Aspen Waite Christmas 2023 Edition
CHRISTMAS EDITION Unwrapping Success this Festive Season Advise • Educate • Innovate
Enduring and Evolving Aspen Waite's Year of Growth and Gratitude
Welcome to the 2023 Xmas edition of the Aspen Waite magazine. It’s been another highly challenging year for us, for business generally and for democracy across the world. SME owners have nobody to represent them and conditions generally seem to be worsening. Corporation Tax rates are now 25% unbelievably penal and in my opinion the Government (or is it the Civil service) are doing their best to eradicate R&D tax credits so it becomes an exclusive scheme for large companies. The country is in a mess and I can only see it getting worse. ‘Stop Paul’ it’s Xmas I hear you say. It’s not all bad news a number of exciting things are happening. I have continued to work really hard on our business this year and have successfully reduced costs by £25K a month while continuing to develop new products, notably Legacy (see feature later on) and transforming the prospects of Aspen Waite Radio. Ona personal level I feel I have improved as a person and as an advisor. Unbelievably I have a refound appetite for being a Chartered Accountant which even extends to auditing. I made a conscious decision to assume leadership of our Accounting function and its gone well. Over the pandemic Aspen Waite saw a collapse of its middle management function. Fortunately a number of people have really stood up and processes, systems and order are slowly returning.
I have really focused on making sure that every employee earns their corn which has involved particular relevant employees being trained to participate in R&D work. I often think that being an entrepreneur is far from easy and I think we find ourselves on what I call ‘The Wheel of Fortune’. Life is challenging but there is real hope. At the time of writing this our new (Dragons Den type show) ‘Elevator to Success’ has not quite started but it’s unbelievably exciting and I am hopeful that it will really drive the Aspen Waite name forward. Whatever happens I am pretty proud of Aspen Waite Radio. It was a stupid thing to do, we had no idea what we were doing and we burned a lot of money. However we have developed some real quality and a number of our own unique programmes. I took a leap of faith to back Calum’s ‘crazy’ programmes notably at the time ‘Forest of Glebe’ and he is now a world class presenter as I hope I am. We now focus on our own Intellectual Property i.e. no generic programmes anymore and now have an armoury of business programmes which is of course more relevant to the wider Aspen Waite business. I must thank my friend and now colleague Andras Tasi (Essemdee) for brining hope back to my world when he brought ‘The Franchise Factor’ show to us and of course this has been joined by Elevator of Success. There is a lot of Karma and serendipitous synchronicity behind this.
What will 2024 bring us. Christmas is a time for reflection and I’m pleased that a number of people I care about have come into their own. Maybe the highlight of the year was our 30th birthday party at Greenway Farm. Not only was it a magnificent event, I was proud of all the lovely people that were there. Part of my family is Jewish and it has been a very worrying time for them. I have been proud of Lisa and Sam’s bravery and steadfastness. I’ve done my bit to support the values I believe in too. Our shining star Evie approaches 4 years old and she’s already more intelligent than most of the people in Bridgwater. Her visits to our house on Saturday afternoon always lift my spirits. Boy can that girl tuck away roast potatoes. Thank you to all the great friends and supporters I have, I pray that 2024 will be kind to us and also Krysteline becomes the global success it deserves and Zukr successfully launches and becomes a niche phenomenon. Blessed Be Paul
Paul Waite FCA FCCA Chief Executive Aspen Waite Group
Revolutionizing Radio
AW Radio’s Journey from Chaos to Cutting-Edge Happy holidays all, the Christmas playlist is in full swing on AW Radio with a carefully curated playlist which in my opinion has better Xmas music than any other station on the planet. We’ve skipped all of the annoying overplayed songs and opted for a classy but at times rocking mixture of artists ranging from Nat King Cole to Kate Bush to The Darkness to The Medieval Baebes to Frankie Goes To Hollywood and many more. Some of our presenters have also gone out of their way to make sure that there is extra great content over the holiday period with many Christmas specials including extra shows from Nathaniel (Bullwinkle) and myself and great Xmas and New Years specials from the likes of Chris Redjam and the boss. I’ve always been fond of the old British tradition of ghost stories at Christmas, it was something that was practised in my family
household growing up, so I of course had to record a “Gruesome Grimoires Xmas Special” for Wednesday 13th December at 8pm. On the show I read out two of my favourite H.P Lovecraft horror stories, so be sure to check it out on the website or app if you’re a fan of ghost/horror stories and remember that you can listen back to any of AW Radio’s shows on our website or app at any time at your leisure. AW Radio has come a long way in 2023, we’re not where we want to be yet but I’m starting to feel like we are really gaining momentum and on the verge of something great. One thing is for definite and that is we’re certainly a far cry from what we once were. When I was asked to take over as the director of the station some time ago things were a mess to say the least, we had unnecessary expenditures left, right and centre
