Dynamic Magazine – issue 24

Overcoming

Imposter

Syndrome

Flexible Working

MOTORING

The Buzz

TRAVEL Spring at Leonardslee

The Reluctant Queen

How to overcome Imposter Syndrome

Author Ian Child seeks to redress issues over a syndrome affecting as many as twothirds of the working population

The number of female chefs (out of 135 in total) who have received three Michelin stars since 1926

The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude

Julia Child

Events

2 Tickets are now on sale for the second Dynamic Business Awards News

8 Upfront: The top international news stories involving women in business

14 In The Right Direction: Good news stories from around the world Spotlight

26 Highlighting two female business leaders who ought to get more recognition that they currently receive

Health & Wellbeing

30 Tanya Borowski highlights the links between hormones and histamine

Further reading

32 Mimi Nicklin considers whether balancing your company’s value in line with those of your clients can push profitability up Art Scene

34 What art is best for your wall? Travel

36 Tess de Klerk takes an idyllic wander around Leonardslee Gardens & Lakes

What’s On

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

Girl Torque

40 Fiona Shafer drives another electric vehicle – the VW ID Buzz

FEATURES

The Beginning of a new era

18 Alison Jones of Kreston Reeves looks at what the ushering in of the Carolean era can mean for the country, and for business

Start with a strategy

28 PR expert Jarmila Yu discusses how to re-evaluate and re-brand your marketing

20

The Reluctant Queen Dynamic looks at the life and work of Queen Camilla

30 FEATURE

What has my menopause got to do with histamine?

Natural Health expert Tanya Borowski looks at the link between the menopause and histamine

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: Zaneta Bealing zaneta@platinummediagroup.co.uk

HEAD OF DESIGN: Michelle Shakesby design@platinummediagroup.co.uk

SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk

❛

❛ We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational and so disciplined they can be free Kavita Ramdas, advocate

EDITOR’S

NOTE

We have been very busy this month and, as the Travel Editor, really busy with a look at Leonardslee Gardens, with an overnight stay in the beautiful hotel there and a stunning meal at the only Michelin Star restaurant in Sussex (but that’s for next month), and a trip to the Azores Archipelago to the stunning Pico Island.

We present a quick overview of the new Queen Camilla and all the charity work she does behind the scenes, Alison Jones looks at how the Coronation might present opportunities for some sectors; we have a feature on how to overcome imposter syndrome; and another by natural health expert, Tanya Borowski, looking at the link between the menopause and histamine.

On top of our Further Reading section, What’s On and the local art scene, Fiona Shafer spends a week with Volkswagen’s new electric people carrier, the ID Buzz, ensuring we have a packed issue for you. I hope you enjoy it.

Tess de Klerk Editor, Dynamic Magazine tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk

WOMEN ON THE RISE

After two years of no progress, financial services companies have increased the proportion of women in senior management to 35%.

For the first time since the voluntary Women in Finance charter was created in 2016, the best performing companies, including Virgin Money and PensionBee, had women in more than 40% of top management jobs. Twenty-nine companies missed their target, including KPMG, Nomura International and Grant Thornton.

UPFRONT

ALL THE LATEST BULLETINS FROM THE WORLD OF BUSINESS

GRAPHIC SEX ED

Clare Page’s 15-year-old daughter came home from school last Autumn flustered. She had been told during a lesson to be ‘sex positive’ about her attitude to relationships, and that ‘heteronomativity was a bad thing’. When she asked the school for a copy of the lesson plan it was refused. She then submitted a Freedom of Information request and found that the lessons, run by the School of Sexuality Education, also promoted sex toys, anal sex and porn channels. A report led by MPs Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger found that there were dozens of companies invited into schools to teach sex education since it became mandatory in 2019. Cates found that children in Years 7 and 8 were receiving ’graphic lessons on oral sex and how to safely choke your partner’ and that there were 72 genders, among other topics. The government has now announced a review of sex education is schools. A day late and dollar short!

❛ ❛

Whining, taking offence and narcissistic victimhood have become defi ning characteristics of our times

Tory Whip Joy Morrissey on Dominic Raab’s resignation

WOMEN WHO CANNOT

AFFORD TO WORK

New mothers face falling back in their careers because childcare costs make it impossible to go back to work. Freelance actor and writer Hanna Jarman, from Cardiff, said nursery fees for her six-month-old son Emrys cost £70 a day.

“There are jobs I’m going to have to turn down because it’s not going to be worth my while,” she said. Ms Jarman said sending Emrys to nursery for three days a week would “end up costing more than my mortgage. I can’t afford to do that.”

A staggering three in four mums (76%) who pay for childcare say it no longer makes financial sense for them to work, according to a damning report centred around the UK’s childcare crisis. The charity Pregnant Then Screwed heard from 24,000 parents as part of its survey focusing on the knock-on effect of ever-increasing childcare costs.

It found one in ten parents say their childcare costs are the same or more than their take-home pay per day, while one in four parents (26%) say it’s now more than 75% of their take-home pay.

In what will come as no surprise to any parent currently wading the murky waters of trying to afford childcare in addition to navigating a cost of living crisis, one in three parents say they’ve had to rely on some form of debt to cover childcare costs.

WOMEN TAKE OVER GCHQ

Prince William’s response after a well-wisher complimented Kate’s dress

TOP OF THE POTS

Kew Gardens’ former director Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker once said, “Gardening makes a delightful hobby for ladies but as a life’s work, it is an impossible thing.” 117 years after later, the Victorian botanist would be ‘spinning in his grave’ as this year women will officially outnumber men at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Women will make up 58% of all garden designers competing for a medal this year. Although 19th and 20th century pioneers such as Gertrude Jekyll, Ellen Willmott and Marianne North made their mark on horticulture, they were rich and could afford to excel as amateurs.

A woman will become the first female boss of GCHQ in its 100-year history. Anne Keast-Butler, who is currently MI5’s deputy director-general, will take up the role in May when Sir Jeremy Fleming leaves after six years. With an impressive 30 years working in national security, Keast-Butler helped launch Whitehall’s National Cyber Security Programme.

GIRLS’ SCHOOLS INVEST

Several leading girls’ schools will aim to invest in companies with female leaders in an effort to tackle the lack of women in the City. The Girls’ School Association, which represents schools including Cheltenham Ladies’ College and St. Paul’s School in London, has said that it will adopt a ‘genderequitable approach to its investment managements’ to focus on the interest of girls and women.

It is never too late to be what you might have been

George Eliot

Oh, she always looks stunning

Dynamic has a very special offer for all women who run their own business or are in a senior management role within any SME as we are determined to level the playing field.

The Help to Grow: Management programme as detailed here is normally 90% subsidised by the government and the participant pays only £750. Dynamic Magazine is sponsoring a number of places on the course therefore it will be totally free of charge to Dynamic readers!

This is a unique offer 100% sponsored by Dynamic Magazine

Helping women to grow

PROGRAMME DETAILS

This mini MBA-style programme is designed for business owners and senior leaders of small and medium-sized businesses, Help to Grow: Management is a 12-week course that helps your business reach its full potential for growth, resilience and succession planning.

Benefits:

n In-depth training

n Invaluable 1:1 business mentoring

n Bespoke Growth Action Plan

n Low cost, high impact

n Peer-to-peer networking

n Time away from your business to work on your business

ELIGIBILITY

This course, accredited by the Chartered Association of Business Schools,is being delivered by the University of Brighton. Working in collaboration with industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, the course covers strategies for growth and innovation, digital adoption, leading high-performance teams, financial management and responsible business practices. With the support of an experienced mentor, you will also create a bespoke growth plan for your business.

MODULES AND DELIVERY STYLE

To facilitate busy work schedules, the course is a mix of both online and in person workshops.

