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S u p p o r t i n g fe m a l e b u s i n e s s w o m e n a c r o s s t h e Yo r k s h i r e r e g i o n

Nº35 Bi-Monthly

August -September 2026

Katie launches 3D

sculpture studio How to improve our relationship with money From heartbreak to hope

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Contents

Cover : Katie Blake - Bloom and Bust

Group Editor Gill Laidler Design Rob Blackwell Administrator Charlotte Hall

Disclosure The articles in this publication are the opinions of the authors. The magazine or its staff are not responsible for any content. For articles covering legals or health, please ensure you engage with legal or medical professionals before acting on any advice printed in this magazine. We endeavour to ensure that all the content submitted is accurate and a true representation. If you cover a special subject that would be of interest to our readers and would like to write a regular column, do get in touch with the editor. The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those held by the publishers and therefore, any responsibility can be held by the publisher for misinterpretation. Reproduction of this magazine without the expresses permission of the publisher is prohibited. While every care is taken in the production of this magazine, the publisher/editor and staff cannot accept any responsibility for errors in articles, advertisements or programme schedules. Published by Ghost Publishing who declines all responsibilities for advice given.ISSN 2756-0457

To Partner Yorkshirebusinesswoman Tel: • Gill - 07711 539047

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ACCEL ERAT I NG FINA NCE TA LENT

NORTH DEFENCE APPOINTS DIRECTOR

CLOBBER SWAP SPONSORS

COST OF BEING THE WOMAN WHO COPES

WE LCO M E S N E W DI RECTO R OF CTEC

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

YORK SISTERS BUILDING BRITISH LUXURY

GRAPE POTENTIAL

YORKSHIRE BUSINESSWOMAN LAUNCHES NEW VENTURE

Digital Copy available, yorkshirebusinesswoman.co.uk

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EditorsNotes By group editor Gill Laidler

Welcome to this edition of Yorkshire Businesswoman as we approach what has been a different year. My grass is parched and brown and it's a daily chore to water all the plants we have bought and lovingly nurtured since we moved into our house a little over a year ago. Fortunately we are not in a hosepipe ban area - yet! Moving house last year, I stepped away from running our member events, although I’ve always been there behind the scenes. This will change again in 2027 as I will return to running our events that will go back to our popular trusted format of regular first Friday of the month and I am hoping to secure a permanent home like we had a couple of years ago. Over the years, members have enjoyed speaking or hosting events and this will once again return, so if you would like to speak about what was the inspiration of setting up your business or host an event (if you like public speaking or just want to build your confidence) just drop me an email. Our next event is on 12th November at The Met Hotel on King Street, just off city square, a little earlier

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than usual at 2pm and we welcome member Rachel Cheshire who will be inviting members and guests to join her in learning how to make her popular grazing cups, and the best bit, you get to take them home to eat! I also have a few hair care products courtesies of Watermans, drop me an email in advance and I’ll save you a bottle if you’re booked on the event, but hurry, I don’t have a huge amount. If you’re free, do book on, I am so looking forward to seeing everyone. Events will return on February 5th at Banyan with guest speaker, business guru Ros Jones. I hope you enjoy this edition, packed with inspirational stories from businesswomen from our region, and we’re already working on the December edition so if you have a great story to tell, do get in touch editor@yorkshirebusinesswoman. co.uk

Gill x

York Biotech Campus celebrates 30 years of scientific innovation and impact Tenants on the campus have also continued to invest in specialist facilities and infrastructure. In 2018, Fera Science Limited, in partnership with CHAP (Centre for Crop Health and Protection) and supported by Innovate UK, launched Europe’s first fully flow-through, edge-of-field water body safety assessment facility, the E-Flows mesocosm, at the site.

York Biotech Campus (YBC), is marking 30 years of scientific innovation, collaboration and real-world impact, celebrating its evolution from a government research facility into one of the North’s leading biotechnology hubs. Established in 1996 as part of a government initiative to strengthen the UK’s scientific research capabilities beyond Cambridge, the 80-acre campus has grown into a thriving centre for bioscience innovation. Today, around 1,000 people work across the site, representing organisations spanning agri-tech, environmental science, healthcare, diagnostics and advanced manufacturing, including occupiers such as Labcorp, Abingdon Health and Cargill Bioindustrial. Key milestones in the campus’s journey have included the formation of the Food and Environment Research Agency in 2009, later becoming Fera Science Limited in 2015, the opening of the site

to a broader range of commercial occupiers, the arrival of global life sciences company Labcorp in 2017, and the rebrand to York Biotech Campus in 2020. Over the past three decades, the campus has supported a range of scientific advances and national priorities, from responding to animal disease outbreaks and food safety incidents to helping scale the production of COVID-19 lateral flow tests. Occupiers have also delivered groundbreaking innovations, including the world’s first salivabased pregnancy test by Abingdon Health and Labskin Limited’s launch of the first commercially available human skin equivalents designed to mimic different ethnicities.

Fera Science Limited also launched a first-of-its-kind Insect Research Laboratory following a £1 million projects to transform a 2,000 sq ft storage unit into a purpose-built a facility supporting innovative insect science. Alongside these developments, the campus delivered a £10 million improvement programme between 2016 and 2021, investing in infrastructure and improvements to support the long-term future of the site. Liz Cashon, estates manager at York Biotech Campus, said: “For 30 years, the campus has been supporting science that makes a real difference to people’s lives. While the site has evolved significantly, from a government research facility to a thriving biotechnology hub, our purpose remains the same and that’s creating an environment where innovation can flourish. We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved here and excited about the opportunities ahead as Yorkshire and the North continue to strengthen their position as centres of scientific excellence.” Yo r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s Wo m a n

Emma Davies joins Cooper Parry to accelerate Finance Talent York Biotech Campus (YBC), is marking 30 years of scientific innovation, collaboration and real -world impact , celebrating its evolution from a government research facility into one of the North’s leading biotechnology hubs. Established in 1996 as part of a government initiative to strengthen the UK’s scientific research capabilities beyond Cambridge, the 80-acre campus has grown into a thriving centre for bioscience innovation. Today, around 1,000 people work across the site, representing organisations spanning agri-tech, environmental science, healthcare, diagnostics and advanced manufacturing, including occupiers such as Labcorp, Abingdon Health and Cargill Bioindustrial. Key milestones in the campus’s journey have included the formation of the Food and Environment Research Agency in 2009, later becoming Fera Science Limited in 2015, the opening of the site to a broader range of commercial occupiers, the arrival of global life sciences company Labcorp in 2017, and the rebrand to York Biotech Campus in 2020. Over the past three decades, the campus has supported a range of scientific advances and national priorities, from responding to animal disease outbreaks and food safety incidents to helping scale the production of COVID-19 lateral flow tests. Occupiers have also delivered

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groundbreaking innovations, including the world’s first salivabased pregnancy test by Abingdon Health and Labskin Limited’s launch of the first commercially available human skin equivalents designed to mimic different ethnicities.

a facility supporting innovative insect science. Alongside these developments, the campus delivered a £10 million improvement programme between 2016 and 2021, investing in infrastructure and improvements to support the long-term future of the site.

Tenants on the campus have also continued to invest in specialist facilities and infrastructure. In 2018, Fera Science Limited, in partnership with CHAP (Centre for Crop Health and Protection) and supported by Innovate UK, launched Europe’s first fully flow-through, edge-of-field water body safety assessment facility, the E-Flows mesocosm, at the site.

Liz Cashon, estates manager at York Biotech Campus, said: “For 30 years, the campus has been supporting science that makes a real difference to people’s lives. While the site has evolved significantly, from a government research facility to a thriving biotechnology hub, our purpose remains the same and that’s creating an environment where innovation can flourish. We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved here and excited about the opportunities ahead as Yorkshire and the North continue to strengthen their position as centres of scientific excellence.”

Fera Science Limited also launched a first-of-its-kind Insect Research Laboratory following a £1 million projects to transform a 2,000 sq ft storage unit into a purpose-built

Theatre welcomes youth theatre programme director. A passionate youth theatres d i rec to r a n d fa c i l i ta to r from Leeds, Sophie- Jade Ho w e l l j o i n s f ro m Yo rk Theatre Royal , bringing extensive experience working with young people across y outh theat res, school s, communit y projects and professional theatre settings. Her career has included roles at Leeds Playhouse, the Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Youth Theatre Arts Scotland, Bradford Literature Festival, alongside a wide range of directing credits spanning Shakespeare, new writing, devised theatre and musicals. She also worked with Interplay Theatre supporting a sensory youth theatre programme for young people with SEND and profound and multiple learning disabilities.

