waite is with you every step of the way.
A Accounting, AI, Audio & Video production, Audit.
B
Bookkeeping, Business acquisitions and sales, Business plans, Business rate reviews, Business valuation.
C
Capital allowance claims, Carbon accounting and Cost savings, Carbon literacy training, Commercial property rates review, Company secretarial, Consultancy, Corporate f inance, Corporate recovery, Creative tax reliefs, CRM platform, Cyber security.
D
Data analysis reporting, Debt equity, Digital marketing, Due diligence.
E Eco friendly innovation, Energy contract reviews, Exit strategies.
F Financial advice, Financial modelling, Forensic investigation, Funnel blueprint development.
G Green vehicle leasing.
H HR Services.
I Insurance and legacy solutions
J Jingles (Radio)
L
Land reclamation relief, Landing page and funnel builds, Lead capture systems, Live concert coverage, Live interviews.
M Management accounts, Management buy in/out, Market research, Marketing, Media, Music production, Music videos.
R&D tax credits, Radio advertising and services, Recording studios, Registered off ice service.
Salary sacrif ice schemes, Social media management platform, Succession planning.
Tax compliance, Tax planning, Template library creation, Training and support.
V W
VAT Returns, Vehicle fleet consultancy, Virtual off ice.
Waste management, Water rates review, Wealth management.
Start your journey today www.aspenwaite.co.uk
JOIN THE WORLDPAY COMMUNITY WITH
WHO ARE WORLDPAY?
Whether online, in store or mobile, you’ll find Worldpay at the heart of great commerce experiences in 146 countries and across 135 currencies. They help their customers become more efficient, more secure and more successful. They support over 1 million merchants with over 40 billion transactions globally & are committed to helping businesses both large & small They have the expertise to help you find the best payment solutions for your business
WHAT MAKES A GOOD LEAD?
Does your business accept card payments?
If so, do you accept card payments in multiple ways, for example face-to-face, online and over the phone?
Did you see an increase in card payment volume from the pandemic? Is your business experiencing an increase in card transaction volume and value?
An increase in card transactions may allow you to have a better pricing plan Worldpay offers custom pricing to meet your unique requirements
Are you new to card payments? Are you looking for a new card payment provider?
Are you a newly established business who needs a card payment solution? Are you looking to process new card payment methods?
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Are you looking for a more efficient & secure payment platform?
WorldPay offers a service with purpose, delivering solutions that are simple, seamless and secure.
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Do you use a different payment supplier for face-to-face and online?
If so, a single supplier for card payments may offer a smoother process across different payment channels and you may be able to save costs from consolidating payment service suppliers.
Is the business trading?
Even if the business isn’t trading yet, if you will be within 6 months, we still want to speak to you
Are you the decision maker?
It’s great if we can have a conversation with the decision maker – we want to be able to offer a great deal and get a ‘yes’ there and then.
What time is best to call?
Running a business means you are going to be extremely busy most of the time We want to speak to all of our potential customers at a time that’s convenient to you
Concorde Insurance Brokers
We are delighted to be a trusted partner working with Aspen Waite to assist your clients with insurance reviews.
Insurance is a costly part of any business budget and we always make sure you are getting great value. However, Insurance is the key to transferring your business risks that could otherwise bring your activities to a grinding halt.
At Concorde Insurance Brokers we have access to all the key markets and competitive pricing that you would expect, coupled with personally working with you to review your insurance programme. We look to understand your business, to ask you the difficult questions, assess the gaps in your cover that could impact you and make us your trusted advisor for all your insurance needs.
To obtain a quote please contact: legacy@aspen-waite.co.uk
LEGACY
BUSINESS HEALTH CHECK
Unlock Hidden Value: A Business Health Check that Works for You
In the fast-paced, competitive world of business, finding ways to save money isn’t just a bonus—it’s crucial to staying ahead. That’s where Aspen Waite Legacy steps in, offering a comprehensive Business Health Check designed to unlock hidden savings across water, energy, and business rates. Our team of experts specialises in uncovering inefficiencies that could be costing your business thousands every year.
Imagine streamlining your operations with lower water bills, optimised energy procurement, and corrected business rates, all without the headache of navigating complex contracts. Aspen Waite’s innovative solutions don’t just fix current inefficiencies—they set you up for long-term financial health.
Water Cost Reduction:
Think water savings are a trickle? Think again. For businesses with annual costs over £5,000, our team can secure rebates and rectify overcharges, identify billing anomalies, and even reduce your meter size where appropriate. Not to mention, we have an expert eye for detecting leaks—saving you money in
real time and recovering past losses.
Energy Procurement:
Energy costs can drain resources, but with Aspen Waite, businesses spending over £100,000 annually can benefit from independent rate comparisons and cutting-edge energy management. We not only secure the best rates but also implement smart meters and innovative monitoring software to help you reduce consumption. Our unique Price Shield feature lets you fix wholesale prices while still taking advantage of market dips.
Business Rate Reviews:
Did you know your property’s rateable value might not be optimised? Our business rate review ensures you pay only what’s necessary. We’ll conduct a thorough audit, appeal for more favourable rates, and manage your account for maximum efficiency.
Insurance Reviews:
We’re proud to partner with Concorde Insurance Brokers to support clients with comprehensive insurance reviews. Insurance is essential for managing risks and ensuring continuity. through our partner we are able to access leading markets to secure competitive pricing and tailored cover.
Waste Recycling Systems:
Aspen Waite can now offer a wide range of solutions to meet your waste challenges. These include balers, compactors and for unavoidable food waste on site organic digesters. These are all aimed at helping reduce waste volumes, disposal costs and potentially achieve income from any significant waste stream you may have. For example the Aerobic Digester reduces food waste volumes by 81% in a 24 hour period leaving a soil enriching compost.
Aspen Waite Legacy’s Business Health Check isn’t just about cutting costs today—it’s about ensuring sustainable savings for the future. Don’t wait for inefficiencies to erode your profits; act now to secure your financial success.
For more information on how to optimise your business, contact Mark Waite at:
legacy@aspen-waite.co.uk or visit
www.aspenwaitelegacy.co.uk
Two-Week Turnaround: How AI Helped a Wellness Coach Sell 40 Tickets on a £100 Budget
ANDRAS TASI - ESEMDEE
When wellness entrepreneur Sue White faced a stalled event launch, she had no marketing experience and just a £100 ad budget. In only 2.5 hours, Sue built a complete sales funnel using AI—and filled her event in two weeks. This is how Healthy Lifestyle for Me went from zero sales to a sold-out live event with a little help from Escaler’s smart tools and Aspen Waite’s support.
Facing an Empty Room: Two weeks before her planned wellness workshop, Sue White was in a bind. “I had all this passion for my event, but hardly anyone knew about it,” she recalls. Ticket sales had flatlined, threatening the event’s success. With no prior marketing or sales experience, no in-house tech team, and only around £100 to spend on advertising, Sue felt overwhelmed by the maze of digital marketing choices. Cancelling wasn’t an option, so she needed a quick, simple plan to turn things around fast.
An AI-Powered Plan: Enter Escaler, an AI-driven marketing platform introduced by Aspen Waite to help microbusinesses scale up quickly. With guidance from the Escaler team, Sue launched into action. In a single afternoon, she used three AI-powered tools that required zero coding or marketing expertise.
