Aspen Waite Magazine Spring 2023

Soar high and embrace a world of limitless possibilities

- Amit Ray

For it is in daring to soar that we truly find our wings

PAUL WAITE - FCA FCCA - CHIEF EXECUTIVE ASPEN WAITE GROUP

Welcome to the Spring edition of our quarterly magazine.

If you are reading this and you would like to contribute an article, get in touch with me at Paul@aspen-waite.co.uk

It feels like it was only Christmas the other day and yet 2023 is 25% of the way through already.

We can now see how much damage was done to business and society by the government’s reaction to the pandemic.

It was impossible to network because of the restrictions and the economy was ruined, exasperated by the cost of the furlough scheme and the loss sustained through the CBILS scheme.

Somehow, through a remarkably undemocratic process, we ended up with one of my least favourite politicians of all time, Rishi Sunak, as Prime Minister. We now have 25% corporation tax and my favourite tax planning tool of all time, R&D tax credits under massive threat.

The last year has been a horrible one from a tax adviser’s point of view.

We started off with pay out times for the tax credits slipping to as much as 6 months and then to quote the words of one of our respected competitors ‘HMRC have declared war on the profession’.

It has been like trying to work under siege. Enquiry letter after letter, all very dispiriting. At the same time, though claims have been paying out really quickly (28-35 days).

My personal view is that the Sunak government was desperate to repair the finances so the enquiries are a cynical reaction to this. The overall economic position is better than was predicted though and I think we saw the government’s reaction to this in what was a surprisingly traditional Conservative style budget.

There were some real surprises, most extremely positive. For me the two stand out measures were:

1. The rapid expensing of Capital Expenditure on a £ for £ basis against profits

2. The scrapping of the £1m cap on the tax free savings for pension schemes

Mr Hunt says he wants to create an Enterprise Power house, and there are some really interesting new measures. He might need to have a word with HMRC though!

I do see some signs of green shoots out there and it has been rewarding for me to work on quite a few deals. Helping someone to grow their business, keep as much of their profit as possible and sorting out an exit strategy are maybe the most fulfilling things I do.

If anyone reading this wants to sell their business or help get their business investor friendly, then please contact me.

One of my clients Krysteline Technologies is on the verge of global greatness. I have been involved with the business for over 20 years and the world finally seems ready for it.

See the article in this edition on page 14.

It is over 9 months since we saw a part MBO in our Wales operation and despite the loss I still see South Wales as the region which most embraces the Aspen Waite message.

This is all made possible by my interaction with the Morris family without whom our growth in Wales would not be possible. We have picked up 22 new clients over the 9 months in Wales so not a bad return.

I am putting a huge amount of effort to make Aspen Waite a far more efficient business. The pandemic and the loss of two very senior colleagues in Wales have badly affected our processes and systems.

We also still struggle to fully get our message over into the market despite our excellent range of services.

We are making progress though with Aspen Waite Radio especially on the music side. We can make a quality jingle for around £300 and can help with podcasts, videos etc.

Our sister business Evolution Music also goes from strength to strength with some exciting new contracts about to start, we make bioplastic vinyl records and will be extending this to compact discs and cassettes.

One of the more rewarding things recently has been developing our partnership with Confex. We are now ready to launch our own wholesale company that offers an amazing range of products. This will be offered to all clients free of charge in Year One.

This is another example of true entrepreneurial behaviour, but of course there are no guarantees.

One thing I instinctively did after the Wales MBO was I massively stepped up my Social Media presence. It can get a bit obsessive but I have made many new friends, some of whom are really special.

I befriended the Mediaeval Babes which in turn led me to the New York band Avon Faire and a chap called John Rokosny.

Nicer ladies you could not hope to meet and it was a thrill to see john win an Emmy for his short holocaust themed film.

I have also met a lady called Carol Anne Lee. Carol is a painter and heavily involved in a Children’s Charity. A more selfless person I have yet to meet and despite a hard life she gives herself to her mother and the community every day. Please see the feature on Carol on page 28.

My granddaughter Evie is now three and is a true force of nature. Her visits on Saturday keep me grounded and show me what is really important in this world.

I hope you enjoy this feature and remember we are always here for you.

Yours positvely, Paul

If we want to perform at our best levels, we must train our brains mentally...

How to be successful at anything.

In a world with a population fast approaching 8 billion people it is easy to be sucked into the day-to-day humdrum, monotonous staccato beat of life; following one’s daily routine, and dealing with all the current issues and challenges that throw themselves in our path.

Day after day, time ticks over and one day blends into the next, and then, before we know it, it’s Christmas time again and we merge into another year, often wondering where the time went. If this is a situation familiar to you it may be an indication that your thinking is not as focussed as it could be.

Picture someone like Chris Hoy, or Mo Farah, or perhaps Jessica Ennis-Hill - these athletes spent years of training and dedication to their goals, overcoming almost every obstacle that could be thrown in their path from injuries to abject failures at times when they needed to perform. Greatness for them was a very long process of dedication and persistence, of practising the right habits and developing the right bodily muscles and mind-sets. We, the public, seldom hear of their failures and hardships.

Think of Richard Branson, Alan Sugar and any other successful businessperson, the same applies to them. So just as an athlete has to train their body and mind, so too, a business person has to train their mind and body to perform at the highest level of their ability.

How does anyone approach this? Fitness of the mind comes from listening and reading inspirational material on a daily basis.

Just as an athlete will train their bodies daily, so too, if we want to perform at our best levels, we must train our brains mentally...by listening to inspirational material If we do this every day for even 15 mins on the way to work we will become fitter and gradually want to push further. Initially, just like fitness, it’s quite difficult, but if you choose the right materials to listen to it is easier – A great place to start is the podcast by Dr. Deepak Chopra and his Infinite Potential podcast series (download on Spotify). His interview with Dr. Oz is uplifting and inspirational.

As inspirational listening becomes a part of your routine, slowly but surely you start stretching and imagining possibilities, its rather wonderful, especially as you do not even realise it’s happening... and then month by month, with your daily listening in place you start to see opportunities for yourself and your life. Nothing really happens, (that you can perceive), but during this time your mind is ripening like a fruit and developing more clarity, not just of thinking, but everything, your consciousness, your valuesyou.

Most people will only read a book, or hear great stories just once. With podcast technology now we can listen to podcasts however many times we like. It’s brilliant!

Explore the inspirational world of podcasting - there are podcasts on almost anything today - go and explore and expand your mind in a positive way. Stop listening to the news - little good energy comes out of that.

Success in business...or how to be successful in anything comes from having a clear vision of what you want. Develop this by clearing out the negatives - we are conditioned to absorb and replace with positive energy.

I challenge you to try it for a month. Just like the pro-athletes become addicted to endorphins and push their limits, so too can we become addicted to brain-endorphins and push our own.