In her new role, SJ (as she prefers to be called) will lead and champion our established youth theatre programmes, including Leeds Grand Youth Theatre and Leeds Actors in Training, while helping to expand outreach activity and create more year-round opportunities for young people to train, perform and develop creatively. She will work closely with the Learning & Engagement team and colleagues across Leeds Heritage Theatres to ensure young people’s voices and creativity are increasingly visible across our venues, festivals and wider programme. SJ said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Leeds Heritage Theatres. As someone who grew up in Leeds, this role feels particularly special. There is already such a brilliant youth

theatre programme to build on, and I’m excited to work with young people, artists and colleagues to create ambitious, joyful theatre together. Most importantly, I want our Youth Theatre to be a place where young people can be myself, take creative risks, make new friends and feel that these theatres belong to them too.” Rachel Lythe, head of Learning & Engagement, said: “SJ’s passion for creative learning, young people and high-quality theatre makes them a fantastic addition to the team. As we continue to grow our creative training, outreach and performance opportunities, we’re excited to see how SJ builds on the success o f o u r ex ist in g pro g ram m es and helps even younger people thrive through theatre.” Yo r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s Wo m a n

Liz-ORiordan-Claire-Paxman-Elizabeth-Hurley

Claire Paxman-Lawson and Carly Moosah honoured at future dreams’ fifth anniversary lunch Two women who have transformed deeply personal experiences of breast cancer into practical support for others were honoured by breast cancer charity Future Dreams at its Future 5 Lunches, held at The Savoy in London on Thursday 24 September. Claire Paxman-Lawson and Carly Moosah received awards at the flagship event, supported by The Estée Lauder Companies as the charity celebrates five years since the opening of Future Dreams House in King’s Cross. Elizabeth Hurley, who officially opened Future Dreams House five years ago, presented Claire PaxmanLawson with the Humanitarian Award in her role as Global Ambassador for The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign. Broadcaster Jacquie Beltrao compered the lunch, with special guest Amanda Holden introducing proceedings, while

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Victoria Derbyshire interviewed Fiona Gilbert, Professor of Radiology at the University of Cambridge, on stage. Claire Paxman-Lawson, director of Clinical Practice & Education at Paxman, received the Future Dreams Humanitarian Award, sponsored by The Cleveland Clinic, London, for her work supporting people facing chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Her commitment is deeply personal: when her mother, Sue Paxman, began losing her hair during chemotherapy, Claire cut her mother’s hair at just 14 years old and resolved to help others facing one of the most visible and distressing effects of treatment.

For more than 17 years, Claire has educated patients and healthcare professionals about scalp cooling, which involves wearing a specially designed cap before, during and after chemotherapy. By lowering the temperature of the scalp, it can reduce the amount of chemotherapy reaching the hair follicles and help some patients retain more of their hair, giving people greater understanding and choice as they prepare for treatment. Claire said: “Receiving this award from Future Dreams means more to me than I can express. My work has always been rooted in the experience of helping to cut my mum’s hair when it began to fall out during chemotherapy. I was just 14 and remember feeling helpless as cancer took away a part of her

identity, but that moment gave me purpose and a determination to help others facing the same journey. “Over 17 years at Paxman, I have helped patients understand their options, supported them through scalp cooling and educated healthcare professionals around the world. Giving somebody a sense of control when so many feels beyond their control is something I never take for granted. This award may have my name on it, but most of all it belongs to my mum, whose experience inspired our family’s mission.” Breast cancers advocate Carly Moosah received the Lightning Bolt Award, created in honour of the late secondary breast cancer campaigner Nicky Newman. Nicky co-founded Secondary Sisters and inspired people across the breast cancer community with her “Go Grab Life” message before her death in September 2023. The award recognises someone carrying that spirit forward. After losing her mother and grandmother to breast cancer, Carly was diagnosed with triplenegative breast cancer in 2019, a g e d 3 7, a n d s u b s e q u e n t l y discovered that she carries a BRCA1 gene mutation, an inherited gene change that can increase the risk of certain cancers. She has since become a speaker, coach and Patient Champion, while cohosting BRCA support groups and Show & Tell events at Future Dreams House to help others feel better informed and prepared for breast surgery and recovery. Carly said: “Receiving the Lightning Bolt Award means more to me than I can put into words. Nicky taught so many of us that even alongside the fear, grief and uncertainty cancer can bring, there is still so much life

to grab. Her ‘Go Grab Life’ spirit continues to inspire the way I live and the way I support others. “Future Dreams has been such a huge part of my breast cancer journey, first as somewhere I found friendship, comfort and community, and now as somewhere I get to giveback. To receive an award created in Nicky’s honour is incredibly emotional.

have turned deeply personal experiences of cancer into support that helps other people feel informed, prepared and less alone.

“I hope I can continue to carry a little of Nicky’s light with me and use it to help others grab life too.”

“That same belief has been at the heart of Future Dreams House for the past five years. We want everyone affected by breast cancer to know that we are here, whether they need practical advice, emotional support or simply a place where people understand what they are going through. Support is available at the House and online, without the need for a referral.”

Sam Jacobs, CEO of Future Dreams, said: “Claire and Carly embody what the Future Dreams community is all about. In different ways, both

The Future 5 Lunch took place five days before the fifth anniversary of the official opening of Future Dreams House on 29 September 2021. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 11

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Leeds College of Building Welcomes New Director of CTEC Leeds College of Building (LCB) has announced Natalie Dodds as its new director of CTEC (Construction Technical Excellence Colleges). She takes up the role after serving as director of Campus at Rotherham College. Natalie played a significant leadership role in driving quality, curriculum development, and strategic growth at the college, which is part of the RNN Group. She is the current Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber British Association of Construction Heads (BACH) and previously held the role of Academy Director for Building Technologies at The Sheffield College. Throughout her career, Natalie has built an impressive track record of collaborating with Combined Authorities, governance boards, industry partners and government departments to deliver strategic priorities and positive outcomes for learners and employers. Rob Holmes, LCB Vice Principal, said: “Natalie’s extensive leadership experience across further education and construction-related provision, together with her strong regional and national networks, make her exceptionally well placed to lead the next phase of CTEC’s development. “As we move from planning into delivery, her expertise, vision and ability to build effective partnerships will be instrumental in ensuring CTEC fulfils its ambition for both Leeds College of Building and the wider Yorkshire and Humber region. “I am confident that Natalie will be a

tremendous asset to the College and to CTEC as we enter this exciting new stage of implementation and growth.” LCB was one of the first ever colleges to be named a CTEC - a new government designation for specialist FE institutions that are working to boost construction skills and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes, major infrastructure projects and the transition to net zero. Only 10 colleges across England were given the status in the 2025/2026 academic years, with LCB selected to represent Yorkshire & the Humber region. Ministers say CTECs will train up to 40,000 people by 2029 in highdemand trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, roofing and electrical work. Natalie added: “This is an exciting opportunity to work on a government initiative at a regional level, so the work that we do with CTEC will impact not just students of Sheffield or Rotherham or Leeds, but the entirety of Yorkshire. “Over the last three years I have worked on building relationships with other colleges through my work with the British Association of Construction Heads, so this role just felt right for me. “I said in my interview that although my contract sits with LCB, I am working for all the construction

departments in the region, and that really excites me.” Natalie joins the college at an exciting time. LCB recently launched the new regional CTEC network at the Royal Armouries Museum. Following a year of planning and collaboration, LCB and its network of 22 ‘spoke’ college partners unveiled the CTEC regional delivery plans at the event. The shared vision aims to break down barriers and target underrepresented groups to help younger people start careers in construction while supporting existing workers to develop new skills and progress in the industry. Planning permission has also been submitted to create a state-of-theart CTEC construction training facility in Leeds. The college acquired the site next to its North Street Campus last November and is now preparing to transform it into a new CTEC building to help meet growing demand for skilled construction and built environment professionals across the region. The 5,000m² CTEC building will effectively increase the size of the LCB estate by a third, marking a significant investment in the college’s future growth. The repurposed building will house a combination of workshops for hands-on training, classrooms, and amenity areas for students and staff. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 13

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Mother and daughter discover secret ingredient for business growth

A booming Barnsley business that has taken social media by storm has secured a helping hand from Enterprising Barnsley to realise its growth and expansion plans. Mother and daughter Janine Davies and Charlie Smark launched Dolly’s Desserts in 2019. Today, the company employs 40 members of staff and operates from three sites within Barnsley, where it produces a range of tasty gelatos, waffles and milkshakes to its loyal customer base, as well as producing a range of baked goods, which are stocked throughout the UK. To fuel its future growth plans, Dolly’s called on help from

Enterprising Barnsley. Working with key account manager James Lennon, the company has secured t w o m a tc h - f u n d e d B u s i n e s s Productivity Grants, helping the business to expand its operations and develop a new purpose-built production kitchen. Until recently, all the desserts produced by Dolly’s team were developed in its retail premises, located in Barnsley’s flagship retail and leisure offer, The Glass Works.