and the music was all over the place so it was hard for listeners to gauge our identity, we also had staff coming and going so fast it was hard to keep track, and several of the staff that were there full time were unhappy. What’s more the station had no real identity and certainly wasn’t an extension of Paul Waite, it was sort of being moulded as a Heart FM wannabe but with rave music. We don’t want to be a Heart FM knock-off, we want to be unique, we want to be AW Radio, and we can do that better than anyone else on the planet. Fast forward to now and we have a clear-cut identity, this is shown not just in the music (which I have spent many hours culling and honing) but also in the now flourishing and ever improving business content in the daytime and the great entertainment content in the evenings. The improvements are also shown
in the solid team of presenters and staff we now have, with radio veterans, music experts, world class athletes, top tier businessmen and women and great entertainers all filling our airwaves, we even have a clairvoyant and psychic medium! This year we’ve also cut cost’s wherever possible and brought the radio mission down to what it should have been from the start, a budding entity with room to grow, not an explosion of cash and confusion. Another thing we’ve changed fairly recently is the format and the way that the shows are handled on the station. We used to have the old fashioned (you could even say outdated) model of generic breakfast shows, afternoon shows etc. It’s very hard to give shows like this an identity and let’s face it, we now live in a world where everything is on demand, so we made the decision to change to more specialist shows and this has made a massive difference in a purely beneficial way. The simplest analogy I could give you is before we were BBC 1 and now, we’re Netflix. The presenters this has benefitted the most by far are the boss and Young Bullwinkle. It’s breathed new life into my old man and now in place of the mundane breakfast shows we have the fantastic Albions Keeper and Down the Rabbit Hole, which are in my opinion the best show’s he’s ever done, the former being a topical show with a mythological theme and the latter a dedicated music show with an eclectic mix of great songs from around the globe. The boss and Andras both completely deserve credit on revolutionising the business content recently and there are some really big things in the works for 2024 with both The Franchise Factor and Elevator to Success so stay tuned for that! I’m glad to say that my shows seem to be doing well also, my first ever show The Dark Dell is now syndicated to Total Rock, who are the oldest and one of the most listened to pure rock stations in the UK and my topical
show Pandora’s Box is picking up even more steam, this year we’ve had some great guests on and they seem to be getting better and better. In the last 8 weeks alone we’ve had on Sarah Davies who is Team GB’s most decorated weightlifter winning commonwealth gold and also silver in the world championships, Angela Autumn who is an extremely talented and successful rising folk musician from Nashville Tennessee, Hamilton Southern who is the first westerner to be granted the title of shaman of ayahuasca in the Amazon and Damh The Bard who is the Pendragon of the order of bards and druids here in the UK as well as a highly respected and accomplished musician. All fascinating guests that are more than worthy of any radio station or media outlet, period. Next year I plan to carry on where I left off in ‘23, having many more interesting and high-level guests on the show. We have some big things in store for 2024, as I’ve previously aforementioned The Franchise Factor and Elevator to Success are both expected to take off in a big way. I’m also planning on working some festivals next year as a member of the media, the goal being great interviews and general content from world class bands and musicians that we can play on the radio and put up on our website. I’m also joining forces with an old friend of mine Josh Ayerst who has built up a good reputation for himself as a band photographer, he’s taken pictures for some massive rock and metal bands including Megadeth and Killswitch Engage. He’ll be working under the AW Radio banner as a photographer at gigs around the country providing us with elite quality pictures that we can put up on our website alongside gig reviews and blogs, just
another feather in the cap. We’ve also been invited to Nashville by a recent guest of mine that I mentioned earlier on, Angela Autumn. This would be a great opportunity to get some high-calibre content and make some big connections in the music industry. We’re also expecting to bring on board James Butler as a presenter in ‘24, a lot of you will know of James from his position as partner in NOVA Wealth, I’ve had several meetings with him and we get on very well, he’s got great connections and experience with some massive media outlets so he will be a huge and welcome addition to the team. On top of this we’ll be making sponsorships a priority. Merry Christmas everyone, and remember, if you’re planning to listen to the radio over the holidays, make sure it’s AW Radio. Calum
Introducing Albion’s Keeper
A Modern Voice in an Ancient Realm: Listen every Friday on Aspen Waite Radio
“Albion’s Keeper” is not just a window into the mystical past of Britain; it’s a contemporary voice that resonates through the echoes of history. This unique three-hour show, guided by the mythical figure of Herne’s Son, navigates a broad spectrum of topics, from world events and politics to science, history, and general musings. While rooted in the rich soil of mythology and music, “Albion’s Keeper” transcends these boundaries, offering insightful and topical discussions on issues affecting today’s Britain and the world.
