20 minute read
‘Bad drivers make me mad,’ admits Karen Featherstone
Q&A
Where business people discuss their motivation, ambition, experience - and themselves. In the chair this time is Karen Featherstone, senior outsourcing manager at chartered accountants Hillier Hopkins.
The joy of flex
(flexible working, that is...)
Why Karen has big respect for ‘Mother Pukka’ blogger Anna Whitehouse, whose #FlexAppeal campaign has highlighted the benefits for both employers and employees.
What was your first job?
My very first job was working in the local pharmacy at the age of 15. I worked every day after school, 5-7pm and every Saturday all day. I was paid weekly in cash and loved having my own money to spend on whatever I wanted.
Why did you choose your particular career?
I originally wanted to become a lawyer but at the start of A-Levels it became clear that maths and numbers were my strong suit. Accountancy then seemed to be a good career choice based on this skillset.
What’s the best job you’ve had and why?
My current role at Hillier Hopkins. It sounds cheesy but it’s true.
I’ve been with the firm for nearly four years and have been given the support and flexibility to create an outsourcing team. We essentially act as our clients’ own financial team, handling all or some of the accounting processes of the business from book-keeping to VAT returns.
I’m extremely proud of the outsourcing department I’ve helped to build.
…and the worst?
I temped as a receptionist after finishing university and before starting my training contract as an accountant. It was so quiet, I literally had nothing to do and was so bored most of the time.
What’s the best advice you’ve received in business?
To not compare yourself to others. Everyone is on their own career path so don’t worry if someone gets promoted before you or was partner by the time they were 35.
Concentrate on your own goals and set a realistic pace for progression.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Getting promoted to senior manager at Hillier Hopkins. Many places see working part-time as a restriction on career progression but Hillier Hopkins was able to see past this.
…and the low point?
I left my previous role not on great terms. I was overworked, underpaid and was literally at breaking point, even during my last week there.
Who in business do you respect the most?
Anna Whitehouse, otherwise known as Mother Pukka, for her campaign on what she calls #FlexAppeal, helping employers to understand what flexible working is and helping more employees to request and get it.
What annoys you the most in business?
People who believe and behave like others are ‘below them’. Everyone at all levels, in all roles, deserve to be treated with respect.
I’ve had many clients who treat me differently to my team members just because I have manager in my title.
What’s the best thing/worst thing about where you work?
The best thing is the support I receive from my peers, whether it’s praise for when something goes well or understanding when something doesn’t quite go right.
What’s your career ambition?
My current goal is to become a director at Hillier Hopkins. I’ve always said I wouldn’t want to be a
partner but the closer I get, the more interested I become.
I know how much commitment becoming partner would take and as a mum of young children it’s hard to balance it all.
…and your life ambition?
To be happy and healthy.
What’s the best moment of your life?
Having my children, who are seven and nine. They are hard work but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
…and the worst?
Losing my dad at the start of 2020. He had been ill for a while but it was still a shock.
How do you relax?
I don’t get much time to relax with two young children so mainly watching some boxsets on TV. This month I’ve been enjoying Stranger Things and The Boys.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love the Australian soap Home and Away. It’s set to record so I never miss an episode.
What’s your worst fault?
I’m a bit OCD and like things done in a certain way. In particular, the way a spreadsheet is formatted can really bother me if it’s not consistent.
What are you afraid of?
up. I want to be around for all the big milestones and become a grandparent.
I’m also not a great fan of spiders.
What annoys you most in life?
Bad drivers. I can suffer from road rage quite often. Living in Milton Keynes, you get used to roundabouts so when people can’t predict them and stop even when no one’s coming, it drives me mad...
Tell us something you regret.
Not practising my first dance prior to my wedding day. I felt so uncomfortable having everyone watch us slow dance when we had no idea what we were doing.
Tell us a secret about yourself.
I’m a bit claustrophobic and hate large crowds or being confined to small spaces. I once had a panic attack at New Year in London when the crowds for the fireworks became too much.
What are the first three things on your bucket list?
n Fly long haul first class. n Buy a beach hut in our favourite UK holiday destination, Bournemouth. n Cruise around the Hawaiian Islands.
