Dynamic Business Magazine - issue 31 by Platinum Business

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN

ISSUE #31

E H T C I M A N Y D L A V I T S E F A FESTIVAL OF BUSINESS  EXCLUSIVELY FOR WOMEN

APRIL 29TH 2024 THE GRAND BRIGHTON

TH E IC M A DYN IVAL T S E F A FESTIVAL OF BUSINESS  EXCLUSIVELY FOR WOMEN

APRIL 29TH 2024 THE GRAND BRIGHTON Following on from the phenomenal success of the all-female Dynamic Awards, we have decided to go one step further and launch a full-day Dynamic Festival of Business, exclusively for women. In our effort to level the playing field, Dynamic Magazine will be presenting a full day of Education, Motivation and Inspiration at The Grand Brighton on April 29th 2024. This will be followed the next day by the third year of the Dynamic Awards. It will be a packed day of inspirational speakers, riveting interactive panel discussions, motivational workshops and educational seminars run by some of the leading experts in the UK, to aid women’s continuing professional development.

EDUCATION SEMINARS: DIGITAL MARKETING ● FINANCIAL PLANNING ● EMPLOYMENT LAW ● FUNDING ROOM FULL CPD ACCREDITATION ● UNPARALLELED NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

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MAGA ZINE

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WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE OUR FIRST KEYNOTE SPEAKERS BARONESS MARTHA LANE FOX, OBE, HonFREng Martha was the founder of the world’s first comparison website, lastminute.com which she sold for £577million having started it in a broom cupboard; was the UK’s Digital Champion and created the Government Digital Service, the team that launched gov.uk, and she has a seat on the board of the Cabinet Office Efficiency and Reform Board. She is also the Chancellor of the Open University; a non-executive Director of Chanel; trustee of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust; Founder of karaoke chain, Lucky Voice; Chair of WeTransfer; Board member of Twitter/X. She was ranked 15th on the list of 100 Most Influential British Entrepreneurs and became a crossbench peer in March 2013, becoming The Right Honourable Baroness Lane-Fox of Soho. Martha Lane Fox is currently the President of the British Chambers of Commerce.

Justine Roberts CBE Founder and CEO of Mumsnet Mumsnet has grown into the UK’s busiest and most influential network for parents, with over 10 million unique users per month. Mumsnet was awarded the Online Comment Site of the Year (Editorial Intelligence Comment Awards) 2011 and 2014. Justine was the Institute of Internal Communication Communicator of the Year in 2014, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year London and South Winner in 2016, and was one of EU-Startup’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in Startups and VC in 2019. Before Mumsnet, Justine was a journalist for the Daily Telegraph and the Times, and before that, she was an economist and strategist for SG Warburg.

HELEN CANNON Founder and Director ISON Travel ABI SELBY Founder and Director SpaBreaks.com

PAM LOCH Managing Director Loch Associates Group TAMARA ROBERTS CEO Ridgeview Wine Estate

YOUR HOST NATASHA KAPLINSKY OBE

CONTENTS

ISSUE 31

BIG STORY

Margherita Della Valle Dynamic chronicles the career of Vodafone’s first female CEO on the eve of a merger with Three UK

FEATURE

Surrey Research Park

University of Surrey attitudes survey

Award for business and education leader

FEATURE Doctoral training in AI for digital media involving several Surrey-based universities

Extensive research of 10,000 women across the world provide a clearer notion of feminism’s attitude towards men

There are many things you can do overnight but there is no overnight success Tory Burch

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Julie Kapsalis, has been named Leader of the Year at the Institute of Economic Development (IED) Annual Awards 2023

150,000

The number of companies established by women the UK in 2022

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit. Surrey Business Magazine is owned and published by Platinum Media Group Limited.

REGULARS

EVENTS

News

2 The Dynamic Festival 2024 Announcing more keynote speakers at next year’s festival of business for women

8 Upfront: The top international news stories involving women in business 22 In The Right Direction: Good news stories from around the world

Spotlight

18 The Dynamic Awards 2024 The prestigious business awards for women returns for a third year in April 2024

24 Highlighting three female business leaders who deserve more recognition that they currently receive

Wellbeing

28 The need for improving women’s health initiatives: how gynaecological issues are considered taboo 30 The need to detox post-Christmas – is it really necessary?

Further reading

34 Sally Percy is an experienced journalist and editor, and has written ‘21st Century Business Icons: The Leaders Who Are Changing Our World’

Art Scene

36 Kellie Miller discusses the fun works of Mélanie Bourget

I drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty Lily Bollinger, head of Bollinger Champagne, 1941-1971

FEATURE

Wellesley

Samantha Kaye looks at how to spread joy at Christmas with five budgeting tips

Travel

38 A relaxing weekend in Chipping Camden in the heart of the Cotswolds

Fine Dining

40 An Italian restaurant with a twist: Tutto in Brighton

What’s On

42 A brief snapshot of art and culture cross Sussex and Surrey

CONTACTS PUBLISHER: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk EDITOR: Tess de Klerk tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk MOTORING EDITOR: Fiona Shafer fionas@platinummediagroup.co.uk COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Lesley Alcock lesley@platinummediagroup.co.uk EVENTS DIRECTOR: Fiona Graves fiona@platinummediagroup.co.uk EVENTS MANAGER: Žaneta Bealing zaneta@platinummediagroup.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN: Michelle Shakesby design@platinummediagroup.co.uk SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTE Another festive season of baubles and bubbly is upon us. Does it come around too quickly – or is it just me? Does time fly or does it simply feel that way as there’s hardly a break between summer and Sainsbury’s Xmas season specials? Who knows? Never mind. 2023 is at its end and at Dynamic Magazine we have had a fantastic year celebrating and championing women from across all sectors and walks of life. We are able to do so thanks to you, our readers, who have been staunch and active supporters. We couldn’t have done it without you – a big thank you from all of us to all of you. Dynamic brings you plenty to read over the season with our Big Story covering the venerable Margherita Della Vale, the first female CEO of Vodafone who is now overseeing a merger that would see her business become the largest mobile phone company in the UK. I was delighted to hear of a groundbreaking study proving what many of us have always known - feminism doesn’t mean hating men. Read all about it on page 20. Of course, we have our regular sections, including the very popular Spotlight, while Wellbeing encourages us to take care of ourselves during the party season. We’ve also looked at some worrying statistics about gynaecological health, highlighting an urgent need for improved dialogue in the workplace. Stumped for what to gift this Christmas? What’s On can help you there since so many of us would choose great experiences over just ‘things’ this festive season. All in all, we hope that this edition of Dynamic will keep you in good company until we see you again next year. Have a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Editor, Dynamic Magazine tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk

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WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP DAY November 19th was nominated Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, an occasion to mark the achievements and resilience of women worldwide, who are leading the way forward in social and economic change. The international, multi-disciplinary Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organisation – either ironically or deliberately – chose International Men’s Day to celebrate women’s business achievement around the world. The programme is dedicated to helping women realise their potential and provides financing and advisory services, along with support including tailored services for developing entrepreneurial skills and linking women entrepreneurs to opportunities, and platforms for business development.

UPFRONT THE LATEST BULLETINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

BBC REVEALS 100 WOMEN LIST FOR 2023 The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2023. Among them are attorney and former US First Lady Michelle Obama, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Ballon d’Or-winning footballer Aitana Bonmatí, AI expert Timnit Gebru, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, Hollywood star America Ferrera and beauty mogul Huda Kattan. In a year where extreme heat, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters have been dominating headlines, the list also highlights women who have been working to help their communities tackle climate change and take action to adjust to its impacts. The list includes 28 Climate Pioneers, named ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28.