1 Strategy and Innovation

2 Digital Adoption

3 Internationalisation and winning new markets

4 Vision, mission, and values

5 Developing a marketing strategy

6 Building a brand

7 Organisational design

8 Employee management and leading change

9 High performance workplace

10 Efficient operations

11 Finance and financial management

To be eligible for Help to Grow, the following criteria must be met.

Your business must

n Be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) based in the UK

n Employ between 5 and 249 people

n Have been operational for at least one year

n Not be a charity

You must

n Be a chief executive, owner/founder or senior manager

n Have at least one person reporting to you

n Commit to completing all sessions

NEXT COURSE DATES

Brighton: September 25th 2023

Gatwick/Crawley: September 22nd 2023

12 Implementing growth plans

100% FREE FOR DYNAMIC READERS

REGISTER NOW

for September programmes in Brighton and Gatwick

YOUR GROWTH PLAN

n Develop your leadership and management skills, enhancing employee wellbeing and engagement

n Identify what drives productivity and growth in your market, and understand what this means for you

n Learn how to advance responsible business practices, including more inclusive and greener practices

n Understand how to innovate your business model, including adopting and investing in new and digital technologies

n Identify key domestic and export markets for your business and develop strategies for segmentation, positioning and targeting

n Generate strategies to improve operational efficiency, allowing you to save time and money

THE HELP TO GROW: MANAGEMENT COURSE

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, send an email to info@platinummediagroup.co.uk, quoting the code PLATINUM100 to secure your place.

Don’t delay, apply today and power up your business

You will be supported by an experienced business mentor who will support you in producing a growth plan, and taught by experienced academics and practitioners from the School of Business and Law.

❛❛ The content was fantastic and I found the session really engaging and well delivered ❜❜

ALICE MONK

Music Industries Association

The Help to Grow: Management is delivered by leading business schools across the UK who have been awarded the Small Business Charter (SBC) by the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS).

Help to Grow is a 12-week course designed to be undertaken alongside full-time work. The time commitment is 50 hours over 12 weeks. Learning alongside other business owners, you have the opportunity to learn from your peers and network.

Using a combination of online and face-to-face sessions alongside case study workshops, you will have the opportunity to apply the concepts being taught to real-life situations faced by business leaders. By the end of the course, you will have a tailored Growth Action Plan to help you lead and grow your business.

WHY CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON?

The University of Brighton has a long history of working with small to medium-sized businesses, and a strong track record of delivering business growth programmes.

The school of Business and Law is home to the Centre for Change, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management (CENTRIM), which works with partners in industry, academia and government producing groundbreaking concepts to explain, harness and improve innovation, entrepreneurship and change management.

The 2021 Knowledge Exchange Framework results place the University of Brighton in the top 10% for universities for public and community engagement, and in the top 20% for skills, enterprise, and entrepreneurship.

Help to grow programme

This month we are catching up with two women leaders who have recently completed the Help to Grow Management course to see what they thought of it and how it may benefit their organisation and, more importantly, their personal development

❛❛ Help to Grow Management has provided me with a structured management course that I can apply to grow both the business and me personally. The topics, especially managing people and organisation design, were particularly relevant in our current growth phase, and will support me in developing the team. I appreciated having access to the mentor programme, a resource that I would love to make available to others in my team in the future.

The course has also provided excellent networking opportunities; I have enjoyed connecting with local business peers from di erent industries. One specific take away I have from the course is the importance of spending time on strategy, which we are now integrating throughout the management team. Going forward, I am going to continue with the practice of blocking time out to have time for ‘big-picture thinking’ for the business. I’ve already recommended the course to a friend, as the range of topics covered are relevant to all small business leaders. ❜❜

JESS FULLER, MANAGING DIRECTOR

Oncology imaging systems ltd

www.oncologyimaging.com

DYNAMIC – SPECIAL OFFER

90% of the programme cost is covered by the Government therefore a total cost of £750. The good news is that for Dynamic readers there are a number of FREE places for women on the Gatwick programme when you quote PLATINUM100 when signing up. More information www.brighton.ac.uk/help-to-grow

❛❛ One of the best parts of the course was talking to others, especially fellow women leaders, to share experiences and work through how to put the theory into practice. It was great to talk to others and discuss the common challenges we face in managing our small businesses and that we are not alone in this. Here at IMA International we work with organisations in developing countries to help them to realise their potential, I can already see how we can use the session on organisation and leadership to support the work we do. The combination of theory and practice allowed us to explore how we can best ensure that what we have learnt over the last 12 weeks really will make a di erence to what we do. ❜❜

LEIGH DOWSETT SENIOR CONSULTANT & RESEARCH MANAGER

IMA International

www.imainternational.com

Financial advice, built around you.

• Personal finance advice

• Retirement planning

• Business support

• Generational planning

• Tax year-end advice

I’m proud to represent both male and female clients. And, while it goes without saying that both can experience the same stressors, there’s no avoiding the fact that women face several unique challenges.

My 20 years’ experience has shown that women can therefore greatly benefit from highly personalised financial advice, which takes these challenges into account. This is why I’m so passionate about empowering women with the confidence and tools to help them achieve their long-term financial goals.

So, whatever your financial journey so far, let me give you the guidance, support, and stability to help you plan a happy and financially secure life.

CANCER PILL APPROVED IN ENGLAND AND WALES

The newly approved daily pill, olaparib can now be given to cancer patients who have tumours caused by a faulty gene. Patients in England and Wales, who are carrying a mutated version of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, will now be eligible for olaparib. The daily pill kills cancer cells by stopping them from repairing themselves.

Hundreds of people with unusual forms of inherited cancer may enjoy longer lives. Olaparib has been shown to cut the risk of dying from inherited breast cancer by one third and to extend the lives of patients with incurable prostate cancer.

IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

CONQUERING HEPATITIS C

According to a new report, England is on course to become the first country to eradicate hepatitis C. It anticipated that the virus will be defeated by 2025, five years ahead of the World Health Organisation goal of 2030, which entrusted governments with eradicating it.

Hepatitis C is a chronic viral infection that affects approximately 75,000 people in England, thousands of whom are children. It can cause liver cancer, but England is on track to eradicate it because of a ground-breaking programme that tracks and treats everyone who is affected.

BBC LAUNCHES EDUCATION SERIES FOR AFGHAN CHILDREN

Many children, particularly girls in Afghanistan have been barred from education since the Taliban came to power. The BBC intends to be part of the solution with its education series aimed at children.

Lessons will be presented by Sahar Rahimi, Shazia Haya, Aalia Farzan and Malaika Ahmadzai, who fled Afghanistan when the Taliban took over. “When I am working on this programme, I picture myself as a 16-year-old, and I wish there was a TV programme such as Dars (meaning ‘lessons’) back then,” said Haya. “I hope that, as they study with the help of our programme, they also learn that they should not give up on education.”

Dars will teach maths, history, science and information technology. It will be broadcast online, via FM radio and on the new BBC News Afghanistan satellite channel.

POPULISM SLOWING DOWN

It might not feel that way but the populist world march is slowing down – for the time being, at least. According to research, the number of populist world leaders is at a 20-year low, thanks to recent centrist successes, particularly in Latin America. Democracy is more likely to erode under populist rule but the good news is that democratic institutions are holding out.

GHANA AUTHORISES GROUND-BREAKING MALARIA VACCINE

Ghana has become the first country to approve a malaria vaccine, which scientists estimate might save thousands of lives each year, especially those of children. Malaria kills a child every minute in Africa.

Oxford’s new R21 vaccine offers up to 80% protection against malaria. Although data from a late-stage trial has not yet been made public, Reuters reports that it has been shared with regulatory authorities, including those in Ghana.