· Funnel Builder AI: In just about an hour, Sue auto-generated a professional event landing page complete with compelling headlines, an enticing offer, and a sign-up form. “The AI helped write my copy and design the page. I just tweaked a few details—it was surprisingly easy,” Sue says. This high-converting funnel captured visitor details and showcased testimonials, giving her a credible online presence instantly.
· Workflow AI: Next, Sue set up an automated follow-up sequence in ~20 minutes. The moment someone registered interest, Escaler would send
an instant confirmation message and later, timely reminders nudging them to purchase a ticket. It even handled FAQs and objections with pre-filled answers and social proof, acting like a virtual assistant. “I loved that every new lead got a personal touch without me having to do anything immediately,” Sue notes. The system alerted her when a hot lead responded, so she could jump in with a personal call at just the right moment.
· AI Ad Creator: Finally, Sue needed to reach beyond her contacts. In only 30 minutes, she built a targeted Facebook ad campaign using AI. “I’m not a techie, but the AI suggested the ad text and even image ideas,” she says. Escaler’s Meta Ad tool helped identify her ideal audience (health-conscious individuals in her region) and generated persuasive ad copy and creative variations. With a few clicks, Sue launched her very first paid ad, confident it would resonate with the right people.
Amazingly, from idea to execution, Sue’s entire digital campaign was up and running in roughly two and a half hours. “I went from feeling hopeless to feeling empowered, all in one afternoon,” she says. And the results spoke for themselves.
“I went from feeling hopeless to feeling empowered, all in one afternoon,”
Small Budget, Big Results: As soon as Sue’s campaign went live, sign-ups started rolling in. Within the first day she saw her first leads, confirming the strategy’s impact. Over the next two weeks, her once-struggling event turned into a near sold-out success with:
· 188 leads – real people interested in her event, captured through the AI-built funnel.
· 40 ticket purchases – confirmed sales from those leads, almost filling her event to capacity.
· £100 total ad spend – that’s all it took to reach nearly 200 prospects.
· £0.58 cost per lead – an incredibly low cost, showing how efficiently the AI targeted her ads.
· £5.75 cost per acquisition (advert + Escaler) – she spent under £6 in ads for each ticket sold, while each customer was worth about £100, yielding a huge return on ad spend (roughly 40x by event’s end).
These numbers would be impressive for any seasoned marketer, let alone a first-timer. “I expected maybe a dozen sign-ups from the whole thing,” Sue admits, “but seeing 188 people interested and 40 actually buying tickets blew my mind. And it all happened so quickly.” Importantly, every lead received prompt, consistent engagement thanks to the automated workflow, so no one fell through the cracks. The messaging across her Facebook ad, landing page, and follow-ups all carried the same promise and positive tone, which Sue believes built trust. “People told me later that everything felt seamless and professional. They thought I had a whole team working on this!” she says with a laugh.
Beyond the immediate sales, Sue has gained a new confidence in growing her business. By harnessing Escaler’s tools, she discovered that sophisticated marketing isn’t just for big companies. “It felt like having a marketing department in my back pocket,” she says. Instead of spending weeks on figuring out technology or hiring help, Sue was able to focus on crafting her wellness content and preparing for her attendees – the things she loves and does best. Escaler’s AI handled the heavy lifting of promotion and follow-up, freeing her time to shine as the event host. Aspen Waite’s partnership with Escaler is built on exactly this principle: giving small business owners practical, easy-touse tools so they can learn, connect, and grow on their own terms.
Sue’s story is a powerful example of what’s now possible for microbusinesses. A challenge that once seemed insurmountable was overcome with speed and innovation. And she’s not stopping here. Buoyed by the success of her first AI-powered campaign, Sue plans to continue using these techniques for future retreats and workshops, building on the engaged community she’s gath-
ered. “Now I know the formula that works, I’m excited to keep going. This has opened my eyes to how much I can achieve,” she says.
Aspen Waite and Escaler are on a mission to help many more entrepreneurs like Sue turn daunting goals into success stories. Through their joint masterclasses and hands-on support network, they’re equipping business owners with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to navigate an increasingly digital world. It’s a forward-looking approach: with AI levelling the playing field, even one-person companies can compete and thrive. Sue’s rapid rise from marketing novice to sold-out event host shows that with the right guidance, any business can punch above its weight.
Ready to see what Escaler’s AI-driven marketing platform could do for your business? Book a free demo today using the QR Code below to discover how Aspen Waite and Escaler can empower your microbusiness to achieve similar success.
ANDRAS TASI - ESEMDEE
EvoVinyl: Evolution Music’s five-year mission to make vinyl clean, green and unmistakably cool
MARC CAREY - EVOLUTION MUSIC
For a format that trades in nostalgia, vinyl has become one of the most forward-thinking battlegrounds in music’s fight with waste. Evolution Music — the R&D offshoot of Roulette Records — has spent the past five years quietly reengineering one of the most stubborn materials in the industry. The result is EvoVinyl: a non-toxic, sugarcane-based compound the company says can be pressed on existing equipment, composted at end-of-life and — crucially — sound like the records collectors love.
The long game: five years of trial, error and quiet obsession
EvoVinyl didn’t arrive as a marketing headline. It’s the product of iterative lab work, pressing tests and partnerships with the people who care about how music is made and heard. The compound is predominantly made from sugarcane with natural mineral binders and colourants; the team’s testing suggests pressing cycles require lower temperatures and shorter times — claims that translate into real energy savings on the factory floor. Testing to date has shown a 30% energy saving if a plant switches entirely to this product.
That attention to manufacturing detail is what separates EvoVinyl from earlier eco-vinyl experiments: rather than asking pressing plants to rewrite their playbook, Evolution Music engineered a material to fit into existing presses and quality expectations. Pressings reportedly have the same shelf life as PVC records, with the bonus of antistatic behaviour and the potential for industrial composting or recycling via regrind streams.
Projects, proof points and early collaborators
Evolution Music has been strategic in turning lab prototypes into cultural objects. A handful of highprofile runs and partnerships have put EvoVinyl in front of listeners and industry stakeholders:
· Earth Day limited editions — Early promotional pressings for Earth Day included contributions from major artists and icons, used to demonstrate the material at scale and to generate industry buzz.
· Industry investment — High-end loudspeaker maker PMC announced a direct investment to help move EvoVinyl toward commercialisation; PMC’s interest extends beyond records to evaluating bioplastic parts in loudspeaker manufacture. “Our main driver is a genuine concern for the environment,” said PMC representative Peter Thomas.
· Media & trade testing — Specialist press outlets and hi-fi press have sampled pressings and reported that sonic performance is competitive with traditional PVC records; producers involved in testing described the results as convincingly close to — or indistinguishable from — standard vinyl.
Taken together these projects — from limited artist runs to engineering trials with manufacturers — function as a classic technology adoption curve: prototypes, influential partners, independent testing and early investor buy-in. 2025 – Making Vinyl
In June 2025 at the Memphis edition of Making Vinyl (June 2-4 at the Renasant Convention Centre), Kevin Da Costa (Technical Director of Evolution Music) moderated a panel titled “Vinyl Innovations Fuelled by Small to Medium Pressing Plants” which addressed how smaller pressing plants are adapting to shifting market demands.