However, with demand rising and space at a premium, Janine and Charlie recognised that additional space was needed to expand its wholesale operations and service its growing a number of online orders, fuelled by the company’s popularity on social media. Having successfully identified a larger site in Wombwell, the duo worked with James and the Enterprising Barnsley team to bring their plans to fruition, with the match-funded Business Productivity Grant used to purchase the essential kitchen equipment needed to develop their Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 15

new state-of-the-art production facility. Since securing the keys to their new premises, Charlie and Janine have invested more than £200,000 of their own money in transforming the former warehouse, with the grant provided by Enterprising Barnsley allowing the duo to invest in additional equipment, helping to improve and streamline their production processes. The hard work paid off, and as a result of the investment, Dolly’s successfully secured a number of

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new wholesale orders, with their range of brownies, blondies and stuffed cookies being stocked in twelve shopping centres across the UK. With it's baked goods production successfully relocated, the additional space within its shop has allowed Janine and Charlie to turn their attention to their ge lato business. Working alongside Enterprising Barnsley, a second Business Productivity Grant was secured, allowing the company to upgrade its gelatomaking equipment, speeding up the manufacturing process and more than doubling its capacity,

and allowing the business to expand its wholesale orders for its gelato range. Dolly’s Desserts, which is named after Janine and Charlie’s beloved pet Cockapoo, began trading in The Glass Works in 2019. However, just a year later, the Covid-19 pandemics forced Dolly’s to temporarily close its doors. Undeterred, the duo decided to spend time building a presence on a recently launched social platform – TikTok. The channel proved to be an immediate success, and as

“It’s incredible to think just how far the business has come since we first opened our doors. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that we would grow from just the two of us into a team of 40, with the products first developed in my kitchen at home now being enjoyed not only by our growing customer base but also through the incredible social media audience we have developed. It’s amazing to think of the distances our customers travel to visit us. We recently welcomed a customer from Australia who had been following us online, while people routinely travel from across the UK to experience Dolly’s Desserts for themselves.

restrictions eased, they used the platform to offer behind-thescenes footage from the business, quickly gaining a huge online audience and inspiring a special range that could be sold online. Today, the company has amassed more than 1.7 million followers, with many people heading to Barnsley from across the UK to sample their wares. Dolly’s Desserts’ huge online popularity inspired the duo to launch a TikTok shop, selling their signature sauces, bake-it-yourself kits and bake boxes. Janine said:

“Enterprising Barnsley has always been there when we’ve needed them, from taking the decision to open our business in the first place to helping us develop a solid business strategy that has underpinned our growth plans. The two grants we’ve received have helped us to invest in vital new equipment, which has proved to be invaluable in creating the additional capacity we needed to grow and scale, particularly in the wholesale market. “Of course, we’ve no intention of resting on our laurels just yet. We’re currently refurbishing our kiosk in Market Kitchen, the food hall within Barnsley Market – where the business began; we’re also constantly developing new ideas and exploring new flavours to add to our range.” James from Enterprising Barnsley, said: “The success that Janine and Charlie have enjoyed with Dolly’s Desserts is a testament to their sheer hard work, determination to succeed

and ability to spot new opportunities and capitalise on them. “I’ve worked closely with Janine and Charlie over the past six years, initially helping them to develop their business plans before a single gelato had been made, supporting them through the challenges posed during the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent growth and success they have achieved. “During one of our regular meetings, they discussed their plans to create a separate production kitchen, and I realised they might be eligible to receive help through the Business Productivity Grant scheme. The funds they received have not only helped the company to invest in the additional equipment needed to scale their business, but with the additional investment in a new gelato machine, it is already opening up new opportunities for them to secure new wholesale orders. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next stage of their growth journey will bring.” Councillor Luke Wheat, Barnsley Council’s Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets, said: “Dolly’s Desserts is one of Barnsley’s great entrepreneurial success stories. From starting here in the borough to creating 40 jobs, and supplying customers across the UK, they are showing what can be achieved when a great business idea is matched with the right support and investment. “By helping thriving local companies such as Dolly’s to expand beyond their existing sites in The Glass Works and Market Kitchen, they can reach new markets, create secure employment opportunities and help us to build a stronger, more inclusive economy that benefits people and communities across Barnsley. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 17

Member Spotlight - Louise Reed

Nobody handed me success! could persuade them to trust PAB with their marketing, each new customer was worth around £70 a week in agency commission. My initial target was around £2,000 a week in gross profit, this meant knocking on a lot of doors. Some people told me to ‘F off.’ Others smiled and said, ‘Come in, love. Would you like a coffee?’ Every ‘no’ taught me something. Every ‘yes’ kept me going. I wasn’t fearless. I just knew that if I didn’t make this work, there probably wouldn’t be a role for me in six months. So I kept driving. I kept knocking. I kept believing the next door could be the one that changed everything. Ten months later, I’d brought in over £1 million worth of new business.

Camille Johnson is a director of PAB Studios Limited in Wakefield, she is founder of the Hive Wakefield and founder of Clobber Swap. Camille is also a member of Yorkshire Businesswoman and just recently we caught up with her to find out more about her and her career. Here’s what she told us: “Nobody handed me success. They handed me a set of car keys. I was 21, the same age my son Reuben is now. PAB Studios had never employed a new business executive before. There was no training manual. No mentor. No list of customers. Just a company car, a briefcase and

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one instruction…“Go and bring in some business.” Talk about being thrown in at the deep end,” she laughed. Undeterred, Camille quickly realised independent car dealerships were her biggest opportunity. “Most advertised in Auto Trader, and if I

Looking back, I realise something. The company weren’t just taking a chance on me, I was taking a chance on myself and I didn’t know that 8 years later would become an agency co-owner. When I look at young people today, I don’t expect them to have all the answers. I just hope they believe in myself enough to knock on the first door because you never know which opportunity is waiting on the other side.” “Camille is an inspiration to us all,” said Yorkshire Businesswoman editor Gill Laidler. “Her story proves that determination and dedication wins every time!”

The design direction was led by head of interior design at Thwaites, Rachel Wooton, who says it was important to create a friendly and social dining space. Rachel said: “To complement the immersive grilling aspect of this investment, we really wanted to home in on creating a space that well and truly envelopes you in social interaction.

Open-Flame Restaurant opens at Thorpe Park Hote

Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa has opened a new experience restaurant named FYR Grill (pronounced ‘fire’). The restaurant is an open-flame grill concept, which means the menu is focused on dishes that are cooked directly over fire, and guests can dine in an immersive, open kitchen style experience - with the main cooking area located among the diners in the restaurant. There’s a variety of seating and dining options, but notably, up to ten guests can sit around a central open grill and enjoy their meal just inches away from the theatrical style flaming area where it was just cooked. The new menu is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans as well as meat-lovers, and serves up dishes like ember queenie scallops, crispy ox cheek, 12oz tomahawk steak, Thwaites Paradise beer can whole chicken, halloumi shawarma, and a variety of fire hanging kebabs… to name but a few.

The smoke from cooking food over fire brings hundreds of flavour and aroma profiles – food is browned, caramelised, and charred – and the flavours are ultimately enhanced by the process. Paul Nixon, general manager at Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa said: “Creating memorable experiences has always been a top priority for us and we know that FYR is going to add a whole new level to that. Think live roaring flames, chef interactions, and sensational fresh flavours – we’re all about the experience.” The project has seen £500,000 invested, which covers a complete interiors overhaul with a whole new look and feel to the aesthetics of the restaurant, a custom-made grill area and state-of-the-art catering equipment, as well as a bespoke breakfast counter and chef’s table.

“The open-fire grill takes centre stage, prompting conversations and sparking those real ‘wow’ moments. So, to lean into those exciting inte ractions, we’ve introduced warmth and vibrancy to the colours and tones in this space. We’ve added bespoke eclectic artwork, cosy booth seating, and atmospheric lighting – all to create a sense of comfort, communication, and a little bit of luxury.” Paul added: “We’re always looking for new ways to invest in and elevate our offering, and with FYR already reeling in unbeatable reviews at our other hotels, this naturally felt like the next big investment for us. “The team has worked incredibly hard planning, designing and executing this fantastic new space, so we’re really excited to welcome guests through our doors.” FYR isn’t the only investment the Yorkshire hotel has recently announced. Last spring, Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa unveiled a ‘relaxation lounge’ in its spa area for adult-only guests. The space boasts guided meditation sessions t h ro u g h V R h e a d s e t s , p l u s h seating, a rehydration station, as well as heated loungers. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 19

Grey Divorce: The legal implications of divorcing later in life

For people looking to divorce later in life, ending a long marriage when retirement is on the horizon can be particularly challenging, both legally and financially. Commonly referred to as “grey divorce”, the breakdown of a marriage in your 50s, 60s or beyond often involves complex issues that differ from those faced by younger couples. With people living longer and social attitudes towards divorce continuing to evolve, the number of later-life divorces has noticeably increased in recent times. While the introduction of no-fault divorce has simplified the legal process of ending a marriage, resolving the financial aspects of a divorce remains just as important,

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Pe n s i o n s : o f te n t h e m o s t valuable asset

in pensions. However, for couples who have spent decades building their retirement funds, pensions can be worth more than the value of the family home or other capital assets. Many clients often wrongly assume that a pension belongs solely to the person in whose name it is held. However, pensions are generally considered matrimonial assets and can form part of an overall financial settlement to meet the parties’ needs in retirement.

Many divorcing couples indicate that they wish to overlook the value held

One of the key challenges in a laterlife divorce is ensuring that both

particularly where retirement planning, pensions and longer-term financial security are concerned.

parties can meet their financial needs throughout their retirement years. A common scenario involves a couple who have had a long marriage where one spouse has focused on caring responsibilities while the other spouse has focused on their career. In cases like this, one spouse will typically have a greater pension pot for their retirement. Therefore, this needs to be carefully considered ensuring that one party is not left with a shortfall in their income when they retire. When dealing with pensions, the court has a range of options available when handling pension assets, including: • Pension Sharing Orders • Pension Attachment Orders • Pension Offsetting arrangements Obtaining specialist legal and actuarial advice is essential to ensure pensions are properly valued and fairly divided. Failing to address pension provision adequately during divorce can have serious long-term financial consequences. What happens to the family home? For many couples divorcing later in life, the family home represents both a substantial financial asset and an emotional attachment that has built up over many years. Those who are either approaching or at retirement age have limited opportunities to rebuild wealth, obtain a new mortgage or increase their income to meet their needs. As a result, decisions regarding property can become particularly challenging.

