4 Upfront: The top international news stories involving women in business
10 In the Right Direction: Good news stories from around the world
Features
8 The Alex Bailey Column
Finding your voice and overcome your anxieties
12 The City Girl Column
Celebrate yourself. Dismiss the negatives and appreciate your positives, says Pippa Moyle
30 Britain’s silent scandal
Dynamic looks at the DES pregnancy drug linked to generational cancer
14 Dynamic Awards 2025
All the winners and highlights at the fourth Dynamic Awards, which took place in Brighton in May
PLATINUM
Mette Frederiksen
The youngest Danish Prime Minister in the 176-year history of the Folketing has to put up with Donald Trump’s unwanted territorial advances. Dynamic analyses her response...
32 Spotlight
Focusing on two women who should be acknowledged more than they currently are
Events
40 Kellie Miller Arts Gallery
Artist and critic Kellie Miller recently opened her new gallery. Dynamic was there.
Finance
6 Kreston Reeves
Framing business issues with a new perspective
Business
28 Help To Grow
The 12-week business course returns to Brighton and Crawley this year – and Dynamic is here to help with the cost of enrolment
The percentage of Chief Finance Officer’s roles being held by women in the US 49%
The
most
successful
I know
are
entrepreneurs
optimistic.
It’s part of the job description.”
Caterina Fake, Founder, Flickr
34 Supreme Court ruling
Dynamic looks at the implications to employers after the UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of ‘sex’
36 VAT on private schools
Azets considers the potential issues around VAT exemption no longer applying to fee-paying schools
Wellbeing
38 Bisphenol A Jasmin Jetchev explores the issues around plastic – specifically Bisphenol A – packaging
Art Scene
42 Kellie Miller discusses her own work and legacy
Travel
44 Find inspiration through the Rabbit Hole
Fine Dining
48 The Teller’s Arms, Farnham – a former bank-turned-pub-andrestaurant
What’s On
50 A brief snapshot of art and culture across Sussex and Surrey
EDITOR’S NOTE
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists of the Dynamic Awards! Once again, we all had a fantastic evening at The Grand Brighton, celebrating the achievements of women across the board. All of our talented entrants work passionately and tirelessly towards their goals. The judges had extraordinarily difficult decisions to make this year.
Pippa Moyle, Alex Bailey and Liz Beck - thank you for your inspiring speeches that left us with plenty of food for thought.
In this month’s Dynamic, our Big Story looks beyond our borders to Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen. She, of course, is traversing the tricky diplomatic terrain of keeping Greenland while rejecting Trump’s unwanted advances.
Alison Jones of Kreston Reeves reminds business owners that, despite the global issues that can’t be controlled, reframing issues within the business may bring peace of mind and opportunity.
On a different note, we explore the heartbreaking DES scandal as well as the effect of the recently introduced VAT on private schools.
Our regular sections bring you remarkable women in Spotlight, ideas to ponder in travel, wisdom in Wellbeing and so much more.
We hope that you enjoy this month’s Dynamic Magazine.
HEAD OF DESIGN / SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk
LSE BOSS WINS AWARD
The Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange has won a prestigious business award.
Dame Julia Hoggett has been named this year’s winner of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. She was recognised for her leadership and impact as a woman
in financial services for her role at the London Stock Exchange, the largest European exchange, and for her leadership of the UK’s Capital Markets Industry Taskforce.
Judges also commended her for her role in championing diversity and inclusion throughout her career.
PARLIAMENTARY VOTE ON DECRIMINALISING ABORTION
MPs are set to vote this summer on whether abortion should be decriminalised in England and Wales. Two Labour backbenchers are putting forward proposals to change the current law around abortion, which would remove the threat of women being prosecuted for ending their pregnancies.
The Abortion Act 1967 allows women to end their pregnancies but only in specific circumstances - under medical supervision up to 24 weeks, or beyond in certain circumstances, such as if the mother’s life is at risk. Campaigners have been calling for legislation in England and Wales to align with that in Northern Ireland and other countries.
NETWORKING LUNCHES IN BRIGHTON
”They say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, but we think that’s hogwash. This is a great opportunity to develop your business, make new contacts and have fun at the same time,” claims the female-only Networking In Brighton.
The forum meets on the third Wednesday of every month at The Pearly Cow at 123 Kings Road, Brighton – next door to the No.124 hotel, which was recently reviewed in Dynamic. There is an annual joining fee, plus an attendance fee, though space are limited depending on your working sector.
https://networkinginbrighton.co.uk/
Adults are always asking children what they want to be when they grow up because they’re looking for ideas.”
Paul Poundstone
WORLD’S RICHEST WOMEN
Ever wondered who the wealthiest women in the world are? The wealthiest women in the world dominate various industries, including entertainment, cosmetics, and food. The majority of the five wealthiest women are from the United States, according to Forbes’ 2025 List. The World Billionaire List shows that 406 out of 3,028 billionaires (13.3%) are women.
The richest women in the world are.
Name Worth Source
1. Alice Walton
$115 bn Walmart
2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers $90.7bn L’Oréal
3. Julia Koch $72.3bn Koch Industries
4. Jacqueline Mars $45.5bn Mars
5. Abigail Johnson $36.8 bn Fidelity Investments
ENGLAND’S FIRST WOMEN’S SIKH RUGBY STAR WANTS TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS
The first Sikh woman to represent England at rugby says she wants to break down the cultural barriers that may prevent others accessing the game.
Manjinder Nagra, from Hove started playing at Bath University in the 1990s where she was then selected to play for England Students.
Ultimately, Manjinder’s dream of a senior England callup ended and she pursued a career in law, becoming a senior solicitor, but she continued to be involved in the game and, 10 years ago, set up Hove Girls Rugby.
Brighton & Hove is one of the eight host cities for this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.
around access to bank accounts, sales and purchases, stock control and wages, and following our advice, these were implemented. We also looked at issues around the management of stock and simple measures such as having doors locked to warehousing and storage areas, which can prevent opportunistic and planned theft.
