CRCROWDFUNDINGIENCRESSENTIALTheFounderSuccessful Your Guide To Building A Successful Business & Creating The Life You Desire 50ARTICLESADVICE+INSIDE SCALING BUSINESSA QUEENTHELAURIESLEEPMONEYHOWTIMESCHALLENGINGINTOMAKEWHILEYOUBURROWSSTRATEGY LIFESTYLESUMMERLUXURYSPECIAL
DEAR READER, Welcome to this Summer 2022 edition of The Successful Founder Magazine. This issue focuses on keeping up momentum and continuing to grow and thrive at this difcult time. You’ll fnd a wealth of useful and inspirational features on everything from buiding your social media presence, being the best leader you can be, embracing new ways of working, reducing stress and more. In addition to reading our digital and print magazines, do also visit us online at www.thesuccessfulfounder.com for daily new articles, and join us on our socials – details below. Finally if you’ve any suggestions or great stories to tell, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a note on team@thesuccessfulfounder.com. Do also keep an eye out for our sister title, Female Founder Magazine, www.femalefoundermag.com too. My very best wishes, EDITORLISA Visit our websites @femalefoundermag@thesuccessfulfounderFollowFindwww.femalefoundermag.comwww.thesuccessfulfounder.com-usonIssuu-issuu.com/thesuccessfulfounderusonoursocialsFind us on Readly https://gb.readly.com/products/magazine/the-successful-founder?q=The%20succesEDITOR’S LETTER EDITOR & FOUNDER Lisa Curtiss EDITORIAL LEAD Gemma Evans CORE EDITORIAL TEAM Gabrielle Scarlett Luke Penny Alice GemmaBradleyEvans ADVERTISING, SUBSCRIPTIONSSPONSORSHIP,&DISTRIBUTION team@thesuccessfulfounder.com
It’s key to always keep your target audience in mind when creating your content. Ask yourself, how can I shape my course to make it as accessible as possible for my clients?
The frst step you want to take is to create as much buzz around your course as possible. No one is going to buy your course if they don’t know it exists in the frst place. When marketing your course, you want to focus on the benefts it will bring your prospective clients. They’ll want to buy a solution to their problems, so that’s where the focus should be. And that’s it! The hard work is done. Now all you have to do is sit back and relax as you watch your sales go up.
Laurie Burrows is a Business Mentor & Launch Strategist with a proven track record of successfully scaling businesses online through marketing strategies and passive income. She is also a property investor.
1. Research Start with yourself. Who are you, and what is your business about? How are you helping people now and how can you translate that into a course? Then move on to your target audience. Who are the people you want to sell your course to? Are they the same people you are working with now? If they’re a diferent group, what problems do these people have that you can help them with? And lastly, just as with your current business, you need to know exactly how your course is going to help your target audience solve their problem. You should be able to describe your solution in one sentence. If you need fve minutes to explain how you’re going to help someone, your approach is probably still too vague.
Once you’ve got the framework of your course sorted, it’s time to create the content and choose a hosting platform. I usually teach my clients to incorporate video content into their courses. Most people would much rather watch a fveminute video than read a fve-page article!
2. Development I love the development stage of a course! In this stage you map out how your course is going to run. How many modules will your course be? How long are they? Are you creating an eight-week program or are you going for the long haul with a six to twelve-month course? You can usually charge a higher price for a longer course, but you need to make sure your clients are getting value for money for the full duration of the program.
Don’t get me wrong. Generating more passive and semi passive revenue streams isn’t ‘free money’, you have to put in the work. Here are the three stages you absolutely need to hit if you want to create a sustainable passive income stream.
How to Make Money While You Sleep
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/strategyqueen
Maintaining your passive income stream
Once you’ve researched, developed, and launched your course, there isn’t an awful lot you need to do to keep the sales going. You’ll want to keep the course in view of prospective clients of course, so keep mentioning it frequently. Once the frst group of clients complete your course, ask them to write a testimonial. This is great, organic content you can use to further promote your course. If you want to know more about creating passive income streams, my signature course, ‘The Passive Income Roadmap’ goes into detail on the diferent stages of creating passive income. Helping other entrepreneurs work less while making more money is an absolute dream job!
About Laurie Burrows
You can connect with Laurie on:
Instagram& - https://www.instagram.com lauriedburrows/?hl=en-gb
Laurie Burrows, aka ‘The Strategy Queen’, successfully scaled her online mentoring business to generate a 7-fgure turnover in less than three years. She now hits 70100K cash months on a regular basis by selling courses to entrepreneurs all over the world. And the best part of it all? She only works 15-20 hours per week, leaving her plenty of time to be a mum to her 2-year-old son.
3. Launch! Ok, I know I’ve said I love creating my courses, but the Launch stage is by far the most exciting! This is where you are going to ofer your product to your audience and get a return on the investment you have made by creating your course. The more courses you sell, the higher the proftability of your course.
I’ve always wanted to be able to work less so I could spend more time with my family, but I knew booking more 1:1 coaching calls with clients would not get me there. I decided to turn my expertise into a course and coordinated my marketing strategy to generate more passive & semi passive revenue. Now I’m literally making money when I sleep. Some mornings I wake up with thousands of pounds of cash transfers in my account - all before 9AM!
•Keep a notebook of how you are feeling during the initial period of your new role as a startup founder. You will notice the pattern described above; the emergence of self-doubt and
Learning from experience
•Visualise a successful outcome. Think of the benefts that this event or project will lead to as you build your startup. How will your self-perception change? How will your self-image improve as a result?
Confounding expectations
As Winston Churchill said, “There comes a precious time in all our lives when we are tapped on the shoulder and ofered the opportunity to do something very special, that is unique to us and our abilities, what a tragedy it would be if we were not ready or willing.”
•Be brave enough to, at least, give the opportunity a go. You are bound to learn something even if it doesn’t turn out quite as planned. You’ll feel better for trying, and others will admire you for your courage.
•Build on any positive experiences (big or small) you have had in the past. Write down how you mastered the tasks involved. Note any struggles you had and what you did to overcome them.
As my teachers perceived me as a timid, quiet young person they were amazed that I could step into the breach and do so well. It happened again, years later when I came from behind to win a workplace karaoke competition. And also when I was able to land on some smooth solid ground when paragliding in the mountains.
What did colleagues and friends say after these events? “I didn’t know you had it in you!”
Overcoming obstacles
•Ask yourself if it is fear of failure or success that is really playing on your mind. Are you comfortable in your self-image no matter how limiting it is?
In her hit One Moment in Time Whitney Houston sang powerfully about a moment “When I’m more than I thought I could be.” It is moments like these that we strive for as entrepreneurs. Moments when our innate talents are used to the full and we bring our true potential into the light. Perhaps you’ve had moments when you have surprised other people and also surprised yourself with specifc business achievements.
The big obstacle most people (even entrepreneurs) face when deciding to take up an opportunity is self-doubt. So how can you overcome this and allow your true potential to come to the fore? The solution lies in gathering your inner strength so that you overcome any hesitation and go for it. This is the second element in the equation.
As a startup founder it is worth thinking back to times when you have grasped an opportunity and what you learned from the experience. My frst example is from my fnal year in secondary school. I was given a major part in a play, at the last minute, the day before it was due to be showcased to the entire school. At that point I hadn’t learnt any of the lines and I would be singing a solo. I accepted the challenge and managed to pull it of. I also enjoyed the experience.
How entrepreneurs can use their full potential and exceed expectations
What struck me here is that I did know I had it in me. The challenges I was presented with had reached inside and pulled my ability out for the whole world to see. The genuine expression of surprise got me thinking that so many of us could tragically go through life without showing our inner talents simply because they either haven’t had the chance to shine through or weren’t brave enough to reveal them to the world. So, why hadn’t others seen this side of me before? Reality is perception based and grounded in our social interactions. When assessing others, we ask ourselves do they ft our version of normality? Do they act, speak, behave and dress as we believe they should? We make split-second decisions and then categorise them. This judgement is mirrored onto our peers and consequently our version of ourselves becomes a mixture of who we think we are and who other people think we are. This can mean that we limit what we put out to the world, which will have knock on efect on the development of a new business.
Ideas to help seize opportunities and unleash your true potential
•Look to a successful entrepreneur, or business leader that you admire and learn from them. If they’ve written autobiography read it to understand their experiences of overcoming challenges.
It’s worth remembering that our feelings can form a pattern during these moments that Whitney Houston sang so powerfully about. When an opportunity attracts you, you’re likely to feel hope and enthusiasm initially. However, selfdoubt is usually close by. It can react like a poison ivy, stifing your courage as it begins to surface. I like to compare these feelings to the frst fight of a fedgling. The little birds muster the strength to take of only to waver and dip sharply. Soon however, they learn to glide and eventually begin to soar spectacularly. During such times you need to hold your nerve until you get through the pattern of feelings.
To have any chance of changing this self-perception and tapping into our inner potential entrepreneurs need two essential things: opportunity and bravery. By their very nature opportunities come from an external source and present themselves unexpectantly. In the moment we may feel unprepared to take them on. We could miss the window of opportunity, leaving us with feelings of regret and frustration that we didn’t have the necessary gumption to take the plunge.
•If you feel as though you have taken on a mountain, break your challenge down into smaller chunks and work on them, step by step. Having navigated through the choppy waters of self-doubt you will fnd that you are increasingly able to make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Your entrepreneurial talents will come to the fore. You can then start building your bank of experience and really harness the power of your inner strength to grow your business and make your investors happy.
unease, gradually giving way to a more familiar experience. This can be used to draw solace when taking on future opportunities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aine O’Neill is a member of Toastmasters International, a not-for-proft organisation that has provided communication and leadership skills since 1924 through a worldwide network of clubs. There are more than 400 clubs and 10,000 members in the UK and Ireland. Members follow a structured educational programme to gain skills and confdence in public and impromptu speaking, chairing meetings and time management. To fnd your nearest club, visit www. toastmasters.org
Alice Tark, Chief of People at investment platform Change discusses how the cryptocurrency industry will continue to disrupt fnancial services and what it means for founders With the global economy entering another period of uncertainty it’s easy to be less optimistic about the future. However, we all know that the most successful entrepreneurs see challenges as opportunities. A slow down in the tech industry can actually provide a moment of refection. It is the perfect time to think about where the next wave of innovation is going to come from and decide how you can position your business to make the most of it.
In the fnancial industry, the answer to this question is still found in decentralised fnance (DeFi). This may raise some eyebrows, because, after all, cryptocurrencies are in a well publicised bear market right now. Well, the simple response is that asset classes go up and down. In fact, many of the world’s stock markets are also now seeing similar drops. The fgures behind the investments tell you a clearer storyrecord numbers of people are trading and investing in crypto assets. In fact, investment in startups operating in crypto and blockchain remain strong. This is because there is a huge amount more to DeFi than Bitcoin or even NFTs. At its core, DeFi is about empowering everyone to access the global fnancial system on their own terms. They can trade, invest, pay each other, take or give loans, have insurance, and own and move assets all over the world without the middlemen of fnancial institutions. To put this into perspective, according to the World Bank, 1.6 billion people are currently ‘unbanked’ - they do not have access to any traditional fnancial institutions. In Morocco that’s around 70% of the population. However, in more economically developed countries like the US it’s still an eye popping 7% - tens of millions of people. These individuals cannot easily do many of the things we take for granted - lease a car, buy a home, take out a loan, start a business or even have a bank account. Without fnancial access they fnd it next to impossible to accumulate wealth and improve their lives. DeFi can change all of this. It creates a whole new way for everyone - not just the unbanked - to run their fnancial lives. Imagine that. A world where everyone no matter where or who they are can have equal access to the tools they need to create wealth, buy and sell any asset globally and pay for goods in a huge range of ways. So why isn’t DeFi all everyone is talking about on the news or in the pub? The short answer is that there is still a lot of work to do to get to this goal. Much of the infrastructure, applications, user experiences and products needed to make it a reality have yet to be built. A lot of progress has been made but we’re very much at the start of the journey. This is why there’s such a clear opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs in the crypto space. Let’s take just one example that we’ve all heard about in the past year - NFTs. Now - you may be a little sceptical about it because much of the conversation around NFTs has focused on the valuation of digital art. Again, like with Bitcoin you need to look behind the dayto-day values to really understand their worth. Using NFTs for art is just one very small application. What we are really talking about is creating a new way of owning and trading goods. Everything from cinema tickets through to property could, in principle, become NFTs. If we get it right, buying a house could change from several months to a few minutes. The crypto community is experimenting with how this all works through digital art at the moment. We’re learning what works, what doesn’t and how the best use cases and customer experiences can be created. A savvy entrepreneur can get involved and could be the person who comes up with the killer application.
Beyond Bitcoin for the Future-Focused Founder
To get started, the best way is to do your research. Go to events, meet the community, read lots of diferent opinion pieces. You don’t need to become a mathematical genius who knows the intricacies of the blockchain, but you do need to be able to cut through all the hype and misunderstandings about the sector to see the real challenges and opportunities.
Keeping an eye on what the crypto community is interested in is just one way to see what area of DeFi you could become a part of. There’s also taking what you know alreadysuch as the ‘traditional’ industry you work in and seeing if new solutions like blockchain could solve long standing problems. Many of the most interesting fntech and proptech companies have taken this approach.
Perhaps you’re an expert in cybersecurity? Maybe you could create a solution that will become the top security protocol in the new DeFi world. Or you’re involved with a charity that works with the homeless? Then you could develop a platform to help them to become banked and get out of poverty. The sky really is the limit because there’s so much yet to be created and so much innovation possible.
In my experience, the crypto community is incredibly helpful and supportive - they want people to get more involved. So do not be afraid to ask for guidance. And just so you know - my door is always open! https://www.changeinvest.com/
3.Build the right team When your business is ready for it, build a team you can trust. When you have the right people around you and team trust is high, work can be more easily delegated, and it’s even possible for you to better manage your work / life balance. Skills, experience and expertise are priorities when hiring, but when building a team for a small business you also need to think carefully about company culture, personality types and team roles. You won’t get it right 100% of the time, but when you do get it right it will be magical!
It’s typical for a solo founder to have many plates spinning in the air. Give yourself space for fexibility, as long as you don’t lose sight of your core mission. The key goals you set as part of your business planning should become your North Star, setting the trajectory for the company. I advise regularly analysing your business performance with the KPIs you set. This helps you stay on the path to success or course correct as you need to get back on track. While it may feel like you’re navigating in choppy waters, as long as you are making progress toward your North Star, you’re doing well!
It might be tough, but the frst step is to accept that you don’t know everything and you will have to gain insight and advice from others. A mentoring board is a brilliant way to access the right expertise, and help you deal with unexpected situations. Build this by gathering a wide mixture of experts covering various aspects of business best practice alongside people you admire so that you can beneft from a wealth of advice that will help you navigate the complexities that come with being a solo founder.
Heather Delaney is the Founder and MD of Gallium Ventures, a leading communications consultancy specialising in the technology sector. Heather has garnered a wealth of experience working across both sides of the Atlantic for global, local and international organisations. Having been integral to the growth of well-known European and Silicon Valley startups, Heather shares a few nuggets of wisdom on fve things she has learnt building up a company as a solo founder. When people ask why I founded Gallium Ventures, I have to admit that it was almost by accident. I had just left my old agency and many of the clients wanted to follow me, some even wanted to hire me, and others were referring their peers to me. The workload was becoming more than one person could handle and so I had to hire people to help support the demand, and before I knew it, a tech PR and marketing consultancy was born. I’ve learnt many lessons on the journey so far, but there are fve key points that are relevant to almost any solopreneurs looking to get of the ground.
1.Create a foundation for sustainable growth
4.The devil is in the (admin) details No one goes into business for the admin, yet it’s a crucial (and unavoidable) element of your company’s operations. Carve out time to do the admin required, no matter how tedious it might seem. You’ll avoid a lot of stress and frustration. And then you can then dedicate your time to the more exciting elements of running your business.
5.Navigate toward your North Star
About the Author Heather Delaney, Founder of award-winning communications consultancy Gallium Ventures, is a world-leading expert in growing brands and launching products or services, creatively. Heather specialises in building and fxing global organisations and startups alike — from their communications strategy, to product development and everything in between. https:// galliumventures.com/
2.Get the right advice
Five Lessons to Learn as a Solo Founder
Business planning is crucial. It’s easy to put it on the back burner while working on paying work, but a solid business plan will make a big diference when it comes to measuring your growth. Setting realistic goals and laying out milestones helps you sustainably grow your business because you’ve forecasted not only what you want to achieve but how you’ll achieve it. Infrastructure and culture are also an important aspect of a sustainable business. When it comes to creating the infrastructure of your business, be clear and realistic about how you deliver to your target audience to lay a strong foundation for your business operations. Culture is at the core of any business and should live at the heart of everything your business does, so invest time and energy into it as your company grows. How your employees, suppliers, clients/ customers and industry contacts experience your business is a refection of the culture you create. A positive experience means you’re fostering a good culture.
Food for thought The life of a solo founder is not an easy one. But it is rewarding. There is something incredible about creating a business that thrives. The lessons I’ve learnt continue guiding me well. We practise what we preach, and advise many of the founders we work with to use these principles too. I’m sure these lessons will continue to steer our consultancy, our clients, and myself well into the long term. I hope they help you too.
From a mentee’s perspective, it is sometimes difcult to see their business from the outside. This is where an experienced mentor gives you the 30 000-foot view a mentee may be missing. As a mentee, one can take control of their growth in business and beyond by working with a mentor to achieve goals and gain fresh perspectives.
One need only look at the value some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs got from their mentors to see how important mentors can be. Mark Zuckerberg leant on Steve Jobs for advice during Facebook’s early growth stages, Warren Bufett helped Bill Gates deal with tough times at Microsoft, and Sir Richard Branson asked British airline entrepreneur, Sir Freddie Laker, for guidance when he was trying to get Virgin Atlantic of the ground. There’s a chance their companies would still have been successful without that guidance, but the path to success would’ve been a lot Thatrockier.makes sense: people in a position to provide mentorship have seen it all before and know how to get businesses out of a rut. They also know what it takes to overcome an entrepreneurial challenge and what connections can help an entrepreneur take their business to the next level. I’ve also experienced that value personally. I’ve been blessed to have multiple mentors over the past 15 years. Each of them has contributed to an “aha” moment when I’ve hit the ceiling in business. It’s that feeling of frustration when you’ve tried lots of things and nothing has worked. I experienced this in my previous business where, by asking me a series of questions, my mentor helped me think of a unique value proposition in our business - which was right in front of our eyes, but we had taken it for granted.
Perhaps most critically, however, a mentor isn’t directly involved in the day-to-day running of the business. There are, of course, instances where investors have acted as mentors but much of their efectiveness comes from not being involved at an operational level.
Many mentors get involved in mentorship because they wish they’d had someone giving them that kind of overview when they were starting out on their own entrepreneurial journeys. Alternatively, they got a lot of value out of their own mentors and want to pass it on to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Remember, a mentor can’t help you through a problem if you’re not entirely open about what the problem is.
A critical, objective overview
By Sid Jashnani, Mentorship Chair of Entrepreneurs Organisation London https://www.eolondon.org/
There is no doubt that a good mentor can have a profound impact on an entrepreneur and their business’ success. This is especially true if the entrepreneur comes into the relationship with the right attitude and approach. But it’s also true that the relationship can be rich and rewarding for mentor and mentee alike. From a business perspective, the best such relationships are irreplaceable.
The Irreplaceable Role of a Mentor
A mutually rewarding relationship
In popular culture, successful entrepreneurs are typically portrayed as brilliant mavericks, forging their own paths. But even the world’s most high profle entrepreneurs didn’t get where they are today on their own. Of course, entrepreneurs work hard but they also lean on support wherever necessary. And for many entrepreneurs, the most valuable form of support available is mentorship.
Here, having a structured framework – in which the mentee details their goals and plans – in place can be useful. This framework helps the mentor understand where they can make an impact. From there, a mentor can help the mentee navigate the waters, guide them through tactical and strategic challenges, and potentially open up their network to allow the mentee to make meaningful connections.
Having someone who can give you that overview can be crucial for entrepreneurs who can get so sucked into the minutiae of keeping a business going that they forget what the big vision is. A mentor can help remind them of what the wider picture is and that their business decisions should always serve it rather than short-term survival.
Making the most of mentorship
For their part, mentors also need to come into the relationship with an open mindset. In my own experiences as a mentor, I’ve also learned that I’m there to help and facilitate and not to judge and that I need to be able to look beyond what the entrepreneur is sharing with me. Additionally, I’ve come to realise how important it is for me to shed my ego. It’s about the mentee, not me. Occasionally, that means admitting I don’t have the answer and putting the mentee in touch with someone who does.
But in order for entrepreneurs to get the most out of their mentor, they need to come in with the right attitude and approach. More specifcally, mentorship requires a mentee to be open, honest, and vulnerable with their mentors.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ian Child is the author of ‘Your Own Personal Time Machine, a guide to getting your life back’, available exclusively from amazon.co.uk. in paperback and e-book. https://www. encoding=UTF8&btkr=1amazon.co.uk/dp/B09KW6CRWZ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_
Every new business owner needs to develop a healthy respect for time. We can’t slow it down a bit to enjoy when things are going well, and we can’t fast forward when things are going badly. However, we can do our best to manage it. And sooner or later, every entrepreneur discovers delegation – a business superpower that creates extra time. And that extra time is valuable. But how do we determine that Ivalue?once attended a seminar where my fellow attendees and I were asked to write down our hourly rate. The group included a lawyer, and he had no trouble writing down his answer, but for the rest of us, it took a bit of thought. Should we take our annual income and divide it by the number of working hours in a year? Or do we need to know what we would be doing? If we were to help with his tax return, then that might command a premium that clearing out his garage or digging up some potatoes would not. But eventually we each arrived at our own number, which we duly wrote down. Our host picked up my piece of paper and gave me a look of mild surprise. Had I gone too high? He handed me a separate piece of paper, declaring that he’d written down the exact amount that I valued one hour of my time to be worth. I unfolded the paper: you value your time at £2.50 per hour. Excuse me? He asked me to read this out to the rest of the audience, all of whom soon looked as perplexed as I felt. I was then asked where I did my weekly grocery shopping (Waitrose) and on which day of the week I did this shopping (Saturday) and how long it took me (two and a half hours, give or take). Returning to his lectern, our host pulled up the home shopping page of my supermarket of choice on the big screen so that everybody could see it. A lady sitting at the front (her name was Susan) was asked to read out how much it would cost for the supermarket to deliver their groceries directly to my front door. Susan revealed that it would cost me a fver. My shopping options were spelled out: spend half an hour doing an online grocery shop in my pyjamas and pay £5 for someone to deliver it; or save £5 and spend two and a half hours doing the shopping myself, in person. My choice to eschew technology and shop old school had valued my time at £2.50 per hour.
Supermarket shopping is just one example of home tasks that take up our time. How much time do you spend mowing your lawn, or vacuuming, or doing laundry, or ironing, or cooking? There are gardeners, and cleaners and even personal chefs who are willing and able to take on those tasks for you. That may seem a bit Downton Abbey, but you don’t need to go full Lord Grantham – you could take baby Bonneville steps.
Henry Ford famously said, ‘Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.’ In other words, your fate is determined not by what you do, but by what you believe. If you believe that doing all the shopping, gardening, and cleaning tasks yourself is good because it saves you money, then that’s a view of the world that is right for you, and good luck to you. On the other hand, if you think doing all these chores yourself costs you time that you could otherwise spend doing something better, then that’s an altogether diferent situation – one that now includes some new options and fresh opportunities.
We assume that it’s only the time we allocate to work tasks that has any fnancial value, yet the reality is it doesn’t matter which hour is involved. The question is simply what value we put on them. And, of course, what we do with them.
The Art & Power of Delegation
Outsourcing the washing up may gain you an extra hour in bed, and if that is all you want, enjoy. But you could also gain an extra hour helping your kids with homework, or an extra couple of hours with your kids at a cinema, or an extra afternoon with them in the park. You could gain extra hours to read more of your favourite authors’ books, or to see friends more often, or to take up a hobby you’ve always fancied having a go at, or to actually make use of that gym membership. These are the types of things that can enrich your life, and the better your life is outside of work, the more likely you are to be refreshed and raring to go when you return to work. Of course, outsourcing parts of your life can create extra time for work activities too. You can fnd that you have time for networking events or taking up that client’s ofer of golf/ tennis/drinks. Perhaps you could move to ofces charging a lower rent because you’ve delegated enough time to allow for a longer commute. Or the extra hour you can stay at work cuts your overtime bill. The ways outsourcing can help you are limited only by your imagination. So, I would urge you to imagine all the things you could be doing if only you had the time and then weigh up the benefts of a little outsourcing so you can start to ft them all in. The clock is ticking, and none of us know how many of those hours we may have left. We should use them wisely.
1.Make new connections where and whenever you can; however, don’t forget about the ones you’ve made in the past.
Being in EO is not just great in concept, it also translates well into practice. With multiple chapters across the globe, you’ve always got a support network, no matter where you are. My business focuses on modernising fnancial, tax and regulatory reporting and bringing some colour to what can appear to be a grey world of manual and mundane tasks. Our latest software, called for:sight, is helping our clients digitalise tax, cut costs, drive efciencies and boost compliance. When we expanded the business into the US, the local New York chapter provided me with a lot of support - from fnding an accountant, a recruitment consultant and even an apartment.
If there is a particularly gnarly problem holding you back, this meeting gives you the opportunity to present it - just like at any company board meeting. It’s not all work though - we religiously have dinner afterwards!
2.Be authentic when meeting new people. This will help build genuine, long-lasting relationships.
4.When discussing topics in a group, try touching on those that are of common interest.
When starting a networking journey, keep the following in mind:
6.Stay in touch with your network to uphold strong relationships. Whether, as a business owner, you’re looking for new business opportunities, to combat loneliness, to build connections, to help others, to have questions answered, or to build brand awareness; networking is the answer - and the easiest way to do that is through your local chapter of EO or another business networking forum.
The importance of networking cannot be overemphasised. It is essential for all business people, but particularly for the founders of startups and for entrepreneurs. Luck was on my side when I was on a business trip in the Philippines and randomly discussed how to utilise ofshore resources with someone I had met there one day. Through him I was introduced to a supplier who was a member of Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO) London. As an entrepreneur, working long hours and doing a great deal of the work on my own, I hardly thought I could aford the time to network. This proved to be entirely wrong! Not only was this an introduction to a like-minded individual with advice and expertise to share, but it also turned out to be my frst experience of just how members of the forum look out for one another. I received frst class introductions and invaluable hospitality and insights into business - something that hasn’t stopped to this day. After that specifc trip, I found that my local needs were also being met back in London. Once a month members meet up in a forum - in essence it functions like a board meeting for entrepreneurs.
Preparation is required in the form of a onepage update on what you’re busy with at that particular time.
5.Be active and of service when dishing out advice to other entrepreneurs. This will make you unmissable - the one to contact when help is needed.
All sorted in one afternoon thanks to connections through EO!
There is a saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This cannot be more true when it comes to entrepreneurs and their network. A community of like-minded peers is crucial for any business owner and their success. To network and share experiences and insights with other leaders allows you to draw from the expertise that only another entrepreneur would have. When I started my business, I initially felt very isolated. Very few of my friends ran their own businesses or had to think about the things I was thinking of at that stage. As my business grew I started getting increasingly anxious with the lack of just being able to talk to someone in the same boat. As a frst-time entrepreneur I was suddenly expected to know how to run a multi-million Pound business, without anyone to bounce ideas of, share knowledge with, or just get some more complex questions answered. It became evident that having like-minded people to surround yourself with wasn’t just a nice to have, it was a necessity.
3.Present your company in such a way as you want people to perceive it. Honesty and authenticity are key here as well.
By Richard Metcalfe, Board Advisor at ARKK https://www. arkksolutions.com/ and board member of Entrepreneurs Organisation London
How to Build a NetworkBrilliant
1.Is your vision one that creates value for customers whilst also being competitive?
5.Are you investing in initiatives that provide brand experiences that align to your vision and that are efective at driving the desired behaviour change?
Non-negotiables to consider when relaunching a product:
Having worked on launching life science products and therapies to the global market for more than 30 years, I have seen and experienced a lot when it comes to launch strategy.
There are many reasons you may decide to relaunch a product, so you frst need an accurate diagnosis of why the brand is under-performing and why it needs to be relaunched. Areas to explore are the strategic choices that have been made: What are the core insights that are fuelling the strategy? Are they working for you? You’ll know this by considering the following:
Launching a product is often an unknown, but what about relaunching one? Entrepreneurs can spend months working on new products, bringing in agencies and experts, but when it comes to relaunching we often use a known-to-succeed formula rather than approaching it as a new project. Here I will ofer my advice for any entrepreneur or business looking to remarket and relaunch a product.
Relaunching is about revisiting and strengthening the strategic choices you have made and re-allocating resources to support the refreshed/winning strategy.
From the outset of the re-launch, you should re-group frequently to capture learnings, convert learning to insight and make sure you are leveraging these insights – be willing to let go of anything that is not giving you the desired return on investment or improve on the execution of the initiative so that it does.
In the pharmaceutical sector, the core team members are research & development, medical afairs, and commercial. The extended team members will include supply & logistics, regulatory, policy teams, etc. You need to consider what are your essential team components for your industry?
I would advise all departments to work cohesively through an app such as NMBLR to ensure strategy is processed and followed no matter where the various teams are located..
Trying to fnd someone or a team to blame Not understanding the importance of having a cohesive Notstrategybeing
Clarity and alignment across the team/business on the choices that have been made and what that means at an individual level.
2.Is where you have chosen to focus for growth – big enough (ie is the growth you require realistic) AND are you confdent that you have nailed how to win there. With which stakeholder (s) do you need to win and what is the behaviour needed to drive? Are you clear about what it is going to take to drive that behaviour? Getting your internal stakeholders aligned around how you want your customers to think, feel and act, is key.
Clarity on what you should be achieving in relation to these indicators [ie an action standard] for you to be successful so that you learn and just get better and better at converting the learning into insight and the insight into action/reallocation of resources.
sufciently agile or embracing agile ways of working
A team with a winning mindset and ‘can do’ attitude. An agile way of working. What other departments do they need to work with?
A focus on tactics at the exclusion of rechallenging the strategy
The key lesson I have learned is that to succeed, we must be open to failure—and ensure we are learning from our mistakes as we tweak, reset, and then redo as necessary.
An over-reliance on what has worked in the past and or past
4.Have you understood and built the distinctive capabilities required to support the activation of the relaunch?
3.Is the way you have decided to position your brand driving demand and motivating the desired behaviour change? Is the beneft you are ofering, one they care about?
How to RelaunchSuccessfullyYourProduct
Clarity and alignment across the team/business on what you’re measuring and tracking to ensure the relaunch is a success.
What are the common mistakes brands, that are being relaunched, can make?
Not being scared of failure, and learning from the successes as well as failures.
Lack of understanding of how that customer journey needs to change for you to be successful. and what you need to invest in to shape that customer journey.
3.Give your customers a reason to care. Relaunching a brand needs to focus squarely on how it will beneft them.
5.Don’t be afraid to be bold - building brand experiences that align with your vision is critical
experience rather than looking at the new world we live in with a fresh set of eyes. Making decisions based on assumptions/ or on conclusions that have been drawn that are not supported with evidence.
Relaunching a brand is as critical as launching it in the frst place. Why? Because it is an opportunity to get your customers to sit up and pay attention to how what you are ofering can positively impact their lives.
4.Harness the power of your brand story to create clear and compelling message that engage your customers and drive uptake. This requires testing, refning and re-testing your brand messaging before you go prime time.
1.Always start with the end in mind. How do you want your customers to think, feel and act as a result of your new brand?l
2. Don’t make decisions in a vacuum. Talk to your internal stakeholders and your customers. Find out what they think, what’s important to them. Get them aligned. They play a key role in your brand relaunch eforts.
About the Author: Janice Macennan is CEO and founder of St Clair Consultancy, ofering marketing and strategy advice to pharmaceutical and life sciences companies. She recently launched the NMBLR app to enable global teams to work across timezones coherently and consistently to bring new products to market and commercial success. https://nmblr.co/
1.Make sure all roles are clearly defned: Identify if an employee will be expected to work from home, at a physical ofce or in a hybrid manner. Detail the implications of the terms used in writing to avoid compliance issues. This should include defning where employees are allowed to work and the time zones/available hours they are expected to work within. Ensure all remote work policies are made retrospective.
3.Manage expectations appropriately: It may not be possible to provide gym memberships or subsidised lunches to every employee in every location. By the same extension, businesses must not assume that every employee will be able to secure travel visas to attend mandated training at head ofce if 4.Conductrequired.thorough health and safety reviews on every remote employee: At a minimum, this should be asking remote employees to provide photos of their remote workspace so they can be properly assessed for potential health and safety concerns.
2.Take the time to correctly classify every employee: Determine whether the worker will be an independent contractor, employee, or digital nomad, as this relationship dictates everything from a worker’s tax status to their severance conditions.
In order to prevent costly fnes and ensure compliance is maintained, organisations must take the time to properly classify all their employees based on the tax and labour laws where they are based. This gets particularly tricky when employees work in hybrid roles that see them regularly move between diferent jurisdictions. Playing catch-up As governments around the world continue to play catchup with legal defnitions relating to the fuid working arrangements many employees now enjoy, the basis on which new people are hired requires careful consideration.
Robust processes help achieve and maintain compliance Below are fve tips that will help ensure compliance is established and adhered to at all times:
Navigating Compliance Challenges In The Search For Top Global Talent
5.Stay up to date on the legal requirements of remote working: Legislation is now emerging that covers everything from allowances for Internet connectivity to workers privacy and rights to disconnect. As mentioned above, every country has its own laws and regulations.
The pandemic has forced millions of companies around the world to assess, evolve and transform their operations over the last two years. Doing so has seen an explosion in fexible new work practices and business models that capitalise on the latest digital technology to completely reshape how people do their jobs. It’s also removed the shackles on businesses in terms of where and how they can recruit new talent. With geography no longer a critical part of the equation, businesses are free to pursue candidates from anywhere in the world, not just within 50 miles of their ofce. However, broadening the recruitment net this wide can also present big challenges if not handled in a legal and compliant manner. Diferent governments around the world have wildly diferent rules and processes when it comes to hiring employees or doing business, and requirements are changing all the time. As such, correctly interpreting and applying the rules may be a daunting task for those dipping their toes in international waters for the frst time.
Risk vs reward One of the biggest challenges businesses with international aspirations face is around compliance. According to a recent study, international business leaders know that good global compliance is essential for building investor confdence (65%), elevating customer/client trust (64%) and creating a positive reputation with the outside world (61%). In fact, almost 40% of respondents said their global compliance obligations are reviewed quarterly at board level to ensure everything is in order. However, respondents also admitted that maintaining compliance throughout every country of operation is becoming more and more difcult. In fact, 77% said their business had faced compliance challenges somewhere in the world that resulted in reputational damage and/or fnes in the last fve years. When it comes to overseas recruitment, frms must also deal with added layers of complexity that today’s untethered and increasingly fuid workforce presents. Obligations relating to pensions, medical care, and beneft packages will vary greatly between diferent countries (and even regions within the same country) all of which must be diligently handled.
For example, if a frm has adopted a remote-work only policy in its home jurisdiction, is it legal/possible to do the same for all its overseas employees? In many countries around the world this type of digital-frst approach simply isn’t possible. In some scenarios, businesses could even face legal action if they shut down all their physical local ofces, or face charges of workplace discrimination if some employees are unable to enjoy the same remote working rights as others.
Putting the right processes in place from the start is critical to the long-term success for all parties. In addition to ensuring key compliance areas like holiday and sick pay, employment status, duty of care and termination rights are covered of, organisations also need to look at things from an employee perspective and give everyone the tools they need to perform their role. This may include ensuring they can participate in key meetings in a time zone that works for them and are able to access the development and training they will need in line with other international team members.
Overcoming compliance hurdles requires a proactive and decisive approach Events of the past two years have seen workplaces transform
By Filipe Lousa, Director of Privacy and Compliance at https://www.globalization-partners.com/
at an exponential rate and many of the changes taking place are having a profound impact on organisational strategies and governance mechanisms. Staying up to date with rapidly evolving rules and regulations around key areas like remote working can be extremely difcult and the more jurisdictions a business operates in, the more complex the problem becomes. Working with a specialist Employer of Record organisation can help overcome many of the compliance challenges associated with building remote teams and adhering to local tax and employment rules. This includes undertaking due diligence regarding local tax, legal and accounting rules, and maintaining a consolidated approach across all jurisdictions that is essential for a good global compliance position. Doing so gives both business leaders and employees the confdence they need to build a successful future together, wherever they may be.
1.Invest in your employees and encourage them One of the frst steps you should take is to listen to your team, getting to know their capabilities and capacities. This is especially vital in the retail sector, where capacities are very often stretched. Showing understanding and appreciation of the strains they are under is just one way to show them you actually care.
The Need For & Importance of Transformational Leadership
How to become a transformational leader in six steps
Tony Gregg, Chief Executive at retail executive search frm Anthony Gregg Partnership, highlights how to become a transformational leader, how this leadership style benefts the retail industry and how to apply transformational leadership strategies at your company.
With all the uncertainty that began in early 2020, some retail leaders have, quite understandably, lost a sense of ambition. As we all know, the retail sector was left paralysed by the pandemic, with the efect on leaders laid bare by recent research. Before the pandemic, 93% of retail leaders felt ambitious, with 43% even stating they were ‘very ambitious’.
It is especially applicable to retail, since employees are often customer-facing, learning frst-hand what consumers want. If they feel empowered to pass their learnings on to management, their customer insight can make all the diference, helping businesses to pivot towards emerging customer trends.
What are the benefts of transformational leadership in the retail sector? Naturally, any employee who sees they are having a direct impact on a company’s fortunes will get an immediate and lasting lift in morale. They will then feel more inclined to contribute their ideas again, compounding the benefts to the company.
Showing employees how important they are will also lead to higher rates of staf retention, another issue that plagues the retail industry. With shortages in the labour market and power tilted towards employees right now, keeping employees content has taken on ever-greater signifcance.
As the founder of the Virgin Group, Richard Branson has achieved incredible success, proving himself a truly transformational leader. Importantly, he frmly believes in motivating employees, asserting that engaged, happy employees will perform better as a team and as a company. By treating all employees with respect, his approach has trickled down through the organisation, helping to lift morale at all levels and setting a powerful example.
What is transformational leadership?
Smart ideas in the retail sector have the potential to make oversized impacts, particularly if they can be replicated across multiple outlets. When the margins between commercial rivals are as tight as they are in retail, any advantage can prove vital. Retail employees can sometimes feel under stimulated, particularly if footfall is low. Motivational leaders can change that, stimulating employees intellectually by challenging them to ideate and lift sales, using their insights from the shop foor to good efect.
From there you can encourage their eforts and fnd ways to ease their pain points, highlighting that you are listening and intend to support them wherever possible. Do this and you’ll gain their trust and encourage them to make extra eforts.
The post-pandemic drop is dramatic: just 72% felt ambitious and 26% ‘very ambitious’.
Demands upon retail leaders have also changed. Firms now need transformational skills, with the ability to turn businesses around and make up for lost time.
Inspiring employees does not come naturally to everyone, and leaders might view their leadership style as intrinsically linked to their personality. Consequently, some managers may have to adjust their mindset and outlook to become the leader their business needs.
2.Act as an infuential role model
Transformational leadership can have truly incredible results, potentially changing the entire culture and practices of an organisation for the better. Leaders with the ability to drive such dramatic changes do so by inspiring employees to excel. They can motivate people to achieve more, stimulating them and empowering them in the process. The result for the company is highly engaged employees who are committed to the organisation’s success. How do transformational leaders operate? Most exhibit four behaviours: inspirational motivation, idealised infuence, individualised consideration and intellectual stimulation. Through these behaviours, such leaders make employees feel valued and listened to as they give them more autonomy and control. As a result, the employees are motivated to achieve and feel positive about their direct manager and the company as a whole. With the retail industry aiming to recover from the pandemic and look more competitive than ever, anything that can give a business an edge is immensely welcome.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused untold disruption to the business world, turning it completely on its head. It has changed long-established working practices, the fortunes of entire industries and even deeply embedded mindsets.
Yet it’s crucial that visions are viable and risks are calculated. You cannot stake the future of your company on gambles. That’s why strategies must be fully formed before you embark upon implementing them.
No matter what form recognition takes, it will always motivate employees, even if it’s just letting them know you appreciate their eforts. And, of course, more motivated employees can achieve greater things.
6.Take calculated risks and follow your vision
AGP’s consultancy services include executive search, interim, talent acquisition and organisational transformation, as well as executive coaching. https://www.anthonygregg.com/
About Anthony Gregg Partnership: The Anthony Gregg Partnership is a high-end executive search consultancy based in London, which operates across the UK and Europe. The frm was founded in 2003 by executive retail search specialist Tony Gregg. He has since recruited hundreds of board and director-level candidates for market-leading clients. AGP specialises in the areas of FMCG, retail, fashion, luxury brands, supply chain, ecommerce and human resources.
5.Beleadership.adaptive and open With ongoing economic uncertainty, businesses of all kinds need leadership teams with the ability to adapt. With the retail industry aiming to rebound from repeated Covid-19, leaders who can adjust strategies as events unfold are a must. At the heart of transformative leadership is a belief in the value of ideas from all levels, and making yourself as approachable as possible. If your team knows that you’ll listen, they’re much more likely to contribute their ideas and insights. As consumer trends continue to morph, the retail industry must be prepared to adapt.
3.Be supportive and provide recognition Everybody needs support mechanisms at work, particularly those faced with hundreds of customers each day. Simply by communicating that you can be relied upon for support will give your employees a more positive view of you. On a day-today basis, providing support can be something as simple as setting aside time to ask how people are.
Transformative leaders are often referred to as visionaries because they have clear ideas of where they want to take their companies. Demonstrating your own confdence and ambition will tell employees that they work for a forwardthinking company – and encourage them to reach higher themselves. If strategic thinking doesn’t come too easily to you, it’s important to set some time aside, step back from immediate issues and consider the wider landscape your business inhabits.
These extraordinary times have changed our working lives in fundamental ways, with huge shifts in recruitment and the dynamics between companies and their employees. With employees able to demand increased fexibility and improved conditions, businesses need leaders who can inspire more understanding, supportive workplace cultures.
Traditionally authoritarian leaders may have trouble taking such a fexible approach to objectives, but such leaders must realise that being less demanding can often yield better results. Furthermore, lending support, rather than putting pressure on employees, is a key tenet of transformative
He shows that leaders don’t necessarily need a complicated philosophy to follow: valuing people and spreading positivity can be the most infuential of messages.
4.Set high expectations Part of being a transformative leader is encouraging high achievement. To do that, people need targets to aim for, while knowing that there is no pressure to reach them. Instead, make it clear that you’re setting these targets because you believe in their abilities.
2. Call an expert This is the most important step to take in the event of a hack. If you have never used a cybersecurity consultancy frm before, and don’t employ in-house cybersecurity experts, then you need to conduct a search for a security expert as a matter of urgency. To avoid this scenario, it is highly advisable for any organisation to fnd a trusted cybersecurity partner before a breach occurs. Having an expert on hand who is familiar with your system means that if the worst does happen, they will be able to act immediately to help you contain and analyse the attack. They can also help you discover the facts and take the right actions in the event of a ransomware demand.
2 Study by Cybersecurity Ventures – Estimated global cost of cybercrime $6 trillion USD 2021 3 UK Government cybersecurity review 2021 – only 15% of businesses have done an audit of their cyber security vulnerabilities, and 31% of businesses have a cybersecurity continuity www.foxtrot-technologies.complan.
5. Rebuild After an attack, it’s essential to submit your entire system to an extended security assessment. This can identify and fx any other vulnerabilities in your system to help protect your business from a repeat incident. The UK Government’s 2021 cybersecurity review found only 15% of businesses have conducted an audit of their cyber security vulnerabilities, and only 31% of businesses and 27% of charities have a business continuity plan that covers cybersecurity. Therefore, while cyber attacks are certainly on the rise - and it’s important to know how to respond to a breach - there is still a huge amount of scope for businesses work with the experts to improve their cybersecurity strategy and greatly reduce their risk of falling victim to any form of attack.
What to do if your business has been hacked
Most organisations will worry about the reputational damage of disclosing a breach of sensitive data, but if your users’ data is out there, they not only deserve to be notifed, but you could face legal action if you fail to do so. Once you have called in an expert, they will work to understand the scope of the attack, close the security holes that have caused a problem and review your compromised fles. If it is likely that the breach contained personal information then, by law, this must be reported to the Information Commissioner’s Ofce within 72 hours. Failing to do so can lead to a fne of up to £8.7 million or 2% of your global turnover.
Anthony Green, CTO and cyber crime expert at FoxTech, discusses how organisations should respond in the instance of a breach:
1. Don’t shut down your system This is a typical panic response, and it might be tempting to shut everything down. Unfortunately, if an attack is underway, you should assume that the hacker has already gathered much of the information they were looking for. By unplugging your system or deleting malicious fles, you could be destroying evidence that will be key to discovering what has been taken, and how your system was breached. It’s far better to leave your system be and call an expert straight away.
But what do you do if the worst happens?
Here are 5 key things you should do in the event of a security breach.
As soon as you realise your system has been attaked, keep a record of every subsequent action taken – such as who has touched the system, and when. This log will help you keep track of your system, become a valuable resource for postbreach analysis, and will also help your organisation’s case in the event of any legal action.
Companies interested in fnding out their cyber risk score can order this for free from FoxTech here: Get in touch | FoxTech (foxtrot-technologies.com).
Sources 1 UK Government cybersecurity review 2021 – 39% businesses falling to an attack.
Cyber attacks are on the rise. A UK Government survey found that a shocking 39% of businesses came under attack in 2021, and the estimated global cost of cyber crime reached $6 trillion USD in the same year. Falling victim to a cyber attack can cause severe fnancial loss and reputational damage for any organisation. With the alarming rise of cybercrime predicted to continue for 2022, it’s vital that businesses do all that they can to protect themselves and their data from attack. Actions such as promptly installing system updates, conducting staf cybersecurity training to promote best practice, and hiring a cybersecurity consultancy frm to conduct regular vulnerability scanning can help you fnd and fx your weaknesses before they are exploited by hackers.
3. Keep a record of events
4. Be honest with your customers
“Whether an attack has reached its fnal stage – which will most commonly look like the delivery of a ransom demand – or you’ve just discovered a suspected breach to your system, it’s important to try and stay calm. It’s easy to panic, particularly if an attack is in progress and you don’t know where the disruption is coming from. Prevention is always better than cure, and it’s crucial to ensure that your business is as protected as possible. However, it’s still important to know how to respond in the event of an attack. Developing a documented incident response plan can help you remain rational and take the right steps to mitigate the repercussions of an attack.”
Four Key Components to Help Teams Thrive
Teams are also most efective when people have a positive perception of the team unit, feel that they add individual value and feel that their contribution is appreciated. Regularly recognising great teamwork and celebrating success creates a powerful efect which can be contagious across the organisation.
The same is true for teams. Teams need ongoing care and maintenance. Efective teams are greater than the sum of their parts, achieving high levels of trust, agility, and productivity. They can innovate, integrate new ways of working more quickly, challenge openly and produce great outcomes.
Process Teams with strong processes thrive because there are clear methods of working. Processes which cover the human or people related aspects of team development, strategic processes which can keep our eyes frmly on the horizon, individual and team measurement and performance processes are all vital components to ensure the team is aligned and understands it unique and specifc function in the organisation. At Insights we also have a value of ‘enjoying the journey’ together. Whilst it may sound silly to have processes around having fun, teams who play together stay together, so ensuring regular routines to ensure human connections are made is essential.
Flow How a team works together – or fows – is an important ingredient in its overall success. Taking the time to listen to colleague’s personal experiences, empathising and responding authentically with each other helps ensure fow.
We know that if a plant isn’t thriving, frstly you consider whether it is in the right environment. Is it being watered too little or too often? Is it in bright sunlight when it prefers shade? Is it potted in the correct soil? You may also need to till that soil, gently breaking it up, to release the nutrients inside, enabling the plant to thrive.
A team being ‘in fow’ which is hard to pin down, but it is very apparent when it’s not happening. Each member of a team, and particularly the leader of the team, has the responsibility to nourish and till the soil of the team so it can establish fow, Climate, focus, process and fow are four simple elements when applied to a team are ingredients akin to tilling the soil, hydrating and nourishing a plant, which can help ensure your team grows and thrives. Taking this lesson from nature, what are you doing in your teams to ensure you are maximising your team’s success?
Focus When teams are focused, with a clear vision and goals, they are more able to identify practical steps to move from current to future state and are motivated to take the necessary steps to get there. At Insights we’ve found that diferent people respond to goals in diferent ways. When we tailor the outcomes to the team, ensure we have purposeful and visionary, yet specifc goals, this can lead to higher performance, when we maintain the focus. A focus on our clearly stated ambition helps to create clarity and understanding, avoiding a lack of ownership. Additionally, we’ve found a mix of team-centric goals –maximising each person’s contribution to the team – as well as individual goals improves overall efectiveness and performance.
Fiona Logan, Chief Executive of Insights https://www.insights.com/
Fiona Logan is Chief Executive of Insights. Fiona came to Insights in 2015 as VP Europe, and soon took on the role of Chief Operating Ofcer. She joined from her post as CEO of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park following an international corporate career with IBM and Unilever. Fiona has attended Henley, Harvard and Macquarie Business Schools and is a previous winner of the UK Public Servant of the Year from the Women in Public Life awards.
We have a culture of check-ins and check-outs at Insights which signifcantly helps establish fow. Sharing personal or professional experiences and aspirations for the meeting, or project, at the beginning of team time together encourages teams to be empathetic and respectful of team members. When teams have the shared goals and focus on fow, they work collectively and interact positively – this increases team unity and collaboration and encourages individuals to bring forward new ideas in service of their shared goal.
In our experience there are four essential elements, underpinned by self-awareness, that need to be in place and working efectively for a team to be able to thrive. As a founder or leader of a growing business, by exploring your team through this model, you can identify perceived issues in any of the facets that could cause dysfunction or inefcient working methods. I can’t get enough of this model in my own team, whether we are hitting the highs or the lows, invariably I fnd the answers we need working in this way. We examine how we are nurturing our climate, maintaining our focus, building great team processes and encouraging our fow.
Climate Teams where individuals are healthily self-aware of their personality preferences, understand others and adapt and connect to each other, produce the best climate and enjoy higher levels of trust and engagement. Tapping into the diversity of the team, creating a climate of constructive challenge and mutual respect ensures problems and opportunities are approached from a wide variety of perspectives. Creating a team climate where members are encouraged to come at things diferently and feel able to openly express themselves, in whatever way suits their preferences, tend to generate new ideas which beneft the team and the business.
As we see our personal and professional lives dramatically overlap, particularly by COVID19 and the increase in working from home – it’s becoming increasingly important for a more holistic and aligned approach for female CEOs to succeed in life and business. This may include some or all of the following:
5. Trust & Belief
Website: https://rise.forthelimitlessceo.com/
How To Become A Successful Female CEO – 9 Key Ways
Ownership, Desire, Wealth Mindset, Integrity, Belief, Feminine Power, Emotional Intelligence, Strategy, Self-Respect Believing you can have it all as a female CEO takes a certain level of vision, strategy and commitment to working in a sustainable way that not only works in your business but also in your life. So we spoke to Ali & Em who are the Co-founders of The Limitless CEO, how can we become a limitless CEO for success in all areas of our life? Here are their tips.
1. Life Ownership and Radical Responsibility
Learning to trust that it’s all happening for you when you don’t have the evidence yet is the real work of a leader. Continuing to make big, bold moves with the confdence that it will work is the inner work of a limitless female CEO. This can mean you need to upgrade in your beliefs about yourself to match what you’re looking to create through your business.
A limitless female CEO knows how to navigate the highs and lows of life and business while honouring emotions to remain in alignment and focus of the bigger goal and holding your integrity when other people push your buttons!
If you want more from life, you have to make the bold moves to make it happen. Becoming a limitless CEO involves taking ownership of the past with pride and living life with intention, to take radical responsibility for creating your future and dreams.