What song/music would you like to be played at your funeral?
To Build a Home by The Cinematic Orchestra. It’s a song I hear a lot on the TV programme This Is US and love how emotional it is.
MY FAVOURITE...
FOOD Mum’s home-made macaroni cheese. MUSIC / SONG Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill. I’ve always loved this song, even before its recent surge in popularity. I’m a fan of the Placebo cover too. BOOK I read a lot of Paige Toon. They are great holidays reads. I get so caught up in them, I can read them over a couple of days. FILM I love 1980s classics such as Dirty Dancing and Top Gun TV PROGRAMME This Is US makes my cry every episode. I’m so sad it has ended. RESTAURANT There is a great Indian restaurant near us called Mowgli. The food is tasty and the staff are so friendly. DESTINATION Hawaii. We visited here as part of our honeymoon and it was beautiful.
The business networking events this month across Milton Keynes, North Bucks and Bedfordshire
Networking lunch.
AYLESBURY
2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online
MILTON KEYNES
2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online
BUCKINGHAM
3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online
CAPPUCCINO CONNECTIONS
4th Thursday 10am-12 noon: Online Contact: Anna Atkins-Carter, regional director North Bucks / West Chilterns. 07540 097776, email anna.atkinscarter@theathenanetwork.com or visit www.theathenanetwork.com
BEDFORD
2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: Online
SOUTH & EAST BEDFORDSHIRE
4th Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online
WOBURN
3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online Contact: Kate Cherry, regional director Bedfordshire & St Albans. 07909 675333 email kate.cherry@theathenanetwork.com or visit www.theathenanetwork.com
October 19 7.45am-9.15am: The Bedfordshire Golf Club, Stagsden
Sponsors: Mazars; Metro Bank; Woodfines Solicitors Speakers tbc. Contact: Kerry Ransby email kransby@woodfines.co.uk or visit www.bedfordbreakfastclub.co.uk
CHILE: OPEN FOR BUSINESS October 4 4pm-5pm: Online
An introduction to the South American country as a potental export market. Presented with the British Chilean Chamber of Commerce. Hosted by Bedfordshire Chamber in conjunction with Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. Free event for Chamber members.
CONNECT OVER COFFEE October 18 9.45am-11.30am: English Heritage, Wrest Park, Silsoe
Networking event + the opportunity to showcase your business with a one-minute pitch. Free event for Chamber members; nonmembers £15. To book on to Chamber events, visit www.chamber-business.com/events
October 11, 25 7.45am: Online meetings.
More information: www.bucks-fizz.biz
No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking. Town focused events meet face-to-face, allowing visitors to build better, more robust relationships. These are complemented by regional virtual events. Alt. Fridays 7am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15. Contact: www.businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169
All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon
BRACKLEY
1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.
MILTON KEYNES
3rd Friday: Revolucion de Cuba, Savoy Crescent, 12th Street
BEDFORD
1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street
BIGGLESWADE
2nd Wednesday: Yorkshire Grey, London Road Price: £6, payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App https://app.business-buzz. org/app or at the event.
EAST MIDLANDS
1st Friday: Online. Price: £10
BEDFORDSHIRE
4th Tuesday: Online Price: £10, payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App https://app.business-buzz. org/app or at the event.
Business networking and referral group. Price: £6.
MILTON KEYNES
2nd Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash
VIRTUAL NETWORKING Tuesday Brunch
2nd Tuesday, 9.30am-11am
Wednesday Breakfast
4th Wednesday, 7.30am
Thursday Breakfast
3rd Thursday, 7.30am
Friday Breakfast
2nd Friday, 7.30am
THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE Monday 10am-11am: Online
A regular virtual meeting helping small businesses get tasks from ‘to do’ to ‘done’. Advice and tips on time management and productivity. Price: £6 per session or £12 per month. More information: www.buscomm.co.uk
If you are serious about growing your business, BNI works. Last year BNI members in the UK generated more than £482 million worth of business for each other. To find out how, visit a local chapter meeting and see for yourself. Each chapter has a personality of its own and finding where you fit best helps you get connected.