A Tapestry Woven with Diverse Threads Each week, “Albion’s Keeper” brings together an eclectic mix of subjects. The show is a platform where mythology meets modernity. While the mythological base adds a layer of atmosphere and identity, the core of the show lies in its engagement with current affairs, scientific developments, and historical insights. This blend creates a unique space where ancient wisdom and contemporary issues intersect, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the world around them.
Herne’s Son: Guardian, Guide, and Voice for the Voiceless At the heart of the show is Herne’s Son, a symbol of ancient wisdom and guidance. He is the ‘boss’ of Albion, sent to aid the people of Britain in times of need.
Join the Conversation Tune into “Albion’s Keeper” for a journey that bridges the gap between ancient lore and modern discourse. Be part of a conversation that challenges, enlightens, and comforts, all within the mystical embrace of Albion.
But his role is not confined to discussing mythology; instead, he uses this platform to address the injustices of the world, share his thoughts, and provide a voice for those who might feel lost or unheard.
This is more than a radio show; it’s a movement, a gathering of minds and spirits, united by the wisdom of the past and the urgency of the present.
The show is as much about reflection and discussion as it is about storytelling and music.
“Albion’s Keeper” - where the ancient guardian meets the modern world. Join us in this unique exploration of life, history, and the mysteries that bind them.
A Refuge for Thought and Comfort “Albion’s Keeper” serves as a sanctuary for like-minded individuals seeking solace and understanding in a rapidly changing world. It’s a place of refuge and comfort, offering a unique blend of discussion, education, and entertainment. The show invites listeners to engage with a wide range of topics, encouraging them to think deeply and feel connected to a community that values both the old and the new.
Accounting, Audit and Assurance Unleash the Full Potential of Your Finances with Aspen Waite Expert Accounting, Audit and Assurance Solutions. In today’s fast-paced and complex financial landscape, it’s essential to have a trusted partner by your side. Someone who not only meets your legal obligations but provides insightful, creative, and up-to-date solutions to help you succeed. That’s where Aspen Waite comes in. Our team of seasoned professionals have years of experience in delivering exceptional accounting services to a wide range of businesses and sectors. From bookkeeping to tax preparation, we have the expertise and the passion to support you at every stage of your journey.
We offer a friendly, approachable, and personalized service that takes the stress out of your finances. So why wait? Let us help you unleash the full potential of your finances. Give us a call today, and let’s get started! Services at a glance: • Audits & Assurance • Management • Business Advisory Accounts and and Planning Implementation • Company Secretarial • Payroll • Tax Compliance • Personal Tax • Exit and succession • Start – up advice strategies • Tax planning • Specialist Tax • VAT Services • Tax Advisory
Speak to an advisor today advice@aspen-waite.co.uk | www.aspenwaite.co.uk
www.aspenwaiteradio.com A unique blend of real music and real business Enhance your brand exposure across the UK and globally via Aspen Waite Radio, your platform for engaging business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals round-the-clock. • • • •
Leverage our popular business shows, connect with a global audience Showcase your products, services, and company story with a range of advertising Benefit from advice and support from expert hosts and guest interviews Access to diverse shows, catering to a multitude of musical tastes and informational needs
Dare to be different with diverse shows With a wide range of musical genres and content, we truly has a show for everyone. Whether you’re a classical music fan or you’re into hard rock, you’ll be able to find a show that suits your taste. Feature your business on Aspen Waite Radio, dive into a transformative radio experience, and simultaneously enlighten or entertain your potential clients.
Turning Dreams into Reality: A Trilogy
Be careful what you wish for - it might come true.
Paul Waite, the driving force behind Aspen Waite, is not just a successful entrepreneur but also a proficient author with three impactful books to his name. Each of these books provide an enriching fusion of anecdotes, business advice, profound insights, and much more, drawing from his wealth of experience. “Raising the Bar” is a testament to Paul’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Through this book, Paul weaves together fascinating anecdotes and valuable business advice, encouraging readers to aim higher, push boundaries, and never settle for mediocrity. “Winning 2-1” encapsulates Paul’s unique approach to overcoming obstacles and emerging victorious, even under challenging circumstances. It is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and innovative thinking, serving as an inspiration for those seeking to triumph over adversity.
“The Stream that Became a River” delves into Paul’s entrepreneurial journey, charting the course of how a small stream of ideas can transform into a torrent of innovation and success. It’s an engaging and enlightening read that offers invaluable insights into the workings of business growth and development. These books collectively offer a roadmap to success underpinned by Paul’s experience and unique insights into the business world. To journey into the mind of this accomplished entrepreneur and learn from his vast experiences, download the books from Aspen Waite’s official website at https://www.aspenwaite.co.uk/books Embark on this illuminating journey, and you might just find the spark that ignites your own path to success.