9.infuence.SelfRespect
Self-respect for a limitless female CEO is holding standards of integrity in life and business, owning, and enforcing the boundaries that protect our energy and learning how to hold it all in order to have it all. Self-care is a really key part to this and in turn creates a limitless life so that you can give to others in abundance.
7. Emotional Intelligence and Resilience
The Limitless CEO was launched in August 2021 by Ali & Em to bring a new paradigm to female leadership. Ali is the Mind Master and Energetics Creator, whereas Em is the Online Business Strategist and VIsionary. Together they support women through 2:1 coaching, masterminds, coaching programmes and free online content.
2. Ignite your Desire
4. BeingIntegrityalimitless female CEO involves being in integrity and showing up in business in your completeness, bringing the best of yourself and honouring your values no matter what. It means putting family, health and self frst, so that when you deliver, you are in alignment with that which you wish to create into your world.
Are you experiencing pleasure in your pursuit to become a female CEO? You get to turn yourself on with the dreams that you dared not speak out loud, until now! Often we’re not fully going all out after we want and apologising for our desires. Igniting your desire activates your own magnetism to attract more of what you want, and faster.
The modern CEO image has drastically evolved over recent years. No longer is the only kind of image we traditionally see as a CEO a grey haired male fgure in a suit or equally an elbow-pushing strong female with shoulder pads. For female CEO’s in particular, this has changed beyond recognition and we’re seeing a new wave of female founders activate their desires and lead in an efortless feminine manner to create fnancial freedom, independence, and happiness that is rooted in putting family, health and self frst.
3. Magnetise Money and Wealth
A CEO that can lead in feminine power is the one who can balance the masculine energy of doing and the feminine energy of being, regardless of gender. Blending the Strategy & Structure with Heart & Soul is the secret to becoming a powerful boss leading the show in an efortless fow.
Between them they boast not only senior roles in the corporate world, have been Directors of several businesses, and also have relevant qualifcations from the highly acclaimed Oxford College of Marketing, to the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.
8. StrategyStrategyholds everything together, allowing you to show up in your business fully expressed as the most powerful version of you and know you are supported by the right people and on the right path. Strategy is there to turn a business into a brand, capable of growing exponentially in impact, income &
6. Leading in Feminine Power
You have the right to make large sums of money. Your innate ability to be an energetic match for money is undeniable but not everyone knows how to create wealth. You can stop being a ‘money maker’ and become a Wealth Creator to enjoy the full richness of life for your journey now and generations to come.
Top 8 Reasons To Hire a Freelancer
Stumped by staf losses: When one of your staf leaves and you need someone to take over their role in a hurry, a freelancer can fll that gap temporarily. A freelancer will also help you work out what you need as a long-term solution.
Shocked by surprise extra costs: When you set the budget for a job, the freelancer sticks to it.
Struggling to keep stafng costs down: When taking on another permanent employee would eat into your profts too much, a freelancer is the most economical solution.
A recent survey by PeoplePerHour showed that 84% of businesses believe freelancers can make a positive diference to their business, with nearly half (45%) more focused on quality than cost when hiring. A ffth (20%) said they would pay whatever rate it takes to get the best person for the job. The research also found that London is the top city for businesses using freelancers, followed by Manchester and Birmingham. You may have been thinking about taking on a freelancer for a while, or you might have a sudden emergency on your hands that needs dealing with right now. Either way, if this is the frst time you’ve considered getting some freelance help, you’ll fnd it’s the ideal solution if you’re:
As the negative impact of staf shortages is felt across a myriad of UK industry sectors, freelancers can play a critical role for businesses. Freelancers were considered a last-minute stopgap that garnered the bare minimum of investment, there is now an increasing acceptance of the value freelancers bring. Due to a combination of changing perceptions on diferent forms of working and pandemicdriven resignations, businesses are more focussed on the quality of the work they can get, rather than treating it as a way to cut costs.
Weighed down by your workload: When you’ve got far too much on your plate already, a freelancer can help bring your workload down to a more realistic level.
Author: Xenios Thrasyvoulou, Founder and CEO of https://www.peopleperhour.com
Lacking expertise: When nobody in the ofce can do the task that needs to be done, it’s easy to fnd a freelancer with the skills you require.
Seasonal stafng issues: When you need coverage for employees’ summer or winter holidays, who better to call on than a freelancer. No matter what your reason for using a freelancer is, the best beneft is that you’ll always have peace of mind knowing that whatever problem comes up in your business, there’s someone out there who can solve it for you.
Employee churn: Freelancers don’t churn, they thrive on multi-tasking between clients while being proactive enough to own their project. In need of a boost in your business: When you need more hands on deck but don’t want to take on someone permanent until things settle down, a freelancer is an ideal alternative.
As scepticism towards advertising rises, consumers are increasingly turning to online reviews on platforms like Google, Meta (Facebook), Yelp, and TripAdvisor to fnd the products and services they need. Indeed, 84% of people trust online reviews as much as recommendations from friends, and 89% of consumers read reviews before making a purchase. The infuence reviews have on customer trust and loyalty should not be underestimated. In addition, reviews and ratings heavily infuence search rankings, so ensuring they are optimised is imperative for online discovery.
Noticing patterns of positive feedback is also useful for spotting potential avenues for growth. For example, are
Analyse reviews to identify patterns
Business owners generally understand the importance of online reviews, with more than 90% of SMEs concurring that online reviews are critical to their success. However, many businesses fnd managing online reviews daunting, as opening the door to positive customer reviews may also let in negative ones. Yet negative reviews bring their own opportunities for customer engagement and constructive feedback, not to mention a wealth of data that can provide ideas for innovation and improvement.
It may seem easier to ignore negative or critical comments, but in doing so businesses will only further damage their reputations. Instead, they must look for a streamlined and productive way to handle this feedback.
Hopefully, negative reviews are infrequent outliers. But when they occur, they can be valuable in improving the customer experience. For example, if customers are reporting repeated bad experiences at a particular branch, that should trigger an investigation together with mitigation – and of course reply to the review and explain how the issue is being addressed.
Strengthen brand reputation through responsiveness
How to CustomerStrengthenLoyalty
The best way to build an online reputation, even in the face of negative reviews, is by getting local teams to be more proactive, and ensuring that communication across the whole business is timely and consistent. For businesses with a variety of locations — where negative reviews can come from a range of localised problems, such as understafng or key products being out of stock — it’s vital that local teams and management alike be aligned on how to approach negative reviews.One way to do this is to create and enforce a clear, easy-to-follow process and make certain that the tone and messaging of replies is in line with your brand identity and guidelines. Employees that know how to respond to negative reviews are invaluable to building a business’s reputation and keeping customers on your side. Improve search visibility and rankings
As the old adage goes: reputation takes years to build and minutes to destroy. With the infuence of social media, this has never been more true. This is something businesses must take into account when interacting with reviews online — especially negative ones.
While responding to reviews isn’t a ranking factor, Google encourages businesses to respond because it creates an engagement cycle that can translate to higher scores, which do impact rankings. It’s important to reply to negative reviews within 24 hours and sometimes much more quickly, depending on the complaint or problem.
Because review volume and recency matter, businesses should be proactive in encouraging customers to leave reviews across the major platforms. However, if you’re in a category or geography where Yelp is important, you must pay close attention to its policy; Yelp discourages and will penalize review solicitation. Other platforms permit it and Google even enables it.
Leaving a negative review unanswered, where it is visible to potential customers, will damage retention and potentially bring down your overall star rating (depending on how many reviews you have). Some critical reviews are inevitable and, paradoxically, add credibility to your overall score so they shouldn’t be feared. But the best practice is to respond to all reviews and negative reviews much more quickly.
You may already know that reviews are a major ranking factor in local search. Every time a potential customer searches using terms like ‘best,’ ‘top,’ ‘great’ and ‘highest rated,’ Google will generally show businesses with 4.0 ratings or higher frst. So the better the review score the more likely the business is to be found online by ‘near me’ searchers. Review volume also matters in search rankings.
A healthy review score is crucial for establishing trust. Beyond that, a review star rating improvement of just .1 could create a 25% increase in store footfall. And having a well-established review management process will improve the chances of getting higher ratings.
Make online review management a priority
Efective review management requires consistent attention and a personal touch; and while the process can be time consuming, as your business grows larger it is entirely possible for multi-location brands to maintain the same responsiveness as the corner shop. Digital tools can enable local managers and their teams to engage with customers in real-time via a centralised platform, allowing personalised responses within brand guidelines. The key for all SMEs is to put an efective review management system in place that both captures insight and enables maximum responsiveness – allowing businesses to reap the rewards of increased customer loyalty and trust.
Author: Tijs van Santen, Chief Customer Ofcer, Uberall Tijs van Santen is Uberall’s Chief Customer Ofcer. He brings an extensive history of building go-to-market teams for high performing tech and SaaS companies, including HP, Forrester Research, Impact and Button. Tijs is recognised as a customercentric leader with a focus on always delivering value for the customer.
https://uberall.com/
customers regularly saying that one new aspect at a particular branch, like self-checkouts, should be replicated at other locations? Do they prefer diferent opening or closing hours? Are there suggestions of new products and services? Mine such comments for clues to future growth opportunities and insights to improve the customer experience.
Challenge of appointing the right advisor Whilst this might all sound great, appointing the right advisors can be challenging. When utilised successfully, these individuals will engage with you and your leadership team and infuence some of your most important decisions. A certain level of chemistry, ‘ft’, and passion for the business from an advisor is therefore paramount. Understanding a potential advisor’s motivations will also help you discern who is, and who isn’t right for your business. Often, prospective board advisors will be motivated by the opportunity to work with a startup that has a unique proposition – your business might be solving complex problems, tackling social or environmental issues, or just have a really interesting product. Others may be motivated by joining a well-funded scale-up at a critical moment on its growth journey – the opportunity to help a good business grow is an attractive sell, especially for those with an investment background. Whilst others will consider an advisory position simply because the alternative (a formal non-executive role) is often laden with governance. In these circumstances, a vibrant culture, a visionary CEO with big ideas, or the opportunity to take the business into untested markets can be highly appealing. Whatever the selling point is, fnding the right advisor will mean having someone who is dedicated, provides meaningful input, and genuinely wants to see you and your business succeed.
Author: Mike Drew Mike Drew, Partner and Head of the Global Technology & IT Services Practice, explains how early-stage companies can beneft from appointing an advisory board.
However, for advisory boards, there are various means of remuneration that don’t need to break the bank. This includes both short-term fees or equity, making them an economical option for scale-ups that need to access heavy-weight leadership skills.
At some point in your growth journey, you’re going to need the sort of expert perspective that isn’t frequently found in early stage or startup companies. Maybe your strategy is to rapidly expand into new markets, and you need help understanding the risk. Or you’re faced with new and complex regulations. Maybe you simply need guidance on whether to consolidate or let go of a part of your business, or to evolve your products or solutions. To solve these problems, and others like them, a growing number of startups have begun appointing ‘advisory boards’. These are teams of, or individual, non-executive advisors who work on a part-time and advisory basis, often for a fxed term of anywhere between 12 and 36 months. Over the past few years, appointing advisory boards has gained momentum among the startup community. But in the wake of Covid-19 with many industries still facing years of uncertainty, this trend has accelerated. Most board advisors come with the sort of battle scars your average business owner wants to avoid – experience in guiding organisations through economic crises and market crashes. But it’s the lessons learned from previous global downturns that can be invaluable for businesses currently trying to cut a path through the fallout of the pandemic. How can you best navigate the disruption to global supply chains? Should you take advantage of new business opportunities or double down on existing relationships? Continue to invest raised funds or even profts in engineering and platform development or focus on sales and marketing? And which geographic markets are a safe bet, and which aren’t? Having seasoned leaders to turn to for guidance and advice on these issues can be critical for setting a long-term path to proftability and sustainable growth. They are also highly cost-efective. A full-time suite of nonexecutive board members is a serious fnancial investment and typically reserved for established medium to large-sized organisations who need extensive and ongoing governance.
The most value, however, often comes in the form of diversity of thought and fresh perspectives. Board advisors bring a level of knowledge to a company that it wouldn’t necessarily be able to gain (or aford) through a permanent executive appointment. For example, if you engaged a board advisor to help with product development, they could ofer guidance on innovation pathways and R&D, or simply act as a sounding board for ideas.
What’s more, as your company develops and matures, you’ll probably want to expand into new geographies. Advisory boards can be appointed to bring region-specifc experience; a knowledge of how to market products or services to foreign consumers, and an understanding of country-specifc business practices, micro geo-political and cultural nuances. It’s now not uncommon to see early-stage companies appoint advisory boards with a single advisor based in the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia respectively.
Return on Investment When appointed to source funding opportunities, a board’s return on investment is usually particularly noticeable. Having a background on the boards or executive committees of other, often larger companies, brings both an understanding of how to raise venture capital funds and access to a community of investors. A direct link to this network has huge value for start-ups looking for their frst rounds of series funding.
https://www.odgersberndtson.com/en-gb
What Can An Advisory Board Do For Your Business?
Looking closer to home can also bring signifcant challenges where sound advice will be required. Post Brexit, the relationship of UK companies with the EU has become more complicated, but some important issues remain unchanged. Any business focused on the collection, management and use of personal data, for instance, must still ensure it is GDPR compliant if it has customers within the EU region.
Understandably, businesses will prioritise the administrative tasks required to get a team up and running in a new country. What can often get left behind, however, is the importance of cultural norms that play a huge role in determining whether a new venture will be successful or not.
For example, the factors that build sales momentum at home will often be quite diferent from those required abroad. Similarly, when hiring staf to build a local team, there can
Despite the growing importance of globalised business strategies and the potential to successfully expand abroad, there is a range of emerging challenges that can impact the ability of ambitious organisations to succeed on the international stage.
So, organisations working with this as a feature of their business model should evaluate whether what they are building, on an international scale, is relevant enough for a big tech company to acquire. Considerations can include where a company chooses to base itself, an organisation that feels it’s building a proposition that is particularly relevant to Microsoft, for example, might choose Seattle as its US base.
However, in focusing on EU-wide rules and regulations, businesses dealing with specifc countries in the region should balance this against the need to adapt to the huge business and cultural diversity across the 27 individual countries.
Be clear on culture
Next, come questions about how the business will implement its expansion plans. Does it, for instance, have investors to fuel its growth? Businesses should also plan so they have an exit strategy in line with their growth plans. Startup and fast growth technology businesses often place themselves in a market ecosystem where being acquired by a bigger, established brand is their number one exit goal.
As companies think about their global expansion plans, top of the list are going to be questions about where to focus and why one territory may ofer advantages over another. For instance, a UK business looking to expand to the US should understand that, in practice, the US is often not one country but 50 states. Organisational leaders need to understand a range of diverse issues, including the jurisdictions, regulations, and the tax situation in each state – some of which is being infuenced by their national focus on tech sovereignty.
Building An International Growth Strategy
There are many UK startups who have tried to enter the US market without a full understanding of the potential costs involved. As many will testify, getting established in Silicon Valley can be an extremely expensive investment, so it’s vital to be aware of the risks as well as the potential rewards before making a decision and commitment. This includes assessing how their plans could be afected if they operate in a sensitive technical niche where sovereignty issues may come into play.
Take the increase in regulation around data protection and privacy, for example, or the current global semiconductor supply shortages. To a greater or lesser extent, these issues are infuenced by the interests of governments who want to assert their local control over strategic technologies and governance. As this ‘technology sovereignty’ becomes a greater priority for national governments and political/economic regions such as the EU, businesses are faced with the challenge of increasingly complex and heavily regulated trading environments. Tech sovereignty is becoming more important for governments around the world. They see technology as an infuencer and a solution to a lot of critical challenges, particularly sustainability and climate change. These interconnected issues mean businesses need to focus on regional and local diferences more than ever when moving from national markets to international growth.
Identifying the priorities
These considerations grow in complexity when a business is dealing with major cultural and language barriers. Expanding to China, for example, is a classic example of the huge learning curve an organisation faces when balancing the potential of that market against the totally unfamiliar business, regulatory, fnancial and cultural environment. This is where working with an established and experienced local partner can have a transformational efect on the ability of a business to hit the ground running in an unfamiliar market. Working with local experts who can help navigate rules and regulations is vital, can help avoid both minor and serious pitfalls and signifcantly accelerate the ability of a business to grow quickly enough to meet its objectives. What’s more, the availability of employer of record solutions such as the Globalization Partners global employment platform enables startups and fast growth companies to build their international presence by employing the best talent in the world and beating the competition to scale and to market.
As the world continues down a path towards highly connected, digitally transformed economies, the opportunities for global growth will accelerate. While the infuence of tech sovereignty has the potential to complicate matters for businesses putting expansion plans into place, careful planning can help navigate the pitfalls to build successful international teams.
be signifcant cultural diferences that will make the business more or less attractive to potential employees. Failing to take account of these local norms can be an inconvenience at best, and in the worst-case scenario, it can cause an international expansion strategy to fail. This is why Global Tech Advocates aims to create an international community of tech leaders – so businesses can improve their understanding of diferent ecosystems around the world and access informal networks of local experts as they scale and expand globally.
By Russ Shaw, Founder of Tech London Advocates and Global Tech Advocates, and Nick Adams, Vice President of EMEA at Globalization Partners. https://www.techlondonadvocates. org.uk https://www.globalization-partners.com
The questions business leaders must ask themselves today centre around these changes:
The onset of the global pandemic, and indeed everything in its wake including the economic impact, social and cultural movements, and political changes, has impacted every aspect of our lives. This applies both personally and professionally – from healthcare and education to work, relationships, and buying behaviours.
The changes we have experienced over the past few years are so signifcant that they have created moments in time like never before where people have been thrown of the daily treadmill and forced to refect on what is important to them.
Human sentiments are shifting rapidly in this post-pandemic era, and as such, the need for faster and more robust data and insights in line with tightened budgets and timelines are growing at breakneck speed. Successful business leaders are those that actively listen to and engage with their customers, to be able to adjust based on their changing needs. It is absolutely critical to continually take the pulse of customer sentiment to track sentiment analysis consistently.
1. Create an Arsenal of Consumer Insights
As a business leader, you must be dialed into your customer. In fact, I would go as far as to say that understanding customer behaviour needs to become a passion for every successful business leader – the holy grail is getting to the point where you can anticipate and respond to your customers needs at every touchpoint and across the whole of the journey, no matter how much they may fuctuate.
Research & Technology’s Role in Driving
Business is no diferent – the impact has been far reaching across companies of all sizes, and has forced their leaders to rethink the way in which they approach and engage with customers, internal and external stakeholders.
Are you armed with the right resources, tools, and technology to truly understand the impact of these changes on your Docustomers?youknow how your business needs to adapt to refect Wherethis? do you start and how do you implement the right Aspractices?people and environments change, technology is key to garnering human insights. Market research is designed to help keep pace with change, and when tech and research come together, they have the power to curate the deep human insight that today’s businesses need more than ever before.
Agile processes have been tried and tested in the IT industry as a de facto standard for rapid roll out and response for particular systems and solutions that need quick implementation timelines. This scalable approach has been so successful that it is now adopted widely across many lines of business within many industries and sectors.
Now that you have these insights, you can go a step further in reaching your customers, and ResTech ofers a valuable opportunity to re-establish trust. Beyond just analysing your frst-party data and customer insights, leverage this data to create authentic messaging that will resonate with your audience. Once you understand what’s most important to your customers, you will be able to adjust your tactics accordingly.
BusinessToday’s
If the last year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of being able to pivot – even in those unusual circumstances of not knowing where you’re pivoting to!
Harnessing the power of frst-party data – collecting, gathering and analysing the data you have to hand and coupling this with other market research insights can help you better understand shifting sentiments, buying patterns, and behaviours to help paint a better picture of the overall customer journey and what is of most importance to them throughout the process. What’s more, tools and tech allow you to also accurately extract customer details to identify these shifts at the exact moment they’re happening – these insights can be invaluable when used in line with your sales and marketing campaigns.
2. Prioritise Business Agility
In the last two articles of this series, we discussed the role of market research and tech innovation in business today, and we’ve deep dived into how the marriage of research and technology is shaping the market and helping businesses navigate and engage with their customers. With this under our belt, we want to now help our business leaders of today and the tomorrow understand how to use market research to positively impact sales and the bottom line as a whole.
Insight has tremendous power to create competitive advantages for small businesses today to help carve out their rightful place in the market. From product testing and sentiment tracking to customer feedback and purchase behaviour, we are well aware that ‘knowledge is power’ and of the strong benefts of data, especially for small businesses.
The right partner can ofer transparent, real-time access and fexible options to help you manage this in-house in an easy, cost-efective and efcient way. For example, at Lucid, our customers can integrate our measurement technology directly into their own existing systems and dashboards.
It has been estimated that small to medium sized enterprises accounted for more than half of the private sector turnover and private sector jobs in the UK in 2020. The global pandemic has raised many challenges, but equally presents a lot of opportunities for agile business leaders to approach the market in a new way where perhaps other businesses are less able. As the global economic outlook unfolds into a new year, businesses will need to adapt their model, approach, and ‘north star’ vision to what is fundamental to their core in order to meet demands of the evolving here and now. The stakes will continue to be high against the backdrop of constant change. Now more than ever, business leaders will need to be agile and fexible, to tap into market perception and customer sentiment in order to keep pace and adapt to the moment of today’s fuctuating world.
3. Measure to Prove Your Worth
As we set our sights on 2022, it is more important than ever that businesses do their due diligence if they are to succeed.
In today’s day and age where the health, wellbeing and inclusivity of your employees is business critical, this can have huge implications. Whilst customer engagement and purchase behaviour is important to business growth and revenue, so too is ensuring you do not lose sight of the sentiments of your employees too. Truly understanding the needs of your staf and stakeholders will drive internal efciencies, enhance team management and morale, and ultimately have a massive impact on the bottom line. After all, happy workers are productive workers!
As data plays such a crucial role in providing a relevant customer experience, businesses stand to gain better insight from tapping into their own insights, which is more relevant and efective for measuring and building out comprehensive go to market campaigns. The key to making the most of your frst-party data and insights lies in forging the right partnerships and building internal resources and in-house capabilities.
The ability to directly monitor and measure your campaign health is critical to understanding the full impact and performance of your marketing. Bringing the tools that enable you to use diferent methodologies in-house will help you get under the skin of the data and make decisions accordingly to obtain the full picture of your customer.
The UK is expected to return to pre-pandemic growth levels by the middle of next year, and the small business market in particular will be crucial to this.
To keep pace with regulatory changes such as the demise of the cookie, new data practices are fnally beginning to put the customer frst and with sentiment being transient and ever changing, marketers must take notice of how this can impact their business reputation and market position.
Author: Ben Hogg, Managing Director, International, Lucid
The role of technology within market research follows the role of agile IT practices, by enabling real-time insight gathering and an ability to collect and analyse data in shorter windows of time than ever before.
ResTech has the potential to not only carve out your changing customer personas, but to also help increase the efciency of your business operations. Beyond pivoting with your customers’ changing sentiments, an agile approach to research, data and analysis can also extend to inwards and can help improve employee satisfaction and retention.
The problem is, if a business focuses too much on just the local market without keeping one eye outside of the country, it likely won’t be able to support itself in the long-term. After all, there are over 7.6 billion people in the world, and only 66 million in the UK. Localisation and globalisation are closely linked In an era of globalisation, startups are having to compete with or use the services of the likes of Amazon or eBay. But ofering localised services and products could ofer a signifcant competitive diferentiator. Businesses that ofer localised products are able to utilise and promote deep market knowledge to attract new customers and increase brand awareness and loyalty. This also rings true in their communication and marketing, as the same taglines and headlines that proved popular within one market could be completely lost on another.
Author: Augustin Prot, CEO and co-founder of Weglot, https://weglot.com
It’s only natural to think frst about your closest customers frst. Some of the most popular businesses started of small, catering to local consumers before becoming the ecommerce giants they are now. But once the home market starts to become saturated, it’s probably time to start thinking about expanding internationally. International consumer markets are growing at a rapid pace, with businesses of all sizes and in all locations reaping the rewards of the current ecommerce
Consumers need a personal touch Just 14% of UK businesses currently sell internationally. So, if you’re one of the 86% of businesses that aren’t selling internationally yet, it’s time to start thinking about it as there’s a lot of opportunity to be had. Because, there are still a lot of barriers for growing internationally, the typical ones of cost, delivery times and language barriers are being removed, allowing online businesses to thrive across borders. Language is an important barrier, and probably the most obvious place to start for businesses entering new geographies.
Unimaginable growth
According to a survey commissioned by Weglot, 61% of UK consumers said shopping on a foreign language website was a signifcant put-of, while 49% said they wouldn’t buy a product online if the website wasn’t in English. The key to expanding is producing a business which is able to personalise and localise their products to cater to specifc geographies, but there are certain aspects to think about frst in order to boost success.
But in a world with everything at our fngertips, startups are limiting themselves from the outset if they’re only thinking about their local market. There’s a huge pool of potential customers in other geographies currently going untapped, with more than half of global consumers said they are ready to buy from the UK. So why just think local when you can go global?
As a startup looking to scale internationally, you can’t aford for messages to get lost in translation. But it’s not just a matter of swapping languages. Scaling globally takes an understanding of other cultures and new audiences – and ultimately how to cater to their needs. When entering new markets, think about the language, design and cultural elements of the website to provide a relevant experience for your new customers.
Money, dedication, sleepless nights – maybe even some failure along the way. Starting an ecommerce store can be a daunting task, but nothing matches the feeling once you start to reap the rewards of all that hard work.
Scaling a startup internationally doesn’t have to be hard work.
Last, but by no means least, ensure you are constantly monitoring web trafc to check on performance, sales and what can be improved. Your website is your best sales tool, so make sure it’s optimised, user friendly and a good representation of the brand. And be patient. Building success in brand new areas can take time, but if you utilise the right tools and put the customer frst, you’ll put yourself in the best possible place.
How Can Ecommerce Startups Grow Internationally?
Yet‘boom’.many startups are still being forced to focus on products in their home market with the aim of frst gaining momentum to navigate the traditional obstacles of early-stage businesses.
Grow, grow, grow
The diference between failure and success usually comes down to diligent planning, a global frame of mind and keeping everything customer-centric. This doesn’t mean launching a business in multiple countries at once, but rather a focus on identifying what it is about the business that appeals to global audiences frst and building on success one step at a time.
International expansion takes a lot of patience, but with the right plan and strategy behind you, each and every new market can make your business a global success.
Firstly, it’s important to take it step by step. Rushing into opening several stores across the world takes time, resources and manpower, so you’ve got to be confdent that you have these frst if you’re to meet consumer expectations. Start small by translating your store into one language frst, as it’s better to build up a solid base as you go along rather than trying to expand everywhere and anywhere at the same time. This actually leads me onto the next tip, because the frst one would typically be the most popular language based on where your current web visitors are coming from, as it’s clear there’s a demand for your products. When selecting which new territory to open up in, make sure you check the location and amount of current website visitors. This will tell you where you already have a base of budding customers and give you a good platform to build further success.
The journey of an entrepreneur is a long and complex one. It has ups and downs, extreme highs and extreme lows and hopefully you have more of the former than the latter, but it is tough, really tough. Because I have had some modest success in my career (having IPO’d and sold tech companies) I am occasionally asked what makes me successful at growing a business. I tend to have two stock answers, the frst related to personality, the second, rather less interestingly, related to evidence. So frstly, the personality one. The odds of growing a company up to and beyond an 8-fgure revenue are hideously improbable. In fact, it is vanishingly unlikely. Take 100 embryonic companies in tech with what the founders think is a cracking idea and less than 1 of them (a lot less than 1) will get that big. In fact, when any young, enthusiastic, budding business sort asks me if I think it is a good idea for them to follow this path I always shout ‘NO!’. The thing is, the personality traits that makes you more likely to win are also the traits that can make you very difcult to live with, and I think there are three. The frst is relentlessness – the ability to keep going when all around you suggests you will not succeed… you just keep going. ‘The money’s running out’, ‘the deadline is impossible’, ‘the team are revolting’… ‘Pah’ I say, just keep going. The second is positivity – this one is the hardest one of all. Culturally, the British tend to avoid being positive from birth, it really isn’t in our DNA. We are the plucky losers, we are the sardonic sorts charging at the cannons in a futile attempt to win, with the certain expectation to not. However, positivity is a virus. Display relentless positivity (see what I did there?) and others feed of that and the unlikely becomes probable. And the fnal one, which leads into the second stock answer is evidence. Most businesses fail because the founders have such a passion for their idea that they refuse any negativity towards their ‘precious’. ‘My widget is the best’, ‘my algorithm is smarter than yours’, ‘my plan is the plan that beats all plans’. Well, no it isn’t. Why? Well, because there are around 8 billion of us on planet Earth, each born with a brain and each will have some good ideas in their often, quite long life. Your idea will not be unique. It really won’t. Almost certainly someone, somewhere, will have thought about it as well. So that leads on to the evidence found in data. The trick with business is to never trust instinct. Instinct is a cruel mistress, and it will guide you towards the clif edge. We live in a world where data is everywhere and proof is a click away – and if not proof, then at least you can dispel your ‘I wonder if’ with a simple cheap survey of a 1000 people to see if you are on the right side of right. So it is those three things that made ContactEngine so successful. We didn’t start with Proactive Conversational AI, oh no, we started with live streaming telephone calls from any phone, anywhere in the world, live to the web. But the data told us we were wrong. So we changed. We started to help companies communicate better with their mobile workforce, proactively. But the data told us we were wrong. So we changed. We realised (guess what? Yup, the data told us) that it was communication to customers that really mattered – that was where the gold was – using all channels to start conversations with customers to solve moments of inefciency, and my goodness there are lots of those. Then came the really difcult bit. Persuading a reactive world of comms (where the customer was expected to come to you with their problems to solve) that their own data held the triggers to turn this around and be proactive – reaching out to the customer with communication that let them know what was happening, good and bad, and let them know that you cared. That took us years, and in the last couple of years we won that argument and became the world’s leading proactive comms engine, working with some of the largest brands out there. But the story does not end there. The ups and downs in business meant that proving you are the best in the world at something – where frankly numerous massive software vendors should really have wised up to this years ago, is not an ideal place to be. Think David and Goliath – but where David left his sling shot behind. Not ideal.
From Bootstrap to Acquisition And Everything in Between
So last week it was announced that ContactEngine were acquired by a company called NICE, a company I’ve known and admired for some time. They are data-driven, committed to perfection in customer experience, they are cloud and they are entrepreneurial. They also give us the ability to accelerate rapidly and to really take advantage of our frst mover position. What’s more, their relentless positivity shines though. Now the journey continues. It’s the same team – only with more resources being added by the day – to allow us to continue our plans for world domination in a lovely pro-active conversational kind of way.
About ContactEngine ContactEngine is a Conversational AI technology that enables brands to proactively engage customers in conversations that fulfl business objectives. https://www.contactengine.com
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced consumers to adopt new habits, with a PwC report suggesting these are set to become permanent, representing a ‘historic and dramatic shift in consumer behaviour’. The report concluded that consumers had evolved to be more digital and eco-friendly, while also reporting they had become more price-conscious, healthy, and data aware. Following on from COP26 and in light of the latest IPCC report declaring the climate emergency as a ‘code red situation for humanity’, it has never been so vital for businesses to focus on their sustainability strategy.
Combatting ‘greenwashing’: Finally, greenwashing is an accusation often thrown at fashion and retail giaants, and it is often not unfounded. It refers to attempts by businesses to make people believe thata a company is doing more to protect the environment than it really is. With the Chancellor recently announcing that UK frms will have to begin to disclose their environmental impact in order to combat greenwashing, it is vital that businesses become more transparent and honest about
What does it take to be a sustainable business?
The failure to uphold promises on sustainability Research conducted by parcelLab analysed the performance of the UK’s top 50 Direct to Consumer (DTC) brands and analysed their oferings on sustainability. The fndings showed a comprehensive failure to ofer customers choice in reducing their negative impact on the environment. This is surprising, as according to a recent IBM report, nearly 6 in 10 consumers said they were willing to change their shopping habits to reduce their environmental impact.
The fact that 94% of brands did not ofer the customer a choice to use less packaging is an area where clearly there needs to be improvement. Businesses could also ofer the customer a choice whether to use branded or recycled packaging, while also having the option to not include any single-use plastic within the package. Additionally, while many carriers now ofer carbon neutral delivery options this choice is not being given to the customer during checkout. Businesses could go further and add an option for the customer to ofset the carbon footprint of the entire order, with the potential to reward customers who make this choice with loyalty schemes or discounts.
The DTC report revealed that just 4% of retailers ofered a carbon neutral delivery option, and only 6% ofered an option for the customer to request less packaging at checkout. On top of this, 30% of retailers still include plastic packaging in the parcel, and 52% included a branded insert. Furthermore, the fndings revealed that not one of the retailers ofered any form of sustainability messaging in their communications. Despite many retailers claiming to be making eforts to become carbon neutral, the reality is that during the delivery process DTC brands are generally falling well short.
The distribution, packaging, and returns of online goods is a major contributor to carbon emissions – it’s therefore of paramount importance to make this process more sustainable. Consumers are increasingly looking for steps to actively reduce their carbon footprint, and businesses need to adapt and promote sustainable practices to align with these customer values. Climate change and sustainability have now become an unavoidable topic and many consumers are ready to make the changes necessary to reduce their emissions and overall environmental impact. Sadly, too few companies are giving them that option at this moment in time.
Educating the consumer through efective delivery communications: Information also plays a central role in reducing the environmental damage of eCommerce. It can come in simple steps such as signalling to the customer what can and cannot be recycled either through instructions on the package or through delivery communications. Marketing material could also be included within delivery communications, eliminating the need to produce branded inserts in the package which are so often disposed of immediately. Accurate and immediate communication with the customer also maximises the chances of a successful frst delivery attempt, resulting in carriers having to make less repeated and wasteful journeys along with happier customers.
The returns process is also an exercise often fraught with pain whilst being a large contributor to emissions – approximately 30% of all online retail sales are returned with ‘serial returners’ overordering only to return the vast majority of the order. This huge volume of returns is highly damaging to the environment and extremely wasteful, and with only 45% of brands ofering paperless returns more should be done to make this process as environmentally friendly as possible. Brands should consider carrying the focus on sustainability throughout the return and refund experience; continuing to educate the customer on the environmental efects involved in returning the package.
Businesses have a responsibility to ofer more sustainable options to their customers, but also to educate them on the simple steps that can be taken to reduce environmental impact. For instance, if businesses were to highlight the carbon footprint of an individual order at the checkout, and ofer some alternative ofsetting measures consumers can invest in, this would demonstrate a genuine efort to reduce their environmental impact. This is not necessarily about forcing each and every customer to take drastic steps, though of course some will. It is about empowering every customer to make choices which align with their environmental concerns, as opposed to leaving them with little to no choice on the matter as is the case across the majority of e-commerce platforms.
Empowering the customer through choice Our research highlights one simple conclusion: DTC brands are not providing their customers with eco-friendly solutions and ofsetting alternatives at the checkout.
By Dora Birna, Vice President Global Marketing & Growth at https://parcellab.comparcelLab
The DTC report highlights the plain fact that online retailers need to change if they are to become more sustainable. While it is unrealistic to assume this change will happen overnight, implementing a sustainability strategy should be of the highest priority for businesses. Businesses that do prioritise this are more likely to be successful as customers increasingly search for eco-friendly retailers to shop with.
their sustainability plans rather than creating misleading information. This will help to embed trust in consumers and encourage them to take seriously the environmental initiatives provided by businesses.
It is easy to turn a generic CRM system into something specifc to a particular business – and therefore potentially more useful to a budding entrepreneur – but it is worth exploring the features of CRM systems that can be applied to all businesses.
We have likened the main aspect of a CRM system to an address book. We need address books because we need to communicate with contacts and tracking communications is a key role for any CRM. Today, our communications defne our businesses. They can be emails, letters, phone calls, text messages, social media messages, invoices, documents, and so on. All of these are conveyed by electronic media. It is true that some communications are face to face, but these represent a relatively small proportion, and particularly since Covid. These communications have to be addressed (ie who is it to and where are they?) and not only can the CRM be the primary source of these addresses, it can record the communications too.
Today, computers are involved in the running of almost every type of organisation, and any business owner that does not embrace appropriate Information Technology (IT) is likely to be at a disadvantage. The problem for businesses whose products or services are not technical, is to what extent is it necessary to computerise so as to maintain a competitive Thereedge?
Generic or specifc? Software ranges from the very general, to the very specifc. A general software package such as Microsoft Word can be used in almost any business, whereas a 3-D design package is much more specifc – it would unlikely be of much use to an accountant. But the more specifc you become, the less choice you have, and the more expensive the products become. So generalised software is always the best place to start – at least until you are really sure of your requirements. Even general purpose software such as word processing and spreadsheets can be tailored to specifc needs. What is a CRM? One type of generic requirement is for Customer Relationship Management or CRM, although the “C” bit is misleadingly specifc. “Contact” would be a better use of the letter “C”, since most businesses need to manage their relationship with more than just customers – suppliers, local authorities and government, to name just three.
are literally hundreds of tasks that are often better and more cheaply performed by a computer than a human – accounting, stock control, project management, marketing, diary management – the list is endless. So it’s easy to burn up lots of time deciding what software you need, what is available, and what is actually any good. And if you are not particularly geeky, once you have made your choice, it’s even easier to spend more time in front of the computer screen pulling your hair out than you do running your business startup and talking to your staf and customers.
You can access it any time
At heart, a CRM is just a digital address book. What is the point of digitising an address book you might ask? Well, if you only need a handful of contacts to run your business, then probably “not a lot”. But as soon as you get into even just tens of contacts, then things are diferent. And with more than one employee, they get signifcantly diferent.
What is CRM software and why might you need it?
Benefts A digital address book (as opposed to a physical version) provides the following benefts.. You can share the address book with other staf You can access it from anywhere
Despite the above, there is only ever one copy – if you change contact details it changes for everyone simultaneously You can add arbitrary items of metadata to each contact record. – for example, date of birth, last order, etc – and these items do not have to be decided at the outset. You can process many contacts at one time
As well as the obvious time-saving beneft of avoiding two staf using diferent contact addresses, the impression outside contacts get of the company is so much better when their details are correct and instantly available.
Efciency Some CRM systems are targeted at particular horizontal applications such as sales tracking which apply to any company that sells goods. These systems provide supplementary functions to help manage particular processes that are connected to individual contacts. They often perform the
Benefts one to fve are enough for most business founders to justify the use of some form of CRM. However, it is beneft six – the ability to process records – that can provide the greatest returns on investment. Processing can be anything from sending a customised email to all contacts in a particular category, to analysing trends or statistics across any crosssection of contacts. For example, how many contacts under 30 buy yellow products?
A CRM is implemented using a database, which is basically an electronic form of a card-index fle, except that it allows the creation of as many indexes as necessary, and searching takes fractions of a second.
The advantages of Cloud-based applications generally far outweigh the advantages of on-premise solutions. Any entrepreneurial business employing more than one person should consider using a CRM, and they will usually fnd the investment in the system will be well worth the efciency and time savings it provides.
There are some disadvantages to this – such as if you lose Internet connectivity – but overall, the advantages strongly outweigh them. For one thing, you can run the same (CRM) application from anywhere, on any computer at any time.
So, to summarise, CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. In practice, CRM systems are applicable to any outside contact, not just customers.
tasks which humans do not execute consistently or reliably.
For example, a super salesperson is of limited use if he/she forgets to follow up a lead or spends too much time on the customers with the worst purchase track record. The CRM can do the scheduling for him/her and therefore use the salesperson’s time far more productively.
CRM systems benefts include sharing data without having multiple copies (which can potentially get out of sync) and being accessible by any authorised user, anywhere. CRM systems provide the ability to add arbitrary amounts of data specifc to a particular business
Most signifcantly, CRM systems provide the ability to process lots of data automatically For CRM systems to provide best value for money, they should be able to ingest communications (emails, phone calls, etc) because communications defne a business.
Secondly, your data is efectively safe from any physical disasters and thirdly, you don’t have to install a new version whenever one is released.
Author: Dr John Yardley, Managing Director, JPY Limited and Threads Software Ltd John began his career as a researcher in computer science and electronic engineering with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), where he undertook a PhD in speech recognition. In early 2019, John founded Threads Software Ltd as a spin of from his company JPY Ltd to commercialise and exploit the Threads Intelligent Message Hub, developed originally by JPY Ltd. Today, JPY represents manufacturers of over 30 software products, distributed through a channel of 100 specialist resellers. John brings a depth of understanding of a wide range of the technologies that underpin the software industry. John has a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Essex and a BSc in Computer Science from City University, London. Web: https://threads.cloud
Nevertheless, when the salesperson comes to follow up a lead, the job is so much easier and likely to succeed if the salesperson has all the relevant communications to hand. Email folders are not much use if they only contain the salesperson’s messages because there may be several colleagues that have been involved with the contact – or even provided a quotation. Equally helpful is detail about phone calls exchanged with the contact, preferably with the ability to listen the call, but ideally with a searchable transcription. None of this is science fction. All can be done in CRM systems with current technology. Local or cloud-based One last point is that many applications, not the least of which are CRM systems, are moving from the desktop to the Cloud. This means that instead of running dedicated applications on the computer in your home or ofce or smart phone at your fngertips, they are instead running on remote computers –you will know not where – connected to you via the internet. Your workstation then becomes a glorifed terminal.
CRM systems are basically intelligent address books (sometimes very intelligent). Although they are general purpose, they can often be tailored to ft a specifc business.
You might be wondering, is my job at stake? While many businesses are set to recover from Brexit and the pandemic, others might remain in the shadows. That’s why it’s more critical now than ever to upgrade your core skills. It’s also important to upgrade your more alternative skills that are useful as a backup plan. For example, you can learn to become a ski instructor, a reiki healer, or an English language teacher.
Globalisation, Brexit, and COVID-19: how are jobs shifting shape? It’s fair to say that most job sectors are shifting and so is the workforce demand. Globalised businesses are making way for both high-skilled and low-skilled jobs. However, mediumskilled jobs are being left behind. The job polarisation is due to the increased labour-intensive production, liberalisation of trade, and international transportation and communication.
Upskilling has been known to humanity for a long time, and it’s become integral to our upbringing. But just like the world of work has changed, especially after/amidst the pandemic. The necessity of upskilling has changed too. While the halflife of professional skills was once 10-15 years, it’s now been shortened to fve years. For technical skills, this can be even shorter. This means that workers must constantly update their skills to stay relevant. According to the ILO Global Commission of the Future of Work, “today’s skills won’t match the jobs of tomorrow, and newly acquired skills may quickly become obsolete.” Things like technological advancements, climate change, globalisation, and COVID-19 are dictating changes in the workplace and the need for upskilling. Automation calls for new technical skills
Obtaining such qualifcations will make you an even more desired candidate. They will show employers that you are willing to adapt to new environments and learn new skills.
Why Is Upskilling More
The question of robots replacing humans in the workplace has been pressing for a long time. The 2013 movie Her narrated the possible future of humanity where robots have replaced not only human labour but also human romance. It seems that the line between sci-f and reality is becoming more and more blurred. According to experts at Fortune magazine, “40% of the world’s jobs will be replaced by robots capable of automating tasks”. Yes, around 1.5 million jobs in England are at risk of being automated in the future, according to the Ofce for National Statistics (ONS). This means that human labour won’t be needed. Such jobs include elementary occupations, as well as process, plant, and machine operatives. As worrying as this sounds, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Although automation and digitalisation may replace low-skilled and manual jobs, they will create new job opportunities too. The areas that will see the most growth will be within the cognitive and metacognitive categories. We must adapt to technological innovations and this calls for continuous learning. Digital literacy, numeracy, creativity, and innovative thinking must improve continuously to keep up.
Employers are receiving support from governments to fund their sustainable recruitment initiatives. In the UK, the Sustainable Innovation Fund has been introduced to help innovative frms commercialise their ideas while contributing to national and global sustainability objectives. Such new careers include energy auditors, energy engineers, agroforesters, and air quality forecasters. These roles call for a whole new set of skills and abilities. Thankfully, there are a number of programs and courses designed to support sustainable development.
Critical Now than Ever?
Apart from the emergence of new jobs within the eco sector, existing jobs are also being afected by the transition to a green economy. Upskilling is always essential. Such ‘green’ skills include eco-awareness, waste prevention, and efciency improvement alongside core interpersonal skills in the likes of digital literacy, strategic and innovative thinking, and Theleadership.world is changing faster than ever with a lot of socioeconomic factors at play. In order to adapt to the new world of work, employees are being urged to upskill their abilities and implement innovative thinking. In turn, this will drive both the economy and their personal development forward.
New jobs to drive the green economy forward With the increasing focus on sustainability, employers are looking at ways to transition to a green economy. The International Labour Organization (ILO) advises that 24 million new jobs will be created worldwide by 2030. All this is in response to the growing green economy.
Workplaces within leading economies are looking for highly skilled people who are ready to operate on a global level. Conversely, they are also looking for cheaper low-skilled labourers. However, both Brexit and COVID-19 have had an immense impact on disruptions to supply chains and trade. The UK is facing a workforce shortage, and Brexit has only worsened the situation. Those who thrive in this changing socio-economic environment will have transferable skills. These skills can be adapted and applied to diferent occupations and skills.
Both employees and employers have begun looking at ways to maximise the available opportunities and minimise skills gaps. The world of work is changing at the speed of light, and you need to be able to adapt to it, otherwise you’ll fall behind. Here is how to stay on top of your game at all times with upskilling. Why should upskilling enter your vocabulary now?
Up until a few years ago, obtaining your undergraduate degree was a pass to the vast world of employment. Unfortunately, a higher education certifcate might not take you that far Upskillingnowadays.– the evolution of a person’s abilities and career path – has become a buzzword in today’s job ambience.
Personality vs Proft: You Can Have Both When You Recruit Right
ProductivityProft ought to be a key consideration when seeking a new candidate. Ideally, the new hire should be more productive – either through skillset, efciency or both – so that proft opportunities can be maximised. This makes a bad hire doubly costly. Not only are businesses paying for a wasted recruitment process with inefcient training and slowed productivity, but the cost of missing a chance to improve the quality and volume of output is equally detrimental in the medium-term. Profts that could have increased, instead Researchsufer. by McKinsey & Company suggests that the top 5% of talent is 8 times more productive than average talent. Of course, every employer should aim to be recruiting from as near to that top 5% as possible. Now you might, if you are an employer or recruiter, dismiss this as impossible – ‘that’s ok for the Google’s and Apple’s of this world, but how can I fnd that top 5%?’ This doesn’t have to be an impossible aspiration.
Businesses have never recruited as much as they do today. They spend more time doing it and invest more money to get it done. But why do so many businesses get it wrong? What is the true cost of their mistakes? And is the increased emphasis on personality conceding ground to competence?
The traditional hiring process follows a pattern that most of us are familiar with and have experienced. It goes something like this: HR determines what the tasks of the vacancy are with hiring managers and outline the attributes required to fll it. Job adverts are posted and applicants apply. An interview is arranged. The winning candidate is ofered the job. That process has undergone some change over the years, but the essential structure has remained the same. The problem with this model is that we don’t know how successful it is. Most companies can tell you how much they spend in pursuit of the ideal candidate. But far too few of them can explain the true cost per hire. What we do know is that the traditional recruitment process is broken. I often put my head in my hands when I read the myriad of HR reports that reveal the prevalence of bad hiring. The 2020 Career Builder report ofered little reassurance. It stated that 74% of employers hired the wrong person last year. This came at an average cost of £10,843. This is madness.
The $200,000/$50,000 formula demonstrated by HR Daily is a fantastic illustration of the problem. It outlines how an employee who brings in $200,000 in revenue would make their employer a proft margin of $80,000 on the hire. But an employee from the top 25% of the talent pool would give the business a proft margin of $130,000 because they will bring in more revenue. A bad hire therefore results in a $50,000 loss of
“ThePersonalityproft.frstthing we look for when hiring new staf is personality. In my eyes, personality always wins over book smarts.” – Sir Richard Branson
It is a statement that divides recruiters, business owners and HR professionals. Whilst the declaration that personality wins over ‘book smarts’ is contentious, it is inarguable that character is a vital and toooften overlooked requirement for any given job role.
Deciding between two or more candidates who appear to ofer similar advantages is hard; the choice can be simplifed with in-depth personality data. Personality is in fact a predictor of future job performance that exceeds the quality of information that you can obtain from analysing a person’s CV or Comprehensivequalifcations.personality assessments increase the chance of hiring the best people. And the best people drive healthy
AtPersonalityproftability.metricsAssessFirst,ourAI recruitment platform collects hundreds of data points about a candidate without the candidate having to complete long drawn-out questionnaires. This gives employers two crucial advantages in the hiring process; it provides a breakdown of a candidate’s personality type. And
David Bernard, CEO of the innovative recruitment technology frm AssessFirst, believes that businesses can improve both their profts and personality-led cultures by modernising the recruitment process.
There are solutions that I will come to shortly, but frst let’s breakdown just how a bad hire can damage proftability.
Finding candidates that match the core values and culture of a company is a proftable exercise, increasing the likelihood that good candidates can be retained. It also provides the opportunity to diversify your pool of talent, bringing in people who think diferently to other staf to challenge norms and existing processes.
Gathering objective personality data provides insight that can help to eradicate unconscious biases. All employers are susceptible to, for example, confrmation or afnity bias during the recruitment process. This bias, perhaps more than any other factor, contributes to bad hires.
Those continuing to recruit without the benefts aforded by Artifcial Intelligence are prone to being in the 74% of employers that make the wrong hire. Data driven personality recruitment goes well beyond a simple tick-box personality test. It is a deep analytical tool that draws from behavioural
science: assessing cognitive and non-cognitive patterns. This is how employers can tap into the top 5% of talent specifc to their company and culture.
The recruitment model of ‘advert, application, interview’ is as antiquated a process as there is in business. AI powered recruitment is more frequently associated with blue chip tech companies, but I think that a much larger cross section of the business community, many of whom are challenged by the uncertain post-pandemic market, cannot aford to get recruitment wrong. And it is personality metrics that will help to ensure they get it right.
it helps to predict each candidate’s behaviour, revealing the tasks, projects and even teams where they will have the most impact.
Utilise Government Support
6 Tips for Restructuring Your Business Post-Covid
Darren Diamond, associate of the business restructuring specialists, Lawton Benjamin, has a great deal of professional insight into the various steps one can take to ensure their business is able to prosper in the wake of the pandemic. Here, Darren has detailed six tips that a wide selection of businesses will need to implement.
Remember, these support options exist solely for struggling and recovering businesses to take advantage of! Improve Your Customer Engagement
Unprecedented changes have been inficted upon most of the nation’s businesses, following the devastation of COVID-19. That being said, there are those industries – such as healthcare, online entertainment, digital marketing and eCommerce – that have thrived on the changes brought about by the pandemic. On the other hand, other felds, like retail and hospitality, have sufered greatly due to lockdown orders and social distancing rules. Whether your business has fourished or declined, however, post-pandemic restructuring may be essential. No matter what trials and tribulations a business has faced, this crisis should now be seen as an opportunity to learn, in order to be better prepared for the future.