DIAMOND
Tuesday 6.45am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash
APOLLO
Wednesday 10am: MK Gallery
PHOENIX
Friday 9.45am: The Bedford Golf Club
ENCORE
Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton More information: www.bni.co.uk Airport
PIONEER
Wednesday 9.30am: Online meetings More information: www.bni.co.uk
October 5 7.30am-9am: Delta by Marriott Hotel, Kents Hill
Networking breakfast event hosted by the longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes. Speaker: Ian Revell, chief executive of Milton Keynes Community Foundation. Subject: The launch of a new large match funding opportunity in November. Book at www.citybreakfastclub.co.uk
October 19 12 noon-2.30pm: Maaya, The Hub, Central Milton Keynes
Sponsors: Document Logistix; EMW; Pinders Networking in a relaxed environment with exceptional Indian cuisine. Price: £25. Find out more at www.thelondoncurryclub.com
MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING October 14 10am-11am: Online.
Hosted by Daxa Patel. Free event.. To book on to FSB events, visit www.fsb.org.uk
BUSINESS LUNCH October 7 11.45am-2pm: Marhabar by Olive Tree, Savoy Crescent, 12th Street, Central Milton Keynes
Networking lunch co-hosted with Business Live Global. Price: £30 IoD members + guests; nonmembers £42. To book, contact Tania Toriello at tania.toriello@iod.com.
MILTON KEYNES - THE CITY VISION October 18 12 noon-2pm: Milton Keynes Museum, McConnell Drive, Wolverton
Discussion on the MK Vision following the award of city status by the late Her Majesty the Queen and the business opportunities it creates. Speakers: Pete Marland, leader of Milton Keynes City Council, on the council’s vision for the future of business; Hilary Chipping, chief executive of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, on SEMLEP’s role in the provision of grant funding for business innovation and technical enterprise; Professor Lynette Ryals, chief executive of MK:U, on how the new university’s Degree Apprenticeship programmes aim to generate the technical and business skills to meet employers’ skills requirements. Price: £25 IoD members + guests; non-members £35. For more on IoD events, visit www.iod.com.
Clockwise (from above): Cllr Pete Marland, Hilary Chipping and Professor Lynette Ryals have accepted invitations to speak at the IoD event
BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS October 19 10.30am-11.30am: Milton Keynes College
Sponsored by SkillsHub:MK. Informal networking with breakfast. Free event - Chamber members and non-members welcome. To book on to Chamber events, visit www.chambermk.co.uk/events
Networking events provide a platform to meet and build relationships with peers and fellow members. The group also hosts personal development sessions, with talks from business leaders
EVENING NETWORKING October 26 5.30pm-7.30pm: Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Northampton
Hosted by the Next Generation committee. Free event for Next Generation Chamber members. To book, visit www.nextgenerationchamber. co.uk For more information, visit www.nextgenerationchamber.co.uk
12 noon-2pm, networking lunch.
Bedford & Ampthill
1st Tuesday: The Swan Hotel, The Embankment, Bedford / Online
Leighton Buzzard
3rd Wednesday: The Dukes, Heath & Reach / Online
Luton
2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club, Warden Hills Road / Online
Sandy & Biggleswade
1st Wednesday: Stratton House Hotel, Biggleswade Contact: Louise Yexley on 07989 020647, email louise.yexley@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk
Milton Keynes
1st Tuesday: The Brasserie at Milton Keynes College, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley Contact: Edith Samambwa on 07802 581838, email edith.samambwa@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk
PARTY NIGHT October 28 12 7pm-11pm: Wavendon Community Centre
Music, food and fundraising for Milton Keynes Community Foundation. Tickets: £15 per head (over-18s only). To book, visit www.womeninenterprise.co.uk
To have your networking group’s events included in future editions of Business MK, email details to news@businessmk. co.uk
Money Matters Revive the economy: New PM faces an unenviable challenge
The Conservative leadership battle culminated in Liz Truss being appointed as the UK’s Prime Minister. Now the new PM is now tasked with the unenviable undertaking of reviving the UK’s ailing economy. Facing soaring inflation and a looming economic recession, OCM Wealth Management’s deputy chief investment officer Gina Stone assesses the potential impact that the policies of Number 10’s newest resident will have on the UK economy.