The court will consider a range of factors when determining an appropriate financial outcome, including respective housing needs, available resources to meet needs and each party’s future financial position. Depending on the circumstances, the family home can be sold, transferred to one party or retained for a period before being sold at a future point. Spousal maintenance In some cases, spousal maintenance may be appropriate, particularly where one party has limited income or earning capacity. However, courts and generally parties prefer to achieve a ‘clean break’ wherever possible, allowing former spouses to become financially independent of one another. Whether this is achievable will depend on the available assets and the financial circumstances of each party. Inheritance and estate planning Divorce can also affect wider financial planning. We always advise clients going through divorce or separation to review their Will, pension death benefit nominations and any existing estate planning arrangements as soon as possible following separation. Failing to do so could result in assets passing in a way that no longer reflects their wishes. Later-life divorces can be particularly

complicated where there are second marriages, adult children or blended families. Divorce and separation provide an important opportunity for clients to review their existing arrangements and ensure that their intentions are properly documented. Making the process easier through specialist legal advice Each family’s circumstances are different; however, one consistent theme is that financial decisions made when your divorce later in life can have wide-ranging implications for your retirement a n d y o u r f i n a n c i a l s e c u r i t y. Obtaining specialist legal advice at an early stage can help ensure that all assets are identified, valued and considered a p p r o p r i a te l y. W i t h c a r e f u l planning and expert guidance, it is possible to achieve a fair settlement that enables both parties to move forward independently. Chadwick Lawrence’s experienced family law team regularly advises clients on complex financial settlements, pension division and retirement-related issues arising from divorce. If you are considering divorce later in life, or require advice regarding your financial position following separation, their specialist solicitors are here to help. For further advice, please contact family@chadlaw.co.uk.

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North Defence appoints director of public affairs North Defence, the fa stg ro w i n g m a n u fa c t u re r of militar y vehicles, has appointed Katie Mallinson as director of public affairs,as the company continues its rapid international expansion. T h e n o n - e xe c u t i v e d i r e c to r appointment comes at a pivotal mome nt for North D efe nce, which has grown from its origins as North Fire, into a defence manufacturer supplying armoured and non-armoured light mobility vehicles to Ukraine and other European defence organisations. The company recently opened a new European headquarters in Luxembourg, alongside its expanding manufacturing base in West Yorkshire, and has taken on a higher public profile through partnerships including Leeds United and Matchroom Boxing. Katie built and sold Scriba PR – an agency she founded in 2013 and grew over a decade – specialising in the strategic profile-raising of technical businesses on an international scale. After selling the business in 2023, she completed a g l o b a l m a r ke t i n g d i r e c to r contract for an international manufacturer of environmental equipment and now ran Loquiti – a strategic communications consultancy providing boardroom clarity during high-stakes periods of transformation. In this new role, Katie leads North Defence’s public affairs strategy – ensuring the company communicates clearly

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and consistently, from its founding vision and ethical standards to its ambassadorial role in a rapidly changing defence landscape. Commenting on the appointment, Oliver North, founder and CEO of North Defence, said: “There’s a spotlight on the defence sector right now, like nothing we’ve seen in decades. That comes with real responsibility – to be clear about whom we are, what we stand for, and the standards we hold ourselves to. “Katie and I have known each other for years, and while our styles are different, we’ve always agreed on the value of honest, impactful communication, especially when it matters most. Having her at board level means that thinking is now embedded at the highest level of the company.” Katie Mallinson added: “Effective communication is what drives

stronger collaboration across an industry, shares knowledge, and helps push change forward. Few sectors need that more urgently right now then defence. “Having built my own business over a decade and navigated it through real growth and change myself, I understand how communications decisions land commercially, not just reputationally. This business takes the meaning of agility to the next level – the role means I can advise decisively and amplify North Defence’s voice, when the moments count.” As North Defence grows, the appointment reflects the company’s view that scale demands more communication, not less – a clearer public account of what it stands for, both to support recruitment and to maintain the standards expected of a company operating at the centre of European defence.

Independent brunch favourite Federal to open a fifth cafe in York relaxed style with the character of the historic property. Original brickwork and heritage features will be retained and celebrated as part of the design. The 100-cover venue will also feature a large outdoor area and a second level offering additional seating, as well as the potential to host private hires and events. The expansion forms part of a £3 million investments from Fo r e s i g h t G r o u p to s u p p o r t Federal’s national rollout strategy.

Independent brunch brand Federal is set to open a new cafe in York this autumn, bringing it's signature all-day brunch, speciality coffee and warm, welcoming service to the city. Founded in Manchester in 2014 and inspired by the neighbourhood cafes of Australia and New Zealand, Federal has built a loyal following for its standout brunch dishes, expertly crafted coffee and warm hospitality. At the heart of the brand is its signature ‘Sunny Side Service’ ethos, which aims to ensure every guest leaves feeling even better than when they arrived, bringing a little sunshine to even the greyest of days. Federal, which was named the UK’s most popular independent cafe, operates three venues in Manchester and opened its first Yorkshire site in Leeds in December last year. The brand was also ranked fourth globally, generating more than 1.1 million TikTok views and

nearly 400,000 annual Google searches, cementing its status as a leading name on the international brunch scene. Customers in York can expect the same Federal experience already enjoyed by diners in Manchester and Leeds with a core menu featuring Federal favourites, alongside seasonal food and drink specials that change regularly throughout the year. Quality is central to Federal’s well-earned reputation, with the team making as much as possible in-house and working with leading independent suppliers wherever possible. Located on Coney Street within a Grade II listed building, the cafe’s interior will combine Federal’s familiar warm and

Federal founder Claudio Ribeiro said: “York feels like a natural fit for Federal. It has a strong independent spirit, a huge student community and a thriving food and drink scene, alongside an incredible year-round visitor economy. “We’re incredibly lucky to have found a fantastic location and we’re excited to create something that feels unmistakably Federal while celebrating the history and character of the building. “York will give customers everything they know and love about Federal with amazing brunches, top-quality speciality coffee and five-star service. Our people are fundamental to the energy and personality of our cafes, and we’re looking forward to building a brilliant team in York.” Fit-out work at the Coney Street venue is due to begin in late September, ahead of its planned opening later this year. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 23

Pioneer Screen Academy celebrates milestone anniversary This October,acclaimed,award winning Leeds-based screen academy, YAFTA marks its 13th anniversary with a major industry milestone: celebrating the very first graduates of its groundbreaking Duty of Care for TV Production Diploma, the first qualification of its kind in the UK run b y fo r m e r B i g B ro t h e r Duty of Care Psychologist D r C h a rl o t te Ar m i ta g e , alongside its latest cohort of Acting for Screen graduates. Founded in 2013 by duty of care psychologist & psychotherapist Dr. Charlotte Armitage, YAFTA was created to challenge traditional entry barriers to the screen industries. Thirteen years on, while the broader media landscape adapts to changing production models, YAFTA continues to expand, setting new benchmarks for ethical production and accessible vocational training. “People often view 13 as an unlucky number, but for us, reaching our 13th year is a celebration of hardearned resilience, innovation, and progress,” says Dr. Charlotte Armitage. “The screen industry has evolved rapidly over the past decade. Our 13th anniversary isn’t just about looking back at how far we’ve come, it’s about pioneering the future of film and TV through higher standards of care and accessible training.” The Duty of Care for TV Production

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Diploma was launched to address a vital industry gap: safeguarding the psychological wellbeing of cast, crew, and contributors during production by offering industry specific training to meet the skills gap in the sector. Designed and led by Dr Armitage, and experienced media production psychologist, the course equips production teams with formal skills in psychological risk assessment, onset support, and participant welfare. Alongside the inaugural Duty of Care graduates, October will see the latest

actors complete YAFTA’s signature 12-month, Spotlight-recognised Acting for Screen Diploma. “With the rising cost of higher education and the traditional London-centric focus of drama schools, there needs to be viable alternative routes into this industry,” adds Dr. Armitage. “Our practical, industry-focused training proves there is more than one path to a successful career in screen. We are immensely proud of both our Acting and Duty of Care graduates and excited about their future.”