PRINCESS ROYAL VISITS SUSSEX FIRM

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The king may rule the kingdom, but it’s the queen who moves the board D.M. Timney

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Anne, The Princess Royal, met with staff at Focus SB, an electrical accessories manufacturer in St Leonards for a private factory tour. This year the company won the first ever King’s Awards for Enterprise and was formally recognised for excellence in international trade. Her Royal Highness is Patron of Women into Science and Engineering. She viewed in-house manufacturing and finishing processes, met employees and discovered how Focus SB supports its local communities, notably Little Gate Supported Employment. Mr Stevens said: “It’s a huge honour for an SME based in Hastings to have the recognition of a King’s Award, one of the most prestigious awards a company can be bestowed.”

VAGINA MUSEUM TO REOPEN International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has provided pro bono services to help ensure the world’s first museum dedicated to the vagina was able to find a new home. London’s Vagina Museum has reopened in Poyser Street, Bethnal Green after WBD secured the lease to the new property.

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Amazing things happen when women help other women Kasia Gospoś

The museum, which works to reduce the stigma of gynaecological anatomy, will now be able to house exhibitions across three gallery spaces, alongside a café and space for workshops and performances. The WBD team spread across the firm’s London and Newcastle oﬃces worked to finalise the deal, ensuring the lease was completed following the granting of planning permission.

$320BN GENDER GAP IN AFRICAN BUSINESS FINANCING The Nigerian Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has said that her ministry will work towards policies that will bridge the $320 billion finance gap between African women and their men counterparts. This is as over 30 female business stakeholders gathered in Lagos at the Gender Impact Investment summit, to discuss how to close the gender financing gap in Africa. She emphasised the need for gender lens investing and called for concrete steps to increase women’s participation across the impact investing value chains from asset owners to fund managers.

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I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear Rosa Parks, US Civil Rights Activist

PAY GAP BETWEEN DISABLED AND NON-DISABLED GROWS In marked contrast to the - albeit too slowly - narrowing gender pay gap, new analysis shows the disabled pay gap between workers in the UK is 14.6% – higher than it was a decade ago. The analysis, carried out on behalf of the Trades Union Congress, reveals that the pay gap for disabled workers across the board is £1.90 an hour, or £66.50 per week; more than the average household weekly food shop bill (£62.20). Disabled women face even bigger pay penalty – 30%, or £3.73 an hour. That makes for an annual pay difference of £3,460 for someone working a 35-hour week, and means that disabled people effectively work for free for the last 47 days of the year. www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

FE ATURE PROMOTIONAL

Wellesley’s SAMANTHA KAYE looks at how to spread joy this Christmas... without breaking the bank!

Five festive budgeting tips that keep on giving ’Tis the season of joy, merriment… and spending! It’s easy to get swept up in the festive spirit, so it makes sense to plan ahead to avoid unwelcome financial surprises come January. Here are my top tips for managing your budget at Christmas, and how you can give something far more valuable than gold chocolate coins to your little ones.

NOT THE ONLY 1SANTA’S ONE WHO NEEDS A LIST

It’s true. Christmas is a time of excess and, regardless of your financial situation, the demands of gift buying and hosting guests can put a strain on your bank account. Take a close look at your finances to determine how much you can comfortably spend, and divide this into categories such as gifts, dining out, charitable donations and your usual monthly expenses.

2 DO YOUR RESEARCH

Being savvy in your shopping is nothing to be sniffed at, especially when it comes to trimming the cost of that latest tech gadget your child/grandchild/niece/nephew has their heart set on (we’ve all been there!). Take the time to compare prices before you buy.

3 BE SAVVY WHEN TREATING YOUR TEAM

If you’re a business owner, brush up on the tax rules surrounding corporate Christmas gifts for employees/ clients, as well as the all-important Christmas party.

Sticking to a budget and helping provide for the financial well-being of loved ones are among the best gifts you can give yourself 10

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4 GOOD FOR THEM – AND YOU

Consider gifting cash as a Christmas present. It will not only be a welcome gift for your loved ones, but it could also lead to significant tax savings for you. You can gift up to £3,000 per year, and you can make numerous small gifts of up to £250 each as part of your Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning. In fact, almost all gifts are exempt from IHT if you survive for seven years after giving, but bear in mind you’ll need to keep records of the amounts and dates of any gifts you make.

5 LOOK AHEAD

While it’s not quite ‘six geese a-laying’, if you’re keen to create a nest egg for your children or grandchildren, opening or contributing to a child’s pension or Junior ISA can be a thoughtful and forward-looking present that provides them with a head-start in life. These tax-eﬃcient savings options can only be opened by a parent or legal guardian, but anyone can contribute.

As we can see, sticking to a budget and helping provide for the financial well-being of loved ones are among the best gifts you can give yourself this Christmas. It’s always a good idea to talk to your financial adviser to ensure there are no unforeseen post-Christmas surprises from the taxman. If you want to discuss tax-free gifting in more detail, contact me today to arrange a no-obligation chat. Wishing you a merry, tax-savvy Christmas!

Contact me today to arrange a no-obligation chat. Samantha Kaye, Chartered Adviser, Wellesley House, 50 Victoria Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9LH E: samantha.kaye@sjpp.co.uk www.wellesleywa.co.uk

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STORY BIG

Margherita Della Valle

COMMUNICATIONS, MERGERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE Vodafone UK is currently negotiating a merger with Three UK, in what would eventually make the largest mobile phone company in the UK. At the helm of Vodafone is Margherita Della Valle. After decades of male domination in the industry, Della Valle appears to have had the flag of ‘women in business’ thrust upon her, and shareholders and spectators alike seek to see how her first major deal as CEO will unfold.

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STORY BIG

argherita Della Valle was born in 1965 and grew up in Veneto City, Italy. After gaining a master’s degree in economics from Bocconi University in Milan, she became part of Omnitel Pronto Italia, which ultimately transitioned to Vodafone Italia in 1994.

TELECOMS CAREER

She held the role of Chief Financial Oﬃcer for Vodafone Italia between 2004 and 2007. Between 2015 and 2018, Della Valle served as Vodafone’s Deputy Chief Financial Oﬃcer. In April 2023, Della Valle was appointed as the CEO of Vodafone, becoming the first female CEO of the company, having temporarily assumed the role in January, succeeding Nick Read. She is one of a small elite group of women to have reached the top of the telecoms industry. International communications giant BT will, from 2024, be led by Allison Kirkby; French group Orange has been run by Christel Heydemann since 2022. So is this a big moment for women in the industry, marking a significant challenge to the decades of male domination?

IN HER OWN WORDS

“I think it is a great thing. Until a year ago it was all men at the top,”Della Valle told This Is Money. “The breakthrough is about time. It had to happen sooner or later. Times are moving on. It is going to happen everywhere, not just in telcos.” Della Valle says believes the unconscious bias against women still pervades, making it harder for them to reach the boardroom. However, once they have broken through, Della Valle feels being female can be come with enormous positives. 14

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Della Valle believes mergers within the industry are what will help drive investment and technology “Being a woman in business today is a bit of a superpower because you bring a different voice,” she says. “It is very diﬃcult to get around the table. But once you are there, your voice can really be heard because you have a different perspective.” Della Valle’s rise to Chief Executive has been a long time coming. She first joined a previous incarnation of Vodafone in Italy in 1994. Her ultimate promotion to CEO came after her predecessor, Nick Read, was ousted late last year, following sluggish share prices for the company. There were some, at the time of her appointment, who felt that she was too close to the previous regime, and didn’t necessarily bring a new enough ideas to the table. Less than a year in the role, she dismisses that notion. “Has anyone before me made so much change in so little time? My first message as chief executive was everything has to change here.” To those not in the industry, telecoms may seem a bit, well… nerdy. Della Valle, though, loves it. She keeps in her oﬃce a piece of transatlantic telegraph cable, laid by the Eastern Telegraph Company between the US and Cornwall in the late 19th Century. She is exceptionally proud of how Vodafone restored communications to earthquake-hit Turkey earlier in 2023 with equipment flown over in three suitcases. “We call it a network in a suitcase. With those three suitcases in an earthquake zone, we created an instant network that is fully autonomous and connects with a satellite.’