The World Health Organisation approved a different malaria vaccine in 2021 and has yet to recommend the use of R21 but it is expected to. Oxford’s vaccine has higher success rates and is cheaper to produce than the previously approved vaccine.

DECODING THE PUZZLE OF DEVELOPMENT DISORDERS

A large study has unravelled the genetic origin of developmental abnormalities in thousands of children, and the findings could now be applied to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis all across the globe.

The Deciphering Developmental Disorders study, a collaboration between the UK’s National Health Service and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, a non-profit organisation that performs genetics research, included almost 13,500 families from across the UK and Ireland.

The genomes of children with severe diseases, as well as their parents, were sequenced, resulting in genetic diagnoses for over 5,500 youngsters. Approximately three-quarters had spontaneous genetic alterations that were not inherited from a parent.

“The families in our study were desperate for answers, which can make a huge difference to clinical management and quality of life,” said Caroline Wright, professor of genomic medicine at the University of Exeter. “By sharing our findings, many more families should get answers faster.”

I didn’t learn to be quiet when I had an opinion. The reason they knew who I was is because I told them

Ursula Burns

Remember, you have been criticising yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens

Louise L. Hay

Join Flexibility Matters, Platinum Media Group and Rockinghorse Children’s Charity on June 23rd at the Amex Stadium to discuss Flexible Working Best Practice in Brighton and across Sussex

FLEXFORWARD BRIGHTON

Flexibility Matters is delighted to host FlexForward Brighton – a breakfast briefi ng on June 23rd 8.30-11.30am.

Are you a Business Owner, Founder, HR or People Director? If so, join us in exploring how to make flexible working in Brighton THE example of best practice in the UK.

FlexForward Brighton will be opened by our keynote speakers: David Blackburn, Chief People Officer at the Financial Services Compensation Scheme; Dr Charlotte Rae, Psychology lecturer at Sussex University researching the neuroscience of the four-day week; and Donna Holland, CEO of Rockinghorse Children’s charity, who will also be our peer mentors.

We will also be joined by Jane Van Zyl, CEO of Working Families; Caroline Watkins, Partner EMW –winner of the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2023 for Best Practice in Flexible Working; Carlene Jackson, CEO of Cloud9Insight, pioneer of the nine-day fortnight and neurodiversity champion; Hanna Smith Director of People at Paddle; and Jessica Hornsby, Business Psychologist and Founder of Equalital, who will also be our peer mentors.

Our peer mentoring sessions allow participants to learn, share and exchange ideas regarding the challenges and progress businesses in Brighton are making towards best practice in flexible working. We want to share knowledge and experience with practical hands-on suggestions and advice for how to create a flexible working environment that thrives and empowers businesses and their employees.

We will collate the discussions and share the collective ideas to create a white paper on the Best Practice in Flexible Working in Brighton, and reveal it in the largest circulation business magazine in the UK, Platinum Business Magazine.

Our peer mentoring sessions allow participants to learn, share and exchange ideas

+ FLEXFORWARD BRIGHTON

FlexForward Brighton: Friday June 23rd, 8.30-11.30am at the American Express Community Stadium, Brighton If you are you a Business Owner, Founder, HR or People Director, join us in exploring how to make flexible working in Brighton THE example of best practice in the UK.

If you have any questions, contact: emma@flexmatters.co.uk or 07810 541599.

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

JESS HORNSBY Business Psychologist and Founder of Equalital

JANE VAN ZYL CEO, Working Families

DAVID BLACKBURN Chief People Officer, Financial Services Compensation Scheme

ALISON JONES, Partner at Kreston Reeves considers ways in which the Coronation offers opportunities to some business sectors

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA

The Coronation of King Charles III will see a long weekend of events planned, starting with the Coronation Service on Saturday May 6th, the Coronation Big Lunch on Sunday May 7th, and The Big Help Out on Monday May 8th. There will be many opportunities for businesses, charities and individuals to get involved and volunteer.

The events will also showcase the UK globally (hopefully at its best if the weather is kind), and it is likely to encourage more visitors to the UK in future years. Sectors such as retail, hospitality and tourism are likely to benefit from both the events, and from the events and from the longer-term interest in visiting the UK and the legacy of such a globally historic event.

It’s estimated that the Royal Family ‘brand’ contributes around £2.5bn to the British economy each year and the Coronation weekend, whilst costing an estimated £200m, will bring in around £1bn to the UK economy. Not a bad return on investment.

The Coronation is a significant and memorable event in many people’s lives, especially as it is the fi rst for 70 years

Whether you are a royalist or not, it will be hard to avoid the Coronation and all things British. Writing this with Easter over, I can see that the shops are already fi lling up with souvenir merchandise and preparing for the party spirit a long weekend brings. People are expected to make an increased number of trips to stock up for parties and for souvenirs and there are expected to be more visits to London and Windsor where key events are taking place, and extra visits to pubs and restaurants as people celebrate.

The Coronation is a significant and memorable event in many people’s lives, especially as it is the fi rst for 70 years. In the same way the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 showcased post-war Britain and revolutionised home television ownership, programme making and viewing, this event will showcase Britain post Brexit and should bring other longer-term changes.

So where can businesses spot these opportunities and potential benefit in the longer term?

If you are in retail, hospitality or tourism, you have probably been gearing up for the event for months. However, taking time to think about the timing of key events, last minute weather changes, staffi ng levels, staff training and your supply chain will all help make the weekend go smoothly. If all goes well, this will encourage people to return to your business again and again, so it essential to get it right and make a good impression.

Are you a luxury brand and do you trade on your Britishness? We are anticipating that there will be a benefit from the increased visitors to the UK and interest in all things British, so have you considered whether there are any opportunities to target these customers once they return home? It might be a good time to consider new partnerships, export opportunities and reaching out to new markets.

The Big Help Out is taking place on Monday 8th with opportunities for getting involved and volunteering, so is there something your business could get involved with? Could this be turned into an annual event for your business in the future as a legacy?

If you don’t have an ESG strategy or programme in place, is this something you could develop and work towards?

An ESG strategy will demonstrate you are reducing risks throughout your business and supply chain, and adopting processes to meet both current and future legislation. It will give your business an advantage in the future especially when you might be looking for funding or investors. It can help with recruitment, help you reach new customers and ensure you leave a positive and long-lasting legacy for the communities in which you work.

Finally, let us not forget the general feel-good factor, business confidence and sense of community which these events tend to bring. There have certainly been some economic ups and downs over the last few years and all businesses should now benefit from a period of stability, certainty and the opportunity for growth.

So as the Carolean era formally begins, give some thought to how this new era could boost your business in the longer term.

Whether you are a royalist or not, it will be hard to avoid the Coronation and all things British

Camilla Parker-Bowles has become the Queen of England, and it’s a tale worthy of a blockbuster movie (and likely will be). Love, passion, deceit, pain, heartache, death, family splits and so much more comprise the Monarchy of this country today and, let’s face it, little different from many of our normal lives – just on a much larger scale, and in the full glare of the world’s ravenous media.

By MAARTEN HOFFMANN

The reluctant queen

Born Camilla Rosemary Shand in London in 1947, to army o cer-turned-businessman Major Bruce Shand and his wife Rosalind, Camilla was raised in bucolic splendour in rural Sussex before stints at the Mon Fertile nishing school in Switzerland and studying French literature in Paris. In 1965, she was a debutante in the orbit of the young royals and, as anyone who has turned on a television or picked up a newspaper in the past 50 years will know, had a romantic relationship with Prince of Wales, before they both married other people.