“No business owner wants to be so tied to the day-to-day minutia of the business that they can’t free their time and their minds to focus on some of the bigger issues”
For another client, we recently carried out a systems review as this successful business had grown quickly and was generating significant material ‘waste’ that they didn’t know what to do with. We looked at what processes were generating the waste and went through it with them and identified areas where some of it could be re-used back into the production line, and the rest of it sold, reducing waste costs and providing a useful new revenue stream. It wasn’t really a waste, but they just needed better systems and processes in place to establish if it had value to the business.
A systems review is also useful before meeting audit thresholds to help prepare the business for this legal requirement or to help prepare the business for sale. As part of this review process, we provide a summary of their systems, which can be used as the basis of a handbook about the business as well as recommendations for improvements. Both the business owners and their team find it a very useful document, as it is easy to lose control as the business grows quickly. As it is written from the outside, it gives a different perspective to the business, and one that is often missing from the internal team.
The review document is a starting point for business owners to delegate more in the future if everything follows a system and has a procedure in place. No business owner wants to be so tied to the day-to-day minutia of the business that they can’t free their time and their minds to focus on some of the bigger issues and seek out new opportunities for the business.
Going back to where we started, if you were able to regain control of your business and then had more time and the headspace to start thinking about the bigger picture and the future, then you would probably feel less troubled by some of the global events happening. You would be in full control of what you can influence and change, which can have an immediate and profound impact on the success and profitability of your business.
If you would like to discuss how we can support you with the systems reviews that we can provide or want further information on how we can partner with you around business planning and strategy discussions, please do get in touch with either Alison Jones or Jamie Servante.
Six months on, this tightening up of controls had given the business owner much greater confidence and made a big difference in lifting these concerns from them. PROUD SPONSOR
voice in big meetings, where we discussed very important things using lots of acronyms and corporate jargon.
Imagine now how this new generation might feel entering the hybrid workplace coming from an online social network space where if you make a mistake online in your “friend” group you are exposed, vulnerable and often humiliated with replays of videos, reposts of your words.
Adding to this, multiple lockdowns meant we missed out on all the nonverbal cues critical to social development in a group setting to know how to behave, how to enter a room, how to shake someone’s hand and how to introduce ourselves.
In organisations, yes, we need to create psychological safety for everyone to be themselves, but we all know that isn’t always possible, and work is full of discomfort and awkward situations. Th is means this is much more about personal bravery and courage to find our own voice and use it.
What is the early work that we need to do to confidently use our voice in meetings? Firstly, we have to get ourselves in the room, be there regardless of who else is, observe, and watch people’s nonverbal communication: eye contact, hand gestures, tone of voice, pace of voice, pitch of voice, nodding, leaning forward or sitting back. What is each person’s presence saying about them, and what are they saying?
Practice using different non-verbal cues yourself and see how others react.
Secondly, you need to hear your own voice outside of your head, which is incredibly hard to do at fi rst when your confidence is low or you’re simply in a completely new environment. A good route is to mimic others, using active listening, replaying what someone said to them, repeating it and then translating it, saying what you heard them say, and gradually expanding it. People love this, by the way; it confi rms their point and creates subtle bonds in a relationship.
If you keep doing this, you will eventually – accidentally –say what you think out loud.
Then, when you do so, this is when the others around you, sponsors, champions and mentors will have the greatest impact by positively reinforcing your points, and recognising your contribution as valuable regardless of your years of experience. That’s the truly confidence-building part where you can easily move on from people pleasing to owning your words, to owning your own opinions and then to owning your own influence as a main character in the room.
Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ alex-bailey-26562b2/
“Practice using different non-verbal cues yourself and see how others react.”
CHINA PROMISES COMPREHENSIVE CLIMATE ACTION BY NOVEMBER
China has pledged to unveil a full-scale emissions reduction plan by November, covering all industries and greenhouse gases for the first time. President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the country’s commitment during a virtual summit, stating that efforts to combat climate change would continue
regardless of global tensions. While China had already committed to net zero by 2060, the new plan will now include methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas.
Observers welcomed the announcement, though the ambition of the final plan remains to be seen ahead of the COP30 conference.
ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGH USING LIVE BRAIN TISSUE
In a world-first, scientists have replicated early-stage Alzheimer’s disease using living human brain tissue, offering new hope for treatments. Tissue collected during routine neurosurgery was exposed to a toxic protein associated with the disease, enabling researchers to observe how it damages brain connections. The innovative model enables earlier and more accurate drug testing. Dr Claire Durrant of the University of Edinburgh said this breakthrough could speed up research translation from lab to clinic, helping to bring effective treatments for dementia closer to reality.
❛ ❛
RECORD ACCESS TO SOCIAL PROTECTION WORLDWIDE, SAYS WORLD BANK
More people than ever now benefit from social protection, including pensions, disability support, and direct cash transfers, according to the World Bank. Its latest report highlights that 4.7 billion people in low- and middleincome nations gained access over the past decade. These schemes help individuals manage crises and escape poverty. Despite progress, two billion people still lack adequate coverage. The World Bank noted such programmes deliver high economic returns, with every $1 transferred to poor households generating a $2.50 boost to local economies.
Do you want the good news or the bad news? The bad news fi rst. There is no shortcut to success. The good news is, it’s doable.”
Don Santo
NEW ONLINE SAFETY CODE AIMS TO PROTECT UK CHILDREN
UK regulators have unveiled a new set of rules aimed at making the internet safer for children. From July this year, platforms hosting harmful content or pornography must implement robust age checks and stronger content moderation. Ofcom, the media regulator, will enforce the code, with non-compliant platforms facing fines of up to 10% of their global turnover. Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive, called the measures a “reset” for child safety online. However, some campaigners, including Ian Russell, argue that the rules fall short and must be further strengthened.
YOURSELF!
My description is entirely true, but it completely ignores the fact that I have spent the past nine years passionately grafting a social network of real-life people across the UK (and a toe-dip abroad). And the sheer volume of resilience that I have had to endure whilst doing it.