MERGER WITH THREE

Vodafone is losing share in Germany, its biggest market. It is also failing to make good enough returns in the UK, Spain and Italy. Della Valle’s view is that there need to be mergers so that beefed up telecom firms can make a decent return and deliver the investment needed in 5G, the new, faster and more responsive mobile technology. With Vodafone also losing share across many territories in western Europe – something she blames on ‘too many players in the market’, she believes mergers within the industry are what will help drive investment and technology. In the UK, she is pressing ahead with Nick Read’s planned £15 billion merger with Three UK, which is owned by Hong Kong investment giant CK Hutchison. Her hope is that the deal will go through by the end of 2024. Vodafone and Three are the third and fourth largest operators in the UK respectively. EE, owned by BT, is top of the pile, followed by Virgin Media O2, itself owned by Telefonica of Spain and Liberty Global in America. A combined Vodafone and Three would send the new company to the top, giving it 27 million customers, compared to Virgin Media O2’s 24 million. It is, therefore, not surprising the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is taking a keen interest in the proposed deal. Vodafone and Three UK say they will invest more than £11 billion over a decade to create an advanced 5G network. Their claim is that the deal will create up to £5 billion of economic benefits a year by 2030, by giving businesses, households, schools and hospitals state-of-the-art connectivity. The CMA blocked a bid by Three to buy O2 in 2016, but Della Valle insists that does not set a precedent. ‘The joint venture will be controlled by Vodafone.

We appoint the chief executive,” she says. Her argument is that the merged group will generate strong enough returns to take on the scale of investment needed to modernise. On jobs, conversely, Della Valle concedes there will be cuts but is sworn to believe ‘it is a net positive’ for the UK overall. She says: ‘There will be a degree of job reduction, but it will be much smaller than the opportunity for the economy more broadly, which will be driven by digitisation.” She insists 8,000 to 12,000 jobs will be created indirectly. This is the first major deal for Della Valle in her new role. Winning these arguments is vital for her credibility as a CEO, and a female one at that. She also places customer service as one of her three main priorities in her role, along with growth and simplifying the company. With that in mind, Vodafone is investing £150 million to improving customer service across Europe.

INTO 2024

Next month, she is taking the whole board to – of all places – Stoke on Trent, where Vodafone has its main UK call centre with 750 staff. This is in order for them to experience life on the ‘shop floor’. On growth, she sees small and medium-sized firms as a ‘huge opportunity’. Many need to digitise but are too small to have their own IT departments and potentially will look to companies such as Vodafone for help. Shareholders are watching closely to see whether she will succeed where predecessors failed. They are unlikely to tolerate fresh disappointment. While Della Valle isn’t the only female CEO within the telecoms industry, the completion and success of both the merger, and carrying out her personal priorities will – rightly or wrongly – be a major pointer for the shareholders to see if her appointment was the right one.

SO FEW FEMALE CEOs…

Margherita Della Valle is an Italian businesswoman who has been the CEO of Vodafone since January 2023. She was elected Chairman of 100 Group, the association that brings together FTSE 100 CFOs. She is also one of only nine female chief executives at the UK’s top 100 listed companies.

Debra Crew Diageo

Jette Nygaard- Amanda Blanc Andersen Aviva Entain

Milena Mondini Dame Emma de Focatiis Walmsley Admiral Insurance GSK

Louise Beardmore United Utilities

Jennie Daly Taylor Wimpey

Liv Garfield Severn Trent

BUSINES S

The University of Surrey’s Institute for People-Centred AI and the StoryFutures unit at Royal Holloway, University of London, will be the home to a new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in AI for Digital Media Inclusion

Doctoral training in AI for digital media at Surrey Universities This CDT will combine Surrey’s world-leading expertise in peoplecentred artificial intelligence (AI) with Royal Holloway’s track record of innovation in next-generation digital media. The Centre will establish a unique creative industry hub for high-quality training in responsible AI, inclusive design and creative skills, catalysing UK leadership in media inclusion for the whole population.

Digital media inclusion is essential for equality across society - it is the primary interface for access to education, healthcare, entertainment, finance and government services, but current media is often produced as one-size-fits-all, creating barriers to societal inclusion. AI has the potential to transform media into intelligent content that dynamically adapts to individual preferences addressing the needs of diverse audiences, and encompassing factors such as age, language, neurodiversity, and sensory and physical abilities.

AI can be a true leveller ❛❛ of people and a liberator of ideas. At Surrey, we focus on nurturing the soul of AI with inclusivity, diversity and fairness at its heart. We welcome the announcement of the CDT in AI for digital media inclusion. This is a recognition of the importance of people-centred AI doctoral training and a vehicle to help us deliver a transformative challenge-led programme in collaboration with Royal Holloway and all the industry partners who have signed up for this innovative approach Professor Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Surrey

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WHAT MAKES THE TRAINING PROGRAMME UNIQUE?

The CDT will train a new generation of more than 80 industry-ready PhDs to lead the transformation to responsible AI-enabled inclusive media. This will forge a ground-breaking challenge-led model, co-designed and co-delivered with creative industry and enduser partners to remove significant real-world barriers to media inclusion. Working in multi-disciplinary cohort teams to develop leadership, peerlearning and teamwork, the Centre will aim to deliver compre-hensive multi-faceted AI solutions combining creative, technical, behavioural, linguistic, social and legal expertise, designed with inclusion for all at its heart. Surrey’s PhD cohorts will benefit from the Centre that brings together two world-leading centres; Surrey’s Institute for People-centred AI, number one in the UK, with over 35 years of pioneering research at the forefront of fundamental AI and machine learning; and StoryFutures’ experience of leading creative innovation in next-generation inclusive digital media at Royal Holloway.

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY

AI-enabled inclusive media is a key driver for the creative industries to grow audience size, loyalty and revenue, but this is severely limited by access to individuals with key AI and creative skills. Creating digital media content and services that are inclusive for all is essential for societal equality, and a business necessity to increase engagement for diverse audiences. The so-called ‘Purple pound’ alone is valued at over £274bn per year in the UK. The challenge-led training will foster a responsible creative AI ecosystem partnering with over 50 organisations from big-tech corporations to creative SMEs and user organisations to address real-world inclusive media challenges and realise the impact on society and the UK economy.

Safe, responsible AI innovation ❛❛ will deliver beneﬁts right across the economy and society. The advances it could unlock for our creative industries are the perfect example of this. With government backing, this centre will break down accessibility barriers in digital media by using AI to create personalised media experiences, meaning everyone can access information and entertainment regardless of age, background, or disabilities Former Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Paul Scully MP

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For more information visit www.surrey-research-park.com www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

CELEBRATING THE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF BUSINESSWOMEN ACROSS THE SOUTH EAST SUSSEX – SURREY – KENT – HAMPSHIRE

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ENTRANTS CAN SUBMIT UP TO THREE SUBMISSIONS | £25 PER ENTRY ENTRY DEADLINE: February 7th 2024 AWARD CEREMONY: April 30th 2024

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FE ATURE

FACT: Feminism does not equate to misandry In a world quick to jump to conclusions, Dr. Aífe HopkinsDoyle from the University of Surrey embarked on research that would span continents and cultures. She gathered nearly 10,000 participants across various countries including Italy, the United States, Japan, and others. Each person brought their unique perspective to a study that sought to unravel a deeply rooted question: Are feminists, by their nature, biased against men? The study’s revelations were as profound as they were surprising. The ingrained narrative that feminists are anti-men was significantly challenged. This research, which stands as a monumental achievement akin to the ‘World Cup’ of gender studies, illuminated the reality that feminists – far from being adversaries of men – actually exhibit attitudes toward the opposite sex that are as positive as those of non-feminists. In the UK, feminists did express concerns regarding the implications of certain male behaviours on women’s rights and safety. However, this was not synonymous with a negative view of men. Rather, it suggested a complex, more discerning stance: an awareness infused with caution, not contempt. It’s a subtle yet significant distinction that paints feminists not as detractors but as vigilant advocates for equality and safety.