One look at HRH, sitting among her books in the quiet of Clarence House, and it is obvious that her love for The Prince of Wales is one borne of decades

“It’s not easy,” she says, thoughtfully. “I was scrutinised for such a long time that you just have to fi nd a way to live with it. Nobody likes to be looked at all the time and, you know, criticised and…” she drifts off for a moment. “But I think in the end, I sort of rise above it and get on with it. You’ve got to get on with life,” she says, and gives a calm little shrug.

When it comes to the Queen’s birthday in July, “there won’t be much celebration,” she says. “I shall spend it with my family and a few friends.” She is much more consumed with her five grandchildren, aged from 12 to 14, and loves texting with them. “It’s very nice getting a text,” she says. “We learn from very young people and they learn from us, too. That’s the way it’s always been.”

Camilla has two children, Tom and Laura, from her marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles, the British Army officer whom she divorced in 1995. The 1990s – the decade in which her own marriage and that of The Prince of Wales to Diana, Princess of Wales, met their formal conclusions – saw a level of media scrutiny for all parties that remains unmatched to this day. People picked sides amid savage discourse. In the decades since, the new Queen has won round a great deal of public opinion. But those years took a toll.

After almost 20 years of speculation, it had come: the ultimate stamp of approval from “the boss”. As with so much of her life, Camilla had been in uncharted waters: the fi rst divorced person to marry the heir apparent to the British throne and not derail the ascension; a survivor of Britain’s late-20th-century tabloid swamp; a Queen with children, grandchildren and a life of her own outside of “the fi rm”. It is worth noting that Camilla has been in a formal relationship with her now husband for almost 25 years, as well as a working royal for the better part of two decades. For some,

however, the idea of the new arrival persisted. After all this time, is permanency fi nally hers?

What most people are not aware of is the tremendous amount of charity work she performs whilst insisting it is done in private and seeks no public praise.

The issues of domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape have been central to her charity work for several years now, alongside literacy, the arts, health and animals. In all, HRH holds about a hundred presidencies and patronages, and maintains a schedule that would make a CEO half her age fl inch.

“I think we all know somebody who it’s happened to,” she says, of her work with survivors. “I was hearing it too often, from friends who knew friends, and I thought maybe I ought to look into it to see if there was somewhere for me to help.” In 2016 she attended a meeting at the SafeLives offices in London, where she heard the story of Joanna Brown, brutally killed in 2010 by her husband, a BA pilot. “Her mother (Diana Parkes) was sitting opposite me. I remember looking at her because you empathise with someone of the same generation. She took on the children and brought them up on the Isle of Man by herself. I saw her with tears pouring down her face. I’m afraid we all dissolved.”

Next to tell their story that day was Rachel Williams. “She had a hairdressing salon and her partner had shot her through the legs in front of her 15-year-old son. Six weeks later the son killed himself because he couldn’t stand it.” Camilla looks ashen. “I remember saying to Diana (Barran), ‘I’d just like to do anything to help.’ I think that’s what got me started.”

She has spoken about the ‘taboo’ surrounding domestic abuse and how it becomes ‘a terrible hidden secret’ for many women and has highlighted the work of domestic violence

Camilla marries Andrew Parker-Bowles July 4th 1973

In all, HRH holds about a hundred presidencies and patronages, and maintains a schedule that would make a CEO half her age flinch

One of their many encounters

Diana Spencer with Camilla

charities for more than seven years, and she said she will continue to do so in future as the Queen.

Aside from her official appearances, she also makes regular totally private visits to refuges in south London, to speak with women and men. “Also, whenever we go on a trip, we try and fi nd refuges, wherever it is in the world, and go and see people. It’s interesting to see what’s happening in other countries.” She’s keen to share expertise, and recently became patron of the Mirabel Centre in Lagos, Nigeria’s fi rst sexual assault referral centre. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, she points out, but she is proud of the UK’s active stance. “Obviously it’s much more difficult in Middle Eastern countries. But there are places that are doing a marvellous job.”

She is moved by the community spirit of everyone she encounters working in the field. “What you fi nd is that people who have been abused themselves always come back into

the system to help others. I think they feel that they’ve been helped through their crisis and they want to give something back.”

She understands the complexities of the issue, the intersection of family, social services and the police, and how they play out differently in specific communities. “There’s been such a taboo,” she continues. “People can still love the people who abuse them, and feel such guilt and such shame that they think it’s their fault, so they bury it. It becomes a sort of terrible hidden secret.” Is it the sort of work you will continue as Queen? “Oh, I shall carry on as much as I can,” she replies immediately. “You can’t desert things that you’re in the middle of. There’s a lot of things to be done still.”

At an age when most people, if not already retired, may be considering it, it must feel odd to be gearing up for the most high-profi le period of her working life. She says she no longer gives much thought to birthdays passing. “I let them come and go. I mean I’d be very happy to turn back the clock,” she adds, laughing. (Her laugh is a delightful sort of gurgle that lights up her eyes very winningly.) “When you get to any big number, whether it’s 30, 50, 70, you think: ‘God, that’s so old.’”

She pauses, then says, “You know, my mother died when she was 72, so I’ve out-lived my mother, which is quite strange.” Are there good things about your seventies? “Well, I think you can’t do much more about yourself,” she sighs, ever the stoic. “You’ve done what you can. I think you just accept that you are who you are. You get to be a 75-year-old.”

One look at HRH, sitting among her books in the quiet of Clarence House, and it is obvious that her love for Charles is one borne of decades. As foundations go, it is a solid one and must surely comfort her for the years ahead. What though, I wonder, does the Queen like to do when she is by herself – when duty, family and Charles are all otherwise engaged? “I would do a bit of gardening, go for a walk and then I’d sit down and read a book,” she replies. “It would be my idea of heaven, in the quiet of the countryside, where you can generally relax and properly think.” The mere thought of it brings a fi nal smile. “I suppose what I’d think is, ‘I’m quite lucky that I’m still around.’

The infamous carved tree

Camilla with her sister-in-law, the Princess Royal

Camilla during one of her many charity visits

How to overcome Imposter Syndrome

By IAN CHILD, author of ‘Your

More than two-thirds of the population are thought to be in the grip of Imposter Syndrome. It exists only in the mind, but it can hold back some people from achieving their full potential. When we look around us, it’s easy to only see the success and confidence of others, and that can lead to self-doubt, negative feelings, and not taking opportunities when they come along. Plus it can also be linked to anxiety and depression. However, recognising Imposter Syndrome for what it is, is a huge step towards fi xing it.

Own Personal Time Machine’

Being 99% good at something is NOT a failure

SYMPTOMS OF IMPOSTER SYNDROME INCLUDE:

• Downplaying your accomplishments

• Crediting luck for any success you may have

• Thinking your peers are more capable than you are

• Fear of being seen as a failure

• Feeling unworthy of attention or affection

• Not asking questions in meetings or lectures (or in the classroom)

• Feeling that overworking is the only way to meet expectations

• Holding back from reaching goals you should be able to reach

HERE ARE A FEW IMPOSTER SYNDROME COPING STRATEGIES:

TALK ABOUT IT

Don’t be afraid to share your feelings about Imposter Syndrome with others – you may fi nd they’re experiencing the same issues as you. Th is can give you more confidence and help you see that your thoughts are irrational – particularly when you talk to someone you believe has a good opinion of you.

STOP CHASING PERFECTION

Being 99% good at something is not a failure. Appreciate that other people may only be capable of doing the same job to 70%; 80% will be good enough, and 90% will be better than most. Don’t think of this as lowering the bar – it’s simply reframing how well you’ve done and what you’ve achieved. Also, many jobs don’t need to be done to 100%. Perfectionists will spend time getting a job from 80% to 100%, but a smarter strategy may be to use that time to do a second task to 80% and get much more done.