I’m a firm believer that competition is vital for business success. It’s fuelled my business and seen us thrive over the numerous competitors who have been and gone. Yet I seem to compartmentalise the attitudes of the ‘Managing Director’ role as one that I play rather than one that I am.
It’s only in building a pitch deck for my first round of investment funding that I’ve truly understood the damage comparison culture has caused to me and the thousands of women I meet every year. It’s all a deeply entrenched fear of failure and rejection.
It’s about time we stop apologising for not being someone else, and embrace being ourselves.
The winners of the 2025 Dynamic Awards have been revealed, honouring the most exceptional and inspiring businesswomen from across the South East.
The sold-out gala dinner took place at The Grand Brighton on Thursday May 8th, where guests came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women leading innovation, driving success and shaping industries.
The Dynamic Awards, organised by Platinum Media Group, are the region’s leading platform for recognising the talent, resilience and impact of businesswomen. From hundreds of entries, winners were selected through a rigorous judging process involving detailed applications, pre-scoring, interviews and a nal judges’ meeting.
Managing Director of Platinum Media Group and organiser of the awards, commented: “Every year, the bar rises higher - and this year was no exception. The winners of the 2025 Dynamic Awards exemplify what it means to lead with passion, purpose and persistence. Their stories are powerful and their impact is lasting. We are proud to spotlight these trailblazing women who are not only shaping the future of business but also inspiring the next generation.”
The judging panel, made up of respected industry gures from organisations including Legal & General, Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, DMH Stallard, FRP Corporate Finance, Wellesley, Aspiring HR, SpaBreaks.com, Moneycorp, Cripps, Kreston Reeves, MDHUB, University of Brighton Help To Grow, Enablist, Innovation Capital, Creative Pod and Tisshaws Family Law who ensured a diverse and rigorous selection process.
The evening was hosted by comedian, broadcaster and writer Cally Beaton and featured inspiring speeches, powerful videos and emotional winner momentsmaking it a truly unforgettable celebration of female excellence in business.
The full list of winners is available at: www.platinummediagroup.co.uk
The evening’s inspirational keynote speakers, Pippa Moyle, Liz Beck and Alex Bailey
The evening’s host – Cally Beaton
THE 2025 WINNERS
Inspirational Award
Sponsored by Moneycorp
MOLLY ELLIS
Project Accountability
❛❛ Some moments in my job really stand out – and The Dynamic Awards was one of them. ❜❜
Future Talent of the Year
Sponsored by MDHUB
LAUREN LUCAS Wightlink
Arun Technology
Professional Services Award
Sponsored by Enablists
ATTIEH FARD
Fard Solicitors
❛❛ It was such a privilege to be in the room and hear the stories of such talented and vivacious visionaries. Thank you for giving me a platform to share my voice. ❜❜
Employer of the Year
Sponsored by Aspiring HR REBECCA NEWMAN–SMITH
Ashton Care
Property Professional of the Year
Sponsored by Innovation Capital Team
VASHIKEH CLARKE
Star Property Group
❛❛ What an incredible honour to win and be among such inspiring women at the top of their eld. Being nominated alongside them was a true privilege. ❜❜
Vashikeh Clarke
inspired was people I was it –motivated
Pippa Moyle, City Girl Network
Businesswoman of the Year
Sponsored by DMH Stallard
CARINA BAUER
IMEX Group
❛❛ My hope is that this award brings attention to the enduring economic, social, networking and knowledge-exchange value of the events industry. Hosting business events (especially) can transform local economies, job markets and innovation. ❜❜
Carina Bauer
❛❛ I didn’t win – but I’m waking up feeling more inspired than ever. The room was lled with truly outstanding people doing incredible things. was blown away by the scale of – so many stories that moved, motivated and made me laugh. ❜❜
Best Customer Service Award
Sponsored by Tisshaws Family Law
SOPHIE REED
South Coast Home Care
❛❛ To be acknowledged for something I’m so passionate about is honestly more than I could have ever hoped for. ❜❜
Sophie Reed
Innovator of the Year
Sponsored by SpaBreaks.com
LUCY HUGHES
❛❛ Huge thanks to the organisers for a night to remember — a true celebration of innovation, purpose and the incredible women leading the way. ❜❜
MarinaTex
People Finding Consutancy
Hedges & Hurdles Country Skills
SME Business of the Year
Sponsored by Kreston Reeves PIP ROTHWELL
Technology Triumphs
❛❛ We had a fantastic evening at an event that was loaded with ambience, positive energy and amazing women. Connections and great memories were made. ❜❜
Best New Business Award
Sponsored
Business Growth Award
Sponsored by Creative Pod
Pip Rothwell MD of the Year
Sponsored
❛❛ The atmosphere was electric and we witnessed an inspiring showcase of strength, ambition, and resilience.
The Agora Clinic
Company of the Year
Sponsored by Wellesley
METTE FREDERIKSEN THE
PRIME MINISTER OF DENMARK, DEALING WITH UNWANTED ADVANCES
The youngest person ever to hold this role in the 176-year history of the Folketing, the last thing Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, wants is an ongoing, intractable territorial dispute with a supposed ally, but polar opposite politically, Donald Trump.
But that is what she inherited in 2019, only for the latter to return to this subject upon his re-election last November.
It is a subject which, on the face of it, is uniting the world mostly behind Denmark, but what are the options open to the Danish and Greenland powers, especially in the face of such open hostility?
And is Trump doing what he has often done - under-estimate a female leader? Dynamic looks at this bizarre state of affairs between two Western allies.
FREDERIKSEN
and Greenland’s Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit) winning a majority in the Folketing. Frederiksen was subsequently commissioned by Queen Margrethe II to lead negotiations to form a new government and was sworn in as prime minister on June 27th.
“Frederiksen stated she did not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin wants peace in Ukraine and expressed doubts about US President Donald Trump’s attempts to negotiate a peace deal”
sponds to an increase in annual defence spending of around 18 billion DKK (just over £2 billion).
Previous editions of Dynamic have highlighted Scandinavia’s desire for female leaders. At certain times, all five nations have had a woman at the helm, whether as president, prime minister or reigning monarch. In December 2021, she became the longest-serving incumbent female head of government in the European Union.