The study also shed light on the dynamics of feminist activism. Engagement in movements such as #MeToo was indeed passionate and fervent, but this passion was not indiscriminately directed against men as a whole. Instead, it was targeted at specific issues of injustice. Feminist activism, therefore, was not reflective of a blanket disdain but a focused discontent with particular societal wrongs. The implications of Dr. HopkinsDoyle’s work are far-reaching. It challenges the stereotype of the ‘angry feminist’ and urges a recalibration of our understanding of the feminist movement. It’s a clarion call for a more informed, empathetic approach to discussions on gender dynamics. This nuanced understanding is a beacon for future discourse in gender relations. It’s a narrative that encourages all of us to look beyond the surface, to seek understanding before judgment, and to recognise that, at the heart of feminism lies a desire not for division but for the unity of equal rights and respect.

Feminists did express concerns regarding the implications of certain male behaviours on women’s rights and safety. However, this was not synonymous with a negative view of men

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The Misandry Myth: An Inaccurate Stereotype About Feminists’ Attitudes Toward Men can be read here.

The nomination for Julie focused on her leadership of Coast to Capital LEP projects leveraging investment and partnerships to realise transformational projects across the region

Double delight for Surrey business and education leader Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO of the North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) and Chair of the Coast to Capital LEP and Catalyst South, has been named Leader of the Year at the Institute of Economic Development (IED) Annual Awards 2023. The awards, which were hosted in Birmingham following the IED Annual Conference ‘Grow for Good? Reappraising the UK’s Growth Objectives,’ recognise achievers in the public and private sector through a series of individual, team and organisational categories. The Leader of the Year award is for economic development professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and management in their role, and who motivate and inspire their team to achieve success through effective leadership. The nomination for Julie focused on her leadership of Coast to Capital LEP projects leveraging investment and partnerships to realise transformational projects across the region, bringing a range of education providers and large employers together to secure over £15 million of investment to open the new Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology, and her personal support for a range of organisations in the region.

Julie was also Highly Commended in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion of the Year category, which recognises individuals who strive to actively promote, celebrate and raise awareness of EDI, improving under-represented involvement in economic development in their organisation or externally. After the ceremony, Julie said: “To receive the Leader of the Year award is an incredible honour and one that I share with colleagues at Nescot, Coast to Capital LEP and Catalyst South. As a member and fellow of the IED, to be recognised by my peers is humbling – but it is also reward for the wonderful people and teams I am proud to be part of. I am passionate about the link between education and business, and have a particular interest in promoting and advancing EDI within economic development and further education, so to be recognised for this additionally is both amazing and unexpected.” https://ied.co.uk/news_events/winners_and_highly_ commended_entries_revealed_at_ied_annual_awards_2023 www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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We meet no ordinary people in our lives C.S. Lewis

BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENT FOR CERVICAL CANCER A pioneering cervical cancer treatment utilising affordable, established medications has been hailed the most significant advance in 20 years. A Cancer Research UK-backed trial with 500 patients showed that administering a six-week chemotherapy regimen before standard chemoradiation cuts the risk of death or recurrence by 35%. Study authors hope the use of existing drugs – carboplatin and paclitaxel – means the treatment can be rolled out relatively quickly. “This is the biggest improvement in outcomes in this disease in over 20 years,” said lead investigator Dr Mary McCormack, from University College London’s Cancer Institute.

IN THE RIGHT

DIRECTION

GOVERNMENT TO REMOVE SOME RESTRICTIVE IVF RULES The UK government is set to abolish outdated IVF regulations that restrict access for individuals with HIV and impose costly screening on lesbian couples. The changes will allow couples with HIV to use IVF, especially when the HIV viral load is undetectable, thus preventing transmission. The aim is also to grant female same-sex couples equal rights in the conception process, eliminating the expensive mandatory infectious disease screenings that heterosexual couples are not subjected to. This move is intended to alleviate the emotional and financial burden on those facing fertility challenges.

LATVIA LEGALISES GAY PARTNERSHIPS Latvia has marked a milestone by legalising same-sex civil partnerships, following the appointment of its first openly gay head of state. This progress, championed by President Edgars Rinkēvičs, reflects the country’s commitment to inclusivity and respect. Set to be effective from mid-2024, the law acknowledges same-sex couples with legal recognition, hospital visitation rights, and certain fiscal and social security advantages. However, it falls short of granting full rights akin to heterosexual marriages, such as child adoption. Prime Minister Evika Siliņa celebrated the development, seeing it as a significant step towards a more progressive and compassionate Latvian society.

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ATTITUDES TOWARDS IMMIGRATION SOFTENING In a notable shift, British attitudes towards immigration have become more positive. The European Social Survey, tracking opinions every two years since 2001, reveals a favourable trend post-Brexit, with the latest findings indicating that 59% of Britons now see immigration as positive for the economy, an increase from 17% in 2002. Additionally, 58% appreciate the cultural enrichment brought by immigrants, up from 33%, and 56% feel that immigration enhances the UK as a place to live, a significant rise from 20%.

ICELAND’S PM JOINS A MASS WALKOUT OVER INEQUALITY Iceland’s Prime Minister participated in a significant walkout for gender equality, marking the nation’s first such protest in decades. A massive turnout saw 100,000 individuals, a significant portion of Iceland’s population, rally in Reykjavík against unequal pay and gender-based violence. More protests disrupted services nationwide. PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir expressed solidarity, anticipating her cabinet’s support. Despite Iceland’s reputation as a gender equality leader, confirmed by the World Economic Forum, disparities persist, necessitating action, as highlighted by strike leader Freyja Steingrímsdóttir.

FRANCE ENHANCES ABORTION RIGHTS President Emmanuel Macron announced that starting next year, abortion will become a constitutional right in France, ensuring its permanence. This follows his statement in March 2023 addressing the reduction of abortion rights in the U.S., expressing his intent to solidify abortion freedoms in French law. Although abortion has been legal in France since 1975, it was not constitutionally protected. To expedite the process, Macron aims to pass the amendment with a three-fifths majority in a joint parliamentary session.

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Enjoy life. There’s plenty of time to be dead Hans Christian Andersen

ENGLAND LICENSES A DRUG TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER Anastrozole, a drug previously used to treat breast cancer, has now been licensed in England as a preventative measure for the disease. It has been shown to cut the risk of breast cancer by nearly half in at-risk post-menopausal women. This development, hailed by Cancer Research UK, is significant as anastrozole’s off-patent status allows multiple manufacturers to produce it, substantially reducing its cost. The price for a five-year regimen of the drug is now approximately 4p per day.

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In our exclusive Spotlight feature, we highlight women who are doing good things in their community. They’re not always seen but we think they should be.

SPOTLIGH T Sophie Mogford-Revess Sophie is the Operations Director at fire detection specialist, LGM Products, based in Fleet, Hampshire Embracing a childhood filled with international adventures, I discovered the profound joy of travel and the invaluable lessons gained from connecting with diverse cultures. Guided by a passion for global sales and marketing, I embarked on a journey into the B2B corporate world with Johnson & Johnson. I was fortunate to have mentors who urged me to step beyond my comfort zone, fostering personal and professional growth. Seeking a shift away from the corporate landscape, I found myself drawn into the fire safety industry. Despite commendable efforts to encourage women in STEM, I observed a lingering gender gap affecting women’s advancement in engineering-related fields, a phenomenon illuminated in Claire Shipman and Katty Kay’s excellent book, “The Confidence Code” – a must read! Joining LGM Products, I set out to elevate the company as a leading fire detection company in marine, industrial, and power generation sectors. Often the sole woman in rooms filled with business leaders, I navigated the challenges of confronting traditional gender norms, particularly in markets where women’s presence is less embraced. I have actively pursued global markets, collaborations with international distributors has expanded our reach to over 80 countries, proving that breaking barriers knows no boundaries.