Meanwhile Marc Carey (CEO of Evolution Music) delivered a presentation entitled “EvoVinyl Update on the 100% Fossil-Free Alternative” on Day 2 which laid out how EvoVinyl is positioned as a plant-based, non-PVC alternative for vinyl pressing, signalling the push for sustainability in physical media manufacturing.
Later in September 2025, at the European edition in Haarlem (Sept 24-26), Evolution Music took a central role: Kevin Da Costa again appeared — helping lead discussions on manufacturing innovation and new markets — and the company reported that EvoVinyl
“
Music Made Better”
was highlighted by industry peers as “a leading option for the future of vinyl manufacturing”.
In particular, the sustainability track of the conference revolved around life-cycle, material and production issues, where Marc Carey’s EvoVinyl was repeatedly referenced as a practical pathway away from traditional PVC-based vinyl.
In both events, the underlying message was clear: while the format of vinyl records remains culturally and commercially vibrant, innovation is now firmly shifting toward manufacturing practices, particularly sustainability, supply-chain resilience and new geographies. Through Kevin Da Costa’s technical and consultancy expertise and Marc Carey’s strategic leadership of EvoVinyl, Evolution Music positioned itself as a key voice across both the U.S. and European editions of Making Vinyl in 2025.
Why labels, artists and pressing plants are paying attention
The headline attraction is simple: a pathway off PVC without asking pressing houses to reinvent their tooling. That has mass appeal. Labels and artists are already feeling the pressure to lower footprints, and a drop-in material that reduces energy, shortens cycle times and eliminates toxic ingredients answers industry constraints while preserving the mystique of wax. Major labels and some artists have publicly signalled curiosity; I think it’s fair to say that interest is growing from across the roster spectrum — indie and major alike.
What the press has said so far
Design and tech outlets flagged EvoVinyl as a meaningful material innovation when the project first surfaced; coverage across New Atlas, Designboom and specialist hi-fi outlets framed the development as five years of R&D coming to a practical, near-market product. Reviews emphasised two themes: the environmental case (sourced from renewable feedstocks, compostable
and recyclable) and the claim that sonic quality is uncompromised.
Quotes worth bookmarking: Marc Carey, Evolution Music’s founder, framed the project as creating “a non-toxic supply chain equivalent to PVC, but without changing the manufacturing process for the compound.” PMC’s Peter Thomas echoed the sentiment from a manufacturer’s perspective, stressing genuine environmental motives rather than a greenwashing exercise. Global reach — from Shoreditch listening rooms to major labels
EvoVinyl’s story is quietly global. Test pressings and promotional runs have moved beyond the UK; artists and charities with international reach have participated in limited runs and curated releases that put the discs into collectors’ hands worldwide. Labels — big and small — are reportedly in talks about pilot production runs; meanwhile manufacturers on the supplyside are monitoring performance and production economics. The combination of artist cachet (limited runs, well-known contributors) and engineering credibility (PMC investment, third-party testing) has created a rare alignment.
The launch: 18 December at Hidden Grooves, London
Evolution Music will mark EvoVinyl’s public launch with an event on 18 December at Hidden Grooves in London — a hi-fi listening lounge and cocktail bar at Virgin Hotels’ Shoreditch outpost that leans into vinyl culture. The launch is expected to bring together artists, label reps, pressing-plant engineers and press for listening sessions, demos and a close-up look at manufacturing samples. If the past six months are any indication, the room will hum with optimism and industry pragmatism in equal measure.
can integrate it without capital refit, if supply chains for bioplastic feedstocks are responsibly grown, and if lifecycle end-of-life pathways are verified — the industry could see a real structural shift away from PVC. That would change the carbon and toxicity profile of vinyl production, and potentially set a precedent for other physical-format materials. Evolution Music has signalled ambitions beyond records, too: think CDs, packaging and other music industry plastics — all of which would amplify impact if the tech performs as promised.
EvoVinyl is still a story in motion: lab reports, pilot runs and early endorsements have cleared several technical and commercial hurdles, but full industry adoption will depend on scale, costs and the readiness of pressing ecosystems to reconfigure supply. For now, Evolution Music’s five-year R&D arc has produced a conversation starter that’s equal parts engineering feat and cultural moment — and on 18 December at Hidden Grooves, the industry will get to hear what all that R&D actually sounds like.
www.evolution-music.co.uk
The stakes — and the next moves EvoVinyl sits at an intersection of culture and material science. If the compound scales — if pressing plants
CALUM WAITE - DIRECTOR OF AW RADIO
Capturing The Present & Supporting The Future
The AW Radio Live Lounge Recordings:
Several exciting developments have taken place in the Radio & Media departments this year, notably we’ve started utilising the spacious, unique and aesthetically pleasing nature of Lion’s House, turning it into our live lounge/ unplugged space to record bands both audibly and visually, as needed (think our version of Jool’s Holland or the now legendary MTV unplugged sets). To kick this off I invited the extremely talented up and coming Hampshire and London based alternative grunge band The Colour Blind Monks into our studio to record a set and radio interview with us and considering it was our first time providing the live lounge service I don’t think it could have gone much better. The video and sound quality turned out great and I’m excited to see what artists we can get to come into the studio next year. Since the great CBM’s set (which you can check out on Youtube by simply typing in Colour Blind Monks Unplugged) we’ve also had the pleasure of recording the highly regarded Deborah Rose, Deb has just released a new album and is a real veteran of the music circuit, performing in big venues all over the world from Nashville, to all over Europe, to The Isle of Wight festival and beyond. Again you can check out the live set she recorded with us with ease on
our “Pandora’s Box Podcast” Youtube channel. This is a fun and exciting service to offer to bands and artists and is mutually beneficial for all parties, we get a great product to put out on AW Radio and the Internet, the bands/ artists get a platform plus added exposure and everyone goes home happy.
Studio Recordings/Hire For Public Use:
This year has also seen our first regular customer frequently coming into the studio to record songs with us. When the customer initially reached out to me, he stated he had no prior musical experience, couldn’t play any instruments, and didn’t know any musicians personally, but had a decent voice and always dreamed of singing on high quality songs that he could own and share with the world. I discussed with him what sort of music he’d like to sing along to, sorted that out for him our end, he came in to record and shortly after left a happy customer with his very own song. He’s since been in several more times since and is building up a nice catalogue of songs that he can listen to and be proud of until the day he dies, and his family can enjoy long after.
This is a great service to offer to the everyday guy or gal off the street, that wants to dip their toe into the music world but doesn’t know where to start, and that’s just the thing, they don’t need to, they can just head into our studio and we’ll take care of the rest.
Radio Shows:
We have an eclectic mix of great shows on AW Radio with something for everyone, and more shows and
presenters on the way that will be debuting shortly. The current radio lineup includes topical chat shows, business shows, specialist music shows, travel shows, comedy shows, health & fitness-based shows and more. We also have business tips and advice playing out to listeners throughout the day alongside adverts for all AW departments. To check out our full schedule & roster be sure to visit www.aspenwaiteradio.com and/or download our AW Radio app from the app store to see everything we have to offer.
Training The Future/Our Work Experience Student:
Around Easter time my old friend Luke Chard-Maple reached out to me regarding a media student he was working with at Bridgwater & Taunton College, Luke is the head of the music department there and told me he had someone that wanted to do work experience with a radio station and media company, and that if I was interested, she’d very much like to do it with us. Luke has very high standards, but he gave her a glowing review so I knew she must be good. I invited Imogen into the office for an interview and long story short she’s now 200 hours into her work experience (she needs to complete 300 hours to pass her course).