NEXT INSTALMENT COMING SOON...
FALLING OFF THE MOUNTAIN SO YOU THOUGHT BEING A ENTREPRENEUR WAS EXCITING
Streamlining Business Efficiency: The Shift to Smarter Document Management and Cost-Effective Tech Solutions MDS has looked at the way business works following COVID19. The new normal as people like to call it. Documents are made up of many items ranging from forms, letters, quotes, emails, invoices, and the list go on and on. What every we make, sell, ship, inform and so on is supported by some form of document paper or electronic. We all work differently but rely on some form of document to enable us to function. Cost has become more of a focus due to these changes. Laptops and PCs allow us to communicate. We still need to share, save, scan and print those documents to enable our businesses to survive. Buildings full of people are changing to buildings which people come to when needed. Working from home full or parttime is the new normal for some. Offices are full of big and small devices which are owned or leased which enable us to get those documents on or off the digital platforms. Leasing is a way to free up cash and is a tax efficient way of acquiring technology. We work with leading manufacturers to provide cost effective solutions for the new normal. For example, less than 3% of documents in the office are A3, so why do we have fleets of A3 devices which cost double (or more) to lease or buy them to
print the occasional A3 page. We are also taking up floor space with these devices when a machine which sits on the desk and is A4 only will do 97% of the documents your business produce. We can use scanning to archive important documents to applications or the cloud to reduce the number of filing cabinets. Scan to email, enables us to share key documents without having to print or post them. Technology changes quickly and the market tries to keep up with it. A few years ago, salespeople told us to get rid of our desktop devices and lease a big A3 capable color Multifunctional we would save money and work smarter, for nearly a year these devices weren’t turned on. We needed to carry on the business, but our expensive technology was sitting in a closed or partially manned office. Ink and toner have come down in price, so this has now been passed on to the customer. When we came back to the office, we could not get toner as if was made in faraway lands and had to be shipped to the UK. At MDS we work for example with Brother, they offer a Managed Print Solution (known as MPS). It’s focused on A4 color and mono. You lease the machine over an agreed term and the MPS contract is over the same term. The MPS element is based
upon the machine and fixes the page price for the term of the contract. This price includes parts, labor and toner. It uses a Data Collection Agent (known as a DCA) which monitors the toner usage and will automatically replenish it (when 10% is remaining it notifies Brother and a new one is sent out). If you scan documents, you don’t get charged for those pages. For example, a 30 page per minute A4 color MFP would be £20.00 per month on lease over five years (subject to credit acceptance) and it has a running cost on MPS of 4p for color and 0.45p black. The A3 equivalent is going to be £35 per month more on the lease (£2,100 over five years). The smart phone changed the way we communicate. We have so much power in our hand allowing us to create and share documents as well as speak to each other. So why are we spending money on big clumsy devices when the desktop A4 will do all we need. Ask Aspen Waite about the benefits of leasing as a tax efficient way of obtaining technology. Why pay for big assets which are depreciating and holding back your transition into working smarter.
Smarter Marketing: Unleashing AI for SMEs How Small to Medium Businesses Can Revolutionize Their Content Marketing The landscape of content marketing is continuously evolving, with AI, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs), at the forefront of this transformation. These advanced tools are revolutionizing how content is created, optimized, and distributed, offering unparalleled benefits in terms of efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
Crafting Effective Prompts
A critical aspect of effectively using these tools is the art of crafting the right prompts, which significantly impacts the efficiency and relevance of the generated content.
Integrating AI into Your Content Strategy
Understanding AI in Content Marketing AI in content marketing is not just a buzzword; it's a practical tool for creating and optimizing content. LLMs, like GPT-4, have the ability to understand and generate human-like text, making them invaluable for content creation. The key benefits for small to medium businesses include enhanced efficiency in content production, maintaining a consistent brand voice, and the ability to scale content strategies without proportional increases in resources.
Setting the Stage – Preparing Your Business Before integrating AI, it's vital to assess your business's specific content marketing needs. Identify which types of content - be it blog posts, social media updates, or email campaigns - could benefit most from AI enhancement. Establish clear metrics and KPIs to measure the impact.
Effective communication with an AI requires well-structured prompts. For instance, a prompt for a blog post could be “Write a concise, engaging 500-word article about the latest trends in digital marketing for small businesses.” Avoid vague or overly broad prompts, as they can lead to less relevant content.
Incorporating AI into your content strategy should be a step-bystep process. Begin with simpler tasks, like generating ideas for blog posts or creating drafts for social media posts. Look at reallife success stories from similar businesses for inspiration. A blend of AI-generated content and human editing can ensure that the final output resonates with your audience while maintaining your brand's unique voice.