FOREIGN POLICIES
Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Frederiksen’s government initiated political talks with the five main political parties of the Folketing, and presented the “National Compromise on Danish Security Policy” on March 4th 2022, in which a significant increase in Danish defence spending an emergency allocation of 7 billion DKK (Danish Krone – Denmark is not a member of the Eurozone), a plan for independence from Russian gas, and a referendum on the Danish EU defence opt-out were presented.
As agreed with NATO, the country will gradually increase defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2033 (the UK spends 2.3% of its GDP on NATO contributions), which corre-
On April 21st this year, together with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Mette re-visited Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the meeting, Frederiksen promised increased arms and military aid to Ukraine by 600 million DKK (£69m), bringing the total Danish aid to 1 billion DKK (£114m).
On February 24th 2025, Frederiksen stated she did not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants peace in Ukraine” and expressed doubts about US President Donald Trump’s attempts to negotiate a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war, saying that “I understand that many people think that a peaceful solution or a ceasefire sounds like a good idea, but we run the risk that peace in Ukraine is actually more dangerous than the war that is going on now.”
Events, even in this short space of time, have shown Trump’s efforts for peace have come with too many caveats to prove internationally acceptable, and as such, no such peace treaty appears to be on the horizon.
Mette Frederiksen on a photocall with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, 2023
EUROPEAN UNION
In 2020, Frederiksen was labelled “the most eurosceptic [Danish] Prime Minister in history” by the Danish online newspaper Altinget. In an apparent reversal of this stance in the meantime, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the same source has since pointed out that she “transformed from a sceptic into a strong advocate of [EU] cooperation”.
GREENLAND
Frederiksen gained international attention in August 2019 when U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled a state visit to Denmark following her refusal to sell Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. On August 15th 2019, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had discussed the possibility of buying Greenland with aides.
“Frederiksen gained international attention in August 2019 when U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled a state visit to Denmark following her refusal to sell Greenland”
Kim Kielsen, the then Prime Minister of Greenland, responded that Greenland is not for sale. On August 18th, 2019, after the White House confirmed the rumour, Frederiksen echoed Kielsen’s comments, saying, “Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland” and calling the discussion “absurd.” Two days later, Trump, in a fit of pique he internationally specialises in, cancelled the state visit scheduled for the following month, specifically referencing Frederiksen’s refusal to discuss a possible sale.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Trump, upon returning to the White House, has reiterated his desire for Greenland to be given, rather than sold, to the United States of America. For their part, Frederiksen and now-Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, have referred to Trump’s calls as ‘disrespectful rhetoric’.
At a time of global criticism for the US’s tariffs policy, this issue further unites Danes of all political persuasions - and the wider international community – into increased anger and condemnation, including receiving solidarity from British and EU leaders.
Polls show that the vast majority of Greenlanders want to become independent from Denmark but do not wish to become part of the US. Formed in March, Greenland’s new coalition government is led by Nielsen’s centre-right Democrats party, which favours a gradual approach to independence.
The US has long maintained a security interest in Greenland. After Nazi Germany occupied mainland Denmark
+THE USA’S DESIRE FOR GREENLAND
Though a part of the continent of North America, Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with the European kingdoms of Norway and Denmark for more than a millennium, beginning in 986.
Greenland has been inhabited at intervals for at least the last 4,500 years by circumpolar peoples whose forebears migrated there from what is now Canada. Norsemen from Norway settled the uninhabited southern part of Greenland beginning in the 10th century (having previously settled Iceland), and their descendants lived in Greenland for 400 years until disappearing in the late 15th century. The 13th century saw the arrival of the Inuit.
In the 17th century, Dano-Norwegian explorers reached Greenland again, finding their earlier settlement extinct and reestablishing a permanent Scandinavian presence on the island. When Denmark and Norway separated in 1814, Greenland was transferred from the Norwegian to the Danish crown. The 1953 Constitution of Denmark ended Greenland’s status as a colony, integrating it fully into the Danish state.
The Self-Government Act, voted upon by Greenlanders in 2008, transferred more power from Copenhagen to the local Naalakkersuisut (Greenlandic government), granting it greater autonomy.
Meanwhile, 80% of Greenlanders want total independence, with only 6% wishing to become part of the USA.
Frederiksen and Trump at a NATO Summit in London, 2019
HELP TO GROW – SUPPORTING EVEN MORE LOCAL BUSINESSWOMEN
Over 250 local business leaders have taken the course from the University of Brighton, the majority have been women, due to our collaboration with Dynamic Magazine and Dynamic Awards.
As an award sponsor, Help to Grow o ers congratulations to all the nominees and winners, and to celebrate our partnership, Dynamic is sponsoring fully-funded places on the course to award nominees and guests – so you can sign up at no cost.
PROUD SPONSOR
Help to Grow is a 12-week programme taught by university experts. It equips people to be better leaders and supports them in growing their businesses.
1. 90% Government funded
2. Review your business and create a Growth Action Plan
3. Face to face and online sessions over 12 weeks
4. Learn how to become a better leader
5. Network with other local businesses
6. Open to businesses with 5-249 sta
7. Taught by experts at the University of Brighton
8. Includes a one-to-one business mentor
The next cohorts are September in Brighton and November in Crawley.
Find out more and sign up at www.brighton.ac.uk/helptogrow quoting Dynamic for a fully-funded place or email helptogrow@brighton.ac.uk
< Scan the QR Code to register for the September / October cohort
“Help to Grow has been amazing, it has generated the time for new ideas and supported me working over the businesses rather than in them.”
Emma Draper, Velvet Store
REGISTER NOW FOR A FULLY-FUNDED 12-WEEK BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COURSE
Britain’s silent scandal
The pregnancy drug linked to generational
When we at Dynamic became aware of the tragic DES scandal, the first reaction was outrage. And then so much more. Thank you to ITV and Sarah Corker for her work in exposing this. By
Tess de Klerk
The recent ITV News investigation, Britain’s Silent Scandal, has laid bare one of the most heartbreaking and neglected public health crises in UK history—the widespread prescription of the pregnancy drug Diethylstilbestrol (DES), and the lifelong consequences it has infl icted on generations of women and their families.