NOTE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CELEBRATE SUCCESSES

Create a list that reminds you of how great you are, and that other people think you’re great too, and refer to this list when you have moments of doubt. Th is helps reframe your mind and evaporate less helpful thoughts.

Celebrating success helps dispel thoughts that we’re undeserving and gives us confidence in our abilities. Be sure to celebrate small wins as well as large ones. Imposter Syndrome sufferers tend to move on too quickly and treat wins with relief rather than taking pride in an achievement and properly marking it.

SHARE FAILURES

We see other people’s successes, but we don’t always notice their flops, whereas we always see our own failures. Th is gives us a poor perspective and makes us think of ourselves as being less capable in comparison. Opening up with others can help demonstrate that you’re no different and that everyone has the same issues as you do. It can often be easier to speak to strangers than those who know you well.

Failure is not a sign of being awful. Failure is a sign that you’re trying to achieve something. You should give yourself credit for this. One thing is certain, if you never try, you’ll never fail, but you’ll also never become successful.

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS

It’s easy to overestimate how skilful or successful other people are. The reality is that everyone else probably feels just as insecure as you do. They’re likely looking at you and wishing they were as calm, confident and successful as you. Don’t compare yourself to others – they could be faking it even more than you are.

REFRAME YOUR POSITION

Fear can often be the prevailing emotion when it comes to Imposter Syndrome, but you need to look at situations through a different lens. Instead of thinking that any moment everyone will discover that you don’t know what you’re doing, shift things in your head. You may not know all the answers, for now, but you’re smart enough to figure them out – this is a far more empowering way of looking at your situation.

KNOW THAT YOU’RE NOT ALONE

We often fail to acknowledge that other people feel exactly the same as we do. Social Media doesn’t help. Very few of us present an honest warts-and-all picture of ourselves. Our accounts are carefully polished; our recycling bins are crammed with dreadful images. But it rarely clicks that everyone else is doing the same thing, and feeling the same way. You are far from being the only one suffering from Imposter Syndrome.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian Child is a former corporate leader, co-founder of the training company propertyCEO (propertyceo.co.uk) and the author of ‘Your Own Personal Time Machine’, a guide to getting your life back, available exclusively from amazon. co.uk. in paperback and e-book

Recognising Imposter Syndrome for what it is, is a huge step towards fi xing it

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.

SP OTLIGH T

Jo inspires us with her dedication and tenacity. Here, she tells us about her journey in her own words

I was 17 when I left home to have a baby, and a year later lost my partner to suicide. A hugely difficult yet formative experience, it gave me the strength and determination to succeed whatever the odds.

A few years later, I was a qualified solicitor practising employment law. It was both my way of ‘sticking it to the man’, and due to my concern for social justice. Over the following decade, I brought and defended dozens of tribunal claims.

In 2011, I bought Bagelman with my ex-husband and took a break from law to look after my daughters. Having young children again strengthened my concern for the environment and, during this time, I was honoured to work for Green MEP, the late Keith Taylor, stand for election and co-chair my local branch of the Green party.

In 2018, my marriage broke down. Soon after, it emerged that my ex-husband had left me in considerable debt, we lost our family home and I was required to assume management control of Bagelman. A difficult time for both me and the business, I had to act quickly to turn things around. Five years and one pandemic later, I am proud to say the business is the best it has ever been. We employ a diverse workforce, we hand roll and bake over 300,000 bagels a year. In 2019 we won the Deliveroo Best Brunch Award, and later this year we will be opening our fourth store.

Bagelman has a long history of social responsibility and I was pleased to build on this heritage. We use a green energy provider and work with local suppliers whose business ethics align with ours, including coffee roaster Skylark - they give away their profits to charities.

I worry about the cost-of-living crisis, inequality and poverty and their impact on young people, which is why I chose local youth music charity AudioActive to be our charity partner.

Alongside Bagelman, I work at Brighton Girls where I contribute in a small way to educating the next generation of businesswomen. Life is a gift and can be brilliant and brimming with opportunity. It can also be hard. It was hard for me as a teenage mum in the late 90s. In many ways, it is harder for young women today; every reason for us adults to use our talents to make the world a better place in every way we can.

https://bagelman.co.uk

Bagelman has a long history of social responsibility and I was pleased to build on this heritage

Teresa Boughey

As the founder and CEO of Jungle HR and Inclusion 247, she has dedicated herself to promoting inclusivity and sustainability in the workplace. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the National Award for ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ and the Highly Commended award for her Amazon bestseller, ‘Closing the Gap – 5 steps to creating an Inclusive Culture’, at the 2020 Business Book Awards.

Having climbed the corporate ladder, Teresa realised the urgent need for organisations to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. In response to this challenge, she founded Jungle HR, a consultancy that specialises in supporting businesses to improve their culture and inclusion practices.

One of Teresa’s proudest moments is when ‘Closing the Gap - 5 Steps to Creating an Inclusive Culture’ became an Amazon Bestseller and went on to be Highly Commended at the Business Book Awards. The recognition of her work on promoting diversity and inclusion is a testament to the impact of her work and serves as a reminder that there is still much to be done to create a truly inclusive workplace.

No matter the path, obstacles are inevitable, and Teresa has had her fair share of challenges. She had to overcome social value judgement labels as a teenage mum, and has often found herself in the position of being the only woman in male-dominated business environments. She has been vocal about the need for more women in leadership positions and is working to promote gender equality and empower more women to take on leadership roles. She believes that by amplifying the voices of women and other underrepresented groups, we can create a more equitable and sustainable society.

Teresa’s work has had a significant impact on the business world, but she is quick to remind us that there is still much to be done. Creating a truly inclusive and sustainable workplace requires a long-term commitment and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations. She also stresses the

importance of recognising the intersectionality of diversity and inclusion, and that we cannot address one aspect without considering the others.

Looking to the future, Teresa is passionate about creating a sustainable and inclusive society. As a firm believer that businesses need to consider inclusion, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, she is working to drive change in this area. That is why she proudly shared that, more recently, she became a UK Delegate for UN Women, where she works to advance gender equality and empower women and girls around the world. Her appointment as a UK Delegate is a testament to her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion not just in the business world but in all aspects of society.

In conclusion, Teresa Boughey is committed to promoting inclusion and sustainability in the workplace and beyond. She believes that by embracing ESG principles and promoting inclusion, businesses can create value, reduce risks, and improve overall performance. As she continues to make her mark in the world, she is determined to use her voice to influence change and create a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.

www.junglehr.com

Teresa Boughey is a formidable force in the worlds of inclusion and sustainability

Teresa is passionate about creating a sustainable and inclusive society

Is your marketing performance where you need it to be, or could it be sharpened up to better support the achievement of your business objectives? If results aren’t where you need them to be, don’t just do more of the same marketing, build the right marketing strategy first.

By JARMILA YU, Founder & Consulting CMO, YUnique Marketing Ltd

START WITH STRATEGY

In today’s rapidly changing business environment where we must navigate change, innovate, disrupt, and transform to ultimately stay relevant and grow, it’s more important than ever for business leaders to hone their strategic thinking skills.

A wholesale rewrite of your strategy may not be needed but a considered Strategy Review and refresh could prove invaluable and lead to many extra benefits beyond just raising marketing and sales performance. This can include improving employee engagement and productivity, increasing efficiency and effectiveness, and boosting the bottom line.

With so much change surrounding us, you may well be starting to discover that you, your customer or your market has evolved and there are some revisions needing to be made to your plan. Before you jump to revising tactics, time spent revisiting your strategy first is highly advisable to give you the confidence you need that you’re making the right strategic and tactical adjustments.

lead. Just doing marketing without taking a strategy-first approach is a guarantee of failure. Setting the strategy, but not revisiting it as the business evolves and the market shifts is equally disastrous.