As an advocate for change, I am determined to be a catalyst for progress. We each possess the power to be architects of change, to use our voices and influence for good 24

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In the male-dominated fire industry, positive shifts are underway, evidenced by initiatives like the Women in Fire Safety Awards. In 2023, I was delighted to be the recipient of Business Manager of the Year. As well as being personally honoured to be recognised by these industry awards, I am inspired by the other women acknowledged at these ceremonies, and the change they are bringing to such a historically male -dominated world. As an advocate for change, I am determined to be a catalyst for progress. We each possess the power to be architects of change, to use our voices and influence for good. Let us collectively be the change we aspire to see, shaping a more inclusive and empowered future for everyone. www.lgmproducts.com

Anna-Marie Trzebinski Anna-Marie is founder and Creative Event Director of AMTEvents. She chats with us here at Dynamic I am incredibly proud of the journey AMTEvents has taken so far. We were honoured to be a Surrey Business Awards ‘Startup Highly Commended’ Winner; became a finalist for the Central South Business Awards 2023 ‘Start-up of the Year,’ and also received recognition as a finalist for the Dynamic Awards 2023 ‘Creative Industries Award.’ As a boutique agency specialising in crafting events for B2B clients, my role involves passionately weaving creative and beautiful event stories to deliver captivating guest experiences that drive business or personal goal outcomes for our clients. My career in this space began approximately 15 years ago, initially cutting my teeth with events at London Fashion Week. Over the years, I’ve expanded our clientele base to include industries such as finance, film, technology, and real estate, with AMTEvents welcoming clients from various sectors. The inception of AMTEvents traces back to a significant moment in March 2020 when I faced redundancy while expecting my little one. This unexpected turn of events provided the impetus I needed to realise my long-held dream of starting my own agency. Following months of focused vision and values development, AMTEvents oﬃcially launched in June 2020. Being a founder comes with its share of challenges. Balancing work and personal life has been a significant hurdle, along with navigating the ebbs and flows of the business landscape. Through the past three years, I’ve learned to trust the process, adapt as the business evolves, and use quieter times to reset and plan ahead. Effective communication and shared calendar organisation with my husband have proven crucial in maintaining equilibrium.

Being a founder comes with its share of challenges. Balancing work and personal life has been a significant hurdle Amidst the challenges, there have been moments of great pride. One standout achievement was winning the opportunity to produce the Global Triathlon Awards in Nice – a massive project that turned out to be a resounding success. The positive outcome has opened doors to new clients through referrals, and I am optimistic about expanding our agency’s staff in the coming year. Looking ahead, in a perfect world, I envision AMTEvents becoming renowned for its creative and design-focused approach to events on a larger scale. I aspire to establish an inhouse nursery to support our staff and continue working with clients who have been with us since the inception of the agency. In ten years’ time, I see AMTEvents as a thriving force in the event industry, known for its creativity, design excellence, and long-standing client relationships. www.amteventsglobal.com

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SPOTLIGHT

Jenni Riley Jenni Riley is Co-Founder and Chief People Oﬃcer at ITARMI, a Leatherhead-based global IT support company

When we embarked on our journey of launching our business back in 2017, I must admit I had little experience with technology, and I certainly had zero experience with starting a business. I was very nervous, especially given the predominantly male-dominated nature of the IT industry. I often found myself feeling out of my depth. However, I had good organisational skills and the ability to bring people together, which came from my career as a board-level PA and my time spent as a campaign manager. These skills, I believed, would be valuable in our mission which was to create an on-demand IT service platform that connected companies with highly skilled IT engineers on a global scale. Throughout our business journey, we encountered the usual typical hurdles that come with starting a business. But what took me by surprise were the personal challenges I had to face. When I reflect on the situations that stand out the most, I recall instances where some associates attempted to manipulate me. There were encounters with managers who overtly attempted to marginalise my role and authority as a woman at the helm, investors that expressed doubts about my involvement in the business long term, suggesting that I should be at home raising a family and – to top it off – one investor even suggested that they would only invest if my husband fired me. And that was on a good day! For a while, it felt as though I was constantly in a defensive mode, fighting to ensure my voice was heard, and working relentlessly to prove my worth, not only to others but also to myself. I grappled massively at times with imposter syndrome and self-doubt, but I was adamant to not let anyone else dictate my future.

There were investors suggesting that I should be at home raising a family and – to top it off – one investor even suggested that they would only invest if my husband fired me That was a decision I was determined to make for myself! I pushed back hard, making sure to participate in as many meetings and calls as possible, ensuring that every word and action I contributed added value. I felt it was essential for me to demonstrate, not only to others but to myself, that I rightfully earned my place in this business. Fast forward six years, I can confidently say that whilst the journey still isn’t entirely free from challenges, we’ve made significant progress. There are now many more women occupying high-ranking positions in the IT industry, and together, we are shattering the barriers that once stood in our way. I actively engage in women-led committees, panels, and groups to ensure that as women, we have a strong and influential voice, and that we are collectively paving the way for more women to not only enter the IT industry but to also have opportunities to climb those corporate ladders that we so deserve. www.itarmi.com

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E N G L I S H S PA R K L I N G W I N E

D R I N K R E S P O N S I B LY

WELLBEING

Women would rather blame childcare issues than talk to the boss about gynaecological health

The need for improving women’s health initiatives The Eve Appeal, the leading gynaecological cancer charity, has unveiled a concerning lack of comfort and awareness surrounding women’s health issues in the workplace, emphasising the urgent need for improved dialogue, education and supportive polices to be put in place

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Throughout my career, I have always believed it is vital for women to be supported at every stage of their career. There are ongoing inequalities to address, including support for women’s unique health needs throughout their career and life stages. This research from Eve shows that organisations who have eﬀective women’s health policies in place are more likely to recruit and retain the best people and win the race for talent. This means taking action to end stigma, introduce appropriate policies, build awareness, and start a conversation. For women at all stages, it can

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be a game changer Sarah Morris, Partner, Human Capital, Bain Capital Private Equity

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The survey, conducted by YouGov, uncovered a stark reality of workplace gender disparities through questioning 2,425 working women in the UK in 2023.

STIGMA AND CAREER CONCERNS

Gynaecological health issues came top of the conversations employees would not like to discuss with their boss – from periods through to menopause. More than a quarter (27%) were uncomfortable talking to their boss about cervical screening, while the same number would also be uncomfortable telling their boss if they experienced miscarriage (27%). Meanwhile, 29% of respondents shared that they wouldn’t openly discuss perimenopause or menopause symptoms. Out of the women surveyed, most were more comfortable talking about a cancer diagnosis, with only 17% not wanting to talk about this at work, and only one out of ten would not want to speak about childcare issues with their boss.

EVERY WOMAN PROMISE

COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES Nearly a third (29%) said they would prefer to say they had a tummy bug, while 22% would go as far as taking annual leave to avoid disclosing the real reason they were unable to work.

WOMEN’S HEALTH IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Employees don’t just look at pay when accepting a job role; looking after their health and wellbeing in the workplace is also important. The survey highlighted a strong desire for supportive policies related to women’s health in the workplace with 48% expressing that their employer having a wellness or health policy in place that directly impacts them was very important, with only 3% stating it was not important at all. Nearly six in ten of respondents said they would be more likely to remain in their current role if their employer implemented women’s health policies. With the average cost of recruiting an employee in the UK being £3,000*, staff retention is good for business. Alongside this, 75% of those who participated in the survey said they were more likely to accept a role at a business with female-centred policies in place.