Led by Social Affairs Correspondent Sarah Corker, the investigation shines a light on a silent tragedy spanning more than four decades. DES, once hailed as a miracle drug to prevent miscarriages and suppress breast milk, was routinely prescribed to pregnant women in the UK from the 1940s until well into the 1970s. Despite mounting evidence linking DES to cancer and reproductive harm, many women were still given the drug as late as 1979, years after official guidance urged its withdrawal in 1971.
An estimated 300,000 women in the UK were exposed to DES, either directly or through their mothers. The result has been devastating: rare reproductive cancers, infertility, anatomical abnormalities, chronic pain, and an ongoing psychological toll. Even more disturbing, medical research confi rms that the effects of DES can be passed down through generations, impacting not only the women who
were prescribed the drug, but their daughters, sons, and even grandchildren.
“An estimated 300,000 women in the UK were exposed to DES, either directly or through their mothers. The result has been devastating”
One such woman is Suzanne Massey, 56, from Liverpool. Exposed to DES in utero, Ms. Massey has endured more than 30 invasive surgeries and procedures throughout her life. Her reproductive system, she says, was found to be “covered in rare, abnormal cells,” which ultimately led to a hysterectomy. Speaking to ITV News, she described the trauma: “It’s a pain that no woman should have to go through. It’s been barbaric at times.” She adds, “I’ve been in hospital for procedures or operations every year for the last 25 years. I want awareness, screening and compensation, because it’s taken some of my life away, and I can’t get that back.”
Her story is one of many. ITV News heard from over 100 women who believe they were harmed by DES. Many have been diagnosed with rare cancers. Others describe lifelong battles with infertility, miscarriages, and unexplained gynaecological issues.
DES daughters like Ms. Massey have found little recourse in the UK. Despite successful lawsuits in the United States, France and the Netherlands, there have been no successful
Clare Fletcher (left),, solicitor at Broudie Jackson Canter; Suzanne Massey who has had to have 25 years of invasive surgery to treat the effects of DES
scandal generational cancer
legal claims in this country. Poor NHS record keeping, lack of public awareness, and a disjointed response from health authorities have created a nearly impenetrable wall of denial and inaction. As Clare Fletcher, Ms. Massey’s solicitor at Broudie Jackson Canter, put it: “These are lifelong injuries from this horrendous drug. It’s time for accountability. The government must accept what they knew about this drug and when.”
What makes the silence around DES so alarming is that it was never truly hidden. As early as the 1950s, safety concerns were being raised. In 1971, researchers definitively linked DES exposure in utero to a rare vaginal cancer. Th is led to official guidance from the Committee on Safety of Medicines in 1973, advising doctors to stop prescribing DES to pregnant women. Yet ITV uncovered evidence that women continued to receive it through the late 1970s, due to inconsistencies in communication, record-keeping, and oversight.
“Many women were still given the drug as late as 1979, years after official guidance urged its withdrawal in 1971.”
Th is is not merely a story about a drug with unintended side effects. It is a case of systemic failure—of women not being heard, of science being ignored, and of institutions failing to act despite overwhelming evidence. It is time for the UK government to right this historical wrong.
Even now, doctors and patients are left in the dark. DES exposure remains poorly understood in the UK medical community, and many women may still not know they were given the drug or passed its effects to their children. Dr. Ahmed Talaat, Consultant Gynaecologist at University Hospitals Plymouth, has treated more than a dozen DES daughters. “The risk of cancer including cancer of vagina, or the cervix is nearly doubled in patients whose mothers received DES. That’s why they should be under close observation with regular screening,” he explained.
Urgent action is needed. Th is must start with a nationwide investigation to determine the full scale of DES exposure, and an immediate rollout of enhanced cancer screening for known and suspected victims. The Department of Health and Social Care must go beyond vague expressions of sympathy and establish a formal compensation scheme for affected families. We also support the calls for legal accountability and demand full transparency around what the government and medical regulators knew—and when.
Th ree generations of the Hall family, featured in ITV’s report, believe their health problems stem from DES. Th is intergenerational harm must not be ignored any longer. These women—and their children and grandchildren—deserve justice, care, and recognition.
We applaud the brave women who have come forward to share their stories. We echo their calls for awareness, health screening, legal redress, and justice.
It’s never too late for a career pivot. I spent 25 successful years in corporate positions, including at ExxonMobil. I relished my work and being an advocate for women in STEM. However, I had other aspirations and wanted a better work-life balance to enable more time with my children. Following my heart, I made a bold career change.
My true passion has always been food. It began in childhood, inspired by my father’s scientific food innovations (he invented St Ivel’s first low-fat margarine). I was his very willing ‘Chief Taster,’ and at this time, my interest in all things culinary began.
Enrolling at the Leiths School of Food and Wine, aged 50, marked the first stage of pursuing my dream. I earned two accredited culinary qualifications and launched a private chef business – Chef Renu B.
projects related to food poverty, I also spent four years as Non-Executive Finance Director for The Merstham Mix Community Café).
Starting a new business is challenging; I’ve done it three times. Transforming from corporate senior roles to SME without the safety net of dedicated IT, finance, marketing, and law departments is daunting. You need to develop self-belief, leverage your experience, and not be afraid to ask for help. Networking is crucial, as is managing finances properly and knowing what to outsource and what to keep in-house.
“In four years, I’ve cooked for nearly 100 clients – from bespoke dinner parties and sumptuous five-course birthday feasts in the Surrey Hills”
I went from zero revenue in 2021 to £104,000 in 2023. In four years, I’ve cooked for nearly 100 clients – from bespoke dinner parties and sumptuous five-course birthday feasts in the Surrey Hills to delivering cookery classes at a food pantry for clients in challenging situations (as part of my commitment to giving back to the community via not-for-profit
I love what I do, and my small business has led to many career achievements and highlights, including being a double finalist in the Surrey Business Awards 2024, cooking alongside Matt Tebbutt on stage at Pub in the Park, supporting MasterChef: The Professionals winner Nikita Pathakji on the One Show, and publishing my debut cookbook From Boardroom to Bouillabaisse. My next project sees me as Finance Director of Vessa, an AI-powered dining assistant – a perfect way to combine my engineering background and love of food!
