Career Pursuit - Edition 3 Winter 2023

TH E N O.1 CAR E E R GU I D E FO R U K M I LITARY PARTN E R S AN D VE TE R AN S

FROM BATTLEFIELD TO BOARDROOM The inspiring journey of how veteran entrepreneur Hannah Saunders launched Toddle

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER OR BUSINESS ON THE MOVE WINTER 2023 CAREER PURSUIT WINTER 2023 1

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welcome

Welcome to Career Pursuit 2023. As Steve Jobs wisely observed, our work occupies a significant portion of our existence, and its impact resonates far beyond the office walls. All too often I hear stories of people who have given up on their careers or business dreams due to military life.

Navigating career transitions alongside the challenges of being a Forces family can be daunting and overwhelming.

But we’re here to guide you through every step of your career change. At Career Pursuit, we believe in the limitless potential of military spouses, partners, and veterans and strive to provide comprehensive support to maximise your professional journey.

2023 has been an exciting year for Career Pursuit. It’s with huge thanks to a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust that we have recently launched our online platform to bring all the career resources you need into one central location. If you haven’t seen it yet, head over to www.careerpursuit.co.uk.

You’ll also find a handy events section there, so you can keep an eye on all the opportunities relevant to your career journey.

In addition, Career Pursuit is in the new military housing ‘Move You In Packs’ produced by e50k in conjunction with Amey. You can find a QR code leading directly to the online platform and magazine on a handy little magnetic notepad that you can pop right on your fridge. And don’t forget, if you’re reading this online and would prefer a hard copy, let us know via the contact form on the website, and we’ll post one out for free.

Once again, I can’t say thank you enough to our sponsor.

This year’s Career Pursuit magazine is only made possible through sponsorship from Pinnacle. We are proud to be able to partner with companies that understand the career challenges military spouses and partners face, and provide career pathways that work around military life. Through their support, we can deliver Career Pursuit to every HIVE and military information office, UK-wide.

This magazine is dedicated to the seekers, the dreamers, and the doers – those who want to pursue and achieve a fulfilling career. Just as Jobs inspired us to find that satisfaction, we aim to inspire you through the stories, insights, and resources that fill these pages.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.”

Steve Jobs

Helen Massy Founder and Editor-in-Chief

helen-massy

CAREER PURSUIT WINTER 2023 3

meet the team

BEHIND CAREER PURSUIT CIC

Helen Massy

Jessica Brown

Founder and CEO Editor-in-Chief Military Spouse

Director Senior Copyeditor Military Spouse, Veteran, and Reservist

Zoe Poulton Director Strategic Operations Military Spouse and Veteran

Elizabeth Hart Company Secretary and Accountant Military Spouse

Emily du Feu

Al Topping

Social Media Manager and Marketing Military Spouse

Resident Photographer Military Spouse and Veteran

Hannah Hubbleday and Hubble

Lee Gray and Forces Print and Promotion

Magazine Design Team Military Spouse

Printers of Career Pursuit Veteran

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contents

Feature article

Expert advice – Self-employment

Resources

Checklists

6 From battlefield to boardroom: The inspiring journey of how veteran entrepreneur Hannah Saunders launched Toddle

26 7 things your website must have

48 Forces Employment Charity

76 Your business start-up checklist

30 How self-publishing can grow your business

51 The Military Coworking Network

77 Career-on-the-move checklist

32 Brewing connections: The RAF veteran whose café serves up more than just coffee and cake

54 Introducing the three single-service Families Federations

78 Your CV checklist

Expert advice – Employment 9 Changing work in a changing world 12 Unveiling the inner mechanics: Working at Pinnacle as a military spouse

35 A guide to PR for budding entrepreneurs 38 Unlocking the power of AI chatbots for your small business

14 How positive communication can help you succeed at work

40 Unlocking business success: Navigating taxes for your new venture

16 How to own your story through career change

43 Why your business needs content writing and copywriting

19 Breaking boundaries in flexible working 22 Why knowing your values is essential for career satisfaction

46 Secure your future: A small business owner’s guide to pensions

55 Recruit For Spouses 58 X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) 60 What is Forces Family Jobs?

62 Heropreneurs 67 The Milspo Business Network 68 Supporting the Unsung Hero 70 e50K CIC 72 Royal British Legion Industries 74 Allsports Coaches Coaching Academy CIC

24 Mastering LinkedIn: Your guide to job hunting on social media

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CAREER PURSUIT WINTER 2023 5

Front cover photo credit: Grace Andrews

By Helen Massy

From battlefield to boardroom: The inspiring journey of how veteran entrepreneur Hannah Saunders launched Toddle HOW DID YOUR IDEA TURN INTO A BUSINESS? After some initial market research, I realised there was a gap in the market for a children’s lip balm, and it could be a business. I was looking to leave the RAF at that time. I went along to the self-employment resettlement course delivered

by X-Forces; they proved instrumental in helping with those crucial, challenging early steps.

Hannah Saunders on BBC One’s Dragon’s Den in 2022

Hannah Saunders, RAF veteran, mum of two, and founder of children’s eco-skincare brand Toddle, appeared on BBC One’s Dragon’s Den in 2022. Not only did Hannah make an appearance, she also presented a professional and superb pitch resulting in offers from three dragons. It finished with Hannah agreeing to work with Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett.

To date, Hannah has secured contracts with several big-name retailers, and her products are available to buy in Holland and Barrett, online, and even on Virgin Atlantic aircraft!

So how do you go from leaving the RAF and having an idea for a product to bringing it to the shelves of huge retail stores?

Career Pursuit’s editor-in-chief, Helen Massy, spoke to Hannah to find out.

WHERE DID THE IDEA FOR TODDLE COME FROM? I came up with the idea of Toddle from my son, who has really sensitive skin and used to get chapped lips to the point they’d bleed. We were always outdoors, as we’re quite an adventurous family, and nothing on the market worked for him.

So I started making a balm in my kitchen to help his skin.

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I also used the British Library Business and IP Centre and all of their workshops to help as well; I highly recommend them, and they’re based all around the country. There, I learnt about how to get investment, how to protect a product, and what a marketing strategy is.

Then came product formulas, product design, and branding; I used professionals for all of these, using money from the Startup Loans company allied to the British Business Bank.

OKAY, SO YOU HAD THE PRODUCT READY? WHAT NEXT? Once I’d sorted the concept, I went through our first investment round, £200k, to take the skincare range to manufacture and employ our first team members. We then went on to launch online, our own website and on Amazon, and in retail, including Virgin Atlantic and Holland and Barrett.

Our breakthrough came when we successfully appeared on Dragons’ Den last year, gaining investment from Steven Bartlett and Deborah Meaden – game changers for the company.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN THROUGH THIS JOURNEY? I think one of the main things with running a start-up is resilience. Things will test you, and so many people give up before they build momentum. I started in a group of 10 startups, and only two of us are left.

A book I really recommend on this topic is Grit by Angela Duckworth. She details the science behind success and that

I definitely learnt that the skills I had from the RAF were more valuable than I realised, and the start-up process has also made me more resilient. I feel I could deal with most things within business now: a tricky customer, difficult retail pitch, getting investment, marketing strategy.

It’s been a steep learning curve, but it’s given me so much.

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Hannah’s top 5 tips to get a product idea to market

how “gritty” you are is often a determinant for success and often trumps talent and experience.

I definitely learnt that the skills I had from the RAF were more valuable than I realised, and the start-up process has also made me more resilient. I feel I could deal with most things within business now: a tricky customer, difficult retail pitch, getting investment, marketing strategy. It’s been a steep learning curve, but it’s given me so much.

WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE YOU STARTED TODDLE? The main thing I wish I’d known is there’s no substitute for networking. I didn’t know how to run a business, and it’s only through meeting people, getting advice, guidance, inspiration, and investment that I’m running this business now. I can’t stress enough how integral it is to make your network as wide as possible. When I was coming up to leave the RAF, my business network was tiny, so it really took me a while to get going.

You can find Toddle natural children’s skincare products online at toddlebornwild.com or follow the brand at:

ToddleBornWild toddlebornwild

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1

Get more investment than you think you’ll need. It will take longer and be more expensive than planned.

2

Get your MVP (minimum viable product) to market as soon as possible. Don’t wait for it to be perfect. Get an 80% product out there and test, adjust, test, adjust.

3

Don’t get fixed on a specific idea. Some of the best inventions and brands have morphed and grown over the years.

4

Use as much organic marketing as you can.

Use influencers/email marketing over paid spend.

5

Don’t worry about protecting your product at the expense of market research. You really need feedback as soon as possible, and no one will steal your idea. You spend all your time in a start-up ramming how good your product is down people’s throats! Protect it as far as you can, but you can’t keep it a secret and get the information you need.

By Camille Dupont

Changing work in a changing world Recent years have seen global events challenge the way we live and work. Freelance journalist Camille Dupont investigates how the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit have impacted the workplace and opportunities for military spouses and partners.

PRE-PANDEMIC WORLD – WORTH REMEMBERING?

Catherine Smith

In 2018, a study commissioned by the Army Families Federation and conducted by the Warwick Institute for Employment Research found what many in the military community already knew: many Armed Forces spouses and partners choose ‘portable’ jobs such as nursing, teaching, and childminding, allowing them to transfer if posted elsewhere, and self-employment was gaining in popularity.

Furthermore, 63% of spouses and partners surveyed said they had changed career paths because of the military lifestyle, and only 7% said they did so because they wanted to – mainly due to assumptions that spouses and partners are always available for childcare as well as lack of a family/ friend support network.

Additionally, ‘patchwork CVs’, childcare issues, and employer misconceptions such as military spouses lacking resilience and determination or not being willing to go the extra mile for their work, were found to damage job prospects.

More broadly, remote and hybrid work were not considered viable options for most employers – with around 5% of workers in 2019 mainly working from home and one in ten having worked at least one day from home according to the ONS – making it even more difficult for ever-moving military spouses and partners to take their job with them and remain in consistent employment.

Used to taking matters into their own hands, military spouses and partners didn’t wait for the pandemic to create landmark initiatives, such as Recruit for Spouses, the Military Coworking Network (MCN), and The Milspo Business Network, to remedy a lack of support dedicated to their peers in the workplace.

Then, in March 2020, the UK was asked to stay at home, including for work.

HOME-WORKING AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT – NEW OPPORTUNITIES? Throughout 2020 and 2021, UK workers demonstrated that working from home was possible for most desk-based roles.

Figures from September 2022 show many workers have kept these arrangements, with 13% working from home exclusively and 22% working at least one day from home in the previous week.

Rory McGrath, a software engineer at Microsoft, already worked from home around 50% of the time pre-pandemic and shared how it has now increased to around 80%. He has, however, some reservations about the model: “Whilst remote work is now understood and accepted better, I still feel it does negatively impact career progression opportunities.”

EXPERT EXPERT ADVICE ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT - EMPLOYMENT 9

Having joined the MCN Hub at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Berkshire, Rory said the space benefits his work–life balance and network: “Sometimes you just need to concentrate and get out of the house rather than sleep, eat, work in the same space all the time.”

“Having a place to work outside of home allows you to meet people in very different roles and industries, learning things you wouldn’t pick up in your normal office environment.”

He concluded, “I think it’s generally assumed that spouses do either various part-time jobs as they move around or are often self-employed. My experience is that I’m in the minority working for a large organisation.”

The pandemic also created a silver lining for unaccompanied spouses and partners. Having moved online, face-to-face community events became accessible to those usually unable to attend because of not living on a patch or working away

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during the day. That’s something that Catherine Smith, a freelance copywriter and content creator who has spent many years married unaccompanied, discovered: “Lacking connection with other families is one of the difficulties of being unaccompanied.

“Covid helped with that because everything had gone virtual.

I could then attend coffee mornings virtually and get to know other wives.”

After leaving for Czechia to accompany her husband on his posting, Catherine found copywriting through helping a friend who needed to outsource some of her work.

“This whole world of freelancing is all new to me; I’m a trained primary school teacher,” she explained.

“I had the dream job I wanted but I handed in my notice.

We would never have this opportunity again [to live abroad together].

“When I was a teacher I had school holidays, but I did miss school concerts and sports day for my daughter because of work.

I also had to rely on my family

EXPERT ADVICE - EMPLOYMENT 10

for childcare. I wanted to do something different with my son.”

the Brexit agreement appears to have created confusion and uncertainty for spouses and partners willing to keep working while on overseas postings in the EU.

“I am glad I can now do something at home and decide my own hours.”

Carolyn Campbell-Baldwin, marketing lead for the MCN, lived in Portugal before the Brexit deadline of December 2020. “I was able to work under the local NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) so [Brexit] didn’t impact me as much as it does spouses abroad currently,” she said.

Among remote roles suited to regular moves and selfemployment, virtual assistant work, such as inbox management, project management, and legal secretarial support, as well as social media management, seem to have taken off.

To support this trend, the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) set up the #SocialMediaSpouses course in 2019. It enables spouses and partners to build up their professional skills and leverage an online community of over 1,500 on Facebook.

Less formally, there are online communities like The Milspo Business Network and virtual events organised by the MCN, such as masterclasses from established virtual assistants to aid other spouses and partners to set up their own mobile, remote services.

UNCERTAINTIES AROUND BREXIT RULES While post-pandemic, remote and/or self-employment work opportunities seem to have improved, the implementation of

“I am glad I can now do something at home and decide my own hours.”

Through her current role, she has received many requests.

“Members are asking for information about the status of spouses, the ability to do remote work abroad for UK employers, and asking for tax information,” she explained.

“There is a lack of government guidance on this.”

The Families Federations have been pressing the MOD to “provide families with robust support and guidance on these issues”.

Whether they wish to remain employed – or self-employed – in the UK, issues of tax residence, diplomatic accreditation, and, potentially, dependency status as part of the SOFA or host nation agreements mean that spouses and partners are left to seek individual advice on their situation through their service’s Families Federation – and most likely HMRC too.

An overseas posting in the EU is something Rory believes could prove problematic in the future: “Pre-Brexit it would have been 100% much easier to convince my employer to tweak terms of employment than now.”

Luckily for her, Catherine found that staying for a shorter posting in the EU and keeping their home in South Wales meant she could retain her tax residency in the UK. This overseas posting and her thriving business have not only opened up a professional network of military spouses and partners to her, they have also taken her beyond:

“I have made many more connections [through this work] than when I was a teacher, from Morocco and the US to the Philippines.”

camilledupont

www.raf-ff.org.uk/overseas/before-you-apply/employment/ aff.org.uk/news/guidance-on-working-remotely-overseas/ nff.org.uk/overseas-info EXPERT ADVICE - EMPLOYMENT 11

Unveiling the inner mechanics Working at Pinnacle as a military spouse Pinnacle Group is a community-facing organisation that manages and maintains living, working, learning, and recreational spaces. This involves an assemblage of over 75,000 mixedtenure residences, more than 160 schools, open areas, public and private buildings, retail outlets, distribution hubs, and manufacturing facilities.

You most likely know Pinnacle for its management of 49,000 service family homes across the UK and overseas, taking the lead in customer-facing services. You may not know that behind the scenes is a workforce often employing military spouses, partners, veterans, and reservists. The company offers a range of career paths, including: At Pinnacle Service Families: • Call handlers • Move assistants • Housing officers/area managers /regional managers • Customer solutions managers • Communications At Pinnacle Group: • Facilities managers • Engineers • Caretakers • Security guards Kayleigh, a military spouse, reservist, and mum of two, has a background in military accommodation. Following a role with Amey, Kayleigh joined Pinnacle when it took over the National Accommodation Management Services contract.

Currently, she works as an area manager for Pinnacle, heading up a team of housing officers in the ‘central’ region.

Kayleigh’s area spreads from Harrogate to Hucknall and Cranwell to Cottesmore (among others).

One of the qualities Kayleigh discusses as being beneficial to her role is her experience as a military spouse: “I understand the position our families are in. I’ve been in their place; I’ve lived in service family accommodation. My husband has not long returned from a six-month deployment, and I was looking after

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our children and the home single-handedly whilst working full time. I understand what military families go through”. And this type of life experience is really valued at Pinnacle.

Pinnacle openly champions the wellbeing of our military community by fostering a robust Armed Forces network that embraces the transferable skills gained from military life. Committed to diversity, it recruits and integrates military spouses/partners and ex-service personnel, recognising the profound social impact. Pinnacle’s support extends to easing the transition to civilian life, addressing multifaceted needs. With recruitment managers attuned to Armed Forces candidates, they create an environment where their new employee’s experience seamlessly integrates into Pinnacle’s mission.

When looking at how Pinnacle supports its military spouse/partner employees specifically: • It is very flexible, particularly on the Pinnacle Service Families contract, with employees from Armed Forces families. For example, housing officers have relocated with their serving spouse and moved their job with them, meaning they can continue to work for Pinnacle and build their career.

• Around 15% of Pinnacle Service Families staff are veterans, reservists, or military spouses/partners. The company is keen to have Armed Forces-connected staff in its workforce as they bring insights civilians don’t necessarily have.