The Eve Appeal has developed a workplace programme on gynaecological health - the Every Woman Promise - to assist in addressing these issues. The initiative is focused on improving the health of your employees, creating a positive working environment, and removing the stigma around gynae health issues. By implementing policies that directly focus on women’s health, it empowers both employees and managers to break down taboos in the workplace so that more women will feel comfortable and supported in their place of work. As Athena Lamnisos, CEO of The Eve Appeal, tells us, “Implementing health initiatives such as The Eve Appeal’s Every Woman Promise programme isn’t just good for a large percentage of your staff, it’s also good for business. Our research demonstrates the positive impacts on employee satisfaction and retention rates. “Our findings shed light on the pressing need for a shift in the workplace culture and policies to be implemented so that women feel comfortable discussing essential health matters without fear of repercussions or judgement.” For more information and resources on gynae health and workplace policies please visit: eveappeal.org.uk/everywoman Recruitment agencies typically charge around £3,000 per new employee, which they base on a fee of 20-30% of the average salary of an employee. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the mean national average salary in 2021 was £38,131 for a full-time employee and £13,549 for a part-time role.

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Sadly, topics surrounding women’s gynaecological health are still considered taboo. The shame and embarrassment around the topic needs to be obliterated and it begins with having open and frank conversations, and normalising these discussions. Such training and health initiatives guided by experts in the ﬁeld can make a positive diﬀerence both to employees, and in the long run, businesses too Dr Aziza Sesay, GP and women’s health expert

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WELLBEING

What’s the deal with detox? Is it necessary? No sooner do we put down our knife and fork on Christmas day when we are bombarded with adverts and social media posts promoting the packages and promises of a much needed ‘detox’ that will deliver weight loss and deliverance from all our overindulgence. But do we actually need to punish ourselves with juice fasts, boot camps and meal replacements? BY TANYA BOROWSKI 30

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No! Our bodies are equipped with an amazing built-in system to detoxify: our liver, gut, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system and the skin. Toxins can be excess hormones, environmental pollutants, acetaldehyde from alcohol, additives and fillers in many processed foods and ready meals. They are transformed by enzymes that exist in the liver and also in the gut, into water-soluble substances and excreted through the urine, bile and faeces, detoxifying the body. For all our Dymanic readers, I’d like to share my fabulous five health tips for 2024 that will help tip the balance back into some equilibrium, accompanied with the reasoning why, without beating you with a guilty stick or asking you to live off green juices for a month!

MY FABULOUS FIVE TIPS FOR A HEALTHY AND INFORMED NEW YEAR!

1 MEAL TIMING

Eat two to three meals a day rather than snack and graze all day. Without even realising, many of us are eating up to 16 hours a day. Leaving four-to-five hour gaps between meals or practising eating in an eighthour window during the day reduces inflammation and also stimulates a wonderful protein called brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF influences a variety of functions including: preventing the death of existing brain cells (sounds good!), inducing the growth of new neurons and synapses and supporting cognitive function. Low levels of BDNF have been linked to: Alzheimer’s, accelerated ageing, obesity and depression.

2 TAME INFLAMMATION

Chronic low-grade inflammation (also termed silent inflammation) is now documented as the predominant underlying cause of a range of chronic conditions from heart disease, arthritis, diverticulitis and colitis to obesity – to name a few. Inflammation is a vital process that our body uses to mount a response to a perceived threat in the form of infection or a physical injury. However, there are two different types of inflammation. One type is ‘classical’ inflammation, which is usually associated with pain. This type of inflammation can also result from an overactive immune system that is constantly turned on so that the body attacks itself. This is precisely what happens in the case of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Silent inflammation, on the other hand, is different in that it is below the threshold of perceived pain. As a result, no action is taken to stop it, and so it smoulders for years, causing continued insults on the body – system wide: the heart, the immune system, the brain etc. One of the largest contributing factors to smouldering silent inflammation is eating. The very act of eating is inflammatory, so eating or grazing for 15-18 hours a day by definition is adding fuel to the fire. I’m sure most of us don’t think that we do actually eat for this length of time each day, but consider this as a typical day: Wake at 6am and have a coffee at the station on the way into work at 6.30am. Breakfast at 8.30am, coffee or cup of tea and a piece of fruit. Apple at 11am, lunch at 1pm, cup of tea and snack at 4pm, nibble on kids’ tea at 6.45pm. Dinner at 8pm, cup of tea and square of chocolate at 9pm is 15 hours of continuous grazing. So, again consider eating in a smaller window of eight hours, i.e breaking your fast at midday rather than at 6.30am at least three days a week and also being mindful to leave four to five hours between meals and not snacking.

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WELLBEING

WHICH FOODS ARE THE MOST INFLAMMATORY 3 CONSIDER

Research has demonstrated that both high levels of refined sugar and saturated fat produce dysfunctional proteins and inflammatory responses. As such, my tips are to: • Cut refined sugar: Throw away the refined sugar products (crackers, crisps, pies, scones, biscuits, etc). Recent studies showed sugar addiction to be a more powerful stimulator of dopamine reward pathways than cocaine. While it’s hard at first, going through a sugar detox will free you from the need to eat every hour or two to keep blood sugar stable and will give you mastery and control over your food choices since you’re not following cravings. Once you cut it out, you’ll notice the beauty of mother nature’s sweetness such as a handful of berries and some nuts and you’ll find confectionery a thing of the past! • Lower saturated fat intake: This is a type of fat that contains triglycerides with only saturated fatty acids. Foods with high saturated fats include cheese, fatty meats, lard, coconut oil and butter. I am not advocating to stop butter and cheese altogether, rather think about your intake in an overall day. Butter, for example, is a fantastic source of vitamin A, which is needed for a balanced immune system but a daily diet of croissants and shop bought ready meals is tipping the balance too far. Similarly, the fad of all fats being replaced with coconut oil is flawed too.

Eat two to three meals a day rather than snack and graze all day

4 BUILD STRONG FENCES

In a normal, healthy gut lining there are epithelial cells forming tight junctions that allow certain molecules to pass across into the bloodstream, such as vitamins, minerals and digested food in the form of amino acids, glucose and some fatty acids. However, it also acts as a barrier preventing entry of larger damaging molecules, foreign particles and bacteria. This intestinal lining is very delicate and can be easily damaged by poorly digested foods, provocative proteins (such as gluten), medications (especially antibiotics and NSAIDs), nutritional deficiencies (especially zinc, vitamin D and A), microbiome disruption (dysbiosis) and inflammatory food triggers. When there is damage to this lining, it can open up slightly, causing a condition called ‘leaky gut’ or Intestinal permeability. This allows partially digested foods, toxins, and bacteria to enter into the bloodstream and thus be presented to the immune system just beyond the gut wall. Resulting symptoms are persistent inflammation,

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THE IMMUNE SYSTEM VIA YOUR GUT 5 MODULATE

The gut bacteria (also called microbiota) influence host health, and in particular immune function, by promoting the development and maintenance of the mucosal immune system, protecting against pathogen invasion and maintaining gastrointestinal tract barrier integrity. The mucosal immune system is essentially our first line of defence: present within our barrier structures namely the skin, gut, and respiratory membranes. This system induces what we term as “tolerance”, so the immune system doesn’t overact unnecessarily. Dietary fibre, and pre and probiotic type foods increase the production of short chain fatty acids, which help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, as well as helping regulate T-regulatory cells which help maintain a well regulated immune system as they have been shown to suppress the responses of other immune cells, including those that promote inflammation. My tip here is to aim to eat eight to ten servings of vegetables daily. Plants contain phytochemicals, and these chemicals have so many health benefits: antiinflammatory, aid liver detoxification enzymes and modulate the gut microbiome.

irritation, possible autoimmune attacks, pain, digestive discomfort and food intolerances – all of which are a result of a now dysregulated immune system. To build strong fences and help prevent intestinal permeability I have these tips for you: • Cut refined sugar: Read the labels before buying and assess how artificial the product actually is, as artificial fillers and preservatives significantly contribute towards intestinal permeability. The best indicators of how highly processed a food is, can actually be found in the list of ingredients. If what you are buying contains more than five ingredients and includes a lot of unfamiliar, unpronounceable items you should reconsider before buying. • Increase the amount of fibre and polyphenols in your diet by aiming for ten servings of vegetables a day. Fibre increases the production of short chain fatty acids, which help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier. • Get your vitamin D level checked annually. Low levels of vitamin D contribute to Intestinal permeability.