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Customer engagement has played a crucial role in the survival of many businesses throughout the pandemic, with many brands fnding a new appreciation for just how important this is. COVID-19 or not, any business that struggles to ofer the same services as a competitor may be able to lock down
Allow for Remote Working Remote working is a phrase many will have never heard before 2020, but since then, it’s been ingrained in our day to day lives to the extreme. In order to survive the lockdowns, as they continuously reared their ugly heads, the UK’s businesses had no choice but to ask their staf to work from home. Before long, this was referred to by many as the ‘new normal’, and it’s only relatively recently that the nation’s employees have been able to return to the ofce. Whilst there are those who are overjoyed with this return to normalcy, others have done so begrudgingly, with yet more workers being provided with the option to continue to work remotely, should they choose to. The businesses ofering the latter have got it right. There are undeniable benefts to allowing staf to work from home, in both employee motivation and cost savings. Whilst some people really struggled to separate their home and work life, others thrived, and to suddenly take this away from them just doesn’t make good business sense. Looking ahead, it would seem that restructuring companies are more than likely to continue to accommodate those working from home, in order to reap the benefts of this fexibility.
push towards remote working, the pandemic also gave many businesses the shove towards an online presence that they desperately needed. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with the traditional, face-to-face experience, it’s important to understand that the Internet isn’t going anywhere and businesses will need to evolve if they want to succeed. This is the case regardless of the pandemic, but COVID-19 has certainly forced many businesses to start providing their customers with an online service, which can be accessed from the safety of their homes. Whether this applies to retail stores launching their own courier services, family restaurants providing online food delivery, or anything in between, it’s a simple fact that the need for businesses to get online grows more and more each passing day. The pandemic has helped to nudge reluctant businesses in the right direction, and when it comes to successfully restructuring in the wake of COVID-19, investing more time and money into your online presence is certainly Saveadvisable.onCosts
The pandemic has seen the revenue and profts of countless companies plummet, consequently making money saving and cutting costs a priority for many restructuring businesses. When it comes to cutting costs, the end goal is always to be able to continue working as efciently as normal (if not more so), but at a lower rate. When reassessing your expenses, have a shop around for cheaper insurance policies or software subscriptions, that won’t have a negative impact on your business or employees if implemented. Comparison sites can be a useful tool in this endeavour, as they allow you to input your business details and compare multiple ofers.
The Government has helped many businesses stay afoat throughout the various lockdowns, by ofering support through a series of grants and loans, as well as a furlough scheme; the latter enabling companies to continue to pay employees, when forced to close premises or downsize, without going out of pocket themselves. Researching the various Government support schemes available to you should certainly feature as an element of your business restructure.
Stay Up to Date With Your Competitors
The pandemic has wrought signifcant changes in the way that businesses are run, so, regardless of whether a company has sufered or thrived as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, business restructuring is likely to be a mutual necessity.
Many companies will be coming out the other side of this pandemic with fewer competitors than they started with. On the other side of the coin, however, businesses in the previously mentioned pandemic-thriving industries may need to develop more competitive strategies in order to cope with the growing demand for their services, not to mention the new competitors that might have come out of the woodwork as a result. Regardless of which side of the coin your business is on, it would certainly be wise to stay up to date with what your competitors are doing, in order to understand exactly how the impact of the crisis has afected where you stand in the market.
(no pun intended) a client through customer experience alone. It’s become increasingly apparent that human-centric, empathetic customer engagement, which prioritises the value of the customer over the sale, is needed now more than ever.
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Darren Diamond is an associate of the business restructuring and tax specialists, Lawton Benjamin. He is an experienced director with a demonstrated history of working in the accounting industry. Darren has strong professional skills in business planning, accounting, income tax, tax, and account management.
Customers who feel a genuine connection with a brand are far more likely to stay loyal to them, regardless of whatever worldwide crisis is around the corner.
Cash is king! Cash is more valuable than proft, revenue, stock or receivables, and remains critical for any businesses. It’s an unavoidable necessity to pay for staf and suppliers and provides you with the necessary confdence to invest further in your businesses. Unfortunately, it is also one of the biggest challenges companies face. A recent survey by Capify found that a majority (52%) of UK small business owners are worried about their company’s cash fow over the next 12 months.
Make getting paid easy: It is a truth universally acknowledged, that the propensity to be paid is inextricably linked to the convenience of payment. Inconvenient payment methods, such as cash and bank transfers, are subject to human inertia and human error. Few businesses hurry to pay their suppliers, but if you introduce friction to the payment process you will easily lose their attention as they look to address something less painful.
Credit control: You can please some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all the time. Some people are going to be slow to pay and you’re going to beneft from implementing a collection process. Either employ a credit controller, a collection agency or online credit control software, like Chaser, which will send out automatic payment reminders and help with the collection process. Cut costs: Eliminate all unnecessary costs and fees. It seems self-explanatory but undoubtedly there is room left to run things more efciently. Find a company that can help you save around 2-3%, on all card-payments. For a company with low proft margins, say 5%, that’s a 40%/60% increase in proftability. Look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves. More than anything else in their businesses, smart smallbusiness owners recognise that staying on top of their cash fow is critical for the long-term health of their company. Do these things successfully, and your company will be able to survive and thrive even in times of fnancial instability.
Reconcile, reconcile, reconcile: A stitch in time saves nine. Stay on top of your outstanding invoices. This is easiest done when paid invoices reconcile automatically within your accounting software, companies like Xero and QuickBooks, as achieved by Crezco. This is the quickest and most efcient way to gauge your cash fow and potential problems. Without this you’re fying in the dark and suddenly things become a lot less clear. Furthermore, if paid invoices reconcile automatically, you’ll save a lot of time manually handling this process and life will be a lot more pleasant.
There are easy steps that businesses can take to combat cash fow issues. Here are the fve we consider important.
Author: Ralph Rogge, CEO and Founder, Crezco Crezco is a business-to-business open banking payments provider. Crezco is integrated with more than 300 banks and 400m bank accounts across the EU and UK, more than any other open banking payment API provider. Crezco makes B2B invoice payments as frictionless as card payments but without the associated costs.
Three columns to cash
There are three key columns afecting cash fow: cash coming in (accounts receivable), cash going out (accounts payable), and access to cash (equity or debt raise). If your business is spending more than it makes, and does not have access to further liquidity, then things are going to dry up quickly.
Top tips to drive fnancial inclusion & better cash management
Get real-time: You need to be accepting real-time payments. Everything in life has become instant, we’re impatient and we wait for nothing or nobody. I’m not sure about the moral or psychological implications here across sectors and products, but I remain confdent that it is an unnecessary inefciency for cooked meals and online shopping to arrive sooner to our doorsteps than payments do in our bank accounts. Some customers may still need to pay via card, say for retail pointof-sale businesses, which have slow settlement times, but otherwise you need to be implementing instant payments to have funds settle in real-time.
Fiveunnecessarily.cashfow management tips
Seemingly it should be straightforward to avoid cash fow issues. Like trying to lose weight, just assure you burn more calories than you intake: spend less than you make. Nonetheless, it isn’t that simple and so many great businesses with happy customers, especially smaller enterprises, sufer
With NFTs, tokenisation, digital ownership and digital currencies becoming the norm we will begin to see everything linked to blockchain. With digital assets, virtual land and a new digital grafti world, we will embark on an entirely new world where we get to rewrite the rules.
NFTs NFTs are basically a tool for providing proof of ownership of a digital asset that can be attached to anything from a Tweet to a JPEG image. If you aren’t familiar with how it works, it’s time to get to know it. Artists, infuencers and celebrities are making huge profts using NFTs and their use is becoming more mainstream. Take digital artist Beeple, who sold a collection as an NFT through auction house Christies for nearly $70 million recently, making him one of the most valuable living artists in the world. In future we will see the same thing happening with physical objects as well as digital entities. The speed of pace at which this is taking place is accelerating massively and your investment strategies need to take this into account. We are going to see property owned via NFTs and more. This allows anyone to be a collector, or trade collectibles. It opens a global marketplace to you and is transforming everything when it comes to assets.
In the wake of unpredictable fnancial markets and blurred fscal and monetary policies from the global response to economic shutdowns, all asset owners and investors need to adapt quickly to the new fnancial landscape. Or otherwise face signifcant challenges in building and managing their portfolios in today’s new normal.
Globally, Governments have been spending big on stimulus packages, and infation is set to hit record numbers as we progress through recovery mode. We are living in unprecedented times, and we are heading into what experts agree is a highly unpredictable future for investors and businesses.
We are living in a vastly diferent world to 20 years ago when money itself is no longer the highest transactional value. The popularity of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has surged in 2021, and the upward trend is set to continue into 2022 and beyond.
Now is not the time to continue with the same investment strategies you had been doing prior to 2020. The landscape has changed rapidly, so the smartest thing is to re-look at investment from a new perspective. Learn how to maximise your investments using some of the top investor strategies that set you up for success in the digital decade. Get ready for the new roaring twenties.
Look towards disruptive technologies
Think back to the stock market crash of the 1920s, if you’d have told people then that within the next decade TVs would become readily available in people’s homes and TV networks would become industry giants, they would’ve been doubtful. Right now, we need to look towards the disruptive technologies that will skyrocket in next 10 years.
Opportunities of a lifetime
The boom in NFT’s is linked to the rise of the metaverse. The metaverse is, simply put, it’s a 3D digital world that is soon going to replace the 2D internet. Often referred to as extended reality, the core idea of metaverse is to create a 3D virtual environment which you don’t just see but become immersed in when you socialise, manage businesses, investments and Themore.Metaverse
Markets are changing rapidly. Employees are resigning from their jobs at an unprecedented rate. The great resignation, as it’s been named, where people are quitting at a faster rate than jobs were lost during the pandemic. Where are they going? Large numbers are following their passion and purpose to start their own enterprises, joining the £multibillion gig economy or becoming retail investors.
Many SMEs are feeling the fnancial challenges. Even so, the market has powered higher, fuelled by expectations of a period of strong growth after the successes of the vaccine programme and as the economy fully reopens. The outlook is not doom and gloom. Far from it. Remember, it is always in the times of greatest crisis that lie the opportunities of a lifetime.
Learn about the biggestinvestment trends and how best to manage them
Everything is under the spotlight – from how you set return targets and manage liquidity, to how to assess external factors that would protect you from the crash.
Learn from renowned investors like Masayoshi Son, who was one of the frst to invest in companies like Yahoo, Slack, Uber – all highly lucrative ventures in disruptive tech. The four key areas to focus on now are: Fintech, Edtech, Greentech, Medtech – all trillion-dollar industries that are transforming the business landscape.
During the next decade, digital currencies and the meta economy will grow so big that billionaires in the metaverse will be richer than the billionaires in the real world. Ownership of digital objects that can be easily bought and sold
in the metaverse are now growing fast – from art, collectibles, games, music, property and virtual land. As the metaverse becomes planet sized and linked to our real world, digital currencies will become the new normal.
The strength of cryptocurrencies is increasing exponentially. We are seeing disruption in the property markets where increasing numbers are investing outside their normal currency and using cryptocurrencies in particular. This makes perfect sense as there’s little point in your property investments going up by 20% if your currency decreases by 20%. So, think about hedging against your country as well as hedging against your asset base. Property is a key hedge against Anotherinfation.keygrowth
About the Author Roger James Hamilton is a New York Times bestselling author and Founder and CEO of Genius Group, a multi-milliondollar group of companies including GeniusU, Entrepreneurs Institute, Entrepreneur Resorts and Genius School. https://www.geniusgroup.net/
trend is impact investing – for proft and purpose. Millennials and Gen Z-ers are the driving force behind the conscious investor trend, motivated by their sense of purpose and values. As we see the wealth transfer from Baby Boomers to their younger counterparts there is potential for exponential growth in impact investing over the next decade. All the key growth areas, such as greentech and edtech, ofer positive impacts on society as well as high returns. Surely a win-win for Prepareeveryone.forimpact investing by researching exactly what you want to be a part of, making a plan so that you know what your pathway is. It is about spotting the emerging trends and jumping in at the opportune moment.
The old rules have changed. Now it is no longer about how big your business or investments are, but how fast and nimble you can be to get into the right thing at the right time.
Signing a Personal Guarantee to secure access to funding is a risk some small business owners are willing to take while others see it as a step too far. In a survey Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance conducted earlier this year amongst 1000 SME owners and directors[iii], 45% said they had decided against a loan because it required a Personal Guarantee, but 64% said they would be more likely to sign a personal guarantee if there was insurance in place to protect against the risk of providing it. Most notably, an overwhelming majority (88%) agreed that lenders and fnancial advisers have a duty to make business owners aware of Personal Guarantee Insurance.
What you need to know about Personal Guarantees
At Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance we have estimated that over 420,000 small business owners in the UK were acting as personal guarantors for business loans prior to the pandemic. By providing a personal guarantee in support of a business loan, the director is providing the lender with recourse to his/her personal estate which, in efect, lifts the veil of incorporation aforded through a Limited Company or Limited Liability Partnership. Furthermore, based on a Freedom on Information request, we have calculated that £2.1bn in CBIL loans were taken by business owners and directors which had personal guarantees attached[ii].
September 2021 brought sobering news of an 18 month high in registered company insolvencies[i]. Many small and medium sized businesses are now facing a very bumpy ride as pandemic support measures such as VAT deferrals and the commercial rent moratorium, ease back. For those business owners and founders who have taken the serious step of putting their personal assets such as their home and life savings on the line to secure a business loan, this will be a very worrying time.
Personal Guarantees can apply to a wide range of loan facilities including those available from P2P lending platforms – in fact at Purbeck we see most of the demand for Personal Guarantee Insurance coming from the alternative fnance market.
Just like any other insurance it protects against the risk of the worst happening – in this instance the risk that your business fails and the guarantee is called in by the lender. Insurance will ofset any outstanding obligations called in with the level of cover based on a fxed percentage of the personal guarantee the company director wishes to insure. This is dependent on whether the corresponding fnance facility is secured or unsecured.
Personal Guarantees give the lender a written promise, made by a director or number of directors, to accept liability for a company’s debt. In practice, this means that if the business defaults on a loan the director’s home, car and anything in their personal bank account could be called on to settle the outstanding debt. You could even fnd yourself facing bankruptcy if your personal assets don’t cover the debt. This obviously has much longer term ramifcations, including prohibiting you from being a company director in the future.
At the same time, the risk of signing a Personal Guarantee has increased following new insolvency rules introduced in December 2020 which made HMRC a preferred creditor in a business insolvency. In essence this may reduce the ‘pot’ of funds left to pay existing Personal Guarantee backed loans meaning that a director or business owner could fnd that as the loan is called in, their personal assets need to be used to settle the debtii. It is therefore crucial SME owners and directors understand how they can mitigate the risks of signing a Personal Guarantee, with Personal Guarantee Insurance becoming an increasingly common option.
The problem is that SME access to fnance is increasingly going to necessitate signing a Personal Guarantee as lenders become more risk averse. So if you haven’t yet faced this prospect, you probably will, if or when you need new funding.
The Personal Guarantee Dilemma
The big diference with this type of insurance is it does a lot more than simply pay out following a claim. Personal Guarantee Insurance includes access to free mentoring and support services if your business gets into fnancial distress,
In addition, the Government backed CBILS (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme) and the Recovery Loan Scheme permits the use of Personal Guarantees as security for loans over £250,000.
What is a Personal Guarantee?
If you co-own your home, with a spouse or partner – they will also have to sign the guarantee. A minority stake holding in the business won’t protect you either as a lender will go after whoever has the most chance of settling the debt.
Over £120m in SME Personal Guarantees Protected By Insurance Personal Guarantee Insurance has protected over £120 million in Personal Guarantees over the last three years, giving business owners and directors the confdence to secure fnance knowing that if the business fails, the majority of the loan would be paid of without risk to their home and assets. Amongst start-ups alone, loans to the value of £35million have been protected by Personal Guarantee Insurance.
[i] [iii]requiredsecured[ii]insolvency-statistics-august-2021insolvency-statistics-august-2021/commentary-monthly-https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/monthly-FOIRequestinApril2021forbreakdownofCBILSloansover£250,000whereapersonalguaranteewasbythelender,upto31stMarch2021SurveyconductedMay2021viaCisionof1000SME
For example, if you run your business with co-directors, come to an agreement to share the guarantee. You can also negotiate a time limit for the guarantee and a cap on the amount, but do remember interest and costs added to the debt can soon mount up. You may also be able to agree terms where you are guaranteeing a part of rather than the whole loan and that settlement is sought frst from company’s assets before enforcing the guarantee.
Author: Todd Davison, MD, Purbeck Insurance Services provider of the UK’s only Personal Guarantee Insurance to the owners and directors of UK SMEs.
Other ways to mitigate the risks
plus the huge beneft of expert guidance at the point the debt needs to be settled. This takes a huge burden of the shoulders of the business owner.
Before deciding that signing a Personal Guarantee is right or wrong for you, it is always important to get some independent advice. Your accountant, solicitor, commercial broker or fnancial adviser can all help you work out the best options for your business and advise on the additional ways you can cut the personal risks you might face by signing a personal guarantee.
Don’t let a Personal Guarantee be a barrier
Whether your SME business needs funding to start, sustain or grow, a Personal Guarantee shouldn’t stand in the way of the fnance you need. Seek expert advice and look at the ways you can mitigate the risk, including Personal Guarantee Insurance, before signing on the dotted line.
Owners and Directors
Take a moment to think of all the amazing women in your life that bring magic to your world. Make a point of expressing your appreciation – you don’t need to limit yourself to doing this on March 8th. A little more appreciation for all the people we are grateful for is a wonderful way to spread more magic and boost morale.
Psychologists have also found that even if we have to force a smile, the very act of turning your lips upward can trick our brain into releasing certain feel-good hormones, including dopamine and serotonin. As a result, our stress levels lower, our immune system gets a little boost, and our overall mood improves. Researchers have even discovered that a smile can lower our heart rate when we’re feeling anxious.
Although happiness can mean diferent things to diferent people, one element is common to us all. And that’s the messages sent by a genuine smile. This is possibly the only truly international recognisable and understandable symbol of happiness in the world. In a study conducted in the UK, British researchers found that one smile can provide the same level of brain stimulation as up to 2,000 chocolate bars; they also found that smiling can be as stimulating as receiving up to £16,000 in cash.
How To Bring Magic Into Your Business
began to cry with joy. Of course, Vidal Sassoon did become a famous stylist, creating the bob hairstyle and perfecting the art of blow-drying all because of his mum’s determination to help him fulfl his destiny and his good manners. That one small act of kindness created the magic that created a business empire and lasting legacy.
The second woman that stands out for me is Marie Curie. Curie is recognised for her ground-breaking Nobel Prizewinning discoveries and helping to break gender barriers during her lifetime. Curie was the frst person in the world, male or female, to win two Nobel Prizes. Her family won four! And she managed it all without a fancy lab. During WW1, Marie Curie developed mobile radiology units which were used at the front hospitals in Furnes, Hoogstade, Adinkerke, De Panne, Beveren and Roesbrugge. Training 150 women to operate the “Little Curie” it is estimated that the total number of wounded soldiers receiving X-ray exams during the war exceeded one million. Marie Curie was an extraordinary person, who worked tirelessly as a scientist and a humanitarian. She never let her gender stop her, even while working in a male-dominated world. Instead, she mobilized a small army of women in an efort to reduce human sufering and win World War I.
If you are starting a business, you will have a long to-do list. Make sure maintaining team morale is on that list. It doesn’t have to eat into your budgets but do spare the time to give it some thought. An obvious place to start is with birthdays. Everyone has them—apparently, each day, around 20.8 million people celebrate their birthday—so no co-worker will miss out. Regardless of the drawbacks of virtual cake, even if your team works from home, get everyone together on Zoom, even if just for a few minutes: everyone likes to feel special. This got me and my team thinking about all the special occasions and celebrations that there are around the world, and the opportunities they give us to bring us a little bit of joy and magic. These are often found in tiny moments and all it takes is a little shift of perspective to really see and appreciate them. I’m a great believer in instant change, little ‘micro-moments’ of learning or adaptation that allow us to actively take charge of our situation and emotions in the moment, reset and bring more of our best to help ourselves and others. Each micro-moment intervention is designed to be actionable in a minute and I’ve written three books on these micro-moments for life, work and family. Here are a few occasions in March could be a great excuse for more joy and magic?
8th March: International Women’s Day There are so many great women past and present, but there are two (apart from my mum) who I’ve been particularly in awe of.
20th March: UN International Day of Happiness
But a few minutes later, Mr. Cohen called them back in. He had been struck by the fact that Vidal had opened the door for his mother and didn’t let his disappointment show. Cohen then told him, “You seem to have very good manners, young man. Start Monday and forget the cost.” His mother
The frst is Betty Sassoon, Vidal Sassoon’s mother. Sassoon spend about seven years in an orphanage as his mum couldn’t make ends meet, but she was determined to get her son back, which she did. One day Betty had a powerful premonition that he would be a famous hairdresser. She was so convinced that it was true that she found a hairdressing school run by well-known stylist of the time, Adolph Cohen. Together with her son, they visited the salon to fnd out about the school. But Cohen told them it was a two-year programme and would cost much more money than Betty could aford so they left the salon disappointed. Sassoon recalls, “My mother looked so terribly dejected. I thought she might faint.”
From pupils to CEOs, Meee has helped thousands fnd their magic to transform themselves, their communities and their organisations. From leaders of PLCs and SMEs to parents, teachers, students, carers, the unemployed and prison inmates Meee helps people excel.
26th March: Make Up Your Own Holiday Day I’m particularly excited about this one! Make Up Your Own Holiday Day was the holiday created to encourage people to do more of what they love. Now there are a tonne of interesting, intriguing and imaginative holidays already out there, like World Stationery Day (April the 22nd), National Spaghetti Day (4th of January), National Hugging Day (21st January) and National Zipper Day (April the 29th). What’s fascinating is the imagination and creativity to name, create and participate in such great activities. Take a moment to consider what your ‘make up your own holiday’ will be. Perhaps you could introduce something that will be fun for your team: Wear a Hat To Work Day; Donut Day; Lunchtime Quiz Day. Whatever March brings to you and your team, enjoy the little wins, go searching for them if you have to and spread the magic
Web: www.meee.global Web: www.meeebooks.com
SidABOUTaround.THEAUTHORMadgeisatransformation and change specialist and founder of Meee. Meee draws on the best creativity and thinking from the worlds of branding, psychology, neuroscience, education and sociology, to help people embrace change and achieve extraordinary lives.
It’s also worth remembering that happiness is not a permanent state. Often, it’s feeting as we go about our daily activities but when we pay attention to the little moments that make us happy and revel in them, we can draw out our sense of wellbeing. Is your morning cofee just amazing or did you enjoy chatting to a client or customer? Often, it’s the simplest of things like singing Happy Birthday to a colleague that sprinkles our lives with magic. We don’t need the grand gestures or the amazing holiday – we just need to pay attention to some of the little things that bring us joy and wallow in them for a little longer. Take a moment to smile at someone. Just notice the world around you and smile. Like a smile, smiling is contagious.
Sid Madge is also author of the ‘Meee in Minute’ series of books which each ofer 60 ways to change your life, work-, or family-life in 60 seconds.
Secondly, aim for motivation, but start with inspiration. We all want to feel surrounded by motivated and engaged people, but here, it’s worth considering the semantics and impact of language. To motivate is to push – you’ll be doing the work, driving the call to action and needing to role model the energy required to get you there. To motivate successfully, you may need to ofer reward – keep reminding colleagues of the prize as you dangle the carrot and wield the stick in equal measure. As a communicator, it’s a full-on push strategy bringing out your inner personal trainer. The motivator voice is strong, pacey, and tireless. To inspire, though, is a diferent matter involving an inner connection to ambition and aspiration. Get curious about what matters to your people by creating conversations that probe a little deeper and then communicate the connection between what you are seeking to achieve and what matters to them. To inspire is to pull people in – tell stories, use coaching questions, and use phrases like ‘Let’s imagine…’ and ‘What if…’.
Here are 5 ways that you can focus your impact as a communicator and lead your business to greater success as a result.
In presentations, take the opportunity to name people whose work you admire or whose contributions have made a Thankdiference.people in meetings for challenging or ofering a perspective and for asking good questions. In conversations, take time to appreciate comments or feedback and to those who listen well.
You can imagine the impact a constraining one minute of pleasantries had on developing relationships. A sincere attempt to help all parties involved with clarity, direction and structure led to a breakdown in communication, not a bettering of it. A cursory and formal minute of polite inquiry before launching into demands led to a diminution of relationships, loss of respect, engagement, and support – and pretty much zero motivation for everyone involved.
Committing to this adds value in so many ways – not least because to ofer recognition, you must be present and available to notice what people are saying. The result is that your acknowledgement of people will be sincere – a crucial component in winning respect. You’ll also win respect by communicating your personal values. Let people know who you are and what matters to you. We earn respect by sharing our struggles and helping others see how we have, or have not, overcome our challenges and difculties. Respect comes from understanding – pay attention to connecting on a personal level and respect will follow.
5 Ways to CommunicationsImproveWith Your Team
Monday morning. 9am. A supplier meeting is being held in the swanky central London ofces of a well-known organisation. There are 6 people present. Four from our well-known organisation and two from the supplier. The new director of strategy in the organisation has set the ambition for relationships going forward and it aligns with the business strategy of developing a spirit of partnership between organisation and supplier. The director of strategy has laid out an approach for meetings which focuses on simplifying and standardising the meeting process. As such, he has instructed that every meeting will be run along the same lines… it’s a structured conversation beginning with one minute of ‘pleasantries’ and then straight into issues the supplier needs to get on board with.
Thirdly, your ability to engage people must be a leadership priority. Engaged people go the extra mile, creating good energy in the business and when they talk about the business.
Communicating transactionally, using command and control, applying authority and force to get things done is the reverse of what engaged and motivated people seek. Communication matters. It creates community. It’s the cornerstone of any culture and our communication style is intrinsically linked to who we are. But how we communicate is largely automatic, or unconscious and our time feels better spent focusing on things we haven’t yet mastered. But, as Marcus Buckingham said, ‘People join organisations, and leave managers.’, so, our ability to speak to our teams efectively could be the diference between success and failure, between people staying or going.
Efective communication is simple – but not easy. As an aspiration, better communication is often used as a term to describe how we deliver messages – how we transmit ideas, set direction and advance the conversation. But for respect, motivation, engagement, support and retention of people, you need to focus your communication on asking good questions and listening with skill and commitment. Daily practice and discipline are essential to developing skill and getting better as a communicator. It’s not magic, but efort and ritual that transform the way we connect with people. How they respond is not in our hands, but our approach to securing a positive reaction is something we can control.
Firstly, winning respect. The truth about respect is that it’s a quality multiplied by giving it away – and what a valuable gift it is. Giving people respect acknowledges their status and importance, making them feel rewarded and, in turn, enhancing psychological safety. Use communication to validate the people around you:
Author: Janie Van Hool is a prominent communication expert specialising in leadership development programmes and executive coaching. Janie teaches the art of communication, presence and impact to professionals in a range of organisations, from the construction industry to investment banking. As Founder and Director of VoicePresence, Janie has worked as a workshop facilitator and 1:1 coach for more than 20 years, enhancing the communication skills of executives and creating listening company cultures. She also has extensive experience in developing and delivering high potential leadership programmes for graduates – and teaches at some of the world’s top business schools including the Ashridge Hult fagship senior executive leadership Janieprogramme.isalso the acclaimed author of The Listening Shift: Transform your organization by listening to your people and helping your people listen to you (Practical Inspiration, 2021). The book explores the power of listening, which often fies under the radar when it comes to communication in business. It is the ultimate guide to learning how to cut through the noise and listen expertly. The Listening Shift draws on the learning and experiences she has gained as a RADA-trained classical actress, a voice teacher (she has an MA in Voice Studies), from her research into Performance Psychology at Edinburgh University, and from her years volunteering as a listener for Samaritans in the https://www.voicepresence.co.uk/UK.
A simple strategy is to have as many conversations across the business as possible – talk to everyone you can to fnd out what’s going on and how people are really feeling. Don’t be a surprise visitor to anyone that engages with your business, but be the leader that is spontaneous, curious, and open. Pay attention to your own energy here – if you feel fat, drained, or overwhelmed, you won’t be able to listen well, and your people will feel your heart is not really ‘in it’. Think in shifts and allow yourself downtime to recharge your communication batteries. Next, you’ll need to make sure you support your people. `The dictionary defnition of support is to bear weight or ofer material assistance. It sounds like an active process and yet, to enable your people to feel supported as you communicate requires something much more challenging; to support is to listen. Leaders and founders of businesses are often driven by a desire to move things forward, change things for the better and this proactive mindset is all about ofering solutions. As a communicator, this is risky. Recognising the need for support might well tempt you to give advice and help the other person see the clear way forward, but this strips a person of their autonomy. Start with listening – challenge yourself to use silence, encourage them to share more when they start speaking, play back to them the words they use that you fnd signifcant and summarise what you’ve heard them say… without ofering a word of advice or pushing a solution. As their conversation comes to a conclusion, you can ask if they’d like your view. Finally, if your people feel heard, understood and cared about, they will fnd it hard to move away from your business because they will feel connected to it – and you. But, as a communicator, there’s an active step to take to retain your great people and that is to communicate a future that is shared by, and tailored to, them. This is where you need to speak publicly – and frequently – about the business purpose, the vision and what you want for the people who work alongside you. Work at using the senses as you describe where you’re going – detail how it looks, what it sounds like, how it feels. Use this sensory narrative to bring tiny details to life and build a compelling and rich picture of what’s on the horizon. We all need something to look forward to – a future we can imagine. Create a narrative where your people play a key role and can see themselves alongside you growing a successful business they can be proud of and responsible for. They’ll stay.
This energy is infectious, and your communication plays a big part in creating the conditions that foster it.
Improved teamwork
The purpose of employee team training is not to transform your employees into super workers, but rather to help them develop and discover their individual strengths. This will allow them to work together more efectively as a cohesive unit and ultimately increase productivity across the board – which makes employees feel more accomplished at their current roles and less inclined to leave.
How a Team Training Course Can Boost Employee Morale
Additionally, team training courses are a great way to engage employees. And when your employees feel more engaged, the work environment becomes more open to new ideas and more welcoming to new employees. Plus, knowing that everyone on the team has received the same training allows for better communication and collaboration between coworkers.
Higher staf satisfaction
Better workplace culture and loyalty Team training courses can help your employees become better at working together by building trust and creating positive, supportive relationships. If your employees know how to communicate with each other efectively and resolve conficts in a healthy way, they will be able to focus on their work instead of worrying about their interpersonal relationships with coworkers.
Adding a team training program can help motivate employees to embrace continued professional development as a way to improve their careers and increase their earning potential. They will see they aren’t alone in this efort and will likely become more enthusiastic about taking advantage of the opportunities presented to help them build skills and enhance job satisfaction.
More happiness due to a higher self-worth Treating employees like a team and not just a group of people can build up employee morale and help increase their selfworth. And one way to boost employee morale is by providing professional training courses for your staf. It will lead them to be more productive, which in turn will lead to a higher proft for your business. This can also translate into greater efciency in the workplace as employees will feel empowered to do their jobs well. The result of this is happy customers who will come back and keep purchasing from your business.
Team Building Courses are an ideal way to increase staf satisfaction and boost morale. These courses are designed to promote teamwork in the workplace, helping employees to get to know each other better as well as trust each other more. A team training course will ofer practical tips and advice on working successfully with others and make your employees feel more empowered. Here’s how.
Hiring employees is just half of the equation. If you aren’t giving them the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, it is not going to matter how good your instincts were when you chose them. A team training course will help you improve employee communication skills. This means that you will have better coordination with each other, so mistakes will be less likely to happen and production time will be reduced. The training will also create camaraderie among employees. It will help them learn to get along with each other when working as a team and support one another when making decisions, which would directly reduce their reliance on the immediate supervisor for support and guidance.
Your employees will also be able to do their jobs more efciently if they are familiar with the usual tasks and responsibilities of their position as well as those of other positions on the team.
High turnovers can often be a sign that there is something wrong with your business’s culture, so you will want to address any underlying problems before they become even bigger issues.
Allowing employees to stay challenged in their jobs and continue to develop their skills is one of the best ways an organization can retain top talent. The challenge lies in getting employees to take advantage of opportunities they are ofered to continue developing professionally. Some employees will be eager to expand their skills and knowledge, while others may not consider it important enough to make time for it.
Job dissatisfaction is a common reason for staf turnover. When you are running a business, a happy and healthy team is important to the success of your company. Employees who feel appreciated and supported are more likely to be productive, which leads to higher satisfaction at the workplace. But keeping your employees happy isn’t always easy. It involves planning activities that make them feel valued in the organization. A team-building course can help your staf develop a better understanding of their role and how they ft into the bigger picture of your ofce environment. Not only will this make them feel like part of a team but it will also boost morale by encouraging them to see how their individual eforts contribute toward the success of your company.
Continued professional development
Low employee turnover
Here are some activities you can undertake to help you add cadence and interest to your voice and give standout presentations that people will respond to positively. Be yourself but bigger I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve suggested to clients that they add more vocal variety to their speaking, and they say, “Well, it’s just not me. I’d be embarrassed to do silly voices.” I said the same thing when I started out with my speaking. But it’s important to understand that nobody is asking you not to be you. Simply use your voice to add passion and heart to your speaking. When you speak, you should be you. But you should be a bigger, an exaggerated version of you.
As entrepreneurs we need to be resilient so don’t be embarrassed. We might feel we’re being too silly and we’re adding too much – but to the audience, it’s not enough.
Listen to yourself as often as possible. This will help you build your speaking skills which will be invaluable as your business grows. Give new things a try Most of us didn’t choose the accent we have. But we have one because we listened to the people around us as we grew up.
As entrepreneurs you’ll be used to running meetings and giving presentations online. Or you certainly will have become used to this way of working over the last couple of years. But are you communicating the best way possible with your investors, customers, team members and suppliers?
Afterwards, a friend of mine called me and said, “Great talk, Dan. I loved your story. My only suggestion would be that you use a diferent voice for each of the pigs. Make it a bit more fun and engaging for the audience.” That evening I nerved myself to watch the recording of my talk. How right she was. All three pigs had the same voice!
I thought I was doing a distinct voice for each little pig. However, I needed to exaggerate those voices far more.
How to ace speaking
An audience, struggling to stay awake and alert, would fnd it much easier to listen to us deliver poor content in a lively, engaging way, than they would listen to us provide important content with a dreary delivery.
Listen Back to Your Performance When you’re working on your vocal variety listen back to yourself. Some time ago, I gave a speech using the story of the Three Little Pigs to illustrate a key point. I decided to give diferent voice for each pig to add interest. I gave the talk and I really worked hard on each of my pig voices.
As speakers and entrepreneurs it is important to recognise that the voice we hear in our head isn’t the voice other people hear when we speak. Record yourself when speaking, or rehearsing. It can be tough to listen to our own voices played back to us. But try it. You’ll hear what everyone else hears and you’ll discover if there really is any variety in your voice.
To keep an audience engaged, especially if you’re speaking online, you will need heart. You’ll need bring plenty of passion, energy, enthusiasm, and vibrance. In my view, there’s only one true outlet for the heart – and that’s through your voice.
To go back to the Wizard of Oz, for good communication we need a brain. We need to be able to think clearly about what we’re going to be saying and speak coherently. We also need courage. Whether you’re pitching to potential investor, or you’re giving a presentation to a potential big customer; you’ll need a certain amount of courage for every public speaking situation. But, most important for startup founders when speaking, is the heart.
opportunities by using your voice to best efect
I was inspired by watching the classic movie The Wizard of Oz recently. Using this frame, and accompanied by the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tin Man, let’s consider some of the tools we need to be efective speakers that will help us to drive our businesses forward. We need a brain, of course. We need to be able to think clearly about what we’re going to be saying. Speaking coherently is very difcult without a brain. We also need courage. Whether you’re giving your frst-ever presentation in a brand-new role, or you’re tasked with pitching for a big client; you’ll need a certain amount of courage every time you speak. But, most important for speakers, is the heart. To keep an audience entertained, especially if you’re speaking online, you’ll need heart. You’ll need bags of passion, energy, enthusiasm, and vibrance.
People often tell me they can’t believe the diference between the me that speaks on stage and the me that goes for dinner with them afterwards. I’m the same person in both situations, of course. However, the stage me understands that to engage an entire audience – I must be an exaggerated version of myself, and I need to make the efort to really exaggerate my voice. You can do this too. Be prepared to exaggerate your voice, modulate your voice, and use YOUR voice to help us go on an entrepreneurial journey with you.
For me, there’s only one true outlet for the heart – and that’s through your voice. The way we use our voice when we speak determines whether our words live or die. An audience, struggling to stay awake and alert, will fnd it much easier to listen to us deliver poor content in a lively, engaging way, than they will when we’re giving them pearls of wisdom or outlining an important business opportunity in a dull and dreary manner. The problem is that so many of us fnd it so difcult to add efective cadence to our voice when we speak. And for entrepreneurs it is particularly important to recognise and address this issue.
In conclusion
Shout out the punchline to a joke or a big realisation. Modulate your volume as you speak. A sudden change from a lower volume to a higher one can really jump-start your audience and bring them back into a speech that they might have been drifting away from.
Express Emotion with changing pitch
Use High and Low Volume Changing your volume can enhance the engagement your audience feels. If you’re online, lean towards the camera and whisper something that might be a secret or a reveal for your audience. If you’re in person – do the same by leaning towards your audience in the seats in front of you.
“This looks like an amazing business opportunity.” “It is so delightful to see you.”
By changing how you use your voice you can get across diferent emotions to your audience.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan Magill is a member of Toastmasters International, a notfor-proft organisation that has provided communication and leadership skills since 1924 through a worldwide network of clubs. There are more than 400 clubs and 10,000 members in the UK and Ireland. Members follow a structured educational programme to gain skills and confdence in public and impromptu speaking, chairing meetings and time management. To fnd your nearest club, visit www. toastmasters.org
Developing communication skills is vital for entrepreneurs. It is not just about writing a good presentation. How we use our voices will make a huge diferent to the impact of what we say. So, take the opportunity to record yourself and work though the tips above to increase your efectiveness as a business communicator.
Your ability to change your pitch is the most important vocal tool you have at your disposal. It is like painting a picture and adding colour. It’ll include using a deeper voice or a higher voice, but it’s also how you’ll express your emotions as you speak, for example, sadness, happiness, laughter, pain, joy, guilt, tiredness, sympathy, sarcasm. There are so many ways of saying the same sentence but using a diferent pitch to convey emotions. Have a play with the following sentences and convey happiness, then fatigue, sarcasm, relief:
We begin mimicking voices from the moment we start speaking. So, why not do this with our public speaking too? I fnd it helpful to mimic the vocal style of people I see on TV. After all, if we’re going to be presenting online, we’re essentially looking for the same vocal qualities that broadcasting professionals have. It might be an actor, a comedian or a news anchor. It is good to mimic any kind of TV or flm entertainers because they’re usually the ones doing the most with their voices to try to engage us. This doesn’t mean you should start trying to do impressions of them. There might just be little things here and there that you like. Small things they do that you can try and incorporate into your own speaking when you’re on stage.
Use Pace to grab attention Varying the pace at which we speak helps us win the battle for our audience’s attention. If we speak at one pace the entire time, an audience quickly becomes used to it. They quickly become bored by it. They quickly stop listening to it.Think of ways you can really vary the speed at which you’re talking as you move through your talk. You might be telling us a story where everything is happening very quickly and frantically, and you’ll speed up your voice to emphasise that. Or you may want to powerfully deliver an important message and you’ll slow down the pace and really give the audience time to take it in.
Let’s have a look at some specifc tools we have at our disposal if we want to use our voices to create more engaging talks.
The key is to be ready for the worst and have a contingency plan in place, so you can minimize the impact and get back on track quickly to prevent your productivity from taking a hit.
It may seem like you aren’t getting any work done because there just isn’t enough time in the day. But if you spend too much time at work, then you will get burnt out, which is what leads to mistakes and slower progress overall. Take time away from the ofce whenever you can as it can be a huge help with your mental health. Try to set aside an hour or two every day where you don’t look at your phone or emails. Just sit by yourself, soaking in your thoughts. That’s the best kind of selfcare that there is.
You are doing a ten-person job alone and combating problems as they present themselves. In such a case, having a routine can instil a sense of normalcy in your life. You can create a daily schedule that includes everything you need to do for your business and make it a point to follow it.
The frst thing that every entrepreneur needs to learn is that you need to be fexible and adaptable because there will be times when things don’t work out the way you expected them to. This is why you need to be prepared to pivot if necessary.
It is no wonder that entrepreneurs are some of the hardestworking people. But being busy doesn’t always equate to being productive, and it is easy to get distracted by unimportant tasks when you run a business. As Abu Dhabi’s leading Personal Assistant Agency, we have worked with enough business owners to know what causes efciency issues even in the most dedicated business owners. So, we have put together a brief guide to help you avoid the pitfalls.
Hire someone who can do what you can’t. Provide a clear objective and allow them to fnd the best way to reach it. Delegate! And once you have delegated a task to someone, don’t micromanage them. That said, it is possible not to fnd a suitable replacement for yourself. So, if you can’t fnd somebody trustworthy enough, why not let a Personal Assistant Agency help you fnd the right person for your job –whether your requirement is domestic or commercial.
While it is absolutely essential to socialise as a business owner, making time for yourself is more important than anything.
Accept that not everything will go as planned
Being an entrepreneur is hard. As a business owner, you are responsible for every aspect of your business – from the fnancials to managing your team to keeping the lights on and innovating new ideas.
Have a routine
While it is good to stay inside your ofce and focus on the work that needs to be done, it is also important to connect with other people who are doing similar things as yourself or even those who are pursuing a diferent route than yours altogether. This will help you build valuable relationships with others in your community, which could lead to new partnerships or business opportunities down the road.
Learn the art of delegation
Make time for networking
How To Be A More
Efcient Business Owner
Make time for yourself
One of the greatest qualities of a good business owner is their ability to recognise their own limitations. As much as you might try, it is not possible for one person to handle every aspect of their business by themselves. If there are parts of your company that you can’t do yourself or just aren’t good at, consider hiring someone who can do those things instead of trying to do them yourself.
So much time is wasted going from one thing to the next without really thinking about what you should actually be doing. A routine gives you direction and keeping to it means you will be able to get more done in less time. It is also great for structuring your time and making sure that you focus on the most important tasks. Whether it is working out in the morning or staying away from social media during the day –any kind of routine can help you avoid distractions that might keep you from getting things done.
Networking is an important part of running a small business, but you might fnd yourself putting it on the back burner because of other tasks. However, being a more efcient business owner in 2022 means that you will need to make time for networking.
Don’t overwork yourself. It can be tempting to take on extra hours when you have deadlines coming up or need to get something fnished but working longer hours isn’t always the answer. Remember there’s no senior above you, so you have to be your own policeman.
Something as simple as that can make a huge diference in your efciency levels.
Let’s say for example that you launch a new product but sales aren’t as high as expected and you’re losing money on each sale. The most proftable thing to do here would be to cut your losses and stop production until you can fnd a way to improve the product or reduce the cost of manufacturing.
Besides, as an entrepreneur, your life is anything but ordinary.
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Once you have the committee in place, have them work with HR on collecting data on the current state of diversity within the business. This will help you identify problem areas and also set goals for improvement. Then, have the committee devise an action plan for achieving them that includes a timeline for when they will be met. It is important that this plan includes measurable metrics.
Establish a culture of trust and respect The reason diversity is important is that if we only engage people from one type of background, we are bound to end up with the same results. That said, diversity without inclusion isn’t enough. Inclusion means engaging everyone in the organization – ensuring everyone feels safe and respected enough to contribute their ideas.
Diverse workforces are generally better for business. They lead to a better bottom line and higher employee satisfaction while improving the workplace environment by fostering a culture of inclusion. Here are 5 actionable steps to make your company more inclusive Set up an inclusion committee
Therefore, you must make sure everyone knows what your organization stands for, why you care about diversity, and why all employees should be treated with respect, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.
One of the most important steps to making sure your company is hiring a diverse group of candidates is to review the search process. and we aren’t talking about the fact that it is easy for bias to slip into questions during the interview process, even if it was unintentional.
Instead, it is more about your recruitment sources. 80% of the job openings aren’t advertised because whenever there is a vacancy, the position is either flled by an in-house resource or through a referral.
The problem is that if you hire employees through referrals, you are likely to end up with the same kind of people. This is why it is important to branch out.
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More than anything, your company’s leadership ought to be aligned. If your leaders don’t understand why diversity and inclusion are important, then you have a bigger problem at hand. Leaders are largely responsible for people’s happiness and success — which means they should be leading the charge when it comes to creating an inclusive environment. But inclusive leadership isn’t the only key to a better workplace.
For instance, you could have percentage increases for women or minorities hired over last year’s numbers at regular intervals throughout the year, so there is accountability on both sides involved.
The goal of an inclusion committee is to bring together people from all backgrounds, experiences, and levels to share ideas and learn from each other. That’s why it is important for your inclusion committee to include people from a variety of roles, departments, races, genders, and experience levels. An inclusion committee can have a range of roles, but it should be focused on providing advice and support to senior leaders on how to make the company more inclusive, rather than acting as a disciplinary body.
Educate your leaders on diversity and inclusion
Review your screening process
5 Ways To Make Sure Your Company Is Inclusive & Diverse
You need to give your employees an equal opportunity to speak up and share their ideas without a sense of judgment or fear of failure and embarrassment. They need to feel comfortable with expressing themselves freely at work, which will lead to better collaboration between team members from diferent backgrounds. You must also allow them to challenge each other respectfully. And most importantly, you must make sure that senior leadership models these behaviors so that others feel comfortable doing so, as well.
In fact, inclusion and diversity go hand-in-hand: If you are not inclusive, you are missing out on valuable input from diferent perspectives; if you are not diverse, you are ignoring the talent that could add value to your company.
Encourage feedback People want to feel heard at work, so encourage feedback from employees and act on it when possible. Asking for feedback will show employees that their opinions matter and that their input is welcome. Not only will this help you make your company more inclusive but will also ensure the employees feel that they have a stake in the organization’s decision-making process. Besides, employees who feel included and respected at work are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay.
It is also important to have leaders who are empowered to make decisions on the spot and bring their authentic selves to work. And education – from unconscious bias training to how to hire and interview people from diverse backgrounds – is one way to do this. You also need strong, visible allies at every level of your company. These people may not necessarily be in senior positions but they ought to be champions for diversity and inclusion.
6. Talk. The best thing I did was talk. I talked to my peers, my friends, my family. Talking to my peers helped me realise that we all have doubts, but that we are all good enough to be Sothere!how do I feel now? Now that I understand it, Will I ever feel it again? Absolutely! There’s no doubt I will experience it again, and again. Because I am ambitious and bold and brave, which means I will keep stepping out of my comfort zone and my brain will keep trying to keep me safe. But that doubt and fear is normal, and it’s ok. And I will keep noticing it, validating it, and letting it go.
By Danielle Thornton-Walker, leading Self Love and Empowerment Coach https://www.daniellelouisecoaching. com/
Imposter Syndrome :
Uncomfortable but Necessary
3. Get to know your strengths, celebrate and be proud of them. We all have them! These are what make you as amazing as you are. Think about a time when you have pushed yourself out of your comfort zone and achieved something. If you’re struggling to think about your strengths, ask the people around you.
1. Let it go! Let go of the pressure and expectations you put on yourself. Just show up, that is enough to start. Especially when you are starting something new, be kind to yourself and let go of the need to be perfect.
2. Practice gratitude. Gratitude is the antithesis to fear. When you focus on what you feel grateful for, it not only focuses on the positive aspects of your life and circumstances, but it also actively pushes out doubt, fear and negative thoughts. Write a daily gratitude list and include your achievements, either in a journal, your phone, a piece of paper. It not only helps to reframe your thoughts towards gratitude but it’s also something to come back to and remind yourself of all the things you have achieved.
Efects of imposter syndrome could include; dismissing your strengths, capabilities and achievements as pure luck (rather than down to hard work), not speaking your truth because you fear everyone else knows more, feeling like you need to constantly prove yourself. You might feel like a failure when you ask others for their support. And the kicker with imposter syndrome is that it can hit at any point, not just when something is totally new. This can side-line people and make that doubt even deeper. I help clients with understanding and overcoming their imposter syndrome. That doesn’t mean I am immune to it. In fact, the most successful of people often face this feeling the most. I am no stranger to this feeling. I remember a time not long after I had gained my qualifcation as a life coach and launched my business. I was on a video call with some of my peer coaches. I was excited about chatting and refecting, sharing our passions, commitments and experiences together. I got on the call and as others started to talk the feeling hit me like a thick heavy fog. That little voice was saying, “What are you doing here!” “Everyone else is smarter, better, more qualifed to do this.” “What have you got to bring to the table?!” Full-blown imposter syndrome had kicked in! Even though these were my peers and just qualifed with me, even though I had clients I was working with and had a group programme I was running, those thoughts of doubt came fooding in. I started thinking that I was not good enough to be there and any minute someone would ask me a question and would discover I was a fraud. But guess what, none of that happened! Because what I was thinking was not actually true. The reality was that we probably all felt nervous. We probably all felt a bit of doubt and comparison, that’s what we all do! When I started talking to others and listening to what others were saying I realised that we all felt the same. That started to break down the self-doubt and the fears and replace it with gratitude and excitement and my confdence came back in. So why do we get it? Imposter syndrome is actually part of our internal safety mechanism. It is part of our brain keeping us from doing something that might harm us. But our brain does not know the diference between what is really a threat and something that’s a bit scary because it’s out of our comfort zone. That’s where our conscious mind needs to step in. That’s where we need to take control and notice where our brain is trying to keep us safe. And we get to choose whether to listen to it, or tell it to be quiet! It’s only through my ongoing personal development journey that I have been able to tune into this. Before I had the tools and knowledge I thought I was just not good enough. Here are some steps and actions that have helped me to notice imposter syndrome coming in, and give it the boot when I need to.
4. Challenge your negative inner critic. If you’re feeling like you can’t do something or you’re not good enough, ask yourself if that is actually true. Is there evidence to say you can’t do something or evidence to support you are not good enough.
The chances are there is no solid evidence, it is a feeling. That feeling of doubt or fear might feel uncomfortable but remember it’s just a feeling, it does not have to stop you going for what you want. And it certainly does not mean you can’t do something.
When we embark on something new it’s normal to feel self doubt and fear. We’ve all felt that feeling. Sometimes that self-doubt can manifest itself into something else. Feeling like you’re not good enough, that your achievements are not valid and that any minute you are going to get found out and ‘called-out’ because you’re a fraud! This is what imposter syndrome looks like.
5. Read and learn about the success stories of others. You’ll soon realise that nobody is immune to doubt, fear or this feeling of imposter syndrome. It does not make you weak or in need of fxing. Often being aware of it, labelling it and understanding it is the frst step to overcoming it.
Einstein certainly didn’t become famous for the theory of relativity, because 99.99 percent of the people who cheered him whenever he appeared in public didn’t understand it.
Has the following ever happened to you? One of your coworkers got the promotion you wanted, even though their professional credentials and achievements at work were not as good as yours. Unfair? Perhaps. But maybe it was simply because your colleague was better at “selling” their achievements than you. As an entrepreneur, I have noticed time and again that there are two types of people: There are employees who quietly and modestly go about their work, but whose performance (unfortunately!!) doesn’t gain the recognition it deserves because their boss doesn’t even notice what they really do. Then there are others who have learned a lesson from chickens! Yes, you read that correctly. Chickens cluck every time they lay an egg. And that is exactly what you should learn to do. And what is true for employees is even more so for the selfemployed and for entrepreneurs – both small and large. At a time when we are fooded with information through the media and online, it is less important than ever before to simply be good at something. Anyone who believes that “quality will prevail on its own,” “the cream will always rise to the top,” or “you shouldn’t blow your own trumpet” will have to accept it as they are passed over for promotion by colleagues who know how to build “the brand me.”
Einstein cultivated the image of the scientist who attached little importance to clothing, hated collars and ties, did not comb his long hair, wore no socks and left his shirts open. Asked about his profession, he once quipped, “Fashion model.”
Even Albert Einstein, the most popular scientist in history, asked himself in one of his famous verses whether it was he or his admirers who were really “crazy”:
Rumor has it that as soon as photographers approached, Einstein mussed up his hair with both hands to restore his quintessential image as an eccentric professor.
Some people believe it is enough to be “good” at something because quality will eventually prevail on its own. That is naive. If that were the case, companies such as Mercedes or Apple could have stopped their advertising and PR campaigns decades ago. Even people we don’t normally associate with self-marketing owe much of their fame to their ability to build their personal brand, even those who claim that fame is a nuisance to them.
Then there’s Stephen Hawking, who became the most famous scientist of recent decades, despite the fact that he never won the Nobel Prize. He once confessed: “To my colleagues, I’m just another physicist, but to the wider public I became possibly
Women and men, they play a strange game, Asking, beseeching: ‘Please sign your name.’