• Reservists are provided with ten days off each year to balance their reserve duties with their career.

“Out of all the companies I’ve worked for, Pinnacle has been the most flexible and warming to our service connections, and really promotes that they value military life experience,” Kayleigh stated. And Pinnacle hasn’t just enabled Kayleigh to work around military life; it has also supported her role as a reservist.

Left to right: Kayleigh at Pinnacle’s high-impact day; Kayleigh with her husband at the King’s coronation; Kayleigh meeting the Speaker.

Kayleigh was one of just a handful of reservists invited down to the House of Commons by the Speaker on Reserves Day. Following this experience, Kayleigh said: “Thank you to Pinnacle for the support to enable me to take part in these events and fulfil my reservist commitments and be a part of such prestigious opportunities. I’m also incredibly grateful to the RAF for the wonderful experiences. In the last 12 months I have been lucky to visit Cyprus, Norway, take part in the King’s coronation, and receive a personal thank you from The Speaker and a tour of the Houses of Parliament for my service.

“I decided to join the reserves after spending many years being a mum and a military wife, supporting my husband through deployments and postings and progressing through the ranks, making us all so proud. This is my time. I have met an abundance of talent amongst the reserves family. I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone, making memories, making new friends, and overcoming little fears. These experiences have helped me to grow and gain the skills that transfer to my professional career. My team and our service families are at the heart of every decision of mine. I share the lived experience our families have, and I love to hear their stories about their own journeys.”

Pinnacle Group signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012.

They worked their way up to being awarded a gold award in

the Employer Recognition Scheme in 2021 for their continued work to support current and former members of the Armed Forces community. Pinnacle continues to support the British military community by providing support and opportunities that help ensure Armed Forces personnel and their families have the security, support, and services to help them thrive.

They’ve also just announced Combat Stress as their official partner charity and will now embark on 12 months of awareness-raising, fundraising activities and broader support.

If you are interested in exploring a career with Pinnacle, Kayleigh suggests popping along to speak to your local housing officer: “Most housing officers hold a monthly ‘housing surgery’ where families can have the opportunity to discuss issues with their home, chase outstanding orders, complaints, and compensation requests. Many of our housing officers have a service connection and can talk you through their experience and what it’s like to work for Pinnacle.” There is also information about careers and current vacancies at: www.pinnaclegroup.co.uk/careers You can follow Pinnacle on social media at: PinnacleGrp @_pinnaclegroup pinnaclegrp EXPERT ADVICE - EMPLOYMENT 13

By Jamie Farr

How positive communication can help you succeed at work How you communicate can have a huge impact on your life, in and out of work, as well as those around you. Jamie Farr, co-founder of YourNorth, a wellbeing training and coaching company, explains the value of positive communication in work and how you can use it to improve your own results.

Positive communication is an essential skill that can help you succeed at work, no matter the industry or environment. It can help you build relationships with your team, manage challenging conversations, and create a workplace that thrives. In addition, it will create habits of communication that 14 EXPERT ADVICE - EMPLOYMENT

will echo in all aspects of your life, enhancing and creating authentic relationships. Communicating positively will ensure you take the best version of you everywhere you go.

WHAT IS POSITIVE COMMUNICATION? Positive communication is a form of communication that focuses on creating a positive environment and enhancing relationships. It is based on the idea that communication should be used to encourage, motivate, and build up rather than tear down. Positive communication involves using positive language, being respectful, and listening actively.

It also includes understanding the feelings and perspectives of others, as well as being open to feedback and criticism.

HERE ARE SEVEN WAYS COMMUNICATING POSITIVELY AND WITH PURPOSE CAN HELP YOU SUCCEED AT WORK: 1. Enhance collaboration: Positive communication helps create a collaborative environment, which is key to any successful team. By communicating in a positive manner, you can foster an atmosphere of co-operation and collaboration.

This can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal. For example, if someone were to say, “I can’t do that task,” how often might we respond with “Okay” and ask someone else? Instead, reframe the sentence for them: “You mean you can’t now? Or you can’t because you don’t know how?” Both responses have a solution – either planning or training. People feel valued when you show interest and support.

2. Improve problem-solving: Positive communication helps to ensure everyone is heard and respected in the problem-solving process. This can create a more productive environment and help people come up with better solutions.

Positive communication also encourages a healthy exchange of ideas, which can lead to more successful outcomes.

Understanding that change in any environment is inevitable can encourage a growth mindset; understanding that we have options allows us to adapt.

3. Build relationships: Positive communication can help build strong relationships with colleagues, which can be beneficial in the long term. By communicating positively, you will create an atmosphere of trust and respect, which can help you build relationships with your team. Rapport is natural for those who are like you or someone you would like to be; set the standard and be the example – the ripple will go far.

6. Consider what every body is saying: Body language is the most important consideration when communicating.

Our bodies show when we are nervous, excited, or upset, so consider what your body is saying and don’t forget to notice others. By communicating positively through body language, you can help to create a supportive culture. This can help boost morale and create a more enjoyable work experience for everyone.

7. Manage challenging conversations: By using positive language, you can ensure that conversations remain productive and respectful. Paraphrase and check understanding, show empathy, defer judgement, and respond appropriately. More often than not, we are not listening – we are waiting for our turn to speak. Be mindful of this and actively listen.

Positive communication is an essential skill that can help you succeed at work. By communicating in a positive manner, you can foster an atmosphere of collaboration, increase productivity, build relationships, and manage challenging conversations. By using positive communication, you can help to create a positive work environment, which can have a lasting impact on your success. It is not about seeing the world through rosetinted glasses – life naturally has highs and lows; positive communication is knowing we can adapt and support each other no matter the challenge.

www.yournorth.co.uk yournorth yournorth-uk

4. Increase productivity: Positive communication can help increase productivity and motivation in the workplace. When there is a positive atmosphere, employees are more likely to work harder and be more productive. Communicating positively can be a new and powerful habit, and it’s only when it becomes an unconscious action that you will notice your environment change, so please persevere.

5. Enhance communication: By communicating positively, you can ensure everyone is heard and respected, which can make it easier to understand each other’s points of view and build rapport. You can still have rapport with people you might not like; it just requires more effort and being more aware of what you said. The meaning of your communication is the response you get. If you didn’t get the response you wanted, consider the part you played in that and reframe your questions.

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By Lesley Woods

How to own your story through career change When people lead their own narrative, it builds up their confidence, whether that’s for a TV interview, a new role, or support through a career change. Owning your story can help you emotionally engage with others and be seen as relevant and relatable. Royal Air Force Reserves media officer Lesley Woods shares a few steps to help you get started.

Adapt your title and trailer to suit you

IMAGINE YOUR LIFE IS A FILM…

• You are tough and independent.

What’s your ‘box office’ potential?

It can be very flattering when others say they spot potential in us. Then there are the self-limiting beliefs we can inherit – the labels others place on us to make themselves feel more comfortable.

Here are three of mine: • “Try not to be too clever.”

• “She is a force of nature.”

• “Don’t get ideas above your station.”

Words of “wisdom” from my dad, a promotion board assessor, and an ex-boyfriend.

Check in and listen. Whose voice is narrating for you?

actionable steps Create your own narrative: The voices from your past might be influencing your perception.

Shift your focus to your own voice, dreams, and aspirations. Consider what you truly want from your career and how you define your success.

Embrace your strengths: Identify the talents and skills that have consistently brought success and satisfaction to your career so far. What roles or tasks have allowed you to shine? Embrace these strengths as key elements of your ‘box office’ potential.

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Your personal brand should not be a random collection of the labels that others have tried to stick on you. Remember, you get to curate!

“Don’t worry about her – she’s tough as old boots.”

If someone said this about you, would you take it as a compliment?

It could mean: • You don’t let anything get to you.

• You can bear pain and criticism without giving up.

But boots, just like words, can still hurt.

During my officer training, I received constructive feedback from one of my instructors regarding my briefing style, suggesting that it could be more aligned with military conventions. While his advice was well-intentioned, I found that my team still comprehended my instructions effectively and executed tasks successfully. This experience led me to consider his perspective and wonder if his insights were influenced by past experiences. His input encouraged me to reflect on how I can best embody the qualities of an RAF officer while also incorporating my unique strengths.

It’s too easy to jump to judgement, but curiosity can offer us a different perspective.

Ask around: what words do others associate with you? Are you using language they will understand?

actionable steps Challenge labels: Analyse any labels that have been assigned to you in the past, whether positive or negative. Decide which labels align with your self-perception and career aspirations. Embrace the ones that resonate and discard those that no longer serve you.

Communicate clearly: Ensure the language you use is clear, relatable, and aligned with your target audience. Avoid jargon or terminology that might confuse or alienate others.

What’s the plot line playing on your mind?

I was halfway down the path before I looked up. Steady hands guided me at the start. Words of encouragement kept me on the straight. It was only at the halfway point that the signs started appearing.

Questions coming into my mind: • Did I choose this path, or was it laid out for me?

•

Is there another path?

• What if I go rogue and start strolling through the long grass instead?

I’m third-generation military. The younger version of me proudly chose to follow in the footsteps of grandparents and parents.

After my father passed away, I found a picture of him, aged 16, going through RAF basic training. Comparing two images – one of him and one of me, at the same milestone – brought me out in a cold sweat… Was I blindly living the story he had written for me?

I can make another choice: stay the course or plot my own?

It’s my story.

Looking back at where you have been does not have to dictate where you go next.

actionable steps Self-exploration: Reflect on your motivations, interests, and aspirations. Take time to understand what truly drives you and what you want from your new career. This self-awareness will help you define the plot of your personal journey.

Challenge assumptions: Evaluate the assumptions that have guided your career choices so far.

Question whether you’ve been following a path simply because it was expected or if it genuinely aligns with your passions and goals.

Explore alternative paths: Research different career options that intrigue you. Consider how your skills and experiences could translate into new opportunities. Explore industries that resonate with your interests, even if they deviate from the traditional trajectory.

What are the main features of your film? Is your journey easy for audiences to follow?

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Weaponise your wardrobe; make it fit for purpose

Is this Mission Impossible?

“How tight are your ballistic pants?”

I once climbed a tree for Tom Cruise. True story.

One of the more random questions I’ve been asked when giving a talk.

He didn’t ask me to do it.

I can’t remember why I was still wearing them on a C-17 flight in Afghanistan.

I do remember fighting them in the tiny toilet cubicle. They would not give an inch, and I really needed a wee!

“Stupid things”, I thought, as I wriggled out of my trousers and bounced off the walls.

When you actually stop to consider them: • They are designed to stay ‘fresh’ with antibacterial technology.

• They are unisex in size and design.

He wasn’t there when I did it.

I did it in service of the bigger picture: protecting the story.

It was during the secret filming of the opening sequences for Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. A tabloid newspaper photographer had taken shots from a high perspective on the RAF base perimeter, and they were splashed all over national media. The studio wanted the aerial stunt kept under wraps until production finished, until they were ready to share.

So I climbed the tree I thought the photographer had used, to check the perspective he’d had and then find a way to block it.

• They are designed to do one thing well: protect your nether regions from blast damage.

Taking action to protect something – without needing a witness, approval, or thanks.

They were fit for purpose.

One secret of success for that series of films is the authentic action. No green screens. No post-production ‘fixes’. Just the real thing.

If we stray out of our ‘area of expertise’, it’s easy for others to label us as stupid.

But that’s where the growth is.

It can be hard to take off the body armour and leave uniform behind; it carries both physical and emotional weight. Author Brené Brown talks about vulnerability as a way to measure courage: “The root of the word courage is cor – the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant ‘to speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart’. Be brave.”

What can you do to identify your purpose? What new ‘kit’ do you need to succeed?

actionable steps Skills assessment: Evaluate your existing skill set and determine which skills are transferable to your desired career. Identify any gaps and areas where you can enhance your expertise.

Research and learn: Conduct thorough research on your target industry or field. Stay up to date on industry trends, technologies, and best practices.

This knowledge will equip you to excel in your new role.

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Repetition of the real thing builds reputation.

actionable steps Embrace authenticity: Be genuine in your approach. Present your skills, experiences, and aspirations authentically to potential employers or clients.

Showcase accomplishments: Highlight past achievements that demonstrate your ability to adapt, learn, and succeed in new environments.

Take authentic ownership.

Protect your story.

Make it bulletproof.

lesley-woods

By Hannah Hubbleday

Breaking boundaries in flexible working Hannah Hubbleday shares the benefits of agile working and how her business, Hubble, has transformed the landscape of flexible working policies.

I was stood in my kitchen, trying to spoon feed a baby who was more intent on rubbing food into her hair than getting any in her mouth, and fend off our dog from licking sticky fingers, while thinking, “Please hurry up and eat because I have a client call in ten minutes and I need you to be asleep for your lunchtime nap!” My husband was deployed and we were living in northern Scotland at the time – nowhere near family and our nursery had just told me they were closed due to a flood in the building. That flood felt like a wave of overwhelm and I was drowning in managing family life and running a business with very little support around me.

The juggle for parents, particularly military parents, is real.

And I’ve felt it.

When I started my branding agency, Hubble, I didn’t want my team to feel this. I didn’t want them suffering heaps of guilt around not being there for their children, or rushing through the things that are important just to get back to their desks.

My lifesaver of a virtual assistant, Emily, who is now our brand strategist (though I call her the CEO as she literally runs the business), and I got together to chat about our vision for Hubble and what it could be. We had got to the point where we needed to start hiring, and we both spoke a lot about the culture of the business and how we could nurture an environment where nobody ever got that Sunday sinking feeling.

Unlimited holiday was a policy we considered, but we both decided that with such a dedicated and motivated team, we’d run the risk of them never taking any holiday or feeling guilty around taking it. We needed a clearer policy that felt fair to everyone.

We decided to trial ‘August off’. At the time, our team were all working mums, many being military spouses. They had children, either at school or nursery, and the biggest struggle was finding affordable, reliable childcare for August. Our clients are often away on holiday then, meaning the workload isn’t as high, so we decided we would close over August, allowing the team to have nine weeks paid holiday a year and their weekly hours are worked flexibly and remotely over the week – they’re always there to pick the children up from school or walk the dog at a time when it’s not pouring with rain.

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We based our decision for a flexible working agency on hard evidence.

There are so many facts that prove the benefits to both employees and employers.

Research by CareerBuilder indicated that job positions offering remote work options received a staggering sevenfold increase in applications compared to in-person roles in the preceding month. Furthermore, a study conducted

by ManpowerGroup Solutions found that nearly 40% of candidates worldwide consider workplace flexibility as one of the top three factors when evaluating employment opportunities.1 In addition to attracting top talent, flexible work arrangements have been shown to enhance employee productivity.

According to the Gartner 2021 Digital Worker Experience Survey, 43% of participants reported that flexible working hours contributed to increased productivity. Furthermore, out of the respondents, 30% stated that reduced or eliminated commuting time enabled them to be more productive.1 Enabling employees to have flexible work arrangements can contribute to the retention of valuable staff. Undoubtedly, flexibility ranks among the top desired benefits that workers seek from their employers. In a survey conducted by Flexjobs, an overwhelming 80% of participants expressed their inclination to be more loyal to an employer who offers flexible work options. Furthermore, 52% reported having already attempted to negotiate flexible arrangements with their current employer. When your workforce is engaged, they allocate more time to their tasks and minimise the time spent seeking alternative employment opportunities.1 Flexibility in the workplace has been shown to boost employee engagement, according to a study conducted by Gallup. Engaged employees are more passionate, dynamic, and exhibit better physical health. Furthermore, Gallup’s decades-long research indicates engaged employees demonstrate a significant improvement in job performance.

Highly engaged workplaces have also been linked to a range of benefits, including a 40% reduction in quality defects, 41% lower absenteeism, and a 21% increase in profitability.1 There are many examples on the internet of companies who are thriving while offering their own versions of flexible working policies – with plenty of evidence that it works for businesses of all sizes. Unilever, one the world’s largest employers, has a policy of “allowing employees to work from 20 EXPERT ADVICE - EMPLOYMENT

anywhere at any time” – they have cited this as one of the reasons for the firm’s huge success. Dell has over a decade of experience in allowing remote working. Over this time, the reduction in overheads has saved the company $12m. The evidence suggests the benefits to employers are just as great or even greater than those to the employees.

Hubble are experiencing the rewards of having a dedicated team of flexible workers. Our clients see the benefit too, with all of them agreeing to support our August-off policy. But the most important thing to us is the culture it brings and the value it adds for the team.

We asked some of our team to let us know how they were finding working with us and this is what they said:

“Trying to find the balance between working and being a mum is a constant juggle! But since working for Hubble, their flexible working hours have allowed me to leave these worries behind! They’ve supported me in creating a working schedule that fits around the family, letting me have the best of both worlds! Also, knowing that the whole team is off in August takes away the stress of finding childcare in the holidays, but also the anxiety of feeling like you’re letting the team down because of other commitments.