Plans to tackle the UK’s ongoing cost of living crisis remained the focal point throughout the campaigning process, as the UK consumer faces the deepest living standards squeeze for 60 years. Liz Truss’s campaign centred around a significant fiscal policy support package thought to contain tax cuts, handouts to those on lower incomes and a freeze in utility costs.
In her first week as Prime Minister, Truss, pictured, announced a package worth £130 billion for households to supersede the Ofgem energy price cap raise in October, capping prices at £2,500 per household for the next two years - £1,000 below the expected increase and halving the forecasted £5,000 rise expected next year as natural gas prices continue to soar.
For businesses, a further £40 billion has been pledged to cap prices. As a result, economists have been quick to revise down their expectations for peak UK inflation.
As a key driving force behind soaring headline inflation in the UK, the latest cap on energy prices has reduced peak inflation expectations to between ten and 11 per cent, down from the 14pc previously forecast. A lower headline inflation figure
OUR VIEW: OCM WEALTH MANAGEMENT
From an investment perspective, headwinds clearly remain for the UK economy in the near term, with quick action required to address the cost of living squeeze and targeted measures to revive economic growth while keeping a close eye on inflationary pressures. So far, we are encouraged by the early actions of the Truss government, contributing to a cautiously optimistic approach on the medium- to long-term outlook for UK equities. Overall, despite rising interest rates remaining a headwind for markets in the short term, it is our view that following a rerating of risks, UK assets are becoming more attractive, with opportunities arising as the medium- to long-term outlook improves.
is expected to support growth and reduce some of the pressures on consumers and businesses in the near term.
While the measures are unlikely to be enough to see the UK avoid a recession, they are expected to limit the depth of the recession, allowing the UK economy to recover at a faster pace than previously anticipated. Truss is yet to announce more detailed plans to stimulate the economy through this challenging period and the devil will be in the detail. However, it is clear that measures must be carefully targeted to avoid stoking inflation.
With UK debt levels recently crossing 100pc of GDP following stimulus throughout the pandemic, concerns are being raised as to how the new PM’s plans will be funded.
Truss has ruled out a further windfall tax on energy company profits, stating that this would go against her government’s plans to spur investment in growth. Instead, the plans look to be funded by further borrowing, which, although is acceptable during a crisis, suggests that some fiscal discipline will be required in the longer term, tempering The UK’s growth expectations for 2023 and onwards.
Another key issue which must be considered if the UK is to revive its growth hopes in the future is the nation’s productivity issue, with ONS data observing UK productivity figures among the lowest of the G7 owing to years of low investment.
Liz Truss has campaigned to spur economic growth by a variety of tax cuts to promote investment in technology and business. As the nearterm focus remains on the immediate cost of living crisis, there has been little development on Truss’s proposed tax cuts at this stage.
However, as it is currently understood, the Prime Minister may look to reverse the National Insurance hike that took effect this year, as well as next year’s planned Corporation Tax hike in a bid to stimulate investment. It has also been reported that the PM may be looking into research and development tax incentives to encourage growth in the years ahead.
www.ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk
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In the Community
Foundation launches cost of living crisis appeal
An emergency fundraising appeal is under way in Milton Keynes in response to the alarming rise in the cost of living.
Energy prices are set to soar this winter and many residence face the prospect of having to choose between heating and eating, says the city’s grant-making charity Milton Keynes Community Foundation.
It runs an annual Surviving Winter appeal but has also launched the Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal to help those strugggling with energy price increases, food poverty and other associated cost of living challenges.
“With the rise in costs, this really is the time for people who can to give what they can and support some of the most vulnerable families in Milton Keynes and make a real difference for our city,” says the community foundation’s chief executive Ian Revell pictured.
Demand on community groups supporting vulnerable families has increased dramatically in recent months. MK Food Bank is already operating at levels typically seen in January with operations manager Louisa Hobbs reporting 84 phone calls, 300 emergency parcels and 26 new families in less than one week alone.
“... And it is only Wednesday,” she adds.
Donations to the appeal will go into the Cost-of-Living Fund, which will enable community groups to continue their work across the city helping those affected most by the crisis.