“You can have the greatest movie in the world, but if you don’t get it out there, if people don’t know about it, you have nothing. It’s the same with poetry, with painting, with writing, with inventions!” These are the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, at the beginning of his career, took a stroll through downtown Munich wearing nothing more than a skimpy pair of posing briefs. He had asked a friend to call some journalists: “You remember Schwarzenegger who won the stone-lifting contest? Well, now he’s Mr. Universe, and he’s at Stachus Square in his underwear.” The next day he was in the newspapers. Schwarzenegger is one of the most famous people in the world. He owes his unusual career – as a bodybuilder, Hollywood star, politician and entrepreneur – to his sales talent. There have been many bodybuilders since with bigger muscles than Schwarzenegger, but none of them were so good at selling. That’s why you don’t know their names, but you know his.
“Wherever I go and wherever I stay, There’s always a picture of me on display, On top of the desk, or out in the hall, Tied around a neck, or hung on a wall.
From the erudite fellow they brook not a quibble But frmly insist on a piece of his scribble. Sometimes, surrounded by all this good cheer, I’m puzzled by some of the things that I hear, And wonder, for a moment, my mind not hazy, If I and not they could really be crazy?”
The Power of MarketingSelf
But no one becomes truly famous by chance or against their will, at least not over years and decades. In my book How People Become Famous, I take the examples of twelve famous fgures to show that, although they all complained from time to time about the annoying side efects of fame, they also all consciously strove for it and spent a lot of time and energy on Takeself-promotion.Einsteinagain: The photo of him sticking his tongue out at the world became famous. It was taken on his 72nd birthday and shows his successful transformation from man to metaphor. Einstein himself chose a detail from the photo, had the image cropped, printed and sent to friends and colleagues. The image became his ultimate trademark and a pop motif for posters, buttons and T-shirts.
Dr. Rainer Zitelmann is a historian and sociologist. He is also a world-renowned author (he has written 25 books), successful businessman and real estate investor. His latest book: How People Become Famous : Geniuses of self-marketing from Albert Einstein to Kim Kardashian –(https://how-peoplebecome-famous.com) was published in November 2021.
Hawking, with great self-awareness, once explained: “Undoubtedly, the human interest story of how I have managed to be a theoretical physicist despite my disability has helped.” A marketing genius, he built himself into a brand, turning the disadvantage of his disability into a distinctive brand feature. He even patented the computerised voice he used to communicate. You don’t have to aim to become as famous as Einstein, Hawking or Schwarzenegger. But you can certainly learn a lot from them. Above all, this: It’s not enough to be good. You also have to make sure that others take notice. Do something good – and talk about it!
the best-known scientist in the world.” He understood the art of self-promotion like no other scientist since Einstein. Hawking – unlike most other scientists – was not prepared to settle for a life writing technical essays that would only ever be interesting and comprehensible to his scientifc peers or giving lectures at specialist conferences.
When negotiating with publishers, he demanded that his next book should be available in airport bookstores all across America: “If I was going to spend the time and efort to write a book, I wanted it to get to as many people as possible.” That in itself is an unusual attitude for a theoretical physicist. In fact, his book A Brief History of Time spent 147 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and a new record 237 weeks on the London Times bestseller list. It has been translated into forty languages and sold ten million copies. How many people ever fully understood the book is another question.
RainerAuthor Zitelmann is the author of 25 books. His book https:// daretobediferentandgrowrich.com/ has been published in 12 languages and explores the fundamental attitudes and techniques that will help you achieve even the most ambitious goals.
The only reason some people don’t set ambitious goals is because they’re afraid they might fail to achieve them. Is that how you feel? Gordon Moore, the American IT Pioneer and cofounder of Intel, once observed that, “If everything you try works, then you are not trying hard enough.” And Elon Musk said: “Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.” Being a winner doesn’t mean being somebody who never fails. On the contrary, winners set themselves ambitious goals and experiment until they achieve them. They don’t ask for foolproof guarantees before trying something. They realise and accept that a lot of the things they try won’t work. As the Woody Allen once said, “If you don’t fail now and again, it’s a sign you’re playing it safe.” So, set much bigger goals for your life – and start now. If you don’t do this because you are afraid of failure, then the truth is that you have already failed.
Many people spend time at the end of every year taking stock and setting goals for the year ahead. I’ve been doing exactly that for decades. I have established a tradition of writing down my goals for the upcoming year on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve. And, of course, I check to see which of my goals from last year I achieved. I know many successful people who do the same. But there are probably many more people who give little thought to setting goals.
Schwarzenegger did not agree with him: “You’re wrong.”
However, scientifc Goal-Setting Theory says exactly the opposite: There is a linear relationship between the degree of goal difculty and performance. Specifc, difcult goals lead to higher performance than no goals as well as vague, abstract goals such as ‘do your best.’ Edwin A. Locke und Gary P. Latham are the pioneers of goal-setting theory. In this two sentences above, Locke summarises the core of a theory that has been confrmed by hundreds of psychological experiments over the past few decades: First, the goals you set yourself need be specifc and, second, they should not be too easy to achieve. People who set themselves no goals, unambitious goals or vaguely formulated goals will achieve less in life than people who set themselves specifc, challenging goals.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is just one of the incredibly successful people I profle in my book Dare to Be Diferent and Grow Rich. Another is Howard Schultz, who was born the son of an unskilled laborer in Brooklyn in 1953 and grew up in a deprived neighborhood. He turned his company Starbucks into a leading brand with more than 33,000 branches worldwide. He prefaced his autobiography by advising readers: “Dream more than others think practical. Expect more than others think possible.”
The Art of Goal Setting
Larry Page, the cofounder of Google, is a strong proponent of what he calls “a healthy disregard for the impossible.” He lives by the maxim: “You should try to do things that most people would not.”
Wayne, who was older and more experienced and had traveled widely, found himself growing increasingly annoyed by the cocky young upstart from Austria: “What do you mean, I am wrong?” To which Schwarzenegger responded: “A man can get anything he wants – provided he’s willing to pay the price for it.” This episode is taken from Laurence Leamer’s biography Fantastic. The Life of Arnold Schwarzenegger. When Leamer’s book was published in 2005, Schwarzenegger was governor of California, then ranking eighth in the Top Ten of the largest economies in the world. Before embarking on a political career, he had been a Hollywood star earning 30 million dollars and more for each of his flms, one of the best-paid actors in the world. Schwarzenegger, who had moved to the United States at the age of 21, had become a multimillionaire by investing in real estate, and up to now has earned several hundred million dollars. Schwarzenegger himself attributes his success largely to the determination and commitment with which he pursues his goals. “I set a goal, visualise it very clearly, and create the drive, the hunger, for turning it into reality.” He did not say: “Well, it would be nice if I could make this work, maybe I should give it a go.” That kind of attitude will not get you anywhere. Most people, he observes, “do it in a conditional way. … Wouldn’t it be nice if that happened. That’s not enough. You have to make a big emotional commitment into it, that you want it very much, that you love the process and will take all the steps to achieve your goal.”
According to a study conducted by the University of Scranton, only 8 percent of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions by the end of the calendar year, while around 80 percent have failed to live up to their good intentions to improve their lives by as early as mid-February, says U.S. clinical psychologist Joseph Luciani. Given fndings such as these, some ‘experts’ advise people that it is better to set no goals at all, or to set smaller, more easily achievable goals, in order to avoid guilt-driven remorse and frustration. When it comes to setting goals, the terms ‘small’ and ‘realistic’ are frequently used as synonyms. By this logic, small goals are seen to be reasonable and attainable while ambitious goals are unrealistic and unachievable.
In many ways it is actually easier to achieve challenging goals than small ones because bigger goals are the source of far greater motivational power than small goals. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a great example. In 1966, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was only 19 years old, he had a conversation with Rick Wayne during the Mr. Universe championship in London. The journalist, a bodybuilder himself, later recalled that Schwarzenegger had asked him: “Do you think a man can get whatever he wants?” The question had puzzled Wayne, who replied: “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
On the other hand, if you want a website that’s content-rich then WordPress may be more suitable. WordPress is a popular platform for blogging and has plenty of helpful widgets to enhance the customer experience. Whatever platform you choose, make sure you do your research to fnd what works best for you and your business.
1.Start with a website
For example, if you own a fashion business, then Shopify is an ideal platform, because it’s specifcally designed for eCommerce and makes it easy to sell products.
Iforganically.you’relooking to make a quick return from your online business, then you may also wish to consider running some paid social media ads, which will use specifc demographics to target adverts at your audience.
Having a website is great, but now you need to make sure people can fnd you. Thinking about your local presence is a great way to get started, along with relying on referrals from others.
Don’t forget, you’ll also need to choose a domain name for the website of your online store. It’s good practice to have a domain name that matches the name of your business so your customers will recognise it immediately when they search online. When picking a domain name, make sure you try to keep it short and easy to understand, plus if you’re trying to target a local audience, then .uk or .us may be most appropriate.
4. Video marketing makes a diference
Video is an invaluable tool for increasing customer engagement across multiple platforms and providing more context about products and services.
I recommend experimenting with short form and long form video content to truly get the most value. This could involve creating 30 – 60 second videos that are displayed on product pages to give customers a deeper understanding of your goods, or used purely for engagement purposes on Instagram Reels and TikTok. You could also consider starting a YouTube channel and create long-form videos, which dive deep into your brand story. This will have the beneft of building a stronger connection with your audience and going into detail about your products and services.
5
A great frst step you can take is building a Google My Business page. This creates a free online listing for your business, that allows you to add a description and photos, along with your contact details and address, meaning people can fnd your business in local searches. This is great if you still have a physical presence and want to drive footfall to your location.
Where I think social media really shines is in the power to create an online community of customers who are passionate about sharing your story. A platform that’s particularly great for this is Instagram, as you can use features such as Instagram Stories and Instagram Live to encourage people to share content that’s related to your business.
This user-generated content can be seen and shared by people who may have never heard of your brand and help to build more awareness. It’s because of this type of content that social media is such a great tool to use to reach more people
No matter what industry you work in, the only thing that’s constant is change and how you move forward with your brand. This couldn’t be any truer for business owners who want to connect with consumers online and create new growth opportunities.
2.Think about how people will fnd you
Firstly, you should think about creating a website for your business. You’ll need to think about the type of platform your website needs to be built on; this will vary depending on your needs and your industry.
Essential Tips For Moving Your Business Online
Another great mechanism on Google My Business is the reviews platform. Recommendations, referrals and word of mouth still work online as a great way to win new business. Make sure you are delivering exceptional service and ask your customers to leave you a review. This will help you to grow your audience and build credibility online.
As part of the wider strategy for moving your business online, you’ll want to invest in video marketing. This is because video is arguably the fastest-growing content medium in the world, with 54% of consumers wanting to see more video content produced by brands.
3. Build a community of brand advocates through social media My next tip is to create a social media strategy that’s linked with your website. Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, Twitter or Facebook, social media is an easy way to connect with new customers, sell more products and drive business growth through website trafc.
To do this, you’ll need to bring your brick-and-mortar store into the digital world, and it doesn’t have to be a difcult process. To help make the transition easier, I’ve put together fve of my top tips for moving a business online.
Author Bio: Claire Daniels is the CEO of Trio Media, a fully integrated digital marketing agency and Google Premier Partner in Leeds. Claire was voted as Most Infuential CEO of the Year in Leeds in 2021 and also spends her time co-hosting two podcasts, The North Star Podcast and Bobble Pod. https://trio-media.co.uk/
• Have an engaging title that grabs the attention of the reader.
5.Create an engaging blog to build your authority as a thought leader My fnal tip is to create a blog section for your website, where you can craft high-quality articles that are relevant to your Bloggingindustry.
Closing thoughts There are many benefts to moving your business online, which range from increased brand awareness to future proofng your business sales channels. By following these steps, you’ll be in a better position to move your company online and continue to adapt to the needs of your customers.
• Clearly separate blocks of text with H1 and H2 tags for better Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
• Include short and long-tail keywords in the text to improve the chances of a blog being found in search engines.
• Feature a clear call to action at the end of the blog.
• Use high-quality images and feature alt text as part of your SEO strategy.
is an integral part of any content marketing strategy and for building brand awareness. In fact, 60% of consumers feel that blogs provide useful information for them early in the buying journey and help them make an informed purchasing decision. Here’s a quick check list of what you should consider when developing a blog:
Question 2 The thing I found most challenging today was:
That’s potentially 35,000 times per day where we’re creating a ripple of consequence throughout our lives. In binary terms, that ripple will be doing one of two things, it will either be helping us create the life we want or hindering us from it. If we were to think about those 35,000 decisions consciously, we’d be living in a constant state of overwhelm and paralysis; to prevent this, our brains have developed a subconscious decision making system that essentially decides and drives the majority of our decision making process without us even knowing. Modern life has hacked this system, it has gone from protecting us impeding us. We’re subconsciously sleepwalking through life and according to Dr Mark Williamson, ‘when running on auto pilot, we often make unhelpful choices, so we feel trapped and life we’re living someone else’s life’.
The answer is a surprisingly simple one, it’s one that’s been around for thousands of years and practised by the wisest and wealthiest, from the ancient Stoic philosophers all the way through to sporting superstars like Michael Jordan and billionaires like Bill Gates.
The equation is Pain + Refection = Progress. Let’s unpack that.
Note, there’s no right or wrong time to refect, most commonly though people refect in the morning or in the evening.
John Dewey said, we do not learn from the experience, we learn from refecting on the experience and Baltasar Gracain said self-refection is the school of wisdom.
Your present and future is built upon the foundations of your past; letting your past go ‘unchecked’ is mistake men can’t aford to make. Will you spend 5 minutes of your day looking at yourself instead of looking at your emails and through social media scrolling?
Do you feel like you’re living someone else’s life? So, how do you stop sleeping walking through life, how do you disengaging auto pilot, how do you get consciously conscious?
This is why self-refection really is the key to learning about and progressing ourselves; it gives us the capacity to replicate our wins and avoid repeating our indiferent experiences.
Author: Performance Coach & Founder of BetterMen, Dan Stanley. https://www.better-men.uk/
At the macro level you can assess the overall trajectory of your life. You can almost do a pre-mortem on where you’re heading and determine, in advance whether you’re happy with the direction.
Question 4 To make tomorrow better than today, I will: Question 5 My message to myself for tomorrow is: In summary, using these questions as prompts for selfrefection can enable you to get of auto pilot and stop sleep walking through life. They can and will bring a higher degree of consciousness to your daily life choices and ultimately help you live the life you want.
It’s self-refection. Self-refection is the key to self-awareness; simply put it’s about taking the time to think about, evaluate and to give serious thought to our attitudes, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Self-refection allows us to analyse our lives from both a macro and micro level.
Ray Dalio, American billionaire, chief investment ofcer of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates and author of one of my all time favourite books, Principles has formulated an equation that can help us refect and progress.
Self-refection is an essential skill for personal growth, career success and life fulflment. From the Stoics to the rich and famous, the wisest and wealthiest are at it so why wouldn’t you? To help you practise and become profcient at the skill of self-refection, here are 5 daily questions you can ask yourself.
Everything has a purpose, even pain and if we choose to let them, the challenges that test us and create our pains can strengthen us. Modern pains might include the complexities of pandemic, work-life balance or a lack of it, workload or even burnout, relationship difculties or divorce, job dissatisfaction or loss.
At a micro level, you can evaluate specifc your responses to particular circumstances and events. You can peel back the layers of your own psychology, you can learn the things that trigger you and gain a wiser perspective about who you are and how you’re living your life.
Question 1 Something I realised or learned today was:
According to the latest science, the average UK adult makes around 35,000 decisions per day!
All of these, and any others pains you experience can, if you consciously choose to go toward the pain rather than avoid it can provide rich and valuable refections for us. These refections, if viewed impartially and unbiasedly can enabled us to progress our careers, deepen the love in our relationships and improve our wellbeing and health.
Question 3 Something I am proud of today was:
How you can spend just 5 minutes a day to turn stagnation into success!
What is important though is that you don’t try to analyse or judge your answers. Just ask yourself and answer the questions either in your mind or by writing down your answers; writing down is particular useful as it enables you identify patterns of thought or behaviour which again can promote as Dalio says, progress.
Communicate a clear purpose beyond proft
“But most of all, be kind. Some days, people may be difcult because they are simply exhausted or feeling at odds with the world. Perhaps they had a row at home before leaving for work? Maybe they bumped their car on the way into the ofce? For whatever reason, sometimes you can’t reason with someone when they are just having a bad day. If it’s a recurring problem, then act as suggested above. When it’s the occasional one-of, take a deep breath and be kind. After all, one day it might be you feeling the same way,” says Elisa.
“It is clear that the pandemic gave people more space than ever before to really consider what makes them happy, their work-life balance and what their next move might be. Even those who love their colleagues and job were left feeling unfulflled and despondent.” says Christy.
A selection of experts provide their tips for leaders and managers looking to retain their workforce by facilitating a happier working environment.
“It’s helped people to identify those businesses that are truly committed to improving society and the world around them, and identify roles in which they will be able to make the most impact,” he says. Neil explains that businesses which are organised around their core purpose will have no trouble keeping their workforce engaged, happy and productive, as long as they communicate their intentions internally and actively involve their staf in their pursuit of a sustainable future.
“From empirical observations, it is clear that managers and leaders can turn a happy, confdent individual into a stressed, underperforming and lacking individual. An inexperienced manager will always look to blame external sources for issues around motivation and productivity, and that external source is often the team. Organisations have a responsibility to adequately train and guide their senior managers so that they can nurture happy, harmonious and productive teams. This, in turn, will lead to happier, harmonious and productive teams, as well as improved retention,” explains Margo.
Be supportive and empathetic People often act diferently at work when they feel out of their depth or exposed in some way, suggests Elisa Nardi, a former Chief People Ofcer and founder of career development company Notebook Mentor.
“Rather than criticizing or triggering a defensive response, talk to people about what learning, support, or development might boost their confdence. Supporting people’s professional development is a great way to engage and motivate, helping them see a better future,” she explains.
Kulasingam believes that this can go a long way to creating a happy workplace and retaining high performing talent.
6 ways leaders can create a happier workplace
Adequately train your senior managers
“It’s defnitely more than just bad management, however bad management plays an immense part in this,” explains Margo Manning, a leadership and management consultant, and author of ‘The Step-Up Mindset for Senior Managers’.
Recent research by The Bute Group revealed that 81% of those surveyed would not re-employ their manager. What’s more 79% of senior managers would rather employ a new team of their choice than re-employ their direct reports. What this essentially means is that employees are not happy with their managers and managers are equally unhappy with their teams. So what is the issue?
Help employees to act on unexplored passions outside of the workplace It may seem counterintuitive to support employees in cultivating their own projects and side hustles, but management consultant and founder of In•Side•Edge Christy
The global pandemic put a pause on the movements of many workers, who decided it was better to ‘sit tight’ as the world’s businesses drew down the shutters and waited for better times. Now, as the economy begins to recover, ‘The Great Resignation’ has now begun, which estimates that around 41% of people plan to leave their jobs this year.
One of the most notable impacts of the pandemic in the business world has been to expose those businesses who have covered their brand in a fancy purpose wrapper, but have not taken the time to really consider how to organise around a core purpose and deliver more than paper-thin promises to society, and those who work for them, explains Neil Gaught, a strategy advisor and founder of sustainability champion, Single Organizing Idea.
“This is particularly the case for younger workers, because this generation is not motivated by money or pretence, as survey after survey shows. They want to be heavily invested in the cause. They want their work to be meaningful. They will seek out roles where they are rewarded and recognised for their contributions and will be driven by the impact they are making both individually, and collectively,” explains Neil.
“Empowering employees with the skills, resources and confdence to explore their passions and side hustles will not only create fulflled employees, who will in turn be happier and more productive because you clearly care about their overall wellbeing, but will give you additional skills to tap into during your next phase of business growth.”
“Now is a prime time to accelerate your inclusion journeys and this will be especially important within hybrid organisations. So often we keep focused on the next thing, but inclusive organisations will always make time to celebrate the successes of individuals, recognising and valuing their unique diferences. This will have a considerable impact upon happiness levels and motivate team members for the next sprint”
Christy suggests initially working with a representative sample of employees on a co-designed entrepreneurship program to see how this could look in your organisation.
Teresa suggests this could be achieved through Friday huddles that are dedicated to the successes from the week, but also monthly equivalents to take a longer term view and regular one-to-ones to demonstrate you are committed to their growth. This should involve all stakeholders; employees in the ofce, remote and freelancers/contractors.
Additional benefts can certainly supplement our working lives, but they are not a substitute to an authentic wellbeing strategy.
For many over the past year in particular, focus has been on business survival and just getting through the days, weeks and months. But as we emerge and look to the future, belonging and celebrations of unique diferences need to be central, argues Teresa Boughey, founder of Inclusion 247.
Karen and John recommend that senior leaders seek honest feedback from their teams on the entire workplace culture and have transparent conversations with line managers about how their unhealthy behaviours could be trickling down.
Don’t neglect celebrations of successes and unique diferences
Embed authentic wellbeing strategies - not just fashy perks
“Employee wellbeing has rightly featured highly on the agenda for organisations over the past year and this is something that certainly needs to continue as we navigate the post-covid workplace.” comments Karen Meager and John McLachlan, organisational psychologists and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training and Consultancy. However, they are keen to remind leaders that employee wellbeing isn’t synonymous with sleep pods, pool tables and gym memberships.
“We have often seen organisations introduce these fashy perks with great intentions of enriching the employee experience, when really they are celebrating ‘busyness’ and encouraging people to work long hours without breaks. Without addressing these fundamental cultural issues, leaders will fnd it much more difcult to create an authentically happy workplace.”
In this article, Tony Gregg, Chief Executive at Executive Search frm, Anthony Gregg Partnership, refects on how negative leadership styles can leave your team feeling unmotivated.
If you recognise this in yourself, understand that you need others to achieve optimum results. Focus on the positive result and not how your staf members got there. Admit when a colleague has more knowledge than you on a certain topic and let them take the lead.
• Harming your eforts to progress your career
Poor organisation
A leadership style is the behaviour a leader displays when they manage people. There are many diferent leadership styles which allow you to work in a way which is best suited to your personality. It provides you with the knowledge and awareness you need to get the most out of your team and bring success to the organisation you work for.
You can ensure that you are organised by knowing your team’s strengths, weaknesses and delegating efectively. You can also create open channels of communication so that you know what is happening at all times and can identify any potential issues. Finally, set goals and maintain efciency by regularly reviewing processes.
A team needs autonomy to be able to work happily, but to avoid micromanagement they also need to understand what you want. They need to feel like they can come to you with
• Distracting you from your own duties
The greatest leaders know that their way of doing things is not necessarily the best. They are self-aware, realising their own faws and admitting when they do not have the expertise. They have no desire to be right all the time or profess to know it all. They employ people with diferent skill sets and approaches so that they can work together for the best possible result. On the other hand, an arrogant leader is narrow-minded and refuses to take advice from someone who is in a junior position to them. A leader who thinks like this will be missing out on talent and experience which will enrich the business.
• Staf feel not trusted to do the job they are hired to do
Negative leadership styles to avoid - and how to fnd yours
As a result:
• There is a higher staf turnover
Leaders micromanage their team members for a variety of reasons, including fear of loss of control and failure, belief that the team is unskilled and managerial inexperience. In fact, it often comes down to the leader’s own insecurities. It is vital that a leader has the self-awareness to change, because micromanagement is damaging for business and leads to a stressful working environment.
• Increasing stress, working longer hours; but without the output you need
Extreme micromanagement
Unpredictable
Arrogance
Leaders are in a powerful position to infuence — how they behave can inspire, motivate and innovate (or, the reverse).
Being a leader is no easy task, but there are negative leadership styles that are inefective at best and damaging at worst, which need to be avoided.
• Staf are made to feel incapable
A leader who is poorly organised will be less efcient and less efective in their role. Bad organisation can mean that you miss deadlines, confuse dates, miss meetings and generally become unreliable. Your staf will not respect a disorganised leader and will become resentful if they are having to deal with the consequences. This can result in decreased productivity as staf lack the motivation to work for someone whose poor organisation refects a seeming absence of care.
As a successful leader, you must identify your priorities and remain resolute and fxed on your goals. You need to instil routine and structure. A lack of focus and failure to pay attention to detail will let your team down and you will appear apathetic, or even lazy. You need to maintain concentration on the task at hand despite other distractions demanding your attention. Fortunately, self-discipline is an acquired skill — it takes practice. Closed-minded and infexible Closed-minded people don’t ask questions — they are more concerned with being right than with getting the best results. They don’t want to hear others’ ideas and theories. They can become quick to anger when challenged. This can hinder success as the leader will miss opportunities for innovation, growth and development. In fact, it is possible to adopt a collaborative leadership style — where you are still respected as the decision maker. You can avoid being a closed-minded and infexible leader by asking others for their opinions, advice and feedback. You can make the most of learning opportunities by questioning and asking for help.
Likewise, micromanaging will also negatively impact you as a leader:
• Morale is lower
• Productivity and innovation are decreased (fostering mediocrity)
Tony also emphasises the importance of adopting a leadership style that is well received by your team, matching the candidate’s leadership style to the right team.
How to fnd your leadership style?
Do you like to take charge and command? You might be an authoritative leader. Do you elevate your employees to greater success? This is common for a pace-setting leader. Do you fnd delegating easy, trusting your employees to reach their own goals? This is a laissez-faire approach. Do you get the most out of your team by recognising their strengths and weaknesses? You could be an afliative leader. Do you value democracy, motivating all your team members to participate so that each person has a say? This is what a participative leader does. Do you infuence and inspire change in your work environment? This is common in transformational leadership.
any problem or query and that your reaction will be positive. An unpredictable manager will react to bad news diferently, depending on their mood that day, which can lead to staf avoiding communication and being confused by mixed signals. You can prevent this by ensuring strong lines of communication, with regular check-ins.
https://www.anthonygregg.com/
It is important to be present and approachable as a leader because people will feel comfortable enough to bring any issues to you. You will also gain their trust — the bedrock of a high-performing team. An open door policy encourages faster communication and transparency, leading to increased productivity and efciency. Without this policy, issues can get worse and staf can feel disgruntled. Leaders need to be spending a set part of each day supporting their staf, with regular one-to-one meetings and reviews.
Finding an efective leadership style while avoiding toxic leadership traits is a powerful tool in unlocking potential — yours and your team’s. This is particularly true for companies going through uncertainty in today’s rapidly changing business climate, where your leadership style needs to stay agile.
Absent and unapproachable
To fnd your leadership style, you need to consider how you behave when you are in charge of a team. You might realise that you change when you respond to diferent situations and you might recognise a variety of diferent leadership styles — some positive, some negative. The more self-analysis and introspection you can do, the easier it will be to identify ways in which you can improve.
To begin with, ask yourself the following questions:
We are not born perfect (Even though our parents may think so). And there is very little evidence to show that we are born as a Perfectionist. Perfectionism is something we learn through our environment, and there can be many reasons including positive reinforcement, praise, high expectations or critical evaluations from our parents. It afects the way we view ourselves, others and the world. Perfectionists have had experiences that lead them to develop a view of the world that encourages the pursuit of unrelenting high standards.
3 - What is the worst thing that can happen? Keep asking yourself, is that really the worst thing that can happen?
5 - Check your values; family, work, health, marriage/ relationship, community, religion, friendship etc. Do you live in line with your values, or are you def some important once because of one?
2 - Would you speak to your best friend the way you speak to yourself? Would you call them “useless” or “failure?”. Be your own best friend for a change.
If you feel your perfectionist beliefs are getting in the way and causing you anxiety, it is ok to seek help. It is possible to learn how to take control of your thoughts and feelings, break free from negative patterns, and make profound changes so that you rediscover your confdence and live the life you want.
By Aylin Webb.
5 Quick
If you fnd yourself under constant stress to reach the high standards that you put upon yourself, or believe that others expect of you, then you might just be at a point where “Perfectionism” is no longer serving you, but making your life and of those around you miserable.
http://www.mindandmood.co.uk tips to reduce “The Perfectionist”
1 - Be aware, be very aware of your negative thoughts when you make a mistake, and question if those thoughts are rational. ie. there may be one spelling mistake in a report you spent hours on, but the rest is spotless.
Pursuing unrealistic standards can have a signifcant impact on your well-being, leading to frustration, worry, social isolation, depression and a persistent sense of failure.
But things don’t have to stay this way!
Here are 5 tips to reduce the stress and anxiety, caused by Perfectionist thinking:
4 - Is what you think others think of you really their thoughts, or yours? Do you have hard evidence that this is what they are thinking?
reduce stress caused by Perfectionist” thinking
• Dance or practise yoga
Place one hand on your heart centre, in the middle of your chest and focus your attention on your heart centre
The hero in the new musical ‘Artaban’, which premiered in Covent Garden in November is based on the book ‘The Fourth Wise Man’ by Henry van Dyke, faces similar challenges on his life Artabanjourney.spent
To connect to your heart to fnd out your heart’s desire
spent the next thirty years of his life searching for Jesus and constantly stopping to help those in need. Because he felt he was failing in his mission he felt guilty and a failure (is that familiar to you?) However, eventually he came to Jerusalem where he heard that Jesus was imprisoned awaiting crucifxion. Once again, his urge to help him and give him his last remaining gemstone was thwarted. But, he did learn the most important lesson of all, that in truth he had fulflled his mission – which was to help others. His acts of kindness on
Do you have a vision of where you want to be and what you want to do but it’s just not happening? Are you feeling blocked and frustrated by duty and responsibility? Or maybe you just can’t fnd the way forward?
Your mind is often guided by logic and fear, so discover what your heart wants. This simple ritual will help you to connect to your heart: Put your hands together in front of your chest - to represent the doors of your heart
• Meditate
Open them wide three times - to symbolise your intention of opening your heart
Ask your heart what its wish is; the frst thought that comes into your mind is the answer. Your fears can block your progress
I have found the most efective way is to face them! If there is something you really want, then do it anyway, even if you are scared. Facing fears is empowering and will knock down those invisible boundaries that limit you. You may be following your life purpose by doing exactly what you are doing!
• Immerse yourself in nature. You can also use walks by the sea, in parks or in the countryside, wild swimming, gardening or any activity that suits you as nature holds the high vibration energies that will raise your spirit.
You may be blocked from reaching your goal by fear. This can be a conscious or subconscious fear from past experiences or from imagining the worst outcome. How do you overcome fears?
How to follow your life purpose and not get derailed
An important aspect of Life Purpose/destiny is that you may well be fulflling this already!
My belief is that when we are living kind, caring and thoughtful lives that consider the feelings and needs of others – then we are fulflling our role as spiritual human beings.
You may have a clear knowing of what you want to do but you cannot achieve it because life keeps getting in the way. You may feel there is a book you need to write, a cause you want to fght for, like Greta Thunberg’s activism for preventing climate change, or you may have an urge to travel and open up your life. Whatever it is, somehow you never quite get to it. So how to do shift the balance and follow your life’s purpose without getting derailed?
You may have a sense of being unsettled, restless and needing change but at a loss to know what it is you want to do. Let’s look at how you can fnd your hidden inner passion.
• Here is a simple ritual I use every day to consciously connect to my Higher Self: Grip your hands together – this symbolises togetherness. Raise them above your head – this symbolises raising your consciousness. Say out loud “I am fully connected now, right now, right now” – this uses your free will and intent to make the connection.
Your plan for this lifetime is stored in your unique spiritual essence which we call The Higher Self. At times of stress or emotional turmoil your focus will be on your troubles and not on your spiritual essence. You may become disconnected or not hear clearly, like using a bad telephone line.
years waiting for the star that was prophesied to show the arrival of a new king. A new king that would help lead people from the corrupt and greed of life at that time. Once he saw the star, he was desperate to meet his three fellow Zoroastrian priests to follow the star to Bethlehem. There he would give his gifts, of a ruby, a sapphire and a pearl, to the baby Jesus. But Artaban’s quest and heart’s desire was thwarted right from the start as he was approached by a sick man at the side of the road. Artaban was not only a philosopher and astronomer but also a healer and his compassion pulled him to stop and help the man recover. This meant he missed the other three magi and consequently by the time he reached Bethlehem the family had moved on to ArtabanEgypt.
To connect to your Higher Consciousness
• Listen to or play music or sing
Here are a few tips to help you raise your vibrations and lift your spirit to enable a full and clear connection:
• Be creative e.g. cooking, art or craftwork etc.
Write down everything you have ever done, including in your childhood, that you have found exciting, exhilarating and that made you feel happy and complete. There will be clues in that list that may trigger an idea for you to take forward.
the way to his goal were the reality of his mission on earth. So as the saying goes, its not the goal but the journey and how you live your life day-to-day that really matters. So, relax about discovering a momentous life purpose, but follow your heart – it won’t fail you. And concentrate on living each day with love and kindness for that is what your heart truly needs and the love and gratitude that returns to you will give you fulflment and happiness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anne Jones is a spiritual healer, author of seven books translated into 18 languages, and co-creator of ‘Artaban The Musical’ which is based on the book ‘The Fourth Wise Man’ by Henry van Dyke. https://artabanthemusical.co.uk/
The term came into existence in 1971 in the book ‘The Confessions of a Workaholic’. A time when many of our fathers would have been in the ‘thrusting’ stage of their careers and since then has gone on to become a somewhat socially and maritally respectable and acceptable addiction.
For those men that progress from a habitual to a compulsive demeanour, they can often fnd that their continued weighting of work creates signifcant challenges in their lives, particularly when married and with children. Workaholism is seemingly most prevalent in Type A’s; those men that are hype competitive and obsessively outcome oriented – the same men that undoubtedly go on excel in their corporate companies or build hugely successful businesses. Workaholics can forget work – life balance as most of their time, they’re experiencing work – life confict.
Let’s get clear, workaholism is defned as a ‘compulsive desire to work’ and a defnition of an addiction is ‘compulsive engagement despite adverse consequences’. The word that stands out, that links these defnitions and that can be used to assess your attitude toward work is ‘compulsion’. If you have a compulsion, a consistent urge to work then it’s likely that you have progressed from having a passion for your profession to becoming a workaholic.
As a gender, Steven included, it appears many modern day professional men have/are aligning their identities to what they do and go on to derive their self-worth from how well they do it.
about how you can free up more time to work
If your business was taken from you, who would you be… Take a moment to ponder these perhaps uncomfortable Overquestions…thepast few years, I’ve worked with a number of clients that would have never considered themselves to be workaholics, instead they’ve viewed their approach toward work as demonstrating their drive and desire, to be their best and provide for their families.
Our ease of accessing work through our devices and superfast broadband means that for many, ‘busyness’ has become a badge of honour and in many company cultures, being frst in and last out of the ofce and fring emails at obscure times have become the subconscious metrics that determine whether or not someone is a ‘hard worker’.
Workaholism The
Who are you without your career?
According to the fndings of recent survey that covered 2,000 employees across the UK (commissioned by SPANA), it found that 57 % of those surveyed checked their emails during the weekend, that 40 % feel they cannot switch of after work and that 20% checked their emails whilst in bed. A sign of our wider attitude to work is when we ask someone ‘how are you?’ and they reply curtly with ‘busy!’
As a society, I cannot help but feel we’re underestimating the seriousness and impact of workaholism in a socioeconomic sense. Progressing the conversation around workaholism is an objective manner is a study the Bergan University (Norway).
2.Do you spend much more time working than initially intended 3.Do you work in order to reduce feelings of guilt, anxiety, helplessness 4.Have you been told by others to cut down on work but you don’t listen 5.Do you become stressed if you are prohibited from working 6.Do you de-prioritise hobbies, leisure activities or exercise because of work 7.Have you worked so much that it has negatively impacted your health I believe the BWAS is a useful sense check, however, I also acknowledge that at times it may be necessary to prioritise work; the key diferentiator between having a passion for your work and being a workaholic is seemingly found in the word compulsion.
But for many of these men, the outcome of their actions, and their tendency to over index work is always the same, they come to me: Lacking balance, experiencing unhealthy levels of stress, their wellbeing has declined and their relationships and become distant.
Churchill said, men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most pick themselves up and hurry of as if nothing had Whathappened…might have started out as an intrinsic enthusiasm to progress a career, to climb the corporate ladder or to build a business can often end up with a person developing perfectionist and obsessional traits. If these traits become habitual then choosing work over other aspects of life can soon turn into a compulsion to work.
Steven Bartlett, millionaire millennial, the founder of Social Chain and host of the highly acclaimed, The Dairy of a CEO podcast talks regularly about his ‘compulsion’ to over index work and the adverse impact of this is his life, particularly in terms of his health and in his closest and intimate relationships.
The study attempted to pin down exactly what lead people to developing a compulsive attitude toward work. The research team studied over 1,100 people and developed the Bergan Work Addiction Scale (BWAS). The BWAS is diagnostic test to assess attitudes toward work and consists of 7 yes or no 1.Doquestions:youthink
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respectable addiction
By Dan Stanley, Founder of https://www.better-men.uk/
It’s trite but true, if you fnd yourself in a hole, stop digging.
Maybe the alarm bells are ringing for you, maybe you have never considered yourself a workaholic, but if you feel slightly uncomfortable reading this, may be there’s some inconvenient truths to be faced.
The more we converse and normalise the conversations around the difculties modern men experience, the more we, collectively, can reduce the stigma many men feel around asking for help or admitting they have an issue with something.
• What if access to more information was valued greater than increasing proft margins?
On the whole, the system works but it’s not perfect as is anything which involves human beings.
Why fnancial transparency will unlock your business growth
• What if the system changed as did the way we value information?
1. Efcient teamwork
It won’t be long before corporate companies are ranked in terms of transparency and integrity instead of their proftability. Transparent businesses are credible: they will set realistic targets based and a lot less likely to commit fnancial reporting fraud. This level of credibility will make business highly attractive to work for and as a result, business will attract and retain global talent.
Open and honest communication engenders a transparent business culture which in turn builds trust, enhances clarity and inspires loyalty. To be truly successful, this transparency should lie at the heart of everything you do: the way you set up processes, talk with your teams and deal with suppliers. But most importantly, you should be transparent in the way you communicate your fnancial positioning, report to your stakeholders, share your data as well as communicate your mistakes and your successes. Transparency will unite a team in such a way, you will be stronger together in some of your weakest times and ready to celebrate your strengths with unity. What is fnancial transparency?
The benefts of fnancial transparency
Restricting access to information, can create doubt or worry. It can cause employees to become distracted and therefore reduce productivity. However, if a team is privy to fnancial forecasts, fgures and resources and understand how those numbers are obtained they are more likely to be able to work in a streamlined way towards the same end goal, happy the business is healthy (and will remain that way) if everyone continues to work together.
2. Attracts investment
But:
When anyone is looking to invest in your business, they are going to approach the task with a healthy dose of scepticism. They are going to want to go through your fnancials with a fne toothcomb as part of their due diligence. It will be obvious if you are withholding information so being fully transparent really does engender confdence. Even if you feel such transparency doesn’t show your business in its best light, your honesty will be refreshing. Financials can be improved, and your integrity is more likely to open the door to investment than infated fnancial reports ever would.
The future of fnancial transparency
Financial transparency is where you share fnancial information with employees, investors and stakeholders. A lot of businesses are so clandestine when it comes to money whether that be profts, debts or salaries. However, if everyone – particularly employees – understood the company fnances or decisions directors take that impact the fnancial health of the business, then they would be empowered to think like business owners. This is likely to engender a collaborative leadership approach, particularly in smaller businesses, and as a result it will unlock growth. After all, many minds are better than one. The corporate condition In today’s world, global reporting systems for corporates are designed to provide a level of privacy for businesses; it ensures a relatively balanced playing feld in terms of minimum requirements of published fnancial and nonfnancial Corporatesdata.have, to a certain degree, a high level of control over what they want the world to see. And when we say ‘world’, we’re talking primarily about analysts; fnancial analysts, investment analysts, pension fund managers and interested parties who are ultimately looking to hand over cash to these corporates by way of debt or equity investment.
It sounds wonderful – in fact, as a consumer, wouldn’t you like to work with a business like that? That sort of company is attractive, not just for the customer, but for potential employees, suppliers and investors too. A business that values honesty, transparency and integrity above proft is the type of business that will efect change and make a positive impact.
The invention of Bitcoin started a revolution of decentralisation and integrity. Created in response to the 2008 fnancial crisis, Bitcoin uses an emerging technology called blockchain, which creates timestamps to ensure data cannot be tampered with. Prior to the 2008, there was a lot of tampering with fnancial information which led to the crash itself – all because companies wanted to appear better than they were: success by Integrity,deception.transparency and honesty are built into blockchain transactions by design. Theoretically, no single person, organisation, or government, has control over the information held within a blockchain.
3. Builds credibility
With blockchain technology still in its infancy, there are still ways you can be transparent with your fnancials without it. This means you can still lead the revolution in transparency, allowing you to unlock your business growth. That’s because transparency is set to give businesses a competitive advantage in a very short space of time; how transparent you are, will form a signifcant part of your corporate marketing strategy.
By being clear with your presentation, you are inviting team members to both analyse and review the fnancials. Finances are not exclusively for one department. In fact, you should be allowing the person doing the bookkeeping to see more than just the Proft and Loss report or the marketing team to see how much revenue their campaigns brought in to the business. People want to know where they ft in to the larger picture and when they do, they are more likely to generate ideas that could improve efciency, sales or savings. They will go beyond what is expected of them rather than doing simply what they have to, so they’ve ticked a box. By involving the team, it creates a sense of empathy throughout the business rather than any ‘issues’ that arise simply being someone else’s problem.
As with any revolution, all it takes are one or two pioneers to challenge and change perceptions. While it won’t happen overnight, it will happen and with social media and technology on its side, it could happen relatively quickly. Establishing process to enhance fnancial transparency today could set you in good stead to be the leader of tomorrow and truly unlock your business growth.
Web: www.fnancialmomentum.co.uk
You don’t want to be seen as withholding information when all of your competitors are freely faunting it. You must also think about who people are going to want to buy from, work with or give credit to. So, here is how you can be more fnancially transparent without having to wait for technology to make it easier – or even mandatory.
It can be argued that CEOs, COOs and CFOs do this on a regular basis: it’s their job to know the fnancial and nonfnancial statistics inside out but how often is it really put to the test? Once a quarter if they’re a publicly traded company? Once a year if they’re privately owned?
4. Clear communication strategies
It sounds obvious but messy spreadsheets aren’t going to cut it in business. If something is presented in a convoluted manner, it could appear you don’t fully understand it either. If it’s not clear, then people will fnd it difcult to trust whatever it is you are trying to show them. If you are clear with the way you input your data, then you will get clear data back that is easy to share. If employees and other members of the team are able to understand and share the information this again engenders trust and elevates efciency in all areas of the business from sales to marketing.
Hidden control isn’t always a conscious decision, so by making sure these systems are in place, you will avoid any unintentional suppression of information.
Philippa Scobie is a leading expert at leveraging a company’s assets in terms of time and people, to reduce fnancial waste, grow exponentially and establish a world-class company culture that attracts global talent. Empowering businesses with the fnancial systems and processes to boost growth and productivity, she has worked closely with numerous fntech start-ups and hypergrowth companies, quickly transforming them from founder-managed ventures to multidimensional organisations with 7-fgure+ turnovers.
So, what if blockchain becomes the platform for reporting fnancial information in the future? What if blockchain technology becomes the new basis for fnancial reporting and data is available in real-time and available to all?
How to be more fnancially transparent to unlock your business growth today
3. Make it a team efort
The C-Suite needs comfort that data is being captured accurately and timely. They need to know employees are fully aligned with the values and the mission and that fnancial data is being harnessed in the most efcient manner and being used to its fullest potential.
Financial transparency is about so much more than fundamentals, risk factors, price levels and proft; it’s about the human desire to trust, belong and contribute. By opening your business fnances to more than the ‘select few’, you will access benefts, insights and potentially ideas you would never have otherwise as well as outside investment.
2. Be clear with your presentation
1. Own your data
You need to be 100% responsible for your data and being responsible begins with looking at it, checking it, knowing what you have and understanding what you’re missing which his best achieved through a Data Gap Analysis.
Another way to ensure you create a team efort is to establish clear communication strategies. If you are small business, you can set up weekly or monthly briefngs to encourage open and honest communication among your team. If you are a larger company, you could appoint your heads of department to hold these meetings on your behalf or send out company newsletters or reports that communicate the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
She lives in Bedford, UK, with her husband and two young sons and is a frm believer that happiness is a journey, not a destination. The very act of striving to achieve great things is where the real fun, growth and reward lie rather than simply in the results.
Identify common patterns of similar feedback and use this to improve your product.
5. Find a manufacturer and place an order Most get overwhelmed by this! You want to use a reputable manufacturer. Try and keep the development and frst order of your product local if possible. This will keep your costs down and the turnaround will generally be quicker. Not to mention the environmental benefts of staying local.
1. Determine your Ideal Customer Ideal customers ultimately decide how well a product meets their needs and whether it adds value. Use customer personas to dig deep into the demographics as well as the psychographics (activities, interests, and opinions) to segment the new market of potential customers with similar needs and behaviour.
6. Build your store and choose your sales channels
Start with a high-level hypothesis of your ideal customer and continue to revise as you learn more about them. Identify their underserved needs that are not adequately met and refne and tweak the features of your product to improve it and add more value. With this deep understanding of your ideal customers, when it comes to marketing to them you will know where to fnd them and use the correct marketing messaging that resonates with them.
3. Specify your minimum viable product feature set
Choose which customer problems your product can solve and then fgure out which unique features of your product will delight your ideal customers and how your product will outperform your competitors. You are not looking to be an inventor of a product, but rather to tweak an existing product, or a diferent way of delivering that product or customer experience.
The aim is to build only what is needed, creating enough value for your ideal customer to validate your product and ensure it’s heading in the right direction. From here you will tweak and iterate until you have the minimum viable product that customers agree is viable and adds value.
There are numerous options out there when it comes to choosing a website platform. Research and decide which one suits you and your brand and build your store.
How to break into a new market with a product-based business
The unique selling proposition sets your product aside from the competition.
Sourcing from abroad often means higher minimum quantity orders and can take a couple of months to arrive amongst other logistical issues – and more recently, signifcant shipping costs. When you are ready for this, ensure you communicate clearly with your potential supplier and always ask for samples.
4. Create and validate your minimum viable product prototype Before spending thousands on creating your product, create a prototype of the minimum viable product. Show your ideal customers this version and ask for feedback. If they can touch and feel the product, even better. Ask them a series of questions to get as much feedback from them as possible.
To help, here are 10 steps to help get your product to market:
There is no point to starting a business only to fnd out no one wants to buy your product. This can be the most challenging part of the process if you have no idea of what to sell. Be prepared to spend a decent amount of time researching. Your product should solve a problem and add value to your customers. Ultimately, you want your product to fy of the shelves, not being able to keep up with the demands of your ideal customers. This is what we call ‘product-market ft’. Achieving product-market ft is one of the most important goals for a start-up, yet it is also one of the least understood concepts.
E-commerce is thriving. Online sales exceeded $4.2 trillion dollars worldwide in 2020 with over 2 billion people having purchased goods. In the year of the pandemic, worldwide e-commerce retail sales grew by 25 percent. New online buyer’s habits have been formed and they’re here to stay so this makes the future for product-based businesses very exciting to say the least.
However, launching a product into a new market can be tricky. With so many decisions to make along the way, often startups can feel overwhelmed, and most fail within the frst three years because they do not do the necessary research about the actual product in the frst place.
2. Defne your Unique Selling Proposition Competition is inevitable, especially for ecommerce. What makes your product diferent and better than the competition?
Carefully observe what the ideal customer says and does while using the prototype. Ask open-ended questions to gain deeper insights and get the most out of the feedback. Avoid asking closed questions that will only get a yes or no.
Once you have defned your unique selling proposition, you will need to specify your minimum viable product feature set. Work out what functionality or design your minimum viable product will include.
9. Decide on your marketing strategy
One of the best ways to reach new customers is to choose marketplaces where your ideal customers already shop. These channels have inbuilt audiences, and some customers do most of their shopping only on these channels so don’t miss out on potential sales.
Remember - be consistent.
Launching a product into a new market is as exciting as it is challenging. The process can be overwhelming at times, but it’s so rewarding. Take the leap and enjoy the process.
Know all the costs involved when selling on these platforms to ensure your proft margin is healthy and with the correct mix of marketplaces together with your own website, this will support and complement your product visibility.
7. Build your audience on social media
Visibility of your product is paramount! It’s a numbers game – you need to understand that sales conversion rates in most product categories are low. Decide which organic marketing and paid for advertising strategies you are going to use. Be prepared for a little trial and error when testing these out. Always remember to analyse data to see what is working and do more of that.
10. Launch your product
Author: Bridgete Combrinck is a product-based entrepreneur with 13 years of experience and a proven track record of success. Now helping other like-minded entrepreneurs start, build and scale ecommerce www.productentrepreurs.combusiness.
Conversion rates on email are greater than those on social media and websites. Once your product lands and you launch, you want to be able to get as many eyeballs on your product as possible. Incentivise your followers on social media to sign up to your email waiting list. This is your greatest asset when it comes to launching.
If you want a great launch, start building your audience on the relevant social media platforms before your product has even landed. You don’t physically need your product to start promoting and intriguing your potential customers. Take them on a journey with you throughout the process, after all, people buy from people. Build the know, like and trust factor to create front-of-mind positioning so when an ideal customer thinks of your product category, your product is the frst that comes to mind. Focus on the platforms where your ideal customers hang out.
8. Build your email waiting list
The key to launching your product is to create as much hype before and during your launch. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a well-executed launch. This can bring about a cash injection that can then help scale to the next level. Ensure your website is working seamlessly, populate the website with great, legitimate reviews, set up your email campaign and launch! And test your website again and again!
researching and constructing the messaging at the beginning, prior to launch, is the most efective way to start an ethical business. So here are the best steps for preparing your business using Confdent Tiger as an example.
aims to raise awareness and build growth around the brand before the launch of the products or service. It is also a good tactic to understand your audience and to perfect the message, to see what works best for your Thereforebrand.
with surveys and digital analysis of the market is a great way to start understanding the key problems your ideal clients have and how you can solve them. What are other businesses failing to fx? Setting up a brand proposition is your next step after researching the ins and outs of the market. This will lay out the groundwork for your brand vision, values and mission, to refer back to at any time and should be at the core of your marketing plan. It should be a constantly evolving document that you add to and change as your brand changes. Don’t feel you have to get everything detailed at this point, but start scoping out your ideas.
Contacting this type of infuencer will allow you to increase word-of-mouth marketing for your brand. There are diferent deals you can do with infuencers including sending a free sample or they may have a charge for specifc posts/ stories, usually depending on their following and engagement rate.
Infuencer Marketing
Research Research should be key to starting ANY business, right? It is the process of how we can gather data on the market and our ideal consumers. Without this, how can we position ourselves in the market to compete and become a unique stand-out Startingbrand?
Social Media
It is important to distinguish the brand’s mission before setting out any guidelines for products and services and means you as a business owner will have a fundamental understanding of your business without having to think. Purpose driven, ethical marketing is the way forward.
Messaging and branding is important for the growth of any business, and even more so when it comes to ethical startups. Many brands are under scrutiny when their messaging becomes wishy washy and negative media starts overtaking the Pre-launchbenefts.marketing
Landing Page One way to showcase your initial mission is by creating your website pre-launch as a place for your audience to land for lead generation. This landing page can simply state what your brand is with a single call-to-action for example sign up, buy now or learn more.
Becoming visible before launching any products, allows consumers to sign up to email marketing, where they can receive brand updates and can opt-in for newsletters. Prelaunch Confdent Tiger had an average of 15 sign-ups a day and a total of 1,000 people fully engaged before even having a product ofering. These are the crucial supportive customers, who will follow the journey of your brand through the startup process to launch. It also means that when products are fnally launched, there will be immediate engagement as the process has been planned to include market and consumer research.
Preparing Your Pre-LaunchBusiness
Sustainable businesses are on the rise, with the increase of coverage about climate change and innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint becoming more widely known. But it is evident that some businesses are struggling to keep up and have no clue where to start.
Once you have a prototype of a product or service, you can start contacting nano-infuencers, who have a following between 1,000 and 10,000. These infuencers generally have high engagement with their followers and they themselves are looking out for opportunities to grow.
Alongside creating social media profles, low cost ads on these platforms can drive trafc before you even have products. This sort of traction will enable consumers to engage with your brand and become emotionally invested, captivating as many followers as possible right from the beginning.This is where you can build on the relationship, to educate consumers throughout the process for example, Confdent Tiger used social media strategy to pull an audience using educational material and videos. The brand also used this platform to gain valuable data from these followers through a survey 3-6 months before ofcially launching.