Mid-life reinvention is within anyone’s grasp. Don’t fear the leap, and embrace a challenge. My journey has reinforced that passion, problem-solving, creativity, resilience, and determination are transferable skills, whatever the industry.
Private chef, finance director, entrepreneur, community champion and author
Renu Ballantine
“The real challenge for employers lies in compliance and communication — ensuring all employees understand the implications, feel respected, and know their rights are upheld.”
The risk is that organisations interpret the ruling too rigidly, making policy decisions that, while technically lawful, undermine inclusivity or damage morale. A nuanced approach is essential: organisations should comply with the legal framework while reaffirming their commitment to fairness, respect, and psychological safety for all employees.
LEADERS’ STATEMENTS PACK A PUNCH
Some companies have acted quickly to strike this balance. Lloyds Banking Group has been among the most vocal in publicly expressing support for its transgender and non-binary staff after the ruling. In an internal message, Chief Corporate Affairs Director Andrew Walton wrote, “Please know that we cherish and celebrate you and we remain committed to inclusivity… We are here to listen and support.”
Sharon Doherty, Lloyds’ Chief People and Places Officer, also issued a statement of “solidarity”, reinforcing the bank’s inclusive stance. These actions serve as a strong example of leadership that is both legally aware and values-driven. According to Sandi Wassmer, CEO of the Employers
Network for Equality and Inclusion, such statements from the top can go a long way in helping people feel psychologically safe and seen at work.
WHAT’S NEXT?
In practical terms, employers are now encouraged to conduct thorough reviews of their policies, facilities, and internal communications. This includes reassessing access to single-sex amenities, reviewing staff training materials, and ensuring that employee support channels are active and accessible. Employers may also want to prepare for potential questions around areas such as gender pay gap reporting, leadership development programmes, and women-led initiatives — areas that may now require more precise definitions in light of the legal ruling. Many organisations are awaiting the updated EHRC guidance before making structural changes.
The Supreme Court ruling marks a definitive legal statement: sex under the Equality Act means biological sex. Yet the real challenge for employers lies in compliance and communication — ensuring all employees understand the implications, feel respected, and know their rights are upheld.
This is a time for measured leadership, open dialogue, and deliberate action. Organisations that combine legal rigour with compassion will be best placed to navigate this new chapter in equality law.
Private schools brace for consequences of VAT introduction
Sector specialist says the South East schools must remain agile and plan for all scenarios to cope with challenges.
The imposition of VAT on private schools could lead to ‘carnage’ in the summer holidays, says a sector specialist. Following a government decision, fees at the UK’s 2,500 private schools have been liable for 20% VAT since January 1st.
However, because the measure was introduced mid-academic year, with most schools raising their fees, its full effects have not yet been felt.
The Easter holiday period is crucial for private schools as most parents are required to give a term’s notice if they are to withdraw a child and so will be on the verge of making difficult decisions, the collective consequence of which will only become fully visible in the run up to the new academic year in September.
Duncan Swift, partner and business restructuring, turnaround and rescue expert at UK top ten accountancy firm Azets, said: “It will be over the summer holidays that the potential carnage in the private school sector, which educates approximately 615,000 children, will become evident, particularly for those in regions away from London and the south east.
of school midyear would have significantly disrupted their education.
“Schools are now scrambling to get early confirmations of pupil numbers for September and are facing shortfalls on admissions at present because a significant number of parents remain undecided.
“There was much debate among schools about whether to pass on the VAT cost to parents, and most did. Some immediately applied the full 20%, others have gone for 1015%, while some sought competitive advantage by absorbing some or all of the increase and hoping to pick up fallout from other schools.”
Private schools are also seeking to cope with other cost increases. Since April 1st, charities in England have no longer been eligible to claim charitable rates relief and are now required to pay their full business rates liability. All face increased employers’ National Insurance costs, also from April.
“There was much debate among schools about whether to pass on the VAT cost to parents, and most did”
Duncan added: “I know of at least six schools which have closed, citing the VAT imposition as making their business model unworkable. We will likely see more closures, mergers, school consolidations, asset sales and property repurposing before the dust settles.
“The slab tax imposition of VAT appears to have been driven by ideology rather than an effort to maximise the tax take whilst minimising the damage it would cause to this economic sector.
“If there had been consultation and the VAT imposition had been scheduled for the start of the academic year in September – the natural change point of the production cycle – and introduced gradually, say 5%, 10%, 15% before going to the full 20% over a number of years, it would have made more sense.
“We are currently in the midst of a phoney war with regard to demand because imposition mid-school year didn’t really leave parents with anywhere to go, as pulling their child out
“We are aware of a number of schools which have agreed to merge into school consolidator businesses that are taking the opportunity to buy established schools for fairly low cost, grouping them to get management and back-office provision – HR, payroll, accounts, economies of scale, sometimes with private equity behind them.”
Duncan’s advice for schools is to have a roadmap for negotiating the challenges, which includes remaining agile at all times, planning for all scenarios, changing tack according to their key performance indicators, considering property options, and potentially consolidating to core operations.
“Private education, rightly or wrongly, for the UK is a significant economic activity with more than 600,000 pupils funded by parents’ own money, which pays the wages of many teachers outside of the state system. It is a model which has had significant export success. It is regrettable
that HM Government chose to damage it in this way.”
A High Court challenge to the Government’s imposition of VAT on all education services, vocational training and boarding services supplied by a private school for a charge for certain cohorts of pupil was held in early April. Judgment was reserved after a three-day hearing.