Hubble’s whole approach to flexible working really has made a huge difference to our family!”

– Chloe O’Hora, senior designer “Flexible working hours, August off, amazing and supportive team… I couldn’t have written a better job spec if I’d tried.

As a working parent, the mum guilt is real! But the team gets it. Work–life balance is never a question. I don’t think many other jobs would have worked out for me as this point in my life with small children but working for Hubble doesn’t really feel like working!” – Jen Saunders, designer

Hubble team strategy day

The Hubble team celebrating at their away day

but I wholeheartedly believe that a careful, personalised approach to flexibility will differentiate our business from the increasing number of businesses embracing flex employment.

Developing a flexibility policy that not only stands the test of time but actively improves the workplace for everyone by acknowledging that it is not a one-size-fits-all proposition, closely matching it with our culture, and paying attention to employee feedback, has meant that, so far, we are all reaping the rewards of having a flexible working culture.

www.hellohubble.co.uk hellohubble hellohubble 1

Forbes - Why Flexible Work Boosts Employee Productivity by Caroline Castrillon

Hubble are diving into year two in business and, as ever, we are constantly re-evaluating our offering as an employer, EXPERT ADVICE - EMPLOYMENT 21

By Zoe Poulton

Why knowing your values is essential for career satisfaction This knowledge becomes equally as important if you decide to go freelance, become a contractor, or open your own business, because your whole working world then comes down to just you… and having those foundational values will help you choose who you want to work with and who you don’t.

Zoe Poulton

Core values aren’t just for the military. Leadership coach and change management instructor Zoe Poulton explains the importance of understanding your own values and how you can harness them to find your ideal career.

CAN YOU NAME YOUR VALUES? Your values are those fundamental elements that shape who you are and how you live your life. They are what you use to set your personal compass and pathway through challenges.

They are the intangible ‘things’ that help you set your boundaries… both at work and in your personal life. Values are trans-situational and guide you on the direction you take in life. When you have a firm understanding of what your own personal values are, it will become very apparent when you are working outside of them!

An awareness of your own values becomes even more important when you are looking for a new career. Understanding what type of company you want to work in and how the values match (or are different but complement each other) is the difference between a successful onboarding and an unsatisfied, demotivated new employee!

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I am both a veteran and a military spouse, having served in the RAF for 16 years. One of the RAF’s core values is ‘service before self’. When I coach individuals leaving the military environment, I encourage them to sit down and have a good think about what values now serve them as an individual.

It’s not easy, especially if, like me, you spent many of your formative years in this culture, working within a specific set of values – it’s easy to assume that those values are your own. But this may not be the case, and as you go into a new career, doing this work upfront will really help you as you move into this new chapter.

I left the RAF in 2020 and started looking for a new career 18 months beforehand. I was a little worried about not finding a job, but I was also really excited and wanted to see what was out there in ‘civvie street’, so I started networking and having conversations with different companies. Some of these companies were surprised that I was looking so early, but most were complimentary of my drive and determination to set myself up well post-RAF. Little did I know at the time, but this was one of my values (curiosity) playing out… More on that later!

I found a company that seemed like it would be a good fit, and six months before I was able to start, they offered me a role as a change and leadership consultant. Securing this role so early on was both a blessing and a curse. I felt I had security, but it also meant that I didn’t have to really think about the transition or do any learning around who I was at my core, and what I valued and enjoyed in life.

Due to Covid, I actually started eight months later and let’s just say that I spent the next two years still not feeling quite settled.

I eventually left employment to open my own business, Glass Ripple Consulting, and have been happily working within my own set of values for the last 18 months.

This story isn’t new; it happens to a lot of people who change careers, and until it happened to me, I couldn’t figure out why.

I hadn’t taken the time to learn who I was outside of a military setting. I didn’t strip back those years of learning about

service before self, those years of following orders, those years of having my work aspirations come second to a higher purpose. Not doing this deeper work into my own values left me feeling unsettled, unsatisfied and, at times, sad.

Post-military, in the corporate world, I started to learn what I value from a new career, what my own aspirations and measures of success are, and also where my boundaries sit.

This knowledge led me to leave the world of employment and, with my own business, I now get to live by my own values every single day. I work with those companies and individuals whose values align with my own, and I am strong enough to set the boundaries to protect my business, as well as my sanity! I feel satisfied and challenged by my work, and I learn every single day.

My life is infinitely better because I took the time to understand my values and use them in finding what my new career needed to look like for me.

If you need some help in understanding your own values, take a pen and piece of paper and try this exercise. It’s one that I work through with my coaching clients and one I did myself when I felt adrift.

Think back to different times in your life when you have been satisfied or dissatisfied. These can be related to your personal or work life – remember that our values are trans-situational and so sit across our whole lives.

by both my boss and my teams. I have also enjoyed jobs where I have been able to ask questions and be curious.

From these, pull out your values.

As you can see from the example used, mine are around clear communication, honesty, and curiosity.

When you start researching career options, keep these values in mind. Values also don’t have to be single words.

An example is below: Curiosity.

I value working with companies that are curious and open to learning new ways of working. I want to continue to be challenged and be curious to new solutions. By being curious, I will be open to listening to different perspectives and continuous learning.

Always remember that your values are yours. They don’t need to make sense to anyone else or be approved or agreed upon – they are the contract you make with yourself!

zoe@zoepoulton.com www.zoepoulton.com zoepoulton zoespoulton zoepoulton

Write two or three examples of each.

Spend some time thinking deeply about these times and write down why you were satisfied or dissatisfied (or happy/sad) – write quickly, single words or sentences, and anything that comes to mind – get it all down on paper.

From this, you can identify what types of behaviours are important to you.

Example: I remember loving a particular posting in the RAF because my boss would communicate clearly with me and would always be honest, even if it was something I didn’t want to hear! There was a mutual trust and respect in the way they interacted with me.

Once you have a few behaviours written down, see which ones overlap.

Example: There are a number of roles I have enjoyed because of the clear communication and honesty displayed EXPERT ADVICE - EMPLOYMENT 23

By Matt Pybus

Mastering LinkedIn Your guide to job hunting on social media

LinkedIn can be a valuable tool in your search for the perfect job, but how can you make sure you’re making the most of it? Matt Pybus shares his top tips on how to get the best out of this social media platform.

multimillion-pound company. I was out of work with no income for nine months. I’d applied for hundreds of jobs and not even got an interview. That’s when I decided something needed to change and I started using social media to find work – not to apply for advertised roles but to find work in companies that weren’t necessarily ‘actively advertising’.

What would you say if you could put yourself, without being intrusive, in front of thousands of people?

SMASH THE STEREOTYPES

The employment market is changing. Recruitment has evolved and, like it or not, before a hire is made, regardless of the process or the application format, your online presence will be taken into account.

Your LinkedIn profile speaks volumes about you as a person, so much more than your CV. When I check someone out on LinkedIn, I look for two things: their profile (how they come across, how they present themselves, the detail they provide) and, most importantly, the readability and interest they have generated. Do I want to read on?

Before we start, I’m not a recruiter. I’ve been a hiring manager, I’ve lost my job twice, and I’ve experienced the struggle to find work by traditional means as an ‘undesirable demographic’.

The last time I lost my job as a business director for a 24 EXPERT ADVICE - EMPLOYMENT

Using social media to become visible to a massive audience of potential employers or clients and develop your own personal brand is one thing, but it’s also a great way to overcome those stereotypical images of your demographic.

Me, I’m an over-50 male who is obviously on the wind down to retirement and just turning up for the pay cheque, right? That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve never been busier and have no intention of fully retiring… ever. Military spouses just follow their other-halves around and go to coffee

right people! The trouble is, many of us still tend to think in traditional job hunting ways, which are now outdated practices.

We need to think differently about how we look for work. If we think differently, we can challenge the process. If we think differently, we can rewrite the process. If we think differently, we can get ahead of the competition.

We can make those connections that lead to meaningful conversations. That’s the aim of social media job hunting: to get you having real conversations with real people, faster!

top tips to get noticed Don’t wait for the adverts: If you wait for a job to be advertised, you’ll end up applying with the masses.

Actively hunt for your ideal position!

Optimise your profile: Make sure your profile is in the best shape it can be – well written and informative. This could be a potential recruiter’s first impression of you, so make sure it’s a good one.

mornings and the gym, right? No! They are highly devoted, flexible, self-sufficient, able to manage in a crisis, think on their feet… Need I go on?

Social media allows you to show who you are, your values, your interests, and your capabilities through your profile and online activity. You don’t have to be on it all the time but if you segment one hour a day (not necessarily all at once) to getting your profile right, engaging and growing your network, and targeting employers, or rather identifying key people in an organisation and targeting them, then you will be surprised at the results. I say ‘target’ people because companies don’t hire you or give you a contract, people do! People make the decisions, so you need to engage with those people.

A NEW WAY OF JOB HUNTING In recent years, the use of social media and digital technologies has grown significantly, for recruiters and jobseekers. Those businesses and individuals that have embraced this change have set themselves apart from their competitors. They are beginning to influence decisions and behaviours.

Connect, connect, connect: Interact with others on LinkedIn. People want to see real people, so comment thoughtfully on posts that resonate with you.

Engagement is key. Offering value to others will help you get noticed and allow you to build credibility in your area of expertise.

Start posting: Share your insights and experiences through your own thought pieces (posts, articles, etc.) to start conversations and increase engagement. Don’t be shy. If employers don’t know who you are or what you stand for, then an opportunity gets missed… You could have the answer to their question, problem, or even their next job vacancy.

Utilise LinkedIn groups: Join industry-specific LinkedIn groups to expand your network and engage in relevant discussions, showcasing your expertise and connecting with potential employers or colleagues.

mattpybus1 matt-pybus

The beauty of social media is its accessibility and its potential to put you in front of thousands of people, thousands of the

EXPERT ADVICE - EMPLOYMENT 25

By Lee Mowlem

7 things your website must have If you’re wondering why your website isn’t bringing in more sales, or you think you may have focused on the wrong elements and missed out on key messaging, web strategist Lee Mowlam walks you through the seven website must-haves you need to convert browsers into buyers.

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1. CLEARLY STATE WHAT YOU DO It’s a website, right? Of course you’re going to tell people what you do! The truth is, some of us are simply too close to what we offer. You can be oblivious to content that just isn’t hitting the mark with your audience: think overly flowery words, industry jargon, long explanations, and unclear language.

Get really simple and clear in how you describe your business. People don’t read websites – they scan them, so the wording needs to get straight to the point. There’s an acronym in the social media world that I like to apply to website copy too: TL,DR (too long, didn’t read). Be ruthless. After you’ve written your text, cut it in half. Then cut it in half again.

It may take you a while to find the right words that capture your message clearly and simply. But when you do, your website should pass this test:

Find a person who doesn’t know your business. Let them look around your homepage for 5–10 seconds. Then close the browser and see if they can tell you exactly what you do and how you help people.

Marketing expert and author of Building a StoryBrand Donald Miller talks about how our brain has to navigate today’s constant flood of information, and particularly how it decides what’s important and what’s not. And guess what?

Your brain sees certain products and services as ‘needs’ based on how the messaging is framed. So clarity is key.

It all ties back to two priorities that are always running through the human brain – mine, yours, your customers’, everyone’s: • Survive and thrive • Conserve calories Remember, if you can clearly communicate how you help your clients survive and thrive with your solution and not make them use up too many brain calories by telling them, you are on to a winner!

2. CONNECT WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS’ PROBLEMS Why do customers end up choosing you over a competitor?

We like to tell ourselves it’s because our product or service is simply the best out there, and everyone can see how wonderful, shiny, and life-changing it is… but that’s not how it works.

It’s because your customer had a problem, and they believed your product or service would solve it.

Unfortunately, a lot of websites I see never speak to their customers’ problems.

If you’re a dog trainer, you need to talk about the pain of having a disobedient dog: the chewed-up shoes, barking at the postie, and the embarrassment of a badly behaved pup on walks.

Get specific about your customers’ issues right there on your website.

When they see you understand exactly what they’re struggling with, they’ll pay attention and stay on your site.

If you want to understand your ideal client more, talk to past clients and interview possible clients in your networks. I get client feedback before and after projects, and I store phrases I notice my clients using to describe their frustrations around their websites (or lack thereof) and how they feel afterwards. So make a spreadsheet of your client’s language, and note any repeating or interesting words or phrases, both positive and negative. (This is known as ‘voice of the customer methodology’ in marketing speak.) They are more likely to engage in a conversation with you if you speak their language.

Solve your client’s problem with an offer above the fold.

The ‘fold’ is the first section on the homepage (or landing page) of your website, before you start scrolling. This term originates from print newspapers – using a catchy headline was designed to hook people into buying their paper.

‘Fold’ refers to the fold in a newspaper. Everything above that section is what’s most important, newspapers and websites alike.

The offer is not just your service or product. It’s the transformation you’re promising to your client or customer.

According to Donald Miller, everything above the fold should be “short, enticing and exclusively customer-centric”.

Your images and text here must do one of these three things: 1.

Promise an aspirational identity

2.

Promise to solve a problem

3.

State exactly what you do

EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT 27

I often find websites bury these points further down the page or elsewhere on the site. Make your message clear to people as soon as they visit your website. If you’re not sure, try the test in point one.

problem and helped them succeed in life or business. Also, highlight any recognisable brands that have chosen to buy from you. Call out statistics that prove your success (but do so sparingly, because you can overdo stats on a website).

3. MAKE THE SITE ABOUT YOUR CLIENT, NOT YOU

Pointing to people outside your business who can vouch for you is a key part in building trust, which keeps people on your site longer.

When writing copy for your website, it can be tempting to go on and on about how great you are.

It’s understandable – you want to establish credibility and convince your potential clients to pick you or your product.

But this isn’t the best way to go about it.

What you really need to do is show your ideal clients that you understand them. Show them you understand their problem and the kind of pain it causes them. Then you need to prove that you are a ‘trusted guide’ who can provide them a plan and a way forward. The trusted guide part is where you talk about yourself in a way that highlights your expertise, how you empathise with your clients (in relation to their problem), and how you can guide them to a successful outcome. So even an ‘About Me’ page is really about your clients and how you serve them.

4. HAVE SOCIAL PROOF YOUR SOLUTION WORKS Even if you’ve got your messaging perfectly dialled in, customers won’t always take your word for it. That’s why you’ve got to provide ‘social proof’ – evidence from outside your business that what you’re doing works.

Ask your existing customers for short, specific testimonials that showcase how your product or service has fixed their 28 EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT

72% of consumers will take action only after seeing a positive review.1 Make sure you have plenty of great testimonials on your website and not just the type that say, “Wendy was great to work with – highly recommended.” They need to be meaningful testimonials that really tap into a client’s state of mind at the time they are on your website looking to solve their problem.

Create a testimonial questionnaire that asks how your clients were feeling before they started working with you. What made them pick you? How do they feel now that you’ve solved their problem? What has solving the problem given them – their ultimate outcome? For example, they could have more confidence, flexibility or freedom, financial security, happiness, or pride. Remember to jot down all this client language for later use – this is marketing gold and should be repurposed across all your business copy.

5. USE THE RIGHT IMAGES

Your amazing brain can process an image about 60,000 times faster than

it can decode text. This means the images you use on your website will have a more powerful first impression than the words you write.

Choose images that show what you do and, even better, the transformation you provide.

Let’s go back to the dog trainer example. A great choice would be a photograph of an owner smiling and enjoying walking their dog. This type of image instantly reflects what you could have if you hire this dog trainer’s services.

6. AVOID MASSIVE BLOCKS OF TEXT People don’t really read online text word for word.

Instead, they scan. I saw a slightly depressing Jakob Nielsen (the ‘father of web usability’) study that showed your visitors only read 20–28% of the words on your site. This means you have to scrap the long blocks of text. They’re scary, and people will skip them because it’s feels too much like hard work – it uses too many brain calories!

My Spot”. There are two very specific places these CTAs should be: in the upper-right corner of your website, and in the centre or somewhere above the fold.

By ‘non-passive’, I mean not using vague language in your CTAs like “Learn More” or “Start Your Journey”. People need to understand what’s on the other side of that button. Leave the “Read More” buttons for blog posts only.

In his book, Donald Miller half-jokes that he could go to any business and say, “I want you to sign a contract that you’ll give me 10% ownership of your business if I can double your business within 12 months.” They’d sign the contract, and he’d say, “Put a ‘BUY NOW’ button on your website and write me a cheque.”

You’ve got to make it the most obvious thing on your site.

Make it a colour that stands out. Keep it on every page. It will do wonders for your website’s effectiveness.

Creating a website that converts doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these seven key points, and you will see a big improvement in your website’s overall results.

They’re not being lazy; they’re just busy. Break up your massive text blocks into shorter paragraphs. Hire someone particularly ruthless to edit them down if you need to. If you go past three or four lines of copy, make sure you’ve got a very good reason for it.