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Leading from the Front When Gail Weathers completed a management buyout of Resourceand became managing director,it marked the beginning of a newchapterforboth herand the business. Having spent more than 18 years helping shape one of the UK’s leading communications agencies, Gail moved from senior leader to business owner, taking responsibility for guiding the company into its next phase of growth as it celebrates 30 years in business. The move was a significant milestone in Gail’s career, but for those who know her, it felt like a natural progression. Over nearly two decades she has helped build the culture, reputation and

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commercial strength that have made Resource one of the industry’s most respected businesses. Today, she leads with a clear focus on: creating a sustainable, profitable business that continues to invest in its people, deliver exceptional service to customers and make a positive impact within communities. In a market that continues to face economic pressures, changing customer expectations and rising costs, Gail has overseen strong financial performance and continued business growth. Her leadership combines commercial discipline with long-term thinking,

ensuring decisions are made not simply for short-term gains but to create lasting value for customers, employees and the future of the business. That approach has helped Resource achieve profitability levels that significantly outperform many organisations within the wider print and communications sector, providing a strong foundation for continued investment and growth. “Building a successful business is about consistency,” says Gail. “It’s about doing the right things every day, looking after your customers, supporting your people and never standing still.”

Since becoming managing director, Gail has led a complete rebrand of Resource, helping position the business for the future while recognising the heritage and reputation built over three decades. The rebrand represented more than a new visual identity. It reflected a business evolving to meet the needs of modern organisations while maintaining the high standards, service and commitment that customers have come to expect. For Gail, successful leadership means balancing progress with stability. “You have two respect what has made a business successful, but you also have to be willing to challenge yourself and evolve,” she explains. “Customers’ needs a change, markets change and businesses need to adapt if they want to remain relevant.” Resource’s reputation has been built through a relentless focus on quality, customer experience and continuous improvement. During Gail’s leadership journey, the business achieved the unprecedented distinction of winning Printweek SME Company of the Year three years in succession, a feat that had never previously been achieved. While awards are an important recognition of success, Gail is quick to point out that business achievements are never the result of one individual. “Our success has always been about people,” she says. “We’ve built an incredible team over the years, and any achievement is the result of everyone pulling in the same direction.”

That collaborative mindset remains central to her leadership approach today. Ask colleagues what defines Gail’s leadership and many will point to her commitment to helping people develop and succeed. Throughout her career she has been passionate about learning, development and creating opportunities for others. Whether supporting experienced team members to progress into leadership roles or helping individuals discover strengths they may not see in themselves, Gail is known for combining high expectations with genuine encouragement and support. She believes the strongest businesses are built by investing in people. “One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is seeing someone grow in confidence and achieve more than they thought possible,” she says. “Creating that environment where people feel valued and supported is incredibly important to me.” The culture she has helped create encourage accountability, trust and continuous learning, to ensure people can develop both personally and professionally. Gail’s influence extends well beyond the business itself. She continues to champion Resource’s social value activities, supporting charities, community organisations and causes that make a genuine difference across Yorkshire. Her involvement has included fundraising and awareness initiatives supporting Business Beats Cancer, alongside support for organisations including Getaway Girls.

She also regularly shares her experiences with school pupils, college students and university undergraduates, encouraging young people to be ambitious and embrace opportunities that can help shape successful careers. For Gail, leadership carries a wider responsibility. “Businesses are part of the communities they serve,” she says. “If you’re fortunate enough to be successful, you should look for ways to create positive change and support others along the way.” In sectors where senior female leaders remain underrepresented, Gail’s journey from employee to co-owner and managing director demonstrates what can be achieved through hard work, resilience and authentic leadership. Yet despite the achievements, awards and commercial success, she remains focused on the future rather than the past. As Resource enters its fourth decade in business, Gail is continuing to build on strong foundations while ensuring the organisation remains ambitious, innovative and ready for the opportunities ahead. “We’ve achieved a lot over the years,” she says, “but I genuinely believe the best is still to come.” For Gail Weathers, the leadership is not about titles or recognition. It is about creating opportunities, developing people, building a successful business and leaving a lasting positive impact on everyone connected to it. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 27

Christmas with a twist will give a proper taste of Yorkshire

A festive feast of York shire flavours is heading to Leeds with the city centre set to be transformed by a spectacular Christmas programme to remember. This year’s annual Christmas market will return to City Square with a brand-new look on November 19, bringing the city to life and celebrating the season with a host of local food, drink, music and entertainment.

traditional brass bands and choirs.

And the hugely popular Ice Cube at Christmas will also be back on Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens, and Cookridge Street with advance tickets for the ice rink now on sale.

The return of Ice Cube at Christmas will see the popular 400 square metres covered ice rink on Millennium Square, welcoming skaters beneath a transparent marquee, offering daily skating sessions and dedicated weekend Penguin Club sessions for youngsters under nine.

This year’s exciting City Square market will be organised by Fabler and Co, the company behind THOR’S Tipi, bringing stalls from 60 traders and food vendors from across Yorkshire as well as two new bar areas, around 200 beautiful Christmas trees and a new Elf Hunt trail around the attraction, all in addition to the return of their much-loved traditional Christmas Tipi’s on Victoria Gardens. Live music performances will also keep visitors entertained each week and will include talented solo acts,

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This year the market will also feature a selection of special cabins operated by Real Markets Yorkshire, featuring a rotating selection of artisan traders.

Alongside skating, the event will also include a wide selection of festive street food, Bavarian-style market stalls, offering festive favourites, an alpine-inspired Ski Bar and winter themed games, rides and attractions for all ages including the iconic Big Wheel on Victoria Gardens, the Golden Gallopers carousel on Cookridge Street and the 30-metrehigh Starflyer on Millennium Square. Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City

Council’sexecutivememberforeconomy, said: “Christmas is a really special time in Leeds and it’s always amazing to see the city transformed each year by all the unique magic of the festive season. “Our Christmas programme is always hugely popular, attracting tens of thousands of people to the city centre and helping families and friends to create some incredible memories. “This year we’ve worked closely with our new operator to ensure Leeds has a high quality, local market that showcases the very best our region has to offer, so Christmas in Leeds is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever and we can’t wait to welcome people to the city.” The Leeds Christmas Market will be open November 19 until December 23 and Ice Cube at Christmas, including the ice rink and selected stalls and attractions will be in Leeds from November 19 until December 31. More details on Ice Cube at Christmas, including how to book advance tickets, can be found at: www.icecubeleeds.co.uk.

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How to improve our relationship with money Vicky Reynal, Psychotherapist, Financial Psychotherapist, Consultant/Advisor, Author, Speaker, The Times and Sunday Times Columnist. BA (Hons), MA, MBA, PGDip Do you have a strong aversion to debt? Are you wary of risk in all shapes and sizes? Or do you avoid opening letters that look suspiciously like they contain a bill? When it comes to personal finances, we all have our quirks and biases. But why is that and what can be done to overcome them? Enter Vicky Reynal, award-winning financial psychotherapist, author of Money on Your Mind and columnist for the Times and Sunday Times. Vicky recently shared her insights with us during which she answered these questions and more. Money triggers such strong emotions, where do these come from? The simple answer is our experiences. Or, when it comes to money, a lack of them. Many of us were not taught lessons in money when we were young. Low levels of financial literacy can generate strong emotional responses and problematic behaviours because we are not equipped to deal with money issues when they crop up. Non-money-related experiences are also at work. An individual who grew up without a sense of worthiness, for example, might struggle to enjoy their money. So, they might keep hold of it in shame, or they might be inclined to spend it unwisely or even subconsciously sabotage their success by making bad investments. A sense of feeling worthy is established early in childhood.

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“We feel the pain of losses twice as much as we feel the pleasure of gains, meaning we are going to make sure we don't lose money. This can play against us because we might overreact when we see our portfolio going down or we might hold on to losses for too long because we want to see the value go back up.” It is through the first interactions with our parents that we build a sense of whom we are, whether we are lovable or are deserving of nice things. A mother smiling back at her children tells them that they are good. Repeatedly being told off, criticised and punished when we are young can make us feel shameful and bad whenever we make a mistake. And it is by internalising the message that we can’t make mistakes, that we can become a risk averse. Early interactions shape how we think about themselves, how relationships work, how much we're expected to give versus receive and how much we are allowed to have without feeling guilty.

Is our relationship with money all down to our childhood then? There are different layers to how we build our relationship with money. Deep-seated longings, fears and desires formed in our childhood are one level. Experiences later in life are another. As are our personalities. Are we impulsive? Do we make choices without thinking? All affect our relationship with money. And then there's culture, religion and politics. People raised in certain cultures can be very open about money and unashamed about the pursuit of wealth. People raised in some religious or political contexts might be taught to be modest, not to overreach and be generous to others. If, as an adult, an individual has a desire to pursue wealth but, because of their upbringing, has feelings of guilt and “I have seen people who are extremely successful in their professional lives, including CEOs and CFOs, be the complete opposite when it comes to their personal finances. So much so, some come to me with stacks of unopened bills. How can this be the same person? Because of complex feelings in the background, tasks like opening letters are avoided — it is easy to avoid things that are difficult.”

shame, this can sow the seeds for internal conflict. How can investment managers and financial advisers help people deal with their feelings around money? By being curious. Advisers need to get the individual to open up by asking searching questions. What is it about money that keeps a client up at night? What do they wish to do? The key for advisers is not to lead or make assumptions, but to ask questions to get to the bottom of why clients have the feelings they had. If an individual makes a broad statement such as ‘I’m afraid about the future’, advisers need to find out more. What lies behind the fear? The answer might be because clients think they are not good with money. Or the fears might be centred around catastrophic scenarios they build in their minds about the future. Each answer must be delved into deeper to unpeel the layers of anxiety. Once the underlying fears and their causes have been identified, those beliefs can be challenged. Finding out where the client wants to end up is equally as important as where the individual is coming from. Are they working towards being able to enjoy those holidays they haven't been on when they retire? Or is it about legacy and leaving something behind for the next generation because their parents were unable to do that? Whatever the reason, the individual should be encouraged to articulate that dreams from an emotional side.