Shop Smart, Save Big

AWWCO Launches Its Direct-toConsumer Platform for Wholesale Products Exclusive Offer for Aspen Waite Clients and Staff: Unlock Your First-Year Membership for FREE with code AWMAG!

In an era where businesses are striving to provide the best possible customer experience, AWWCO is stepping up to redefine the game. We are proud to announce the launch of our innovative new platform that brings wholesale products directly to consumers. Gone are the days of being limited to retail offerings; with AWWCO, customers can access an expansive range of products that were once only available to businesses.

Why settle for less when you can enjoy the perks of exclusive, high-quality wholesale items at the best prices? With AWWCO’s easy-to-use platform, customers can browse and purchase products from various categories, all while enjoying the benefits of wholesale pricing. The platform is rapidly expanding, meaning users can look forward to an ever-increasing range of products to suit their every need.

Limited Time Offer: Aspen Waite Clients and Staff Get Their First Year for FREE!

To celebrate our launch and to reward our Aspen Waite clients and staff, we are offering an exclusive deal. For a limited time, you can unlock your first year AWWCO membership, normally priced at £30 annually, absolutely free! Simply create a new account and use the code AWMAG to claim this fantastic offer.

JOHNO HARRIS - CEO - ASPEN WAITE GROUP Services Spotlight

At Aspen Waite we strive to ensure no business owner ever feels alone. Being at the top can sometimes be a lonely place and we are here to assure you of our support and friendship. Below is a list of services we think will be useful to any business owner no matter where on the business lifecycle they find themselves.

*N.B. All the below services can be offered as per every individual situation. To be assessed by Aspen Waite

Certified Business Adviser.

SEED

Company formation; Company structure advice

Shareholder/Partnership Agreements

Fintech advice; Banking compliance

Accounts; Seed Funding; EIS and SEIS Services

Marketing and media services – (marketing audit website design; business cards and brochure design; social media campaigns)

I.P. Patents; Trademarks; Copyrights

Business Coaching Services

START-UP

As above and additionally:

Bookkeeping

Payroll; Business planning advice

R&D Tax Credits; VAT Services and advice

Personal tax planning and advice. Accounts

Preparation and submission, VAT services

Sales Training; Time management training; Goal setting and life balance coaching; Business loans

GROWTH

As above and additionally:

Overall Business health assessment

Outsourced HR support

Management Accounts

Tax Planning

Part-time FD Services

Marketing and brand development

As above and additionally:

Invoice finance

Environmental sustainability advice and planning

ESTABLISHED

As above and additionally:

Corporate finance

Specialist Tax Advice (e.g. Capital Gains, Inheritance Tax etc)

Company Secretarial Services

As above and additionally:

Executive Mentoring

Private Wealth Management

EXPANSION

As above and additionally:

International Finance

Mergers and Acquisition Services

Financial Modelling

Corporate finance; Audits

As above and additionally

Introduction to M&A

MATURE

As above with further focus on: Succession Planning and Corporate Finance

Compliance and Specialist Tax Services; RDA’s EXIT

As above with specialist focus on: Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate finance.

(Shareholders agreements; Sale of Shares; IHT Planning/implementation); Selling a Business Capital Gains

Other Services that cannot be allocated to any particular area:

Expert Witness Service; Land Remediation; Specialist Tax Areas such as Theatre AllowancesComputer Games – Film Production, etc

We also have a business radio station AW Radio which can help promote our clients’ products and services at any stage of their business lifecycle via interviews and advertisements.

Please do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

The 2023 UK Budget: Unlocking Opportunities for SME Owners

As the world evolves and embraces new challenges, the 2023 UK Budget emerges as a catalyst for change, igniting a renewed sense of optimism and opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners. The financial plan for the UK promises to reshape the landscape for SMEs, fostering innovation, growth, and resilience in an increasingly competitive global market. With a range of initiatives aimed at stimulating business development, incentivizing research and development, and promoting sustainability, the 2023 UK Budget sets the stage for a thought-provoking and transformative journey for SME owners seeking to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.

Here are some of the key changes for SMEs in the budget:

Corporation Tax Relief: SMEs with profits over £250,000 will see an increase in corporation tax from 19% to 25% in April. However, to mitigate the impact, the government is allowing businesses to offset 100% of UK investments against their profits, which could help reduce tax bills.

Research and Development (R&D) Incentives:

SMEs investing 40% or more of their total expenditure in R&D can claim an “enhanced credit” worth £27 for every £100 spent. This initiative encourages innovation and may provide financial incentives for SMEs to invest in new products, services, or processes.

Investment Zones: SMEs located in one of the 12 new investment zones can benefit from the £80 million in funding allocated to boost business in these areas. This funding may create a more supportive environment for growth, as well as opportunities for collaboration and networking.

While the 2023 UK Budget offers an array of promising opportunities for SME owners, it is essential to approach these changes with a blend of cautious optimism and informed decision-making.

As we move forward in these dynamic and uncertain times, the Budget serves as a hopeful reminder that with the right support, adaptability, and determination, SMEs can continue to thrive and shape the future of the UK economy.

Local

Regeneration

Projects: The £200 million in additional funding for local regeneration projects may improve infrastructure and public spaces, potentially enhancing the attractiveness of certain areas for businesses and customers.

3 4 5

Energy Efficiency Tax Relief: SMEs investing in energy efficiency measures can access up to £600 million in tax relief, encouraging them to reduce their energy consumption and save on energy costs.

1 2 13

KATRINA DAY - MEDIA, MARKETING AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT

Krysteline Technologies is a company that has spent many years researching and developing innovative solutions to transform the glass recycling industry.

With a team of passionate entrepreneurs led by director Steve Whettingsteel, Krysteline has become a global ambassador for glass recycling and is accepted as a global leader in glass recycling technologies. In this article, we’ll explore the entrepreneurial success story of Krysteline Technologies, highlighting their innovative solutions and raising awareness of their services.

The Journey to Success: A profile of Krysteline Technologies and their path to becoming a leading player in the glass recycling industry.

In the 1990s Steve Whettingsteel worked as a marine engineer onboard cruise ships was involved in the development of clean ship technology. Cruise ships generate 2.2kg per day per person of glass but there were no glass processors which were suited to the requirement of <6mm and sharp free.

From 1997-1999 he undertook research and testing of different methods of processing glass. Early ideas created many challenges, as existing technology was basically “a hammer in a box” creating difficulty in separating glass from other materials and contaminants, therefore a new direction was needed and Steve created a machine which generates minimal sound and almost infinite variability, but most importantly

only vibrates the glass, causing its collapse, thus leaving all non-glass items their original size. This invention (The Imploder) is at the heart of Krysteline Technologies and was quickly patented, and so Krysteline began with the development of small scale Imploder machines using the patented Implosion technology. These were able to process 1-2 tonnes of material per hour, initially around 3000 of these were sold around the world, with early customers including the British Antarctic Survey, a laboratory in the Falkland Islands, cruise ships, and hotels.