Once you have set up a landing page, social media is the next best way to create and engage with your audience, refecting your values and mission. Posts should be targeted to your ideal personas, to ensure interaction between you and the audience can fow and enable conversation.
Confdent Tiger collaborated with a few nano-infuencers, providing an arrangement to send a measuring tape and a sustainable bra once produced in return for two reels: one with the tape and one with the bra.
Author: Clare Martin, Founder, Confdent Tiger https://confdent-tiger. com/
Sufcient market and consumer research will allow for a ready engaging audience to build on once products have been launched. In the build up to your launch, you can constantly update your existing audience by sending emails, keeping them updated with what’s happening on social and giving them exclusive behind the scenes insights. This makes your audience feel like part of a secret society and builds loyalty fast – especially if you can get them involved in the product or service development.
The launch
In the meantime, you can engage with and create related content on social media and blogs that will increase sign ups and will increase interaction to ensure you have the ability to gain loyal customers from the beginning.
Sustainability shouldn’t be complex, it needs to be accessible to everyone, everywhere. You can improve your business sustainability in 5 steps by measuring and managing your emissions, doing behavioural actions and investing in green tech, transitioning to renewable energy, investing in ofsetting and participating in projects which give back to the community.
Step 4: Ofset Carbon ofsetting allows businesses to invest in climate change solutions, from planting trees to protecting mangrove swamps and restoring peat bogs. When you purchase an ofset, you are funding the reduction or removal of carbon emissions. Businesses can only do so much, so fast, within their own operations. Supporting carbon ofset projects is therefore a great way to have a bigger impact and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. Just remember that climate change won’t be solved through ofsetting alone. Businesses also need to continue making signifcant internal changes that reduce their emissions.
Our climate is changing as are our attitudes and the way we purchase. Becoming a sustainable business has a wealth of advantages and is imperative in ensuring your business’ future. Incorporating sustainability into your business is vital in protecting our planet and helping in the fght against climate change.
Step 1: Measure and manage your emissions
Understanding your carbon footprint will give you a better idea of the impact your business has on the planet. By knowing your emissions, you can benchmark your business and see how it compares to others in your industry and how you fare against your competitors. Getting to grips with your carbon footprint is essential in pinpointing where you need to make changes within your business to reduce your emissions and will provide a starting point to help you monitor your sustainability progress. Using an online carbon calculator, such as this one Zellar - World’s First Sustainability Platform for Business - Carbon calculator , is a useful tool to help you determine your current carbon footprint.
Setting actions which you monitor each month such as checking internal lights are switched of out of hours or the thermostat is scheduled for the right timings, will help you to become a more sustainable business.Once you have done behavioural actions you can then decide where to invest to make changes to increase productivity. Investing in green technology is a sustainable way to run your business. Green tech refers to environmentally-friendly technology which doesn’t harm the environment and helps to reduce emissions. Green tech can be anything from smart thermostats to loft insulation, double or triple gazed windows to energy-efcient fridges. Having green tech is a more sustainable option for businesses as it uses less power than other products. Once you’ve installed these products, make sure you incorporate it into your behavioural actions for example is the equipment fully serviced and maintained? If not, it may not be running as efciently as possible wasting energy. By being more efcient it helps businesses to save energy, money and reduce their emissions.
By becoming a green business, you will reduce to reduce the negative impact created by your operations. SMEs account for 99% of the private sector meaning they collectively have the opportunity to pave the way for a greener future. The value created by sustainability in business is multifaceted; becoming a Net Zero business benefts not only the planet but can also help contribute to the success of your business. With 80% of UK residents concerned about climate change, it is hardly surprising that there is an increasing demand from consumers for businesses to act responsibly and sustainably.
Step 3: Transition to renewables Transitioning to renewable energy helps to lower your business carbon footprint. By using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels, your energy consumption doesn’t negatively afect the planet. When choosing an energy provider, you need to be aware of greenwashing as many energy companies ofer green tarifs however these can still consist of a mix of sources including fossil fuels. Businesses looking to become more sustainable need to address where their energy comes from and how to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions they emit.
Making proactive change can be difcult as every business operates diferently however using data specifc to your business will help you monitor your actions, giving you a greater insight into how you can behave more sustainably.
How to become a sustainable business in 5 steps
Many businesses recognise the importance of becoming sustainable however due to a lack of resources and knowledge feel overwhelmed with 78% of businesses stating they don’t know where to start to become more sustainable.
Consumers’ purchasing patterns show that this looks only to increase in the coming years. As more consumers make decisions based on a brand’s eco-credentials, those who have embraced sustainability are set to not just retain their current customers but also attract new ones. Whilst businesses may be tempted to change their operations to grow their reach, they will soon enough fnd out that by streamlining they will also improve their efciency saving them time and money. With many SMEs falsely believe the myth that going sustainable will be too costly, the value it brings, both in the short and long term, emphasises that it is worth every penny.
Step 2: Do Behavioural actions and invest in green tech
Author: Elsa Papa of Zellar www.zellar.com
Sustainable businesses don’t just look to the future, they are the future. With increasing emphasis on the importance of sustainability setting ambitious environmental goals is crucial in not just determining the future planet we leave to our children but also the future of our businesses. Going green requires thought and you can’t become a Net Zero business overnight. However, by implementing a sustainability strategy and following the fve stated steps you can start your journey to becoming a sustainable business today.
Step 5: Giving back Becoming a sustainable business is about understanding the harmony of sustainability in which you give more than you take. This notion should echo through your actions, in having a business you naturally impact the community and environment around you, that’s why it’s important to make sure that impact is positive. By involving yourself in local biodiversity or volunteering projects you can help give back and contribute to leaving the planet in a better state than you found it. Corporate volunteering is also a great way to entice talent to your business by helping to align your business values with your employees. A study from Deloitte showed that 89% of employees think businesses that support volunteering activities ofer a better overall working environment. It’s important to share your sustainability progress and how your eforts are contributing to a greener environment. Implementing ESG principles into your business also helps to attract investors to your business. Doing good is good for your employees, your business, your community and your planet – it’s a win-win.
Fear of rejection. This is from those you see as your ideal clients or customers, as well as potential business partners. You might doubt they will want to buy from you, invest in you or work with you, and you might feel insecurity around pitches, sales or having money conversations.
What has worked for your business in the past may not work well for you now or into the future. So sticking to what you know, not being willing to let things go and not adapting to change can be very damaging.
How to overcome fear in your business - 7 tips to stop letting it get in your way
The fears in your way
So what can you do to overcome or minimise fear?
4. Use afrmations & visualisations regularly. Almost all highachievers learn to use this success-habit properly. There are many advantages to doing this on a regular basis, but in terms
Fear is one the most dominant factors preventing women from either starting a business or experiencing success due to quitting within the frst 2 years.
2. Remind yourself that fear is a sign of potential for big growth. You’re stretching & moving beyond where you are now and what you’re familiar with - that’s what your mind is signalling to you. In fact, if you’re not feeling fear or discomfort at all when setting your goals – it might actually mean you’re not aiming high enough. So begin seeing fear as a positive driving force.
Fear of failure. This is of course, the frst and most obvious one. This tends to top the list of obstacles in the way of women launching a business or causing them to give up. Fear of success. This is a less obvious one as it’s more subconscious, but it’s a huge block to achieving success. This is the ‘other side’ of the unknown. That success you dream of is so new and unfamiliar to your mind with all its previous memorised experiences and ‘programming’, that it considers this a ‘system error’ and will alert you to it – in the form of fear. It’s trying to warn you that something doesn’t ft with your current ‘setting’ – and this might show up as doubts around your ability to cope with such success, how it might afect your lifestyle or quality of your relationships, and perhaps most importantly, discomfort around this ‘new person’ you would have to become as you step into a bigger role in your life, leaving your ‘old self’ behind who you’ve identifed with for such a long time until now.
Fear of judgment. These ‘others’ can be not only your potential ideal clients, partners or investors, but also people you know or who are in your circle – whether friends, family, colleagues etc. You might dread putting yourself or your business out there in the public eye or on social media, feel uncomfortable being seen in your business role by those who know you, or fear how people surrounding you will perceive you if things don’t go as planned, especially if they were sceptical of your capability to succeed.
First thing you need to know about fear is that it’s your mind simply letting you know that something is unfamiliar to it. It’s the ‘threat’ of the unknown or of you entering unknown space, that’s Entrepreneurshipall.
Fear of learning. This one is very often overlooked but it can be detrimental to your business. Running a business is a continuous learning and developing experience. Especially if you are only starting out, there will be many aspects of business, skills and tools you’ll need to learn. Even if you’re already established, as tech, marketing and the world around us change and evolve, you will need to constantly update and upgrade your knowledge & skills.
Some limiting beliefs that might be driving this kind of fear might tell you that it will be too difcult, take too much efort or time; that it’s too late for you; you’re too old; you’re not good at it or it’s just not for you. Fear of change. Social, cultural shifts as well as advancement in tech is constantly changing business landscapes. This is true for both how you present your business to the outside world as well as how you run it on the inside.
1.Develop a positive, growth mindset. Building a business isn’t an easy ride. You’re going to face lots of challenges, you’ll have to experiment & take risks. Sometimes you won’t get the results you want. You have to accept that as a given. So make a commitment to continue on, no matter what, with grit and an open & curious mind. Identify and clear any beliefs that might be in your way. Top-performers aren’t held back by perfectionism and they don’t relate to the word ‘failure’ – only to the ongoing process of learning & development. In fact, many entrepreneurs started out with a business idea that didn’t work. But they didn’t stop there. They went on to the next, better idea which has brought them success.
is risky, challenging and uncomfortable. No one goes into business with a guarantee of success, so uncertainty is a given. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get more comfortable with feeling fear and get yourself into a habit of continuing to take focused action despite it.
3. Remind yourself often of your ‘What’. This is what your motivation is, your values, your mission, your dream, and what success will do for you or the world around you. Do this daily. This creates a higher motivation state for your mind, and in order for the mind to go for the unknown despite the risk, it has to be highly motivated.
https://youcandoanything.co.uk
• Reframe the word ‘fear’. Some people like to use the word ‘excited’ instead, but if that feels like too much of a stretch, you can use ‘I wonder / I’m curious whether’. For example, instead of saying ‘I’m afraid this won’t work’ you might say ‘I wonder / I’m curious how / whether this might work’. Remember that fear is about the unknown. So using these words, you’re simply acknowledging this in a neutral and more open way without the associated limitations of fear.
The truth is most of your fears will never come true (when taking constructive action despite it). But you tend to create a very imbalanced view of future possibilities, which are truly endless and can go either way. So instead of only imagining the worst outcome (which you can still allow yourself to do), use your imagination to explore the best case scenario too. This will balance both of these two possibilities in your mind. It’ll help to neutralise the fear and give you a far more ‘objective’ perspective around the potential experience.
7. Get support. Top-achievers know that getting help where or when they need it is a strength rather than weakness. They know it empowers them and allows them to make better decisions and take stronger actions. In fact, most highperformers tend to seek out coaches & mentors very early on as they want to put support structures in place to move them forward in the easiest way.
5.Use the power of language. The words you use literally programme your mind on a subconscious level. Your inner conversation determines the way you experience the outer world. So use language that empowers you. Here are a couple of simple adjustments that might sound insignifcant, but that can make a huge diference:
Over time, doing this repeatedly, this more neutral feeling will become your mind’s habit pattern, you’ll be far less afected by future uncertainties and you’ll also get more control over your thinking in other areas too.
Author: Maya Zack
• Change ‘I’m afraid’ to ‘I feel fear’. The frst phrase creates attachment & identifcation with the fear. It creates a feeling that it’s a part of you and therefore that it would be difcult if at all possible to change. But when you tell yourself that you ‘feel fear’, your mind understands that it’s simply an emotion passing through your experience. Like any other emotion, it’s destined to shift and move; it’s not permanent. So you’re far less attached to it, and as a result, it’s far easier to let it be and consequently drop it, have it move on its way or take action despite it.
6. Remind yourself it’s all in your imagination. In this present moment, whatever you feel fear around is only in your head. You’re projecting imaginary scenarios onto the future, usually based on your past. You’re focused on worst case scenarios.
of fear, what this repetition does is it makes your future vision more familiar to your mind so it no longer perceives them as a threat. Your mind is then able to it more easily as a true outcome and it will allow you to access more positive resources & feelings around it. Your mind will begin to produce ‘output’ that corresponds to that expected experience.
How to achieve 100% engagement from a remote workforce
1. Realise it’s more than a salary
But of course, while some people thrived, others struggled. We are all diferent and as an employer, I think it’s important to recognise there are certain things you can do to ensure staf are 100% engaged – whether they are working from home or not. My top tips would be:
2. Communication is key Be clear and have a simple system in place. Emails can’t do everything and can sometimes get lost in translation. Seeing a face even if it’s just virtually can minimise miscommunication issues and can help develop a good rapport within teams. We’ve personally instigated a TEAMS technology where video conferences can be held when they need to be. Not vital and time-critical calls can be also scheduled. Whereas with routine matters we use regular messaging - “are you available for a call?” leaving it down to their discretion. Allowing individuals to control and plan their own workload efciently, rather than being constantly interrupted. However, that being said, it’s still good to get some in-person time in if you can to avoid people feeling isolated. Face to face is still great for holding meetings, brainstorms, collaborating and socialising with colleagues.
In the last two years, I’ve employed two or three senior executives who have been way out of my league in terms of capability, knowledge, network and salary and they’ve all joined this business for less than half of their salary. This is all because they believe in the purpose. Don’t get me wrong you need to pay staf well and you need attractive salaries that draw people who will match your drive, enthusiasm and expertise. But money isn’t everything - it needs to be more than transactional. You need to create an environment where people feel valued, trusted and can grow. Empowering your staf can do wonders and when it comes to working from home it’s even more essential. Trust is everything. No one likes to be micromanaged. Smothering or being too intrusive is enough to put anyone of. Some businesses have installed monitoring systems on laptops to ‘catch people out.’ This is just a recipe for disaster creating a stressful environment and will likely lead to your staf wanting to go elsewhere. Instead, managers should give employees the freedom to structure their day whilst keeping regular lines of communication throughout the week.
3. Be Human & Authentic
4. People should always become before profts If you don’t invest in your staf, they won’t invest in your business. You get what you put in at the end of the day. This shouldn’t stop when working from home, if anything, you should invest more in training and team-building activities. You don’t want to risk staf feeling like strangers and you certainly don’t want them to feel bored, unchallenged and like they aren’t growing. Care for your staf and they’ll care for you. In a time where mental health issues are rife and have been exacerbated by recent events, employers need to look after their staf more than ever. But how can we check in with employees’ wellbeing when we don’t see them in person that often? Well during the pandemic even with those that were furloughed we implemented a whole range of programmes which looked after both the physical and mental wellbeing of all our staf. We started a series of daily voluntary, web-based activities from quizzes, exercise classes to workshops. Working from home doesn’t mean you can’t have a laugh together. We personally organised an online company-wide talent show but there are plenty of other creative things you can do to boost morale and raise spirits.
Like every other business owner back in 2020 I had my doubts about employees working from home. We have a staf of around 150 and culture is at the very heart of our business. Take that face-to-face time away and the concern was would people have that bond with colleagues, would they feel motivated and valued and how – as a business –would we manage this? Yet in just a few short months we saw productivity had gone through the roof. People were clearly happy working from home and having that fexibility to take the dog for a walk or pick up the kids etc. At the end of the day, if someone gets the job done quicker and faster remotely then why not let them, it’s a no brainer.
People can see through insincerity. It’s critical you are relatable and authentic. When they know you are genuine and that you put them frst, they begin to also put you frst. It’s a two-way relationship. However, the key to creating these relationships and the associated success is true vulnerability. When people relate to you and see that you are just as vulnerable as they are, the human spirit will always jump in to help someone in need.
I was there every step of the way with my employees in the pandemic ensuring regular communications throughout these difcult times to navigate them through. But I never once pretended I knew everything, instead, I was honest and transparent. I would say things like “we don’t know what is going to happen any more than you do. We are all going to have to hold our breath at the same time, for the same amount of time, until we get clarity into what is going to happen.”
Author: Jef Dewing is the CEO of Cloudfm and author of Doing the Opposite - a bestselling book following his incredible journey from owning a successful business (and football club) to losing it all and having only £7.60 in his bank account. Despite this Jef, who started his career as a fridge and air-conditioning engineer, managed to turn his life around and build a new business from £1m to £70m turnover within four years. He attributes much of his success to his belief that you should never take the easy, straightforward path - if you challenge things and do the opposite good things will happen. https:// www.cloudfmgroup.com/
It’s important to remember actions always speak louder than words. Show them they are valued and you care. Put colleagues’ welfare and happiness before your own, and they will be behind you. Blanket policies and statements won’t demonstrate this. Reward their eforts, for instance, take the team on a meal or give them a bonus. They are part of a family, not just employee numbers on a proft and loss sheet.
But that’s not to say it’s made ecommerce any easier. Amid the upsurgence of social media platforms for customer service, visual commerce and video sharing, consumers are much more likely to gravitate to those companies who command their interest with compelling experiences. More than ever it’s about hyper-personalisation and customer centricity, anticipating and addressing their individual needs, inspiring demand and providing products which are simple to purchase and supported with fexible after-care for a seamless digital transaction.
Clearly then, those who do not continue to create good online experiences and consider how to ensure brand diferentiation online, run the risk of losing custom. This will become even more pertinent as face-to-face brand-building opportunities are reduced.
As recent times have seen the emergence of a very diferent digital customer, complete with new diferent behaviours and decision making criteria, businesses must continue to evolve their online proposition to stay relevant.
Here, Dominik Angerer co-founder and CEO of Storyblok, advises on the importance of fexibility marketing as businesses now seek to no longer seek to compete with their competitors – but rather their customers’ last best online Consumerexperience.
The majority of customers are now using online channels, they know how to source the best deals, which websites they prefer and are comfortable making more purchases online.
But with the Christmas on the horizon and so many other considerations for the busy business trying to recoup any losses incurred during the past 18 months, where to begin?
First impressions count Did you know that it takes less than a second for a user to form an opinion about your website that determines whether they’ll stay or go?3
An even more sobering fact is that 88 per cent of online shoppers wouldn’t return to a site after a bad experience.3
It’s perhaps surprising then that many companies still fail to get it right. According to an extensive analysis4 of the Fortune 500 website homepages conducted by Storyblok, only one in fve had a performance score – based on a number of key metric such design, SEO, accessibility – above 50%. More so, we found that 92% needed to improve their website best practices and 64% needed to improve their SEO scores.
The big mistake many companies make is in thinking that getting a big tech stack from a well-known brand is the best and easiest way to enable a successful marketing output. Not only is this usually an expensive approach, but it may also mean being locked into using products that don’t ft your business’s changing needs. Instead, there are now a huge range of new solutions available that, via APIs, can usually be easily integrated together. This means you have the freedom to build a suite of tools that work for your business. In addition, you also have the fexibility to swap out diferent solutions as your marketing develops.
Identifying just what you need comes down to how you think about the future of your business and its marketing output. As consumers continue to crave personalisation, creating a suite of tools that enables you to amend content quickly and easily is essential. So too is the ability to leverage existing customer data and other information streams to provide tailored and relevant marketing messages. A headless CMS that is fexible enough and can output content in diferent channels enables this type of marketing strategy.
Expectations: Adapting to the New Digital Consumer
And this digital mandate is only going to grow. According to recent research1 more than half (55%) of UK adults will interact with brands more through digital and virtual channels than face-to-face post-pandemic. A separate global study has reveals that 50 percent of consumers won’t engage with a brand as often if it doesn’t ofer online experiences.2
Great
What’s the real shame is that the reality is that creating an immersive, dynamic online experience which is intuitive to your customers’ needs and easily adaptable doesn’t necessarily have to be either complex or expensive.
Staying ahead with headless CMS
expectations were already on the rise before Coronavirus hit, especially for Gen Z who have had technology seamlessly integrated into their lives since day dot. Now though, with the pandemic inducing a marked digital shift which as impacted all parts of society, regardless of age, it has raised the digital bar even higher.
The fnal major piece of the puzzle is building the expertise you need to maximise the impact of your marketing. Gone are the days when a catchy email subject line or funny tweet would be enough to draw signifcant attention to your brand. You are no longer competing against your competitors but your customers’ last best online experience – so you need to make it count. Everything from delivering dynamic content on your website through to post-conversion follow up needs to happen. This requires having a marketing department that is multidisciplinary and cross-functional. They need to have
The reality is that the Internet doesn’t give out second chances and as your shop window your website is everything in attracting pulling power, getting consumers to pull out their purse – and even more importantly, come backing.
https://www.storyblok.com/ Sources: 1 consumers-set-to-continue-to-be-digital-post-pandemic-but-https://internetretailing.net/customer/customer/ 2only-with-those-that-ofer-a-good-experience-studies-23334https://www.alistdaily.com/digital/consumers-expect-touse-touchless-technologies-more/ 3 https://www.sweor.com/frstimpressions 4 Storyblok ‘The State of Enterprise in Web: Fortune 500 Websites’ Report, launched October 2021
data, development, commercial and marketing skills and, critically, ensuring a regular fow of information between other departments is essential. For example, data gleaned from marketing can inform product development and data gathered from areas such as customer service are needed to enable a truly personal experience.
Of course this may seem like a lot of work but get it right and the rewards can be great. Take for example, our recent work with leading Swedish beauty brand Stronger. Thanks to a new technology stack and headless CMS the business now has much greater creative scope and is able to deliver monthly campaigns in line with seasonal trends, key calendar events and changing customer requirements. The result? Just six months in and has helped to boost revenue by 172% while also supporting business’ successful expansion into the USA. Realistically speaking, investing in a new marketing approach and the infrastructure approach, while a lot easy than you may think, might be achievable in time for Christmas. But, for the shrewd looking to ensure relevant, create stand-out and grow market share in 2022, it’s certainly one New Year’s resolution to add to the list.
For a long time, work life balance was seen as only of real importance to those with children and complicated nursery pick-ups, but fexible work policies are now competitive benefts and are viewed by millennials as important, if not more so, as money.
Having a positive company culture and a healthy work life balance has always been vital for Ballou. Technology means that personal and work life boundaries are becoming blurred, and lead to an “always on” culture. We became very aware of that at Ballou and took various precautions to ensure that our teams got proper downtime – banning WhatsApp as a way of communicating with each other was one of them. We did our best to encourage people to demarcate clear lines between work and home life, and we tried to foster a culture where we would only contact each other outside core work hours in an emergency. Defne the lines of fexible working
Replying after hours gives the impression that the employee is expected to be working the same hours as you. It’s the responsibility of an employer to respect these boundaries.
Avoiding an ‘always on’ culture
Manage expectations
Author: Cordy Grifths is CEO of tech agency Ballou. https://balloupr.com/
More than money
As an employer, embed it in your company policy that unless it is absolutely critical no-one should be messaged after hours, to save the above situation happening. Your managers should make it clear that they are not always “on” and don’t expect other people to be either. If someone emails you at 8pm don’t reply (unless it’s urgent) until 9am the following morning.
We have, thankfully, for the sake of our mental health, as a country and an industry, moved away from living to work and towards working to live. Lockdowns and working through the pandemic have been extremely tough but at the same time they have sharpened the focus on our work life balance. In our view, that is a very welcome silver lining.
Defning the lines of fexible working is vital, because unless the lines of demarcation are clear then a working parent can end up feeling guilty when they’re not with their family and guilty about work when they are. That works for noone. Flexible working is defnitely something we encourage at Ballou, but this should not mean “always available”. For example, a potential work issue occurs to you as you’re putting your children to bed. Rather than shelving that for 9am the next morning, making a note of it somewhere so it doesn’t slide of the to-do list, you message a question about it to a colleague or employee. They’re just about to eat their evening meal and then fnd themselves trying to interpret if you want them to fx the issue, simply acknowledge receipt of your message or call you. They message a colleague to fnd out if the colleague knows more about the issue than they do. Before you know where you are, you’re on a grumpy Zoom meeting at 9.30pm. Flexible working is freedom Boundaries are key along with a corporate culture that respects that working patterns at home are diferent to in an ofce. It’s ok to be picking up your child up at 3pm so long as you’re making up the time elsewhere. Similarly, we encourage people to take ftness classes when it suits them so long as they aren’t neglecting their work. More fexible working is liberating for everyone, as long as it’s accompanied by trust and respect on both sides.
The new generation joining the workforce has grown up in a world of doing homework from Starbucks, booking GPs appointments online at 10pm and where in-person trips to the supermarket are a novelty.
Millennials’ fnancial future Debt repayment programmes, season ticket loans and genuine emphasis on work life balance have real resonance to a generation that is starting its working life in debt and has often witnessed Boomer Burn-Out at frst hand. Millennials are highly unlikely to be homeowners so freedom to travel is a huge priority. An extra £1000 on a salary isn’t going to take them anywhere near a deposit on a home, so it’s easy to see why for young people facing an uncertain fnancial future, freedom is the preferred priority.
Embedding work life balance in your company culture
As an employee, don’t assume that anyone is expecting you to be always available. Set boundaries by being assertive rather than aggressive. Don’t answer messages after hours unless it is really urgent. No after-hours messaging
Look on the bright side
We started from a good place in that we had built up very robust cultural values and we live them every day, so anyone joining Ballou knows that they are coming into a company with a commitment to a healthy work life balance.
Develop and test solutions, weaving success into “knowledgescafolding” to conquer even the most signifcant obstacle.
A product of the Sensemaker spirit is self-control. Preparing for and completing marathons is a wonderful place to develop this trait. That said, any exercise, at any level, that empowers you to test your limits, to practise a marathon mindset is, in my view going to be valuable. You certainly don’t need to be sporty or super healthy, I began with the NHS couch to 5km app when I struggled to jog for thirty seconds!
Omit serendipity: Serendipitous events do happen, and people do win the lottery. The odds of either taking place are so small and difcult to predict that relying on one or the other to land good fortune is unwise. It is better to get going with what you have available than to sit back and wait for the Universe to do it for you. By doing this you give serendipity, whether it arrives or not, something with which to work.
The answer is most certainly ‘yes’, according to Dario Bucceri, founder of the Sensemaker® Thirty Day Sprint Challenge. The Challenge was inspired by Dario’s own ambition to compete in the Comrade’s Ultra marathon, and the act of a fellow runner who helped him to fnish the race at a point when he was about to give up.
In this article, Dario uses his own experience and expertise to create a step-by-step guide to developing a positive mindset. A mindset that will not only increase your success in business but will improve your outlook in your personal life - creating a feeling of balance and positivity that should help everything to become easier. My positive mindset has helped me to achieve so much in my life, when frst diagnosed with Parkinson’s I felt very depressed and found it hard to do anything. However, once I realised that with the right medication I could manage my condition I turned it into a positive. By training my body to be as healthy as it can be, I am not only continuing as I was before but I’m working harder and achieving even more success - including the fnish line of a few marathons!
Act: Congruency between what you say and what you do is critical. Action brings life to words, giving power to your decisions and making them signifcant. Actions fuel learning as we live in a state of trial, error, and adjustment, patiently building “platforms of understanding” that, in time, will lead to the outcome we seek.
Daily practice to defne and achieve your goals
Subject to the currents and winds, the ship drifts aimlessly and inevitably fnds its way to the rocks
Here are some of the steps that have worked for me and that I reinforce with all my clients: Decide: A positive mindset is neither a feeling nor is it an event. Instead, it is the result of wilful decisions, the fruit of an approach to life that responds to incoming challenges with stubborn determination, sustained action, and a belief that you can infuence the outcome in some way.
Treat other people the way you want to be treated. Tell the truth and talk straight. Listen more. Think in terms of outcomes and next steps. If a meeting starts without an agenda, end it. If a conversation becomes unnecessary call it.
Similarly, if you have a dream and its fulflment is delayed indefnitely, they can be negatively impacted too.
Deconstruct: Activate the positive power of what you feel is blocking your success by instead identifying these blockers as signposts to breakthroughs. By deconstructing the challenge to micro problems that have combined to form the whole overcoming them is immediately more achievable.
According to research by the University College of London, it takes 66 days to create a habit . By committing to building positive habits over time we can improve our outlook and productivity, here are a few that I credit with improving mine.
The importance of a positive mindset and how you can achieve it
Make every word and action count. Don’t manipulate. Take time to listen. Empower others to progress. When resolving operational issues, always start with the process.
The fear and uncertainty caused by the pandemic has shaken even the most optimistic among us. However, even during the worst of times we have seen people innovate and thrive amongst the chaos - how do these high achievers maintain an unrivalled focus to achieve their goals? And, more importantly is this a skill we can all learn?
Find a tribe: We succeed because of people, not despite of them. If we associate with individuals who live ethically, relate honourably, think positively, take responsibility, plan specifcally, execute consistently, and work efciently, the chances are good that we will raise our game to become like them. If the people with whom we associate are lazy, unethical, dishonourable, negative, irresponsible, vague, inconsistent, inefcient, and immoral - we will become like them too.
Think long term: Life takes time. Progress can be slow as we identify blockers, clarify causes, learn our lessons, and apply our learnings. It’s better to set a more extended timeframe and be surprised at better-than-expected results than to aim for a quick win and be disappointed.
Something that I ask all my sprinters (clients taking on the Thirty Day Sprint Challenge) to do is to record a daily journal. Journalling is important because without a vision (a picture of a preferred future to aim for), people become like a rudderless ship on a journey that has no destination.
I write my vision down so that I can run with it, and then I meditate on it often, giving action to my words, making them important, bringing them to pass.
The fnal piece of the puzzle is this – what I think about is where I will go. Let us pull this all together. I can increase the probability of achieving a goal by having one (that seems obvious). I can increase the probability further by writing it down (creating a fxed expression of the goal) and can increase it again by thinking about it. The more I think about it, the more probable it becomes that I will attain it.
All this said, even armed with the most positive mindset, life does and will get in the way of your goals - what separates those who will succeed and those who will lose sight of their goals is the response.
Take control of these moments by fnding a quiet place and allow time to make sense of what is going on around you. High achievers know that with every mistake and failure you will learn something that makes you more resilient to face future challenges and more thankful and excited for the success that lies Author:ahead.Dario Bucceri
Enter my journal. Once each day, I catch myself doing things right by recording my “Thankfuls”, those outcomes and events for which I am grateful. I remember my goals as I write them reminding myself of the tasks I committed to complete to move them forward as I write those too. I take time to think, to refect, to develop and enhance what I am doing.
When life gives you lemons
By developing good habits, giving ourselves goals and the time to achieve them and reminding ourselves of these goals we are much more likely to achieve them.
Guidance from someone outside a business that has experience, or specialist knowledge, not only helps in providing practical answers, but is a great stress reliever. You have someone that can show you how to overcome a problem, is on your side, and willing to help. Mentoring is normally cost free, but you can’t put a price on it.
I have used mentors successfully to navigate varying scenarios. And it is amazing how many people will help.
One of the things that stands out from my use of mentors are the subjects I got support with, and how unusual some of them were. But also, how I managed to source mentoring help relatively easily. If I could get mentors for specialist needs, then how much more simple to address more generic needs. Undoubtedly, there is nearly always someone out there available and willing to help, We nearly all walk in the steps of others, and those that have gone before mostly have empathy for those that follow.
Here are my examples of using mentors. It shows the breadth of guidance and support there is out there. A good case was when I was in the process of establishing an ofce in Shanghai. I clearly knew how it should function in terms of what was required, but my knowledge of the cultural dynamics of building a team in China was limited. I needed help, and I wanted it from someone that had been in the same position as me. I could not have had more success in discovering exactly the right person. They helped with much more than the immediate challenge, and though no longer a mentor, we keep in touch, and always meet when I’m back in IChina.gotanother mentor at the same time to assist with wellbeing. I had an exercise and yoga programme that worked efectively, but more work pressure started to equal more stress. I got a mentor to get my mindset into the right place, and it worked.
Deciding whether you should get a mentor?
The subject of mentoring is nearly always focused on business founders and leaders, but it shouldn’t be. Middle and junior managers have to confront problems too. Most management support structure is built on line managers providing help, but in busy companies this may not happen even with the best intentions. Also, and no matter how open the management culture of a particular business is, individuals are reluctant to fag the fact they have a problem, or are struggling. It is human nature to cover up weakness in front of colleagues.
Sourcing the right mentor Finding an appropriate mentor involves doing homework.
Mentoring is for all managers
Mentoring For Business Success
Running a business can be hugely rewarding. I am not talking about money, but making things happen, seeing ideas work, good people succeeding. It can also be deeply frustrating and brutally challenging. I have found there is one thing above all else that helps with what is difcult. Mentoring.
On another occasion I found a mentor to assist with the Chinese business culture of managing staf. This was enormously helpful, and the same person is now helping me to improve my written and spoken Mandarin.
There is great value to be found from having someone to share a problem with, not just providing solutions. Anyone who leads a company knows it can be a lonely place no matter how good the supporting managers you have. Having someone that relates, and is willing to talk through situations is a great antidote to leadership pressure.
For those that doubt the need for a mentor consider whether there are weaknesses that you would like to eliminate. Are there tasks you struggle with, the things you don’t like doing? What are the biggest headaches in your business? If these criteria apply then you could usefully be getting guidance. Whether this applies at personal level, or as a function of the company, there will be someone that can help reduce problems, or make them go away.
View it as an investment. That is exactly what it is. Be prepared to spend time looking because the right mentor is likely to recoup the investment several times over, and not just in terms of providing solutions and money saving, but also the pricelessness of relief from work challenges. Frequently, mentor selection is based on fnding someone in the same sector of trade, or stage of company development, but neither of these factors may be important criteria if help is needed with people management, fnance, training, outsourcing, or other generic functions. It means there are often a lot of options available. What is important is chemistry. You have to be on the same wavelength more or less, because communication needs to be easy, and you may be with a mentor quite a lot of time whether face to face, on video calls or the phone. What you need is an efective working partnership. You do not need to becoming good friends, though that is my experience, but you have to be able to talk without personalities getting in the way.
It is true, that no mentor will have gone through the exact experience others face. But there are so many commonalities to so many business situations that it is inevitable that there is someone out there that can help with any given challenge. Someone that is an expert, or has been confronted by a similar problem and overcome it, or perhaps having analysed the situation with hindsight, they worked out what they should have done.
However, consulting someone from outside an organisation is not the same as going to a superior. A third party perspective based on experience provides answers, but also creates assurance irrespective of management level. Mentoring is cathartic whoever you are. Pay it back I am a frm believer in paying it back. After benefting so much from mentoring, I know how useful it can be, and believe it is important to share my own knowledge and experience. Currently I mentor two people that have recently founded start-ups. I know it saves each of them time, stress and money.
Mentoring becoming a mainstream practice would make a signifcant diference to business owners, managers, and companies. So many practices can be improved. It would ultimately refect on the economy overall. We can all learn, but often don’t. Mentoring also removes a lot of work pressure. I recommend trying it.
Author: Domenica Di Lieto, founder and CEO of Chinese planning and marketing consultancy, Emerging Communications. https:// www.emergingcomms.com
The very concepts of ‘success’ and ‘failure’ are deeply subjective terms that are rarely as black and white as proft and loss. Moreover, these concepts can be heavily infuenced by our own perceptions of a situation and how we frame things in our minds. Think of a time you pitched an idea to a group. You might have come away thinking it landed horribly, or people just didn’t get your idea. That feeling of failure has crept in. However, the group might have loved your idea and wanted to discuss it further internally before sharing any feedback with you.
You have to have the highs and the lows, but there will always be a way up again.
Considering and understanding context is, therefore, incredibly important when it comes to determining how to move on from either end of the success/failure spectrum. What were your goals to start with? Where have you come from to get where you are now? What can you learn from where you are today to take you into tomorrow? What causes us to fail?
Positive thinking is not simply a cliched motivational message to be added to mugs, it really does make a diference. By using positive language in our thoughts, we can shift our thinking to reinforce the messages we need to be successful.
The counter to avoidance motivation is promotion motivation, which is the process of telling yourself something went well and celebrating it. By recognising your progress in small chunks and reviewing that process, it extends our enjoyment of our achievements if we take the small wins. Our brains accelerate as we perceive success to be closer, so the more we see achievement, the closer we feel we’re getting to it. When running a marathon, our brains simply couldn’t cope if we just focused on getting to the end of the 26 miles, but if we tackle it by celebrating a series of smaller milestones, it increases our motivation and helps accelerate achievement.
British tennis player Emma Raducanu demonstrated a brilliant response to adversity after she opted to drop out of the Wimbledon following health issues, despite a promising start to the competition. Instead of dwelling on the situation, she actively took control of the narrative by retelling her story by focusing on the positives of her game up until the point she had to drop out. The strategy worked well, and she went on to win the US Open only a few months later.
The same approach can be taken with business goals.
What failure can teach us about success
What to do when failure strikes
For instance, instead of “I hope I don’t make a mistake during this meeting with a client” turn it into “During this meeting I will speak clearly with confdence because my idea is worth Studiessharing.”have shown that focusing on the positives of our outcomes, even our failures, we can shrink the psychological hurt we feel as a result. This is important because when we experience failure and it hurts us, our subconscious tells us that we never want to fail at that same thing again, giving us a propensity to avoid doing anything similar again in order to prevent the hurt. This is known as avoidance motivation.
One of the most common reasons for failure is poor expectation and goal setting from the outset. It is human nature to overestimate what we can do and place ourselves on an unattainably high pedestal. But if we shoot for the moon and fail, it becomes all the more painful a process to recover from. Instead, if we are realistic with our goals and specifc about what we want from the get-go, it will help give a clearer indication of what success or failure will look like based on the outcomes we achieve. If your goals are dependent on a team, a shared agreement of what those goals are, and a common sense of purpose are absolutely essential to ensure everyone is clear about what it is they are working to achieve and in what way.
Strong leadership action is key. The role of a strong leader is key. The most efective leadership action involves outlining a clear sense of direction, whilst also setting the tone to invite everyone to participate without fear of judgement or reproach. This is known as ‘psychological safety’ and is critical to facilitating good conversations where everyone feels their input is valued and important. This enables people to feel comfortable within a group and more likely to perform at their best. Teams who are not having good conversations, are not likely to succeed. Moreover, it is also important to think about how teams are built and come together. Our human nature is to gravitate towards people who mirror ourselves, but homogeneity and ‘group think’ can often be the enemy of success. To innovate, you need diversity amongst your team so as to fnd as many difering perspectives on how best to reach your goal or tackle a problem.
In business, failure is as much a part of life as success, if not more so. Entrepreneurs are often driven by high achievement and therefore can feel setbacks deeply, but handled in the right way, challenges can propel us forward to go on to achieve even greater things. What do success and failure mean to you?
Research has shown that when we experience a set-back, how we choose to respond can fundamentally afect our brains. Specifcally, internalising a failure (or something we perceive to have been a failure) and dwelling on it, can eventually impair our ability to function in the future. So, it’s important to remember that success and failure are like a rollercoaster.
It’s useful to take a strength-based approach to this, which means regrouping and learning from the positives of the experience as opposed to trying to solve problems. Ask yourselves what went well? How did you achieve what you did? What processes helped you achieve this? What values did you work to in order to deliver those strengths? Now, how can you shape those strengths to reimagine them in a positive
Failure is a positive when you use it to infuence how you plan for the future and provides an additional set of tools to help you fex and deal with adversity in the future.
It is true that most start-up businesses fail.This, however, is not necessarily a negative. If in doubt, considerthe countless, hugely successful, entrepreneurs who have all had their fair share of business failures along their path to success.
going through this process, it’s good to have open and honest conversations which use positive language to build on people’s ideas, even if they are not views shared across the group. Taking a human-centred approach plays a huge part in building empathy amongst the team which will help boost productivity in the long term.
Website: https://www.impactinternational.com/
The most successful people accept and expect failure to happen and therefore plan accordingly for it. For an efective strategy, be sure to build in an ‘in case of emergency’ style plan so that if and when things go wrong, you are more prepared to respond.
Whenlight?
None of us are gifted with a crystal ball, so there will inevitably be things that do occur that are outside of our control. In order to respond to those sorts of challenges, it is helpful to always try and keep time back in the day to ‘expect the unexpected’. By doing so, it helps us to always keep one eye on our ultimate long term strategic goals, whilst still retaining an all important ability to react in the moment.
How to fail to facilitate success
About the author: Stuart Kelly is a Performance Psychology Consultant at Impact, a global leadership development and creative change agency.
Stuck for post ideas? Get to know your audience. Ask yourself ‘how do I want my audience to feel when they look at my posts?’. Do you want people to feel empowered by your brand and products? Are they there for convenience, or are they innovative and exciting? A lot of businesses forget that not only are you using social media to advertise to customers, you’re also using it to connect with them. Think of your ideal customer, the customer that you want to buy your product. What do they fnd relatable? What will make them stop scrolling in their feed and take the time to comment or leave a like, or even head on over to your website?
But there’s more to it than just posting...
On the Gee Hair Instagram we’ve posted about women empowerment, beauty, even jokes and cute animals! We keep to our pink colour theme with all our posts, and maybe add a dash of editing here and there to make our posts stand out in a crowd yet ft together seamlessly and be recognisable as ours. Because we know our audience and they know us, it gets plenty of engagement. So don’t be afraid to put a little of yourself into your social media feed! It will show that you’re having fun with things and that you have passion for your grind, making you a lot more appealing to your customers. And let’s be real—when it comes to social media, soulless advertising is always a turn of.
Here at Gee Hair, we have social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and Facebook, as well as a customer service email and number on Whatsapp. All of these platforms are valuable to our audience in diferent ways, with our biggest platform by far being Instagram, where we have over 230k followers and steady engagement on our posts. So how do we do it? And how can you? Here are some of my top tips on how you can use platforms such as these to reach a wider audience than ever before and ultimately increase your brand awareness and customer satisfaction. Increase your organic engagement
Of all the posts on our Instagram, the ones that consistently do the best for engagement are ones for contests or giveaways, where customers are incentivized to interact by liking, commenting or tagging their friends. But contests aren’t the only way of giving your audience this incentive. Other brands might have a question of the day, or they might run a poll for their audience to ask what they would like to see or if there is anything about the current product or service they might change. We love hearing customers’ thoughts on our products, and a lot of those reviews and suggestions have really shaped our current products and the way we do things. After all, as a business you’re catering to your clientele, so it’s absolutely vital that you take their feedback on board.
2020 and 2021 were turning points when it came to the digital landscape and the pandemic had a massive impact on the way we as brands connect to our customers and how we run our businesses. That’s why it’s so important that brands don’t restrict themselves when it comes to the ways in which they connect with potential customers. That being said, it’s also important to play to your strengths.
Thanks to the billions of people that use social media all over the world, it’s more important now than ever that brands engage and interact with their consumers. Here at Gee Hair, one of the things that makes us truly unique is our customer service. We love interacting with our customers, and at the end of the day it’s about more than just hair; it’s the customers themselves that carry the business, and if we want people to engage with us and buy our products, then it only makes sense that we engage with them, right? We see our customers as friends, and social media lets us have that personal connection with them.
Hana Johansen, co-founder of 100% natural remy hair extension brand Gee Hair, shares her advice on how to use social media to supercharge your brand’s success.
How to Use Social Media to Supercharge Your Brand’s Success
Posting regularly, once or more a day at certain times, is one thing you’ve probably heard about that can help potential customers see your posts. But if you’re posting everyday then you should make sure you’re not just posting for the sake of it, or that your posts don’t come across as robotic or lifeless. Increasingly so in the last few years, people’s loyalty to brands are heavily infuenced by their social media posts and customer service interactions. If your feed is full of pasted captions and uninspired stock photos, you rarely reply to comments on your posts, or you don’t check your direct messages - that’s going to turn people away before they even look at your website or products.
Taking advantage of other formats too, like video or even livestream can be hugely benefcial, especially for things like tutorials or demonstrations. On our Instagram page we have a few story highlights so people can look at reviews or tutorials if that’s what they came to the page for, and it gives them a quick and easy insight into the vibe of our posts so they can decide right away if they want to follow or not.
Another question to ask yourself is ‘what else, apart from posting, needs to be done to achieve my social media goals?’
Building a recognisable and efective social media presence is more work than meets the eye. At Gee Hair, we work closely with a lot of infuencers on Instagram as well as other social media platforms, and use the sites to keep up to date with the
latest trends in the hair and beauty industry. This lets us know what styles our customers might want to see, or what sort of posts will do the best.
Author: Hana Johansen is the co-founder of 100% natural remy hair extension brand Gee Hair. https://geehair.com/
For Instagram, engaging with your followers, following accounts, replying to comments and liking posts will genuinely help your organic outreach, and your posts will be shown to more people!
Remember: there’s no shortcut for building an audience that truly cares about your posts and your business, and starting out is always the most difcult bit. But don’t be disheartened; we were all there once.
Also - don’t be tempted to buy followers or use some other means of getting ahead fast; Instagram’s algorithm will be able to recognise if you’re being inauthentic, and long-term it won’t grant you the success you’re aiming for here. I can’t stress enough the importance of taking the time to build your brand’s quality as this will really speak for itself - like I said, no Beshortcuts!passionate!
Researching the algorithm of your platform of choice is also something you should defnitely spend some time on, as this will let you know how to get your posts seen more easily! It’s all well and good having a ton of hashtags in your tweets, but did you know that Twitter is then more likely to mark your tweets as spam, and you’ll actually get less engagement? It can be frustrating for small businesses trying to get a foothold and build an audience, which is why it’s absolutely worth doing the research before you get started!
Passion is the key to so many things in life, including being successful with both an organic customer base and the algorithms that control so much of social media. Gee Hair wouldn’t be where it is today without the passion of me and my sister Cindy. We know what we’re good at and we know how to keep our motivation high to keep the ball rolling on everything, which is defnitely a skill learned over our years of experience.
I truly believe that mindset is everything, especially when you’re just starting out. You can’t expect to come across as a lively, friendly brand that people will genuinely enjoy seeing on their feeds if you’re not truly passionate about it! You’ve got to make sure your brand and product is something you believe in, because otherwise how can you expect your customers to feel the same?
DISC analysis
According to Dr Mike Allan, a psychologist and associate director of employment advisory frm Livingstones Australia, it is possible to predict if an individual is more or less likely to be a successful entrepreneur purely by looking at their personal characteristics.
As a business owner, understanding where your strengths lie by undergoing some personality profling can be hugely valuable and could hold the key to taking your business to the next level. Not only can it help you communicate better, but it can also allow you to expand your horizons and improve your own skill set.
• Steadiness [Dove]: Supportive, stable and collaborative individuals who are patient, calm and possess excellent listening and team skills
Why your personality type could be the key to driving and preventing business success
Work/life balance was another divisive factor between each type, with 36% of Falcons working 60 hours plus compared to just 6% of Cockatoos, 0% of owls and 6% of Doves. There is no right or wrong when it comes to your personality type
Why personality type is important
There are four primary DISC profles, which we at BizSmart have translated into birds to represent each personality type. The profles are divided as follows:
DISC analysis is a behavioural assessment tool which measures personality and behavioural style, such as how you respond to challenges, how you infuence others and how you respond to rules and procedures.
• Conscientiousness [Owl]: Quiet and reserved individuals focused on accuracy who are motivated by an opportunity to use expertise or gain knowledge
•
When questioning business owners with each personality type on the challenges they faced, we found an obvious link between their individual traits and the hurdles they were trying to overcome on their business growth journeys.
Everyone sits diferently on the scale, but by examining where you and your employees’ fall you can better understand decisions that are being made within your business and in what areas you and others are holding it back, so that you can take steps to rectify it.
For example, 50% of individuals with a Dove profle revealed they struggle to remain on track with any plan compared to just 21% of Falcons, whilst 57% of Falcons said they struggle to attract and retain enough of the right people, compared to just 15% of Owls and 22% of Doves.
Whilst succeeding as a business owner requires certain traits and attitudes, building a solid team that works well together is clearly vital, too. Understanding people -- their behaviour, motivations, fears, and challenges – is a necessity for businesses to improve their performance, and understanding your employees’ personality traits and working styles as well as your own can help you establish whether weaknesses are within yourself, or within your wider business. By understanding your own personality type, you can lead others more efectively by focusing on your strengths and being aware of any potential pit falls, as well as understanding others’ strengths and requirements to succeed. So, where do you begin?
There are many diferent types of personality profling you can undertake but DISC analysis is, without a doubt, one of the most efective.
BizSmart’s own research also found this to be true and revealed a strong correlation between business success and personality type in our recently published ScaleUp Challenges report.
In business, DISC is used to analyse leadership styles and to help business owners understand their own strengths and weaknesses and the types of people they need within their organisation to build a cohesive and efective team. Typically, DISC profles are administered as a speed quiz, encouraging participants to answer the questions as quickly as they can and then move on. This added pressure means participants have less time to think through their answers and give what they perceive to be the ‘correct’ answer – they just respond with their gut. This means the responses are genuine refections of their behaviours – which is exactly what you want.
Dominance [Falcon]: Commanding individuals motivated by authority, competition and success who are self-confdent, direct and forceful by nature
The four personality types explained
• Infuence [Cockatoo]: Energised, pioneering and afrmative individuals motivated by social recognition and strong relationships
There have been thousands of books written about what it takes to be successful in business, but what isn’t as widely spoken about is how much your personality traits could impact your chances of success.
Whilst these fndings shed an interesting light on where some personality types fall down on their business growth journeys, it’s important to know that all DISC styles and priorities are equally valuable. The idea of learning about your personality profle is not to fnd out if you are better than anyone else but is instead to gain a better understanding of yourself and how you think about situations.
Kevin Brent is director of business support provider and franchise, BizSmart.
The above points are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding how personality type can afect your business, and clearly it is worth taking the time to get to know both yours and your employees’ unique traits to improve selfawareness and, in turn, organisational efectiveness.
Conclusion
Accepting the strengths and weaknesses of yourself and those around you can not only improve your ability to work more positively with your team but everyone you encounter and will help put your business on the path to sustainable growth and success.
https://www.bizsmart.co.uk/
Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough? Like you’re a fraud or you’re going to get found out? That you’re in a room full of people who are so much better than you? Well, that is called imposter syndrome and you’re in good company as 70% of us feel like this at some point in our life, with women being much more susceptible to this than men.
Tip one: Let’s get visual Whenever any feelings of doubt creep in, I visualise a dark little devil sitting on my right shoulder. He tells me the things that keep me safe, don’t stretch me or put me in the way of danger. He’s the voice that says “Don’t do that because something bad will happen” or “You can’t do that”. By visualising him and giving him a persona, this really helps me recognise what is going on and helps me stop him in his tracks.
And whilst women are more likely to sufer from imposter syndrome it can impact anyone. Imposter syndrome is not a diagnosed medical condition, nor are there any magic potions to make it go away, but it is essential to tackle head on and make sure that it does not have a debilitating efect on your work and success.
Recognise: Firstly, I recognise whose voice it is. Is it the imposter devil or my positive angel?
If you’re not a visual person, you can try writing the thoughts down then physically throwing them away, or using another powerful stop word which resonates with you. Just keep trying diferent techniques until you fnd one that works for you. I also encourage you to welcome your angel’s voice and all the positive thinking surrounding that - visualise all the things you can achieve and start believing in yourself. After all, what you believe is what you can achieve.
In contrast to the little devil (the imposter syndrome), I also have my angel sitting on my left shoulder. She is full of light and positivity, and whispers “You can do this, give it a go, what’s the worst that can happen”, “you’re going to be good at this, you’ve got all this experience, you’ve done all these things… use them!” I visualise her as having warmth and Bothenergy.of these personas have very diferent voices and agendas, both make me feel and act very diferently. But the process I use when I hear these voices is the same:
Release: Finally it’s about releasing. I choose not to listen to the negative voice if he’s whispering unhelpful things, releasing his negativity, and only take on board what the angel says to me.
Another technique which worked wonders for helping me manage feelings of anxiety and worry was a ‘worry journal’.
You only need to spend 10-15 mins a day writing down and ‘brain-dumping’ all the things that worry you - it’s a purposeful, allocated time for worry, so don’t go over the time slot.