Savvy entrepreneurs and business leaders with ambitious growth plans are typically the ones who invest the appropriate time in business planning, take a strategy-first approach, value marketing within all stages of strategy development, and align budget and resources to support the implementation of the strategy. They are the ones we see become unstoppable.

Start by asking “Where are you today?

Where do you want to be?

And what’s holding you back?

All too often, the stage of strategy development can be rushed or neglected once completed; no surprise then when results falter and growth stagnates as competitors take the

So, if you’re needing to optimise your resources and maximise your return on investment, take a leaf out of our strategy development playbook and review your strategy before making any shifts in your plan.

Reset and start by asking “Where are you today? Where do you want to be? And what’s holding you back?” Involve your key leadership team in this discussion and use this as an opportunity to align your understanding and goals. Ask more questions to tease out the reality of your situation and stress-test your existing strategy.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

1 Do you feel the strategy is still fit for purpose?

2 Does the strategy comprehensively address your key audiences and stakeholders?

3 Does the strategy offer flexibility and stability?

4 Does the strategy leverage market and proprietary data and insights?

5 Is the strategy fair and unbiased?

6 Is your whole team on board with the strategy?

7 Is there an appropriate plan to implement the strategy?

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

To refi ne your strategy, go back to basics and remind yourself of your existing ‘Strategic Framework’ and re-examine your ‘Seven Ps of Marketing’. Consider your ‘Principles’ too. Each of these may need refreshing, and sometimes small changes can make a big difference.

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

n Mission

n Vision

n Values

n Purpose

SEVEN Ps

n Product

n Price

n Promotion

n Place

n People

n Packaging

n Process

PRINCIPLES

n Specialisation – Client, product and market niche and expertise

n Differentiation – Competitive advantage and USP

n Segmentation – Ideal client personas and buying readiness

n Concentration – Alignment of resources and budget and focused efforts

EMERGING TRENDS

Consider also what the ‘Emerging Trends’ are that could affect your business, your clients and/or the market you operate in. They could become potential crisis points or growth opportunities for you. These extra perspectives need to be factored into your strategic thinking, to help you redefi ne your strategic direction and aid decision making to future proof your business and ensure success.

n Geopolitical shifts

n Supply chain disruption

n Tribalism

n Responsible business, ESG and CSR

n World of work transformation

n Changing buyer behaviour

n Trust erosion

n The Metaverse. AI

n Cryptocurrency. Web 3.0

IMPERATIVES

In completing this Strategy Review, you may identify some ‘Imperatives’ to work on further. They’ll serve as enablers to help you strengthen your offering and value proposition, deliver optimal customer experience, and increase your business value.

n Clarity of message

n Relevant watering holes

n Pitch to buyers

n Surprise and delight

n Plug skills gaps

n Develop valuable assets

n Document processes

n Set realistic targets

n Cash flow is king

n Plan with the end in mind

Don’t forget to ensure the whole organisation is with you; each member of your team will need to understand the role they each play to ensure the refreshed strategy, when executed, becomes your driver to success!

To assess how well your marketing is performing, why not take our complimentary Marketing Performance Scorecard?

www.yuniquemarketing.com/scorecard

E: jarmila.yu@yuniquemarketing.com

Savvy entrepreneurs and business leaders with ambitious growth plans are typically the ones who invest the appropriate time in business planning

This is the season where we start to talk about  hayfever and histamine. Health specialist Tanya Borowski takes the opportunity to explain some of the links we see between the effect female hormones have on the  release of histamine.

What has my menopause got to do with histamine?

WHAT IS HISTAMINE?

Histamine is a molecule that we actually make and store in cells (mainly mast cells, but also nerve cells). They live in tissues all through the body, especially under the skin, near blood vessels, in nerves, and in the urinary tract, vagina, lungs and intestines.

In the right amounts we make histamine as it’s required to:

n Fight off infections

n Regulate sleep

n Aid in proper digestion

n Regulate hormones

n Act as a neurotransmitter

n Aid in reproduction.

On the fl ip side however, too much histamine can wreak havoc, causing an array of symptoms such as:

n Itching of eyes, ears, nose, throat, skin

n Flushing or redness of skin

n Breathing issues like asthma

n Nasal and sinus congestion

n Excess mucus / postnasal drip

n Swelling and redness of eyes

n Heartburn, reflux, indigestion

n Diarrhoea

n Sleep issues – falling asleep or staying asleep

n Low blood pressure or high blood pressure

n Headaches or migraines

n Food sensitivities

n Anxiety or panic-like symptoms, depression and mood changes

n Fatigue

n Menstrual issues: heavy bleeding, PMS

n Urinary tract infections

WHAT CAUSES THIS EXCESS HISTAMINE?

If the cells that contain histamine, mainly mast cells, become overwhelmed or stimulated, they literally burst open and release their contents – histamine.

Allergens like pollen stimulate and overwhelm mast cells, but in addition to this well-known mechanism from ‘allergies’, there is a lesser-known but very important relationship between the hormones oestrogen and cortisol, and mast cells and their liberation of histamine.

So, at times in a women’s life stage (perimenopause) when oestrogen is high and unopposed by progesterone (as in perimenopause progesterone nose dives where oestrogen remains high), it overwhelms the mast cells and – boom! –histamine is released.

Th is happens as well in a menstrual cycle just before ovulation, and again during the days before her period oestrogen is high. Th is results in migraines, heavy flooding periods, acid reflux, anxiety or panic – to name a few.

What’s interesting about this is that mast cells, when they degranulate, also release heparin, which is a blood thinner, and can contribute to the flooding experienced by many endometriosis sufferers. In perimenopause, many women report heavier and more flooding periods.

WHAT HAS STRESS GOT TO DO WITH IT?

A lot. Cortisol and adrenaline, the stress hormones, have an affi nity for mast cells too. When these stress hormones are in abundance, again the mast cells become over-stimulated and release their contents. Remember where these mast cells reside - in tissue in our skin, urinary tract, lungs and gut, so there is a very strong correlation to why women feel a urinary tract infection coming on when stressed.

Overall, it is clear that there is an interconnection in the body between histamine, oestrogen and cortisol - and another great example of the interconnections of the human body.

WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS?

Here are some safe and effective options to try:

n Avoid histamine-stimulating foods such as alcohol and cow’s dairy.

n Reduce histamine-containing foods.

www.tanyaborowski.com

It is clear that there is an interconnection in the body between histamine, oestrogen and cortisol

HISTAMINE-CONTAINING FOODS

n red wine

n champagne

n hard cheese

n avocado

n smoked or canned fish

n shellfish

n soy sauce

n deli meats

n yeast

n bananas

n dried fruit

n dried nuts

n bone broth and fish stock

n vinegar and fermented foods such as sauerkraut

n chocolate

TIP Supplement with quercetin and a good quality fish oil (I love Bare Biology) as both these regulate histamine.

When oestrogen is high and unopposed by progesterone, it overwhelms the mast cells  and histamine is released

FURTHER READING…

Can balancing your company’s values with those of your clients drive profitability up?

BY MIMI NICKLIN

In 2023, values-based decision-making is becoming more and more common across all areas of the business world. We see our values impact how we shop, how employees apply for roles, and in how we collaborate with, and choose, our client relationships. Having clear values is a culture driver and a marketing value creator, but the reality for many businesses is that stating they have clear values and then actually living by them can be two distinctly different realities.

The balance between organisation values and the need for sales conversion and growth can be a subtle and complex

balance to master. Those that get it right will win in the long term, but this can be full of difficult decision making in the short term. Living by your values means that leadership teams must assess and evaluate each business decision as to the fit of those values. Frequently they will fi nd that they are facing occasions where the fit and the fi nancial return are not a natural fusion.