Imogen has been a great fit since day one, she’s got a great attitude, good manners, will do anything asked of her, works well with all members of staff, and also, importantly has a great sense of humour.
When she first joined us she had decent media skills from the college but knew nothing about radio or recording shows. We taught her how to use all of the computer programs, got her to co-host shows, get tracks in, make sweepers with us and she’s come on leaps and bounds. She
now has her very own show called "Good Times", which is a feel-good show which airs every Friday at 2pm. She also co-hosts Pandora's Box and Russian Roulette with me every week and does a great job. I asked Imogen to write something for the magazine to sum up how her AW experience has been so far, below is what she sent me:
“This year, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to complete my work placement at AW Radio, starting back in June—and what a journey it’s been! From the moment I arrived, everyone on the AW team made me feel incredibly welcome. The atmosphere has always been warm, supportive, and full of good energy, which made it easy to feel like part of the family straight away.
Throughout my placement, I’ve learned so many new skills both in and out of the studio. I’ve been taught everything from scheduling shows to hosting and co-hosting them. One of my regular tasks has been using the station software to schedule Russian Roulette and Good Times—choosing the tracks, arranging them in the system, and leaving space for chat segments and sweepers. I even got to help create some sweepers with Calum and Nathaniel, which was always great fun.
On the air, I’ve been lucky enough to co-host Russian Roulette, which plays music from absolutely any genre. It’s always exciting to see what each of us will pick, and it’s definitely opened my ears to artists and styles I never would’ve discovered on my own. I’ve also taken part in the Pandora’s Box podcast, where Calum and Drew have always made me feel included and confident.
One of the biggest highlights of my time here has been getting my own show, Good Times. It’s an opportunity I never expected to have, and it’s taught me so much—about planning, presenting, and believing in myself.
Overall, my placement at AW Radio has been incredible. I’ve gained so much experience, learned countless new skills, and grown hugely in confidence. I’ve loved every minute of it, and I couldn’t imagine spending my placement anywhere else.
Merry Christmas, and thank you to everyone at AW Radio for making this year unforgettable!“ - Imogen
I think it's both rewarding and important to help out and give to the future, we all remember what it was like to be 18 years old, sometimes you just need someone to give you a break and a helping hand, and I'm happy that we can be that someone.
This experience has also strengthened our relationship with Bridgwater & Taunton College, I've had several meetings with Katie Lynch who's in charge of all work experience placements there and she's very impressed with AW's professionalism and the feedback she's received from Imogen, apparently a lot of students have very bad experiences with there work experience so I'm very glad that AW is the opposite of that. Off the back of this Katie has asked if we would be interested in taking more work placements across the board in all AW departments, which is a conversation that we definitely should have. This would allow us to train up and get work from fresh enthusiastic talent, and for the students they'd get hands on experience in a high-level professional environment. If all goes well, they could very well end up being the next generation of AW Employees, trained one on one by the current.
Have a great Christmas everyone, here's to a great 2026.
Calum,
Director/Presenter at
Strengthening Our Digital Defences with CYBER TZAR
In recent months, the headlines have been dominated by highprofile cyber-attacks on major organisations including M&S, Coop, and Jaguar Land Rover. These incidents underscore a reality that businesses across every sector now face: cyber risk is escalating rapidly. As part of our commitment to safeguarding our clients, partners, and the wider Aspen Waite network, we are taking proactive steps to strengthen our collective cyber resilience. One of the key initiatives underway is our new partnership with Cyber Tzar, a leader in enterprise risk management and one of the world’s largest collectors of cyber risk data.
Who Are Cyber Tzar?
Cyber Tzar holds the secondlargest pool of cyber risk data globally, providing unparalleled insight into emerging threats and vulnerabilities. As alumni of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), their platform has undergone formal review by the NCSC and follows a governmentstandard risk register. Their reports provide organisations with a clear, simple risk rating out of 1,000—a format comparable to a credit score—making it easier than ever to understand your exposure and plan meaningful improvements.
What Are We Doing?
We have commissioned Cyber Tzar to run non-intrusive, external scans across our clients and suppliers. The goal is to identify potential vulnerabilities early and support improvements to strengthen the entire ecosystem we work within. These scans are:
Non-intrusive – they do not touch internal systems
Safe and silent – your operations will not be affected
Insight-driven – highlighting the most significant risks that attackers could exploit
What Can You Expect?
Once your scan is complete, you will receive:
A Cyber Tzar Risk Assessment
Email
Your personalised report will outline your cyber risk score alongside any high-priority findings.
A Follow-Up Meeting With a Cyber Tzar Engineer
During this session, a specialist will walk you through your results, explain the key risks identified, and offer clear, practical steps to strengthen your cyber posture—all fully covered by the assessment we have arranged on your behalf.
“we are taking proactive steps to strengthen our collective cyber resilience.”
Our Goal Over the Next Three Months
By engaging proactively with these assessments, we aim to drive a measurable improvement in the overall cyber resilience of our entire supply chain. This initiative is not about naming and shaming—it’s about safeguarding every organisation we work with and collectively reducing risk.
A Note on Additional Services
These assessments focus solely on external vulnerabilities. Should you wish to explore deeper, more intrusive testing— such as internal infrastructure reviews or website penetration testing—Cyber Tzar can provide this, but only with your explicit consent.
What Happens Next?
We will be contacting organisations individually throughout the month, prioritising those identified as higher risk in the initial scans. Your cooperation and engagement will help ensure we continue to operate within a secure, resilient digital environment.
The 12 Cyber Threats of Christmas....
Missing DKIM/DMARC: Your Anti-Phishing Shield
If your email domain isn’t protected with DKIM and DMARC, criminals can impersonate you with ease.
In simple terms, attackers can send an email that looks like it came from your company.
A recent example is the Marks and Spencer supply chain incident, where threat actors used phishing emails sent to suppliers to compromise access and cause major disruption. (Reported by TechRadar and The Standard).
Weak Passwords: The Skeleton Key
Weak passwords are still one of the biggest causes of breaches.
In simple terms, using “Password123” is like leaving your office unlocked overnight.
Many UK attacks in 2024 were linked to weak or reused passwords, including compromises across retail and manufacturing. (Covered widely in UK cyber incident reports).
No MFA: One Key Away From Disaster
Without multi-factor authentication, a single stolen password gives criminals full access.
In simple terms, MFA is the second lock on your digital front door.
The attack on Jaguar Land Rover heavily affected production and suppliers, and credential misuse was highlighted as a major risk across their supply chain. (Covered by Sky News)
Out of date software, known holes for attackers
Old software contains vulnerabilities criminals already know about.
In simple terms, running out-of-date systems is like keeping a broken lock on your warehouse.
The recent attacks on UK hospitals, including the pathology system outage in London, showed how outdated or unpatched systems can be exploited with devastating impact. (Reported by SecurityWeek)
Simple terms: If someone can guess your Wi-Fi password, they can get into your systems.
Attackers often use insecure Wi-Fi to pivot deeper into networks.
No Staff Awareness Training
Your staff are the No. 1 target for cybercriminals.
In simple terms, if your team cannot spot a fake email, your business is vulnerable.