All worriers know that once you start worrying about one thing it can easily spiral. Allocating a set time is really powerful as you’re recognising those feelings, you’re acknowledging them but you’re not letting them control you, and you’re releasing them by getting them out of your head
This is something you need to keep working on as the imposter naturally can come back from time to time, (there’s a saying ‘new level, new devil, for a reason!) but when it does, I just use the same technique.
Acknowledge: Then I acknowledge what they are saying to me. Is it useful, factually accurate, worth listening to?
Tip two: The worry journal
Those sufering from imposter syndrome will often start a task or new job with strong feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy and often anxiety. And even when they are successful or have achieved the desired outcome, they often attribute this to luck, a fuke or overworking. These cycle of thoughts often make you feel like a fraud waiting to be exposed which then perpetuates and aggravates these self doubting beliefs.
Needless to say, this is not the case and these individuals are competent and suitable for the task in hand. High achievers are generally more prone to this phenomenon because of their school or university career. Where they would have previously attributed their successes to a percentage or letter determining their intelligence, in the working world their abilities hold no solid ‘grade’ proof and in most cases the constant worry of being exposed or tagged as such can result in anxiety and depression. * So how do you overcome this? Or is this just the way things are always going to be? I’ve had years of working on overcoming challenges all linked to imposter syndrome and I know I’m not alone! So, I want to share my process for recognising those imposter feelings, acknowledging them for what they are (not true!) and releasing them so you can start confdently and powerfully showing up and serving your audience - and boosting your business to the next level.
How to ImposterOvercomeSyndrome
To release I use an NLP technique which taught me to visualise a huge stop sign as soon as I recognise the little devil’s words. I visualise putting it in front of him. He can’t get over it, under it or round it… and he’s defnitely not getting through it!
ENTREPRENEUR
Tip three: Flip reverse it… This leads me nicely on how to fip the imposter and turn those negative thoughts into positive questions that you could use to your advantage. For example, if you hear him saying “You can’t do this” change this to “How can I do this?” Reframing your language is one of the most powerful things you can do for your self-belief. You owe it to yourself, your clients, and future clients to show up and share your expertise. Only by stepping out of your comfort zone will you create a new comfort zone and edge closer to your goals.
So, what are you waiting for?
so they aren’t whirring around and getting jumbled with Youreality.are taking back the power of how you feel, act and think - and that is the key to stepping up and showing up powerfully to your audience.
*https://www.sciencedaily.compower.releases/2021/03/210316112323.htm
About the Author Rhiannon Bates is the driving force behind Garnet PR, a boutique agency specialising in mindset, business and PR coaching for female business owners, particularly servicebased business or those in the rural and luxury lifestyle sectors. She also provides Public Relations services for highlevel female coaches and entrepreneurs. www.garnetpr.com
ENTREPRENEUR
Experiencing bouts of imposter syndrome is entirely normal and natural, some people are more susceptible than others, but know that you are not alone! We usually hear his little growling voice when we’re stretching ourselves out of our comfort zones, so it can be seen as a good sign. Remember, ‘new level, new devil’ - but you can stop him in his tracks and step fully into your
Life moves and evolves and sometimes change can be tough and sometimes it can be welcome. In the last few years many of us have been forced to change the way we work, the way we socialise, our holiday plans and the way we keep in touch with friends and family. Some of this change has been heartbreaking, some has been unsettling and disappointing and other changes have delivered unexpected silver linings. Here are fve simple ways to cope with change and build resilience, in just a few minutes a day. Take care of the basics If you want to emerge from change fghting ft and raring to go then you need to take care of the basics. That means eating healthy food, getting enough micro-nutrients, enough sleep and drinking plenty of water. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have take-outs or go out for a few drinks – just take care of the basics most of the time. Getting enough rest is also crucial. To help with sleep make sure you don’t have a TV in your bedroom and ideally don’t have your phone in your bedroom. Get an alarm clock and charge your phone in the kitchen. Trust me – the world will not tilt on its axis if you are not within touching distance of your phone for a few hours. Make eating well easy for yourself. Take a few minutes to plan your meals for the week and make sure there is plenty fresh fruit and vegetables in the house. Also consider a social media detox for a day or so. You might be surprised at how much better you feel.
We’ve all been in awe of the National Health Service through the pandemic but the Natural Health Service is also worth shouting about. Change, even positive change or change that we are excited about, can cause disruption and elevated stress. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone and too much of it can cause havoc to our health and mental wellbeing. Cortisol also creates negative feedback loops which means that the more cortisol we create in the body the worse we feel which in turn creates even more cortisol in a downward spiral. It’s so important to break that downward spiral as quickly as possible and one great way is to get near nature – a park will do. Pay attention to the sounds and smells and simply enjoy some quiet time and the fresh air. As autumn is with us, one thing I love doing, especially with my children, is trying (and succeeding) to catch a falling leaf. It’s also a great game and it looks very silly to anyone watching. The bigger leaves
Mindset Matters: How to Embrace Change
Natural Health Service
like sycamore and horse chestnut are far easier to catch as they’re bigger, but there’s great kudos if you catch a smaller one like an oak leaf. You might even create a game with points awarded for the how many you catch and how hard they are based on their size. Being outside in or around nature has restorative powers that allow us to get back on an even keel, so we can more forward constructively with the change.
If possible, add in a little walk too. Just breathe and listen to the sights and sounds of nature. Make a move
Celebrate Failure Change requires us to do, think or be diferent in some way. This often means mistakes, failures and slip ups along the way. It’s rare that we move seamlessly from one position to the other without some stumbles. Learning to ride a bike is a change—change from walking to a new form of transport— and learning to ride a bike doesn’t just happen miraculously, like the fick of a switch. It’s a journey of anxiety, questionable balance and a few scrapes. Everyone fails their way to riding a bike.
Instead of sitting inside to eat your lunch, why not go to a local park with some work friends and enjoy lunch al fresco.
We all know this and yet when we become adults, we dread failure. It is seen as a weakness or something that must be hidden or fudged. And that is rubbish! Failure is the only way to succeed at anything, including successful change. This is known as having a growth mindset – the idea that everything is possible and we can get better at anything if we stick with it and persevere. Take a minute to think about how many times you have embarked on change and created unrealistically high expectations for yourself. Stop expecting immediate perfection and instead settle for consistent efort.
Another great way to disperse cortisol in your system is to move and get physically active. You don’t need to go overboard – no need to pound the pavement at 5am. Just move your body. Put on a favourite song and dance around your living room—like no one is watching—for a few minutes.
ENTREPRENEUR
The next time you need a hit of confdence during the change process, go to the bathroom and engage in two minutes of superhero pose. You may feel silly at frst, but it will do wonders for your health and wellbeing.
What do you love? What makes you happy? Is it meeting up with friends, listening to really loud music or singing at the top of your lungs in the car on the way to work? Do you love taking some time out and reading a good thriller? Or do you just enjoying some family time at the end of a challenging week? Whatever it is, do more of it.
Web: www.meee.global
Another great habit to get into is appreciation. In the shower in the morning or on your daily commute, take a few minutes to think about the three things that you are most grateful for in your life. Relish those things in the midst of change. I’m a great believer in instant change, little ‘micro-moments’ of learning or adaptation that allow us to actively take charge of our situation and emotions in the moment, to reset and to bring more of our best to help ourselves and others. By taking just a few minutes a day and following the suggestions above you can put yourself in the best possible state of mind to manage change successfully.
Positive Habits
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sid Madge is the founder of Meee which draws on the best creativity and thinking from the worlds of psychology, neuroscience, branding, education and sociology, to help people achieve extraordinary lives. To date, Meee has transformed the lives of over 20,000 people, from leaders of SMEs to PLCs, to parents, teachers, students, carers, the unemployed and prison inmates.
ENTREPRENEUR
Change can be disconcerting. It can feel like your whole life is being shaken, so deliberately hang on to the positive habits that already make you feel happy and safe. If you don’t have any of those, make them. Take a minute to think back to a time in your life when you felt especially peaceful or happy. What exactly were you doing? Have you stopped doing that? If so, why?
Sid Madge is also author of the ‘Meee in a Minute’ series of books, which each ofer 60 ways to change your life, work or family life in 60 seconds.
LUXURY LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE The LuxuryFounderSuccessfulLifestyleSpecial
EasternClipperStarMediterraneanOdyssey
Leaving Mykonos, we journeyed to Patmos, a serene island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, the cave where he is said to have lived is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. It houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasury. On day three our sights were on Chios, a mastic-scented island with fascinating history and said to be the birthplace of Homer and the ancient mathematicians Hippocrates and Enopides.
Created for luxury-appreciating passengers who also love the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships, Star Clipper is 115 metres long and carries just 166 guests in pampered comfort. Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like travelling on a private yacht. This elegant ship ofers spacious accommodations and expansive teak decks with ample space and two swimming pools. In fact, you’ll fnd Star Clipper and her siblings ofer more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships.
Arriving at the port of Athens, and seeing Star Clipper for the frst time, really is something special. Larger and even more majestic then expected, she’s a sight to behold. Following a smooth embarkation, and warm greeting by the fantastic crew, it was time to explore. After marvelling at the deck and noting all the perfect places to sunbathe, dolphin watch, and enjoy a cocktail or three at the deck bar, we stepped inside. The decor of Star Clipper is reminiscent of the grand age of sail. Antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships please your eye, while teak and gleaming mahogany rails are richly remindful of Star Clippers’ proud nautical heritage.
Ship aside, Star Clippers ofers a wide range of exciting itineraries to choose from. Ours was to explore the Eastern Mediterranean, sailing through the Aegean Sea, and stopping of at various islands along the way to take in world famous archaeological sites such as Troy. After a wonderful three days exploring Athens staying at iconic The Grand Bretagne and new and exciting gastronomy hotel xenodocheio Milos, we sailed to Mykonos, loved by the rich, famous, and hedonistic party people. One of the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek Islands, Mykonos is a contrast of rocky hills and beautiful beaches. Hora, the capital, spreads around a colourful harbour, a popular meeting place, overlooked by a variety of tavernas, in which fshing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts.
Leaving the Greek islands behind us, we sailed on to the sleepy beach town of Dikili, with its harbour lined with open-air restaurants and shops with local food specialties. Nearby, Bergama is worth a visit especially for its two main monuments: the Acropolis perched at a height of 280 metres and the Asklepion.
Walking past the inside bar area and cosy lounge with a mini-grand piano, you descend to the delightful light and airy dining room where you take all your meals. All Star Clippers’ ships feature open-seating dining. Here you can choose to dine as a couple or share a table with others – something most people do, and we are so pleased we did as actually we made the acquaintance of two wonderful couples really made our time on board extra special. We enjoyed onshore excursions with them and evening drinks and have kept in touch and are planning to meet up again on Star Flyer on one of its Caribbean itineraries next year.
There are holidays you enjoy, and then those you remember for years to come. You know, those extra special ones where the stars aligned and everything was just right – the weather, the people, the ambiance, and the food? For this very reason, guests on Star Clipper return time and time again, as they know they will always leave with memories to cherish, friendships renewed, and new connections made. Being at sea is a passion, but the thought of being on one of those huge cruise ships with thousands of others leaves me rather cold. Someone mentioned Star Clipper as perfect alternative and on learning more, I couldn’t wait to experience for myself – and our ‘Delightful Dervishes’ Eastern Med Greek and Turkish islandhopping extravaganza began.
Each teatime, most guests head on deck to the indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar for cocktails and canapes and a range of tasty snacks, and to enjoy the musical entertainment and catch up on the day’s events. This bar is the place to head after dinner too, for more music, dancing and fun entertainment enjoyed by all.
Meals are excellent and it’s quite astonishing how the chef and teams produce such a wonderful array of tasty dishes day after day. They really do make dining aboard a delightful culinary adventure with an international menu of foods from the corners of the Earth. From waking up, you can help yourself to a cofee and continental breakfast with Parisian croissants or sweet Danish pastries. Or you can savour a full breakfast with fresh tropical fruit and crisp bacon, grilled sausage and omelettes cooked to order in the dining room. At lunch, a marvellous bufet of seafood, salads and grilled
And on to Bozcaada with its ancient, cobbled streets and hidden sandy coves. You can stop of to visit one of the six wineries on the island and enjoy a tasting. On the fnal full day aboard we were at sea, this is when you can fully relax on deck and watch dolphins play below. It’s a great opportunity to climb the mast too – weather permitting! Not for those fearful of heights but on our trip, one brave gent celebrated his 80th birthday with a bold climb to the top! After a fnal night on board, we woke up as we were about to dock at historic Istanbul, a huge metropolis connecting continents, cultures, and religions. Very sad to say our goodbyes to friends made and all the crew, we set of on a fnal ship-organised excursion to see the famous mosques and historic city centre, before crossing the bridge to the Asian side and spending a couple of nights at the excellent Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel before heading home.
Cabin wise, there’s a good choice of categories, and all are cleverly designed to maximise every inch of space, and far more comfortable than you might expect on a ship such as this. Some categories even have a whirlpool bath and cabin doors opening right out on to the deck. All have their own bathroom with shower, fat screen TV and most other mod cons you could wish for.
favourites awaits your pleasure, and sometimes you can indulge in an outdoor barbecue on shore. And, in the evening, the pretty dining room becomes the setting for the chef’s fnest culinary presentations, designed to please the eye and the palate, complemented by a selection of fne wines. The service is excellent – friendly and gracious, and most nights there is a diferent theme, so you don’t get bored of the same food night after night.
Any Star Clipper journey is a wonderful experience and it’s so easy to see why an amazingly high percentage of guests return year after year. Now this includes us, and we can’t wait to be on board again in the Spring. For further information: https://starclippers.co.uk/
If you’re yet to be acquainted, Star Clipper is one of three most majestic true clipper ships from the company of the same name. Star Flyer is Star Clipper’s twin, and Royal Clipper its larger and grander cousin. Think towering masts, billowing sails – and in simplistic terms, maybe even Pirates of the Caribbean (in an altogether much more hygienic and contemporary way) … Whilst the ships may look at frst glance like something from a swashbuckling maritime period flm, they are modern cruise ships in every way, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present day.
For opulent luxury, history, incredible views and a perfect location, Hotel Grand Bretagne in Athens is hard to beat. Loved by Hollywood stars and royalty for decades, it has won numerous awards and truly is one of the city’s most loved treasures.
To celebrate very special occasions, a stay in The Royal Suite is a must. This one-bedroom, two-bathroom suite is spread over 400 square meters, with many windows providing matchless views of the city, Syn tagma Square, the Acropolis, the Parliament and Lycabettus Hill.
When searching for a 5 star hotel to stay in prior to a cruise on another acclaimed treasure -Star Clipper, this was a top choice. With breath taking views of the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square and the Parliament, Lycabettus Hill and the original Olympic Stadium no other hotel can compete in providing such an unrivaled perspective of Athens’ mythical history. Being located right in the heart of the city since it was built in 1874, it’s within easy walking distance of exclusive shopping areas and museums and if you’re feeling particularly energetic and the weather isn’t quite as hot as it was when we visited, you can walk to the Acropolis too – al though it is an uphill jaunt for most of the way. Local taxis are plentiful and cheap though. We loved the beautiful park within just fve minutes away, planted with blissfully fragrant avenues of orange trees providing much needed shade and a delightful place to picnic and read. Superb location aside, the hotel’s interior is a feast for the eyes and if you appreciate acres of gold, forals, antiques and art you will be in heaven. As the name states it really is rather grand. Given that within the walls of Hotel Grande Bretagne history is unveiled through myriads of antiques and art masterpieces, the historic landmark even ofers guests a “museum tour”, every Thursday between 17:00 - 18:00, upon Inrequest.2003, with an investment of 82 million euro, the hotel underwent a massive restoration and emerged as a state-of-the-art, fve-star re incarnation of its former glory that continues to delight its guests with legendary hospitality and iconic style. The 320 rooms and suites seam lessly marry charming old-world elegance with state-of-the-art facilities. Elegantly appointed and entirely individual, the 320 guestrooms and suites at Hotel Grande Bretagne provide refned living in the heart of Athens. Sumptuous fabrics, original artworks, museum-quality antiques and classic architectural features combine with modern technology to present accommodation that embraces the historic legacy of this dynamic city. Each guestroom and suite is furnished with The Luxury Collection Bed allowing for restorative sleep to enrich the soul. Floorto-ceiling windows ofer an abundance of natural light and captivating views across Acropolis Hill and Syntagma Square, while opulent ensuite bathrooms provide prime opportunity for pampering. All rooms and suites come with a well-stocked refreshment centre, bottles of water and nightly turndown, as well as fat screen televisions and access to highspeed Wi-Fi. Personalized 24-hour Butler Service and expedited check-in is ofered to all 56 suites, alongside guestrooms located on the sixth and seven foors.
A stay at the Grande Bretagne isn’t complete until you’ve experienced the ho tel’s beautiful award-winning spa. Here you can enjoy the gorgeous tranquil indoor pool area designed to evoke the classic sensations of the baths of ancient Rome, plus a wide range of restorative treatments and a workout in the gym. Whether you are planning a longer city stay, or like us, a quick 2 day stop of before embarking on a cruise, this elegant and historic hotel is a perfect choice.
Up on the top of the hotel is the acclaimed and award-winning Roof Garden Restaurant, ofering the fnest Mediterranean cuisine. The talented Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis and highly experienced team produce dish after won derful dish. Our meals were excellent – fresh seafood, indulgent desserts and an impressive choice of fne wines. You can forgive yourself for being distract ed from the food though, by the view from your table of the Acropolis food lit at night – quite a sight to behold. Do see if you can book a table outside close to the edge for the best vantage point and head up an hour early to enjoy the excellent bar there which shares these incredible views.
There are a number of other places to dine too – including the Winter Garden which is known as one of the city’s most elegant and enchanting havens for a European breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea or dinner accompanied by live piano music. And, not forgetting the Pool Bar for authentic Greek cuisine, light snacks and excellent cocktails.
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All rooms are beautifully presented though and our Deluxe Twin Guest Room with City View also looked out to some of these wonders. The rooms are appointed with The Luxury Collection Twin Beds, dressed in the highest quality Frette linen and topped with a selection of plump pillows. We appreciated the fact that each spacious guestroom is indi vidually furnished with hand-picked antiques and original artworks. A muted colour palette of cream and taupe, highlighted original features with gold accents and historic fourishes. Some have a balcony too where you can enjoy a cofee and watch the world pass by. The marble en-suite bathrooms are like stepping back in time to a world of mirrors, marble and gold. Spacious and featuring a large rainfall shower, double basins and usefully illuminated vanity mirror, they come with plush cotton bathrobes, slippers and Gilchrist & Soames bath Withproducts.somuch to see and do here, lovely as the rooms are, a visit to the hotel’s other delights is a must. We made full use of the large rooftop pool and bar area – again with the most incredible views. And headed
Hotel Grand Bretagne to the beautiful spa to relax in the stunning pool there too.
The frst is designed as an authentic Athenian neoclassical apartment and pays tribute to bespoke luxury and timeless elegance. This expansive suite ofers in credible views of Lycabettus Hill and historical Old Parliament House, and enjoys high ceilings and handpicked fabrics and materials, combined with a separate bedroom, spacious seating and dining area and exclusive amenities.
The menu provides a world-celebrated take on Mediterranean cuisine. We dined on the most delicious of menus carefully curated to ensure my coeliac young niece had just an amazing culinary experience as myself. For every course the team went above and beyond to ensure they stringently met her strictly gluten free requirements and still presented dish after dish of delights. If you adore seafood this restaurant is a must. I’ve rarely experienced fsh as wonderfully prepared and tasty. The service is warm without being overly intrusive and all the team are in credibly knowledgeable and the very best at what they do, and nothing is too much trouble. We recommend you enjoy an aperitif or after dinner cocktail masterfully prepared by their expert mixologists at the super bar too.
Over all, whether for a long stay or short pre-cruise stay xenodocheio Milos is a truly wonderful hotel to dine and stay at.
Of course, being a gastronomy hotel, a stay here is as much about the incredible dining experience ofered as it is the rooms, suites and amenities. The beauti ful white-on-white restaurant with high ceilings, a sweeping staircase, foor to high windows dressed in fne foaty drapes is a visual as well as culinary delight. Everything from the quality of the glassware to snow-white crispness of the table linen is of the highest level and sets expectations for the cuisine to match.
For further information and to book visit: www.xenodocheiomilos.com
The moment you enter the main doors, you leave the bustle of this busy city be hind and enter a serene oasis of calm. It’s remarkably quiet and after a long and delayed fight, the peace is most welcome.
xenodocheio Milos is home to estiatorio Milos and of all its distinguished guests from around the world. It prides itself in being a place where “philoxenia”, the sacred art of making a stranger feel like home, is frmly in its DNA.
For those who appreciate fne dining and love to travel the world, a glorious new gastronomy gem nestled in the heart of Athens is a discovery to delight. Opened to discerning guests earlier this year, xenodocheio Milos is the city’s frst true luxury gastronomy 5* hotel and has rapidly gained the enviable reputation as the city’s most sought after and coveted foodie’s delight.
Elegant and refned are two words which perfectly describe both boutique hotel, restaurant and bar. A unique combination of luxury and simplicity has been achieved throughout.
Enviably located in downtown Athens opposite Old Parliament, an area bursting with history and celebrates the best of Greek heritage, art and cuisine, this culinary hotel is a short walk or short taxi ride to most of the city’s famous world heritage sites including the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square, Lycabettus Hill and the original Olympic Stadium.
The 43 individually styled rooms and suites are so tastefully designed. Each of the bedrooms and suites are classically designed, taking hints from Athens glorious architecture outside. High ceilings, large glass windows and doors give a real feeling of space, softened with plush velvet furnishings. This harmoniously blending of contemporary design, minimalistic art and sophisticated décor creates a restful and luxurious ambiance and guest also delight in the fact each room is complemented by a series of handpicked personalised touches. Some of the rooms and suites even have spacious outdoor sunny terraces - a number of which boast spectacular Lycabettus Hill and Old Parliament House views. If these gorgeous rooms are not already snapped up, do opt for the Milos Signature Suite or Milos Terrace Suite.
We certainly were not disappointed. It’s evident the chefs select the fnest fresh raw materials and cook them with minimum interference to preserve their wonderful natural favour. All the produce has been selected from farmers and fshermen each most carefully chosen by the founder, Chef Costas Spiliadis, whose quest for quality and perfection remain unchanged and renowned.
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Our favourite though is the spacious and luxurious Terrace Suite, which includes a large outdoor seating terrace with a jacuzzi, perfect for enjoying a glass of fne champagne or two gazing out on to the roof tops and historic sites beyond.
On our arrival we were treated to a gorgeously presented array of edible goodies and champagne, all of which were thoughtfully gluten free to cater for our needs.
If you would like a sauna too, then do opt for the hugely impressive Presidential King Suite which has a Living Room, King Bed, lovely views of the sea, a sauna and jacuzzi with luxurious bath products to enjoy.
If the intense hustle and bustle of central Istanbul doesn’t appeal and you’d prefer to enjoy this amazing city from a more peaceful place, Wyndham’s luxurious, elegant, and perfectly positioned Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel is an ideal choice. Located in an upmarket neighbourhood on the Asian side of the city with views of the Sea of Marmara, the hotel is still within just a 20-minute taxi ride to Istanbul’s exotic bazaars, world famous sultan’s palaces and imperial mosques, museums, cofee houses and tea gardens, and also the central marinas where you can take a luxury yacht for a cruise along the Bosporus.
wyndham-grand-istanbul-kalamis-marina/overviewhttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/en-uk/wyndham-grand/istanbul-turkey/
Wyndham Grand
The hotel has seven restaurants and lounges featuring favours of both East and West to suit any palate. At sunset, cocktails at Jigger Roof Bar on the roof is a must, for its amazing views, and an informal lunch is perfect here too. It’s very popular with well-heeled locals as well as hotel guests.
For quieter days away from the heart of Istanbul, the hotel ofers plenty to occupy your time. We particularly enjoyed rooftop pool with stunning marina and sea views, and indoor pool at the Blue Harmony® Spa. Here you can indulge in a classic Turkish steam bath ritual or a host of other treatments for body and face.
Our very spacious Corner King Sea View was a delight. Very pretty in white, dove grey and silver, it featured a corner relaxation area with a chaise longue and lovely views of the marina with expensive yachts, a king size bed, large windows with further pleasant views and a luxury bathroom with large jacuzzi bath.
Another venue at the hotel with glorious views of the sun set is its excellent Ouzo restaurant. Serving the freshest fsh and delicious mezze it has the feel of a Greek meets Turkish tavern with an outdoor rooftop deck. Our meal was rather special - course after course of the most wonderful fare, paired masterfully with fne wine. There’s live music too – and again this restaurant is a very popular choice with locals – always a good sign. It really is worth seeking out this excellent hotel if you plan an Istanbul stay. It has it all – great location, luxurious spacious rooms, gorgeous views, wonderful dining, and a fantastic spa – and less than 30 minutes from central Istanbul.
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The best place to take in the splendour and majesty of the many palaces and bridges along the way. After sightseeing all day, the hotel provides a welcoming peaceful haven to rest and unwind. It’s classical exterior houses a beautifully designed elegant and contemporary high-ceilinged lobby with glittering chrome and glass features. The corridors between rooms are dark, and softly lit– a sensory gift after being in the bright sun all day, leading to huge wooden doors to each eye-catchingly elegant room.
Palacio Solecio
Built in the 18th century by Italian nobleman and playing card man ufacturer, Felix Solecio, the palace was derelict for 80 years before restoration began in the able hands of architect and designer Antonio Obrador. Part of the Marugal management portfolio, which includes Torralbenc in Menorca, as well as Hotel Urso and Totem in Madrid, the hotel - which opened at the end of 2019 - retains original architectural and design features, while being infused with a stylish contemporariness that’s in keeping with Malaga’s position as an up-and-coming city; a destination in its own right, rather than a launchpad for the rest of the Costa del Sol.
Restoration yielded sgrafto images on the palace’s façade; the original stone staircase is visible from the entrance, and the iron grilles protect ing the windows have been painstakingly brought back to their original glory. Elsewhere, Obrador has drawn on Moorish infuences, with pil lared archways fanking the interior courtyards; exposed brickwork, and ‘cordobanes’ – decoratively painted leather works which were popular in Andalucía in the 16th and 17th centuries – on the walls. Records of the palace’s original interiors have been mined for inspiration and are refected, for instance, in the elegant herringbone fabrics that provide colour and depth to the low-key luxe furnishings of the 68 guestrooms, to which an additional 49 are to be added. And what guestrooms they are. It’s fortunate – or unfortunate, perhaps, depending on your perspective – that Malaga, in its emergent incarna tion as a cultural and gastronomical hub, had so much to lure me into its streets, or else the temptation to languish in the supremely comfortable four-poster bed, or to wallow in the free-standing tub, may have proved my downfall. Yet even if the proximity of Malaga’s grand cathedral; impressive bull ring; bustling market; 30-plus museums and thriving restaurant scene were not enough to drag you from your room, then the hotel’s facilities surely would be. Yes, the ftness ofering is undeniably modest for the time being, but there’s a rooftop bar and pool planned and, besides, Malaga is an easily walkable and endlessly explorable city, which is bound to keep your pedometer happy, even if you don’t tackle the quad-busting climb from the Old Town up to the 11th century Alcazaba Butfortress.thereal and immediate lure from the rooms is the restaurant, Balausta, the brains and skill behind which is Michelin-starred chef José Carlos García. Seamless attention is matched with exquisite menu options, with an emphasis, unsurprisingly, on local produce and fresh seafood. We drank expertly crafted cocktails before moving on to ancho vies, grilled sardines, and a vibrant kale salad, accompanied by wines from a beautifully curated list. A traditional fsherman’s stew was given a twist with pumpkin escalivada, drawn from the Catalan tradition of ash-roasted vegetables. Sea bass was served with Malaga clam velouté, pak choi and black garlic – and, as alluring as the dessert menu was, we chose to swerve it in favour of waking up ready (or at least not too full) for breakfast in the same setting: think pastries, eggs cooked to order, cheese, meats, and fresh fruit. Even if you can’t help but slope back to your room for a post-prandial snooze afterwards - before venturing down to the city’s recently renewed and glossy port; or into its regenerated ‘Soho’ neighbourhood, with its large-scale street art and hipster cafes - the food, the setting and the ser vice make the efort well worth getting out of bed for. Is there a holiday let or Airbnb that can lay claim to that?
Palacio Solecio (00 34 9522 22000; www.palaciosolecio.com) ofers double rooms from £142 per night on a room-only basis, or B&B from £157 per night. By Sarah Rodrigues
A restored palace once owned by an Italian card manu facturer has been opened as the Palacio Solecio - and is proof that Malaga is now a city to be reckoned with.
This may well be true, but it’s difcult to imagine that any of them are comparable with Palacio Solecio, an Andalusian palace set in the intriguing alleys of Malaga’s picturesque Old Town, within a short stroll of the Museo Picasso and Roman Amphitheatre.
At the beginning of summer, Francisco de la Toree, the mayor of Malaga – a hub on Spain’s Andalucian coast – sparked controversy by saying that it was in the city’s interests to limit holiday lets, as these tend to attract a certain type of traveller. His argument – that Malaga wants quality rather than quantity from its visitors – led Carlos Perez Lanzac, the President of the Association of Tourist Properties of Andalucía to defend Malaga’s holiday apartment ofering, saying that many of them are ‘comparable with fve-star hotels.’
During the 12-day, Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a frst-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or beginning in late 2022, the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests then fy to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring Privileged Access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a fight back to Cairo for a fnal night in the ancient city.
Viking Osiris
Viking Mississippi
Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Osiris is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. The vessel features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Viking Osiris will join the company’s other ship on the Nile, Viking Ra, which launched in 2018. Additionally, in response to strong demand, Viking Aton, an identical sister ship to Viking Osiris, will join the feet in 2023.
www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk
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World-acclaimed luxury cruise company Viking is introducing new ships and exciting itineraries for the rest of this year and 2023.
Sail Away
The new Viking Mississippi will be the frst Viking ship to sail on an American river. She will host 386 guests in 193 all outside staterooms and is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships. She will feature elegant Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the fve-deck ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities will make it the largest and most modern ship in the region. Currently scheduled ports of call on Viking’s new Mississippi River itineraries comprise seven U.S. states: Louisiana (Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans and St. Francisville); Mississippi (Natchez and Vicksburg); Tennessee (Memphis); Missouri (Hannibal, St. Louis); Iowa (Burlington, Dubuque and Davenport); Wisconsin (La Crosse); and Minnesota (Red Wing, St. Paul).
Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary
The Magnolia Hotel ofers a Standard Double Room from €120/£105.
Focusing on a design where only 9 percent of the overall area was built on, Jordan ensured that the verdant landscape was maintained and natural spaces carefully built on. For 50 years Quinta do Lago has seen heavy building restrictions placed on the resort and now very limited land is still available to purchase and build on. Establishing a now world-renowned status today, the success of Quinta do Lago is found in its simplicity and unwavering exclusivity.
For those looking to ensure the best experience at the resort guests can use the newly opened Q Hub in the heart of Quinta do Lago. Encompassing all aspects of renting and home-ownership, Q Hub provides guests and residents with more time to enjoy the luxury lifestyle right on their doorstep. Guests and residents are greeted by the helpful team at the Q Info desk, a dedicated information point for concierge services and queries. Inside, the Clube da Quinta team are ready to provide excellent property and rental management for residents looking to maximise assets, and warmly welcome guests with luxury rental accommodation and hospitality services. As families have become closer to working full time from home and are spending more time in their home environments, properties in Quinta do Lago need to be both practically spacious with well equipped ofce spaces, all whilst maintaining a boundary between the work life balance, bringing the family unit together. Quinta do Lago have noted the changing client expectations for properties in this area and are openly accepting the demands for quality of life. As more people are swapping city life for coastal verdant escapes like the Algarve, there is an increasing popularity in swapping out closed of spaces like cinemas and dining spaces, for open plan airy social spaces. Natural elements are also the focus with bifolding doors and work from home sanctuaries that invite the ofce outside.
By Alice Bradley
The Family Cottages are available from €216/£188 per night on a B&B basis. Book now themagnoliahotelqdl.com For more information please visit The Quinta do Lago website (www. quintadolago.com) or contact on +351 289 005 300.
Quinta do Lago
The development also provides access to the Residents’ Club which includes a 25-metre pool, tennis and padel courts and gym facilities situated in the heart of the estate. Residents can also enjoy the newest addition to the fne-dining restaurant Umami, a fusion of Japanese robatayaki cuisine. Explore the restaurant’s wine pairing
It’s the prime environment to get the most out of life. Quinta do Lago is celebrating its 50th year as the leading golf resort in the Algarve. The resort, which was founded in 1971 by Andre Jordan, set aside his vision to create a destination inspired by celebrating nature.
Properties in this exclusive resort town ofer high specifcation new builds from gated apartment complexes like the RESERVA complex ofering expansive sea views. With an unrivalled location overlooking Ria Formosa, this 26-apartment new build development is a highly anticipated asset to Quinta do Lago’s delicately growing property portfolio. This lateral living space spreads into a D-shape west-facing building with modernist designs throughout, including rooftop terraces, private rooftop pool and vibrant green spaces.
menu that allows for local Portuguese wines to be suitably matched to small plates of quality meat, fsh and vegan friendly dishes that are grilled over sustainably sourced natural charcoal.
This grandiose region of the Algarve should be celebrated and whatever inspires your next visit here, whether it be investment in property in the area or a meticulously planned vacation, you will be left feeling completely relaxed.
Set amongst 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park and located just 15 minutes from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago is famous for ofering residents and guests a variety of lifestyle pursuits and a strong sense of community in an unparalleled location.
Quinta do Lago’s outdoor lifestyle and treasured family moments, and with a commitment to nature are worth celebrating. In its 50 year reign so far, an investment into the future of the Algarvian landscape has been made and with a focus on sustainably supporting the environment and its local people, this beautiful resort town secures the future for generations to come.
With the gradual development of impressive low-rise residences and later, a host of unique experiential restaurants and award winning golf courses, Quinta do Lago has ensured quality seamlessly fows across the entire estate. Generating a thriving community, where families spend quality time together and a lifestyle of wellness is at the forefront of visitors priorities. The legacy of a better lifestyle is rooted in the resort’s natural surroundings, trails, watersports, wellness facilities like The Campus all catering to such a variety of diferent needs.
A Month in the Maldives
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Naiboli is the ultimate beach and poolside lounge, where guests enjoy expertly crafted cocktails at sunset or under a brilliant starry sky. During the day, if you can tear yourself away from your own private pool, you can relax here on the comfort of loungers and cabanas. Complementary gourmet canapés are available throughout the day along with thoughtful frequent ice-cold water and sunscreen deliveries. The pool itself is one of the best and largest in the Maldives and sparkles with star-like lights at night.
Dining in more detail…starting with Zeytoun, which is enviably positioned over the lagoon with amazing sunset views. Here you can experience signature dining in the Maldives that showcases lesser-known spices and favours from incredible indigenous cuisines. And you can savour Mediterranean Middle Eastern favours – from the fnest pure olive oils from the Aegean, and freshly baked crusty breads, to aromatic Turkish teas. All exquisitely crafted and served in refned comfort. The lounge on the upper deck is perfect for intimate pre-dinner rendezvous, made complete by the biggest collection of gin and whisky in the Maldives.
The accommodation is excellent at this small but perfect resort, and this is matched by the dining experiences and other facilities you can enjoy – again all on a ‘what you want, when you want it’ basis. We loved the fact that you can ask for your favourite dish at one restaurant to be available for you at another, and that if you were so engrossed snorkelling, you missed conventional lunch time, you can still enjoy any lunch of your choosing at an hour and any place you desire.
There are just 26 beach and ocean houses at The Nautilus, making it one of the smallest and most exclusive and private Maldives luxury resorts. Some prefer beach villas, and those at here are rather special.
It’s so refreshing and liberating not being tied to any schedule. You can simply eat when you’re hungry, have breakfast for dinner and drink Champagne in bed should you wish.
Located in the Baa Atoll, Maldives, famous for its incredible sea life including manta rays, The Nautilus is just a 30-minute fight from Male airport. Your VIP bespoke experience starts the moment your international fight lands though, as guests to this most luxurious resort are greeted as they disembark and driven by limousine to a private VIP lounge, where immigration and other arrival processes are taken care of leaving you to relax in comfort after your long journey. Most resorts leave you to make your own way through customs and baggage claim, which can take a while, so this is a most welcome bonus. From the lounge, you’ll be ushered onto a special luxury Nautilus branded seaplane for a seamless transfer to the resort where your personal butler will be there to welcome you. It carries less passengers than seaplanes from the usual two main operators, is more luxurious, with more space and large comfortable seats.
In a faraway land, there’s an exquisite private island, surrounded with impossibly blue crystal-clear seas and pearl-white beaches fringed by fragrant tropical plants, where majestic villas hide, and you can do what you want, when you want – each and every day.
The beauty of overwater villas like this is the uninterrupted views of the ocean, cooling breeze, peace and quiet and the fact you can snorkel and swim direct from your own deck or relax in your own pool watching a myriad of rainbow coloured fsh, eagle rays and the odd small shark swim below. You can also watch the sun rise or set on the horizon, depending on which direction your particular villa faces.
Ocaso ofers favours and infusions from Japan, Mexico, and Peru. Here at what is already known as one of the very best restaurants in Maldives, you can treat yourself to amazing teppanyaki by the beach – something we were incredibly lucky to experience and adore. We were also given a lesson in making a delicious local curry dish so we could bring favours of The Nautilus back home. And there is a fantastic wine cellar ofering an amazing experience for wine connoisseurs showcasing more than 200 labels of fnest wines from France and beyond.
For the health conscious, you can experience the Ananda world of creative healthy cuisine at The Nautilus. Ananda’s cuisine philosophy is tailor-made to each dosha or body type, incorporating seasonal variations and local produce. As per Ayurvedic principles. each dosha - Vata (energy of movement), Pitta (energy of metabolism) and Kapha (energy of building and lubrication) - has guidelines for food groups and ingredients depending on its balance or imbalance in each individual.
Sounds like a fairy tale, right? But actually, it’s very real - and called The Nautilus.
Ananda’s specially curated menu for The Nautilus incorporates the
Also, The Nautilus delights in veering of script, crafting bespoke culinary journeys designed just for you. You can explore intriguing infusions of Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine at the over water restaurant Zeytoun, celebrate simplicity with Japanese and Latin-American creations at Ocaso, or savour an array of global delicacies at Thyme throughout the day. No opening or closing times and no dress codes. Come as you are, enjoy great company and indulge in a shared passion for extraordinary cuisine at this luxury Maldives beach resort.
Perched on silvery sands are Beach Houses and Residences. Each is a completely private sanctuary of efortless chic. There’s a choice of those with one or two bedrooms, a spacious living room and a sparkling private pool. Custom furnishings, an expansive sundeck and bohemian design to complete the aesthetic. Plus, there’s The Nautilus Mansion. Designed as the ultimate beach home, this signature three-bedroom house occupies an enviable location on the shore and is beautifully furnished. Some guests book a number of neighbouring villas to enable larger family groups to holiday together, and others do the same for important colleagues and business partners to enjoy a productive retreat together.
Your frst arrival golf buggy tour through frangipani and hibiscus fowered paths provides a tantalising frst glimpse of private expansive villas, a ftness centre, gorgeous kiddies club and dining places Thyme and Ocaso, plus Naiboli and the large stunning main pool. We were thrilled to be staying in one of the resorts handful of simply gorgeous over water villas, perched above the clear turquoise shallows on a small jetty – each with its own large pool. With high vaulted ceilings, natural woods and fabrics and tasteful hints of turquoise or lemon, the villas have a wonderfully calming ambiance, and are light and airy. Our villa was a one-bedroom overwater villa, which had a large lounge, leading to a spacious bedroom and bathroom, all open plan but separated if wished with push back wooden doors. All look out to a wide deck area with large, curved pool, sun loungers and a swinging day bed, perfect to relax on with a good book. Unlike almost all private pools in the Maldives, those at The Nautilus can be heated to your own preferred temperature.
Thyme is The Nautilus’ beachfront all-day dining venue, with a welcoming beach-house ambience. We loved having breakfast here – fresh juices and crisp buttery pasties, cheeses, charcuterie, and a raft of cooked choices too from a wide range of international cuisines.
six fundamental food tastes of sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent and combined with the three macronutrients of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, vital to good health. Whilst amazing, the pastries, ice creams and other treats available were just too delicious for us to not enjoy instead.
Dining aside, you can stay ft and healthy here as there’s a wide range of Maldives wellness oferings and gym facilities. The modern and fully equipped gym is open to guests 24/7, and you can try your hand at badminton, tennis, or volleyball on the multipurpose sports court. Spa fans will certainly feel at home at The Nautilus. The over water Solasta Spa specialises in the bespoke, designing wellness programmes and daily rituals that refresh and relax, pamper, and protect. There’s also an overwater yoga pavilion, providing a sanctuary of movement, mindfulness, and release. We enjoyed wonderful massages and manicures here. Of course, being surrounded by the ocean, there’s a wide choice of water sports to enjoy such as sea bobbing, canoeing, and paddleboarding – and if it’s a bit choppy when you stay, the island has a sheltered lagoon area which is reassuringly calm on most Dodays.take advantage of a boat trip out to see the manta rays. The Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a kaleidoscopic wonderland of incredible marine life. Close to the resort is Hanifaru Bay, one of the best places in the world to see, snorkel and dive within safe distance of these majestic and beautiful creatures.
The resort is a wonderful place to dive, and snorkel – guided by wildlife-loving and hugely knowledgeable experts. For those who prefer things at a faster pace, you can explore the atoll by jet ski or speedboat too.
For further information: www.thenautilusmaldives.com
I’ve been lucky enough to stay at over 18 of the best and most luxurious resorts in the Maldives now, and this is honestly one I would come back to time and time again. It is small, but perfect, and a uniquely special sanctuary for body, mind, and soul.
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As your sea plane sweeps down to land, you’ll gain your frst sight of soft white sand beaches fringing a lush jungle-esq interior, and long jetties housing a host of overwater villas, some with pools and slides, jutting out into the clear turquoise shallows. This island can house a lot of holidaymakers at any time, but the acres of space enable you to escape to peace and quiet whenever you wish. It even has its own shuttle service running every few minutes - enabling you to get to wherever you want in no time. Siyam World is a resort of pleasing contradictions. It can be busy in places, and the pace lively, with music and the bustle of the many activities it ofers, and also peaceful when tucked away in your beach villa nestled in lush greenery in the quieter parts of the island. There are also very luxurious and majestic beach houses (The Beach House Collection), with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, lounges, huge balconies on the frst foor, and front and rear private pools, and conversely smaller, much more afordable villas to enjoy if on a tighter budget.
There’s also Barrique - a signature restaurant in an underground cellar ofering gourmet menus with world-renowned wines; Mint and Jungali poolside bars and more….. too many to have space to describe here. Enough to say dining at Siyam World is an absolute highlight. Activity wise, the resort has a collection of super pools. A frm favourite was Jungali - a huge freeform pool with sloping beachlike entry and a swim up bar and eating area. It was a little quieter than the others and a great place to swim, relax, enjoy super cocktails (part of the WOW! All-inclusive deal) and watch the cute resident Flying Fox bats zip by. Another favourite pool was the gorgeous infnity one at The Orchid Bar which was nice and quiet as it was exclusively for guests staying at The Beach House Collection.
All in all, this is a great resort. Even though because of its size and the number of guests you might not always get the feeling of being on a traditional R&R Maldivian holiday, it’s perfect for all those who want beautiful beaches plus endless choice, an amazing all-inclusive plan, and a huge range of things to see and do. Most defnitely well worth a visit.
Siyam World ofers a host of water sports – from sea bobbing, and jet surfng, to diving, snorkelling, jet skiing and more. Do take a sunset cruise if you can where you are likely to spot large pods of playful spinner and bottlenose dolphin.
For further info: https://www.sunsiyam.com/siyam-world/
If you’ve loved the thought of the Maldives but want more than just a beach holiday, Sun Siyam is the perfect resort to choose.
Located on one of the largest islands in the Maldives, the 54 acre-resort is in the Noonu Atoll, 40 minutes on a sea plane from Male. For many this is a huge part of the Maldives experience and provides glorious views of the atolls below. Siyam World is a natural island and enjoys its own house reef and is so large, it even has room for its very own horse ranch – a Maldives frst.
The 6 bars and 8 restaurants include Tempo for casual dining on a beachside terrace ofering global bufet cuisine with live cooking stations; Baraabaru, for international bufets and upclose encounters and live-cooking stations with the talented chefs; Andalucía ofering authentic aromas and favours of a traditional Spanish kitchen, Takrai for gourmet Thai cuisine; Kurry Leaf for Indian fne dining; The Wahoo Grill for fresh seafood and Arigato for Japanese fne dining (this restaurant is exclusively for guests staying at The Beach House Collection).
We were lucky to enjoy a fantastic two-bedroom Beach Residence, which was two actually houses in the same walled garden with a large pool and direct access to the beach. The main building was super-spacious two-story afair with its own kitchen, lounge, bathroom, huge frst foor balcony and wonderful beach and ocean views. The second was just one foor but featured a gorgeous private rear courtyard with its own outdoor bathroom and pool. Both houses were tastefully designed and comfortable, with bathrooms with large whirlpool tubs and views to die for. Our Beach House had its own beach area, with swinging day bed, hammock, and sun loungers. As you’d expect for an island of this size, there are many places to dine, drink and swim. This variety was a welcome bonus as for each meal we could try out a new place and never got at all bored. The food throughout was excellent, and most guests, including us, opt for what is known as Siyam World’s WOW! all-inclusive package, which includes everything – even champagne. This is great as it means you can relax and not worry about racking up a hefty bill which is incredibly easy to do in the Maldives.
Taking things as a more sedate pace, a visit to the rather lovely spa is a must. Tucked away in a particularly lush and fower-flled area of the island, you can only reach it through a winding path with gentle spa music playing as you walk. They ofer a range of super treatments to suit all tastes.
A frm favourite with children was the huge water park. It was rather good fun sitting on the beach with a cocktail or two watching the chaos as kiddies and their dads tried to navigate the large, steep and very slippery infatables without falling into the sea.
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Dining and adventure activities aside, a favourite place for guests to spend their days relaxing is the very good spa. This is all part of Patina’s wellbeing philosophy of fow – a holistic way of being –at one with nature, still, mindful and connected. Within the spa, guests can enjoy the therapeutic powers, clean products, scientifc technologies, and the ebb and fow of water.
Patina is one of two – soon to be three uber-luxe resorts making the Fari archipelago home. Ritz Carton Maldives is next door and will be followed in a year or two by Capella. This trio of luxury brands will prove a natural draw to global pleasure seekers, royalty, celebrity, and power players who want and indeed expect only the very best. Patina understands exactly what is required, with Antonio Saponara, the charismatic GM, coming from superbrands such as Bulgari, Jumeirah, and Ritz-Carlton . This kind of luxe is diferent though. Muted tones, sustainable natural materials and glorious views thankfully replace chintz, antiques and gold and the sometimes insipid pastels favoured by some other Maldivian resorts.
If you’re feeling a little more active, the island has a high-tech gym equipped by Life Fitness. You can take high and low-impact workout classes, and enjoy aqua cycling to challenge and channel energy. You can also do yoga and enjoy paddle boardinghere your encouraged to stop out on the water to meditate and breathe in the crystalline vitality of the ocean.
Heralding in a new kind of uber-cool and eco-conscious luxury resort in the Maldives is the rather fabulous Patina, located in the Fari Islands, a 45-minute speedboat ride from the capital Male.
Treatment suites include couple’s hammam beds and a room dedicated to the practice of Watsu. There’s also a foatation pod to soothe mind and body, saunas and cold showers enable the vascular and cognitive benefts of contrast hydrotherapy, and red-light therapy encourages cellular renewal.
Only open a few months, it’s fast gaining a reputation for its chilled vibe, frill-free luxury, sustainability initiatives, gourmet delights and impressive James Bond-esq villas which really do need to be seen to be believed.
https://patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands
The villas are unapologetically minimalist in their rectangle box design – and unusually masculine in the dark colour palette, fuss-free contemporary furnishings and tech. Dark teals, greys and blues prove a welcome shady relief to the blinding tropical sunshine and glinting sea outside. Incredibly spacious and very well thought out, they have an abundance of handy tech to automate everything from closing all the blinds with a single touch, to playing your favourite tunes and enabling even the state-of-the-art toilets to do just about everything except make a cup of tea.
We experienced massage, the foatation pod, and most intriguing of all, Watsu. Here you relax fully and foat in a warm saltwater pool in a specially created villa, and your expertly trained therapist gently and smoothly stretches your limbs and your spine to release long-held tightness and blocks. It’s said to be far more efective than a massage alone and I certainly felt my fexibility had increased and a niggling old ache had disappeared after just one session.
Our villa was a Sunset Over Water Villa. Located out on the jetty over a wide and quite deep lagoon, it faced southwest and had the most stunning ocean views. Three sides of the villa are almost all glass and open to a wide deck with a larger than usual private pool. We loved perching on the low bench seat right on the edge of the deck, high above the sea, watching the waves roll in and pods of dolphin pass by. It gave the feeling of being out on the ocean, on the bow of a ship – amazing! We enjoyed one day in a two-bedroom beach villa and was great to see this diferent ofering. This had an even larger private pool and opened on to a white sand beach with views of a small wildlife island close by. When you can tear yourself away from your gorgeous villa, there’s quite a bit to see and do at Patina. From innovative treatments at the spa, to going on an art tour around the island, enjoying the stunning huge main pool and taking walks at sunrise and sunset along the pristine beaches the island boasts. Not forgetting water sports and excursions – Patina has its own large marina and guests can bring their own superyachts there or enjoy cruises on those owned by the resorts. We took a sunset cruise and even though the sea was rough after a summer storm, we came across literally hundreds of spinner dolphins - many of which lived up to their name and treated us to hours of pirouettes in a kind of dolphin arial ballet.
Back on shore, another area Patina excels in is the quality of its dining experiences. Each of the resorts 12 concepts presents a fresh perspective on what a Maldives restaurant should be, where the best ingredients and processes take centre stage. Their chefs preserve time-honoured techniques with a dash of originality to foster a universal connection through food. Highlights include Roots. Inspired by slow food philosophies where pure, seasonal plant-based ingredients are valued, this dining space aligns with nature to deliver delightful dishes that are good for your body, soul, and the planet.
On land, the array of fascinating art installations encourage mediation too. These include our favourite - Sky Space, a specifcally proportioned chamber with an aperture in the ceiling open to the sky by American artist, James Turrell. It invites guests to contemplate their own perception of form as they immerse themselves in the sensual abundance of light, colour, and openness. At night it is very prettily lit in a myriad of colours.
Patina is a truly special resort with so much to commend. We look forward to visiting again someday.
Something we and other guests really appreciated about Patina is the respect the resort has for the environment and eforts it makes regarding sustainability. They really do strive to fnd ways to reduce waste and pollution where ever they can. It’s in their culture and DNA. One of the many initiatives includes rescuing and planting thousands of trees and shrubs from neighbouring islands facing industrial clearing. They also sought renewable materials in the creation of their structures. Power is harvested from the sun, saving 795 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. Water is preserved, fltered, and recycled as irrigation. The organic garden provides their chefs with a vital source that fourishes under the principles of permaculture. The fsh on their menus is accredited as sustainable. And there is no single-use plastic to be found.
Fari Beach Club ofers fne drinking, fne nutrition, and fne music - which come together in harmony, under the guidance of multiMichelin star chef Nick Bril. KŌEN ofers an enigmatic, theatrical marriage between Japanese and Nordic cuisine. Brasa provides a Latin play of fre, smoke, and spice - think rustic grilled meat dishes originating from the Patagonian region of South America.
Wok Society is the place for soulful Asian creations and Helios for hearty Aegean fare. There’s also the Veli Bar where you can unwind by the pain pool and enjoy expertly crafted light bites and refreshing cocktails.
Plus Go Go Burger food truck and a favourite of ours, the Tuk Tuk Gelato where you can enjoy a free ice cream treat each day.
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Amilla Fushi is one of the largest and most lush fve-star natural private island resorts in the Maldives. In fact, more than 70% of the island is untouched jungle fringed by white powder-soft sand beaches and is the home to a host of indigenous wildlife including cute Flying Fox bats, rare white-tailed tropicbirds, dainty terns and leggy and charismatic grey herons.