Maximizing the Impact of AIGenerated Content To make the most of AI-generated content, refine and personalize it to align with your brand’s tone and audience’s preferences. AI can also be a powerful tool for SEO optimization, helping to identify and integrate relevant keywords seamlessly into your content.
Measuring Success and Making Adjustments Use analytics tools to track how AI-assisted content performs against your set KPIs. Regular analysis of this data will help you understand what works and what
needs adjustment. It's essential to stay agile and continuously tweak your AI content strategy based on these insights.
Ethical Considerations and Best Practices While AI offers immense potential, it's crucial to navigate its use ethically. Maintain transparency about using AI in your content creation process and ensure that the content remains authentic and true to your brand's values. Keep abreast of industry regulations to ensure compliance.
The Future of AI in Content Marketing AI is set to become even more integral to content marketing. Emerging trends, such as more nuanced natural language understanding and personalized content creation, are on the horizon. Staying informed and adaptable will be key to leveraging these advancements effectively.
In Conclusion AI, particularly LLMs, present a valuable opportunity for enhancing content marketing strategies in small to medium businesses. The key to success lies in crafting effective prompts and continuously adapting strategies based on performance data. Experimenting with AI in content creation can open new avenues for efficiency and creativity.
Don’t dream of a better future. Create it. At Aspen Waite Media, we recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that come with growing businesses. We specialize in crafting compelling narratives that drive momentum and accelerate growth for Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (SMEs). Our dynamic platforms are the growth engines SMEs need to connect, engage, and surpass expectations of customers, clients, partners, and their community. With us, SMEs don’t just meet expectations, they exceed them. Aspen Waite - your growth, our passion. Talk to us about: • • • •
Design and Branding Social Media Website Design and Development Video, Podcasts, Radio
www.aspenwaite.co.uk
A PLATFORM FOR
EMERGING ARTISTS
At Aspen Waite Music, we are dedicated to supporting emerging artists and pushing creative boundaries in the music industry. We believe that music has the power to connect people and inspire change, and we are committed to creating a community of artists, industry experts, and music lovers who share this vision. Platform for Emerging Artists
Marketing and Design
Aspen Waite Music provides a platform for emerging artists to promote their music and reach a wider audience. Our services are designed to support every aspect of an artist’s music career, including recording, marketing and design, promotion, and professional services such as accounting and band management.
We offer a range of marketing and design services to help you create a strong brand identity and promote your music to a wider audience
Artist Development & Mentorship Propel your music career with our team of industry veterans. Benefit from tailored guidance in songwriting, performance coaching, and navigating the music industry. Take your artistry to the next level with us.
Promotion Our promotion services can help you get your music noticed by the right people, including music blogs, radio stations, and record labels Professional Services Backed by Aspen Waite, we offer a huge range of professional services to help ambitious individuals plan for the future with great advice, business support and so much more.
Networking Opportunities
Collaboration
Aspen Waite Music’s focus on collaborations and partnerships help build strong relationships with artists, industry experts, and other music brands. This can lead to networking opportunities, increased exposure, and expanded reach for you.
Our world is built on collaboration and we are always looking for new ways to work with other brands and artists to help you reach your full potential.
Recording Studio Our fully equipped recording studio has the latest in both digital and analogue equipment to produce release ready recordings with live and radio rooms also available for use.
WE WANT TO HEAR YOU! Aspen Waite Music is on a mission to redefine the music industry. If you’re an emerging artist with ambition, join us. Share your work, connect with industry professionals and advance your career. Make an impact. Get in touch today. Submit your music today at www.aspenwaitemusic.com
WWW.ASPENWAITEMUSIC.COM
Green Horizons: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future with Legacy Mark Waite I am very pleased to have the opportunity to write my first article for Aspen Waite Legacy. Our core aim is to assist SME’s with carbon reduction, energy saving and sustainability targets. Why is this important? Let’s start with the basics, Under the Paris Agreement (United Nations Climate Change Conference 2015) in order to keep global warming to no more than1.5C, emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050. Currently we are way adrift of this target. Global warming is having a drastic effect on the climate, warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns are disrupting the usual balance of nature. •
Typical effects are:
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Hotter Temperatures
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More Severe Storms
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Flooding
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Increased incidence of drought
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Sea levels rising
What will this create? Health Risks affecting the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and the weather we experience •
Poverty and displacement
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Loss of species
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What is the main cause?