The government had forecast that imposing VAT on fees would result in 37,000 pupils leaving the private sector, representing about 6% of the current private school population, although Duncan said papers shown to the High Court indicated this would be more like 56,000, approaching 10% of the total.
this rate of closures is in keeping with long-term trends or specific to 2025.
The Government says it is estimated that extending VAT to private school fees will raise £460 million in 2024/25, rising to £1.51 billion in 2025/26.
“Duncan’s advice for schools is to have a roadmap for negotiating the challenges, which includes remaining agile at all times...”
School Management Plus reports that 18 UK independent schools have announced plans for closure or possible closure since January 1st, but says it is too early to judge whether
HMRC has published guidance for schools on whether they need to register for VAT, and how schools should charge and reclaim VAT on goods and services related to private school fees.
Azets, which works closely as a trusted advisor across the education sector, says private schools should seek professional advice and act swiftly and decisively on the VAT issue.
www.azets.com/en-uk
• Swap plastics for glass or stainless steel wherever possible, especially for food and drink storage.
• Don’t microwave food in plastic containers. Even BPA-free plastics can degrade and release chemicals under heat.
• Look for recycling codes 1, 2, or 5 on plastic products; these are less likely to contain BPA.
• Change out of synthetic workout gear promptly, especially after sweating. BPA has been found in polyester clothing and can be absorbed through the skin.
• Avoid polyester and spandex and any other fabric made with plastic.
• Follow the “grandma rule”: if a material wasn’t around when your grandmother (or great-grandmother, for some people) was young, it may be worth avoiding.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
BPA is just one of many chemicals in the modern “alphabet soup” of potential pollutants, alongside PFAS, PCBs, and others. It is not just a relic of industrial chemistry - it’s a modern-day health issue that spans generations and continents. The science is increasingly clear: even low-level exposure can have serious health implications.
For now, the best protection is awareness. While total avoidance may be unrealistic, informed choices can significantly reduce your daily exposure and, in turn, your long-term health risks.
“While total avoidance may be unrealistic, informed choices can significantly reduce your daily exposure and, in turn, your long-term health risks.”
Above: Dynamic Editor, Tess De Klerk celebrating with Kellie
Left: Kellie with Dynamic Publisher, Maarten Hoffmann
By KELLIE MILLER
IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
THE WORKS OF KELLIE MILLER
As a creative child, full of determination to succeed in a creative world, my sole ambition was to live a creative life and make my living from my creative endeavours. My life has pursued many paths. Those paths crossed, ran parallel, then perpendicular, bent, and tracked in many directions. Ultimately, I have
achieved my goal, and life has gotten richer with opportunities that present in many forms.
With that creative child in mind, I always ask how we nurture their spirit and harness their power to remain imaginative and creative throughout their lives. Damping a child’s ability to grow their creative talents can impede their development in many areas. Many parents encourage their children to play and experiment, but they often limit this exploration as the children develop.
“The Shape of Water”
Mainstream educational practices tend to focus primarily on left-brain activities, which isn’t the best approach. A creative child is forced to navigate their way in this environment, which in itself requires an innate problem-solving skill. Encouraging creative children to thrive is essential for developing the world’s next great thinkers and problem solvers.
My path has led me to make my artistic practice the heart of my work; beauty is significant in both the art produced and the curation process. Beauty is powerful and not frivolous, but can often be political. Art is critical to our well-being and can be beautiful without being deliberately crude or aggressive. It can convey many messages, but being approachable and inclusive allows it to be shared and enjoyed by many.
My mixed-media approach flows freely between abstract and figurative imagery, with nature often being the central idea. The works must exude hope and optimism while being accessible and tactile. I cherish the abstract art approach because it is not prescriptive and invites the viewer to feel and then interpret the artwork as a whole.
of the art of cryptological communication can often be found in brides’ bouquets.
“My life has pursued many paths. Those paths crossed, ran parallel, then perpendicular, bent, and tracked in many directions.”
Travel is a key inspiration and can be as simple as walking, journeying, or visiting other places and countries. Earlier pieces had more of a direct correlation, featuring aerial views, combining cityscape and landscape. Recent works use floriography—the language of flowers—to communicate hidden messages (cryptological) in the paintings. An example
Curating affords the opportunity to bring together artworks in space and time. Like creating my art, it is a layered process. It is alchemy when everything comes together, and you create an inspiring environment that surrounds you. The space becomes the canvas; each component is crucial to the finished masterpiece. The intention is to create from the heart, where the most beautiful art arises.
Kellie Miller is an artist, curator, critic and gallery owner. www.kelliemillerarts.com
“Unfolding”
“Mystics – Alicea rosea”
“Secret Admirer”
“Symphony”
In my experience, there’s a peculiar phenomenon that occurs when we leave home with no clear agenda beyond discovery; we end up not only exploring new places but we also uncover new parts of ourselves. By Tess de Klerk
In the ever-shifting terrain of travel and inspiration, creativity doesn’t always thrive in the places we expect. Instead, it slips through the cracks, surfacing when the mind is non-expectant and the itinerary is loose. Welcome to The Rabbit Hole Paradox - the idea that the deeper you wander away from structure, the closer you get to your creative core.
For decades, travellers have sought what they expect to be creative havens such as the Parisian cafés of Hemingway or the sun-soaked villages of Tuscany. While undeniably beautiful, these picture-perfect destinations can create pressure to be inspired. But creativity isn’t a postcard. It’s more like a rabbit hole - twisting, unexpected, and messy. And the trick to unlocking it while travelling isn’t necessar-
ily to follow in the footsteps of great minds, but to lose your way entirely. Let go of the curated lists and Tripadvisor’s Top 10 Must-Sees. The more you try to force inspiration, the more it hides. Creativity tends to happen when you let it come to you.
TRAVEL LIKE A TUMBLEWEED
To truly ignite creativity through travel, you must be willing to surrender to uncertainty. Book a ticket without a packed schedule. Choose a destination you know nothing about. Leave room for wrong turns, missed trains, and awkward conversations in foreign tongues.
Why? Creativity can be born in moments of friction, when your brain can’t predict what will come next.