Something else really appreciated, is the fact that Amilla is authentically Maldivian. This means your booking directly benefts the local economy. Maldivian heritage is valued, and guests beneft from experiencing wonderful local culinary delights and cultural experiences. This importantly helps some traditions to be saved and not die out. Restaurant choice wise, you really are totally spoilt for choice. From dawn to dusk, dining at Amilla is always a pleasure. All meal plans include the option to Dine Around their eight diferent weekly dining experiences and the DAI (Dine Around Inclusive) plan includes a wide variety of beverages at their three bars.
A few dining highlights include Feeling Koi, Amilla’s wonderful over water Japanese restaurant; Barolo for authentic Italian fare, East for favours of South India; The Emperor Beach Club for meals on the beach in a laid-back setting; Joe’s Pizza - no explanation needed and Dine by Design – private dining experiences in a range of romantic locations around the island, whether that be an unforgettable dinner under the stars or breakfast as the sun rises. Fresh for breakfast is incredible – the choice was fantastic and the breakfast acai bowls to die for. For ice cream fans – this is free for all guests, and is again delicious, and you can enjoy a foating breakfast at your own villa pool and home deliveries too if you just fancy kicking back in your own lounge or deck.
It wouldn’t be a true holiday without a cocktail or two, and again there’s a wide choice of bars including Baa Baa Bar on the beach ofering spirits infused with ingredients grown on the island. It has a DJ and is a great place at the end of the day, watching the sun casts its last golden light on the tranquil waters of the lagoon.
Choose between one of three bubble tent experiences featuring champagne, a private chef, sauna, and plunge pool. We stayed at one of the excellent and spacious Reef Water Pool Villas. Here you can gaze out across the reef from the comfort of your bed, dangle your feet from your balcony and watch fsh dart through the water below. Perfect for keen snorkellers like us.
Sustainability is super important here. The resort does all it can to respects the fragile beauty of the ecosystem by initiatives such as having large organic gardens and homemade cuisine, spa and bath products which keep the resorts carbon footprint as low as possible.
Sunset Bar provides laidback beats, chilled champagne, live entertainment, and spontaneous fun. And if you’re a gin fan, this bar ofers an amazing selection, served with Homemade@Amilla tonic. If wine is more your thing, then do book a private tasting experience at The Cellar Door where you’ll discover thousands of labels from the Old World and New World in an atmospheric setting.
The award-winning Wellness Your Way menus ofer the Maldives’ widest range of dietary lifestyle dishes, complemented by the country’s most extensive ftness facilities at our gyms and spa. Meal plan options include the Dine Around Inclusive. We and other guests really appreciated the menus – all of which are organised in clear sections for diferent types of dietary requirements or health-conscious preferences. This means if you, for example, follow a keto diet and fancied the same dish as someone on the unrestricted menu, you just need to scroll through to the Keto section, and you’ll fnd a just as tasty keto version. The resorts incredibly talented chefs have taken such time and trouble to create wonderful paleo, coeliac – suitable, keto, vegan, low carb and vegetarian dishes to suit all tastes. Vegan guests we met were rather in awe at the fantastic choice – citing the best vegan food they’d had in any of the Maldives resorts they’d visited. The resort even creates wellness cocktails and ofer ice cream to suit all eating lifestyles. As for the light as a feather low carb no grain rolls... it’s a must have recipe! (as well as one for the famous crab curry). We really appreciated how Amilla is committed to providing quality meat products and ingredients that come from farmers who raise their animals humanely, free from hormones and antibiotics and grazing on natural food sources.
Activity wise, whether you want infnite excitement or ultimate relaxation, Amilla can cater for you. There are many watersports activities, from parasailing to wakeboarding. On land you can enjoy beach volleyball, badminton, tennis, and football. Plus, there’s all sorts of special activities planned for each day.
The 67 large luxurious villas, all with private pools, nestle discreetly among the native sea almonds, screwpines and coconut palms, dotted with beautifully scented frangipani blooms, or perch over the turquoise shallows and reef. Villa choices range from majestic multi-bedroom completely private Residences – loved by celebrities and royalty, to treetop villas for those who want to be immersed in the lush jungle and swim in their own pool elevated high in the treetops, to a host of romantic over water villas with wonderful ocean views, privacy, and direct ocean access. You can also treat yourself to a unique ‘Amilla Glamping’ experience in a private beachside location.
In terms of snorkelling, Amilla really excels. You can experience something diferent each day, including house reef snorkelling, blue hole snorkelling, night snorkelling and a coral garden excursion. Don’t forget to take a trip to Hanifaru Bay – a horseshoe-shaped bay where, when the tide, moon, and other conditions are right, mantas and whale sharks aggregate in unprecedented numbers from June to October. For those who wish to dive, this is a perfect place. There’s so much to see – from tropical reef fsh of every kind and colour, to manta rays, friendly turtles, dolphin and even possibly a whale shark or two. Amilla Maldives is adjacent to a multitude of worldclass dive sites. Dive Butler International is their fve-star scuba diving partner, based at H.U.B, so you are in very safe hands.
Amilla is enviably located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, famous for Hanifaru Bay ,which attracts the world’s largest groups of Manta Rays – a diving and snorkelling heaven. This is a resort with something for everyone. Its size means you can tuck yourself away in your villa and spend the days enjoying your own pool and swimming and snorkelling direct from your deck, occasionally venturing out for a relaxing spa treatment or sunrise yoga on the overwater pavilion. Or, for those wishing for a livelier break, you can make the most of the myriad of water sports on ofer, head of on a sandbank picnic and sunset dolphin cruise, swim in the stunning main pool or participate in the many other activities on ofer each day. Whether travelling alone, in a couple, or as a family with young children Amilla is an ideal resort choice. In addition to the above, one of the reasons guests frequently return is for the excellent dining. There’s a host of restaurants ready to delight you with a range of indulgent dishes as well as cuisine made from ethical, homemade, and homegrown ingredients.
We highly recommend a sandbank picnic trip. Take a speedboat across the sea to a pristine sandbank in the middle of the ocean, and sunbathe, enjoy a cocktail, and take in the incredible natural beauty of the Maldives. Do head of on a champagne sunset cruise too, where you’re likely to see playful pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphin and watch the sun set uninterrupted in a blaze of amber and gold. Spa lovers will be in heaven at the resort’s Javvu Spa. Here you can enjoy Maldives-inspired traditions coupled with the best techniques of the East and West. It’s in a lovely setting, on the villa free side of the island, right on the beach. A leafy sanctuary where you can rebalance mind, body, and soul. We really enjoyed learning to make bath and beauty products using fresh fowers, coconut oil and herbs grown on the island at the spa’s Alchemy Bar. The spa also ofers some really innovative experiences such as Sensora multi-sensory light, sound and vibration therapy helps melt away anxiety and stress, and regularly hosts guest expert practitioners from all over the world. Amilla is also doing everything they can to make the resort inclusive to those with disabilities too. Amilla is wonderful resort with real heart and soul - one which cares deeply for the environment and local heritage as well as its valued guests. For further information visit: www.amilla.com
MaldivesLux*Magical&Memorable
There’s something rather magical here, the ocean seems a brighter blue, the sand even softer and the frangipani air more richly scented. Lux* Maldives has this positive efect on all who visit - you arrive and instantly everything seems wonderful, better and nicer than before.
If you can tear yourself away from your lovely home from home, jump on one of the island shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes or so, or take a bike and explore. The island has a main sand road thankfully covered by palms to provide some dappled shade. You’ll pass the arrival and departure lobby with its cofee bar, dive and water sport centre, various restaurants and bars, pools, kiddies club and a few extra special touches we really loved. Right at the very far end of the island is an old-fashioned red telephone box where you can call home free (yes really), plus a tiny library with an ocean facing loft where you can relax and read enjoying a cooling sea breeze, and heading back towards the centre, an amazing wishing tree. This is so pretty and such a lovely idea. All guests are given a ribbon to write their dearest wishes on, and then hang them on the majestic tree’s branches. At the end of each year, all the ribbons are collected, and some picked to receive a free holiday back at the resort. We visited in July and the tree was already laden with its precious ribbon cargo, all very gently rustling in the breeze. Another lovely touch and one popular with children, is very early each morning, team members head out and hide glass bottles around the island so families can enjoy a treasure hunt. Each bottle has a message in it with a prize, which can be things like a free pizza evening in their villa and other treats. This is so in keeping with the whole ethos of this resort – warm, friendly, welcoming – and fun!
Other activity-wise, the whole island is fringed with gorgeous beaches of the softest sand, and as it’s so large, you can always fnd a little place to yourself. In some places swings have been placed over the sea so you can pretend to be a child again, all carefree with the wind in your hair. Walking along the shores you’ll see plenty of the island’s wild inhabitants too – from leggy grey herons sneaking up on shoals of fry, to dainty white terns, ghost crabs, comical squabbling coots, and just ofshore, baby reef, lemon, and blacktip sharks prowl by. Walk out on to the jetties and you’ll spot a rainbow of fsh – everything from colourful parrot fsh to strange needlefsh, eagle and sting rays, and larger sharks hoping for an easy meal.
Activities, we’ve mentioned some already, but there’s a host of water sports to enjoy. They have jet skis, paddleboards, hoverboards, fyboards, wakeboards, water-skis, knee-boards, windsurfs, kite surfs, sailboats, banana boats and other tubes,
A short sea plane away from the international airport at the capital Male, lies a perfect pleasure paradise, where turquoise seas kiss pearlescent white shores fringed by elegant palms and a lush, green jungle.
There are eight diferent categories, so whether you’re fying solo or with a tribe of little travellers in tow, or if you’re more the water villa type than the beach one, you will easily fnd your ft.
The resort is in a Marine Protected Area, where the incredibly beautiful natural surroundings, including 50 dive sites, are brimming with wildlife—rays, sea turtles, thousands of species of reef fsh, dolphins, and the mysterious whale shark. You can head of on a cruise to see these majestic, plankton-eating spotted creatures. The resort’s marine biologist takes groups out on a traditional wooden Dhoni to scuba-dive or snorkel alongside whale sharks and manta rays (keeping a safe and considerate distance naturally).
Lux* really prides itself in engaging in a host of eforts to help fght climate change, from planting corals, banning single-use plastic, having their own water plant (they have saved about 810,000 plastic water bottles so far), tending to their own herb garden and vegetable patch, launching the world’s largest foating solar platform at sea, and providing guests with bicycles, island cruisers and solar-powered shuttles to get around. It’s so commendable and hugely encouraging to see resorts like this take sustainability and the environment so seriously.
Sustainability applies to Lux* South Ari’s host of excellent dining experiences too. It’s the frst resort in the Maldives recognized as a ‘’Vegan Friendly Hotel’’ by Vegan Welcome. Plant-based food lovers can pick from the vegetarian and vegan menu ‘’Keen on Green’’ across all the restaurants. They will be spoilt for choice at Umami with Yaki Udon noodles, Yasai Maki rolls and Japanese cofee jelly. And they can enjoy treats like the black trufe & porcini pizza and Vietnamese bean curd at Veli Bar. Guilt-free meals with a selection of sustainable delicacies brimming with organic goodness.
The beaches here ARE gorgeous though – and it’s certainly tempting to sunbathe most days - with a high SPF, but there’s also all sorts of other delightful ways to spend your time. But frst, the accommodation. There’s a good choice, from cosy beach villas nestled on the island’s pretty shores, to aptly named ‘Temptation Pool Water Villas’ which are perched over the sea, with a large 14-meter private infnity pool, jacuzzi, and beautiful uninterrupted ocean views.
A long thin natural island, Lux* is located as the name says, in the South Ari Atoll, south/southwest of Male. One of the larger Maldives resorts, it’s hugely popular with guests from all over the world – some lured as they know and love the Lux* brand, others because they want something more than the typical ‘fy and fop’ beach holiday many associate the Maldives to be.
Thatched roof beach bungalows and villas perched over the warm Maldivian waters create a stylish seaside haven. On the sandy shores guests can unwind beneath the palms, while stairways from the over water villas’ decks descend straight into the Indian Ocean. Whitewashed walls, light and airy spaces with bursts of colour and tropical foliage make for the ultimate laidback lifestyle.
Most guests enjoy the resorts excellent All-Inclusive package, so they don’t have the worry of ending up with a hefty bill. There are six restaurants and fve bars this applies too, and you receive 30% of the chic Japanese restaurant, Umami, as well as at the Italian restaurant, Allegria. There’s a wide selection of drinks: 80 wines and 50 cocktails. A serve-yourself minibar. And, as-much-as-youcan-eat ice cream during afternoon tea. We thoroughly enjoyed free ice cream treats each day. Here at Lux* you really can go on a culinary journey – from Japan at Umami, the Mediterranean at Beach Rouge, Italy at Allegria, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean at Senses, Asia at East Market, and on a trip around the globe at MIXE. We enjoyed wonderful meals each day, and a fabulous wine tasting too.
The Lux* Villa is the range topping presidential villa, perfect for travellers seeking simple-yet-stylish luxury; Temptation Pool Water Villas as mentioned above; Two-Bedroom Family Beach Pavilions - interconnected so perfect for families and friends; Romantic Pool Water Villas, a favourite for couples and honeymooners; Maldives Water Villas and Beach Villas for those who prefer being in the ocean than having their own private pool, and there’s a number of other super villa types too. All have gorgeous bathrooms, sun decks, AC, and all mod cons.
but also fshing, parasailing and catamaran outings... phew! You can learn to dive at the dive centre and gain full training and PADI There’scertifcation.alsoa fantastic spa, set on a gorgeous private beach area. It’s incredibly peaceful and even if you’re not planning on having one of the super treatments they ofer, you can still use the spa facilities and relax on comfy day beds in the shade and dip in the private plunge pool. One of the resorts real hidden treasures.
For further info: https://www.luxresorts.com/en/maldives/hotel/ luxsouthariatoll
There are so many things to rave about with Lux* South Ari, but we will end by simply saying it’s a wonderful resort you’ll be incredibly sad to leave. If you visit, I’m sure you, like us, will make plans return as soon as you get home!
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Do choose a Sea View Balcony Room if you can, as it’s so nice to enjoy your morning cofee out in the fresh air. Our top choice though would be the Suite, which has a particularly spacious balcony, king size Hypnos bed and even its own private hot tub.
Once you get close to Newquay, follow signs to Fistral beach - or the countless cars with surfboards on top, and you can’t miss it.
Menu wise, do opt for their tasting menu paired with wines. It’s such a treat. Menu wise, it changes seasonally along with the wine list to ensure they can ofer the very best in local fruit, seafood, and vegetables. It’s clear the chefs are passionate about food and their dedication, skill and knowledge results in a menu and a dining experience which refects the restaurant’s ambience - relaxed and very much rooted in its ocean side location.
Naturally all rooms have all the mod cons including a fat screen LED TVs, free WiFi, tea, and cofee making facilities, mini-fridge and modern bathroom with GAIA Skincare toiletries await, as does a comfortable double bed with pure cotton linen. Impressively spacious, these light and airy bedrooms can accommodate twin beds. All guests receive complimentary access to Fistral Spa and 10% of spa treatments. The spa is well worth a visit ofering a wide range of excellent treatments, all in a lovely environment. It boasts a particularly super indoor pool too and is a perfect sanctuary if the weather is too poor to entice you to venture outside. You can book overnight spa breaks too where you can choose from several restorative and relaxing treatments such as a Gaia Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage, Naturally Gaia Facial, Gaia Salt & Oil Scrub, and a Gaia Indian Head Massage.
The hotel has a contemporary design, and is light, bright, and airy. Room wise, this applies, and all have wonderful sea views.
Beautiful location, great rooms, and spa aside, many people come to this hotel for the excellent culinary experience it’s become rightly known for. The ground foor restaurant Dune is a delight, with tables looking out across the bay and innovative dishes made from the freshest of local produce. The only tiny niggle is because the car park is to the front, sometimes you may be looking over the roofs of cars too… but it’s still most defnitely worth dining here, and many actually travel quite some way to dine here – such is its excellent reputation.
For further information visit: www.fstralbeachhotel.co.uk
Fistral Beach
It’s right above the far end of the beach and has parking to the front and some towards the rear. One of the frst things you’ll notice is a lovely outdoor seating area which is actually part of the hotel’s bar, and a perfect place to relax, enjoy an expertly made cocktail or two, listen to the sound of the waves, and watch the surfers try to catch waves. It’s also an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset.
Cornwall, the land of beautiful beaches, wild moorland, myth, and legend. It’s little wonder it’s the favoured staycation destination for so many of us, desperate to escape the city and enjoy quality family time by the seaside.
Another huge bonus this hotel has, is that it’s adults only – so you can rest easy knowing you’re not going to be disturbed by tantruming toddlers and moody teens. Because of this, we noticed it was being enjoyed as a romantic break hotel, couples drawn to the gorgeous location perfect for long walks on the beach, lovely restaurant and classy yet unpretentious vibes.
Just a few miles from the centre of Newquay, it’s easy to fnd, and is a fairly long (5-6 hour) but pleasant drive from London once you exit the motorway, passing through lush countryside, quaint villages, and historic market towns.
Hotel & Spa
The county boasts a huge number of B&Bs, cottages and pubs but there’s been a surprising lack of great hotels… that is until recently. One of note is the enviably positioned Fistral Beach Hotel, which is perched literally a few meters above the worldfamous beach it’s named after.
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Voted The Times Best Seaside Hotel in 2020, The Headland Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels in Cornwall, perching as the name suggests, high on the clifs above the world famous surfers’ Mecca, Fistral Beach. The hotel ofers a spectacular view of the beaches, clifs, and the rolling breakers below. Large and imposing, it’s instantly recognisable and with its towering red-brick façade takes you back to an era of elegance and intrigue. The interior is luxurious yet has a refreshingly unfussy air, and the staf make you feel so welcome from the moment you arrive. This time we were here to experience The Headland’s cottages, something you may not realise they ofer. To the side of the hotel, is what looks like a charming old fshing village with cobbled streets fringed by cottages of all shapes and sizes, most with their own gardens and sea views. We were delighted to discover our spacious yet cosy, luxurious 2-bedroom one had the most wonderful outlook across to Little Fistral and a headland perfect for a morning stroll. We could while away hours on our sunny patio watching walkers, surfers, and every breed of dog stroll by. It was the perfect spot to watch the sun set too, with a glass of rose wine. What’s also great about the cottages is the fact they ofer all the amenities you’d expect from a fve-star hotel, with a cherry on top: your own space. And some can accommodate dogs too. You are able to enjoy unlimited use of the hotel’s fve-bubble Spa, The
Headland gym and the six-pool Aqua Club - perfect if the weather closes in. The cottages are suitable all year round as they are warm and cosy. And cottage guests can opt for a new bed and breakfast package. You can upgrade your self-catering stay and enjoy a delicious 3-course breakfast at The Deck restaurant daily throughout your break. We really appreciated the fexibility of having our own kitchen to prepare snacks and drinks when we wanted, or get deliveries in, and being able to dine in one of the hotel’s excellent restaurants when wished.
There’s a good choice of cottages to suit all family sizes and preferences. These include the new Aqua cottages which come with 4 seat hot tubs for drinks under the stars in salty sea air, plus Sea View Cottages, which ofer what have to be some of the very best views in Cornwall and have luxury interiors to match. These, including ours, are located close (but not too close) to the clif edge. Big windows let light food in, while luxurious fxtures and fttings cater to every comfort you need. There’s a selection of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom cottages for couples to large families. For the ultimate storm watching or sunset gazing experience, in addition to our Tide cottage, a top pick must be the Mariners
Another major reason to visit this Iconic hotel, is its new Aqua Club – hailed as Cornwall’s most luxurious swimming centre. It took three years and £10m and is now an impressive no-luxury-spared swimming and wellbeing complex. There are
2 cottage which has a 270-degree panoramic view and tends to get booked up very fast. Dining wise, do enjoy a dinner at sunset at The Samphire. It really does boast the most incredible sea and sunset views. An ever-changing seasonal menu allows beautiful local ingredients to shine. The Samphire celebrates the best of Cornwall: seafood fresh from local dayboats; meat, poultry and game from nearby farms and estates. There are always veggie and vegan options, puddings are to die for, and all dietary requirements are catered for. Its the perfect restaurant to take your time, savour your food and take in the spectacular views over the pounding Fistral surf and out to the Atlantic horizon. In summer, this fne old dining hall is fooded with sunlight and in winter, you feel protected and indulged as you watch the elements rage outside. We also recommend you enjoy a delicious lunch or cocktails on the sunny terrace at the other side of the hotel which directly overlooks Fistral Beach. It’s the perfect spot to watch the surfers catch waves and kiddies play in the sand and walkers with their dogs stroll by.
six pools to choose from - including a Lap Pool, Hydrotherapy Pool, and Children’s Splash Pool. Our favourite was the Hydrotherapy Pool where you can relax on hydro chairs and jet beds and relieve muscles aching from all the beach and clif top walking you can do here. Another was the outdoor heated Sunset Spa Pool which overlooks the Atlantic, yet keeps you’re shielded from the wind by high glass walls. And, if you feel the need to get closer to the ocean’s edge it’s a few steps to the warm waters of the Edge Pool, where you can gaze out to the rolling waves. In the main hotel there’s also an excellent spa with a pool and lovely lounge, where you can enjoy a wide range of wonderful treatments. You can dine here too at The Deck. Enjoy a post-swim meal in the Mediterraneaninspired restaurant where fatbreads, pizzas and freshly prepared salads are the order of the day. Eat out under the sun with views over The Atlantic, or cosy up inside in the stunning circular lounge.
Over all, The Headland really does surpass expectations. For its amazing location, fabulous cottages, top quality dining, and Aqua Club, it’s hard to beat. We’re already planning our next cottage break here. www.headlandhotel.co.uk
I pride myself on being a wee bit of a history buf - which meant that the Francis was essentially a blue-plaque-playground. The building itself has a rich local history, but beyond that, the memorable moments for the simplistically elegant Palladian block have been woven into the fabric of the place. From the naming of the rooms (after their previous tenants in historically relevant periods, accompanied by their respective blue plaques) to the striking photograph of the building post-bombing at the end of the bar, nearly every detail manages to celebrate Bath, and the Francis’s roots. If you look closely at the decor, you’ll see that attention was paid to supporting local businesses in outftting the spaces as well, bringing the spirit of Bath into the hotel itself.
Between the warmly modern lounge areas, the hotel bar, Boho Marché, and our dreamy room, I was tempted to spend the entirety of our stay within the Francis itself. I could have happily passed our days popping down to the bar for a local Bath Gin & Tonic, then retreating to our room again for a midday nap, only to come back downstairs for evening Mediterranean cuisine. However the Francis is so centrally located with in Bath, that exploring is just as enticing. We didn’t have specifc plans for what to visit while we were in the city, but the staf at the Francis had us completely sorted - going so far as to draw out a map of what to see within easy walking distance (which turned out to be a lot)! Whether you’re looking for an afternoon at the botanical gardens, Bath Abbey, or you’d rather visit the Roman Baths for which the city is famous, you’re just a quick walk away. And of course for Bridgerton fans, The Royal Crescent is so close you can enjoy a scenic stroll to visit, and make it back in time for afternoon tea.
Website for further information: https://francishotel.com/
Having admittedly only watched bits and pieces of Bridgerton (it’s been on my Netfix list for ages, I’ll get around to it eventually!) upon arriving in Bath I was shocked at how vastly the architecture contrasted my local London scenery. As I told my partner while we passed by streets lined by uniform stone homes, it felt like we’d driven through a portal without me noticing and landed somewhere in Italy. I’d soon come to fnd out, I wasn’t too far of, and the original architect of what is now the Francis Hotel Bath is partially to blame for the austere Italian Renaissance features that the city boasts to this day.
By Gabrielle Scarlett
bar has been intentionally chosen to create a cosy, bohemian atmos phere, and it does so incredibly successfully. With decor so perfectly aligned to the theme, we decided to lean into the Mediterranean mood, and start of with the sharing platter our frst night. To say we were thrilled with our choice is an understatement - the platter is absolutely packed with nibbles, from handmade Falafel to cured marinated aubergine (my personal favourite). It’s plenty for two if you plan on fnishing it of. The Bari Bari bread accompanying the variety of tasters arrived divinely warm, and even the platter’s presenta tion maintained the Mediterranean vibes. Of course, like everything in the Francis, Boho Marché isn’t without a local infuence if you look closely enough, specifcally at the drink menu! Local Bath Gin is used in a variety of the restaurant’s expertly mixed cocktails.
The Francis Hotel, Bath
The hotel houses 98 recently refnished rooms that expertly balance historical references embedded in the decor, with fresh, opulent modern furnishings. In fact, my biggest struggle at the Francis Hotel Bath (aside from deciding what to eat for dinner at their on-site restaurant, Boho Marché) was getting out of bed. I very quickly found myself taking af ternoon naps not because I was tired, but because I wanted an excuse to lie down in that cloud of luxe sheets. It felt as if over the course of three days, I somehow caught up on three weeks’ sleep I didn’t even know I’d Thelost. surprising twist the Francis throws into the works, is the on-site restaurant, Boho Marché. I say that it’s a twist, because they champion Mediterranean cuisine, which sounded like it would feel out of place at a historical site in Bath. Of course, (as I’m sure you guessed) I couldn’t have been more wrong. Walking into Boho Marché is like visiting a hidden pocket of Morocco - if seated without a view of the entryway, through which you can see one of the hotel lounges, it’s easy to forget where you are entirely. Everything from the carefully placed patterned cushions on the booth seats to the canopy of greenery and lights over the
Boho Marché is also the Hotel Francis’s breakfast venue, where the morning menu is equally infused with Mediterranean elements. Usually, I try to sample a variety of breakfast items when I’m away from home, but… I got absolutely hooked on the Moroccan Eggs Royale our frst morning, and couldn’t bear to order anything else!
The Gardener’s Cottage is situated perfectly between Norfolk and Sufolk, making it easy to explore while you’re staying. To wind down for the evening after days out and about, we took to walking around the grounds at large. In the dusk light, the open feld leading up to the property gates feels ethereal - almost mystical. It’s as if the grounds themselves are imbued with the history of the place, seeping from between sprigs of grass, and soaked into the stone of remnant structures on the grounds. To top of the magic of an evening walk, on spring nights, baby grey rabbits can be spied hopping after their mums in the tall grass. We’d watch them stand still as statues until they thought we weren’t looking, then disappear into the wooded edge of the property with the rest of their bounding herd.
Luxury Gardener’sEscapeCottageNorfolk
Website: Byearsham-holiday-cottages/the-gardeners-cottage-ehttps://www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk/rural-norfolk/GabrielleScarlett
There’s nothing quite as relaxing for me as a countryside escape - and that’s exactly what the Gardener’s Cottage from Norfolk Hideaways is. Tucked into Earsham Hall, in Bungay, Norfolk, the Gardener’s Cottage defnitely qualifes as a hidden gem. This is due in part to the fact that it’s situated within the Earsham Hall gates, just adjacent to the residential portion of the stately home. It would be easy to miss even if visiting the businesses within the grounds, if you don’t know what you’re looking for. In fact, the inverse is also true - the cottage itself is aforded enough privacy that it’s easy to forget the proximity to the prop erty at large. Even at its busiest, noise from the business park doesn’t interrupt the tranquil atmosphere within the cottage, helping it to feel distinctly removed from any hustle and bustle one might expect during the day.
The recently updated cottage is self-catered, with a gorgeous kitchen space that was fully capable of handling our weekend culinary endeavours. From the steaks we grilled the frst night, to the array of DIY nibbles we ended our trip with, the various ovens provided plenty of space for our courses to fnish for plat ing up at the same time. Though the kitchen bar makes for easy mealtimes, we found ourselves enjoying most of our meals in the courtyard (ftted to seat four) - watched over by the property peacocks, of course. Though it’s easy to cook at the cottage, if you’re not looking to prepare all of your meals yourself during your stay, plan to pop into the Earsham Hall Tearooms one afternoon! Or, you can grab a full English (or a pastry or two) at Wendy’s House, the bakery that’s also within Earsham Hall’s gates. Their lunchtime fare is equally lovely - and, notably, if there are food allergies in your party, their team will do everything they can to accommo date. As an American traveler, I’m a sucker for a good mac and cheese, and Wendy’s House sorted that craving for me perfectly!
Sleeping arrangements in the Gardener’s Cottage make it well suited to a getaway for a family of four, if you’re not a solo trav eler looking strictly for relaxation. One of the two bedrooms can be arranged to house either a super-king, or two cosy singles, while the master bedroom itself is home to a super-king. In addition, each bedroom is paired with an almost shockingly modern en-suite. Admittedly it took me a wee bit of trial and error to learn the ins and outs of the smart shower system, but I’ve been missing it ever since we left!
Mount Street Dining Room and Bar brings together Northern hospital ity and contemporary design, with a focus on sourcing great local ingre dients and providing elevated home dining in luxe Art Deco surround ings. It’s a place for any occasion, from a celebratory three-course meal; a sumptuous Sunday dinner; some cocktails over a bite with friends, or an excellent bufet-style breakfast each morning.
It’s played host to Kings, Queens, Presidents, Prime Ministers and rock stars since it opened in 1903, and has also counted Sir Winston Church ill as one of its regulars; there are many stories still told about this indomitable former Prime Minister’s rather impressive appetite. It was possibly also the birthplace of one of the world’s most famous luxury brands: Charles Rolls and Henry Royce were introduced at The Midland Hotel in 1904, and went on to launch their prestige car business togeth er, building the very frst Rolls Royce in the city.
The Midland is ideally located on Peter Street in the centre of Manches ter - just a short walk away from Bridgewater Hall, the Palace Theatre and Manchester Central Exhibition and Conference Centre. It’s half a mile from Manchester PIccadilly, set beside St Peter’s Square, just 10 minutes’ brisk walk to the city’s shops and bars, and a 5 minute walk to Manchester Oxford Road. The hotel has recently enjoyed a £14m investment which has enabled it to transform its bedrooms and ground foor - so not only is it a distinctive and beautiful building from the out side, but also wonderfully elegant and stylish as you enter. High ceilings; gorgeous artwork; trees; chrome and accents of black, silver and white all combine to give a luxurious Art Deco feel. The champagne bar area is a lively place to sip and be seen by the fashionable set in the evenings, and a pleasing place to relax and read during the day.
The Midland The Midland Hotel in Manchester has been a much-loved part of the magnifcent city’s life for over 118 years. Step into its timeless elegance and experience award-winning restaurants and an idyllic urban spa.
There are 312 relaxing rooms or luxury suites, where you can unwind in ultimate comfort and style. The décor is neutral, with warm creams and stone tones contrasting with darker wood accents. Our Superior room came with a seating area and high windows, with views across to the church, plus all the mod cons you would expect from a hotel of this class. For an even more special stay, do choose one of the suites. With larger lounge and bedroom areas, they have all the comfort you’d expect, as well as all the space you need, plus stunning skyline views in select bedrooms, seating areas and larger bathrooms, complimentary newspapers and ESPA spa toiletries and a crisp white bathrobe and slip pers, which come in handy for visiting the spa. You don’t need to leave the hotel to dine as it has excellent culinary experiences in house and is, in fact, home to two award-winning restaurants and Manchester’s favourite tearoom.
Eating and relaxing aside, you must experience the excellent Rena Spa. A World Luxury Spa Award Winner, it’s the perfect place to escape. It features sleep chambers, a heated relaxation pool and steam rooms and a host of top class treatments. Over all, a super city centre hotel with excellent rooms, dining and spa experiences and perfect location. To book and for more information visit www.themidlandhotel.co.uk
Dinner at Adam Reid at The French - proud holder of 4 AA Rosettes and named one of the top 15 restaurants in the UK - is another treat, with the menu is changed daily, and each dish incorporating fresh, locally sourced produce of the highest quality.
This is a wonderful hotel for an indulgent afternoon tea, and has been a mainstay of the Manchester social scene ever since the hotel opened in 1903. As the city’s only setting specifcally designed for, and dedicated to, afternoon tea - which is served in opulent surroundings overlooking St Peter’s Square - The Tea Room at The Midland is truly one of a kind. There’s also the Midland Lounge: serving classic cocktails into the night, you can here enjoy everything from sharing platters to bar snacks with a glass or two of champagne.
It may sound cliché, but approaching the Burleigh Court Hotel feels just a little bit like revisiting a slower time. I was initially struck by the ivy coated stonework and Georgian architecture on the fnal leg of our drive, which was a far cry from the city views as we left London to head to the Cotswolds for two nights of relaxation. The illusion of having been transported to a more leisurely era continues into the manor home itself, where every detail is imbued with a sense of simple, yet indulgent luxury. Stepping over the threshold, I felt the rush of the city fall away. Our room, “The Foxglove,” was outftted with a balance of decadence and simplicity that both charmed, and impressed. As a room in their romantic category, it’s fnished of with a whirlpool bath and lavish four-poster bed that tempted me to spend our stay happily tucked away in our suite with a book. However, far more tempting, was the view from the patio. The recently updated manor home is perched on a hillside overlooking the Golden valley, near Stroud. They’ve taken full advantage of the picturesque view, so the absolute frst thing we did after unpacking was settle onto the patio to take it all in, and enjoy some cheeky post-travel cocktails. This became a habit during our time as guests of the manor - after breakfast, we’d stroll out with the remainder of our morning cofee and watch the Burleigh Court bees buzz from their hives to dafodils and violet blossoms. In the evening, we’d sit by lovely cedar wood fres and watch the lights in the idyllic valley glowing up at us.
The true crown jewel of experiencing Burleigh Court though, is the food - but not just the decadent meals served in the Oak Room Restaurant. One of the more unique activities that Burleigh Court has to ofer is guided foraging tours led by Kitchen Gardener and Foraging Expert Emanuelle. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect going into a foraging tour, being a complete novice to England’s edible plants. But Emanuelle’s approach to teaching starts with the basics, and her expertise is so far reaching that she has an impeccable ability to explain how to identify what is edible (and what is not) even if you go in with no base knowledge. As we explored the Burleigh Court grounds (and beyond) we nibbled on fresh bronze fennel, discussed the best means of foraging stinging nettles without being stung, and learned to identify edible plants in the mint family, with our questions being expertly an swered along the way. Ever since, I’ve found myself identifying edibles quietly to myself even in my own garden, with an unfamiliar craving for stinging nettle tea. What Emanuelle teaches, she also practices in the Burleigh Court garden - and that mentality of sustainability extends to the kitchen of the Oak Room Restaurant as well. The restaurant itself is currently targeting three AA Rosette status, and features a menu that is not only prepared with local ingredients, but provides a modern approach to traditional Cotswold cuisine. The artistry of each course is obvious, even to the untrained eye. I don’t just mean visually (though each plate we received, from my cashew pâté starter to my partner’s honey glazed duck breast main course, was indeed a work of art), I mean in the careful and intentional pairing of sustainably sourced ingredients. The menu rotates with the seasonal availability of ingredients, and as sum mer approaches even more of Burleigh Court’s own garden produce will be woven into their dishes.
Alongside their traditional afternoon tea and dinner menus, in 2021 Burleigh Court added wine tastings to their schedule of events. On our fnal evening, after spending my afternoon reading and soaking in that whirlpool bath I mentioned, we made our way downstairs for one such event. We began outside, and sipped a crisp Italian bubbly paired with Burleigh Court
delicate canapés, while watching the sun descend over the valley accom panied by the sweeping calls of evening birdsong. When the last light faded, we moved into the warmth of the dining room for our remaining paired courses and wines. The wine selections we enjoyed were not only expertly paired, but were also selected from vineyards that use organic, biodynamic growing practices. Even in their wine menu, the Burleigh Court Hotel champions their devotion to Assustainability.ourevening drew to a close, I found myself struggling to remember that I was, in fact, at an event, in a hotel. Other attendees’ laughter resounded in the intimate space, and our sommelier for the evening shared the details of our wine pairings as if chatting with a room of his closest friends. It was in those small moments that it became clear what makes a stay at the Burleigh Court Hotel so unforgettable: during your stay, you’re not regarded as a traveler, escaping for an evening or two. You’re regarded, truly, as a guest of the manor.
Hotel rates for 2022 start from £139 for a classic room and £209 for the Romantic Room category. They ofer rooms in fve categories: Classic, Cosy, Superior, Noteworthy, and Romantic.
The Wild Foodie Foraging Experience is priced from £69 per person; £138 per couple, and includes a three-hour Foraging Walk followed by a two-course lunch. www.burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk/wild-food-for Website:aging www.burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk.
By Gabrielle Scarlett
During our recent stay at luxurious country house hotel Burleigh Court in Gloucestershire, we sat down to talk with owner Corinna Rae about her eforts to transform the 200-year-old 18-room Grade II listed manor into a stylish home-away-from-home that boasts hidden gardens and breathtaking Golden Valley views.
Idyllic Escape
Our Wild Foodie Foraging Experience launched last year: priced from £69 per person/ £138 per couple, it incorporates a three-hour foraging walk and two-course lunch. Emanuelle teaches participants how to safely identify edible species and turn their foraged bounty into scrumptious drinks and meals. Guests will learn about seasonal eating; the nutritional values and medicinal use of plants, species and habitat conservation, and receive guidance on what to take from nature, what to leave, and how to store wild food. It’s a chance to sample local seasonal edibles like lime tree leaves. We’re also going to launch a ‘Learn to Kitchen Garden’ course later this year. How much does a stay cost, and where can we fnd out more about Burleigh Court? We have fve room categories (Classic, Cosy, Superior, Noteworthy, and Romantic). A B&B stay is priced from £139 per night. Book a stay with us by calling 01453 883 804, or visit www.burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk
Led by Head Chef Shaun Jones, The Oak Room’s brand promise is to ofer ‘consistently good, locally-sourced food with a view’. The main dining room overlooks the Golden Valley and we put strong emphasis on serving sustainably sourced, uncomplicated, favoursome, and seasonal ‘Best of British’ food cooked from scratch by local hands. We’re known for our romantic dining and strive to serve great quality food at a fair price. Much of our produce comes from local suppliers within a 35-mile radius, and our Kitchen Gardener, Emanuelle, grows an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and herbs in our grounds, while also foraging supplies from the surrounding country lanes and hedgerows. We’ve recently received a ‘AA Hotel Services - Breakfast Award 2022’ and our Burleigh bees make own-brand honey. Pre-bookable afternoon teas are available from £22. After Easter, we’ll restart our cosy, alfresco freside dining, serving stone-baked pizzas and Cotswolds Teppanyaki on our back terrace. Looking ahead, what’s next for The Oak Room? We’ll incorporate even more seasonal local produce into our menus and we’re targeting 3 AA Rosette status. We want to raise the restaurant’s profle, particularly among the local community, as we ofer something that’s quite unique in our area of the Cotswolds. You’ll see us run more regular food and wine tasting events, plus music and dinner nights, while also working to target the ‘special occasion’ market for anniversaries, birthdays, and family events - all as part of our goal to attract a returning clientele of upscale leisure and business travellers seeking a relaxed country retreat.
Images Credit : Beth Higham
Following The Oak Room’s reopening, what can guests dining with you expect?
Hailing from outside the hospitality industry, Corinna and her husband James left their London life behind and bought boutique hideaway Burleigh Court in spring 2019. Ever since they’ve been busy passionately renovating it into a chic, award-winning, family-run hotel and restaurant. Guests from near and far share rave reviews about this little slice of heaven located amidst the rolling Cotswold hills near Minchin hampton Common. Corinna, you’ve created an idyllic country escape. Can you tell us about Burleigh Court’s latest developments?
In addition to expanding our commitment to serving home-grown and low food mile produce, we’re decreasing our carbon footprint by reducing wine supplies from non-European producers in favour of smaller, boutique producers, to include organic, biodynamic, and vegan wines. Chef Jones is incorporating game into our seasonal menus to serve more sustainable meat, and we also source American crayfsh from a Cotswolds fsherman. This invasive species is decimating the indigenous variety - so, by serving its predator, we’re giving the local fsh a chance to thrive. We also recycle all vegetable oil used. You ofer foraging experiences. What else are you developing?
Burleigh Court was inspired as a country house hotel by Japanese noble men in the 1800’s. Since we purchased the hotel three years ago, we’ve been gradually renovating to bring it up-to-date. Most recently, we closed our doors throughout January and updated fve guest rooms, as well as expanding our 2 AA Rosette Oak Room restaurant to accommodate more guests per service. We want to ofer guests a relaxed and welcoming base from which to explore a lesser-known corner of the Cotswolds. We’re in an area of outstanding natural beauty with picturesque villages, plus unique market and spa towns on our doorstep.
If you’re thinking of a romantic weekend escape from the city, Boringdon Hall Hotel is a super choice. A stone’s throw from bustling Plymouth, and close to the delights of the Devon coast and Dartmoor, this historic retreat is perfectly positioned for long walks, pub lunches and a spot of shopping, too. The Grade 1 listed 16th Century castle has a long and Royal history, having been owned or frequented by Henry VIII, Lady Jane Grey, Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh – to name just a few. Viewed as you enter the long driveway, it has the appearance of a small and rather quaint castle; when we arrived, the scene was set perfectly, as there happened to be a falconry demonstration with majestic birds of prey – very much as they would have used back in the 16th century. This was a sport that the most famous of Henry VIII’s wive’s, Anne Boleyn, was reported to be particularly fond of; the unfortunate Queen even had a falcon as her emblem.
Step inside and you are instantly transported back to Tudor time, too, complete with huge oak doors, fooring and heraldic shields. Enter the lounge and bar and you’ll fnd a high, oaked ceiling hall; a gallery, and an enormous fre place. Imposing and grand though it is, it still manages to feel cosy and Room-wise,welcoming.thereisa choice of elegantly-appointed suites. For particularly special occasions, opt for The Royal Suite, which is quite possibly the only place in the UK where you can sit beneath the stars sipping cham pagne in a heated outdoor Jacuzzi, positioned within the original turret of an Elizabethan manor house. Set over three levels, the Royal Suite includes a lounge, intimate private din ing area, secluded terrace with heated Jacuzzi and an exceptional bedroom space. With Boringdon Hall’s royal heritage is refected throughout, the elegant Royal Suite is fully equipped with every desirable mod con, as well as many unforgettable extras. We loved the Saltram Suite, which was the fve-star hideaway for our stay.
Hotel
Boringdon Hall
It has a cool, contemporary and welcoming vibe and, situated on the fourth foor of the main house, this rich-in-historic-charm suite boasts a super king sized bed, double ended bath with glorious garden views and a relaxing lounge area: in short, a stunning space, perfectly suited to a weekend break or a few days away. The bathroom is similarly spacious: bright and airy with a huge walk through shower. We enjoyed a wonder ful night’s sleep under the stars, which we could see through the window in the Accommodationceiling. comforts aside, Boringdon excels as a place to dine – and spa. The frst is a revelation. Overlooking the Great Hall, you’ll fnd the intimate and sophisticatedly romantic Àclèaf; a space to gather around the table and taste exquisite menus created by Head Chef Scott Paton. It really is a showcase of inventive British fare, using only the fnest locally sourced ingredients. We couldn’t speak highly enough of the fantastic, seasonally-led, signature four-course menu, paired with wine fights perfectly matched to each individual dish. Since our visit, Àclèaf is now a AA 4 Rosette restaurant and features in the MICHELIN Guide The2022.spa, with its lovely countryside outlook and large pool, is the perfect place to while away the hours and restore, relax and re-set. Currently Boringdon Hall has a Springtime Spa Break ofer which comprises two nights’ accommodation; full breakfast in the Mayfower Brasserie or brunch in the Spatisserie; a 40-minute Gaia Spa treatment; indulgent Afternoon Tea; complimentary access to Gaia Spa facilities during your stay, and 10% of any additional treatments booked (pre-booking essential). This is available now and until 31st May 2022.
For further information visit Boringdon Hall Hotel www.boringdonhall.co.uk
has been wonderfully designed throughout and retains so much of its country character. It’s so tastefully done and you can see so much thought has gone in to making it the most special cottage you could ever wish to stay in. It really does feel like a luxurious home from home. We also appreciated the huge eforts the owners have taken to make the cottage as eco-friendly as possible, and for the super hamper flled with local artisan treats and a bottle of fne English sparkling wine on arrival.
To book visit www.newforestcottages.co.uk
Few holiday cottages are as picturesque as the 18th century thatched Argentor Cottage, nestled in the heart of the New Forest, fve minutes from historic Beaulieu, and just 15 to Lyndhurst and local beaches with views across to the Isle of HatchetWight.