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Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity and heat
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Cutting down forests
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Manufacturing goods
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Consuming too much
All of these factors increase the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere above the level naturally created. Greenhouse gases (GHG’s) are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat. Typically Carbon Dioxide CO2, Methane CH4 and Nitrous Oxide N2o. Increased gases equals increased temperatures! Due to the recognised need for a recognised standards for measuring and reporting GHG the Greenhouse Gas Protocol was launched providing
a global standardised framework for accounting and reporting GHG emissions. Without this accurate framework for measurement emission reduction is meaningless. You can’t manage what you don’t measure! Regulations mean that larger companies must audit their premises and operations and look for energy savings in order to lower their emissions. Currently the main two regulations are: 1. ESOS – Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme This report is concerned with mandatory assessments of energy usage, at least once every four years Qualifying Criteria are Turnover £44 million + and an annual balance sheet in excess of £38 million +, 250 employees or more. Once report is finalised companies must submit information to the Environmental Agency online system 2. SECR – Streamlined Energy and Carbon Report . This mandatory report is focused on greenhouse gas emissions and forms part of the Directors report in their public accounts Qualifying Criteria are 2 of the following, Turnover £36 million +. Balance Sheet Assets £18 million +, 250 employees or more But where does that leave small and medium size businesses that fall outside of these mandatory regulations? Whilst currently there is no requirement to disclose emissions data the UK Government has previously announced that climate disclosures are to be made mandatory across the UK economy by 2025. Many companies are already looking at the emissions created by their supply chain.
Those businesses that can provide information regarding this will clearly have a competitive advantage and be ahead of their competitors.
From this an agreed action plan can be drawn up with realistic timeframes set to help the business progress towards its net zero goals.
It is imperative that SME’s make themselves fully aware of their carbon emission baseline and are conversant with the relevant carbon reduction framework.
Importantly this will also prepare them for when future mandatory requirements and measures are introduced by the Government and be ahead of the game.
Our Legacy service is fully equipped to help any business with energy saving and carbon reduction solutions. In addition we have full Carbon literacy training available providing recognise carbon literacy standards.
We all have a role to play in saving the planet for future generations . The hard part is having the courage to start the journey. Aspen Waite Legacy is very much here to help in any way we can, large or small.
We are extremely fortunate to have such a comprehensive range of services and technology partners available to us, many existing R& D clients.
For a free of charge no obligation discussion contact legacy@aspen-waite.co.uk
In addition we now have a significant No Win Fee offers enabling business the opportunity claim back from such areas as mis sold energy and water supply rebates
Mark Waite
We can accurately assess a business’s energy and carbon output caused by its daily activities, report it in a certified framework and thereby fix a baseline to work on. This benchmark for improvement will allow us to prioritise actions for effective energy reduction and carbon improvements many of which will create significant monetary savings.
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Surviving the Office Christmas Party The Office Christmas Party The outlandish, drunken office Christmas party used to be a staple of popular culture, namely television, books, and movies. Now it has dropped out of the imagination; the only example I can think of recently is Office Christmas Party, a goofily ridiculous comedy from 2016 starring Jennifer Anniston and TJ Miller. Aren’t office holiday parties a thing of the past? Or have we simply stopped noticing? The Christmas party countdown is on! Yes, it’s that time of the year again… The office Christmas party is just around the corner. Instant Print carried out a 2023 survey of over 1,000 UK office workers to get their thoughts on Christmas parties, the cost of living and of course their biggest “icks”. They discovered:
To Attend or Not to Attend? They quizzed their survey respondents to see first and foremost if they’ll be attending this year’s Christmas party at their workplace. A non-surprising 63% of respondents shared ‘Yes, I will be attending’ compared to 17% who shared ‘No, I will not be attending’ and 20% who are yet to decide. They followed up by asking respondents if they actually like attending their work Christmas party. An admirable 81% of respondents shared that they like attending it’s fun and they enjoy it.
Only a small 7% shared that they don’t enjoy it and won’t be going, whereas over one in ten revealed that they don’t enjoy attending but feel they have to or that they’re obliged.
Top 10 Christmas Party Icks as Ranked by Brits They asked their respondents to select their biggest Christmas party icks. 1. Overly drunk colleagues: Coming in the top spot with 60% of votes, it seems that although we all like a drink ourselves, over half of us don’t enjoy sharing our company with other overly drunk colleagues. 2. Team building activities: Next on the list of biggest Christmas party icks are team-building activities. It seems that Brits prefer to let their hair down instead of attending what feels more like a team-building event with 34% voting for this unwanted addition. 3. Someone unwanted trying to buy you a drink: Coming in at number 3 with 22% of votes is someone unwanted trying to buy you a drink. Over one in five of us finds the creepy colleague lurking at the bar as one of our biggest icks at the Christmas party. 4. Cheesy DJ and music: Ranking at number 4 with 21% of votes was a cheesy DJ and music. It seems that Brits are after a more tailored musical offering rather than hearing Mr Brightside or Wonderwall several times a night. 5. Inappropriate outfits: Charting halfway is inappropriate outfits. With 21% of Brits believing that there has to be a level of professionalism even at the annual Christmas Party.