The recent attack on a UK nursery group, where attackers stole and threatened to release photos and personal data of children, reportedly began with social engineering and phishing. (Reported by Sky News and Silicon UK)
Poor backups, no recovery option
Missing or untested backups turn a small incident into disaster.
In simple terms, no backup means no plan B.
UK organisations hit by ransomware this year, from education to retail, have experienced permanent data loss or lengthy downtime due to weak backup processes.
Unprotected devices, every laptop is a door
Every device connected to your network is a potential entry point.
In simple terms, an unprotected laptop is an unlocked door.
UK companies have seen data stolen from remote laptops and mobile devices while staff worked from home, particularly in SMEs without endpoint protection.
No monitoring or logging, attacks go unnoticed
If you aren’t monitoring your network, attackers can stay hidden for weeks.
In simple terms, it’s like having no CCTV in your business.
Several UK breaches, including those in manufacturing and education, were discovered long after criminals had already accessed data.
Misconfigured cloud services, data open to the public
Cloud systems are secure, but only if configured correctly.
In simple terms, a badly set up cloud folder can make your sensitive files publicly accessible.
The UK nursery breach, where thousands of sensitive images and personal files were exposed, was linked to insecure cloud storage and poor access control. (Reported by Silicon UK)
Shadow IT, unapproved apps create hidden risks
Staff using unapproved tools create blind spots in your security.
In simple terms, unknown apps equal unknown risks.
UK SMEs in particular suffer when staff download free tools or file-sharing apps that expose internal data without IT’s knowledge.
No incident response plan, chaos during an attack
If you don’t have a plan for when an attack happens, you lose precious time.
In simple terms, it’s the difference between containing a fire and losing the entire building.
Jaguar Land Rover’s recent cyber incident required huge operational shutdowns across plants and suppliers, demonstrating how quickly disruptions escalate without a prepared response. (Sky News)
What the 2025 Autumn Budget means for you
Paul’s Thoughts....
There was nothing of great importance in the budget.
We live in an age where the government is more concerned with keeping its back benchers happy and shoring up the few votes it has left. There is little incentive to start or grow a business. Nobody helps you in the bad times and when things are good you are fair game for higher taxes.
Frozen personal allowance thresholds affect everyone and earning £50K is now heavily penalised.
There is an extra 2% on dividends which will affect many of you. If you are making an R&D
claim you should probably be on a mainly salary based strategy anyway. This is a good time to review your strategy and I will gladly help you with this free of charge.
Other than investment in R&D the best way to alleviate corporate taxation is to invest in qualifying expenditure. All dynamic businesses should have a planned capex budget. Again, I can help you with that.
In closing, remember there is no substitute for good business and life planning.
Bernard has kindly prepared an analysis opposite.
Paul Waite - CEO
Budget Analysis
Personal Taxation
The personal allowance of £12,570, the higher rate threshold of £50,270 and the additional rate threshold of £125,140 will remain frozen until 2030/31.
The starting rate for savings of £5,000 will remain but from April 2027 the tax rate will rise by 2% across all bands to 22%, 42% and 47%.
The dividend allowance will remain at £500 but from April 2026 the ordinary and upper rates of tax will rise by 2% to 10.75% and 35.75% The additional rate remains unchanged at 39.35%.
There will be an additional 2% tax on property income from April 2027, which will apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, taking the tax rates to 22%, 42% and 47%.
A new mileage charge for electric and plug-in-hybrid cars (PHEV) will apply from April 2028. Drivers will pay 3p per mile for electric vehicles and 1.5p per mile for PHEV, and this will be paid alongside the existing vehicle excise duty.
A high value council tax surcharge (HVCTS), commonly called a “mansion” tax, will be introduced in England from April 2028 for residential properties worth £2m or more. Based on updated valuations to identify properties above the threshold, the charge will start at £2,500 a year, rising to £7,500 a year for properties over £5m. The charge will be levied on the owners rather than the occupiers.
Pension, savings and investments
The annual subscription limit remains at £20,000 for ISAs, £4,000 for lifetime ISAs and £9,000 for junior ISAs and child trust funds. However, the maximum annual cash ISA subscription will be reduced to £12,000 from 6 April 2027.
Venture Capital Trust (VCT) income tax relief will decrease to 20% from 2026/27
Business Taxes
The rates of Corporation Tax remain unchanged at 25% main rate and 19% smaller profits rate from 1 April 2026.
There are some changes to capital allowances. The main writing down allowance will be reduced to 14% from April 2026. However, there will be a new 40% first year allowance for main rate assets. Cars, second-hand assets, and assets for leasing abroad will not qualify. The 100% annual investment allowance will remain.
Value Added Tax
The VAT registration threshold at £90,000 and the deregistration threshold at £88,000 remain unchanged from 1 April 2026. The VAT rates also remain unchanged.
A relief for business donations of goods to charity for onward distribution or use in the delivery of their services will be introduced from 1 April 2026.
Tax administration
UK reporting cryptoasset service providers will be required to report on their UK resident customers under the Cryptoasset Reporting Framework. Information will be collected from 1 January 2026 and reported to HMRC in 2027.
The penalty for late submissions of corporation tax returns will be doubled from 1 April 2026.
Penalties for late payment of income tax selfassessment and VAT will also rise from 1 April 2027.
Customs duty relief on goods imported into the UK valued at £135 or less will be removed by no later than March 2029.
Bernard Critchley - Tax Manager
Bernard.Critchley@aspen-waite.co.uk
SERVICES SPOTLIGHT:
Water Rates Review
Water Cost Savings with Water Management Solutions
Water costs are often accepted at face value because there is very limited choice in the marketplace. However, due to changes in tariffs over the years, and in some cases the complexity of these pricing structures, many businesses are paying more than they should.
Our water cost reduction partner/team has over 20 years experience specialising in cutting the annual costs of the services provided by regional water suppliers and sewerage companies.
There are no upfront fees to pay as it’s all completed on a performance related fee basis. So there is no risk and everything to gain.
Water Management Solutions UK Ltd (WMS) is a specialist consultancy with considerable experience in water billing analysis, cost recovery, and conservation. This experience covers a wide variety of both public and private sector organisations throughout the UK
The comprehensive approach they take to maximise the rebates and savings includes:
- Billing analysis
- Usage analysis through site profiling and benchmarking
- Meter Downsizing
- Surface Water/Highway Drainage evaluation
- Allowance optimisation
- Leak Detection and Repair
- Trade Effluent Negotiation
We can arrange for a full and detailed survey on all of the services supplied with a full cost
analysis to assess if you are being charged the correct amounts, and to explore any savings can be achieved. In many cases customers are over charged by their supplier.
To start the process all that is required is 12 months of water rates bills, and a little bit of background information about your business. It would also be an advantage if you know the location of your water meter and can obtain 2 sets of daily meter readings, one when your staff have left the premises for the day and one reading the morning after before trading begins. This will help assess if there is any leakage on your supply.
We find that in most cases we can make savings, as our surveyors have the expertise and technical knowledge to challenge regional water supply companies. If savings are achievable, a fee is then payable of 50% of the savings, but only once you have received the money back from your supplier. Also, if it can be proven that you have overpaid, it is possible that you may have overpaid in previous years. In these circumstances the over payment can be claimed back for up to 6 years.
We managed to obtain a refund for our client Oneill Racing of £56,975.48!
Once your annual savings have been confirmed this will result in the following year’s bills being substantially reduced with no further fee to pay.