New Forest Luxury Hideaway Argentor Cottage
Pond is a short stroll away, from where beautiful sunsets can be viewed. Other local attractions include Beaulieu Motor Museum, Exbury Gardens and Lepe Beach & Country Park. Brockenhurst and the Georgian market town of Lymington are a short drive away too. It’s the perfect place for a romantic or family escape from the city where you can take countryside or beach strolls, enjoy quaint pubs and relax in a pretty garden with a good bottle or two of wine. This idyllic retreat can sleep 6, and has three comfortable and attractive bedrooms, a modern stylish bathroom, beautifully designed lounge, quaint and cosy dining room and tradition al kitchen with all the mod cons. If the weather is kind you can make the most of the large sunny garden. The cottage is self-catering but there are many excellent farm shops within easy proximity ofering delicious fare from local artisan Theproducers.cottage
TSF Curated
Fine Food & Wine A guide to some of the season’s very best edible gifts, meal plans and wines
Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato maker £300 www.cuisinart.co.uk Whispering Angel £30 whispering-angel?variant=39545346064419https://www.fnewinedirect.co.uk/products/ Journey’s End Wild Child Grenache Rose 6 bottle case £79.99 https:// SodaFiguièrenorthandsouthwines.co.uk/products/journeys-end-wild-child-grenache-rose-6-bottle-case-75clLesConfdentielles£22.50https://www.fguiere-provence.com/en/&https://www.vinatis.co.uk/52121-confdentielle-2021-fguiereFiguièrePremierRose£17.33https://www.vinatis.co.uk/52126-premiere-rose-2021-fguiereStreamSpiritHydrationPack£69.99,CrystalGlassfrom£99.99 https://sodastream.co.uk/ Beronia wine Rueda £8.99 , Crianza £11.99, Reserva £11.99 www. waitrosecellar.com Cantina Toblino Baticor Pinot Nero £37.80 www.toblino.it/en/https://hedonism.co.uk/ Monte del Frà Valpolicella Classico £14.95 www. twelvegreenbottleswine.co.uk/ www.montedelfra.it/?lang=en Castello di Cigognola Moratti Rosé Champenoise DOCG Oltrepo’ Pavese Pinot Noir Vintage 2013 £29.95 www.castellodicigognola.com/enwww.wineswithstories.com Codorniu Rosado Brut NV £6.99 www.waitrose.com Vida Wines Spring Mixed Case £49 https://vidawines.co.uk/ Chapel Down Rosé Brut NV £26.99. www.waitrosecellar.com Farhi Bonbonniere £15 and £25 https://www.farhi.co.uk Munch Fit. Various tasty and healthy meal plans from www.munchft.co.uk By Ruby. Super range of handmade food for your freezer https://byruby. co.uk/ Love Yourself. Excellent Health meal subscription service https://www. loveyourself.co.uk/ Cartografe Chocolate Collection £24 https://cartografechocolate.com/ Dukeshill Marc de Champagne Trufes & Fizz £45 www.dukeshillham.co.uk Niederegger Desserts Edition Marzipan Eggs £8 www.johnlewis.com Pale Fox Prosecco www.palefoxprosecco.com Cannofee Super cofee with the benefts of CBD www.thehashtagcompany. com Cannacofee Orignal CBD Cofee £7.99 https://www.cannacofee.com The Good Level CBD Infused Cofee £19.99 https://thegoodlevel.com/cbdcofee/ London Nootropics Zen Cofee £15 https://londonnootropics.com/shop/zencofee/
Our guide to the very best beauty treats to keep you looking and feeling great this season Beauty Bests
Where to Buy Jurlique Exclusive Edition Five Roses Hand Cream £36 products/exclusive-edition-hand-cream-fve-roses?_pos=1&_psq=Five&_https://jurlique.co.uk/ss=e&_v=1.0 St Moritz tanning range https://www.stmoriz.co.uk/ Stila Tequila Sunrise https://stila.co.uk/ Odile Paris https://odileparis.com/ Arbonne FunSun Mineral Sunscreen https://www.arbonne.com/ Dr Hauchauska Translucent Bronzing Tint £20 bronzing-tint-face-lotion/https://www.drhauschka.co.uk/ Calvin Klein CK One Summer Daze https://www.theperfumeshop.com/calvinklein/ck-one-summer-daze/eau-de-toilette-spray/p/251010EDTJU REN Hydrate & Protect Duo £55 https://www.renskincare.com/collections/spf/ products/hydrate-and-protect-duo Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50 £75 https://www.evelom.co.uk/collections/ shop-all/products/daily-protection-spf-50 Eve Lom Travel Must Haves Set £29 shop-all/products/set-travel-must-haveshttps://www.evelom.co.uk/collections/ ESPA Pro-Glow Skin Quenching Serum £45 https://www. espaskincare.com/pro-glow-skin-quenching-serum/12961397.html?autocomplete=productsuggestion Zo Skin Health Sunscreen and Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 45 $65 https:// zoskinhealth.com/collections/sunscreens Annabelle Minerals excellent make up range https://www.annabelleminerals. com/ Avant Skincare https://avant-skincare.com/ Dolce & Gabbana PassionEyes & FelineEyes https://www.dolcegabbanabeauty. com/ Serge Lutens lipsticks https://www.sergelutens.com/us/beauty/lips/rouges-alevres-et-encres/lipsticks.html YSL Beauty lipsticks https://www.yslbeauty.co.uk/makeup/lips/ Custom skincare by Function of Beauty https://www.functionofbeauty.com/ Revision Gentle Foaming Cleanser £39 www.revisionskincare.co.uk Arran Aromatics gorgeous bath and body ranges https://arran.com/ Lilly Lashes Conditioning Serum and Lashes https://lillylashes.com/ D-Alchemy Essential Body Balm £58.60body-balmhttps://dalchemyskincare.uk/essentialHelmsley Organics Reiki Infused range https://hemsleyorganics.com/ Flanerie Skin Care range https://fanerie-skincare.com/gb/ Revitalash lash and brow care https://revitalash.co.uk/ REN Ready Steady Glow from Whole Foods Market stores https://www. wholefoodsmarket.co.uk/ Virtue Frizz Block Smoothing Spray block-smoothing-spray-150ml/13479051.htmlhttps://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/virtue-frizzDr Hauschka Revitalising Leg & Arm Tonic Aveanatural-cosmetics/leg-tonic-tired-legs/https://www.drhauschka.co.uk/Liferangehttps://avea-life.com/ Leighton Denny Plant Based Nail Polishes. £12.50 each https:// leightondenny.com/ Tisserand Energy Boost range www.tisserand.com/energy-boost/ Sensai Contouring Lipstick & Lipstick Holder www.sensai-cosmetics.com HD Brows The Pro Pencil Bundle £25.00. https://hdbrows.com/ Nordic Roots Apple Complex Moisturiser £26 www.greenpeople.co.uk Natucain Brow Serum https://natucain.co.uk/
A Good Night’s Sleep Our pick of the very best products to eliminate sleepless nights, make the most of your rest and help you wake refreshed and ready to embrace the day ahead
Simba Hybrid® Mattress Double £599 ucts/mattresshttps://simbasleep.com/prod Simba Hybrid® Firm Pillow £159 www.simbasleep.com Simba Hybrid® Luxe Mattress £1,289.40 www.simbasleep.com TEMPUR® Original Pillow £109 https://uk.tempur.com/pil lows-and-cushions/ergonomic-shaped/original-pillow-UKORIGPM. html SnüzCurve Pregnancy Pillow £84.95 www.snuz.co.uk Scentered De-Stress Relaxation Set £29.50 https://scentered.me/prod ucts/home-spa-de-stress-relaxation-kit?_pos=2&_sid=d43790bf7&_ss=r City Survivor Night Support Formula from £15.95 vivor.co.uk/shop-1/night-supporthttps://www.citysur Gaea Sunset Sleep Drops £69.50 night-day-drops/products/gaea-sleep-drops?variant=39379439419598https://gaeahealth.co/collections/ B.fresh Sleep Shot 28 pack £67 wellness-shot/https://b-fresh.co.uk/product/sleepUnique CBD Night Drops £114 ucts/night-dropshttps://www.uniquecbd.co.uk/prod Dragonfy CBD https://dragonfycbd.com/cbd-bundles/9000mg-cbdbundle/ Drowsy Sleep Mask £47.96 https://www.drowsysleepco.com/products/eye-mask Drowsy Pillow Spray £17.56 tions/sleep-hygiene-essentials/products/sleep-sprayhttps://www.drowsysleepco.com/collec Wake up to Sleep book by Charlie Morley com/wakeuptosleephttps://www.charliemorley. Deja Love Cacao £28.00 https://www.deja.life/products/love-cacao ESPA Signature Blends https://www.espaskincare.com/body/mood.list Bach Remedies https://www.bachremedies.com/ Ethos Rest CBD Oil from £39.99 https://ethos-cbd.com/product/rest/ Motion Nutrition Unplug £24.99 www.motionnutrition.com Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 750DAB £229 ucts/bodyclock-luxe-750dabhttps://www.lumie.com/prod Bon Nuit Sleep Aid £8.50 https://www.schwabepharma.co.uk/product/bonuit-sleep-aid/ The Herbtender Doze & Dream £30 ucts/doze-dreamhttps://the-herbtender.com/prod Naturecan vegan CBD gummies £14.99 products/vegan-cbd-gummieshttps://uk.naturecan.com/ Naturecan CBD Drops 40% CBD Oil £124.99 IndiCannabotechcom/collections/vegan/products/40-cbd-oilhttps://uk.naturecan.BeautySleepDrops£79https://cannabotech.com/products/beauty-sleep-dropsRest£40https://indisupplements.com/products/rest-sleep-dropper Dirtea Mushroom Cacao Super Blend £39.99 https://www.dirteaworld. com/ Serenity Restorative Night Oil £47 co.uk/product-page/serenity-restorative-night-oilhttps://www.thenobleapothecary. Quiet Mark awarded MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator with Storage Bag £109 https://www.meaco.com/products/meacofan-1056-air-circulator Tielle Love Luxury Classic Hotel 300 Thread Count Bedlinen Set https://tielleloveluxury.co.uk/products/classic-hotel-300tc-bedlin£97en-set The Journal Safari 206 page Journal £19.50 coach.co.uk/product-page/the-journalhttps://www.thejournal Kaya Sweet Dreams Adaptogenic 10% CBD Oil £59 products/sweet-dreams-10-percent-cbd-oilhttps://kaya.co.uk/ Mirari Silk Velvet Life Mask £130 silk-velvet-eye-maskhttps://mirarilife.com/store/hemaBaylis & Harding Goodness Sleep Mist £7 com/bath-body/goodness-sleephttps://baylisandharding. Where to Buy
Gorgeous Gifts Inspiration gallery of luxury gifts and treats to adore this season YSL Beauty Y Eau De Toilette £78 for 100ml www.selfridges.com Floward Rosie Fortesque Candy Cane Twist https://foward.co.uk/ Floward Aurora Angora Rabbit £50 https://foward.co.uk/ Floward Red Coral Phalaenopsis £62 https://foward.co.uk/ The VILSHENKO Summer Candle £120 www.libertylondon.com The Diamond Store Tennis Bracelet £399 www.thediamondstore. co.uk The Diamond Store Initial Pendant Necklace £149 www. thediamondstore.co.uk PMD Clean Body £145 https://uk.pmdbeauty.com/product/clean-body Acotis Diamonds Elements Gold 9ct White Gold Shaped Blue Topaz Diamond Earrings £412.50 www.acotisdiamonds.co.uk The Diamond Store Aquamarine 0.34CT And Diamond 9K White Gold Pendant Necklace £165 www.thediamondstore.co.uk Arran Glen Rosa Fig & Ylang Ylang 100ml Eau de Toilette £42.50 https://arran.com/ Narciso Rodriguez For Him Bleu Noir Eau de Toilette, 50ml £54.00 www.johnlewis.com Bon Parfumeur 501 Eau de parfum £75.00 www.selfridges.com Narciso Rodriguez, Narciso Poudrée Eau De Parfum 90ml Spray £89.50 www.thefragranceshop.co.uk Narciso Rodriguez, For Her Musc Noir Rose Eau De Parfum 100ml Spray £101.50 www.thefragranceshop.co.uk Serge Lutens Féminité Du Bois Limited Edition 50ml £110.00 www. harveynichols.com
Initio Atomic Rose Eau de parfum 90ml £215.00 www.selfridges.com Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Lily Eau de Toilette 75ml £83 www.harrods. com Parfums de Marly Delina La Rosee Eau de Parfum 75ml £200.00 www.fenwick.co.uk Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Lily Eau de Toilette 75ml £83 www.harrods. com Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist £26.00 and Exclusive Edition Five Roses Hand Cream £32.00 https://jurlique.co.uk/ Current Body Dr Harris Anti Wrinkle Sleep Mask £89.99 www. currentbody.com Lancome Oui La Vie Est Belle EDP www.theperfumeshop.com Marc Jacobs Daisy Blue Skies www.theperfumeshop.com Arran Aromatics gorgeous bath and body ranges https://arran. com/ Tom Daxon Iridium Fragrance £255 www.tomdaxon.com Black Opium Eau de Parfum 50ml £82 www.yslbeauty.co.uk YSL Beauty Libre Eau de Parfum 50ml £82 www.yslbeauty.co.uk Abbott Lyon Blush Pearl Link Nueva 40 £149.00 Watch www. abbottlyon.com Confessions of a Rebel Bundle https://confessionsofarebel.com/ Eve Lom luxury skincare www.evelom.co.uk
Happy & Healthy Our favourite superfoods, supplements, clever allergy-busting products and more.. Henry Allergy £199.99 www.myhenry.com Dr Seaweed Weed & Wonderful Pure Organic Seaweed £19.95 https://doctorseaweed.com/ Your Super Gut Feeling £22.90 https://yoursuper.eu/ Welleco The Hair Elexir £40 www.welleco.co.uk Earth’s Secret Sleep £35 https://earthsecret.com/ Lily & Loaf Skin, Hair & Nail Gummies £14.18 https://lilyandloafnternational.com/ Bimumo Daily £34.99 https://www.bimuno.com/bimuno-daily/13516017.html The Hair Boss Vitamins https://lehairboss.com/ Imarais Beauty Glow Gummies £42 https://imaraisbeauty.com/products/glow Your Zooki incredible liposomal vitamins and collagen bundles https://yourzooki.com/ Solgar highest quality vitamins and minerals https://solgar.co.uk/ Dr Ophielia Hair Vitamins Advanced £69 https://drophelia.com/products/hair-vitamins-advanced Photo by Ryanniel Masucol
A Floral Delight Rose Diamond Collection www. Willowberrytheorganicpharmacy.comLimitedEditionDesign Indulgent Hand & Body Lotion £29.99 www.willowberry. co.uk Willowberry Limited Edition Design Luxury Skincare Gift Set £79.99 www.willowberry.co.uk Weleda Love Aroma Shower 200ml £8.25 www. weleda.co.uk Ren Moroccan Rose range www.renskincare.com Dolce & Gabbana Sheerlips Lipsticks £33.00 www. lookfantastic.com Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist £26.00 and Exclusive Edition Five Roses Hand Cream £32.00 www.jurlique.com Heritage Store Rosewater Range https:// heritagestore.com/ Alteya Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil £12.95 https://alteya.co.uk/ Neals Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm from Whole Foods Market storesco.ukwww.wholefoodsmarket. Photo by Tuấn Kiệt Jr
Season’s Style Edit Abbott Lyon Pearl Canvas Resort Bag www.abbottlyon.com Cambridge Satchel Company The Traveller in Fizzy Grape Matte £230 www.cambridgesatchel.com Dry Bar luxury hair styling range www.drybar.com Slip Scrunchies www.slipsilkpillowcase.co.uk Daniel Dishop Tan Leather Shopper Bag £169.00 www.danielfootwear.com Tog24 clothing range designed in Yorkshire www.tog24.com Mahabis Breath https://mahabis.com/collections/breathe-slippers Slip Pixie Mega Scrunchie Set £55 www.slipsilkpillowcase.co.uk Photo by Rômulo Carolino
Dorset and Hampshire are two particularly beautiful areas of the UK with historic villages, a world-heritage coastline and picturesque countryside that’s been featured in a number of famous novels. What better way to explore these two counties than in a rather special car? With its strikingly elegant yet potently sporting lines, seriously impressive performance and comfort, the Ferrari Roma was a perfect choice. For those new to the Roma, this Ferrari is a mid-front engine 2+ Coupe. Nestled under the sleek gorgeously honed bonnet is a 3.9 litre ,twin-turbocharged, 612 Bhp, V8 engine, delivering a blistering 0-62mph sprint time of just 3.4 seconds and on to a mind blowing top speed of 199mph. All Ferrari’s are eye catching and the Roma is no exception. This is one of the most beautiful models created by the hallowed marque –not just in our opinion judging by the number of positive comments and thumbs up received from other drivers and passers by. Most commented on how they appreciated the fact it’s elegant and uncontrived, with no superfuous spoilers and all that jazz to detract from the purity of its design. It simply oozes class and there’s not a single compromised angle – whether viewed from the front with shark nose, or sides with their beautiful fowing lines and fared wheel arches or the curvaceous rear with its striking slit design rear lights. Ferrari really has excelled itself and delivered a breathtakingly handsome GT car.
The visual delights continue into the cabin. From the moment you slip down into the leather seats and softly close the door, you instantly feel an integral part of the car. The way it’s designed, it wraps around you giving a racing car feel, but cleverly in a way that’s not claustrophobic. The cabin is actually very airy and spacious. The innovative design of the dash and the way it swoops down seamlessly through to the doors and the centre divide between you and the passenger is very well thought out. In fact Ferrari has purposely designed the Roma interior to make the passenger feel involved in the driving experience too.
Located between you and your passenger is the state of the art central infotainment display which is intuitive to operate and controls your climate settings, navigation system and host of other things such as phone, media, audio etc. There is also the
Ferrari’s are the dream drive and the Roma is no exception. From the moment you sit down and wrap your hands around the half leather , half carbon fbre steering wheel with that prancing horse staring back at you in the middle of the wheel tingles run up your spine. It really does make you feel very special. The steering wheel itself is full of tech. Ferrari cars for quite some time now have had all the driving aids ftted on the steering wheel itself. The only thing behind the steering wheel are the absolutely gorgeous big carbon fbre paddles for the gear changing, no stalks for wipers and indicators. The paddles feel so nice, but more about them later. The steering wheel may look complicated but actually after just a very short time it becomes second nature and feels totally right and normal. Ferrari actually call it “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy”
FabulousFerrariRoma
option of having a passenger display which was ftted to our test car, which is situated just above the glove compartment in front of the passenger seat. On this screen the passenger can control their own seat controls, audio, air conditioning, and what we thought a particularly neat touch, they can see the vehicle’s speed and revs and even if the tyres are up to temperature. It again gives the passenger that feeling of involvement in the car and the drive.
The steering wheel also has touch pad sensitive controls which also has an audible noise (which can be turned of if preferred) so you know your gestures have been recognised. has The previous physical red starter button and gone to be replaced with a touch sensitive start button. On the frst press the digital display (HMI) will burst in to life, frst with the prancing horse appearing followed by your driver’s display. Then with your foot on the brake you push that button again and the amazing V8 sparks in to action. The sound of that V8 on start up is pure music to the ears – although your neighbours may not agree at 7am in the morning. After a few seconds the V8 softens down a little to a lovely purr. When you set of the Roma pulls away efortlessly. You would think a 3.9 litre twin-turbo would be a bit of a handful but it can actually be so docile you’d almost forget just what the car is capable of. If you’re new to supercars, and possibly a bit nervous, this is a perfect Ferrari for you, as when it’s not providing a million thrills when fully engaged with at speed, it’s perfectly capable of pootling along in auto mode seamlessly shifting through the gears. During our test we were coasting around rural areas at 30 mph in 8th gear and it would be happy to do that all day. It’s even got start/stop which is very good and smooth. You can turn it of but to be honest in trafc it’s worth having it on. Also the Roma can average 25mpg and has a 80 litre fuel tank capacity. This makes it a great GT car for those long trips or driving holidays across the UK or Europe. The Roma really is a truly versatile Ferrari you could use every day. The ride is exemplary, Ferrari have done an excellent job on the suspension set up. We had a few family members experience the Roma with me as passengers and they were all amazed how good the ride was. We came across some very poor road surfaces but the Ferrari just took it all in its stride. Gravel car parks at restaurants in the New Forest , speed bumps going into a supermarket car park, it handled everything with ease. The Roma has a good size boot too which can be extended by putting the rear seats down. Speaking of the rear seats, you can easily put small children in the back and it does have Isofx connection points but for tall teenagers and adults, it would be a bit of a squeeze.
The gear box is new, and is derived from the SF90 plug in hybrid
Versatility and being perfect for even less confdent sportscar drivers aside, this a Ferrari and there are 612 horses at your disposal. On the steering wheel is the Manettino switch which will give you fve diferent driving modes. There’s a setting for wet , comfort, sport, race and ESC of. Knowing our limits and we’re not likely to take on Charles Leclerc any time soon, we resisted trying the ESC OFF setting to see just how edge of your seat thrilling this oh co capable car can be. Of the set up choice, obviously WET is for rainy and damp cold days when the roads can be wet and slick, but most of the time COMFORT mode was deployed. Even in “sport” mode you can press the bumpy road setting and it’s still gives an amazingly comfortable ride. Out on the open (New Forest Pony free) road, when you can start to safely play, hit the accelerator and Wow! This is when you appreciate you’re in a true supercar with unbelievable speed accompanied with amazing sound track from that glorious V8. As mentioned earlier you can change gear with those lovely carbon fbre paddles. The gear changes are just so rapid and smooth.
There’s an LED display on the top of the steering wheel that lights up telling you when to get that perfect up shift which is a neat touch. This again adds to Ferrari’s “eyes on the road” philosophy because you can see the LED fashing even though your eyes are focused on the road ahead.
Ferrari supercar. With this speed and amazing gear box you’re left in no doubt that although the Roma is versatile enough for daily use, it’s still very much a true Ferrari with real passion, real feeling and real emotion. This stunning car is a true thoroughbred and provides an intensely exciting driving experience and you will fnd yourself thinking of every excuse to take of for a drive. Ferrari expects around 70% of Roma buyers will be new customers to the brand. What a great way to start your journey with this most hallowed marque? Once bitten by the Ferrari bug you’ll never go back, and many will move on to the brand’s more extreme models. The Roma starts at £170,000 and might be Ferrari’s entry level coupe, but the racing DNA still runs incredibly strong. For further info : https://www.ferrari.com/en-GB and it works!
Audi RS Q8
The new RS Q8 comes standard with 22-inch aluminium wheels in a 10-spoke star design with 295/40-series tyres – the largest ever factory-installed on an Audi production model. Optional 23-inch cast aluminium wheels in a 5 Y-spoke rotor design are available exclusively for the RS Q8. Carbon Black editions are ftted with the 23-inch 5-Y spoke wheels in gloss black, while an anthracite black with diamond turned fnish is applied to the Vorsprung. Behind the large wheels is an RS brake system with internally vented composite discs (420 mm) up front, 370 mm at the rear. Their 10-inch piston calipers are painted black as standard, but are available in red as an option.
For more information visit www.audi.co.uk
sill trims sport an RS Q8 logo. The fully perforated RS sport leather steering wheel fattened at the bottom with shift paddles also includes multifunction buttons. The driver can directly select the new Audi drive select modes RS1 and RS2 via the RS-Mode button. RS-specifc displays then open automatically in the Audi virtual cockpit. The RS Q8 also demonstrates its uncompromised everyday usability in the rear. A sliding three-seat rear bench is standard. With the seat backrests folded down, the luggage compartment under the power rear hatch holds up to 1,755 Despitelitres.itshefty weight and size, the RS Q8’s performance trounces many that of many acclaimed sports cars. The 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine with 600 PS and maximum torque of 800 Nm combines with the quattro all-wheel drive and the 8-speed automatic tiptronic to deliver pure dynamism. The 0 to 62 mph sprint is delivered in a in 3.8 seconds.
Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI display provide information on such things as tyre pressure, torque, output, temperature, lap times and g-forces. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached. The head-up display, ex clusively available on Vorsprung versions, also ofers several RS-specifc graphics. Luxurious RS sport seats in Valcona leather with a honeycomb pattern and RS embossing are ftted as standard. Ventilation and a mas sage function are also added to the Vorsprung specifcation.
The interior of the new RS Q8 features a deliberately clean design. All elements beneath the black cloth headlining have a logical connection and harmonise with one another. The headlining is black Alcantara for Carbon Black and Vorsprung specifcations. The slim instrument panel and the strongly horizontal lines convey a feeling of spaciousness. The central element in the cockpit is the top MMI touch response display. With its black-panel look, it almost dissolves into a large, black surface when switched of. Another primary design element is the wide, sym metrical console of the centre tunnel. Framing it are design elements in Aluminum Spectrum, which underscore the athletic character of the large SUV coupe.
The power of the V8 TFSI fows to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via the standard eight-speed tiptronic. Confgured as a planetary gear, the purely mechanical centre diferential typically distributes the drive power in a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axles. In the event of slip, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 percent can be directed to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the rear wheels. Wheel-selective torque control perfects the safe and agile handling of the new RS Q8. During dynamic cornering, the quattro sport diferential ftted as standard distributes drive torque between the rear wheels as required. This active torque vectoring improves traction, stability and dynamics.
The standard RS-specifc adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping means the new RS Q8 is equally at home on the racetrack or an ofroad trail. Its RS-specifc damper tuning allows for a particularly broad spread between a setup biased toward comfort and an extremely sporty setup. Depending on driving situation and the driver’s wishes, the body’s ride height varies by up to 90 millimetres. The optional electromechanical active roll stabilisation (EAWS) minimise body roll during fast cornering. There is a compact electric motor between the two halves of the stabilizer on each of the two axles. When driving straight ahead, the two halves of the stabilizer are decoupled, which reduces body movement on uneven roads and also increases ride comfort.
metal this is a sizable car – even as large SUVs go. Despite weighing in at around the 2.4 tonne mark and almost wide enough to completely fll between both lines of your average parking space, it’s sleek and sporty looking and a refreshing change from the numerous large SUVs which favour a more boxy look. The sloping roofine fows into the forward-canted D-pillars and rests against the quattro blisters above the wheel arches. RS-specifc trim strips in the body colour widen the body by 10 mm up front and 5 mm in the rear, providing space for the more generous track. The RS sills come standard in Manhattan grey, which makes the body appear even more athletic. An RS roof edge spoiler provides a striking fnish at the top; design highlights closer to the road are the RS-specifc rear skirt with a difuser clip in high gloss black and the RS-typical oval tailpipes. The RS roof edge spoiler provides downforce on the rear axle for even balance at high speeds. This stylish new Audi RS Q8 is available in a choice of nine colours: one solid paint fnish and eight metallic or pearl efect shades, plus the Audi exclusive programme ofers numerous additional exterior colour op tions. The exterior mirror housings come standard in aluminium, with carbon or black ftted to Carbon Black and Vorsprung models respec tively. The black (on Vorsprung) and carbon (for Carbon Black models) styling packages set precise accents at the radiator grille, blades, difuser clip and rear light strip (carbon only). In combination with these styling packages, the Audi rings and RS logos at the front and rear are also black. The tinted RS HD Matrix LED headlights have a three-dimen sional daytime running lights signature with a digital character, similar to the LED tail lights. A light strip backed by a high-gloss black surface joins the rear lights, further emphasizing the wide stance. The RS Matrix LED headlights and the rear lights include dynamic turn signals and are showcased by an expressive RS-specifc animation when the car is locked or unlocked.
Few SUVs are as handsome and imposing as the RS Q8 from Audi. With its near on matchless blend of sports car pace and SUV space, this 600ps , 800 Nm, 0-62mph in 3.8 secs barnstormer isn’t for the faint-hearted - or fnancially challenged. Our TSFI Carbon Black model tested with RS Styling Pack, City Assist Pack and panoramic sunroof was just shy of £119,000. Is it worth it? Well.. as one of our wealthy, luxury appreciating readers, a resounding YES. There is so much to appreciate. From its stunning looks, luxury materials, build quality, acres of space and versatility to how fantastically dynamic and engaging it is to drive and the raft of advanced tech at your disposal the RS Q8 Viewedexcels.inthe
All-wheel steering, also standard, moves the rear wheels via a hightorque electric spindle drive and two track rods. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn up to 5 degrees opposite the direction of the front wheels for greater agility. At high speeds, they turn up to 1.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels to improve stability during fast lane changes. With variable ground clearance, short overhangs, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and hill descent control, the new Audi RS Q8 can carry on calmly and confdently when paved roads end.
The RS design package – standard on Carbon Black and Vorsprung, and available in red or grey – includes red or grey contrasting stitching on the knee pads, steering wheel rim, foor mats, gear selector lever and the edges of the seat belts. With both packages, the centre console, selector lever and steering wheel are covered in Alcantara. There is an RS logo on the steering wheel. The illuminated front door
While the Electromechanical active roll stabilisation and RS-specifc Adaptive Air Suspension provide excellent agility, precision and com fort, the dual exhaust system delivers a delicious roar too.
The driver can precisely infuence the character of the RS Q8 via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. There are eight profles from which to choose: comfort, auto, dynamic, efciency, allroad, ofroad and the individually confgurable RS-specifc modes RS1 and RS2, which can be activated directly via the “RS-MODE” button on the steering wheel.
Audi drive select afects such things as engine and transmission man agement, steering boost, the air suspension, all-wheel steering, engine sound and the characteristic of the automatic air conditioning.
Comfort is foremost too, and the cabins, both front and rear, are
VolvoRechargeXC60
These last few years no premium car manufacturer has made such a positive impact in terms of launching models with the highly coveted combination of elegance, versatility, quality, safety and eco-forward credentials than Volvo. The uber-cool Scandi minimalist aesthetic of the brand’s DNA has birthed cars such as the V90 which are a design-snob’s absolute delight. Our most recent model on test, the XC60 Recharge is no exception and is as desirable as SUVs can get. More compact than its also excellent XC90 sibling, the XC60 Recharge is a beautifully crafted midsize hybrid SUV perfect for family life. Bold sweeping lines give the SUV a coupe-esq feel. Viewed from any angle it’s undoubtedly an elegant, aerodynamic and perfectly proportioned car. From the sculpted side lines which run across the doors, to the stylish yet fuss-free lights and iconic Volvo front grille it’s hard to pick fault. Slip inside the cabin and the aesthetic appeal continues. As Volvo says on its website, ‘Details matter’, and that for all its models means tasteful, thoughtful, necessary and refreshingly frill-free. The cabins of the XC60 Recharge, same as the stunning V90 and XC90 reviewed are a masterclass in how to create a calm ambiance, be practical, use environmentally conscious materials and delight the eye. Pale neutral tones from nature and minimal artfully placed chrome details are used, complementing soft yet strong leather-free Tailored Wool Blend upholstery and a driftwood inlay with a pattern inspired by the elemental forces of water, wind and waves. Even the hand-crafted gear shift is of genuine Swedish crystal, made exclusively for Volvo by Orrefors. A panoramic roof which allows the light to food in illumi nates these lovely touches.
Our XC60 Recharge T8 AWD Inscription Pro model on test was a delight to drive - smooth, supple, swift and engaging – more car-like than a good sized SUV. If you’ve been slightly nervous of going fully electric, this is an excellent model to reassure. It enables you to add electric power to your everyday drive and enjoy a plug-in hybrid that considers tomorrow without compromising today’s experience. With one pedal drive and all-wheel drive, the XC60 Recharge performs with agility while delivering relaxed control and a smooth, powerful drive. The T8 engine delivers 303hp (petrol) and 87hp (electric) and gives a combined economy of 100.9-113mpg with just 56-64g/km CO2. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 5.5 seconds, and the electric range is 46 miles. The XC60 Recharge is very probably the best mid-sized SUV around. Our model tested was £63,735 representing excellent value for this calibre of car. For more info visit www.volvocars.com/uk
spacious, light and airy. Thoughtful features such as an advanced air purifer in the air quality system prevents up to 95 per cent of hazardous PM 2.5 particles entering the cabin, helping all occupants to enjoy better and healthier air quality, regardless of the conditions outside - and you can even monitor particle and pollen levels outside the car. Volvo interi ors are the best you can experience, even compared against other brand models several times the price. The XC60 recharge literally has Google built in to provide best-in-class navigation and entertainment access. With Google Maps seamlessly integrated in the XC60 Recharge, real-time trafc information and automatic rerouting helps you reach your destination with less hassle. Google Assistant – you can talk to Google in your XC60 Recharge for hands-free help. Easily get directions, enjoy entertainment and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues – just say “Hey Google” to get started. Plus you can stay connected to your digital life as Google Play in your XC60 Recharge lets you enjoy the apps and services that can make every journey more entertaining and convenient. Subscribe to the Digital Services Package and enjoy full access to all the remote services in the Volvo Cars app including locking and unlocking, cabin precleaning and cabin heating or cooling. Our Inscription model on test featured the excellent Premium Sound by Harman Kardon with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound.
Of course there’s a wealth of safety features too, including a Head-Up Display which allows you to watch your speed, follow turn-by-turn navigation, and more without losing focus on the road. The brightness of the head-up display adapts automatically to the light conditions, and you can set the system to suit your own personal preferences. There’s also City Safety with Steering Support which includes pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking and steering assistance. Plus Oncoming Lane Mitigation which automatically provides steering assistance if you unwittingly drift out of your lane, guiding you back into your lane and out of the path of any oncoming vehicles. Run-of Road Protection automatically tightens the front seatbelts should the car inadvertently leave the road, while front seat frames with a collapsible section reduce vertical forces to help prevent spinal injuries. And there are Automatic LED headlights with active high beam and a rear parking camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Land Rover Defender
The Defender family now encompasses the Defender 90 and Defender 110, as well as the 90 and 110 Hard Top commercial variants, while the new 525PS Defender V8 combines characteristic Land Rover capability with incredible performance and bespoke chassis settings for heightened driver engagement. For more information on this remarkable vehicle visit Land Rover. www.landrover.co.uk
A choice of advanced Ingenium petrol and cleaner diesel engines ensure Defender has the power, control and efciency for any environment, while a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain provides silent EV-only progress of up to 27 miles. In addition, a powerful supercharged petrol V8 new levels of performance and driver engagement to the Defender family. State-of-the art technology ensures Defender delivers 21st century connec tivity. Its next-generation Electrical Vehicle Architecture (EVA2) works in conjunction with Software Over the Air (SOTA) to ensure Defender is always connected and always up to date. Intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment features a simple menu structure and allows the most commonly used functions to be accessed directly from the home screen, while the easily customised layouts require 50 per cent fewer inputs than before.
Our model on test was the Defender 90 P300 X Dynamic SE resplendent in rather tasteful Tasman Blue Metallic with black accents and an Ebony interior. The distinctive upright boxy silhouette of the earlier models is still evident, albeit given more size, substance and muscularity – it would be unforgivable after all, to pay no design homage to the beloved originals. On the driveway it’s much larger and wider than you might imagine, with wide apart wheels, high bonnet and roof line and plenty of ground clearance meaning you almost need a step to stand on to enter the cabin! This of course makes for a great command driving position, where you’ve excellent views of the terrain ahead. The front of the cabin is remarkably spacious, with ample space between driv er and front passenger. Our only slight gripes are that being only a three door vehicle which is high of the ground, it’s a bit of a reach, scramble and squeeze to get into the rear, and the boot with the seats up is a little small. These nig gles aside, there is much to commend, including durability of materials, raft of technology and connectivity. Our X Dynamic SE model on test (£53,930 On The Road ) came with a whole two column A4 sheet of features – something you’re more likely to fnd on a luxury sportscar spec, than a premium SUV with utilitarian heritage. There’s too many items to list here, but high lights are heated, electric, power fold door mirrors with approach lights and auto-dimming, Windsor leather with Steel cut premium textile, 14-way heated and cooled electric memory front seats with 4-way manual headrests, an ex cellent 3D Surround Camera and 360 degree Parking Aid, sliding panoramic roof, orange brake callipers, Head Up Display, Terrain Response 2 and more, much Tech-wise,more.this really is a thoroughly modern SUV. There’s a wealth of info tainment, driving aid and safety features as standard and extras. As standard for the Dynamic SE you’ve the 3D surround camera mentioned, Smartphone Pack, Connected Navigation Pro, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Breaking, Trafc Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter etc, and the the X spec on test features the likes of Confgurable Terrain Response and the Driver Assist Pack which includes Blind Spot Assist, Clear Exit Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Monitor and Rear Trafc Monitor. To drive the New Defender feels robust, protective and tough. It’s a car you really feel safe it. Out on the road is where the magical transformation is really evident too. I’m sure I could be forgiven for saying the older models were a little rough and ready to drive on road, with minimal noise insulation and weren’t perhaps the most comfortable choice for long, fast motorway jaunts. This new model is a revelation. Smooth, relatively quiet, well-powered, balanced and pretty nippy too thanks to its P300, 2.0L 300hp, 400Nm petrol engine with AWD. The 0-62 sprint can be tackled in just 6.7 seconds, and on to 119mph. Economy isn’t great – but for this size and weight of vehicle, at up to 22.7mpg combined, not bad either. There is now an efcient plug in hybrid to choose with pretty impressive eco-stats.
Despite being no stranger to driving Defenders for years, it’s always a treat to get behind the wheel. And great to see the New Defender isn’t a diluted down polite cousin of its hallowed predecessors but is still as tough as old boots and snow, mud and ruts ready as ever.
Of-road the New Defender remains unconquered. Its admirable breadth of capability raises the threshold for of-road ruggedness and on-road comfort. Underpinned by Land Rover’s strong D7x aluminium platform – the brand’s stifest ever body structure – advanced all-terrain technologies and stateof-the-art powertrains deliver unstoppable capability. Its carefully honed handling delivers a rewarding drive and frst-class long-haul comfort across all terrains, and the experts at Euro NCAP have given Defender a maximum fve-star safety rating.
Versatile, stylish, sporty, tech-rich and created with the environment in mind, this premium SUV from Audi has all the attributes needed to be the perfect family car. Its strong clean lines give it an assured and sophisticated presence, and the high front, wide stance and large wheels hint at SUV robustness, whilst its sloping roofine adds a dash of Coupé styling. The large, enclosed single frame grille distinguishes it as an all-electric model and the ground clearance of approximately 18 centi metres enables the model to perform well on rougher terrain.
Slip inside and the car continues to delight. This really is a practical, useable and versatile SUV – one that will integrate seamlessly into everyday life. The model’s 4.59-metre footprint ofers a level of space which exceeds existing class standards and is in fact more closely comparable with the full-size SUV class. The spacious feel isn’t confned to the front seats – passengers in the rear also beneft from generous legroom thanks in part to the bespoke architecture of the modular electric drive system on which the compact electric SUVs are based, which ensures that a centre tunnel is no longer required. Storage space also abounds, with around 25 litres of capacity available throughout the cabin, including particularly useful bottle holders integrated in the upper section of the doors that can hold bottles of up to one litre in size
The Q4 Sportback e-tron comes in a choice of eight paint fnishes including the stunning new metallic shade aurora violet which has until now been reserved for Audi Sport models. In Sport versions 19-inch Graphite grey alloy wheels with a special ‘aero’ design that contributes to overall efciency amply fll the wheel arches, which along with the lower section of the bumper and the difusor are painted in contrasting metallic Manhattan grey. A gloss package also accentuates the side win dows, which are privacy tinted at the rear in S line models and above.
Audi SportbackQ4
The Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro uses the 77 kWh battery and here it supplies an electric motor on each axle that contributes to a maximum output of 220 kW (299 PS) and 460 Nm (339.3 lb-ft) of torque, while also delivering the advantages of all-wheel-drive. One full charge is enough for circa 300 plus mile range, making most journeys a stop and re-charge free breeze. To drive the Q4 Sportback e-tron is dynamic and engaging. The ride is frm without discomfort, steering precise and it feels very well powered and balanced. Visibility is great and everything needed is ergonomically placed.
If you’ve been hesitant to purchase a fully-electric model so far, this is a car to reassure you. The Q4 Sportback e-tron is as undemanding as possible and can be quickly and easily charged for daily use. Using the myAudi app, owners can activate charging remotely using a smart phone. The app also provides access to the comfort remote preconditioning system, which enables remote adjustment of the cabin temperature and seat heating functions to ensure that the cabin climate is always comfortable well before a journey begins.
safely and within easy reach. The luggage compartment is accessible via the powered tailgate which is standard for all variants. It also ofers more space than is generally found in the compact class, and actually bears closer comparison with a midsize SUV. Depending on the positioning of the rear seat backs, the volume of the luggage compartment is 535 to a substantial 1,460 litres.
As you’d expect from Audi, there’s an extensive range of driver assist systems. Everyday driving in the compact electric SUVs is facilitated, and delivered as economically as possible, by a number of standard assistance systems. These include predictive efciency assist, which supports a forward-looking driving style that optimises the consumption of energy, Audi Pre-sense front with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning and swerve and turn assist. There’s also a num ber of packages - Assistance Package Pro include adaptive cruise assist, which assists the driver with longitudinal and lateral guidance over the entire speed range, and a four-camera system providing 360° visibility that makes lighter work of city driving and parking. The Safety Package Plus adds features such as Audi Side Assist blindspot monitoring and the rear cross trafc assist reversing aid. Both packages are standard Q4 e-tron Sportbrake features.Prices range from £42,250 to £66,750.
The interior of the Q4 Sportback e-tron is characterised by a real sense of space. The centrepiece is the striking instrument panel. This is oriented towards the driver and divided into separate areas integrating two displays - the central MMI touch monitor, with acoustic feedback and natural language voice control, and the Audi virtual cockpit. There’s a new augmented reality head-up display which forms part of the stand ard specifcation for Vorsprung versions and is a key component of the optional Technology Pack available for all other variants. Also new to the Q4 Sportback e-tron is a premium sound system supplied by Sonos, the world’s leading sound experience company and a new and exclusive Audi partner. It comes ftted as standard to Vorsprung versions and is available for all others as part of the optional Comfort and Sound pack, the system is incorporated into the Audi soundCube, a fully integrated and easily adaptable software environment.
For more information visit Audi UK : www.audi.co.uk
New Toyota Highlander Imposing, spacious and capable, the globally acclaimed Highlander is now available in an all-hybrid model range making it even more desirable for families who need a tough and versatile 7-seater, but want to minimise their environmental impact. To create the new Highlander Hybrid, Toyota has drawn on more than 20 years’ experience in making hybrid vehicles and more than 16 million global sales. The model’s fourth generation self-charging system provides up to 80 per cent emis sions-free driving, combined with Toyota’s renowned quality, durabil ity and reliability. A more practical proposition than plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology typically used for large SUVs, the Highlander’s self-charging hybrid powertrain and an electric cruising speed of up to 78mph is more suitable for those who frequently travel longer distances.
New Highlander Hybrid is 4,966mm long, 1,930mm wide and 1,755mm high and has a 2,850mm wheelbase. It has the sleek and sophisticated styling of a premium urban SUV while communicating the power, strength and durability of a rugged and versatile all-wheel drive model. Flared wheel arches and the shape of the upper and lower front grilles, reinforce the car’s broad and powerful stance and viewed side on, you get a real sense of dynamism generated by a sturdy, for ward-leaning lower body and a rear-sloping roofine. Large, 20-inch alloy wheels add to the premium quality appearance. Seven attractive exterior paint colours are available, including a new Moondust blue pearlescent which uses a two-layer coating process.
The all-wheel drive 245bhp/182kW hybrid powertrain is exceptionally quiet and ofers fuel economy (WLTP combined cycle) from 39.2 to 39.7mpg with 160 to 163g/km CO2 emissions – all respectable given the Highlander’s substantial size and weight. Acceleration is smooth and powerful, and the vehicle can tow loads of up to two tonnes.
The Highlander’s interior is designed with all the practicality, durability and fexible space-on-demand expected of a seven-seat family SUV, while ofering a comfortable and luxurious environment for everyone on board. The instrument panel has a solid central element that houses the eight-inch multimedia display and fows across the full width of the dashboard, framed by smooth, soft-touch padding. It is visually supported by a wide, square centre console. The switchgear is shaped to fow seamlessly from the panels and for ease of use. Satin and wood grain trim fnishes add to the prestigious ambience, while the softtouch padding uses fnely textured leather with precise stitchwork. The interior is upholstered in black perforated leather with textured silver ornamentation and dark wood trim. This is a remarkably spacious vehicle and true seven-seater. Unlike many SUVs there actually is spacious and accessible accommodation in the two third row seats, comfortable for even adults to use. Legroom is generous throughout. A handy feature is the power tailgate with
For more information visit: www.toyota.co.uk
kick-sensor function on the Excel Premium model, giving easy handsfree access to the load compartment. When all seven seats are in place, this provides 332 litres of storage, including 27 litres beneath the foor. When second and third row seats are folded fat, the space increases to a whopping 1,909 litres. There are further storage spaces throughout the cabin, together with power, USB and external HDMI sockets and ports in the front and second row seat areas.
Highlander is available in two high-specifcation versions in the UK: –Excel and Excel Premium. The Highlander Excel equipment features include seven-inch TFT multi-information display in the driver’s instrument binnacle; multimedia system with a central eight-inch display, satellite navigation and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto); wireless smartphone charger; triple-zone air conditioning; heated and ventilated front seats; heated steering wheel; power tailgate; Skyview panoramic roof, black leather seat upholstery; and 11-speaker JBL Premium Sound System. The Excel Premium further gain kick-activated tailgate operation; ventilated front seats; heated outer second row seats; digital rear-view mirror; Panoramic View Monitor; and a head-up display. Options include an Essential Protec tion Pack (boot liner and chrome bumper protection plate); black side steps with stainless steel grips; and seven/13- pin towbars. On-the-road prices are £50,595 for the Highlander Excel and £52,575 for the Excel Premium. Both are protected by Toyota’s fve-year/100,000-mile new vehicle Despitewarranty.itssizeand weight, the Highlander is an engaging and pleasant drive and excels as a motorway cruiser, perfect for long family trips. You can choose your preferred drive mode to suit the occasion or conditions – Eco, Normal, Sport and Trail. All four modes can still be used when the vehicle is operating in its (separately selectable) EV all-electric mode. The gear ratio has been optimised for maximum fuel efciency and dynamic performance. Resonance and noise have been suppressed by measures including polishing of the gear teeth and a new gear structure design, making the hybrid system quieter than ever Highlanderbefore. is equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance technologies, designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions in a wide range of trafc scenarios. Elements include a Pre-Collision System that can detect pedestrians by day and night and cyclists during daytime driving, with Emergency Steering Assist and Intersection Turn Assistance; intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with curve speed reduction; Lane Trace Assist and Lane Departure Alert with steering control; Road Sign Assist; and Adaptive High- beam System.
The all-new Lexus NX is serious competition for all luxury medium-sized SUVs, with its eye-catching design, dynamic driverfocused performance and efcient eco-forward plug-in hybrid electric powertrain which is a frst for the brand.
Viewed from the front, the hallmark Lexus grille plays a more integral role in the design. Its lines fow back to accentuate the long bonnet and generate the overall form and volume of the body as it fares broadly through the muscular rear wings. The elegant shape of the bonnet also supports good forward visibility from the driver’s seat.
The result is what the brand calls “functional beauty,” a blending of design with performance to produce styling that delivers improved aerodynamics, noise reduction and fuel efciency.
Head to the back to appreciate how the model’s long and sleek front-end contrasts with a condensed rear section with its short overhang and powerful haunches. The rear view is distinguished by new L-shaped all-LED light clusters, and Lexus’s signature blade lighting which spans the width of the vehicle, a feature frst seen on the UX compact luxury SUV.
There’s a choice of 11 colours, including three shades that use Lexus’s advanced sonic paint technology – Sonic White, Sonic Titanium and new Sonic Grey. Five ultra-thin layers of paint with compressed pigment particles are applied and hand polished to achieve striking light and shade contrasts and a deeper lustre across the bodywork.
Lexus NX 450h
Lexus is on a roll for creating cars as desirable to gaze at as they are great to drive. It’s hard to fault the elegant lines of the sublime LC500 we’ve tested, which happens to be swift, beautifully balanced and engaging to drive. The all-new NX also has ample kerb appeal with its bold muscular curves contrasting with sharp angles to give it substance yet sportiness. It’s all about preserving the avant-garde character that proved so attractive to customers with the frst-generation model while using a new more sophisticated, mature and dynamic design language.
Slip inside the new NX to really appreciate how excellent Lexus’ cabins are. This the frst model to feature Lexus’s Tazuna concept for the driver’s cockpit, an approach that was frst revealed in the Lexus LF-30 Electrifed concept car. Taking its name from a Japanese word describing a rider’s use of the reins to control a horse, it focuses on giving the driver direct, intuitive control of the vehicle, following the principal of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road”. It also raises the quality of the driving experience, making the driver feel confdent and in command of their vehicle and their surroundings.
While the driver experiences the focused, engaging environment created by the new Tazuna cockpit design, passengers enjoy a greater sense of space with an elevated level of comfort, quality and attention to detail that are quintessentially Lexus, evoking the feeling of a luxurious lounge. Great attention has been paid to making the seats as comfortable as possible and eight-way power adjustment, plus lumbar support, is available for the front seats on high grade models, while on F Sport models additional forward/back headrest adjustment is provided. Gentle, indirect cabin illumination can be adjusted using the Lexus Mood Selector to help create the right efect for every journey, with ambient lighting in the footwells, door panels and centre console. As a SUV you’d expect there to be space, and there is. The load space is 545 litres with the rear seats in place, increasing to a maximum 1,436 litres with the seats folded down. There is sufcient room to carry three golf bags or two large suitcases (77 and 63-litre), without the seats being Outlowered.onthe road, this is a delight of a car to drive. Unlike may SUVs of this class, it’s agile, swift and responsive. Lexus has drawn on more than 15 years of hybrid technology expertise to produce this frst plugin hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The full plug-in system, including electric motors and battery, produces a maximum 305bhp/227 kW, enabling acceleration from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds. At the same time, CO2 emissions between 20 and 26g/km and fuel economy between 256.8 and 313.9mpg are among the best in the new NX’s class. Thanks to its powerful battery and superior efciency, NX 450h+ also provides a substantially higher EV range: 43 to 47 miles combined, rising to 55 to 61 miles in the urban cycle - twice the range ofered by competitor cars. The NX 450h+ is also equipped as standard with Lexus’s intelli gent E-Four electric all-wheel drive system and has a 1.5-tonne (braked) towing Featurecapacity.wise,there’s a raft of safety, dynamics and infotainment tech to appreciate. Our top trim Takumi model’s highlights include the excellent 3rd generation Lexus Safety System+ with Pre- Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist & Automatic High Beam/Adaptive High-beam System. Also, Head Up Display, Lexus Link Pro multimedia system with four- year connected services subscription, cloud- based naviga tion, embedded navigation, voice assistant, 14in HD touchscreen and faster CPU, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seat adjustment and Overmore.all this is a highly desirable, top quality, luxurious and attractive SUV that’s a pleasure to drive and be a passenger in. It’s a lot of car for the circa £59,700 cost. For more information visit www.lexus.co.uk
The iconic much loved Audi TT has been a sportscar choice for millions world-wide, drawn to its famously distinctive curves, dynamic drive and excellent build quality. Here in TTS guise, the appeal increases even more with the striking black edition trim level on our test vehicle which adds black highlights to the front and rear bumpers, black roll bars, fxed black rear spoiler and rather sexy Audi Sport forged 20-inch gloss black alloys. Our test car came in Pulse Orange and the colour combination was magical as the photos taken during our road trip to Cheddar Gorge reveal.
Audi TTS Black Edition
On a practical side, the TTS has 2 small extra seats in the back. Although only suitable for children (or sub 5ft adults) it’s still a great back up option to have that many coupes do not. Even more impressive is the surprisingly large boot at 305 litres and can even be extended further by folding down the rear seats, meaning you can ft more in the TTS than you would think. What’s more due to the cars relatively small size its very manoeuvrable and coupled with the excellent all-round visibility and parking sensors it’s easy to park and drive round urban areas. It’s actually a car which despite its exotic and sporting looks, is practical to live with and use every day. In conclusion the TTS provides a sensational driving experience with exceptional performance and handling, yet at the same time remains comfortable and practical and a car we highly recommend. Priced from £51,400 (TTS Black Edition) www.audi.co.uk
Wearing the TTS badge means TT performance has been taken to the next level with a responsive and throaty sounding 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine feeding all four wheels means performance is excellent with 320ps and 0-62 in 4.5 seconds. Out on UK roads you can really feel the performance as it fies of the line thanks to the quattro system, with a fantastic soundtrack as the quad exhausts would suggest. The car always feels reassuring and easy to control which inspires the driver with confdence to enjoy the drive and push the car as it was designed to do. Steering is precise and the TTS is extremely agile and remains perfectly fat through corners due to the magnetic ride adaptive damping. Moreover, what’s also great with the TTS is that at the same time it’s a great mile muncher. On test 100’s of miles were covered with ease and decent economy was achieved at around 35 mpg, partially thanks to the seamless 7 speed S tronic transmission. Refnement levels were excellent with very little road and wind noise despite the large wheels, combined with the comfortable and hugely adjustable Nappa leather front seats ensures lack of comfort is never an issue.
The quality of the interior really stands out in the TT as everything you touch feels solid and extremely well made ,from the tactile movement of the air vents to the TTS embossed contoured leather steering wheel. Audi at its best.
The appeal continues inside, where you’ll discover a highly driver-fo cused dash with all the controls directed towards the driver. At the heart of the interior is the fully customizable 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit display which has beautifully clear graphics and fast response times. The wide view navigation is a particular safety and convenience highlight with the driver never needing to look away from the road like a conven tional centrally placed infotainment screen from other manufactures. In addition, the whole interior is a functional place to spend time with all controls easy to use and logically positioned. Another handy detail is the standard wireless charging pad.
Technology is excellent and the central infotainment screen and digital driving display have crisp graphics, fast processers and an intuitive and easy to use layout - perhaps not a surprise when you fnd out it’s a Google operated system. This navigation system allows you to view all the nearest charging stations to
Inside, the XC40 is luxurious and comfortable, making it a most welcoming place to spend time in. To the uneducated eye the high-quality interior looks like it’s made of traditionally ‘normal’ materials such as leather. But, in fact, the whole interior is actually leather free, making it the ultimate responsible expression. In fact, the carpets of the car are made of partially recycled materials too!
RechargeXC40Volvo
Meeting the Volvo XC40 Recharge is an impressive frst experience as you take in its sleek, clean and classy design. Features such as the vertical design LED rear lights really highlight the sleek coupe styling of the electric crossover. Moreover, when unlocking the car, they illuminate section by section creating a lovely graphic as the car welcomes its drivers and passengers. Up front the car is distinctly Volvo with the pixel Led Thor’s Hammer headlights and the colour coded blanked of grill makes the car look modern, fresh and capable, whilst hinting to the car’s excellent safety credentials.
Buyers have two battery choices when purchasing the XC40 Recharge. Either a single motored XC40 (front wheel drive) with 231hp and a 0-62 time of 7.4, or a four-wheel drive dual motor variant with a huge 408hp and 0-62 time of 4.7 seconds. Despite the dual motor variant consuming more energy, it has a larger useable battery size at 75 kWh vs 67 kWh for the single motor.
Volvo claims both variants have the capability to do around 270 miles on a charge which is really good, with the dual motor doing a fraction more. Charging from 10-80 percent can be achieved in just 32 minutes on a 150KW DC fast charger.
your current location and set the route accordingly. In addition, it also displays all the information you need about the charging station from speed of charge to the opening hours, meaning you can truly make a reliable and informed decision.
Out on the road thanks to a well-insulated cabin and zero-engine noise the XC40 is supremely refned and makes every journey feel easy and stress free. This only accentuated by the fuss free driving experience - there is no power button just a sensor on the driver’s seat so the driver can just get in, slot the car into drive and away they go. The XC40 drives in a grown-up way which gives confdence to the driver with surprisingly little body roll despite the car’s height, and, in both battery confgurations there is always plenty of instantaneous power from the torquey electric motors. Our test car also had an excellent 360-degree parking camera which is ultra-high defnition and makes parking stress free, which is a highly recommended option.
Overall, the Volvo XC40 Recharge delivers an excellent, calming and reassuring driving and ownership experience. Coupled with its fantastic unique leather free interior it makes an excellent ecoconscious choice for most. Prices starting from £47,100. www.volvo.co.uk
On a functional basis the XC40 interior ticks all the boxes with thoughtful features such as huge front door bins (aided by the relocation of lower door speakers to the dashboard). The boot is also a very good size at 413 litres, with an unobstructed loading bay and split folding rear seats that go completely fat. This is not all though ,as one of the perks of the XC40 being fully electric is that there is an extra front boot which is perfect for storing charging cables.
Lexus UX
Lexus has been renowned for its excellent reliability for many years, and buying and owning a Lexus has now become even more risk free with owners benefting from up to a 10 year/100,000-mile free warranty when the vehicle is serviced at a Lexus main dealer each year.
Moving to the inside the bold design continues with a wrap-around style making the driver and passengers feel safely cocooned in a strong and sturdy car which of course scores the full fve stars from Euro NCAP safety tests.
Exterior design on the UX is tasteful with a unique bold design lan guage. The UX has so many attractive lines on its elegant body that you can notice a new part of the design every time you look. If the F Sport grade is chosen then the exterior looks even more special and dynamic with a unique sporty looking black with chrome surround grill, jet black roof spoiler, redesigned rear bumper and 18-inch dark metallic F Sport alloy wheels.
The quality is remarkable with gorgeous materials and high-quality touch points making it feel like a special place to be. In front of the driver’s eye line is the digital driver’s display which is clear and easy to use and is customisable depending on what driving mode is selected. All controls are ergonomic and intuitive, the only tiny niggle is how the central infotainment screen is operated - with a track pad that’s a bit too sensitive and takes a bit of getting used to. However, this really is
Heading to the rear and the seats provide ample space for two adults, or three for shorter journeys. The seats are very supportive and coupled with rear ventilation and a comfortable central armrest make it an enjoyable place to spend time. Similarly, the boot is a very practical and useable space with no load lip and the rear seats fold to reveal a fat loading bay – ideal for ferrying longer items. One feature we particularly appreciated was the fold up parcel shelf, meaning it can be stowed away neatly within the vehicle when not in use.
the only downside the team could fnd for the entire car, and the rest of the interior and the standard ftment of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto more than make up for this.
Prices starting from £33,500 - excellent value for money for a car of this www.lexus.co.ukcalibre.
On UK roads the Lexus UX it’s a very competent companion, we took it on a raft of long and shorter trips, including a jaunt to Cornwall and it has earnt its place as one of our most highly rated cars to live with and travel in. It’s just ‘right’ on so many levels and is an engaging and spritely drive and achieves that rare perfect mix of practicality, style, quality, class, space and pace. It was easy to get the perfect driving position. The suspension had an excellent balance between comfort and driving dynamics which meant that despite the size and slightly higher centre of gravity the car pro vided confdence to push on both the straights and through the bends.
Moreover, the size of the car is easy to park and manoeuvre especially with our test car’s rear camera and front and rear sensors. In addition, the ability to run on only battery power at very low speeds made the car even more relaxing to drive around town as well as providing impres sively low fuel consumption. In fact, Lexus claims around 50mpg for the combined MPG and we found this to be accurate on our tests. Compared to rivals we have tested previously the fuel economy was a real stand out feature for this model.
Lexus’s UX provides an excellent vehicle that is perfect for almost all situations and will provide peace at mind motoring for many years.
Buyers can choose between the two-wheel drive 250h and the 250h E-Four (AWD), both of which are 2.0 litre petrol engines hybrid motors producing 181bhp. Performance is almost identical between the two with the AWD version being just 0.3 of a second slower to 62 at 8.7 seconds. The only real diference is AWD from an additional electric motor at the rear axle on the E-Four variant.