6. Bare feet on the dance floor at the end of the night: At number 6 is bare feet! Hurting high heels are a recurring problem at Christmas parties, but it seems that 21% of Brits get the ick from bare feet gracing their presence of the dancefloor. 7. Party games: Number 7 of Brit’s biggest Christmas party icks are party games. 20% of respondents shared that participating in party games is not on their list of things to do at their Christmas party. 8. One free drink token: Enjoy a drink, 20% of Brits share that a one free drink token was one of their icks. It seems employees would rather be given plenty of tokens to spend or access to a free bar! 9. Public displays of affection: Also garnering 20% of votes is public displays of affection. Whether that’s between existing couples or Christmas party romances, Brits are truly given the ick by PDAs. 10. Karaoke: Last but not least is karaoke. With 18% of votes, it looks like karaoke is an acquired taste and not the preferred entrainment option for this year’s Christmas party.
Creating a Festive Workplace:
Navigating the Holiday Season with our Guide to Employee Engagement and Well-being According to CIPD, the professional Abody for HR and people development, 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. CIPD research 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. 0% of employers were giving paid leave to parents to attend a school event, like a nativity play.
CIPD give the following tips on how organisations can make the most of the festivities.
The Office Party
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 can encourage excessive drinking and increase the likelihood of staff behaving inappropriately. Offer a couple of complimentary drinks and make sure non-alcoholic drinks are also served. 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.
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.
Christmas rewards
Inclusivity – Not all religions or faiths celebrate Christmas and not everyone likes a party, so
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 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 reasonable There’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. If possible, arrange for your company to sign up to an EAP (Employee Assistance
Program) who provide help with a variety of different topics including debt management and counselling 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-judgemental - Employees 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. So, before the holiday season starts, I just want to wish you all the happiness and warmth this Christmas. May you have a joyous and wonderful festive season ahead. Merry Christmas! Rhona Hope
Traditional Christmas Pud Ideally, you should make your Christmas Pudding in September or October, to allow time to store and let the flavours mature. That said, there’s nothing wrong with doing it just before the festive season starts. I know there are some very good shop bought Christmas puddings available these days, and this does seem to be a bit of a faff, but it is really satisfying to make your own pudding, and trust me, it will taste great! This recipe makes one 2 pint (1.2 litre) pudding to serve 6-8 people
Ingredients •
150g (5oz) fresh white breadcrumbs
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100g (4oz) plain flour
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100g (4oz) shredded suet
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100g (4oz) soft brown sugar
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150g (5oz) currants
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100g (4oz) raisins
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100g (4oz) sultanas
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1 small eating apple, peeled, cored and chopped
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50g (2oz) chopped mixed candied peel and glacé cherries
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50g (2oz) chopped walnuts and/or blanched almonds
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A generous pinch each of: salt, ground mace, ground ginger, freshly grated nutmeg, ground cinnamon
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Grated rind and juice of both ½ a small orange and ½ a lemon
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2 tablespoons brandy
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Milk to mix
Method 1.
In a large bowl, mix together well the breadcrumbs, flour, suet, sugar, dried fruit, apple, peel, cherries, nuts, salt, spices, fruit rind & juices
2. Add the beaten egg, brandy and enough milk to mix to a soft dropping consistency. 3. Cover with a damp cloth and leave to stand overnight. 4. Grease a 2 pint (1.2 litre) pudding basin. 5. Stir the mixture well, then place in the prepared basin 6. Wrap the pudding with buttered greaseproof paper, then with a large piece of foil pleated across the centre and secure with string. 7.
Place the pudding on a trivet in a large pan and
steam steadily for 6-7 hours (remember to top up the water level in the pan with boiling water, as necessary). 8. When cooked, store in a cool, damp-free place. 9. To serve, steam as above for a further 3 hours, then turn out onto a serving plate and serve with clotted cream, brandy butter or rum sauce
Raised Game Pie This is a real crowd pleaser at a festive feast, especially if you can get hold of a nice fluted pie mould. You can use any game meat you like, but why not try a mix of pheasant, partridge and pigeon – or whatever you can get from the butcher. First, you will need to make the hot water crust pastry (don’t worry, it’s easier than you think), but be sure to have the pie ingredients ready before you start. This recipe serves 6-8 people. Serve with trimmings of your choice – maybe spuds, greens and a nice gravy.