The Innovations of Krysteline Technologies: An exploration of Krysteline’s cutting-edge technology and how it is transforming the glass recycling process, including their unique glass sorting system and glass-to-sand solution.

Krysteline Technologies is an innovative, multi-disciplined company with over 20 years’ experience in the glass and waste industry, providing glass processing systems and strategies around the world ensuring all products have a negative or zero CO2 footprint, even after a longchain process.

As the glass global challenge became clearer, Krysteline embarked on an ongoing journey to develop a significant range of machines to process glass of all types and qualities, not only reducing the volume of the feedstock material, but also screening, separating, cleaning, and colour-sorting different fractions.

Krysteline now has an enviable portfolio of over 500 machines, all being customisable in part or full, from a simple volume reduction stand-alone Imploder, through to 60tph plants with complex cleaning, drying, colour sorting and with sand and powder production. This flexible approach has allowed for the development of multiple products using mixed coloured reject glass, due to Krysteline’s ability to effectively clean and prepare all glass to a very high standard. This is done through a range of complementary technology to support the creation of glass products, with varying levels of re-sell value, such as; foam glass, fillers, cement, glass-based silicon fertilizers, water filtration and expendable abrasives.

Annually more than 200 million tonnes of glass are produced globally, less than 40% is re-used for new glass production (remelt or glass wool) due to limited furnace capacity, quality, colour disparity, location, and economics - as a result this material ends its life in landfill as daily cover or used as a low value aggregate substitute. Krysteline’s technology is changing the way we think of glass and how it is recycled especially as CO2 emissions become an intrinsic part of our daily life. The Krysteline approach is to ensure all products have a negative CO2 footprint, even after a long-chain process.

More recently, as part of Krysteline’s key focus on Research and Development, breakthroughs have been made with finding ways to handle the more challenging types of glass.

For example, the laminated glass used in car windscreens when processed by a bespoke Krysteline system can segregate around 99% of the PVB film from within the laminated glass. Similarly, deconstructing photovoltaic cells and segregating the glass has presented obstacles in the past, but Krysteline is now partnering with an Australian company on a full recycling plant for PV cells. Whilst glass processing remains at its core, alternative feedstocks such as furnace slags, minerals, ores, seashells, whelks, and many other interesting products are presenting excellent additions to the array of feedstocks the Imploders can currently process.

Krysteline has invested heavily in Research and Development and the range and variety of international projects coming to fruition seems to offer some testimony to the appetite out there for better technology solutions with glass recycling. Steve Whettingsteel believes it is a vindication of the firm’s philosophy, technology, and business model.

The Importance of Glass Recycling: A discussion of the environmental impact of glass waste and the role that glass recycling plays in creating a more sustainable future.

200 million tonnes of glass are landfilled annually due to limited furnace capacity, quality, colour disparity, location, and economics, losing 39 million tonnes of CO2 and potential revenues of £3.5bn. This misunderstanding of the glass recycling landscape has created policies and legislation which are not fit for purpose. Traditionally, low market value and high-quality requirement for glass cullet back to new glass production limited its commercial viability.

As the message of purity and efficiency grows, the potential for harnessing change and contributing to the global reduction in CO2 will enhance knowledge, changing industry and government strategy. Understanding we all learn in different ways and adapting the message to suit this diversity, while being aware that growth should be by ‘product pull’ - that being by creating demand. The world is now starting to understand and accept that there is a better way of processing glass, that ALL glass needs to be respected and monetised equally, not just cullet and that the solution is to develop and evolve low CO2 marketplaces for non-cullet glass, and to legislate, mandate, and motivate policies based on markets, geographical location and CO2.

The previously landfilled and unsuitable for remelt glass can now be converted into high-value, low CO2 products such as Glass Based Silicon Fertilisers which improve plant growth up to 400%. Similarly converting this glass into an Ultra High Performance Glass Cement (UHPGC) reduces CO2 by four tonnes for every tonne of cement.

Krysteline Technologies’ Impact on a Sustainable Glass Recycling Strategy: An analysis of how Krysteline’s innovative solutions are transforming the way we think about sustainable packaging, and the potential impact that they could have on the environment.

Krysteline has sold over 3000 machines globally, and it is estimated to have recovered more than 3 million tonnes of glass and saving 1 million tonnes of CO2.

Steve Whettingsteel, CEO of Krysteline Technologies, has presented the Krysteline solution at many events around the world. With 2022 being the United Nations’ International Year of Glass (IYOG) and it was fantastic opportunity to “spread the message” attending the Opening Ceremony at the UN in Geneva; presenting at the PDA’s pharmaceutical packaging event in Murano; ICG in Berlin; SPBrazil - the national glass technologies event; Şişecam’s International Glass Conference in Turkey and the IYOG 2022 Closing Ceremony in Tokyo followed by a special recognition during the IYOG debriefing event at the UN HQ in New York.

The Future of Glass Recycling: An exploration of the future of the glass recycling industry, including the potential for increased automation and the role that Krysteline Technologies will play in shaping the industry.

Emissions is one of the areas where Krysteline is challenging traditional perceptions around glass as well as offering better value to cullet users and other potential partners. There are often all sorts of CO2 costs involved in the various stages of collecting and recycling glass: from the point where it might be collected from kerbside, transported to a central recycling point and taken to different locations for segregation or colour sorting. One element of this is that it can have an instant, effective and efficient impact to avoid hauling the product around, often achieved by locating lots of different activities on the same site. For example, installation of Krysteline’s equipment on many remote islands offered a twofold solution; by reducing the waste glass produced on the island into a useful product and by reducing the costly imports and disposal costs. It also provided value work and resources for the locals.

The company has Distributors and Sales Agents around the world, each in different regions, using varying languages. The Distributor Network is in continuous development, estimated to grow to more than 50 globally, focusing on marketing the company, its products, and processes to organisations with infrastructure and contacts which could benefit from implementation of Krysteline’s technologies.

LARA HONEYBUL - HEAD OF CREATIVE

Designing for Neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity is quickly becoming an important part of branding, design and marketing. As more people become aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals with neurological differences; businesses are realising the importance of creating products and services that are accessible by those with different types of requirements. Neurodiversity includes a range of learning differences such as autism or dyslexia, which can make everyday tasks more challenging. From usability to accessibility to recognising individual preferences, designing for neurodiversity is all about creating an inclusive experience tailored to the needs of each user.

When it comes to usability, designing for neurodiversity means creating a clear and consistent user interface (UI) that is manageable for anyone regardless of their neurological abilities. This means keeping navigation straightforward and easyto-follow with multiple paths where necessary to provide an intuitive experience for all users. Additionally, strong colour contrasts, readable fonts, tooltips when needed, and audio descriptions should all be considered when constructing an effective UI design.