7. CALL PEOPLE TO TAKE ACTION This sounds like a no-brainer, but it often gets forgotten. You need to have buttons with clear, non-passive calls to action (CTAs) on your website – “Book a Call”, “Buy Now”, “Save

www.remarkablepixel.co.uk remarkablepixel

https://www.invespcro.com/blog/the-importance-of-online-customer-reviews-inf ographic/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1695819551606153&usg=AOvVaw0ZrHjxZ 8gv8NgibcLC4qBX 1

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By Jessica Brown

How self-publishing can grow your business Have you ever thought about writing a book to grow your business? Non-fiction editor Jessica Brown explains why self-publishing could be a key player in your business strategy and what you need to know to get started.

The publishing landscape is changing. Thanks to digitalisation, the introduction of print on demand, and shifting perceptions, self-publishing is on the rise and becoming a popular option for aspiring authors. But how can you use it to help grow your business in 2023 and beyond?

up and retire early, especially if you only plan on publishing one title. And like many “passive” income products, it’s rarely truly hands off as you still have to continually market your book to keep sales flowing.

The key to success is knowing how to leverage your book and author status to elevate your professional profile and grow your business. Having a book to your name can lead to many exciting and often lucrative business-building opportunities, for example: • High-profile podcast interviews • Media opportunities (print, TV, radio)

LET’S START WITH THE WHY

• Paid speaking engagements

Writing a book has many potential benefits for business owners wanting to level up in their industry:

• More high-ticket clients

• It sets you apart from competitors.

• It can raise your credibility and help you be seen as an expert in your field.

• It allows you to share your knowledge and help people on a wider scale.

• It can offer your business an additional income stream.

THE REAL ROI Books are often seen as an opportunity to create a passive source of income. And while self-publishing can certainly offer an attractive return on investment, the reality is, book sales alone are unlikely to make you enough money to put your feet

TO SELF-PUBLISH OR NOT TO SELF-PUBLISH? The traditional vs self-publishing debate is one many authors have encountered on their book journey, and while traditional publishing has clear advantages, self-publishing offers some distinct benefits of its own: • There are no self-publishing “gatekeepers” to get past.

The road to securing a book deal is often long and competitive. Most big-name publishers won’t accept unsolicited submissions, which means authors have the added hurdle of finding a literary agent to represent them before they will even be considered by a publishing house.

• You retain the rights and full creative control of your book, from the cover design to the spelling decisions.

When you effectively sell your book to a publishing house, those powers belong to them.

• You get to choose who works on your book. Publishing houses use a combination of an in-house team and freelancers throughout the production process. When you self-publish, you can curate your own dream team and decide who gets their hands (and eyes) on your book before it goes public.

• You receive a higher percentage of the royalties (on average, 60% compared to 5–10% from traditional publishers after any advance has been paid off1).

THE PRINTING PROCESS The rise in self-publishing owes much to the advent of printon-demand technology. As the name suggests, print on

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demand is a process whereby a copy of a book will only be printed when someone orders it. While there are some limitations on what your book will look like (no gold-foil lettering, I’m afraid), with savvy design decisions, you can still create a book that would look at home on the shelves of Waterstones. What’s more, there are no hefty upfront printing costs, you don’t have to hire a warehouse or give up your garage space to store hundreds of books, and the distribution logistics are all taken care of.

it into your schedule. Some authors commit to waking up an hour earlier every morning for the sole purpose of writing their book; others swear by writing retreats to get laser focused on their book project. Joining a writing group or taking part in organised write-along sessions can be great ways to safeguard book writing time on a consistent basis.

Ghostwriting is also becoming an increasingly popular option for time-poor entrepreneurs who want to harness the potential of a book to skyrocket their business.

If, however, the highest quality finish is non-negotiable and you have the funds, you can commission an independent printing company to do a print run for you, or even choose a combination of both.

Do your research

IF YOU’VE CONSIDERED WRITING A BOOK, HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU START: Costs While, technically, you can upload your book onto an online platform like Amazon KDP and self-publish for free, if you want your book to make the right impression and deliver the results you desire, you’ll need to invest in some key services: • Book production: editing, typesetting, proofreading, cover design, and ebook conversion •

An ISBN and barcode

• Marketing and PR In the UK, ISBNs and barcodes can be purchased from Nielsen at a fixed cost. Fees for professional services, on the other hand, can vary greatly. When choosing who to work with on your book, take your time to research providers thoroughly. Recommendations and testimonials are a great start but always schedule a call before making a decision.

Every book journey is unique and good communication is vital, so finding the right people to support you is essential for a positive experience.

A book is a product like any other, so before you dive straight in, it’s crucial you do some market research to ensure there is a demand for your book. It can be all too tempting to write the book you want to write rather than the one your ideal clients need to read, so do your homework first. Look at what is already out there. Seeing other successful books in your genre is not a bad thing. It means there is a market demand for books like yours. However, you need to be clear on what makes your book different: what does it offer readers that similar books don’t?

Self-publishing is revolutionising the book industry and has become a powerful platform to get your voice heard, help more people with your knowledge, and open up doors to some serious business growth! Could writing a book be the next big step for you and your business?

www.jessicakatebrown.com jkb_publications

Time Writing a book is an investment in your time as well as your wallet, and not one for the fainthearted. If you are already short on free hours, think about how you will realistically fit

jessicakatebrown

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Reedsy.com

EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT 31

Emma Swiggs worked in telecommunications in the RAF. She left in 2001 as a senior aircraftman and went to work for the Metropolitan Police in radio control. It was seven years after leaving the Armed Forces when she reconnected with her now husband, with whom she had gone through basic training. The couple started a family together, raising two children, and eventually settled in Corsham, where her husband was stationed. Emma’s dedication to the military community never waned, and when an opportunity presented itself for her to serve in a new capacity, she knew she had to seize it.

“I loved the Forces. I only left as there were no promotion opportunities. I thought to myself, ‘If I don’t go now, I’ll never go.’ The military remains a big part of our lives and identity and when the opportunity to take on the café in the MOD community centre came up, I knew I had to go for it.”

By Anna Oliver, X-Forces Enterprise

Brewing connections The RAF veteran whose café serves up more than just coffee and cake

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Emma is not a novice in the food and drink industry; she was a partner in her family sandwich shop business in Lancashire for many years. Since getting married 14 years ago, Emma’s role has changed from working in the shop to dealing with all the business administration aspects, including suppliers, finance, and HR. This allowed her to continue to run the business remotely through different postings, including a term in Cyprus.

By 2021, the family had settled in their forever home in Corsham and Emma was yearning to find an additional role nearby that she could work alongside the family business.

Isolated home working was unfulfilling; she wanted to maintain a good work–life balance but return to working with people – something she loves to do.

“Over time, I found working from home very isolating and struggled with separating homelife distractions from work. I was passionate about finding an opportunity that would allow me to still own my family business but take on a second role in which I could work with people. I made a ‘wish list’, which included working around school times, not working weekends, being close to home so I’m always around for the boys, working with people in the community, and a job I love getting up for. The café ticks all the boxes – I’m 270 steps away from my front door! – and I feel extremely lucky. When the opportunity came up, I grabbed the chance with both hands and haven’t looked back. I love it! My husband was so supportive, which I am extremely grateful for. It was a risk, financially and emotionally – a decision that could have knocked us off balance as a family. Luckily, it all worked out perfectly.”

Emma’s vision was deeper than a quick-service restaurant, and she pinned down the offering with a new name and strapline, ‘Dandelion Coffee House: More than just a coffee house’. While serving quality food and drink, Emma wanted to create a safe, warm, and welcoming environment.

“There are large numbers of Armed Forces families in Corsham, just like us, and that’s where the name came from.

“Like the dandelion plant, military children bloom everywhere the winds carry them. They are hardy and upright. They’re ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends. This building’s purpose has always been to bring the community together and keep spirits up, and that’s exactly what I aimed to do.”

Emma accessed a start-up loan of £6,000 through X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), which she used towards upgrading the décor, furniture, and equipment, as well as the illustrated branding and website. XFE allocated Emma a personal

business adviser who closely supported her through the planning process and the 12 months post-launch, in a programme supported by the Royal British Legion.

“The process of applying for the start-up loan was more beneficial than I’d expected. It forced me to think carefully about wages and supplier costs, and develop a detailed business plan and cashflow forecast, which I probably wouldn’t have written otherwise.”

Emma opened the doors to the Dandelion Coffee House in December 2020. The response was encouraging but, just three weeks later, she was forced to close under Covid regulations, not to open again until May 2021. Emma used the downtime to take three of XFE’s Masterclass workshops, which focused on online presence, small enterprise development, and evolving customer personas. Emma also joined the XFE HUB, an exclusive space to connect business owners from the military community.

“When the coffee house first opened in late 2020, I was well aware of the Covid landscape and changing regulations but was committed to the business and had to adapt day to day.

I found the support from XFE to be really helpful during this period and made the most of the closure to refine the business plan after some trading time, albeit short-lived, and connect with others like me. I enjoyed putting my business head on, learning, and listening to others’ challenges while sharing my experiences.”

EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT 33

Through 2022, Emma developed a devoted customer following and addressed a significant need in the community.

The Dandelion Coffee Shop regularly plays host to social groups including babies and toddlers, walkers and thriftswapping groups. Working closely with local agencies, the coffee shop also warmly welcomes Age UK wellness drop-in events and support gatherings for carers on the fourth Thursday of every month.

“We have a fortnightly adults craft club, and a monthly community ‘wisdom walk’, allowing customers to learn how to connect with nature and meet new people, plus a monthly table-top sale at which the community can sell their pre-loved items and we can all grab a bargain!”

Complementing the barista-made coffee and drinks, Emma has designed a varied menu full of fresh produce. Favourite items include all-day breakfasts, jacket potatoes, paninis, and burgers, all made to order by Emma and the one full-time and two part-time staff she employs.

“Not all activities at the coffee house are incoming generating: it has a community purpose. I love that groups meet here, and I welcome back familiar faces week after week. It’s a space that is full of warmth, and I take great pride in that role as a host.

Craft sessions hosted at the Dandelion Coffee House

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I have been that person arriving at a new posting, not knowing anyone, or the new mum struggling with a colicky baby. Customers feel they can relax here and chat with me and the team, and I think that interaction makes a difference in our post-pandemic lives.”

Community collaboration is also at the heart of the Dandelion Coffee Shop. Emma sells cakes by local bakers, the coffee shop walls feature paintings by a local artist who aims to get people talking about mental health, and the business has created a social media job opportunity via the government’s Kickstart Scheme. Just as her strapline suggests that Dandelion is ‘more than a coffee house’, it is true to say that Emma is more than a business owner: she’s a fine example of a dedicated community ambassador whose work is improving people’s lives.

For more information about Emma’s business, visit www.dandelioncoffeehouse.com.

DandelionCoffeeHouse dandelioncoffeehouse

Social groups hosted at the Dandelion Coffee House

By Lindsay Compton

A guide to PR for budding entrepreneurs Lindsay Compton, founder of Canny Comms, a PR and marketing agency specialising in the defence and security industry, provides her top tips for using PR to enhance your profile.

To help your business reach its true potential, you need to build brand recognition, increase credibility, and gain exposure for your products or services. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, 72% of customers trust earned media (PR) more than paid advertising. Additionally, companies with a strong PR presence are more likely to be seen as leaders in their respective industries. Clearly, PR is a powerful tool that can help elevate you above the competition, but securing coverage can be a daunting prospect for those new to the task.

UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE AND TARGET MEDIA PUBLICATIONS ACCORDINGLY Before pitching to the media, it is essential to understand your target audience and identify the outlets they use. Read the publications and blogs, listen to the podcasts, and follow the social media channels your audience consumes. Industry events, talks, and other networking opportunities are all fantastic ways of making connections too.

Also, remember to check out your competitors. Who else is commenting on the issues? What are they saying? What are they known for, and what do you want to be known for?

EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT 35

Build relationships with journalists Building relationships with journalists is key to securing PR coverage. Research journalists at all levels: local, trade, and specialist publications, as well as national. The Google ‘News’ search function is an effective way of identifying who is currently writing about certain issues.

Engage with this content and share your thoughts on industry trends or news. This will help you build a relationship with the journalist and keep your brand top of mind when they are looking for stories to cover.

Another tip is to keep an eye on the X hashtag #journorequest for general journalist requests.

Use data to support your pitch Many journalists will be drawn to timely and relevant research and statistics. Show the latest data in eye-catching videos and graphics to communicate the impact of your product or service. This will help build credibility and demonstrate that you, or your brand, are a thought leader in your industry.

WHAT MAKES NEWS? Not everything will be regarded as newsworthy. Before you begin contacting media outlets, consider if your story is timely, relevant, or will impact your target audience.

Decide what kind of coverage you want If your story is newsworthy, you need to decide how it will be best conveyed: • A news story • A profile piece • An interview • A reactive/proactive comment • A feature • An opinion piece Remember, this is not an opportunity to plug your business, but rather a chance to impart your knowledge and experience.

Be responsive Journalists work to tight deadlines, so it is essential to be responsive when they reach out to you. Respond to emails and phone calls promptly and be available for interviews or additional information. Being responsive demonstrates your commitment to the story and builds trust with the journalist.

Measure your success Quantifying your PR efforts is crucial to understanding the impact of your PR campaign. Use tools like Google Analytics or social media analytics to track website traffic and engagement. Additionally, use publications’ media packs for the metrics on their coverage, such as the number of page views or shares.

These are just a few tips that may help you with your efforts to gain PR, but it is crucial you stay immersed in your industry.

Get your story straight People buy people, and so a good, relatable story is what will set you apart from competitors. Take the time to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your unique selling point and communicates your brand’s values. Your story should be concise and strongly linked to your key business motivations.

And remember to get some good, professional-looking photos arranged.

36 EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT

www.canny-comms.co.uk canny-comms @cannycomms

case study Justin Crump, CEO of Sibylline In 2010, reservist Justin Crump established Sibylline, a geopolitical intelligence and risk analysis firm.

Ten years into operation, with over 100 staff based all over the world serving FTSE 250 and Fortune 500 clients, Justin realised the company seemed to be the ‘best kept secret’ of the industry, so he set out to find ways to change that to reach the next stage of the company’s growth.

The Sibylline team fully embraced our advice and engaged in media training with us. We worked with them to identify the most relevant and newsworthy geopolitical topics they could comment on, and their most suitable spokespeople.

Armed with key messages and media-focused expert biographies, Canny pitched to national media in the UK and US. Although we gained significant national coverage straight away with the likes of The Independent and Forbes, the real success kicked off in 2022 when we put Justin forward as a balanced and unbiased expert voice in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This was helped by the groundwork we had already laid with the national media over the previous two years.

• Regular expert slots on Sky News, presenting data and troop movement information, as well as insights into military capability • Dozens of media appearances and comment pieces from other analysts at Sibylline Justin has gone on to make his own relationships with journalists and now regularly receives requests for commentary and interviews from all the UK national media corporations, as well as other large-audience global outlets.

Sibylline has experienced enormous growth and now employs over 500 people.

Justin on Sky News, 13 May 2022

Justin fully embraced the media’s requirements for expert comment in short order to help them uncover what was really going on. He made himself available for interviews day and night, travelled to studios at short notice and utilised his company’s up-to-the-minute intelligence on the evolving situation, as well as his own experience as a reservist and former tank commander.

Examples of the coverage achieved: • Hundreds of BBC TV, radio, and web interviews including regular appearances on the Today programme • More than 20 comments in articles for The Times, including a full comment piece in its ‘Red Box’ opinion column

Justin on Deutsche Welle, 26 November 2022

EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT 37

By Camille Dupont

Unlocking the power of AI chatbots for your small business The military community has a unique set of challenges when it comes to running a business.

Journalist Camille Dupont looks into ways to turn AI into your trusted sidekick and use it to supercharge your career.

Imagine effortlessly crafting the perfect holiday itinerary, designing a personalised nutrition plan tailored to your unique health condition, creating a thriving garden oasis, or crafting a heartfelt wedding speech that leaves everyone in awe. It may sound like the work of a team of experts, but all these tasks have been masterfully completed using the power of generative AI. And here’s the thing – they’re far more than just a fancy gimmick! These tools hold the key to unlocking untapped potential for your business.

ChatGPT is probably the AI application most of us will have heard of. Developed by the company OpenAI, it can generate answers based on the requests (called ‘prompts’) you put into its system. Other tools exist, although they are not all free or available to all – such as Google’s Bard (which some can trial!) or Jasper (a paid-for tool).

The answers they all give are based on the information fed into them, such as books, news and blog articles, etc. This 38 EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT

means ChatGPT is only as good as the information it is provided. Generative AI isn’t magic; it’s mathematics.

So how could it benefit your small business? Use it as your assistant or an intern. Let’s see how.

STAY SAVVY AND SAFEGUARD YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT Navigating the digital landscape as a military spouse or partner demands the same vigilance you’ve exercised over the years. Just as the early days of social media required cautiousness, it’s paramount to grasp how AI might pose security risks today.