Ingredients Ingredients for the pastry:
Ingredients for the game pie:
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300g (12oz) plain flour
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250g (8oz) pork sausage meat
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½ teaspoon salt
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•
Yolk of one standard egg
500g (1lb) game, cut into neat pieces (bones, skin, etc. discarded)
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4 tablespoons milk
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400g (12oz) rump steak, diced
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4 tablespoons water
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100g (4oz) lean bacon, chopped into pieces
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25g (1oz) butter
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2 pickled walnuts, chopped
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75g (3oz) lard
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1 small onion, peeled and grated
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½ teaspoon mixed herbs
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300ml (½ pint) stock
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1egg, beaten (for brushing)
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2 teaspoons gelatine powder
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Method Method for the hot water crust pastry: 1.
Sift flour and salt into a bowl and warm slightly. Make a well in the centre.
2. Beat the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon milk and pour into the well. 3. Pour water and remaining milk into a pan. Add butter and lard. Heat slowly until the fats have melted, then bring to a brisk boil. 4. Pour into the well. Mix with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well blended. 5. Turn out onto a floured board and knead quickly until smooth. 6. Put into a bowl standing over a pan of hot water. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rest for ½ hour.
Method for the game pie: 1.
Pre-heat oven to 200OC/400OF/Gas 6
2. Roll out two-thirds of the pastry to ½cm thickness and use to line a raised pie mould (or an 18cm/7in loose-bottomed cake tin). Keep the other third in a bowl over hot water, covered with a tea towel. 3. Cover the base of the pie neatly with the sausage meat. 4. Put the already prepared game, steak, bacon, walnuts and onion into a bowl. Add the herbs and mix well.
5. Put into the pie mould or cake tin and pour in 150ml (¼ pint) of stock. 6. Roll out the remaining pastry to form a lid. Moisten the edges with water and cover the pie, pressing the pie lining and lid together firmly to create a seal. Trim any surplus pastry and use to make any decorations you would like to add to the top of the pie. 7.
Brush the whole pie top with beaten egg, then make a hole in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape.
8. Stand the pie on a baking tray and bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes. 9. Reduce oven temperature to 180OC/350OF/Gas 4 and bake for a further 1¾ - 2 hours. Cover the top of the pie with greaseproof paper for the last ½ hour of cooking to prevent the pastry from browning too much. 10. Once pie is removed from oven, heat the remaining stock, then sprinkle in the gelatine and stir until dissolved. 11. Pour into the pie through the hole in the top. 12. Leave the pie to cool for 12 hours. Remove the mould just prior to serving.
The Cocktail Cabinet Some festive concoctions for you to try over Christmas and the New Year.
Somerset Punch A nice fruity beverage to serve at a party. This is a basic recipe, so feel free to experiment. For example, I like to add a little more apple brandy! Serves up to 16 people. Ingredients: •
1 litre dry cider
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15cl dry white wine
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2 measures (50ml) apple brandy
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15cl orange juice
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2 measures lemon juice
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15cl apple juice
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30cl ginger ale
Combine everything in a punch bowl with a large block of ice (or a load of ice cubes). You can add some fruit if you like, e.g. sliced strawberries.
Traditional Frothed Wassail Cup
Let’s get serious now. This is what to have at this time of year! Serves 8-10 Ingredients: •
4-5 apples, peeled, halved and cored
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1½ tablespoons brown sugar
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4 pints (2¼ litres) cider
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½ cup (120ml) apple brandy (or brandy)
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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1 teaspoon nutmeg
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8 whole allspice berries
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2 whole cloves
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2 cinnamon sticks
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6 eggs, separated
Method: 1.
Preheat oven to 180OC/350OF/Gas 4
5. Tie the allspice berries, cloves and cinnamon sticks into a bundle of cheesecloth to keep them from getting lost as they steep. 6. Place the bag into the pot and heat the cider until warm, 20-30 min. (Alternately, place the wassail mixture into a large slow cooker. Heat on low for 4-5 hours.) 7.
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks until pale in colour and frothy using an electric hand mixer. Set aside.
8. In a medium bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Blend the yolks into the whites, mixing until just combined. 9. Temper the beaten eggs by slowly pouring 1 cup of the hot wassail mixture into the eggs, whisking as you pour. 10. Remove the spice bundle from the wassail and pour the mixture into a punch bowl. Add the tempered eggs to the wassail punch, stirring gently to combine. (The froth will mix in slightly, but then float to the top.) Float the warm apple halves in the punch bowl.
2. Place apple halves, cut side up, on a foil lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with brown sugar and bake for 45 minutes, until soft.
11. Serve the warm wassail in mugs.
3. While the apples bake, pour the cider and brandy into a large pot and warm the mixture over medium-low heat. Do not bring it to a boil.
Have a cool Yule everyone.
4. Add the ginger and nutmeg.
Note: If you don’t want to include the eggs, that’s fine, the spiced cider is great on its own.
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Editorial Team Paul Waite, Editor in Chief Sam Waite, Editor Ross Curry, Design Thanks to all our content contributors.
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