Accessibility is another key principle when it comes to designing for those with neurological differences; tools should be created that recognise individual preferences such as colour blindness or language requirements to ensure everyone has equal access regardless of impairment levels. By making changes such as these at a systematic level, designers can help create more equitable experiences tailored specifically toward each user’s needs.

Designing successfully for neurodiversity also involves understanding that no two people have the same needs so what works today may not work tomorrowcontinual evaluation is essential in keeping designs up-to-date and successful for everyone involved. At a larger scale this often involves reshaping our entire approach to design with inclusion embedded within every stage from product owners through developers right down to customers being able to use our products or services knowing they have been thoughtfully crafted with accessibility in mind.

And there are a few key considerations when it comes to ensuring designs are as inclusive as can be:

FONT AND TYPEFACE

Choosing the right font will increase retention time, reduce fatigue and support good stress. A legible, readable font should be a sans-serif, humanist typeface, with suitable letter and word spacing and defined characters to increase legibility for low vision readers. Simple shapes assist with speed and help reduce cognitive loads. Font size should be easy to read at an arm’s length on any device and colour contrast should be AAA.

Reading with dyslexia? That can be quite a challenge. Did you know a unique font, ‘Dyslexie’ was created to offer people with dyslexia a unique typeface to make reading, learning, and working easier - always, everywhere and on every device?

But what does that entail?

Heavier bottoms

Each letter has a clear baseline, which creates a visual centre of gravity and prevents letters from being turned upside down.

Different shapes

The shape of each letter is adjusted subtly. This way the chance of turning, mirroring and swapping is minimized as there is less uniformity.

Longer sticks

Some Dyslexie font letters have longer sticks, which helps to decrease switching and swapping letters while reading.

To design the dyslexia-friendly typeface, all typography rules and standards were ignored. Instead, all the challenges of dyslexia are taken as a starting point. The result? A unique friendly font that enables everybody to reach their full potential. That’s the power of user centric design.

COLOUR

Colour choice is a fundamental tool for enhancing a visual aesthetic, informing a user of a state or messaging change and button type hierarchy (Learn More, Submit, Contact, etc). Users with low contrast sensitivity (often senior learners), learners who cannot distinguish between certain colours (‘colour blindness’) and Dyslexia and Dyscalculia neurotypes often benefit from higher contrast designs. However, colour choice does not only consider non-neurotypical learners but can also greatly support learners in states of cognitive fatigue (mental exhaustion, focus, over and understimulation). The choice of colour for text and icons on solid-coloured backgrounds should meet accessibility standards; a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5 (AA) is acceptable, but a contrast ratio of 7+ (AAA) is preferred for main/body text. Photography and graphics that make up decoration do not require such stringent consideration. Consistency across all elements, using colour to distinguish their importance, should be used. To ensure the connectedness of elements that call for an action, the same colour should be used - for example ‘Learn More’ and ‘Contact Us’, buttons all present an intention to the action of exchange or confirmation. Using alternative colours for such a button, will cause disruption to working memory and the perceived intention of the button, causing hesitation (anxiety) and in some cases avoidance or worse the user dropping out. Although colour contrast is fundamental to initial design principles, cognitive fatigue can also be increased by high contrast (black text on white background). Users with an oversensitive visual cortex, visual-perceptual disorder, and learners with dyslexia related difficulties (Irlen Syndrome) will experience processing issues identified as part of their neurotype. Visual stress can be greatly reduced with the addition of coloured UI mode, in addition to light and dark mode, common in most modern interfaces. Providing the option to

switch the visual appearance of the interface to a specific hue and saturation from a wide selection of colours ensures that everybody’s needs are met. The benefits of a colour mode option are not exclusive to learners with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD/HD or Autism. Neurotypical learners can also gain an advantage by reducing eyestrain when experiencing cognitive fatigue. Providing the option to appropriately change the visual appearance, text and background colours also improves learning retention and ease anxiety related fatigue.

BUTTONS

These interactive elements are the staple of navigation and connection. Designing elements to have an appearance of an intention to action (‘it looks clickable’) reduces hesitation and ambiguity. Dynamic elements with a large hit radius also improve agility for learners with finer motor skill difficulties.

INTERFACE

The layout positioning of important elements in websites and digital assets should be consistent to support expectations. Navigation menus, content areas and footers have established placements in an interface, changes to those common areas should be avoided. Providing an uncluttered, organised arrangement of elements reduces cognitive load and choice paralysis.

ANIMATIONS

Animated movement is a powerful tool, however, animated motions must be used sparingly to support learners with vestibular dysfunction. Animation can delight and engage learners and reinforce core messaging or instruction when an animation is relevant and used within context to digital asset. UI elements that perform a change in state, such as accordion menus, drop-down panels and dialogue panels should use a subtle transition animation to indicate the state change. Unexpected full screen, auto-looping and fast flashing animations will cause a sensation of vertigo and dizziness in a user with a

vestibular disorder, to higher degrees users can experience increasing concentration problems and even migraines. Providing the option to turn off animations and motions as a user setting or adhere to a user’s device preferences (prefers-reduced-motion media query) greatly supports learners with all types of vestibular disorders.

In Summary…

When it comes to design, neurodiversity should be embraced, not feared. By embracing this concept and building designs that focus on a variety of different needs and abilities, businesses can unlock greater innovation potential and efficiency. Working with a professional marketing and media agency is a great step in taking your business to the next level to meet your customers’ needs. Our designers and marketeers at Aspen Waite have the experience and expertise to create platforms, websites and interactive experiences that are both highly engaging and highly accessible for all people who interact with them. Whether you’re creating a brand new website or visually compelling company literature, designing with neurodiversity in mind is essential if you wish to attract, engage and retain users from diversity backgrounds.

All it takes is imagination, creativity and consistency! If you’re ready to get serious about building a strong and accessible brand, talk to us today to start your journey.

Lara.Honeybul@aspen-waite.co.uk

RACHAEL WOOD - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

The use of Artificial Intelligence in business.

Whether you like it or not, Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming increasingly prevalent in the everyday world of business; from Customer Service chatbots to Talent Acquisition, whether we like it or not, AI is increasingly taking the roles formerly undertaken by human staff. If teachers are using the latest AI platform; ChatGPT to generate lesson plans, are students using the app to write essays which will then go on to be marked by platform?? Where will it all end?

Are some organisations recognising the value to be gained from good old-fashioned Customer Service and human support teams available online OR have chatbots simply become so advanced that the untrained eye of the consumer doesn’t realise they are communicating with a humanoid robot?

History of AI

Contrary to popular belief, the concept of AI has been around for some 70+ years.