Before you go and sign up to any of these tools, you need to understand that the information you input will be stored on the organisation’s server and may be used for their development, to “train” the algorithm. It’s therefore best to avoid inputting confidential or sensitive information related to you, your family, or your business. You should also stay clear of sharing data related to anyone else as it could also be a violation of GDPR. In addition, ChatGPT has already experienced a data breach, with account holders’ information stolen as well as chat queries. This means you should tread carefully when using any of these tools and not consider them secure, regardless of whether they are paid-for or free.

EFFICIENTLY NAVIGATE LENGTHY DOCUMENTS Whether you need a concise summary for a report or a brief outline of a lengthy article, ChatGPT can be your near-perfect intern. While it may not summarise live web links or documents directly, you can copy and paste content into it, requesting a 200-word summary or highlighting a number of key points.

For more specific requests, you can prompt the tool to summarise particular issues or topics from the document.

Dealing with data can be tricky as tables don’t copy or paste as easily as plain text, but it is possible. Don’t hesitate to search online to find prompts adapted to your data needs.

IGNITE YOUR CREATIVE SPARK Whether you’re preparing for an interview or want to ask for SEO keywords or blog and social media post ideas, AI can be a great help. Start with what you know, and ask ChatGPT to generate ideas for you. For instance, if you’re hiring a copywriter for your yoga instructing business, provide a detailed prompt like, “I run a yoga business catering to military families in the UK, both on bases and from home. I need blog content to demonstrate my expertise and approachability”, or “Can you suggest 20 questions for video job interviews?” It’s a sure fire way to get your creative juices flowing.

SENSE-CHECK YOUR WRITING ChatGPT goes beyond the surface of your writing, helping you understand and refine your style. By copying/pasting examples of your own writing or what you aim to achieve and asking it to “describe this writing”, it will come back with descriptors, such as “informative, conversational, and practical”. You can then ask the ‘chatbot’ to rewrite another draft based on these features: “Using an informative, conversational, and practical style, improve this draft.”

You can also use it as a thesaurus by replacing the word in your sentence with “XXX” and asking what word is missing. It can help tidy up your copy (it can simplify your sentences and correct grammar errors or spelling mistakes) or review your draft and suggest improvements.

STREAMLINE YOUR EMAIL WRITING Now, this last suggestion is a bit trickier to set up, but well worth it.

Writing email responses can be time-consuming and ChatGPT can prove very helpful to save you time. It can provide a dynamic blend between email templates and starting from scratch every time.

You’ll need to start by setting the scene for this new chat by explaining you would like to write a response based

on emails you have received, then add information about yourself – like your name, job title, what your business does and its objective(s). It is also important to prompt the tool to summarise all the information it has processed, such as who you are, the tone of voice of your emails, the topics of the emails you receive, any other important points it has gathered from your emails. You’ll then need to edit the responses you get and send them back in the chat.

The last step to set up your shiny new tool is to prepare it to write the emails for you. Use a prompt like this one: “Say, ‘Ask me to write an email’ and I’ll paste an email that I’d like a response to. Please write a [number of words]-word response that includes [add here the objective of the email response, such as a compliment, a response to their question(s), a sincere thank you, etc.] from my perspective and in my style.”

Then you’re all set!

You can always tweak the responses by asking the tool to make it funnier, shorter, more formal or to include specific information, or just edit it in your inbox directly. This chat is now set up for any time you need support.

top tips • Like all interns, ChatGPT makes mistakes, so it needs close supervision.

• Generative AI needs context to answer you properly and completely. If you’re not sure what it needs, you can ask, “What information do you need to provide me with xxx?”

• Integrations are popping up everywhere – but check the confidentiality policy before signing up! That’s especially true for email integrations that offer to become a “virtual assistant” or the banking ones…

• Keep on top of terms and services. There was a scandal with Zoom’s use of our videos and chats (resolved for now), and it won’t be the last.

• Remember ChatGPT is an American tool, meaning its content will be written with American spelling and grammar unless you specify otherwise.

• Once you’ve tested the waters with text, why not start thinking about imagery?

(And yes, I may have used ChatGPT to help me write this piece and assist you on your entrepreneurial journey!)

EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT 39

By Liz Hart

Unlocking business success Navigating taxes for your new venture Thinking of starting your own business and wondering where tax comes into it? For many, the finance side of building a new business can feel like uncharted territory. Qualified accountant Liz Hart shares a few things you should know before you start.

MAKING IT OFFICIAL

ANNUAL THINGS TO DO

You need to let the government know you’re starting a new business. Yes – it’s because of tax (how annoying!).

Reporting

If you plan to be a sole trader, you need to register for self-assessment.

If you plan to incorporate, you need to register with companies house (the most common forms of incorporated companies are Ltd or CIC).

There are pros and cons to each business set-up and these need to be considered before you begin. Of course, if you change your mind after trading begins, you can always amend your business set-up. You can research this online, or talk it though with an accountant, who can explain your options and help you decide what would work best for you and your business.

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Knowing what you are going to have to do each year to report your profits/losses will help you understand what you need to do each day/week/month to make this an easier process for yourself.

Regardless of your set-up, you will need to let the government know how much money you have made (profit) or not made (loss) so it can work out how much tax you will need to pay.

This is done on an annual basis – usually at the end of March for sole traders via self-assessment, or on the anniversary of registering your business for limited companies, CICs, etc.

Paying taxes You could take the view that paying taxes is a good thing as it means your business is profitable (every cloud and all

that!). It’s a good idea to set money aside for your tax bill in a savings account. Non-incorporated businesses can estimate their tax bill with this tool: www.gov.uk/estimate-income-tax.

For Incorporated, it’s roughly 19% of your profit.

• Office costs, e.g. stationery or phone bills

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS

• Things you buy to sell on, e.g. stock or raw materials

Apart from doing your ‘thing’ and making your money, there are other bits and pieces to think about, like:

• Financial costs, e.g. insurance or bank charges

• Travel costs, e.g. fuel, parking, train or bus fares • Clothing expenses, e.g. uniforms • Staff costs, e.g. salaries or subcontractor costs

• Record keeping

• Costs of your business premises, e.g. heating, lighting, business rates

• Cash management

• Advertising or marketing, e.g. website costs

• Invoicing customers

• Training courses related to your business, e.g. refresher courses

• Paying bills • Saving for a tax bill A great number of people find this unbelievably dull, but it is absolutely necessary! To work out your profit/loss, you need to look at all your transactions for the year and see if you’ve made more than you’ve spent (profit) or spent more than you’ve made (loss).

This is much easier if you do a little at a time as the weeks go by, rather than sitting down after 12 months to go back through all those transactions and all the associated paperwork and receipts.

WHAT CAN BE CLAIMED AS A TAXDEDUCTIBLE EXPENSE? A question I often get asked when people are recording their income and expenses is, what can be claimed as a taxdeductible expense? There are too many to list them all here but a very brief summary from HMRC states:

It’s important to note the rules are different depending on whether you are a sole trader or own a limited company, so make sure you check your entitlements on the HMRC website (or with your accountant) before you file your tax return.

The golden phrase to remember is “wholly and exclusively”.

You can usually claim something as a tax-deductible expense if it is wholly and exclusively for the business.

For example, if you buy some polo shirts to wear for work, then this would not be a tax-deductible expense as you could – in theory – wear them anywhere. If you then went and had your business’s logo permanently branded to the polo shorts (e.g. embroidered or printed), then that would be tax deductible (the cost of the shirts and the branding), since it would be assumed you wouldn’t wear them anywhere other than work – and so they are wholly and exclusively for the business.

EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT 41

There’s no exhaustive list available for what you can and can’t claim; this is why people like me exist and why we spend years and years in accounting school and do hours and hours of CPD every year.

If in doubt, ask an accountant or call the HMRC helpline: 0300 200 3310/ +44 161 931 9070

THINGS THAT CAN HELP YOU Dedicated bank account I can’t recommend this enough. Even if you are the kind of person who leaves it all until the last minute, having a bank account purely for your business will help a huge amount. It’s easier to keep an eye on your cashflow that way, and your personal and business transactions won’t get muddled up.

It’s a myth that having a business bank account is a legal requirement if you are a limited company – or any kind of business. A business bank account is a product that banks like to sell you. Admittedly, they do make it difficult to open a ‘normal’ bank account in a business name, and there are some perks to having a special business account, like free business advice, free accounting software or easier access to a business loan - each bank is different

As mentioned, some business bank accounts come with free access to accounting packages or even their own accounting software for coding transactions.

Accountants At the very least, it’s worth having a chat with an accountant for an hour to help with the initial set-up – they can help you understand how best to start and answer any specific questions you may have. They may also be able to help you set up whatever system you plan to use to make your year-end reporting easier. Plus, accountants tend to have lots of different types of clients and so might have some tips and tricks for your particular trade. Ask around for recommendations!

HMRC and other sites The HMRC online services are really good for business help.

This is a great place to start if you’re new to business: www.gov.uk/browse/business You can also look up your local Chamber of Commerce for local support and networking opportunities: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Software You can use software to help you, if you like – either a spreadsheet, free software that comes with a bank account, or even specialist accounting packages. But it needs to make sense to you and be easy to use.

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www.money-bee.co.uk moneybeelizh elizabeth-hart-moneybee

By Lauren Robinson

Lauren Robinson

Why your business needs content writing and copywriting Do you know the difference between content writing and copywriting? Marketing expert Lauren Robinson cuts through the confusion and explains why small businesses need both to build authority, enthusiasm, and trust with their customers.

Look around you. Everything you see has been created and designed by someone – be it a business’s branding, the desk you are reading from, or the pattern of your shirt.

Every single element of a product or service needs to be written about to inspire buyers to take action. Think about it – the email newsletters you receive, the wording on that clever billboard campaign, even those industry-specific articles and the fun social media captions that catch your eye.

This element of marketing can often be overlooked by small businesses, but let me tell you a secret: I can guarantee you that every business you love is putting considerable effort into its content and copywriting.

For many people, ‘content writing’ and ‘copy writing’ are terms that are used interchangeably, but as small business owners, you need to be clear on the difference between the two so that your business can flourish.

Let’s start with content writing. Content writing is all about creating interesting and rich content that engages your target audience. Think blog posts, articles, and social media content.

It’s like giving your audience a big warm hug by providing useful information and building a strong relationship with them.

The ultimate goal is to establish your brand as a trusted voice in your industry and nurture your past, present, and future customers.

On the other hand, copywriting is all about being a smooth talker. It’s about creating persuasive and compelling marketing messages that motivate your audience to take a specific action, like making a purchase or signing up for a

newsletter. Copywriting is like your wing(wo)man, helping you close that deal and drive sales.

So while content writing and copywriting may seem similar, they each require different skills and approaches. But the bottom line is that both are important for effective marketing.

WHY IS COPYWRITING IMPORTANT FOR MY SMALL BUSINESS? For small businesses, copywriting is an essential tool to boost growth and success.

Effective copywriting can work wonders in persuading potential customers to take action. By improving conversion rates, businesses can increase their revenue and overall success. Winner!

Copywriting is a superstar when it comes to brand awareness, by communicating your unique tone, creating a strong brand image, and differentiating your business from competitors. This is important for small businesses looking to stand out in a crowded market.

Copywriting is an excellent tool for communicating with potential and existing customers, which can help to build relationships and foster loyalty. By using effective copywriting techniques, small businesses can connect with their audience and create a lasting impression.

EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT 43

Content writing is your secret weapon to becoming a thought leader in your industry. Share your expertise and insights on relevant topics and you’ll quickly build a rock-solid reputation as the go-to source for information and insights.

AND WHAT ABOUT CONTENT WRITING? Creating valuable content has never been more crucial for building a strong online presence, showing off your expertise, and engaging with potential customers.

By sharing insights and information relevant to your target audience, you can attract and captivate them with your awesome content. Plus, when you consistently create highquality content, you build trust and credibility with your readers, leading to increased brand loyalty and customer retention.

Great content writing can also improve a small business’s search engine rankings by incorporating targeted keywords and phrases that potential customers are searching for. This leads to increased traffic and visibility for the business, which can help drive even more sales.

Content writing is your secret weapon to becoming a thought leader in your industry. Share your expertise and insights on relevant topics and you’ll quickly build a rock-solid reputation as the go-to source for information and insights.

Content writing can also help you make waves on social media by creating shareable and interesting content that resonates with your target audience.

44 EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT

Now you’ve got a handle on the differences between content and copy, I want to share some tips on how to effectively use content and copywriting to get ahead with your business: • Create valuable content: As a small business owner, focus on producing content that genuinely benefits your target audience. This could take the form of blog posts, ebooks, videos, and infographics. Ensure that your content is relevant to your industry and provides valuable insights that can help solve problems or answer questions for your audience.

• Optimise content for SEO: To improve your website’s search engine optimisation (SEO) ranking, use relevant keywords throughout your content. However, avoid stuffing your content with keywords, and make sure it reads naturally while providing value to your readers. This way, potential customers can easily find you on search engine results pages.

• Use storytelling: Storytelling is a fantastic way to connect with your clients emotionally and build trust. You can incorporate storytelling into your content and copywriting to share your brand’s story, values, and mission, and create a stronger connection with your audience.

W COPY

• Utilise social proof: Building trust with clients is crucial for small businesses, and using social proof can help establish credibility. Incorporate customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies to demonstrate your expertise and showcase your business’s reputation.

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www.laurenrobinson.uk by_lauren_robinson

• Use a consistent brand voice: It’s essential to use a consistent brand voice in your content and copywriting to establish a recognisable and trustworthy brand identity.

This consistency can help build authority and make your business more memorable to your audience, increasing brand loyalty and recognition.

While this all might seem like a lot to take in, let’s be clear: putting time into elevating your content and copywriting is worth its weight in gold when it comes to getting your business front and centre.

And bear in mind that if this is not your zone of genius, there are plenty of small copywriting businesses that can help you (and save you a tonne of time) in your pursuit of content and copywriting brilliance.

EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT 45

By Jade Stock

Secure your future A small business owner’s guide to pensions

If you’re self-employed, how do you make sure you are financially prepared for the future beyond your working years? Financial adviser Jade Stock explains what you need to know about pensions and planning for your retirement.

As a financial adviser, the area of advice I am regularly asked about is pensions, specifically for the small business community.

There is so much information about pensions out there that it can feel very confusing. As a small business owner, you wear many hats on a daily basis. While you’re busy spinning the plates and keeping everything running, it’s crucial to remember to plan for your financial future, and life beyond your business.

One of the ways to secure your retirement is by investing in a pension. In this article, I’ll explore the importance of pension planning for small business owners and provide valuable insights on how to get started. Here are some reasons why you should consider a pension, and the options available to you.

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FINANCIAL SECURITY IN RETIREMENT Small business owners often don’t have access to employersponsored pension schemes. This means it’s up to you to create your retirement pot. A pension offers a way of creating a source of income during your retirement years, allowing you to maintain your quality of life.

TAX EFFICIENCY Pensions are tax-efficient investment vehicles in the UK. You can receive tax relief on your contributions, making it a cost-effective way to save for retirement. For every £100 you contribute to your pension, the government adds an additional £25 if you’re a basic rate taxpayer. Pension contributions for limited company directors can be dealt with in a different way so I would highly recommend speaking to an accountant before making contributions.

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH A PENSION Understand your retirement goals Start by setting clear retirement goals. Consider when you want to retire and how much income you’ll need to maintain the lifestyle you desire. This will help you determine how much you need to save.

Choose the right pension scheme As an individual, you have several pension options to consider: • Self-invested personal pension (SIPP): A SIPP provides you with a high degree of control over your investments.

You can choose from a wide range of assets, including equities, bonds, and commercial property.

• Stakeholder pension: Stakeholder pensions are simple and cost-effective pension schemes. They are suitable for those who want a more hands-off approach to pension investing.

• Personal pension plan: A personal pension plan offers flexibility in contributions and investment choices. You can tailor it to your specific needs.

with a financial adviser can help you to understand the investments within your pension and guide you on your investment and risk.

• Regular reviews are key: Regularly reviewing your pension investments and contributions against your retirement goals is key to ensuring you have the retirement you want. As your income and financial situation changes over time, so will your retirement goals and your pension.

Regular reviews will help you react to unexpected changes and take advantage of any opportunities.

Investing in a pension is a vital step for individuals and business owners to secure their financial future. By understanding your retirement goals, choosing the right pension scheme, and making regular contributions, you can build a nest egg that will provide financial security in your golden years. Seek professional financial advice to tailor your pension strategy to your unique circumstances.

Remember, the earlier you begin, the more time your investments have to grow, ensuring a comfortable retirement down the road.

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or inheritance tax planning, contact Jade Stock, Mortimer Rose Wealth Management: 01544 267668 Jade.Stock@sjpp.co.uk The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

Jade Stock

KEY PIECES OF ADVICE FOR STARTING A PENSION • Start contributing regularly: Make regular contributions to your pension fund. Even small regular contributions can accumulate over time. Don’t forget about tax relief – take advantage of it to maximise your savings.