The foundation is asking for support by: n Donating your winter fuel payment; n Making a one-off donation; n Donating your £400 energy bills discount. This can be done via direct debit in six instalments of £66 throughout the winter period.
“With your kindness, we can help some of the most vulnerable people in our community to stay warm, safe, and well this winter,” says Mr Revell.
n Find out more and show your support at https:// mkcommunityfoundation.enthuse.com/ cf/mk-cost-of-living-crisis-appeal
Doctors vote for their charity of the year
Aresidential community of more than 65 adults with learning disabilities and autism has been selected by the Milton Keynes network of medical professionals as its Charity of the Year.
MK Medics is a network of GPs and hospital consultants that aims to improve healthcare in Milton Keynes and support charities.
Camphill MK, based at Willen Park, has received the first donation of £1,100 raised at a family summer social event. MK Medics is already planning a second fundraising event for later this year.
“We are keen to see and support examples of care in the community for the city’s most vulnerable residents,” says Dr Sharon Roque, GP at Newport Pagnell Medical Centre. “Camphill is an incredible charity supporting individuals and we hope we can play a role in helping them raise the much-needed funds for their expansion.”
Camphill MK chief executive Tim Davies says the funds will go towards plans to build an additional 60 accessible bedrooms for individuals with mobility support needs. “The continuous support from MK Medics is helping to make our mission to expand the community possible,” he adds.
Woodside Café at Linford Wood has been voted as MK’s Best Café in a competition run by the city’s two MPs.
More than 8,500 votes were cast by the public in the competition, set up by MPs Ben Everitt and Iain Stewart to promote local cafés which have been badly hit by lockdowns and the global cost of living crisis.
Eco-friendly Woodside Café opened last summer at Milton Keynes Business Centre in Foxhunter Drive and topped the public vote. Bean In Stony, based in Stony Stratford, finished runner-up with The Game Changer Kitchen in Giffard Park third.
Mr Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North, says the competition had created “such positive engagement”.
“I have visited so many fantastic cafes during my time as MP so far so I am glad I did not have to do any judging. It was brilliant to see we had more than 8,500 public votes to decide the winner.”
Mr Stewart, who represents Milton Keynes South, adds: “We are fortunate to have so many amazing cafés across Milton Keynes and I look forward to working with ministerial colleagues to see how this government can continue to help them do well.”
Costing £220,000, the pavilion was built by owners Capital Space Ltd to ensure that the Milton Keynes Business Centre meets the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It was commissioned in response to a survey of customers, who asked for more communal space in the centre’s grounds.
Centre manager Matt Roberts says: “Our focus is always to provide the very best environment for our customers’ businesses to thrive.”
Peak practice makes perfect as colleagues scale the heights
Colleagues at Milton Keynes-based architects GSSArchitecture have taken part in the Lakes 24 Challenge in the Lake District to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Staff from all five GSSArchitecture offices took on one of the most demanding mountain walking challenges in the country, targeted to scale 24 of the highest peaks within a target hiking time of 24 hours.
The team walked 29.5 miles with 11,660 ft of ascent in the 24 hours.
GSSArchitecture partner Jonathan Hunter, team captain for the challenge, said: “We love to push ourselves in everything we do, whether that be projects or staff challenges.
“It is important that members from our five offices have the opportunity to get together throughout the year and if we can raise money for charity while we do it, then even better. This was not an easy challenge but I am proud of our team members who took part and the amount of money we have raised for such a great cause.”
So far, GSS has raised £2,800 for the practice’s chosen charity from the challenge, with the figure set to rise again after offices in Milton Keynes, Kettering, Gloucester, Harrogate and Newcastle hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning last month.
It was an honour for the practice to be commissioned to design and deliver the new Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Kettering General Hospital which completed earlier this year, said Mr Hunter.
The new centre, the first of its kind in Northamptonshire, provides support, resources and therapeutic services to people who are living with, or are affected by, cancer.
Business centre’s cafe is voted the best in the city in MPs’ competition
Woodside Cafe, voted the winner in the competition run by Milton Keynes MPs Ben Everitt (far left) and Iain Stewart