The idea of AI was first proposed in 1943 when a paper by McCulloch & Pitts entitled “A logical calculus of the ideas immanent to nervous activity” was published. This is now considered as one of the pioneering papers that initiated the formation of artificial intelligence and cognitive science. Following this, the earliest successful AI program was written in 1951 by Christopher

Strachey, later director of the Programming Research Group at the University of Oxford. Strachey’s checkers (draughts) program ran on the Ferranti Mark I computer at the University of Manchester.

It was some 40 years later before Machine Learning (ML) emerged onto the market. In the 1990s, researchers began to focus more on ML, which uses algorithms to analyse data and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed. This period saw the development of decision trees, neural networks, and other machine learning techniques.

In the 2010s, the AI boom arrived with the development of Deep Learning, a form of ML that uses neural networks with many layers as a powerful tool for AI research. This period saw the development of many breakthroughs in AI, including natural language processing (NLP) and the development of chatbots, computer vision for example facial recognition, and autonomous vehicles.

In late 2022, NLP was taken to a new level with the emergence of ChatGPT which exploded onto the market on 30th November. It is an NLP tool created by OpenAI (founded by Elon Musk, Reid Hoffman (founder of LinkedIn), Sam Altman et al in 2015) that allows you to have human-like conversations with a chatbot. The language model

can answer questions and assist you with everyday tasks such as composing emails and essays, writing business plans & analysing data, though to writing packing lists, 1200 calorie high protein meal plans and providing a list of all Cold-Water Lidos in the UK (I had to get a swimming reference in here somewhere!) all in a matter of seconds!! You have to see it to believe it!

According to analysis by Swiss bank UBS, ChatGPT is the fastest growing app in history. In January, only two months after its launch, UBS estimated that it already had 100 million active users. Note, for comparison, TikTok took 9 months to reach 100m users. As the platform is still in its research & feedbackcollection phase, it’s currently open to the public and can be used free of charge. For those who don’t want to wait for the system to come back online when it crashes due to user volume overload, there is also a paid subscription version called ChatGPTPlus.

“ChatGPT is scary good. We are not far from dangerously strong AI,” said Elon Musk, one of the founders of OpenAI before he resigned from the board in 2018.

This ground-breaking technology aside companies are increasingly using AI to automate processes, gain insights from data, and improve decision-making.

Here are a few examples of some of the most widely used ways of using AI in business today:

Customer service chatbots

Many companies, including the vast majority if not all banks, are using AI-powered chatbots to handle customer service inquiries. These chatbots use NLP to understand customer queries and provide appropriate responses. This can save time and resources for businesses, while also providing customers with quick and helpful support.

Fraud detection

AI can be used to detect fraudulent activities in a variety of industries, such as banking, insurance, and e-commerce. By analysing large amounts of data, AI algorithms can identify patterns that may indicate fraudulent behaviour, such as unusual purchasing patterns or suspicious account activity. Again banks are at the forefront – how many times have you been contacted by your bank when you make an unusual transaction?

Marketing optimization

AI can be used to optimize marketing campaigns by analysing customer data and predicting which strategies are most likely to be effective. For example, AI can analyse customer browsing behaviour and purchase history to determine which products or services a customer is most likely to be interested in, and then deliver targeted ads or promotions to that customer. How many of the ads you’ve gone on to purchase from online were written by AI?

Predictive maintenance

AI can be used to predict when maintenance is needed on machinery and equipment, helping businesses to avoid unexpected downtime and costly repairs. By analysing data from sensors and other sources, AI algorithms can identify patterns that indicate potential equipment failures, enabling businesses to schedule maintenance proactively.

Talent acquisition

Whether we like it or not, Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. If nothing else, go check out the ground-breaking technology that is ChatGPT whilst it is still free. You have to see it to believe it, it will blow your mind.

AI can be used to assist with talent acquisition by analysing resumes and job applications to identify the most qualified candidates. This can save time for hiring managers and improve the accuracy of candidate screening.

Inventory management

AI can be used to optimise inventory management by analysing sales data and predicting demand for different products. This can help businesses to avoid overstocking or understocking products, which can lead to lost sales or wasted resources.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that AI is being used in business today. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more innovative and subtle ways of using AI to improve business operations and outcomes.

While there are certainly benefits to using AI in business, there are also potential downsides that companies need to be aware of.

PROS OF USING AI IN BUSINESS Improved efficiency and productivity

One of the main benefits of using AI in business is that it can improve efficiency and productivity. AI can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more important tasks. For example; AI can be used to automate data entry, customer service and even marketing campaigns. This can lead to cost savings and improved overall productivity.

Enhanced decision-making

Another advantage of using AI in business is that it can enhance decision-making. AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, identifying patterns and insights

that humans may not be able to see. This can enable companies to make more informed decisions, which can lead to better outcomes.

Personalised experiences for customers

AI can also be used to personalise experiences for customers. For example; AI can analyse customer data to make product recommendations, provide personalized content, and even offer personalized pricing. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Improved quality control

AI can also be used for quality control purposes. For example; AI algorithms can analyse images and video to identify defects in products or machinery. This can lead to improved product quality and reduced costs associated with defective products.

CONS OF USING AI IN BUSINESS

Potential job displacement

One of the main concerns associated with the use of AI in business is the potential for job displacement. AI can automate many tasks that are currently performed by humans, leading to potential redundancies and job losses. While some argue that AI will create new jobs, it is unclear whether these jobs will be sufficient to offset the jobs lost to automation.

Potential bias

Another potential downside of using AI in business is the potential for bias. AI algorithms are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the data used to train the algorithm is biased, then the algorithm may produce biased results, potentially leading to discrimination and other negative outcomes.

Security risks

AI can also pose security risks to businesses. For example; if an AI system is hacked, sensitive data could be compromised. Additionally, AI could be used by cybercriminals to launch attacks on businesses.

Lack of transparency

Finally, there is a lack of transparency associated with some AI algorithms. It can be difficult to understand how an algorithm arrived at a particular decision or recommendation. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for businesses to justify their decisions to customers or regulators.

In conclusion, without a doubt there are both pros and cons associated with the use of AI in business. AI can improve efficiency and productivity, enhance decision-making, personalize experiences for customers, and improve quality control. However, AI can also lead to potential job displacement, bias, security risks, and a lack of transparency. As businesses continue to adopt AI, it is important to be aware of these potential risks and to take steps to mitigate them. This may include investing in employee training, conducting regular security audits and being transparent about how AI is used in decision-making processes.

Whether we like it or not, Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. If nothing else, go check out the ground-breaking technology that is ChatGPT whilst it is still free. You have to see it to believe it, it will blow your mind.

SAMI TUCKER - HEAD OF OPERATIONS ASPEN WAITE PEOPLE

Aspen Waite People On Tour!