• Diversify your investments: Diversification simply means spreading your investments out, and is key to managing risk. Invest your pension savings across a mix of assets to spread risk and potentially enhance returns. Working EXPERT ADVICE - SELF-EMPLOYMENT 47

Forces Employment Charity Helping veterans and the military community find employment success Forces Employment Charity exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to service leavers, veterans, reservists, and their families, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. The charity also delivers Op NOVA on behalf of the NHS, supporting veterans who are in contact with the justice system.

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Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, Forces Employment Charity has the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. It works in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like Forces Employment Charity, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.

Forces Employment Charity now spans 14 specialist programmes, to provide greater levels of employment support to the military community than ever before. Through our work we help: • Early service leavers • Wounded injured and sick service leavers • Those seeking executive roles • Vulnerable veterans • Veterans in contact with the justice system and their partners • Unemployed veterans in London • Female veterans • Those interested in the tech/cyber sectors

he kept saying, ‘Do cyber security. You should do some qualifications,’” she recalls. “Being the least technical person that I’ve ever known, I was just like, ‘No no no, I can’t. I’m not any good with computers. I’m not good at all…’”

Originally devised to support veterans, the TechVets programme now extends to include spouses and partners as well, which coincided with Sara showing an interest.

“When they opened up all of their resources to spouses, I just thought, ‘You know, why not just try one of the really basic ones and see where it goes?’” she says. “I actually wasn’t as terrible as I thought I might be, which was a nice surprise…

It was like the babiest of baby steps.

“I just powered through it, and I really enjoyed it,” she says. “It broke [the information] down really nicely and into tiny little chunks, which is great because you can just pick and go through it at your own pace.”

• Veterans, partners, and service children in the M3 area • Afghans with a defence connection • Plus, over 9,500 Forces-friendly employers Each year the charity supports around 21,000 ex-Forces personnel and their families and creates around 100,000 job opportunities specifically suited to their skills and attributes.

In the months that followed, Sara made the most of what she calls an “unbelievable amount of resources” – she used the TechVets Discord channels for tips and sent her CV to her dedicated Families Programme adviser for advice and support on her application.

The Forces Employment Charity has a team of dedicated employment advisers on hand to provide tailored, specialist advice to help with anyone looking to take the next step on the career ladder.

Military spouse Sara Hilton found support from Forces Employment Charity and went from “the least technical person” to landing a brandnew career in cyber security.

Sara, a mother of three, spent ten years of her marriage travelling alongside her husband, Andrew, who served with the Royal Corps of Signals. When she decided she’d like to try something new, it was Andrew who pointed her towards Forces Employment Charity.

“Andrew had been doing a lot of stuff with [Forces Employment Charity programme] TechVets in the past and RESOURCES 49

“My CV was just all the café jobs that I’ve had, and it wasn’t cyber security-related at all,” Sara explains. “I had to put those skills in, bring them across, and say, ‘I can do this’ and ‘This would be helpful in this situation in cyber security.’”

She then began her job hunt on the TechVets jobs board. This board features postings that you often can’t find anywhere else, and that was the case for Sara’s eventual role – an entry-level cyber security analyst job that the employer wanted to give to someone within the military community.

“I finally found the dream job,” she says. “I nearly cried happy tears when I saw the jobs board. I really did because I didn’t think I was ever going to find it. But here we are.”

She was hired in less than a week!

Sara’s job can now fit perfectly around her life. She spends one workday per week in the nearby office, and the other four working from home.

That’s just one of the reasons she’s telling other military spouses to train in cyber security and IT.

“It’s just brilliant… Nearly all roles are fully remote, so it doesn’t matter where you are, you can still carry on working. It fits in so well around family life. The job I had before, I was working most weekends, one if not both days, so I was missing out on all the family time that we would have had together… Now, Andrew and I’ll be off every weekend as well, which is marvellous because we’ll get to do lots of things together and have some lovely time as a family at the weekend.”

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Another perk is the pay.

“It’s going to make such a big difference to our lives having this extra income,” Sara shares. She says her kids are already asking her when they can go to Butlins with the extra money!

“Definitely sign up… Have a look at the courses on offer and pick something basic, like the introduction to cyber security,” she says. “Just have a go because, honestly, if I can do all of the courses that I have done, you will be so surprised at how much you can do.”

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU REGISTER WITH FORCES EMPLOYMENT CHARITY Once you have registered with Forces Employment Charity via www.forcesemployment.org.uk, an adviser will be in touch to find out more about your current situation.

Your adviser will carry out a ‘needs assessment’, which will help them understand any barriers to employment relating to issues such as health, housing, and debt. If any additional needs are identified, your adviser will then be able to refer you to other organisations that can provide the relevant help required.

Our advisers can then help develop your employability to present you to employers in the best possible way. That can involve advice on what to apply for, how to find work and develop a good CV, interview skills, training, etc.

Visit www.forcesemployment.org.uk for more information.

The Military Coworking Network The Military Coworking Network (MCN) was established in 2017 by a group of military partners who recognised the challenges faced by military spouses in pursuing their own careers. These partners wanted to create a supportive environment where military spouses could work and study together, addressing the sense of career instability caused by the mobile lifestyle of military families.

Members enjoying the co-working spaces

The first Military Coworking Hub was set up by a team of volunteers at Leuchars Station. From there, the MCN grew and inspired military partners across the UK. In 2020, the MCN received support from various organisations, including an Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund grant and backing from the Royal Air Forces Association, as well as the Naval, Army, and RAF Families Federations. This support allowed the MCN to expand its grassroots initiative into an international network.

BUILDING A CAREER AS PART OF THE MILITARY COMMUNITY To ensure the MCN continues to meet the needs of military spouses, an independent evaluation was commissioned to understand the project’s benefits and areas for improvement.

It was no surprise when the evaluation revealed that military partners often feel their careers are considered less important than their partners’, and they must overcome numerous barriers to start, develop, or sustain their own careers.

The MCN helps partners and spouses by: • Providing places to work and study via our Coworking Hubs • Connecting them with like-minded people via social and professional events • Signposting them to organisations that can help with all aspects of their life but also providing meaningful insights to help them navigate their way and make informed choices • Offering learning and development opportunities – free, funded, or discounted – to support their upskilling and advance their careers • Sharing inspirational stories to drive positive change in their lives

OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY Membership of our online community is free to all military spouses and partners of serving personnel, veterans, and reservists, because we recognise that the impact of military life continues well beyond their partners’ time of service. There’s plenty of expertise within the military spouse community, and we actively encourage our members to share their knowledge and experience.

Benefits of online membership include: • Member discounts – training and events • Free business listing in our online business directory • Latest updates from the network, including monthly newsletter • Full access to our new exclusive members area, which provides an excellent resource library for military spouses and partners

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In addition to career-focused blogs and case studies, we hold regular virtual co-working sessions for people unable to access the shared offices, and invite organisations such as BFBS, Recruit for Spouses, and YourNorth to give webinars on topics of interest to our members. Recent online events have included how to set up your own virtual assistant business, strategies for improving your communication skills, and successfully setting up and using your LinkedIn profile.

Working around others was also associated with increased productivity, as people found they were more motivated to work and to use their time efficiently. They benefitted from other people’s expertise and picked up positive work habits from each other.

HOW THE COWORKING HUBS HELP MEMBERS

Regular attendance at the hubs had a positive effect on the job opportunities available to partners and spouses. Almost half of hub users had been looking for a job in the last year, and over 50% reported finding it difficult to get a job that suits their needs. Most hub users reported a positive effect of the Coworking Hubs on their career and job aspirations.

The ethos of the MCN is to help military partners move forward in their career or business by providing not only a professional shared office space, but enabling members to create a community that supports them holistically.

The independent evaluation also found that working from a Coworking Hub in a comfortable and sociable environment with all necessary facilities increased productivity for a whopping 91% of hub users. Most hub users reported fewer distractions, more structure to their day, and improved working habits, as well as increased motivation.

“I’m more productive when I’m actually at the hubs doing work from there rather than at home because there are no distractions.”

– MCN Hub user

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POSITIVE EFFECT ON FINDING FULFILLING JOBS

“It’s made me realise I could start my own business if I wanted to. I think, sometimes, you just need the confidence to give it a go.”

– MCN Hub user Switching off when working from home was highlighted in interviews as a significant challenge and disadvantage of working from home. Over half of Coworking Hub users also found a similar challenge with ‘switching on’ – getting in the right frame of mind to work, without leaving the house and entering a working environment.

“Just being able to come out to an office and have that separation, it’s made an absolute world of difference. You feel like you’re actually working and building a business rather than sat at home amidst a pile of ironing while your serving spouse is out doing whatever.” – MCN Hub user Our Coworking Hubs are great spaces to work in. But you don’t need to have a job or run a business to use one of our hubs; they are the perfect place to go if you: • Need a quiet place to focus, write a CV, or even attend online interviews • Are studying for a qualification • Want to build a network of likeminded people Our flexible hub membership caters for all these scenarios, and you can use it from just a few hours a week to the equivalent of a full-time job. Our hubs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so you can structure your day around your other commitments. We’re committed to keeping the cost of being a hub member as low as possible, so in 2023, a year’s access to your local hub starts from just £30.

GET IN TOUCH We are thrilled with the results of the final stage of the external evaluation and will be working hard to make Coworking Hubs accessible to as many people as possible. For those in a Coworking Hub location, please get in touch via our Hub Page to book a free trial to see what our co-working spaces can offer you.

You can also sign the Hub Register to get your location to the top of the list for a new hub.

info@militarycoworking.uk www.militarycoworking.uk militarycoworkingnetwork militarycoworkingnetwork militarycoworking RESOURCES 53

Introducing the three single-service Families Federations The Naval, Army, and RAF Families Federations are separate organisations that act as independent voices for you as military families, continually working hard to improve the quality of life for families around the world experiencing the unique challenges that can come with living a military lifestyle.

As we know about the challenges of starting, maintaining, and changing a career while being part of a service family, we have established Forces Families Jobs (FFJ). This is a free online platform with employment and training opportunities specifically for military spouses and partners, along with a host of other useful information and signposting to organisations that can help you along your employment journey. You can find out more about FFJ on page 60.

All three Families Federations are independent to our single service and offer confidential advice and guidance to you as part of the Armed Forces community. We are often pivotal in achieving improvements such as changes to government policy.

We know the employment landscape continues to change, so please keep talking to us about any challenges you face – each Families Federation has a specialist dedicated to dealing with employment issues.

Our role is to highlight emerging problems and themes to the chain of command, or service providers, and to work with them and other agencies to improve the support they provide to you.

We also provide useful information and a signposting service for each of our three Forces families communities through our own websites, social media, and magazines.

Along with employment and training, the areas we deal with include housing, health and additional needs, education and childcare, support to non-UK families, money and allowances, and family life.

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For more information: Naval Families Federation: www.nff.org.uk Army Families Federation: www.aff.org.uk RAF Families Federation: www.raf-ff.org.uk

Recruit For Spouses As members of the military community, we know the additional barriers spouses and veterans face when it comes to securing reliable and fulfilling employment. Once we’ve been out of work for a while, with the additional life stressors of house moves, changes to our support network, and integrating into new communities, it’s easy to find our confidence starts to drop.

With low confidence, we can end up postponing taking the next step towards reclaiming our careers, for fear of having doors shut in our faces. We start to procrastinate updating our CV; we don’t put ourselves forward for opportunities that could really benefit us, because we don’t feel ‘ready’. We might do some free training or workshops, but never take things further once we complete them, instead looking for the next course to sign up to that will help us feel more qualified, more worthy.

In short, before anyone has had a chance to consider our skills and talents, we self-exclude due to low confidence and self-worth.

That’s where coaching and mentoring can make all the difference!

next phase of my life. Being able to talk freely without fear of judgement was invaluable and I am now clearly focused on chasing my dreams.”

Once we know what our goals and dreams look like, to move forward and achieve those goals we have to actively pursue them. And sometimes this means knocking on doors we expect to stay closed to us, applying for roles we might feel underqualified for, and doing things we think we’re not ready to do.

JOIN OUR TALENT POOL One small step you can take today is to register with us and join our Talent Pool. You don’t need to have your CV perfectly figured out; our team can help you with that. Simply head to our website and click ‘register’ and if you don’t have a CV ready, choose ‘manual registration’.

Registering with us means you’ll be the first to hear about exciting new job opportunities, free training, and partnerships, and we will reach out to you first when roles that match your skill set become available. It takes just a few minutes to register, and we take care of the rest!

Coaching is shown to increase employability, confidence, and communication skills, and we just so happen to offer free career coaching to members of the military community.

FREE COACHING AND MENTORING Our fully funded award-winning coaching and mentoring programme is run by the RFS Career Academy. We offer up to six virtual one-to-one sessions completely free to military spouses, veteran spouses, veterans and military children aged 18+. They are for you, whether you are unemployed or employed, whether your partner is still serving or retired years ago, whether you know exactly what your goals are or need a little help figuring that out.

The reviews we’ve had speak for themselves: working with the right coach at the right time transforms lives and careers.

“The coaching programme was an incredible experience and has helped me gain clarity and insight into the RESOURCES 55

THE LIQUID WORKFORCE You can also join our Liquid Workforce, where we recruit for permanent, fixed-term, part-time, full-time, office-based, workfrom home, flexible, and hybrid roles. We help translate your skills and qualifications into exactly what we know modern employers are looking for, working with forward-thinking, progressive companies that value the unique skill set, work ethic, and resilience of our community.

TRAINING AND MASTERCLASSES We frequently partner with organisations and spouse-owned businesses to bring our community high-quality trainings at no cost to our users. This summer we had business strategist Alex Coward running a workshop on effective communication, and Paralympic gold medallist Emma Wiggs running a workshop on planning for success. We are constantly updating our list of training available, so register with us and sign up to our newsletter to stay updated on the full range of workshops and masterclasses we have coming up throughout the year.

WE ARE NOW A B CORP! Last year, after months of hard work from our team, we were proud to become one of the first 1,000 UK companies to achieve B Corp certification. Being given B Corp status means we have proven we are committed to becoming leaders in the collective movement for an economic structure that is honest, fair, and restorative for people and for the planet. These values are woven into the fabric of our businesses policies. And achieving B Corp status isn’t a onetime thing – every three years we are reassessed and if we fail to evidence tangible improvement as a company, our B Corp status can be removed.

We know how important it is to be able to trust the companies you invest your time and energy into. As a company with a focus on developing and nurturing military spouses and veterans in their careers, we want you to be able to trust we are also dedicated to ‘doing the work’ on ourselves as a company. Not with a sole focus of increasing profits year by year, or ‘growth for the sake of growth’, but to nurture people in our wider community and put people and the planet before profit.

Since achieving B Corp status, we’ve gone from strength to strength, with our founder Heledd Kendrick nominated for the NatWest WISE100, recognising leading women in social enterprise. We also celebrated our ten-year anniversary at the National Army Museum in London, surrounded by the

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incredible people and businesses who have helped RFS become what it is today.

We can’t wait to see what the next year brings for our community, and we hope you will join us in coming along for the ride!

“As a spouse of the military and Commonwealth, one of the biggest challenges I faced was getting stable employment. Thanks to RFS I was able to secure a role with AMS on the Santander UK account. I cannot fault the process, as I have gained a lot of experience, confidence, and a great depth of knowledge through it all. I have made a lot of friends with it too, and to top it off, they are always a phone call away whenever I need any support or clarification.

Thank you RFS!!”

– Luisa Naiyaga, sourcing specialist, Santander UK via AMS

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X-Forces Enterprise X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) supports business aspiration in the military community. Veterans, service leavers, spouses, family members, cadets, and reservists are all eligible for freeto-access services. Since the organisation was founded in 2013, XFE has helped over 10,000 people to consider, start, and scale their businesses; delivered over 50,000 hours of enterprise training; and facilitated access to more than £40m in seed funding. Its unique package of services provides knowledge and support to the Armed Forces community, enabling informed decisions about business and facilitating connections within a family of like-minded business owners.

TRAINING If you are contemplating self-employment but are unsure whether the enterprise route is right for you and your family, you can sign up for our free one-day Self-Employment Discovery workshop and discover the pros and cons of starting your own business. You’ll get to know your own red lines, increase your understanding of the commercial world, and make an informed decision about starting your own business. If you choose to go ahead, our two-day Start Up Skills workshop will consider the details of your business plan including marketing, finance, law, and sustainability.

All our events are only open to the Armed Forces community, so attendees can feel reassured they’re among like-minded individuals and network with others going on a similar journey.