My all-time favourite, if I had to name it – broccoli! Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2024! www.tanyaborowski.com

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RE VIE W

From Mary Barra to Whitney Wolfe Herd: four leadership lessons from the world’s most inspiring businesswomen

FURTHER READING…

Sally Percy is an experienced business journalist and editor, specialising in leadership and management. She is author of ‘21st Century Business Icons: The Leaders Who Are Changing our World’ (Kogan Page) Learning from other leaders can be a great way for leaders to develop themselves, improve their own leadership practice and inspire others. So, for my book, 21st Century Business Icons, I researched some of the world’s most successful and inspiring businesswomen, with the aim of discovering their secrets to success. This is what I learned:

YOUR TIME ON WHERE YOU CAN HAVE THE GREATEST IMPACT 1FOCUS

When you run one of the world’s biggest car companies, you must effectively use every minute, of every day. That’s why Mary Barra, chief executive of General Motors, looks for opportunities to make a real difference. She also ensures that she has the right people and strategy in place.

2 BUILD TEAMS WITH DIVERSE TALENTS

Rosalind Brewer, CEO of US retail pharmacy chain Walgreens Boots Alliance, has compared being a CEO with being the conductor of an orchestra. Both bring together people with many different talents to create the best possible performance. Brewer believes that diversity of thought is crucial to creating successful teams, with this usually dependent on diversity of race and gender.

WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS:

The more we learn about the practice of leadership, and the more we study the philosophy of other leaders, the better leaders we will become

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OVER 500 INSIGHTS FROM EXTRAORDINARY LEADERS TO SPARK YOUR SUCCESS By Edie Fraser, Robyn Freedman Spizman, Andi Simon Andrews McMeel Publishing (2023) Business needs women, and women mean business. This book provides over 500 insights from women you may not have in your own life when you need support. The voices of mentorship fill these pages to help you achieve your personal goals at every stage of your career. This book includes insights form leaders and luminaries such as: Sheila Johnson, Founder and CEO, Salamander Hotels and Resorts; Margo Georgiadis, Serial CEO and Board Leader, McDonald’s and four other boards; Lilly Ledbetter, Activist; Kay Unger, COO, the Kay Unger Family Foundation.

4 MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE 3 BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Melanie Perkins, co-founder of Australian graphic design platform Canva, was rejected over 100 times by investors in her quest to raise capital for her business. But she kept believing in her vision. In fact, Perkins describes her determination in the face of adversity as a “magical superpower”, saying: “If it were easy, it probably wouldn’t be worth doing.”

10 INFLUENTIAL FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS WHO CHANGED THE GAME:

LIFE-CHANGING BIOGRAPHIES FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS By Ariana Smith Self published (2023) Fearless women throughout history have never stopped changing the world with their innovative ideas, providing endless inspiration to us all. This collection of in-depth biographies is a guide to the entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging young women and empowering girls to succeed. From the exotic Antigua in the West Indies, where Eliza Lucas transformed 19th-century agriculture, to Coco Chanel changing the fashion industry and Joyce Chen revolutionising the culinary scene in America, 10 Influential Female Entrepreneurs Who Changed the Game is packed with stories and inspiration.

US entrepreneur Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of dating app Bumble, believes that the point of being in business is to improve the lives of others. She wanted to challenge antiquated rules around dating and give women the power to make the first move. As a result of her app, people have found love, got married and had babies. As far as making a difference goes, it’s hard to beat that! There’s no doubt that being a good leader is a diﬃcult job. But the more we learn about the practice of leadership, and the more we study the philosophy of other leaders, the better leaders we will become.

THE FOUNDERS:

ELON MUSK, PETER THIEL AND THE STORY OF PAYPAL By Jimmy Soni Atlantic Books (2023) Out of PayPal’s ranks have come household names like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Max Levchin and Reid Hoffman. Yet for all their influence, the incredible story of where they started has gone largely untold. In The Founders, award-winning author Jimmy Soni narrates how a once-ina-generation collaboration turned a scrappy start-up into one of the most successful businesses of all time. Facing bruising competition, internal strife, the emergence of widespread online fraud, and the devastating dot-com bust of the 2000s, their success was anything but certain. But they would go on to change our world forever.

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SCENE ART

By KELLIE MILLER

WE JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN! THE WORKS OF MÉLANIE BOURGET In a recent BBC interview, American singer and actress Barbara Streisand declared that “She hasn’t had much fun in her life”. With a varied career spanning six decades, it was surprising to learn that a woman who would appear to have it all struggled to schedule regular fun into her life. Equally astonishing, she identifies simple pleasures to address the imbalance and introduce joy. This honest omission sheds light on how we all can respond to life. Hearing this was a reminder of how art can give us such pleasures. A French artist who naturally encapsulates fun in her works is Mélanie Bourget. Her sculptures are an exploration of human expression. With great skill, she creates figurative pieces in a contemporary yet off beat style. Her art conjures feelings of fun and joy. The characters are gregarious, often with a fl irty energy that remind you of people you may encounter that make you want to laugh and be around. Eccentric hairstyles, textures, tattoos and patterns are composed into vibrant busts. From the charming to the outrageous, Mélanie’s figures oscillate between realism and fantasy with characters that spark a deeply emotive response from the viewer. Mélanie says, “She thinks of her mysterious characters as poetic, fragile creatures that transmit deep feelings. Through her art, they come alive, and through the cracks of their glaze, we see the human soul”.

Heaven Scent

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The intended surface cracks illustrate life’s fragility and support the notion of living in the moment. Her figures are finished with a technique called Raku to give this crackled effect. Originally from Korea, the process was further developed in the 16th century in Japan. Mélanie gives enormous pleasure with the sculptural muses she creates. It prompts us to bring more joy into our lives, memory-making when we can, and keep shouting that life is for living. Kellie Miller is an artist, curator, critic and gallery owner. www.kelliemillerarts.com

With great skill, Mélanie creates figurative pieces in a contemporary yet offbeat style. Her art conjures feelings of fun and joy My Fair Lady

Rock On

Diva Rant

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TR AVEL

Cotswolds House Hotel & Spa – Chipping Camden REVIEWED BY TORI TOFTS

I do so love the Cotswolds. Come rain or shine, the area captures my heart with each visit. The rolling hills, valleys and woodlands; a canvas changing with the seasons. It is a haven not only for wildlife but also us urbanised humans seeking a touch of tranquillity and a slower pace of life. The chocolate-box houses and their picturesque ancient little villages are often what foreigners expect of much of England, but their style is actually distinctive of the region that covers close to 800 square miles. We headed

I do so love the Cotswolds. The rolling hills, valleys and woodlands; a canvas changing with the seasons 38

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for Chipping Camden in Gloucestershire for our most recent visit and were thrilled to be invited by Cotswolds House Hotel & Spa for our Saturday night stay. We arrived to find Cotswold House Hotel very centrally located, with easy access to the town as well as surrounding areas. The handsome honey-stone Regency town house is Grade II listed and has been receiving overnight guests since the 1920s. Check in was seamless, and the high ceiling reception/sitting area with the backdrop of a striking spiral staircase felt old-English and elegant; original features of beams and fireplaces across the property perpetuated that feeling. To our delight, we discovered that our suite was in the garden. Lest I forget to mention, the garden is large and

+ GOOD TO KNOW ACCESSIBILITY: No wheelchair accessible rooms. FAMILY FRIENDLY: Yes PET FRIENDLY: Dogs are welcome

+ EXTRAS Spaces are available for day conferences, meetings and seminars as well as exclusive use of the entire hotel (inc 28 bedrooms and various other spaces) for longer events. Cotswolds House Hotel can curate Team Building packages.