“People don't really get moved by numbers. They get moved by a story, by a future vision of themselves.” It boils down to a strong client / adviser relationship. The best ones in my view are those in which the client feels heard and understood. So, advisers need to ask more questions to understand what clients fear and what they want. As for clients, they have to open up with their feelings and responses. Volatile markets often generate anxieties; how can these best be navigated? Being worried is a normal reaction when markets are volatile. The concern though is that fear can lead to plans being abandoned. And that’s when goals are not achieved. It's important to reframe volatility as a normal part of investing rather than as a dangerous signal that requires action. Because that's what we do physiologically when we are fearful. We have an in-built an aversion to loss. This is a cognitive bias: when we face a threat, we go into action mode; we become less able to think. One way to override this is to buy time. Advisers can suggest immediate action is not taken and arrange a call in a day or so to revisit the matter. By then, the individual may no longer be in a state of fear, and so is better able to think and make choices. Education on how markets goes through seasons helps too. So that

when winter (volatility) comes, clients aren’t caught off guard. They knew this was coming. The winter of investing is the biggest test of clients’ resolve, but they can be comforted by the knowledge that, by staying invested, their plan will help deliver their longterm goals. Normalising volatility rather than dismissing it is key. What tips do you have for today’s stress-invoking, emotional times? “It's not always just about the 10% return or whatever number the client has in mind. It's about fulfilling dreams and building the life they want.”

Accepting our feelings is a start. As is acknowledging that is normal to be afraid, to have doubts and worry. It shows us care about something enough to be worried about it. But then try to recognise that these beliefs can be self-limiting. They're not going to help you move forward in any way. Instead, they're just keeping you stuck where you are. You need to challenge yourself to think differently. Okay, I'm not going to sit here and worry. I'm going to look for a solution. “I always challenge people to try to break down their beliefs about money. And then slowly they can find where the problem really is. Sometimes it's, ‘I've never invested’ or ‘I don't know how to invest’. But does that make you bad with money? Or does it point towards a solution: you need to learn about investing?”

Investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, you may not get back what you invest. Quilter Cheviot and Quilter Cheviot Investment Management are trading names of Quilter Cheviot Limited. Quilter Cheviot Limited is registered in England and Wales with number 01923571, registered office at Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Quilter Cheviot Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange and authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and as an approved Financial Services Provider by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 31

Clobber Swap sponsors Kelly and Ray Winstone Awards at L Fashion Week

Clobber Swap has taken another major step onto the national fashion stage after sponsoring This Is ICON 2026, an official on-schedule London Fashion Week event held at The Brewery in London on Saturday 19 September, where Kelly Osbourne and Ray Winstone were among the night’s award recipients. Founded by Yorkshire entrepreneur and Yorkshire Businesswoman member Camille Johnson, Clobber

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Swap began six years ago with just 32 women swapping clothes and has since grown into a community of thousands built around one simple belief: great clothes deserve more than one life. The evening’s awards ceremony added extra star power to the night, Kelly Osbourne received the Outstanding Charitable Endeavours award for her work with youth

homelessness charity Centrepoint, while Camille personally presented screen and stage icon Ray Winstone with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Acting, the Entertainment Industry and Philanthropy. “Handing an award to someone as iconic as Ray Winstone, recognising a career that has meant so much to British film, television and charity

y Osbourne London was a genuinely special moment for Clobber Swap,” said Camille Johnson, founder of Clobber Swap. The recently launched Clobberswap. co.uk is a platform that allows women to swap, sell and shop from each other’s wardrobes within a trusted community, combining the convenience of an online fashion marketplace with the trust and personality of real women of all shapes and sizes. Clobber Swap joined designers, fashion businesses, creatives, celebrities and industry figures at This Is ICON, with the evening’s runway featuring headline designer Josh Birch Jones, alongside Carina Rose, WORNOTWASTED, Nathan Palmer, Zen Zhi, Old School FC and a showcase from Yorkshire Fashion Week. For Camille, however, some of the most important conversations happened away from the runway. Camille said: “What struck me was just how many women we spoke to whom already love charity shops, pre-loved fashion and finding unique pieces”.

and this weekend we were standing at London Fashion Week talking about Clobber Swap and sustainable fashion with designers like Nicoshishkin”. “Fashion doesn’t have to mean constantly buying new. There are beautiful clothes sitting unworn in wardrobes all over the UK. We want to make it normal to swap them, sell them, share them and give them another life. “To see Clobber Swap alongside such incredible designers and fashion talent made me incredibly proud, but it also made me realise that we’re only just getting started.”

“When we explained what we have created with Clobber Swap, the reaction was incredibly warm. So many women immediately understood it and wanted to try it, signing up there and then”.

The sponsorship comes as interest in circular and pre-loves fashion continues to have a visible presence around London Fashion Week; the British Fashion Council’s September programme itself includes eBay’s preloved Endless Runway initiative.

“That was a huge moment for me. We started six years ago with 32 women in Yorkshire, in a private FB group

Clobber Swap’s appearance at This Is ICON also brought the Yorkshire business alongside an international

mix of emerging and established fashion talent, while providing an opportunity to introduce a new audience to a more community-led approach to circular fashion. Camille added: “We came to London to fly the flag for Clobber Swap, but we came home with something even more valuable, confirmation that women want another way to enjoy fashion. They also love the concept of swapping items for the price of postage”. The future of fashion isn’t simply about what we buy next. It’s about what we do with the clothes we already own.” Members can list items for free and pay 12% commission when they sell, or become a Clobber Sister for just £4.99 a month with 0% commission on everything sold. Members also become part of the wider community, with benefits including the chance to model at regional events and win regular Clobber Freebies giveaways. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 33

Winter Escapes: Where Christmas Magic Meets Mountain Chic From the glow of twinkling market stalls to the sparkle of pristine pistes, this winter promises some truly special escapes. For festive atmosphere, it is hard to beat the classic European Christmas markets.

Think Vienna’s Rathausplatz shimmering with chandeliers, Munich’s Marienplatz alive with carols, and Prague’s Old Town Square crowned by a towering tree and wooden chalets laden with handmade decorations. Closer to home, Edinburgh and Bath offer

charming markets wrapped in historic streets, while Strasbourg in France, often dubbed the “Capital of Christmas”, delivers storybook perfection with halftimbered houses, mulled wine and artisan gifts at every turn. For those keen on a quieter and less obvious choice, Tallinn in Estonia is a real hidden gem, its fairy-tale Old Town and snowdusted rooftops providing a more peaceful but wonderfully atmospheric market experience. For clients looking to pair their mulled wine with mountain air, Europe’s ski resorts are stepping into the spotlight. In France, Val d’Isère and Méribel remain favourites for their stylish villages and extensive terrain, while Avoriaz is drawing attention with its family friendly, car free

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centre and great early-season snow record.

long lunches and scenic glacier runs.

Over in Austria, Lech and Ischgl are combining traditional alpine charm with chic hotels, gourmet dining and lively après-ski. Switzerland’s Zermatt, framed by the Matterhorn, continues to trend for those seeking luxury lodges,

For shorter breaks, Andorra’s Soldeu and Pas de la Casa offer excellent value with modern lifts and relaxed, sociable villages. Whether you dream of browsing lantern-lit stalls or carving the first tracks of the day, the coming months

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It started with one product, now it’s global!

W h a t s t a r te d w i t h o n e p r o d u c t , G r o w Me Shampoo, the business has since grown into a multimillion-pound international company with a range of hair growth, haircare and scalp-focused products, now stocked in Boots, exported to 17 countries and selling a product every 30 seconds.

Gail and Matt Waterman are the husbandand-wife founders of Watermans, the British hair growth and hair care brand they built from their kitchen table in Rotherham in 2012.

“I started researching hair growth and scalp health, looking for ingredients that could support healthierlooking hair and the scalp. After developing and testing what would become Grow Me Shampoo, I

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Gail brings more than 35 years of experience in the hair industry. A City & Guilds-qualified hairdresser, she opened her own salon, Envy Hair Design, at just 24 and went on to run it for 20 years. After experiencing hair loss herself, Gail began researching hair growth and scalp health, looking for a natural solution that coulds genuinely help.

personally saw new growth around my temples within six weeks,” she explained. Following her own experience with the product, Gail and Matt decided to take it to market. This research led to the development of Watermans’ first product, Grow Me Shampoo, containing ingredients including biotin, caffeine, argan oil and allantoin. After seeing new growth around her own temples within six weeks, Gail and Matt decided to take the product to market. Matt brings more than 30 years of experience in digital and online marketing, having worked in the industry since 1993. He began his career building websites and has since developed extensive expertise in e-commerce, digital marketing and online growth. His digital knowledge has been instrumental in taking Watermans from a single product sold from their home to an international consumer brand. Matt is also an expert in artificial intelligence and has built proven AI systems that can streamline significant areas of marketing, from content creation and customer engagement to advertising and online growth. Today, Gail and Matt continue to run Watermans together, combining Gail’s experience in hair care and product development with Matt’s expertise in digital marketing, e-commerce and AI. Their own experience of hair loss remains an important part of the brand’s story, alongside their focus on developing accessible haircare products and opening conversations around hair loss and scalp health. In 2022, Watermans received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for

International Trade in recognition of its international growth. Gail was invited to Buckingham Palace, where she spoke with King Charles III about the business and ited journey. In 2023, Gail was also named a finalist at the Black British Business Awards.

care, beauty, business, e-commerce, digital marketing and AI.