Rhona, Ed and I have been very busy bees over the last few months; and we were very lucky to be able to attend two Business Expo events in the last couple of weeks.

The first event that we attended was the SW Business Expo on Thursday 16th March at Westpoint, Exeter – which was attended by over 2000 visitors and over 100 exhibitors. It was a jam packed day with the three of us arriving at 8am and setting up our beautiful stall for the day. Nothing went back in the boxes until 4pm and by that time there was a lot less to bring home!

We were blown away by the love for our colour scheme and branding (thanks Lara!) and we had so many comments about how professionally presented we were and all of the little touches on the stall really enticed people in. Our branded pens and sticky notes were super popular and provide that subtle subconscious reminder on people’s desks that we are there, even when they are not even thinking about us.

Our main reason for being at the Expo was to promote Aspen Waite People and the services that we could provide for our clients – but, as always, we are team players and also took a host of other leaflets etc for all of the other Aspen Waite Group services including Corporate Finance, Radio and Payroll. Rhona, Ed and I managed to strike up some fantastic conversations with potential customers – hopefully securing some strong leads – but also make contact with other businesses in the area that, although might not have a need for our services, would make for fantastic strategic partnerships and could be a very useful point of lead generation for us. Events like this are very time consuming and exhausting, but face to face networking is something really important and special that was lost during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and is only really starting to make a strong come back now. A lot of visitors were astounded at the breadth of the Aspen Waite Group services - which makes us a very strong competitor.

After disappearing for five minutes to get some fresh air, the lovely Rhona signed me up for the business version of “speed-dating” for an hour, which was a fantastic experience! Myself and approx. 25 other professionals sat in a designated area and we each had 2 minutes each to “sell” our services to the other, exchange businesses cards and potentially make some great connections. I had never done anything like that before, so it really pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it is definitely something that I would like to do again. An hours constant talking, reading body language, adjusting a sales script and finding potential biting points on so many people was quite a feat and I was ready for a large cup of tea (and a slice of cake) by the end of it!

In the run upto the expo, Team #AspenWaitePeople had thought about the best ways that we could entice potential clients to come and connect with us – so we had the great idea of setting up a business raffle.

Everyone who put their business card into the bowl had a shot at winning a host of great prizes including wine, chocolate, and a free radio advert on AW Radio amongst other things! At the end of the day we had about 100 business cards in our bowl and we have reached out to everyone of those people to make connections and see if we can assist them with any of their HR needs.

Another bonus of attending events such as this is that we could have a wander around the other stalls in the Expo

and see how other businesses present themselves at these types of events - and what selling styles they have. As a new offshoot of the Aspen Waite Group, Aspen Waite People are learning and adapting as we go – so speaking to other businesses in the region is a really important part of that, especially if they have been established for many years.

Our second expo event was part of the Confex Expo in Cirencester on Thursday 23rd March which Rhona attended on behalf of Aspen Waite People. The dynamics of this event were slightly different compared to the SW Business Expo as it was aimed mostly at wholesalers including companies as large as Coca Cola and Unilever! Rhona managed to strike up some great conversations and we made some more valuable business contacts.

Watch this space for more super exciting news about Aspen Waite People coming soon……!

#BringOnTheHRRevolution

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Aspirational Artist: Carol Anne

Carol Anne is a captivating contemporary artist with an incredible journey and unique artwork to show for it.

Her pieces combine both iconic Manchester landmarks as well as historical artifacts; creating mesmerizing puzzles of ideas and images in her work.

She gives all of herself into each painting she creates using a dynamic mix of oil, acrylics, watercolours and pastels - all coming together to create truly inspirational creations that capture the heart and soul of their maker

Carol recently achieved the unimaginable - her artwork was displayed in one of Rome’s most esteemed galleries, Rossocinabro where she presented three deeply personal paintings that showcased her unique talent and extraordinary resilience. Through hard work and dedication to artistry, this powerhouse artist is now celebrated for their inspiring depictions of those who have triumphed over adversity. It is our pleasure to invite you on a journey through the remarkable world created by Carol today!

Carol Anne’s Story

My art journey began seven years ago when I struggled to even lift a paintbrush. My childhood experiences had hindered my artistic progress, but I decided to counsel myself and discover why I had failed. It turned out that my mother’s illness had prevented me from attending art college and her subsequent departure left me to raise my toddler sister alone.

After understanding the reasons behind my struggles, I began to paint. My first piece reflected my childhood and it brought me immense relief.

I combined my art with poetry and quotes to create beautiful pieces in fine oils. Over the years, I have exhibited my work in several places, including Hebden Bridge and Manchester, where the proceeds from the limited-edition prints went to Christie’s Hospital. As a committee member of Blackpool Souls in Motion, I also sponsor and raise funds for children with cancer and Brian House Hospice.

My work has also received international recognition; I received an email from Rome the gallery owners after having seen my portfolio of work on my website. I became friendly with the gallery owner who loved my work, and encouraged by the director of the Print Works when he showcased a painting I did of the The Print Works on television - I was deeply honoured. My work has also featured in newspapers as well as by a Texan poet and author who used some of my paintings for his poetry.

My paintings carry deep meanings, often highlighting the stories of women who have overcome poverty and humble beginnings to achieve success. My artwork for the Blackpool event will revolve around the theme of “northern soul”, and I will present a painting of American Legend soul singer Tommy Hunt, depicting his entire musical history.

My dream is to continue succeeding as a selftaught artist with an imagination that runs wild. I want to inspire others who, like me, have faced low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and have experienced rejection, to never give up on their dreams. It’s never too late to pursue what you’ve always wanted to do in life. Don’t be discouraged by the past; instead, focus on standing up and fighting for your dreams with all the strength you have.”

SAMI TUCKER - HEAD OF OPERATIONS - ASPEN WAITE PEOPLE

Top Tips to keep your work life in order.

Balancing two jobs, being a mummy and a wife (as well as trying to have some time to myself) has been such a challenge and it has really made me think about some of the ways that I organise my time and my workload.

I often refer to myself as an “organisational queen” which sounds a bit big-headed when you write it down like that, but I am more referring to the fact that I know that everything has to have its place and everything needs to be done in a set time frame in order for all the facets of my life to work in harmony together. It doesn’t always work like that mind you – let’s be real - but the majority of the time, my life is a series of spinning plates at work/ trips to Rainbows/swimming lessons/dance classes/masses of washing/lots of emails and meeting planning late at night in bed before I regrettably turn the alarm on for the morning. I say the alarm – I actually mean the multitude of alarms – I am an absolute nightmare for waking up in the morning.

I thought that as a change to the type of article that I usually write for the Aspen Waite magazine,

I would share some top tips and hints as to how I manage the office/work side of my life – hopefully there may be something that could help you plan your workday or organisational methods a bit better.