Additionally, we have designed bespoke self-employment training programmes exclusive to military spouses and partners, and exclusive by service. Our team can advise on the most appropriate training for you; please just get in touch: x-forces.com/events

FUNDING If you’re considering starting a business, it’s likely you will need funding at some point. Provided your business has yet to start or you’ve been trading for less than three years, you are eligible to apply for support via the government-funded Start Up Loans programme, for which XFE is the appointed Armed 58 RESOURCES

Forces Community Delivery Partner. Our business advisers will guide you through the process and support you to prepare a robust business plan and cashflow forecast. Unsecured personal loans for business purposes of up to £25,000 are available, and XFE provides 12 months’ post-loan mentoring by a dedicated business adviser: x-forces.com/funding

ALREADY TRADING? We have a bespoke range of Business Masterclass workshops to support current business owners, with topics ranging from e-commerce and customer profiling to bookkeeping and cyber security. These one-day sessions take a deep dive into one aspect that business owners will encounter, and attendees come away with practical tips and tools to progress their plans. Places are limited to a small group, so early booking is recommended.

MENTORING AND NETWORKING Whatever stage of the business journey you’re at, if you’re looking to connect with like-minded people, XFE holds regular Military in Business® Networking events, hosted by regional ambassadors, who are established business owners that came through the XFE journey and have been trading for a number of years. Networking events are held online during

the evenings and feature special keynote speakers who are experts in their fields, as well as guests from a variety of organisations that support enterprise.

Peer-to-peer support and mentoring are at the core of all our services, and our XFE Knowledge Exchange Hub features a growing army of ‘business captains’ – experts from across society and sectors, waiting to connect and support you in a confidential and secure environment. Users can search the Hub to find fellow Military In Business® owners in their sector or region and make valuable connections that often lead to business relationships. Additionally, the free-to-use digital XFE Hub includes a vast library of articles on the topics that matter most to both aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs: x-forces.com/xfe-hub We invite you to join thousands like you in the XFE family and access all the resources and support available. The website is the first step to find out more about our services and you’re welcome to get in touch; the team at XFE are always ready to help.

For advice and support, contact: info@x-forces.com www.x-forces.com

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What is Forces Families Jobs?

Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) is an online employment and training platform designed to support military families into meaningful employment and to provide opportunities for training and development.

It is delivered by a tri-service partnership between the Naval Families Federation (NFF), Army Families Federation (AFF), and Royal Air Force Families Federation (RAFFF).

FFJ is a platform that connects spouses and partners of serving military personnel with employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant; organisations offering free or discounted training and development opportunities, as well as access to a wealth of career-related information; and organisations providing advice and support along your employment journey.

FFJ IN 2023

More than 1,500 employers are now registered on FFJ and the number of training opportunities on the site is also growing, with more than 80 different providers, all of which offer free or discounted training for Armed Forces families.

FEATURES As well as a live jobs board, you can set up job alerts and specific searches (by location, sector or keyword) to find the role that is right for you. You can also find out about all the employers who have signed up to FFJ via our Employer Directory.

FFJ continues to grow and has thousands of live jobs with Forces-friendly employers, available for you to view and apply for on the website.

We have an ‘Other Routes To Employment’ page, which highlights apprenticeship opportunities with our employers, along with any special employment pathways that organisations may have for the Armed Forces community.

The number of jobseekers registered on the site now exceeds 18,000, highlighting the service community’s need for a jobs and training platform, now more than ever.

Our ‘Training & Career Support’ pages not only feature free and discounted training opportunities for military spouses, but there is also a ‘Business Start Ups’ page signposting you to

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organisations and programmes that can help you become self-employed.

Our ‘Career Advice’ page signposts you to a variety of organisations that provide a range of information services, guidance, and programmes to help you along any part of your employment journey.

As well as having ‘News’ and ‘Events’ pages on our website, FFJ is on Facebook and LinkedIn, which means we can update our audience on the latest events from our employers, training providers, and other organisations.

WHO CAN USE FFJ? 1. Spouses, partners, and family members of current serving military personnel • Spouses, partners, and family members of serving regular and reservist personnel • Spouses, partners, and family members of service personnel who have left the Armed Forces within the last 12 months • Bereaved spouses, partners, and family members for up to two years post-service 2. Employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Any organisation that has signed the Armed Forces

Covenant can advertise its job opportunities free of charge. For employers, it’s an opportunity to promote their organisation and showcase their commitment towards fulfilling the Armed Forces Covenant. As well as advertising their job vacancies, employers can access a large, highly skilled candidate database of Armed Forces family members from all three services.

3. Training providers that demonstrate a commitment to the Armed Forces community Training providers offering free or discounted training or career opportunities for Armed Forces families.

PROMOTING THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT For employers to be able to advertise on FFJ, they must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. The Families Federations are working with the MOD’s Defence Relationship Management to encourage all those employers that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to use the site to promote their jobs and increase their exposure to a highly skilled and relatively untapped workforce.

The advantage of our employers all being Armed Forces Covenant signatories is that partners, spouses, and family members can be reassured that the employers are committed to being supportive of the Armed Forces community – they are aware of the challenges presented by a military lifestyle and won’t discriminate against them because of this.

ABOUT THE SITE: WWW.FORCESFAMILIESJOBS.CO.UK As a jobseeker you can register to create an account, upload or build a CV using the site’s CV builder, create job alerts, and search for jobs using a variety of filters.

However, you do not have to register in order to access the information available on FFJ. It is available for all service families, anywhere in the world.

If you have any queries, or if you’re an employer or training provider that would like to register, please contact the team: help@forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk.

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Heropreneurs Mentoring, community, excellence Founded in 2009, Heropreneurs is a charity dedicated to empowering members of the Armed Forces community to create their own businesses and become successful entrepreneurs. The founders believe the members of this community possess unique skills and experiences that make them ideal candidates for entrepreneurship. By harnessing these qualities, budding entrepreneurs can build successful and rewarding businesses that serve their communities and contribute to the wider economy.

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Heropreneurs offers a range of support services to the extended military community, including mentoring, training, and advice to access funding and further resources. It also hosts an annual awards event to recognise the hard work of their many entrepreneurs.

Heropreneurs’ mentorship programme has helped a huge number of budding entrepreneurs grow their businesses to new heights. Here are two examples of veterans who have made the most of what the charity has to offer and seen significant success in business.

The Heropreneurs Awards 2022

Paul Vicary CEO of X-Calibre With 35 years of military experience under his belt, it was time for Paul to embark on a new challenge: the process of establishing X-Calibre, a training and consultancy business offering a variety of courses that aim to help educate people on a selection of topics and, ultimately, improve people’s lives. Not only an ex-serviceman and a polar explorer, but a trained paramedic to boot, Paul knew he had an extremely valuable mixture of skills and experience that could be put to good use. However, despite all his experience, he would still need a helping hand.

This is where Heropreneurs comes into the story. Paul was assigned a mentor who could guide and advise him on every step of his entrepreneurial journey. Starting a business can be an extremely uncertain process and having a seasoned voice to ask the right questions and challenge the wrong decisions was vital. From serving as a ‘sounding board’ to providing more practical advice, Paul’s mentor gave him the assurance he needed to see his company thrive.

“Having a discreet, neutral person to chat with and vent to was immensely important, especially during that period of transition.”

Heropreneurs’ help in setting up the company was not just limited to a free mentoring service. Paul accessed a range of networking events, workshops, and skills sessions that provided the essential requirements and contacts to help fledgling businesses on the road to success.

This support continued even after the pandemic struck in 2020. In this extremely challenging working environment, X-Calibre was still able to receive the help it needed to flourish. Paul’s exemplary determination to succeed was acknowledged when he received the 2021 Heropreneur of the Year Award at a ceremony at The Shard in London.

Initially only envisaged as a small company promoting a positive mental health culture, X-Calibre is now helping vast numbers of people and businesses in a range of areas including stress management, healthy eating, drink and drug awareness, and suicide prevention. Paul sees potential for the company to expand into even more areas, such is his ambition for X-Calibre. Though Paul is now a well-established businessman in his own right, Heropreneurs is always on hand to offer that vital support. x-calibremh.co.uk

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Farard Darver CEO of Healthcare International Research Farard Darver served in the Army for 17 years, and like many servicepeople, sustained a number of injuries in that time. Conventional treatment plans would see Farard relying on a range of pharmaceuticals, but he thought there must be a better option. It was with that desire he identified CBD (cannabidiol) as an effective way to meet his medical needs.

CBD is derived from hemp plants, in a way that removes its psychoactive properties. It has been clinically proven to ease the symptoms of a variety of ailments, from serious illnesses through to minor aches and pains, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, CBD is being increasingly used in beauty products such as creams and moisturisers that address common complaints such as severe dry skin and cellulite.

Driven by a genuine spirit of social entrepreneurship, Farard established Healthcare International Research (HIR). The company had to overcome all the traditional barriers to market that any start-up will encounter, in addition to the unique hurdles of bringing a CBD-based product into both domestic and foreign markets.

This is where the guidance of Heropreneurs was so important. Farard’s mentor provided the stabilising presence he needed to overcome many of the potential pitfalls and obstacles that a start-up faces. Within a year of embarking on the mentorship scheme, HIR was well established and rapidly growing.

Today, HIR is a global company selling a unique offering of award-winning CBD products. Its topical treatments provide a safe, natural solution for people suffering from a range of ailments. With a 4.9/5 rating on Trustpilot and scores of video testimonials, HIR has definitely tapped into something special.

It is also taking the natural health and beauty industry by storm, with accolades including: • Pure Beauty Global Award 2022 winner • Global Makeup Awards 2022 winner • Global Green Beauty Awards 2022 silver medalist • Shortlisted for the prestigious 2023 John Bell & Croyden Award Farard has big plans to expand the offerings of HIR. He is in talks with the UK MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) to discuss how more people might benefit from his products in a healthcare setting. The global CBD market is already valued at billions of pounds, and HIR is at the front and centre of this booming industry.

“I thought the mentoring process was fantastic. It’s a two-way street where you choose each other… and my mentor provided some really sage guidance and direction.” www.hir.global

Heropreneurs will be launching its 2023 awards in June, with a ceremony scheduled for 13 November at a major London venue. There will be up to five awards including the Heropreneur of the Year Award, and the Warwick Business School Award, which provides a 100% scholarship for a part-time Executive MBA for the winning candidate. www.heropreneurs.co.uk www.heropreneurs.co.uk/warwick-buiness-schoolbursary-mba

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“Milspo is incredible, and my business would not be where it is without it. From needing to leave full-time employment and deciding to go full-time self-employed to navigating life as a military spouse, finding this network has been invaluable.

Not only is it a great business network, but it is also an amazing community that has helped support me in so many other ways. I don’t think my mental resilience in business (and Armed Forces life!) would be where it is without the Milspo Business Network and its community.”

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The Milspo® Business Network Have you heard about Milspo®? We’re an incredible social enterprise and community interest company dedicated to supporting all UK military spouses, partners, and other-halves running their own businesses. Milspo is actually short for military spouses, partners, and otherhalves – or SPOs. Over the past five years, we at Milspo have built an inclusive and vibrant community of over 1,400 entrepreneurial SPOs. The best part? It’s run by a team of military partners, veterans, and Armed Forces widows who truly understand the unique challenges and experiences of military life. Not only are we passionate about supporting fellow SPOs, we are also experts in the business world, so you can rest assured that you’re in capable hands.

Milspo brings this fantastic global community together through professional networking, regular welfare meet-ups, and specialised workshops – both online and offline. Our goal is to empower you to create your business to thrive in the modern military world. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your existing business to the next level, Milspo is here to provide the guidance and support you need.

“The Milspo Network is by far the most helpful and supportive group I’ve joined for my business and it has opened up many opportunities that otherwise I wouldn’t have had. Lots of wonderful people that keep us sane in the crazy life that is military spouse, parent and small business owner!”

We have our own business directory, Find A Milspo – the largest public directory of military partners in business in the UK. If you’re seeking connections, opportunities, or collaborations within the military community, look no further.

Find A Milspo is your ultimate go-to resource. You can access it at findamilspo.co.uk.

Milspo’s founder, Jess Sands, has published a fantastic book called Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box. This

book is a treasure trove of tried-and-tested tips to help you navigate the world of entrepreneurship as a military partner.

But it’s not just your average book, it’s an insightful manual that combines proven methods with the wisdom and experiences of other business-owning military partners.

Additionally, we organise in-person meet-ups at military bases throughout the UK, allowing us to broaden our network and alleviate the isolation often experienced in entrepreneurship and military life.

Milspo is always eager to welcome new members into our tight-knit community. If you’ve been dreaming of building the business you deserve, now is the time to take action. Head over to www.milspo.co.uk and discover how you can get involved.

So, if you’re a military spouse, partner, or other-half with aspirations of starting or growing a business, Milspo is your ultimate destination. We offer unwavering support, a vibrant community, incredible resources, and a wealth of knowledge to help you succeed. Don’t wait any longer – join Milspo today and embark on your exciting entrepreneurial journey! www.milspo.co.uk RESOURCES RESOURCES 67 67

“It’s been absolutely brilliant! Having attended the four-day course, I encouraged my husband to set up his own small business, which is flourishing nicely, and, after almost 15 years of self-employment, I am re-evaluating the services I offer while also exploring the potential of establishing a second, more passion-fuelled, business of my own.

“Having the opportunity to discuss ideas, plans, goals, and also any difficulties or concerns with an experienced mentor, who understands the additional complexities associated with being a military family, has proved invaluable.

Celebrating a decade of supporting our unsung heroes Supporting the Unsung Hero, has been helping Armed Forces families start and grow in business for ten years. The dedicated initiative began in Wolverhampton and rapidly grew into an international programme, supporting UK military families wherever they are in the world.

Supporting the Unsung Hero (SUH) is so much more than a training course. Our delegate network is unique – comprised completely of entrepreneurs from the Armed Forces community. Now in its tenth year, this free business training programme, delivered in person at MOD bases throughout the UK, overseas, and online, has been in high demand from military families, veterans and reservists to help them realise their ambition to start up and develop a business.

SUH comprises a four-day business training course followed by a ten-month mentoring programme. It is free to service families and continues to grow in popularity, having already been attended by more than 2,000 delegates at MOD bases in the UK and overseas in British Forces Germany, Belgium, Italy, Cyprus, and online.

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“I think the course was pitched really well to cover people at all different stages of their journey. This was my first engagement with any business start-up course/material and it was great at diving straight into the solid marketing strategy while at the same time getting me to think realistically about whether it was the right path to take. I also found the course to be really accessible and practical and it really encouraged us all to network with each other and get up there and present an elevator pitch at the end of the week.

“I can’t recommend the business startup course delivered by Supporting the Unsung Hero enough! I have been living overseas with my husband, who serves in the British Army, and had been struggling to get my business off the ground.

“When I saw the course, I immediately went for it and my eyes were opened. I was able to learn from subject matter experts and develop a business brain to complement my creativity. It has helped my business grow. I now have a steady client base and have time to enjoy my photography

rather than worry about whether I’m running my business effectively. A big thank you to Sarah and the team who have been supportive throughout.”

– Daniel Knott, founder, Semper Fi Photography, and SUH programme delegate

ABOUT SUPPORTING THE UNSUNG HERO Supporting the Unsung Hero Business Start-Up Programme has been developed specifically for Armed Forces families to provide them with the transferable skills and support required to start and maintain a business, enabling family members to become more financially stable and develop sustainable careers. The course is designed to be as informative, fun, and relaxed as possible and to encourage delegates throughout the programme. The free business training and mentoring support programme is open to spouses and adult dependants of serving, veteran, and reserve personnel. Applications from veterans and reservists are also welcome.

With the support of qualified and experienced business mentors, you will have the opportunity to start and grow your business and meet likeminded entrepreneurs who are part of your Armed Forces community. From graphic designers and writers to sports coaches, crafters, and artists, the SUH team will guide you through the early stages of setting up your own business.

Sarah Walker, project manager, says: “We are so pleased to continue SUH into its tenth year, to continue providing service families with the tools, skills, and opportunities to optimise their capacity for business and self-employment. We have come a long way since our first cohort in 2013 and, to date, we have delivered 73 cohorts throughout the UK at MOD bases from Scotland to Portsmouth and overseas. It is overwhelming to know that we have been able to positively influence so many Armed Forces families who have gone on to start their business journey, with many now entering their third and fifth year of trading. We look forward to enabling hundreds more this year to achieve their ambition and turn their bright ideas into real business opportunities.”

So, if you are considering starting up in business, wish to develop your enterprise, or would simply like to learn more about self-employment, why not register for your free training place and join a unique and friendly business community?

For more information and to book your place visit: www.supportingtheunsunghero.co.uk info@supportingtheunsunghero.co.uk

SUH TRAINING AND MENTORING The programme consists of three stages of support.

Stage 1: Introduction to Self-Employment – monthly webinar This session is designed to answer all the questions you may have about becoming self-employed and starting a business.