“For decades, travellers have sought what they expect to be creative havens such as the Parisian cafés of Hemingway or the sun-soaked villages of Tuscany...”
TRAVEL
“Sometimes the most creatively rich travel moments come not from stimulation, but from boredom. You stop checking your phone.
Your
mind wanders. You start writing a short story in your head...”
Tumbling into unfamiliar environments heightens your senses. The brain, suddenly unsure of its surroundings, starts to make new connections. You’ll find a metaphor in a fish market; beauty in the way laundry hangs across narrow streets; dialogue in the rhythm of two strangers arguing on a train. This is the rabbit hole. And you’re in it now.
Sometimes the most creatively rich travel moments come not from stimulation, but from boredom. In the liminal hours between destinations - waiting at a vividly graffitied bus terminal in Miami, staring at endless desert sands in the Sahara, something curious happens. You stop checking your phone. Your mind wanders. You start writing a short story in your head. You remember a childhood dream of adventure. Boredom strips away distraction, allowing the deeper currents of thought to rise. In that space, creativity finds room to breathe.
COLLECT MOMENTS, NOT CONTENT
We live in an age where travel is often filtered through the lens of Insta. While taking photos can be part of the journey, please don’t let it be the destination, don’t let documentation replace experience. Instead of framing every moment for likes, let some be just for you. Keep a small travel notebook. Jot down overheard conversations, weird dreams, the smell of street food.
These aren’t “shareable” in the online sense, but they are fertile ground for future creative inspiration. When you travel as a collector of small experiences rather than viral moments, you build a personal archive that your future self can mine for new ideas.
Another quirk of the rabbit hole paradox is that the creative rewards of travel often arrive after the trip is over. It might be weeks or months later when an image from your journey becomes the seed of a new project. This is why travel and creativity tend to be less about immediate output and more about incubation. Trust the process. Allow your experiences to sink in, ferment, and resurface when your brain needs them most. Sometimes the journey continues long after your suitcase is unpacked.
If you want to travel to increase creativity, I suggest a willingness to get lost—not just geographically, but mentally. Ditch the idea of productivity. Stop measuring your travel in how much you “got done.” Creativity is not a checklist. It’s a current. Let yourself be swept in. Because the fundamental paradox is this: often, the more you chase creativity, the more it evades you. But walk away, take a train to nowhere, talk to a stranger, eat something unpronounceable and give the brain that brand new input to spark creativity and joie de vivre.
Right when you least expect it.
Teller’s Arms Farnham, Surrey
By Elena Tansey
Housed in what was once a Lloyds Bank, the Teller’s Arms on Castle Street is one of the more interesting additions to Farnham’s pub and dining scene. It’s the kind of place that takes its history seriously without being stuck in the past. The building still has plenty of its original character—high ceilings, polished wood floors, and even a few subtle nods to its banking past—but it’s now a warm, lively space that works as both a pub and restaurant.
see it in the range and quality of dishes on offer. There’s a mix of small plates, sharing options, and mains that lean into traditional pub comfort food, but everything is done with a bit more care than usual.
“The menu changes with the seasons, and it’s clear that the kitchen takes pride in sourcing local ingredients.”
The menu changes with the seasons, and it’s clear that the kitchen takes pride in sourcing local ingredients. You can
To start, I went for the celeriac, samphire, and grelo onion bhaji. It was light and crispy, with a great balance of flavours from the lime and harissa yoghurt, pickled chilli, and mint. It’s always nice when a vegan option isn’t just an afterthought, and this definitely wasn’t.
My friend had braised short rib of beef served with Marmite mayonnaise, pickled cucumber, and chilli. I had a taste—rich, tender meat paired with the sharpness of the pickles and the surprisingly
SURREY HILLS
SURREY HILLS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Experience world-class classical performances in stunning venues, featuring artists from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Sitkovetsky Trio.
May 6th-17th
Various venues in Surrey Hills surreyhills.org
CHICHESTER CHICHESTER PRIDE
Chichester Pride will take place on the leafy green front lawn at Chichester College between 12-7pm. Be prepared for a day filled with amazing activities, exhilarating performances and inspiring speakers plus a lively atmosphere that radiates positivity. Chichester Pride is a celebration to the strength found in diversity and the beauty of embracing our authentic selves.
May 24th
Across the city www.chichesterpride.co.uk
WHAT’S ON...
A brief snapshot of art and culture in the region
GLYNDE GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL
Enjoy world-class opera in the picturesque setting of Glyndebourne, starting with Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia.
May 16th – 24 August 24th
Glyndebourne Opera House, near Lewes, East Sussex
UCKFIELD ELDERFLOWER FIELDS FESTIVAL
A family-friendly weekend with outdoor adventures, music, arts, and science activities set in the beautiful Pippingford Park.
May 23rd-26th
Pippingford Park, Uckfield, East Sussex elderflowerfields.co.uk
ESHER ESHER MAY FAIR
A traditional fair with music, dance, martial arts, fairground rides, and a popular canine gymkhana.
Saturday, May 17th
Esher Green eshermayfair.org.uk
BRIGHTON BRIGHTON FRINGE FESTIVAL
England’s largest open-access arts festival returns with thousands of performances spanning comedy, theatre, cabaret, and more throughout Brighton.
May 2nd-31st
Various locations across Brighton brightonfringe.org
ARUNDEL ARUNDEL CASTLE: MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
Step back in time with medieval reenactments, falconry, and archery in the historic castle grounds.
May 24th-26th
Arundel, West Sussex arundelcastle.org
BOGNOR REGIS SUSSEX DUBFEST
A weekend of live music, VW camper displays, and family fun, supporting St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
May 30th – June 1st Pagham Football Club, Bognor Regis, West Sussex sussexdubfest.co.uk
BRIGHTON & SURROUNDING AREAS ARTISTS’ OPEN HOUSES
May sees artists across Brighton and Hove, Ditchling, Hurstpierpoint, Ovingdean and along the coast from Newhaven to Portslade open their homes and studios to all visitors. A peak inside where it all happens.
Each weekend across May Various locations https://aoh.org.uk/