If you have not overpaid there will be no fee payable for the work completed, and you will have the benefit of knowing that what you are paying is the right amount and no more.
Contact us today to find out if you’re eligible for savings.
Water cost-reduction auditing services
Water is often the ‘forgotten’ utility when it comes to seeking cost savings. However, there can be significant opportunities, starting by ensuring that your billing is based on facts rather than assumptions.
An Abstract Artist‘s Journey to Experiencing Art
ROSIE WALL - SALES
Festive Greetings to all AW Magazine readers. My name is Rosie Wall I have proudly been working at Aspen Waite as Relationship and Business Development Manager since Jan 2021. We all have multiple skills/talents and personas and Paul Waite encourages us all to share our passions outside of the work context in the AW magazine. So for the Xmas magazine I would like to share with you that I am also a Qualified Arts and Humanities Secondary School Teacher from Goldsmiths College in both English Literature and Drama living in Kent now with a portofolio career
As well as my role at Aspen Waite I am also a Contractor for Partners for Reform, a volunteer Librarian at Sir Roger Manwoods Grammar School, Sandwich and a presenter with Marc Carey, Director of Deal Radio who also collaborates with Aspen Waite Radio.
I have been a practicing Abstract Artist since first lockdown, 2020 but having acquired a U (unclassified) result for my A Level Art many years ago at school I had not picked up a paint brush in over 30 years! Not a moment to loose now! Try and Try again!
I thought it might be nice to share with you my observations and journey conclusions on ‘experiencing Art in my final Act.
One often hears people say – ‘Art is how it makes you feel’ (as opposed to - if it matches your furniture) and that’s right but more importantly to me it’s how it makes you feel in your body. It is a visceral and corporeal thing. Are you are attracted to it or not?
A piece of art is an Artist’s thoughts and feelings topographically projected onto a two dimensional surface. It is a mindscape of a physical act of experiencing a medium. It is a record in time OF time. In my case working mostly with oils on canvas and linens, I regard the studio as a laboratory in which I experiment in each corner with thinking itself, and with multiple mediums. I also explore placing textiles and cuttings.
With my background in Secondary School Teaching and with an MA in Theatre Practice from University of Kent, Physical Theatre –the inter-relationship and the ‘figurative’, influences my Art and Painting practice.
Theatre and Art as one. I am interested in the corporeal, physical manifestation of movement and patterns through space. Patterns reoccur in nature, in history, in us and how we behave and throughout all our lives – I explore emotional states and concepts around this notion. The exploration of pattern through shape, colour and texture manifested into the 2D.
Having studied dance and sound notation (architectronic theatre language and sound movement), I use the Miro style of instinctive psychic response practice in painting, in response to stimulus ie movement and music. This informs ideas straight to canvas without pre-lim or planning. Often drawing and painting with closed eyes or using both hands. I am very drawn to capturing psychological states and feelings past and present - and this can be considered autobiographical.
My greatest influences are Arshile Gorky, Chaim Soutine, Wassily Kandinsky, Matisse and Joan Miro. I am most influenced also by the Fauvists.
My contemporary influences are Australian Abstract Expressionists such as Elizabeth Cummings/Idris Murphy and Paul David Higgs a leading Australian Abstract Artist and lecturer who has been mentoring me this year. Also Figurative Expressionist Cecily Brown NYC.
Over the last five years – in my time at Aspen Waite I have worked most happily with Paul and Mark Waite to support Business Development and the range of AW Services as well as working with Marc Carey in the South East. I have gone from strength to strength with my Art to the point of the potential to develop my own business. I have delivered Abstract Art Courses, been long listed for the prestigious Jackson’s Art Prize and I have participated in many local Art Gallery Exhibitions (supported by the Chamber of Trade). One of my many ambitions is to sell my Art work to print work/textiles/clothing/ accessories. I have delighted in sharing my work both locally in Kent but also as far afield as New York, USA and Sydney Australia I have had two major exhibitions and I have a third coming up in April 2026 where I have connected all the dots in my professional world and I am collaborating with Marc Carey, Director of Deal Radio, Producer of the podcast ‘Universe Journey’ and Sir Roger Manwood’s School Drama Department. The Exhibition is called Act 3, Scene 2 and will combine Marc’s transcendental New-Age Music with a Physical Theatre Performance in and around my hanging linen paintings. The 6th
Formers will perform physical movement that reflects the themes in the paintings and these are such concepts as “our purpose on earth” and “mortality”. The performance also honours a colleague Keith Simpson, former Secretary to the Old Manwoodians – recently passed, who was tireless in his commitment to support the children and work with community.
Conclusively people have asked me why I am not more of a Realist – not really understanding the concepts of Abstraction. I would say to them that if you hold up a painting with a lake in it and water doesn’t fall out, then that’s not ‘real either’. Everything is conceptual in that sense –it is just a sliding scale and I’m right out there on the furthest edge.
Seasons Greetings dear all. I hope you pick up a paint brush over your well-deserved break and listen to inspiring Music, as this combination of strange alchemy could change your life forever as it has for me!
6ft x 3.5 Oil/Mixed Media on Canvas exploring the notion of reaching peace through effective communication.
Navigating the Festive Season as an Employer
Rhona Hope
Christmas can be a great opportunity for employers to reward staff for their hard work and show they are valued. It’s also a chance for co-workers to relax and socialise with each other, which can boost morale and engagement. However, employers need to be able to navigate their way through a range of potential personnel matters.
Here are some tips on how organisations can make the most of the festivities.
Research from the CIPD (the professional body for HR and people) showed that last year:
60% of employers were laying on a party or lunch for staff, making it the most popular Christmas perk.
18% of employers were giving their staff a gift at Christmas, such as shopping vouchers or a hamper. Another 14% would offer a Christmas bonus to staff.
10% of employers were giving paid leave to parents to attend a school event, like a nativity play.
Christmas Parties
Employers can unfairly earn the reputation of being killjoys at this time of year. You need to get the balance right between allowing people to have fun, while also looking after their well-being.
Inclusivity – Not all religions or faiths celebrate Christmas and not everyone likes a party, so attendance should be optional. If food is on offer, consider different dietary requirements such as Halal, Kosher and vegetarian preferences. Make sure you consider timings, venue and accessibility requirements too.
Alcohol - Providing a free bar all night can encourage
excessive drinking and increase the likelihood of staff behaving inappropriately. Offer a couple of complimentary drinks instead and give managers responsibility for ensuring that employees do not become unwell or disorderly. Make sure non-alcoholic drinks are also served.
Make your expectations clear - Remind people of the behaviour that’s expected of them beforehand, including communicating your policies on dignity and respect and on drugs and alcohol misuse.
Legal responsibilities - Even if the party is held off work premises, you may still be liable for any discriminatory behaviour such as sexual harassment.
Safety – Think about how people will get home afterwards; you may want to consider laying on a minibus or reimbursing people for taxis.
Giving parents or carers time off to attend their child’s school play
Be flexible - Some organisations may have a paid leave policy so parents can attend school events. If you don’t, consider allowing employees to work from home on the day of the event, or to make up any time lost later on.
Be consistent – If you allow parents time off, extend flexibility to other workers too. Make sure managers are alert to any sign of conflict in their teams about time off.
Christmas Rewards
Think strategically – Not all organisations will give gifts to staff but if you are, consider what could give you a
Think strategically – Not all organisations will give gifts to staff but if you are, consider what could give you a competitive advantage in this tight labour market. If you can align it with your business strategy that’s even better.