‘Hot’ Desk

My desk is my little slice of heaven and control when I am at work. I don’t like a lot of mess on my desk and I always utilise files, drawers and filing trays. Everything always has its own place so I can turn around blindfolded and still be able to put my hands on something. I am a massive fan of organisational labelling too – nothing makes me happier than standardised labelling in matching tubs/drawer dividers (there are so many addictive videos out there and my pantry reflects that)

Desk to Impress

Desk utilisation and flow is SO important. When I first started in my old job there was no structure or flow to the current desk set up – the printer was on the left hand side of the desk and the printer paper to go in it was on the right hand side in a bottom drawer.

There was no system for different paperwork stages either – so I implemented a filing tray system:

o Scan and Hand Back

o Scan and Post

o Scan and Shred

o In Progress/Waiting on Information

o Ready for Filing

Stationery staples

Always have stationery on hand – most people laugh, but it is very rare that you will see me at work without a pen tucked into my hair! This might not possibly be the solution for everyone, but you get the gist!

It’s a date

I am also an absolute stickler for making sure my Outlook diary is up to date. This is particularly important because I run two work diaries side-by-side, whilst also running the home/ childcare diary as well. I need to know exactly where I am going to be and when – making sure I book in travelling time and also knowing who is doing the school run that day is very important!

Colour Co-ordinate

If my schedule is particularly heavy, I like to colour co-ordinate my diary entries so that I can easily spot what can and cannot be moved. For example – all school pick ups are coloured pink, my social media posting reminders are in blue and client meetings are in yellow. This way when I look at my diary if I am scrabbling for some time to free up, I know that I cannot move the yellow and pink boxes, but the blue ones are more flexible. This is a typical trick that EA’s use for running diaries – and it is SO handy and really simple to do.

Effective emailing

There is never anything in my inbox. Some people cannot believe me when I say this, but hand on heart, there is nothing in my inbox. An email comes in and it gets processed in one of the following ways:

o Delete without replying (spam/sales etc)

o Read and replied to straight away then filed

o Read, flagged then filed – so that I can reply to them later

Red flag (The good kind)

The flagging function on Outlook is something that I just cannot live without. Everything that I need to review later/work on later/that I am waiting on more information from a client etc from – they all get flagged and filed. I can then order and prioritise my “to-do” list by setting time frames for each of those tasks to be completed by, and I can see at any given time what I have outstanding to deal with in Outlook.

Everything has it’s place

Outlook filing is just the best way to keep everything tidy and in its place. I have 3 main systems for filing emails – either by Client/Supplier Name; Accounts Manager or by Project/Location. There are always exceptions to the rule so I have a “Misc” folder which has all of the random

stuff dumped into it (sometimes temporarily). As I’m responsible for 8 email inboxes, the way that I file all those emails can be really critical. Everything needs to be put in a set place or I would never find it again!

‘Unsubscribe’ to thrive

Whilst we are on the topic of emails – I cannot tell you how frustrating it is receiving a hundred sales/spam/circular ones every day. At the bottom of these emails there should be a little button which will become your friend – “unsubscribe”. It might seem annoying to have to do this each time, but in fact it will start to reduce the number of spam emails that you receive straight away as it will prevent others from that same company coming through again. Less emails = Less time wasted reading them = Less pollution (yes, emails still cause environmental impact)

Much ‘To Do’ about Trello

In tandem with flagging emails in Outlook, I am also a big lover of Trello. I can create different workspaces for my homelife and work life, for different projects etc. and with different collaborators too. My to do list of “non-email” actions are on here and I check in on it several times a day – adding, removing and archiving as needed. I could NOT work without a to do list, so this gives me the best of both worlds as I don’t lose a scrappy bit of paper, I can update it on my phone or laptop as it is based on the web AND I can invite others to contribute and edit too. When you are working in a close-knit team such as Aspen Waite People, we have to-do lists for each of the members of staff and anyone can add stuff to any of the lists. This is a great way of keeping track whether your colleague has asked you to do something or vice versa as you can add progress notes and attachments within each task.

Let’s get physical

Something that I’ve learnt at my current job – when dealing with physical paperwork, clip it together with a mini bulldog clip – NOT a paperclip. Paperclips run the risk of paperwork being picked up by the stack above/ below and therefore pages being lost or sent to the wrong client! #GDPR. My bulldog clips have smiley faces on them… just because.

Desk Duty

Do you find yourself writing the same thing over and over and over and over again for different clients? A top tip that I use EVERY single day are multiple email signatures. Have 75% of the work already written for repetitive emails and you can just drop in the client information, double check the details – then off you go. So much time saved, no copy and pasting needed. I have one for VAT chasers, one for account chasers, one for missing information for contracts, one for invoicing… the list goes on. Time saved. Boom.

Declutter and digitise

Repeat after me… “declutter and digitise”. An amazing mantra that I will love till the day I die. There is nothing more therapeutic than going through paperwork and files etc, removing anything that doesn’t need to be kept (GDPR safely!) and then digitising the rest of it –which then means you can ditch the physical copy too at the end! Winner Winner.

File as You Go

The same applies when you are using physical paperwork – FILE AS YOU GO. However tempting it seems, do not leave your filing till the end of the day. You wont want to do it, something will come up or you will just bury it and pretend it isn’t there. I clear down my desk of paperwork between every single job that I do.

Rise Up

Office work used to be fully sedentary work where you would be stuck at your desk all day, wandering only to visit the kitchen or bathroom. But, although you might still be stuck at your desk all day, you can now stand, walk or cycle whilst you are there! I love my riser desk at home (best thing I ever bought) – it means that I can work standing up or sitting down for varying periods of time. In a previous job as an Office Manager for an Environmental Consultancy firm I even implemented a cycling desk for my staff so that they could exercise whilst they worked.

Lumbo Jumbo

Even if you cannot afford or you don’t have access to a standing desk, there are important accessories which can help with your physical health whilst working – these include a lumbar support back rest, a foot rest and even items such as monitor risers. Though a lot of people hate the Health & Safety side of office-based work; actually getting your workstation set up properly can be so beneficial for your health and wellbeing.

Here we go again

My final tip would probably be - at the end of the day do a 3 minute cleardown so when you come back into the office next you will be ready to go:

o Make sure all paperwork has been filed away

o Make sure all your stationery is back in the correct place

o Make sure your screens and printers are turned off

o Anti-bac wipe your desk down

o Wipe down your computer screens

o Tuck in your chair

So; there are some of my tips and strategies to make your everyday work just that little bit more manageable! I have additional tips for managing a 6 year old and a husband –but not sure that most of those are suitable for printing :)

My inbox is always open to anyone who wishes to discuss anything brought up in my articles, so please do drop me an email on sami.tucker@aspen-waite.co.uk

To finish – a great motto that I always try and live by is:

#WorkSmarterNotHarder

Sami xx

EMILY SHORT - SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Wellbeing Corner

Integrating Mindful Moments into your Everyday life

In our day-to-day lives, it can be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of busy schedules and endless to-do lists. With that said, mindfulness can be an incredibly beneficial and accessible tool for even the busiest of people who want a break from their constant gogo-go lifestyles. Taking a moment each day to focus on self-care, gratitude, or just being present in the moment can make all the difference to mental and emotional well-being. Here are some ways you can integrate mindfulness into your life right now!