Despite Watermans’ international growth, Gail and Matt remain committed to keeping the business proudly British made and rooted in South Yorkshire. Giving back is also important to the couple, with more than £65,000 worth of Watermans products donated to cancer patients and chemotherapy wards across the UK.

The brand now boasts over 10 products including Hair Growth Shampoo, Hair Growth Conditioner, Overnight Scalp Elixir, Hair Growth Gummies, Hair & Body Oil, Hair Loss Concealer, Purple Shampoo, Leave-In Conditioner, Hair Growth Mask and a Menopause Supplement.

Gail and Matt have appeared together on Channel 5’s Rich Holiday Poor Holiday and have featured in national titles including The Sun, Daily Mirror and Daily Mail. Their story offers an insight into building a successful consumer brand from scratch, while their individual expertise gives them a range of perspectives across hair

As well as selling to over 17 countries worldwide, all Watermans products are sold in Boots and Amazon as well as their own website.

Gail and Matt have kindly gifted a range of products to Yorkshire Businesswoman for some of o u r m e m b e r s t o t r y. T h e s e will be available at our next event in November. Yorkshire Businesswoman editor Gill Laidler has also agreed to try some of the products on her own hair and will report back on how she gets on over the next couple of issues. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 37

Colourful mosaic marks one year of the Wellbeing Garden

All four seasons have now blossomed and bloomed in the White Rose Wellbeing Garden at St James’s University Hospital. To mark the anniversary, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) set up a creative mosaic-making session for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust colleagues. The works began last summer to build a relaxing and peaceful outdoor space where colleagues can spend a little time to relax during their busy day.

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Since then, there have been regular wellbeing workshops, two Gardening Club sessions each month and a series of events that have included welcoming the Lord Mayor to a thank you event for Volunteers Week, a Covid memorial and a visit from the citywide Baton of Hope walk for Suicide Prevention Day.

Antony Kildare, Chair, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “The Wellbeing Garden at St. James’s has made a genuinely positive difference to this part of our hospital site. It has been wonderful to see so many people making use of the garden, whether that’s taking time out to share a break with colleagues, holding meetings outdoors, or just enjoying the bright space during what has been an

exceptionally good summer. I’ve also heard encouraging stories of patients, including some longterm inpatients, visiting the garden as part of their recovery, and using it as a goal to aim for.” Patients and their families are welcome to use the space, which is located behind Gledhow Wing, and has a sheltered area, in addition to many seating options. Celebratory activities on Thursday 17 September included the making of a permanent piece of mosaic art, which will be displayed on the beams of the garden’s all-weather sheltered seating space. Visitors tried their hand at posy making at a flower bar with Bloom Sheffield and local restaurant Dishoom ran a funky chai pop-up stall and competition. There was also a beaut ifu l a n n iv e r s a ry ve g an cake provided by wedding cake designer Sarah & Cake.

Colleagues have learned about horticulture, biodiversity and planet friendly gardening thanks to a partnership between the Royal Horticultural Society and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation, Bloom Sheffield, Hepworth Wakefield and a range of local partners. Leeds Teaching Hospitals colleagues have also been given more than 1,000 plants and packets of seeds during this year. Helena Russon who works at Leeds Teaching Hospitals said: “The wellbeing garden and workshops have helped with my day-to-day health and mental wellbeing at work by enabling me to have a space to go to, very close to work, when I am feeling stressed during a busy day. I can be with nature in a calm quiet place and then return to work feeling refreshed.” A patient in Bexley Wing said: “It’s lovely to visit the garden and feel the fresh air after being on the ward

all week. So good to be somewhere that doesn’t feel like a hospital. Wonderful to watch the bees and hoverflies on the herbs too!” Fran, a visitor to Leeds Teaching Hospitals said: “I used the wellbeing garden at St. James’ recently when my partner was in hospital for a few days. I found the space to be incredibly calming and peaceful, and he loved the freshness of the herbs I was able to gather from the garden and take on the ward for him. Thank you for creating such a special place!” The wellbeing garden has dozens of flo we rbeds and plante rs, containing thousands of plants and trees, including plants known for their medicinal properties in a nod to their new hospital site home. The garden has also been designed to be pollinator friendly and has already proved popular with bees and butterflies, which have been seen visiting in their droves.

Breakfast, Brunch & Evening Dining 119 Westgate Hill St, Bradford BD4 0S - +441138340777 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 39

Two York sisters building British luxury apparel brand Exposure Sisters Harriet and Holly Thompson are building a premium British apparel label around versatility, elevated comfort and the belief that clothes should adapt to women. Sisters Harriet and Holly Thompson, originally from York, are the founders of Exposure, an independent British apparel brand created to challenge the idea that women must choose between comfort and looking put together. Exposure officially launched at the end of January 2026, following its introduction on social media in November 2025. Today, the sisters are building the UK based online business together from two locations, with Harriet living in Lanzarote and Holly based in Leeds. The concept grew from their own experience of wanting clothing that could move naturally between different parts of a woman’s day. Rather than defining Exposure solely as active wear or lounge wear, the sisters see it as apparel built around versatility: pieces designed to train in, travel in, live in and style beyond their original purpose. That philosophy runs through the details of the collection. Exposure’s seamless leggings feature a double cotton gusset designed for breath ability and comfort, while its adjustable bra pads are designed to stay in place through washing. The Rogue Versatile Jogger has an adaptable waistband and a

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is positioning itself within the luxury apparel market, focusing on considered construction, fabric, fit and finishing rather than fast turnover. Building Exposure has also meant taking a long-term approach to entrepreneurship. The sisters have grown the business from the ground up, reinvesting into the brand as they work to establish its identity, community and customer base. “There is so much of building a business that people don’t see,” says Harriet. “The exciting parts are easy to share, but behind them are the decisions, the investment, the setbacks and the work that goes into creating something you genuinely believe can last. We are still at the beginning, but we are building Exposure for the long term.”

zip hem that allows the silhouette to move between barrel leg and wide leg. For Harriet, many of those details came directly from frustrations she had experienced herself. “The things that can seem small are often the things that determine whether a woman reaches for a piece again and again. We wanted to think about how women really wear clothes, what frustrates us and how the garment could work better.” Quality and longevity are equally central to the brand. Exposure

Despite now living in different places, the sisters’ York roots remain an important part of their story. Exposure is built between Lanzarote and Leeds, but its founders share the same ambition: to create a British label recognised for distinctive design, quality and clothing that works with women’s lives. For Harriet and Holly, the aim is bigger than a single collection. They want Exposure to grow into a recognisable community and brand for women who value confidence, individuality, comfort and style.

Wakefield florist wins Studio Florist of the Year 2026 Over the past couple of years, Danielle has won multiple awards, however, this latest accolade m e a n s s o m u c h t o h e r, s h e explains; “Winning a worldwide award and getting recognition for the work, effort and hours I put into it means so much. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank-you to my husband and mum who both help out loads in the business. I’d also like to thank all my other supporters to the fact that my local community and customers have taken time to vote for me, makes it even more special.”

A Wrenthorpe florist has been named ‘Studio Florist of the Year 2026’ in a prestigious worldwide competition, after winning the support of customers and her local community. Danielle Walker, 37, founder of Wreaths & Flowers by Danielle received 19.8 percent of the public vote in the annual Florist of the Year Awards, run by Kay’s Flower School, which attracts entries from florists from around the world. Fo r D a n i e l l e , t h e a w a r d i s particularly meaningful because of the personal journey behind her floristry business, and the community that has supported her along the way. A lifelong lover of flowers, gardening and the outdoors, Danielle originally established a successful gardening business in 2020, alongside running wreath-

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making workshops. But, after doing her own flowers for her wedding in 2023, she wanted to develop her floristry skills further and turn her passion for flowers into a fully-fledged floristry business. After beginning her floristry training with Kay’s Flower School in January 2024, Danielle went on to complete her qualifications and officially established her studio florist later that year. She has since built a multi-awardwinning independent business, creating everything herself from her studio, with a particular focus on personalisation and the story behind each arrangement.

Danielle’s love of flowers has its roots in her childhood and her relationship with her grandparents. She remembers taking flowers from the garden to her Nanna, particularly in her later years when Alzheimer’s and dementia meant she could no longer get outside herself. Danielle sadly lost her grandparents in 2018, but when she received an £1,000 inheritance from them, she decided to save it for something meaningful and she used it to fund her first floristry training course. Danielle said; “It felt like the perfect way to honour them and do something meaningful with the inheritance they had left me - I know they’d be so proud. A s a l i f e l o n g Yo r k s h i r e woman, Danielle has developed a particular niche creating Leeds United funeral

flowers, designing tributes that reflect the personality and passions of the person being remembered. She also creates wedding flowers, bouquets, seasonal arrangements, flower subscriptions and runs wreathmaking and othe r floristry

workshops. “I don’t believe flowers should just be something you pick from a catalogue,” she said. “I want to understand the person, the occasion and what the flowers mean to you, and then create something that feels completely personal.”