Publicise them – To ensure your staff don’t miss out and you don’t waste spend.
Ask for feedback – Make sure you monitor uptake and ask if they’re valued by staff so you can make further improvements for next time.
Check the tax implications –Employees can face a tax bill on some of these rewards and benefits. Check the HMRC website for further guidance.
Bad weather
Make sure the workplace temperature is reasonableThere’s no legal minimum or maximum temperature for UK workplaces, but employers need to make sure that workers are comfortable and able to get on with their jobs.
Be accommodating - If people have difficulty commuting into work because of bad weather, be flexible. Give people the option to come in later or to work from home where possible. Employers should be particularly mindful of people with a disability or health condition, or if they are pregnant.
Have a continuity plan - To ensure the safety of your staff and minimise disruption to your business, have a plan for cover if some staff can’t get into work. Everyone will need to be familiar with the process.
Health and well-being
Train your managers –Christmas can be a happy time of year for many, but it can be difficult for some. Managers should be trained to spot the warning signs of poor mental well-being or stress, so they are comfortable having sensitive conversations and can signpost to expert sources of help where needed.
Encourage a healthy lifestyle –Suggest people get outdoors during their lunch break to make the most of the natural sunlight during the winter months. You may want to signpost to advice on healthy eating or host an on-site exercise or relaxation class if there is interest.
Financial well-being
Signpost people to expert sources of help – Christmas can put a strain on people’s finances. Make sure you can signpost people to independent organisations that can offer expert money and debt advice, like Citizens Advice and Step Change.
Start a financial education programme – Help to increase the financial knowledge and skills of your staff by offering advice to people at different stages of their career. You may also want to consider hosting a series of talks on different topics, such as pensions and savings, and give people the opportunity to receive independent financial advice.
Be non-judgementalEmployees will be more willing to disclose their money problems, and the impact this might be having on their mental health, if they feel that they won’t be judged by their colleagues or line managers.
Volunteering
Find a mutually beneficial partnership – Try and team up with a charity where your staff can put their existing skills to good use, or develop new ones, to help the charity achieve its goals.
Allow everyone to get involved – So that the entire business can benefit. Decide how much volunteering time you will allow staff to take during working hours (in addition to annual leave).
Volunteering days – Bringing the organisation together for a common cause can be a good bonding experience. However, don’t make this compulsory and try to offer a variety of causes that staff can support.
Publicise local opportunities –Consider pulling together a list of local charities that are looking for volunteers over the Christmas holidays and letting staff know about them.
Have a lovely Christmas and remember Aspen Waite People are here to help with any staff related concerns or queries you may have.
Rhona Hope Head of People
www.aspenwaitepeople.co.uk
rhona.hope@aspen-waite.co.uk
G’day & Merry Christmas from down under!
NATHANIEL WARREN - MEDIA AND RADIO
I’m Nathaniel, and I’ve been with Aspen Waite for the past four years. This summer I was incredibly lucky to fulfil a lifelong dream: to head off into the world and finally experience the Southern Hemisphere for myself.
Over the last four months, I’ve ticked off more bucket-list moments than I ever thought possible—diving on the Great Barrier Reef, canoeing through the Everglades, wandering around remote temples, and even jumping out of a plane. And along the way I’ve picked up a few lessons that I know will stay with me for the rest of my days.
So here are my three key takeaways from travelling.
Talk to Everyone
I’ve lost count of the number of friendships that started with nothing more than a smile and a hello. Honestly, most people are just waiting for someone else to make the first move, and once you do, you never know what can unfold.
“every creature you see reminds you of your place in the world.“
Chase (and appreciate) Nature
Nature is the one thing we all have around us, no matter where we go. When life gets stressful or you feel bogged down, it’s easy to stop noticing it. But a brisk walk or a moment to sit and genuinely ground yourself in the world around you can work wonders. I’m convinced it’s why people over here seem so much happier.
One of my favourite examples from the trip was when I missed an expensive, non-refundable coach from Cairns. No more buses until the next afternoon. I was done for. Then, out of nowhere, a coach from an entirely different company pulled up. The driver hopped off, we had a chat and a laugh, and he told me to jump on for free and he’d drop me exactly where I needed to be.
It’s little interactions like that, kindness for no reason, that have carried me through this whole journey. And I think being constantly surrounded by nature and wildlife plays a big part in why those encounters happen so often. Whether it’s kangaroos and koalas, dolphins and dingoes, or even the snakes and spiders, every creature you see reminds you of your place in the world. It’s something I definitely want to devote more time to now that my wilderness adventures are behind me (for now!).
“Instead of soul searching, there’s been a lot more living.”
And finally, the big one.
I came out here expecting to spend a lot of time alone, thinking deeply and having grand epiphanies about life. I thought I’d come away with some profound revelation that would solve all my worries and stresses. But ironically, the biggest “epiphany” I had was that I didn’t need one at all. Instead of soul searching, there’s been a lot more living. A lot more being present. A lot more just… getting on with And that’s really my third takeaway: maybe we don’t need to think so hard all the time. Life is often simpler than we make it. Stress will always creep in, it’s unavoidable, but taking a step back, focusing on what truly matters, and allowing ourselves to just enjoy life is something we all need more of… and something we all absolutely deserve.
So this Christmas, be kind to yourself. Take a moment to breathe, step back, and enjoy the small things. We all overthink far more than we need to. After months of being happily disconnected from the rest of the world, living out of a backpack and letting the days unfold as they came, I’ve realised just how good it can feel to slow down. I hope, wherever life takes you next, you get the chance to explore a little too, whether that’s halfway across the globe or just somewhere new close to home.
And if you want to hear a bit more about what I’ve been up to (or meet some of the weird and wonderful characters I’ve crossed paths with), you can tune into my radio show, The Travel Tapes, every Thursday from 8–9pm only on Aspen Waite Radio. I’d love to have you along for the ride.
NATHANIEL WARRENMEDIA AND RADIO
EMILY WAITE - SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Wellbeing Corner
Disconnect to Reconnect
The Princess of Wales’ recent essay “The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World” has struck a powerful chord with many, myself included. It’s a topic that has become one of the most important issues of our age. Smartphones and the internet are transforming and undermining the nature of childhood and family life.
In her emotionally penned essay she talks of something many of us already know deep down — that while our devices help us stay connected to the wider world, they are quietly pulling us away from the people who matter most.
Her message was simple but profound: our families deserve our full attention.
Too often, family dinners, game nights, or quiet evenings are punctuated by the familiar glow of screens. Notifications, endless scrolling, and online chatter have crept into our most intimate spaces, taking precious moments that could be filled with laughter, conversation, and genuine togetherness.
As we approach the festive season it is the perfect invitation to pause and reflect. The holidays are meant for connection, not just digitally, but emotionally. They’re a time to share stories, revisit old memories, and create new ones that will outlast any social media post.
Simple Ways to Reconnect
This Christmas
If you’ve ever caught yourself checking your phone mid-conversation, you’re not alone. Breaking the habit isn’t easy, but it’s possible with intention and small, consistent changes. Here are a few ideas to help you embrace presence this season:
1. Create Phone-Free Zones
Designate certain areas — like the dining table or living room as tech-free zones. Make these spaces sacred for conversation, laughter, and connection.