Our values shape how we see and experience the world, and it is the business leaders themselves that set the tone for the entire business’s approach to engagement and relationships – both internally and externally. These values impact everything from hiring decisions and HR, to

YOUR OWN PERSONAL TIME MACHINE: GET YOUR LIFE BACK

by Ian Child

Published by Equeum, 2020

In this uniquely entertaining yet hugely practical book, Ian Child takes you on a whistle-stop tour of your job, your life, and your daily routine, showing you the secrets to reclaiming your life and getting back your time. The target? Could you somehow claw back an incredible 42 hours per week? That’s a quarter of your life, effectively doubling your free time! Surely that’s got to be impossible? After all, you’re already so busy…

The reality for many businesses is that stating they have clear values and then actually living by them can be two distinctly different realities

values in an authentic way. When this matches optimally it allows the business to seamlessly balance humanism with capitalism, ensuring we can create opportunities for people and profit to thrive simultaneously.

Being clear in your values and how they are shaping your teams’ goals and ambitions for the future can help clients fi nd and choose you, but equally these need to stand as a fi lter for your own business choices ensuring that clients that don’t share your values don’t fi nd a place in your roster - regardless of the fi nancial potential they bring to the table.

These decisions can have a short-term impact on the potential upside of the new relationship, but they protect your business consistency and corporate culture so deeply in the medium term that they outweigh any short-term loss instantly. In the end it will be your people and your beliefs that make you sustainably competitive and no quick win can match the power of these long-term assets.

client chemistry, payment terms and pitching process. Regenerative Leadership, which hones the ability to use empathy as a skillset to create improved business performance, enables us to consider the world from the multiple perspectives of others and match these to the organisation’s

EDUCATED: A MEMOIR

by Tara Westover

Published by Random House 2018

Given how common imposter syndrome is in students, Educated may be a compelling read for anyone in academia plagued by the phenomenon.

Written by Tara Westover, a writer and historian, the book is her memoir of a remarkable journey. It begins with her childhood living on a rural farm in Idaho and culminates in her rise to eminence, gaining a PhD from Cambridge University.

# 1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Boston Globe bestseller.

Mimi Nicklin is an empathy expert, the CEO and Founder of global branding agency Freedm, and author of ‘Softening the Edge’. For more information, see www.empathyeverywhere.co

MEAN PEOPLE SUCK: HOW EMPATHY LEADS TO BIGGER PROFITS AND A BETTER LIFE

by Michael Brenner

Published by Marketing Insider Group, 2019

This insightful guide shows leaders, and employees how more emotional communication increases profits and enhances lives. The author uses real-life experience and proven research to show why instead of blaming others, we can look inside ourselves, and learn how to use empathy to defeat ‘mean’ in every situation.

Being clear in your values and how they are shaping your teams’ goals and ambitions for the future can help clients fi nd and choose you

By KELLIE MILLER

ART SCENE Buying art for the fi rst time

Buying art for the fi rst time is an exciting new journey. However, it can be a daunting process, equally as challenging as fi nishing a building project or moving into a new home with many bare walls. People also buy art to mark a life-changing occasion – an unexpected windfall, an inheritance, retirement, a promotion or a birth – with a piece of art. But where to start?

The fi rst thing is to establish your style. Do you like abstract, representational or figurative art? Be curious and remain open to inspiration.

If buying art in a partnership, question how you make decisions. Understanding your partner’s requirements will enable you to reach a decision together without frustration. Communicate with each other about your likes, dislikes and the reasons behind them. The process should be enjoyable.

Th ink about who will most benefit from the space where the art will be. If they love a piece, but you don’t, is it a room you use? Could it be in their personal space that isn’t shared?

Make a list of the spaces you are buying art for. Start with one room or even just one piece of art, then add to your collection as you become more confident with your choices.

Do you need to decorate? Can you allow the art to inform the colours in the room/space instead of the other way around? Buying art pieces just because they match your sofa or walls is inadvisable. Ideally, significant art purchases should be the main feature of your décor. It can be a starting point, but it is not ideal – the artwork will outlive your furniture and home.

One of the most important things should be that you love the artwork; if you love it, it will fit into any space you are in.

If you intend to acquire prints to solve the problem of empty walls, make sure it is more affordable than purchasing an original that you would rather have.

See as much art as possible and identify galleries you like. Have conversations with the gallery consultants and sign up for their newsletters. A good gallery will keep you informed of up-and-coming events and new collections.

You will begin to trust the gallery owners’ judgement about the artworks they are selecting, and in time, you will feel confident buying art.

+

MAIN POINTS

• What do you want to achieve?

• Where are you buying the art for?

• What is your style/s?

• What sort of art do you like?

• Do you need to agree on the pieces?

• How do you reach your decisions?

• What is your budget?

• Buy one or two artworks at a time.

Kellie Miller is an artist, curator, critic and gallery owner www.kelliemillerarts.com

The first thing is to establish your style. Do you like abstract, representational or fi gurative art?

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens An ode to spring

BY TESS DE KLERK

Originally established at the turn of the 20th Century by Sir Edmund Loder, the botanical wonderland that is Leonardslee has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for over one hundred years. After closing its doors for nine years, this Grade I listed garden reopened to the public in 2019 after having been thoughtfully and lovingly restored. Spread over 240 acres of picturesque landscape, this stunning estate is home to one of the finest woodland gardens in the country, boasting a remarkable collection of rare and exotic plants, majestic trees, and vibrant flowers that create a mesmerising display of colour and fragrance. Spring is when the rhododendrons burst into bloom with a riot of colours, ranging from soft pinks and lilacs to fiery reds and oranges. The fragrance of the flowers fills the air, creating a sensory experience that is both uplifting and invigorating. Some of the rhododendrons date back to the 19th century and reach impressive heights of up to 50 feet!

Appreciate the symbioses of nature and art as you meander through ‘The Walk of Life’; the splendid exhibition of sculpture by renowned South African artist, Anton Smit. His monumental works made from bronze, resin and steel are thoughtfully placed in harmony with the gardens and lakes.

This stunning estate is home to one of the finest woodland gardens in the country

A poet as well as an artist, he offers further meaning to the works with verses of his own and others, including Thomas Hardy and William Carlos Williams, which are featured alongside the works of art.

Along your way, you may well come across the resident wallabies who have roamed the estate since the early 1900s or any of the other rare wildlife such as emperor dragonfl ies and damselfl ies, white admiral and purple hairstreak butterfl ies and migratory and native birds - kites, great tits, tree creepers, nuthatches, woodpeckers and nightingales, that have chosen this protected ecosystem as their home.

How fortunate we are to have the beautiful Leonardslee in the South East. Whether you’re a nature lover, art enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these enchanting gardens are sure to leave you feeling grounded and connected to the very nature that sustains us.

www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

How fortunate we are to have the beautiful Leonardslee in the South East

BRIGHTON FESTIVAL

Brighton

From the first Festival held in 1967, and featuring performances by Laurence Olivier, Anthony Hopkins, The Who and Yehudi Menuhin to the present day, Brighton Festival is now the largest arts festival in England, and one of the major milestones in the international cultural calendar.

It has a long tradition for attracting the most exciting performers from across the globe, as well as promoting local artists, and bringing fresh, challenging new work to Brighton.

This year’s guest Artistic Director is musician, writer and broadcaster, Nabihah Iqbal.

Across Brighton & Hove May 6th-28th

www.brightonfestival.org

WHAT’S ON...