The handsome honey-stone Regency town house is Grade II listed and has been receiving overnight guests since the 1920s

lovely with semi-private spaces created by box and yew hedges. The garden terrace will certainly be a good space for evening cocktails or afternoon tea when weather permits. I digress, back to our suite. It certainly was warm and spacious, but also slightly dated. The bathroom made up for it though; with a huge bath that could comfortably fit two, a separate rain shower and good quality amenities. Cotswold House Hotel has two dining areas; The Fig for slightly more formal dining, and Bistro on the Square, something more casual with a lovely, very well stocked bar and fireplace. Our delicious dinner was in The Fig, starting with an airy cheese souﬄé, as well as sweet potato and coconut soup. Mains were dishes of pork and chicken respectively, both flavoursome and tender. I can wholeheartedly suggest dining at this hotel – whether you’re overnighting or not. We were up bright and early the next morning, ready for the spa. The spa is rather small but that is not surprising considering Cotswold House Hotel is smack bang in the middle of a small market town. It is perfectly formed,

though, and we enjoyed indulging, lazing about, waiting for our Perfect Trio of Treatments. Heaven, it was. One treatment encompassed a back, neck, shoulder and scalp massage with a facial added in for good measure. We had a lovely stay and I would visit again. I would skip breakfast though, as that was slightly disappointing. A stand-out feature of Cotswold House Hotel is definitely the staff who were friendly, professional and a real asset. Book a suite from £116 pn in December. www.cotswoldshouse.com www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

DINE & WINE

FINE DINING: TUTTO BRIGHTON BY TESS DE KLERK

Our visit to Tutto in Brighton was a pleasure. Great food, an inviting atmosphere and good service, Tutto is another addition to Brighton restaurateur, Raz Helalat’s collection of celebrated eateries that includes Burnt Orange and The Salt Room. Granted, Tutto may not have had the most fabulous of starts, marred by lingering pandemic issues, but all that seems to be in the distant past now. We gratefully left the blistering wind and cold outside on a Saturday evening as we stepped into the cosy and lively space, and were warmly greeted. Tutto was choc-a-bloc, and living up to its motto ‘bring everyone, eat everything’. It did feel like a space where friends, cousins, nonnas, all were chatting and laughing over tasty drinks and wholesome food. So far, so good.

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We were seated in the back room where the atmosphere was a tad diluted (when booking, ask for the front room) and unfortunately the lighting was so dim that I had to use my phone to read the menu. Fantastic wines and cocktails aplenty on the drinks menu though, while dishes are, of course, Italian. Options are à la carte or sharing platters which is where I think the menu really shines. This way of dining not only enhances the meal experience but also encourages the Italian tradition of family-style eating, making it ideal for group outings or more intimate evenings. Although the sharing menu is thoughtfully curated, featuring an array of options, we went for à la carte since I’m gluten-free and my partner won’t let anything that once lived in the oceans pass his lips! I, on the other hand, am all about the seafood. My antipasti order of wood-fired gamberi rossi with paprika butter & parsley was truly flavourful but I would have preferred an incision through the back of these prawns for

Tutto was choc-a-bloc, and living up to its motto ‘bring everyone, eat everything’

easier eating! It’s best to stay away from these if it’s a first date, I’d suggest. The antipasti board starter was a great choice with a balanced selection of cured meats. We skipped starters to go straight to secondi, where my partner’s chicken Milanese was truly exceptional. It is a dish he often orders and this one was a cut above. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and succulent on the inside, complimented perfectly by confit garlic butter and crispy sage. My oven roasted cod with mussels, olives, parmesan, anchovies and lemon was flaky and flavourful. I would happily order it again. Alas, we weren’t destined for dessert that evening as we had a show to get to, and I do regret having had to skip it as I’ve heard that Tutto’s chocolate torte is something special. Maybe next time. An aspect of Tutto that I really like is its aperitivo, available Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm. This is a nod to the Italian tradition of enjoying a pre-dinner drink to whet the appetite. The aperitivo menu features a selection of cocktails and small bites, setting the tone for an evening – and the perfect place to unwind after a day’s work, or to kickstart a leisurely evening in the heart of Brighton.

Tutto, 20-22 Marlborough Place, Brighton BN1 1UB www.tutto-restaurant.co.uk www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

BRIGHTON

BURNING THE CLOCKS

The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before burning them on the beach as a token for the end of the year and to greet the lengthening days.

CREDIT: SIMON DACK

Madeira Drive, Brighton December 21st https://samesky.co.uk/events/ burning-the-clocks

WHAT’S ON... A brief snapshot of art and culture in Sussex and Surrey

EASTBOURNE

STARGAZING AT BEACHY HEAD Head to Beachy Head Story visitor centre and be amazed by our beautiful skies. Using Eastbourne Astronomical Society telescopes you will be able to explore the night skies, view the craters on the moon and see the constellations in the night sky. Beachy Head January 27th www.visiteastbourne.com/ whats-on/stargazing-atbeachy-head-story-p2022871

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CHICHESTER

SHEFFIELD PARK

THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF

STEAMLIGHTS AT BLUEBELL RAILWAY

Baby, Middle and Big are three very hungry goats, and there is absolutely no grass left to eat on their side of the valley. Come on their adventure as together with Little Bo-Frilly they hatch a plan to cross the bridge to the lush green grass on the other side. They just need to outwit that horrible tricksy troll first.

Want to start a new hobby or learn more about photography and escape auto mode? Learn how to use your camera and unlock your creativity with professional landscape photographer Matt Goddard. You can learn that you and your camera are capable of so much more when you free yourself from auto mode.

Chichester Festival Theatre,Chichester December 14th - January 7th www.cft.org.uk/events/ the-three-billy-goats-gruff

Leonardslee Gardens, Lower feeding January 6th www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/ all-events/photography-for-beginners

SINGLETON, NR CHICHESTER

BRIGHTON

WASSAILING DAY

ROYAL PAVILION ICE RINK

Visit the Weald & Downland Living Museum for its annual Wassailing Day to bless the Museum’s orchard. Join a procession, with music, songs and short performances, starting from the market square and leading to the orchard for the wassail, to ensure a good harvest.

Celebrate a greener Christmas this year with the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink. Stunning, twinkly, romantic, child-friendly…and ice powered entirely by Green Energy, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is open to the public this season.

Weald & Downland Living Museum, Singleton January 14th www.wealddown.co.uk/events/ wassailing-day

Royal Pavilion, Brighton Until January 7th, 2024 https://royalpavilionicerink.co.uk

PANTOMIMES SNOW WHITE Chequer Mead Theatre, East Grinstead December 9th Dec - January 1st www.chequermead.co.uk CINDERELLA The Sinden Theatre, Tenterden December 14th-31st www.tenterdenpanto.co.uk GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS Rye Theatre, Rye December 23rd-29th www.ticketsource.co.uk/ 3bearsrye2023

LOWER BEEDING

HAYWARDS HEATH

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS

ROSE PRUNING MASTERCLASS

Join Michael Marriott, a world authority on roses, for an informative talk and practical pruning masterclass. Drawing on his vast 30-year experience in rose growing, Michael – the former Head Rosarian at David Austin Roses, will share the theory of pruning and growing techniques.

Leonardslee Gardens, Lower feeding January 6th www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/ all-events/photography-for-beginners

Borde Hill Gardens, Haywards Heath January 18th https://bordehill.co.uk/events/ rose-pruning-masterclass

SLEEPING BEAUTY: THE PANTOMIME Pavilion Theatre, Worthing December 1st - January 1st https://wtm.uk BEAUTY & THE BEAST The Capitol, Horsham December 1st - December 31st www.thecapitolhorsham.com HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton December 16th www.atgtickets.com/ venues/theatre-royal-brighton De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill On Sea December 22nd www.dlwp.com

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NOV/DEC 2022 #19

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN

WHY YOU NEED A MENTOR

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PREMIER WOMEN

Female political leaders across the globe

GIRL TORQUE

The all-new electric Fiat 500

SPOTLIGHT

Women in business making a difference

TRAVEL

The Highlights of the Highlands

NEURODIVERGENCE

Is it a superpower

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