2. Digital Curfews
Try putting your phone away an hour before bed. Use the time to read, chat, or plan for the next day instead of scrolling through feeds.
3. Rekindle Shared Traditions
Whether it’s baking, playing board games, or taking a walk after dinner. Shared activities help us reconnect without the interference of screens.
4. Be Intentional with Your Time
When you’re with loved ones, truly be there. Turn off notifications, set your phone aside (even better, in another room) and focus on the people in front of you.
“while
5. Capture Memories, Don’t Just Post Them
Take photos, of course, but try holding onto them a little longer before sharing. Sometimes the best moments are meant to be lived, not posted. Better still, buy some disposable cameras and really make those snaps count! This also gives you an excuse to meet up again to see the photos once they’re developed!
6. Use Apps to Limit Screen Time
If you still find yourself absentmindedly scrolling on the sofa whilst hugging the tin of Quality Street, there are some handy Apps out there to help you to limit your social media use. Here are a few app suggestions:
Screen Time - Tracks screen time and sets app locks and time limits.
AntiSocial - Reports smartphone usage, app time, and provides a usage score.
Screen Zen – Delay opening, interrupt scrolling, block apps and websites.
I hope these ideas empower you to lock that phone away and truly be present with your loved ones this Christmas - which to me is the best present of all!
emily.short@aspen-waite.co.uk
I’ve been busy scouring my (very untidily stored) recipes in the hope of finding some interesting alternatives for you to try over the festive period. I do hope you’ll give these a go.
Red pepper & spicy tomato soup
John Porteous John.Porteous@aspen-waite.co.uk
Not a bad way to start off a festive feast – or you could have it as a warming lunch.
Ingredients
• 1 large red pepper, halved & deseeded
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small red chilli, deseeded & chopped
• 200ml / 7fl.oz fresh tomato juice
• 500ml / 18fl.oz chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 tsp sugar
Method
1. Grill the pepper halves skin side up under a high heat until the skin blisters, then peel away the charred skin and chop the flesh. [As a cheat, you can buy roasted red peppers that have already had their skins removed. Just drain the oil and retain 1 tsp for the cooking]
2. Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the onion, chilli and chopped pepper flesh, and cook on a low heat with the lid on until soft.
3. Add the tomato juice and stock, stirring
• 2 tbsp plain yoghurt
• Chopped fresh herbs to serve. Your choice –parsley, thyme, sage, basil, etc.
well until combined. Simmer gently with the lid on for about 20 minutes, then stir in the sugar.
4. Pulse in a blender or processor to a coarse purée, keeping some consistency.
5. Pour into warmed bowls and top with a spoonful of yoghurt and a sprinkling of herbs.
Don’t forget to serve with some warm crusty bread or croutons.
Roast goose with apples & rum
John Porteous John.Porteous@aspen-waite.co.uk
Goose is the more traditional yuletide roast, and is my personal favourite – I’d have it over turkey any day.
My preferred rum is Woods, but any dark rum is fine. You could even experiment with a spiced rum!
This should serve 6-8 people.
Ingredients
• 1 large goose (about 4kg / 9lb)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 200ml / 7fl.oz apple brandy (calvados)
• A little fresh orange and lemon juice
• A little dark rum
• And for the stuffing:
• 6 apples, peeled, cored & sliced
Method
1. Start by making the stuffing – soak the sliced apples in the rum for a few hours (or overnight), then mix with all the other ingredients and stuff the mixture into the body of the bird. If there is any left over, you can roll into balls and cook separately.
2. Preheat the oven to 190OC / 375OF / gas mark 5
3. Place the stuffed goose on a trivet rack in a roasting tin, prick the skin all over and rub with the oil. [This is the easy way, but I prefer not to use a rack. Instead, I make a trivet using red onions & apples cut into eighths, plus chopped carrots, celery & turnip. It really helps when making your gravy!]
• 200ml / 7fl.oz dark rum
• A few sage leaves, finely chopped
• A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• 350g / 12oz breadcrumbs
• I large onion, finely chopped
• 100g / 3½oz sausage meat
• Salt & pepper
4. Season the bird with salt & pepper, cover with foil and cook for about 40 minutes per kilo plus 20 minutes for the stuffing – about 3 hours in total. Baste with the calvados at least every half hour. Remove the foil for the last 20 minutes, to allow the goose to brown. Remove from the oven, cover and leave to rest for at least 15 minutes.
5. While the bird is resting, make the gravy. Spoon off the excess fat from the roasting tin, then boil the pan juices on the hob, stirring and scraping. [If you have made a vegetable trivet like me, use a potato masher to crush the veg and apples, helping to extract maximum flavour. Then pass through a sieve and return the juices to the pan].
6. Add the citrus juices and a little extra rum and calvados if required, for volume. Allow to bubble until reduced by about a third, then transfer to a warmed gravy boat.
7. To serve, take the goose to the table, spoon over a ladleful of warmed rum and set it alight.
Serve whatever accompaniments you prefer. The obvious ones are roast potatoes and parsnips, brussels sprouts, etc. You could have cranberry sauce, or maybe try apple sauce to compliment the apples and calvados in the recipe.
Caribbean cake
John Porteous John.Porteous@aspen-waite.co.uk
While searching through my recipes I came across this little gem. It was my great aunt’s recipe, and it took me back to my childhood and the smell of it baking in her cottage kitchen. You really have to try this one.
Ingredients
• 4ozs / 115g butter, softened (or margarine)
• 1 cup soft brown sugar
• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1 Tbsp black treacle
• 1 cup sultanas
• ¾ cup chopped dates
• 1/3 cup crystalised ginger
Method
• 1/3 cup glace cherries
• 1/3 cup chopped mixed nuts
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tot dark rum
1. Line an 8” / 20cm baking tin with greaseproof paper. Preheat the oven to 180OC / 350OF / gas mark 4.
2. Cream the butter with the sugar until blended.
3. Add the flour and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Add the treacle and blend.
5. Mix in all the fruit & nuts, and the salt.
6. Add the milk and eggs, mixing to a wet consistency.
7. Add the rum and stir in.
8. Transfer to the cake tin and bake in the oven for about 1¼ hours, or until a skewer comes out clean.
Cocktail Cabinet
Advocaat
Another classic. This recipe comes from one of my amateur winemaker recipe books by C.J.J. Berry. To quote him… “This has a pleasant flavour that disguises its potency; but potent it is. Make it 9 to 10 days before serving, depending upon the weather. It ‘comes’ more quickly in hot weather.”
Ingredients
• 3 eggs
• 3 large juicy lemons
• Bottled pure lemon juice
Method
• 6oz / 170g sugar
• 6fl.oz / 170ml milk
• 6fl.oz / 170ml rum
1. Put the eggs (raw and in their shells) into a bowl just big enough for all three to rest on the bottom. Squeeze over them juice from the lemons, adding enough bottled juice to submerge them. If the eggs float, put a cap of half a squeezed lemon on each.
2. Cover the bowl with muslin and leave in a cool place for 8-9 days, until the egg shells dissolve, or nearly so.
3. Strain and squeeze (shells and all) through muslin.
4. Beat. Add rum. Beat. Bottle.
5. Put on ice for 24 hours before serving, as a pre-dinner aperitif.
Have a cool Yule one and all!
John Porteous John.Porteous@aspen-waite.co.uk
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