A brief snapshot of art and culture in Sussex and Surrey

LEONARDSLEE LATES

Lower Beeding

Immerse yourself in colour and sound this May Bank Holiday weekend at Leonardslee with a new series of late-night openings. Explore our 240-acre estate during our peak flowering season, as the sun sets and twilight settles across our lakes and gardens. With live jazz and swing music, award-winning wine from our sister estate and mouth-watering food each night, it’s an evening not to be missed.

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Lower Beeding, Nr Horsham May 26th-28th

www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/ all-events/leonardslee-lates

PUB IN THE PARK

Brighton

Pub in the Park brings you the ultimate food and music festival experience this summer. The brainchild of chef Tom Kerridge, each festival celebrates everything there is to love about the glorious British pub; delicious food, awardwinning chefs, chart-topping music, great drinks but above all else a fantastic time with friends and family.

Preston Park, Brighton July 14th-16th

www.pubintheparkuk.com/brighton

GLASTONWICK 2023

Coombes

The 26th Glastonwick Festival of Beer, Music, Poetry and Beer (or 28th if you count online shows) returns to Church Farm, Coombes this summer. Over 60 different ales, over 25 acts, including 11 first-timers. Camping available throughout the weekend.

Church Farm, Coombes, Nr Lancing June 2nd - 4th

www.glastonwick.uk

DYING TO MEET YOU MURDER MYSTERY DINING EXPERIENCE

Uckfield

The Company Upfront returns to bring another evening of murder, mystery and mayhem. Enjoy a three course meal while you witness the murder, interrogate the suspects and discover the murderer!

Welcome to groovy ‘London Town’ in the Swinging Sixties, and dating agents Serge and Petra are planning a Lonely Hearts Club event… but there is murder afoot! Groove on down and help to solve this terrible crime, man!

Luxford’s Restaurant, Uckfield

May 12th

www.civiccentreuckfield.com/ events/dying-to-meet-you

CORONATION CELEBRATIONS

Bexhill-on-Sea

To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, Bexhill is hosting one of the biggest events in the South East. Pack your picnic blanket and your hamper and head towards the De La Warr Pavilion where you’ll find a giant outdoor screen to watch the BBC’s coverage of the ceremony and processions in London. This precedes an afternoon and evening of live music from local favourites: Rother Community Choir; Lea Goddard; Sound Syndicate; The Rockitmen.

De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill

May 6th

www.bexhillchamber.org/coronation

CAMPERVAN CAMP OUT

Ardingly

Join for the day or stay for the weekend at the brand new campervan festival. A phenomenal line-up of live music from 11am every day awaits including a DJ set from Craig Charles. Visitors can also browse the Campervan Shopping Village (new and used vehicles for sale amongst outdoor leisure accessories), the self-builds and conversions, try some of the workshops in Wellness Sanctuary.

South of England Showground, Ardingly May 5th-7th

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/ shows/information/campout

CASTLE NIGHT TREK

Hailsham

Grab your head torch, pull on your walking boots, and trek the night away in the vast and stunning grounds of Herstmonceux Castle Estate, to raise funds for local children’s hospice care.

Join us on a magical and unique 10k night time charity walk. Be a beacon in the darkness for children’s hospice care, on this all-terrain route through 1066 Country! With a brand new route for 2023 we’ll be seeing the sun set as we trek through the fields and forests of the iconic Herstmonceux Castle, with lights to guide your way.

What you’ll get

n The chance to explore the castle grounds as never before!

n Hot chocolate on route and a glass of bubbly as you cross the finish line

n Medal made of wood from the castle grounds

n Full fundraising support from our experienced team

n PLUS free Castle Night Trek t-shirt to wear with pride

Herstmonceux Castle, Nr Hailsham

May 13th

www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/ events/castle-night-trek

It’s a BUZZ… but at a price

I was particularly looking forward to reviewing VW’s ID.Buzz SWB (short wheel base for the uninitiated in such things) as this is in essence a very smart van or people carrier if that sits more comfortably with your sensibilities.

By FIONA SHAFER, MD of MDHUB

To manage your expectations, this is not a fully kitted out ID. Buzz Camper van; that is a few years off according to the good folk at VW. But it will give you good insight into what a treat you will likely be in for.

The ID.Buzz has won an armful of awards including the ‘What Car?’ Van Awards 2023 and the Icon of the Year 2023 at the GQ Car Awards, so my advance expectations were high.

Imagine my surprise when the Buzz moodily reversed into my drive looking like a Private Ambulance. Blimey, had I already gone to heaven and was looking down on myself?

I had been expecting a sunny yellow or mint green twotone beauty which was immediately going to make me want to jump in it and head off on a hippy seaside adventure. No such luck, a bespoke paint job will set you back an eye watering £1,800.

‘Style over substance’ and ‘practicality’ sprung to mind on more than one occasion with the Buzz as the silver birch-coloured upholstery immediately made me nervous; rather like arriving at someone’s immaculate home with cream carpets and just knowing you will be asked to take your shoes off.

Th is seemed too incongruous for me and made me wonder rather cynically if the light upholstery was merely there to add to the sense of spaciousness of the vehicle for marketing purposes. Hugely practical outdoor vehicles need upholstery colours that will not show all the dirt and scuff marks.

My very fi rst SWB experience involved a fair bit of clambering in and out and almost falling out after I forgot that I was in a van, and that VW had not provided a handy ladder to convey me to the ground. I have a new found respect for all delivery

The top speed of 90 mph is largely irrelevant as it is unlikely that you will ever do this

TECH STUFF

MODEL TESTED: Volkswagen ID. Buzz Tech Pro

POWER: 174 PS / 77kW

SPEED: 0-62 in 10.4 secs

TOP: 90mph

ECONOMY: 3.7 miles/kWh

RANGE: 313 miles

PRICE: £53,365

POSITIVES

• It’s electric, and on a rapid charge will set you right in 30 min. At home on a 11kW, a three-phase will do the same in 7.5 hours

• No CO2 emissions

• It’s really easy to drive

• It is a viable alternative to the Tesla Model 3

• Great turning circle

• Easy to get into tight spaces

• The rear seats go flat and you could get a double mattress or a surf board and a whole lot of IKEA in the back.

• Lots of deep storage pockets in the doors

NEGATIVES

• The infotainment system – is really frustrating. It took me ages to try and work out and in the end, I lost patience. I have no doubt that if I upgraded to the Infotainment Package Plus for £1,560, it would be a whole lot easier

• You can’t open the windows in the back, so there is no ventilation at all

• The seal on the side rear door sticks out when you shut it and can only be resolved by opening the front passenger door first and then closing the rear door – this is a very poor and illogical design flaw

• The Boot lock / clip to shut the boot door sticks out and will brain anyone who is above 5ft 7 inches.

PRICE AS TESTED: £56,105 8/10

It’s a great lifestyle vehicle, but think very carefully about your budget before buying one

drivers and tradespeople who do this daily, especially the cool plumbers who I know who regularly enjoy converting and transforming their VW vans – of which I am sure this ID.Buzz will be a great and exciting project.

I have to say that this is one of the easiest vehicles I have ever driven – it’s fun, has bags of room, it has little VW insignias tucked away on the body work, ambient lighting with a choice of 10 colours, handles that light up in the dark, a “Buzz Box“ between the front seats that you can remove if needs be. It contains an ice scraper, bottle opener and draws for all the paraphernalia that we accumulate in cars; all ideal for being stuck in a snow drift – or not. The top speed of 90 mph is largely irrelevant as it is unlikely that you will ever do this such is the relaxing, soporific drive, taking in the views out of the vast windows.

My secret fi nd was the massage function in the driver’s seat; I was not expecting a customary seat adjustment to result in some afternoon lumbar delight.

I have to say that this is one of the easiest vehicles I have ever driven

The dull colour they delivered to me

DYNAMIC