Meditation & Deep Breathing

Meditation is an incredibly effective way to become aware of your thoughts and feelings while calming yourself down. Taking even five minutes out of your day to sit quietly and observe your breath can make a huge difference. You don’t need any special tools or equipment; just find a comfortable spot, close your eyes, take long deep breaths, and focus on nothing but the sensation of breathing in and out. If you do feel like you could use some direction with this, apps such as Headspace are great or YouTube also has a selection of guided meditations!

Get Outdoors

Nature has an amazing ability to help us slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. Even if you don’t have time for a full hike or other outdoor activity, simply taking a walk outside during lunchtime or in between jobs can help you clear your head and reset for the next task at hand. Notice what’s around you - listen to birds chirping, observe plants growing, feel the sun on your skin - these simple moments are powerful reminders that there is more to life than just our daily routines. Living and appreciating each season has a profound impact on our well-being.

Journalling

Writing down our thoughts is another great way to process emotions and memories without judgment or censorship. This practice doesn’t need to take up too much time; even 10 minutes of free writing (writing whatever comes into your head without editing) can be helpful when trying to work through something stressful or complicated. Just grab a pen & paper (or laptop!) and let it flow!

Take an attitude of Gratitude

Much like journalling, spending a few minutes each day; writing down three things you are grateful for is an amazing way to shift perspective and help you to realise all the simple little joys of life you might otherwise take for granted. Even something as simple as a hot cup of tea in peace can contribute to the gratitude list. Make a habit of it and you might notice yourself taking stock of these little things more and more! I like to make my gratitude writing practice a special daily ritual and treat myself to a beautiful new journal to write in at the beginning of the year!

Make things with your hands

The simple act of creating something stills the mind and when there’s something to show for it at the end it gives a huge boost of serotonin. This doesn’t have to be a huge canvas or an intricately sewn piece of embroidery. You could plan

and make something a bit different for dinner that night, invest in an adult colouring book, or try your hand at building with clay using a kit or attending a local workshop. @InkandBloomWorkshops on Instagram advertises local creative workshops run by artists and creatives in the area.

The benefits of integrating mindfulness into our daily lives are numerous; from reducing stress levels to improving sleep quality, adding mindful moments into our days can make all the difference in how we feel mentally & emotionally. So take some time today (or every day!) to do something that brings you joy and peace – whether that’s through journalling, meditating, or getting outdoors – whatever it is that works best for you! You deserve it!

Whole Sea Bass with Pernod & Dill

John Porteous John.Porteous@aspen-waite.co.uk

This is a great way to cook a nice fresh whole sea bass. It is a fish that is robust enough to take on all manner of strong flavours.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 whole sea bass (around 500g), gutted, pin-boned and scaled

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 large bunch dill

Method

1. Set the oven to 190oC (170oC fan) /gas mark 5.

2. Season the inside of the sea bass, then add the garlic, most of the dill and a few slices of lemon.

3. Prepare a sheet of tin foil big enough to wrap the fish in. Grease the inside with some of the butter, scatter a bit of dill on the foil, then place the fish in the centre and raise the edges of the foil.

4. Drizzle some Pernod into the fish cavity and then over the fish. Place a few cubes of butter on the fish and scatter with the remaining dill. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top.

• 1 lemon (segmented or sliced)

• 50g unsalted butter, diced

• Pernod

• Salt and black pepper, for seasoning

5. Add a bit more seasoning then scrunch up the edges of the tinfoil so the fish is completely sealed inside.

6. Place the fish parcel on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

7. Once cooked, open the fish parcel at the table and serve with steamed vegetables and boiled, buttered new potatoes. Note: If you want to give this dish an extra anise kick you could chop up a fennel bulb and add that to the fish as well. Alternatively, just be a bit heavy handed with the Pernod!

Caribbean Chicken Salad

John Porteous John.Porteous@aspen-waite.co.uk

This is a recipe I pinched from a set of Caribbean Sailing Directions that I used to use when I was a Cartographer for the Hydrographic Office!

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise

• 1/3 cup French dressing

• 1 tsp salt

• A few good grinds of black pepper

Method

1. Cook the rice and allow to cool.

2. One hour before serving, combine the mayonnaise, French dressing, salt & pepper.

• 1½ cups diced cooked chicken

• 1 cup diced celery

• 1-2 cups diced mandarin orange segments (or any orange)

• ½ cup chopped walnuts

3. Combine (separately) the chicken, celery, orange sections and nuts.

4. Add the mayonnaise mixture, then add the rice and mix lightly with a fork. Serve.

Baked Bananas with Orange, Lychee and Ginger

John Porteous John.Porteous@aspen-waite.co.uk

Continuing (vaguely) with the Caribbean theme, this is truly scrumptious. Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas

• 2 oranges, segmented

• 400ml tinned lychees, strained and with the syrup put aside

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170oC / Gas Mark 4.

2. Peel and halve the bananas lengthways, then arrange in an ovenproof dish with the orange segments. Scatter the lychees and stem ginger over.

3. Pour on the lychee and ginger syrups and the lemon juice. Ensure the bananas are completely covered by the syrup and oranges, or, if necessary, cover with damp greaseproof paper, as this will help prevent discolouration.

• 2 balls stem ginger, chopped

• 2 tbsp syrup from the stem ginger jar

• 1-3 tbsp lemon juice

4. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the bananas are tender when tested with a skewer.

5. Serve with cream or ice cream.

Cocktail Corner

John Porteous John.Porteous@aspen-waite.co.uk

A Refreshing Jasmine Cocktail

Can’t remember where I found this, but it’s lovely, so give it a try. Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 Jasmine teabags

• 50g caster sugar

• 70ml sake

Method

• 30ml vodka

• Soda water

• Apple

1. Make a strong cup of tea with the teabags, then stir in the sugar until dissolved. Leave to cool.

2. Add the sake, vodka and tea mixture to a highball glass with ice. Stir until well mixed, then top up with soda water to taste and garnish with a slice of apple.

Editorial Team

Paul Waite, Editor in Chief

Lara Honeybul, Branding and Design

Ross Curry, Print and Digital Support

Sam Waite, Proof Reading

John Porteous, Proof Reading

Sami Tucker, Proof Reading

Thanks to all our content contributors.