Stage 2: Four-Day Business Start-Up Course The course is taught by experienced business advisers from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

Areas covered include: • Market research • Marketing • Law and legislation • Business planning • Cash flow and profit • Balance sheets • Break-even • Financial forecasting • Keeping records • Tax, National Insurance and VAT Stage 3: Mentoring Following completion of the four-day course, you will be assigned a dedicated business mentor and given an eight-month mentoring programme, consisting of five individual and two group mentoring sessions. The mentoring sessions have been designed to support you through the process of starting and maintaining a business.

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e50K CIC e50K Community Interest Company (CIC) is led entirely by Armed Forces spouses and veteran spouses – providing opportunities to all those with a lived experience of the Armed Forces community.

e50K Strategic Advisory provides bespoke strategic development and advice to businesses seeking to develop their social value creation, enhance their environmental sustainability and support the communities within which they work. Clients include suppliers to the Ministries of Defence, Justice and Transport, and profit made from this work funds e50K Communities. e50K Communities contributes to vibrant and resilient Armed Forces estates, where residents are engaged, enabled, and empowered to deliver community-led solutions to local problems. The ambition for all our community projects is to create purpose-built schemes where our beneficiaries can form genuine relationships and interactions through shared activity.

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The team at e50K have a wide range of backgrounds, but they share one life experience: their career taking a backseat because of a partner’s position in the Armed Forces. They were brought together by Dr Elizabeth Newman-Earl who, when forced to have a career break while her partner was deployed overseas, used the time to write a PhD thesis on the impacts of militarisation on Armed Forces spouses. The results of that PhD were e50K CIC and its two subsidiary companies, one a strategic advisory consulting house and the other a not-forprofit social enterprise dedicated to creating co-designed, co-produced projects for the Armed Forces community.

Founded in 2020, e50K works to reduce the discrepancies between civilian and Armed Forces life – removing barriers and increasing opportunities for those within this community on both a local and national scale.

The transient nature of this community often means training, employment, and career development are difficult, and barriers are compounded by spouses taking the weight of the domestic burden squarely on their shoulders. Part of e50K’s vision is to recruit, first and foremost, from this talent pool – providing bespoke roles for all.

e50K understands that those with lived experience of the Armed Forces community have a unique skill set that is still hugely undervalued and overlooked by the average employer.

Those skills of adaptability, flexibility, humility, and creativity are welcomed and utilised in both areas of the company.

“Being given the opportunity to join the workforce of e50K is an absolute honour. After leaving the military to care for my disabled son, I feared I was unemployable and struggled with my mental health. e50K has provided me a new pathway and lease of life. I feel confident and heard, independent and purposeful – I feel like the old me!”

– Amy Manuel, Bramble Woods site manager Over the course of the last two years, e50K has developed from an on-paper business case to a collective of individuals, in a variety of roles, working to achieve real impact for the Armed Forces community. “e50K provided me with a lifeline after multiple relocations and giving up my first career. I was able to work with a group of likeminded individuals who wanted to make a difference within and for this community. I have found the confidence in myself again where I thought I had lost my purpose, self-belief, and drive.” – Dr Elizabeth Newman-Earl, founder and CEO The flexible approach to accommodating the differing needs of the team includes multiple pathways for the different stages of people’s working lives. At the very heart of the e50K values set is ensuring that employment works with the needs of the employee – adapting working conditions to suit the needs of home life, be that children and childcare, mental and physical health conditions, or neurodiversity.

Rather than having a negative impact on the business, in fact, it is quite the opposite as the rapid success of both companies is proving.

“I know that the e50K team understand that sometimes I have childcare issues. Rather than making me feel like I am unable to do my job, my children are welcome in meetings, and everyone understands if I have to rearrange my work hours at the last minute. When my son was rushed to hospital last year, the team at e50K couldn’t have been more accommodating,

allowing me to take the time I needed to care for my son, and they supported my personal mental health and wellbeing. They know I can still be great at my job and be a mum.” – Catherine Clapham, communities strategy and developmental director Employing from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including investment banking, museum operational management, engineering, interior architecture, and teaching, e50K also employs people in their first professional roles and those who have been out of the workforce for years, sometimes decades – a direct result of Armed Forces living. “e50Ks projects have reduced my own sense of isolation, improved my self esteem and confidence, and positively impacted my perspective on the needs of this community. We are all so different but we do share a common goal and I am excited every day now!” – Molly Tate, volunteer manager Throughout 2023/4, e50K Group will be expanding.

Winning strategic contracts will require additional research talent, while new funding will see e50K Communities setting up new community projects requiring site managers, community developers, and volunteers.

We are searching for people who want to make a difference, to their own lives and the lives of others. So whether you are looking for high-level strategic career development, full- or part-time employment, entry-level programmes, internships, work experience, or volunteering, we could have the right position for you.

“We are problem solvers and out-ofthe-box thinkers. Our team comprises dreamers, realists, and spoilers who innovate, design, and critically challenge those in positions of power within the public, private, and third sector to consider their social return on investment from boardroom to grass roots.”

– Quincey Ankrett, APMP, CP, strategic advisory director Interested? Find out more about our work on our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Already know we are the company for you? Great!

Simply email info@e50k.org.uk.

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Royal British Legion Industries Helping veterans, their family members, and loved ones of service personnel into employment Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is a national charity that has been helping those in need for more than 100 years, providing support to the Armed Forces community, people with disabilities, and the unemployed.

Launched in 2011 after a veteran experienced a difficult transition from the military to the civilian job market when their Forces career was cut short, RBLI’s Lifeworks is an award-winning employment support programme. Lifeworks is designed to equip veterans with the necessary tools to find meaningful employment outside the Armed Forces. Free of charge, the programme continues to grow, with courses nationwide and, with a core of ex-Armed Forces personnel in place behind the scenes, the team truly understands the complex needs of our nation’s veterans.

Family members of veterans, and loved ones of those currently serving, can benefit from the free Lifeworks employment support programme as it is vital to recognise the impact career transition also has on their lives.

Our dedicated Lifeworks team provides every person with a free vocational assessment before enrolling them on a course, helping them to apply their existing skills and experiences in the military to support them on their employment journey.

Courses and support are then tailored to suit the requirements of participants, and our specialists work with each individual throughout their journey, helping to find and secure an opportunity that is right for them. From June 2023, on completion of the course, participants will receive an internationally recognised SQA qualification.

We have extended the reach of our service by adding an option for veterans to access Lifeworks remotely. In addition 72 RESOURCES

to our four-day courses, Lifeworks can now be delivered directly in a modular form to veterans who are unable to travel, or those who are already employed but seeking career progression advice.

In the last year, more than 1,200 veterans connected with the Lifeworks team via email, phone, text, video call, or face to face to receive the guidance or direct support they needed.

To ensure we reach as many people as possible with our nationwide Lifeworks programme, we used the results from the national census in 2022, which showed, for the first time, where Armed Forces veterans are located and concentrated around the UK. As this gave us a much clearer picture of where the veteran communities are, we responded to this with our Lifeworks programme, getting our tailored employability coaching out to these communities in Portsmouth, Aldershot, London, Hull, and Exeter to name just a few.

The Lifeworks team has also formed new employment partners, resulting in more veteran-friendly employment opportunities being shared via the Lifeworks Hub. The Lifeworks Hub is an online resource that can be accessed any time, further supporting veterans in independent learning.

We would not have been able to deliver our Lifeworks employability programme across the UK without Barclays, Morrisons, Annington and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Calleva Foundation, and Moondance.

We continue to seek out Lifeworks referral partners and work towards a more transparent veteran support roadmap, working as part of the COBSEO employment cluster while supporting local government to help more veterans into employment.

The delivery of Lifeworks courses and increasing awareness of the programme have been key focus points for us, but this is not the only way we provide support to help people back into work. RBLI also supports veterans and people with disabilities into employment through our social enterprises across the UK.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

predominantly focusing on signage manufacturing and precision engineering.

Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) is the UK’s leading social enterprise employing military veterans, as well as people with disabilities. It is a national market leader in the production of road and rail signs.

As well as being market leaders in their industries, more than 70% of those employed across the charity’s social enterprises are military veterans, people with disabilities, or both.

After initially joining BBMC, Army veteran Tim Brown moved to a new position as a Lifeworks coach, where his military background and supportive nature is proving to be an invaluable asset to the programme. Over the next year, we have set targets to employ more veterans who live on RBLI’s village to fill internal vacancies.

RBLI has three social enterprise factories in the UK, situated in Kent, Surrey, and Renfrewshire. These cover the manufacturing of signs for road and rail, and wooden products such as pallets and fruit bins, as well as printing and mail facilities.

Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company is our award-winning factory in Renfrewshire, Scotland,

www.britishlegion.org.uk

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Allsports Coaches Coaching Academy CIC If you haven’t heard of Allsports Coaches Coaching Academy, it’s an organisation to put on your radar. Career Pursuit’s editor-in-chief, Helen Massy, went along to interview the team to find out more about what career opportunities it offers to the Armed Forces community.

Allsports Coaches Coaching Academy CIC (ACCA) is not just about coaching sports; it’s an organisation making a real impact on lives. ACCA is on a mission to empower military spouses, partners, veterans, and the wider military community through transformative training experiences.

Imagine a place where becoming a sports coach practitioner means much more than just teaching sports. ACCA is here to show you how sport can be a powerful tool for guiding children through their mental health journey. Operating across various schools in Shropshire, ACCA is all about delivering not only sports coaching but also essential mental health support and engaging holiday clubs. The magic of excellent coaching lies in its potential to enhance children’s wellbeing, health, and even academic achievements.

But ACCA’s story doesn’t stop there – it is driven by a deep commitment to veterans, spouses/partners, reservists, and 74 RESOURCES

cadets. It believes in tapping into the unique skill sets that military life instills, leveraging them to elevate its mission.

ACCA’s reach extends beyond schools – the team are actively involved in the community, especially working with veterans who might be grappling with mental health challenges. “We don’t just focus on education,” shared Stuart Cook, ACCA’s executive director. “We take a holistic approach. Once we train someone to be a coach, they’re equipped to work in schools, communities, or even start their own initiatives – and we support them every step of the way.”

The journey to becoming a sports coach practitioner is a blend of online and in-person learning. Most of the qualification can be conquered remotely, with just two immersive face-to-face sessions – a practical assessment day and vital first aid training. And the support doesn’t end with the qualification. ACCA steps up with up to four weeks of intensive mentoring, honing communication skills and boosting mental health support capabilities.

The coaching academy’s roots go back to 2020, with a vision to train veterans as qualified sports coach practitioners for youth. Despite the pandemic’s challenges, ACCA quickly recognised the wealth of untapped potential within military families. Jim Prescott, ACCA’s founder and CEO, emphasised:

“Our journey began with veterans, but we soon saw the incredible resources residing within the families of those who serve.”

ACCA is not just an organisation; it’s a community of passionate individuals, some of whom choose to volunteer.

Military spouses were among ACCA’s earliest volunteers, proving their mettle time and again. Jim shared: “Many of our volunteer roles can be done remotely, making it a perfect match for military spouses and partners.”

The icing on the cake? ACCA’s commitment to accessibility.

As a non-profit, it strives to make training either free or extremely affordable. “When grants come our way, we offer our sports coach practitioner training completely free,” Stuart explained. If funding isn’t available, its non-profit status ensures all courses come at a significantly discounted rate.

“I’ve been struggling a lot lately, but having the veterans’ football sessions to look forward to every Wednesday really helps. Being surrounded by like-minded people really lifts my spirits.”

Military veteran

But ACCA’s repertoire goes beyond coaching: it offers a diverse range of online training and CPD courses – from admin and accountancy to hairdressing, dog grooming, health and beauty, and even teaching assistant qualifications.

It’s all accessible through a dedicated online platform.

Are you intrigued? If you’re passionate about tailor-made training, personal development, mental health support, or harnessing the power of sports to nurture well-being, ACCA could be your gateway. And that’s not all – it offers work experience, employment pathways, discounted online courses, and a chance to volunteer and make a real difference.

To explore the world of Allsports Coaches Coaching Academy CIC, visit:

Walking for well-being

allsportscoaching.co.uk allsportscoaching acca_coachinginthecommunity

Children’s football coaching

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By Emily du Feu

Your business start-up checklist Here is our checklist of things to think about when starting a business. Depending on your type of business, there may be industry-specific things you also need to think about, but we have covered the business basics!

PLANNING – THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU BEGIN What’s your business idea? What’s the problem you are solving for your consumers? How big is your potential market? How are you different from your competitors? And, importantly, what’s your business’s name?

BUSINESS OPERATIONS You must register with HMRC if you plan on being a sole

trader. If you want to set your business up as a limited company, you need to register it with Companies House.

You also need to complete the ICO checker to see if you need to register and pay an annual data protection fee. Most small businesses pay around £40 a year.

You must also pay for the relevant insurance you need, depending on what your business does. These usually include professional indemnity, public liability, and business equipment insurance.

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BRANDING Your business will likely need a logo, even if it is just your name. If you want professional branding that resonates with your target audience, then it is better to pay a professional designer to set your business up for the future. If you don’t have the budget, you can design one yourself using a programme such as Canva.

MARKETING Choose and register a domain name to create a website – Squarespace, Wordpress, and Wix are all popular options.

You could get a web developer to create one for you if you don’t have the skills required.

Set up business social media accounts. The type of customer or client you are targeting will influence which social platforms you should use. Think about your target audience and the type of social media they use.

Consider creating a mailing list, so you can email clients, customers, and people you have met about what you are up to.

FINANCES By law, you must open a separate bank account if you are a limited company. If you are a sole trader, you can continue to use your own current account. However, it does make life simpler by keeping personal and business finances separate.

By Emily du Feu

Career-on-the-move checklist Are you moving locations soon? Keep your career organised with this handy checklist.

UPDATE YOUR CV – Make sure your CV and contact details are up to date when you move.

PERSONALISE YOUR COVER LETTER – Give your cover letter a fresh new look, and make it relevant to the new position you are applying for.

BUSINESS CARDS – Update your business cards and have a new set printed off to take with you on your move.

If you use a digital card, make sure all your details are updated.

PACKING – Keep your business cards, CV, documents, and relevant career materials separate from your household packing. Take them with you in your personal goods.

NOTICE PERIOD – If you are currently employed, check your notice period as soon as you know you are moving.

Hand in your notice at an appropriate time to ensure no penalties are faced.

GET A RECOMMENDATION LETTER – Request a letter of recommendation from your supervisor, as it may help with future applications.

REFERENCES – Make sure all your references are up to date, save their contact details, and check they are happy to be approached by a future employer. □

ANNUAL LEAVE – Check your annual leave allowance: how much have you used, and how much do you have left? Have you got leave still to take? Are you moving earlier than expected and have some to pay back?

LINKEDIN – Optimise your LinkedIn profile and add relevant connections from your current company and city to stay in touch. Ask your current colleagues for endorsements. Connect with future companies you are interested in working for.

RESOURCES – Not going straight to a job? Changing career? Starting a business? Check out the resources in this guide, make contact, and start using the resources available to help you transform your career.

LEAVE ON A HIGH NOTE – Whether you have loved your current job or not, finish strong. Remember, your current employer will need to give you a reference for your future career. Having a strong, professional ending to your job will stand you in good stead for the next position.

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By Emily du Feu

Your CV checklist Here is a handy checklist to ensure your CV will get you past the first hurdle and on to the interview stage!

DESIGN • Use a Word document with a standard font in size 10 or 11.

• It should be no longer than two A4 sides.

• Don’t use colours, images, or fancy fonts as recruiters often use specialist CV software that will strip all of this out, or be unable to read it, which may result in your application failing at the first hurdle.

• Use bullet points to avoid lengthy paragraphs.

• Include keywords from the job description that match up with your skill set.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING List your degree or highest qualification first. Just like the employment section, continue to list in reverse chronological order. Be sure to also include any certified training.

ADDITIONAL Include any technical skills, languages, driving competencies, etc.

REFERENCES Provide your referee’s details and specify that you have already sought permission – include a phone number and email address. Alternatively, you can state ‘References are available on request’.

Finally, read it, check it, read it, and check it again!

• Avoid unnecessary acronyms and abbreviations.

CONTACT INFORMATION • Have your name at the top of the page – no need to add ‘CV’ or ‘curriculum vitae’.

• Check your personal details are up to date. There is no need to include age, date of birth, marital status, or nationality.

• Make sure your email address sounds professional – not something you obviously made up in your teen years!

• Include professional social media profiles, like LinkedIn, if relevant.

PERSONAL STATEMENT Create a short (3–4 sentences) statement about who you are and what you can offer. Aim to include 1–2 of your top skills or achievements – you want these to be relevant and appealing to the job role you are applying for.

EMPLOYMENT Start with your most recent job role and continue in reverse chronological order. Keep your job descriptions brief and relevant. Use active words to highlight your strengths and skills, such as organised, managed, created, produced, prepared.

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www.thebusinesswidget.com thebusinesswidget emily-du-feu

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WINTER 2023 www.careerpursuit.co.uk career_pursuit_uk career-pursuit-cic 4 CHECKLISTS