Now, with the Studio Floris of the Year 2026 titles to add to her growing list of achievements, Danielle hopes to continue building her business while remaining firmly rooted in the Wakefield community where it all began.

Bradford’s

Festive Spin Spectacular 24th November - 23rd December The BID Wheel & Carousel Centenary Square 12pm-7pm

£4 per person, under 3s free - card payment only Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 43

Entrepreneur launches 3D sculpture studio celebrating women’s bodies When Katie later looked for similar services closer to home, she struggled to find anyone offering the same experience in Yorkshire. “I’m Yorkshire born and bred, and it struck me that women here should have the same opportunity to preserve and celebrate these moments as women anywhere else,” said Katie. “I’d experienced for me how special it was to have that physical reminder of my pregnant body. When I realised how difficult it was to find the same experience locally, I thought: why shouldn’t we have this in Yorkshire too?” That idea became Bloom & Bust Studio. Using specialist 3D scanning technology, Katie captures a detailed digital representation of each client’s body. The model is then carefully refined before being 3D printed, finished by hand and transformed into a bespoke sculpture designed to be displayed and treasured.

A Yorkshire entrepreneur has launched a new studio using 3D scanning and printing technology to transform women’s bodies into bespoke works of art. Bloom & Bust Studio, based in the Leeds/Wakefield area, was founded by Katie Blake after her own experience of having her pregnant body captured as a sculpture.

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What began as a way of preserving the physical shape of her pregnancy became something far more meaningful – a tangible reminder of a body and a chapter of her life that existed for such a short period of time.

Pregnancy and motherhood are at the heart of Bloom & Bust, but Katie’s ambition for the studio extends beyond maternity. The service is open to women wanting to preserve their bodies at all kinds of significant moments – from weight-loss journeys and recovery to milestone birthdays, periods of change, or simply a desire to celebrate their body exactly as it is today.

“At the heart of Bloom & Bust is the belief that everybody tells a story,” Katie said.

“ Mo t h e r h o o d h a s m a d e m e even more aware of how quickly different chapters of our lives pass. Bodies change, babies grow, and suddenly a moment that felt all-consuming at the time is gone. There’s something really special about being able to preserve a little piece of that.”

“There is so much pressure on women to think about what we should change, improve, edit or filter about our bodies. I wanted to create something that turns that idea on its head – an opportunity to stop and appreciate your body for what it is, what it has done and the story it represents.” Katie has developed and launched Bloom & Bust while raising her two young children, who were both under two when she began building the business. “Starting a business from scratch

Through Bloom & Bust, Katie hopes to establish body sculpture as a meaningful way for women across Yorkshire to celebrate their own stories – and to create something beautiful and lasting in the process. with two children under two has certainly had its challenges, but it’s also something I’m incredibly proud of,” she said.

everybody tells a story. Bloom & Bust helps women keep a piece of it. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 45

New community for North Yorkshire

Plans for a new community for North Yorkshire are going on show later this month. Ideas for the proposed new settlement of Heronby, on land owned by Escrick Park Estate, will go on show at an exhibition in Escrick which is open to all. Organisers are hoping that members of the “limbo generation” - young people who are finding it difficult to get on the housing ladder - will be able to share their ideas.

planning application to North Yorkshire Council.

Heronby, a new community of 3,500 properties, would sit to the southwest of Escrick roughly half-way between York to the north and Selby to the south.

“We want to hear their ideas so hopefully we can shape the new community to meet their needs.

Initial ideas for Heronby were first shared with the public in 2021, and now five years later the team is preparing to submit an outline

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Beilby Forbes Adam from Escrick Park Estate, said: “This will be a new North Yorkshire community, so we are keen to hear from young people who are likely to be the first people to move to Heronby.

“They have been called the ‘limbo generation’ because they are stuck in limbo and can’t find a place where they can get on the housing ladder. “Heronby won’t solve North Yorkshire’s housing

crisis on its own, and it certainly won’t mean thousands of new homes arriving in just a couple of years. But it will set high standards and show what can be achieved by a rural estate such as Escrick Park when it comes to quality placemaking. “It won’t be simply housing. We will also deliver the infrastructure - the schools, play areas, retail outlets, leisure and other facilities – that people need every day.” The project team has already submitted some details to North Yorkshire Council and will be considering feedback from the public, councils and other organisations before producing an outline planning application towards the end of the year.

Sarah Buckmaster has spent m o re th a n t wo d eca d e s building a career in live events and technical production. No w, s h e i s ta k i n g th a t experience into a new role as head of production at G&T AV. Sarah joined Production Light & Sound (PLS) full-time in 2005 after doing freelance work with the business. She began in the warehouse and soon found herself getting involved in other areas too, from quotes and admin to working on events. The jobs themselves have been just as varied, including corporate conferences, awards dinners, theatre, festivals, private events and large-scale productions. Memorable jobs have included working on a marquee on the side of Snowdon and lighting Björn Again as they opened Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. In 2020, Sarah faced an enormous personal and professional change when her husband and business p a r t n e r, Ja s o n S a l v i n , d i e d following a two-year battle with cancer. It was also the middle of Covid, when there was very little events work happening at all. W ith two young childre n at home, Sarah took on many of the technical, logistical and management responsibilities she and Jason had previously shared. As work returned, she rebuilt the team and continued developing PLS, including investing in new technology and more sustainable ways of delivering events. Now comes the next act. Leedsbased Production Light & Sound has joined forces with fellow Leeds event production business G&T

Member Spotlight - Sarah Buckmaster

From Production Light & Sound to a new role at G&T AV AV, bringing together more than 50 years of combined industry experience, technical knowledge and equipment to support clients across Yorkshire and beyond. Sarah is now head of production at G&T AV, leading the team delivering its events and bringing with her the production knowledge, technical experience and client relationships developed throughout her career. “It feels like a really natural fit,” says Sarah. “I’ve always wanted people to think of PLS as friendly, helpful and reliable, and those same values are really important to G&T AV. We both care about

quality, good service and finding the right solution for every client.” The combined team will support an even broader range of events, from conferences and awards ceremonies to festivals, exhibitions and major live productions. For businesses planning an event, G&T AV can provide anything from equipment hire and technical support to full event production, working alongside clients as an extension of their own team.

Findout moreat www.gandtav. co.u k o r e m a i l S a ra h @ gandtav.co.uk Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 47

‘I try to do something that scares me every day’

Diane Spence spent decades working in leadership roles at blue-chip companies including Nestlé and Asda. But while her life appeared successful on the outside, inside she was plagued with feelings of self-doubt. “I grew up on a council estate in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in the 70s and 80s,” says Diane. “I was a shy child and came from a very working-class background, but I worked hard and did well at school. However, my local comprehensive didn’t offer A-levels, so I left to do a fulltime Youth Training Scheme, earning £29.50 a week at Marks & Spencer. At the end of that year, the person looking after we said, ‘Diane, you have brains to burn. You should continue your education’. So, I went back to college.” From there, Diane went to university, gaining a degree in Business Studies and Management, which included psychology and marketing, before completing further professional marketing qualifications. “I got a good corporate job and was promoted over the years,” says Diane, who lives in York with her husband and their daughter. “But, maybe due to my background, I battled self-doubt and constantly wondered whether I belonged.”

A York Transformational Life Coach who built a senior corporate career while battling

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imposter syndrome is on a mission to help other women unlock their highest potential.

The turning point came when she broke down at work. Diane explains: “Early in my career, I was in a performance appraisal, and my manager was giving me lots of positive feedback. Suddenly, I started crying, as I realised I didn’t really believe it. That was a defining moment; it became clear that no amount of external validation or success could change my deeply held subconscious beliefs. I decided to start working on myself-development. After a lot of hard works, I overcame myself-limiting beliefs, which transformed my life. Now I help other women do the same.”

much clearer and more direct route through the process so they can achieve their highest potential.” Launching at the end of October 2026, with new groups starting regularly, the 12-week online group programme combines coaching, breath work, visualisation, strengths discovery and practical action, all rooteds in Diane’s professional training and lived experience. She adds: “Breathwork isn’t woowoo. It works with the nervous system and gives us a way to access what’s going on beneath our conscious thoughts.

Diane’s experience ultimately led to her retraining as an accredited Transformational Life Coach and breath work facilitator, and leaving the corporate world to start her business, Diane Spence Coaching. It also inspired her to create her group programme, The Subconscious Recode®, designed to help ambitious women overcome self-limiting beliefs and achieve their full potential. “Working on myself changed everything. I also learned how to swim properly at the age of 39, got to fit, started going on annual solo adventures all over the world and became a yogi. I also try to do something that scares me every day.” Imposter syndrome is common among senior women. A study by KMPG found

that three in four female executives experience imposter syndrome at certain points in their career. And nearly half (47%) said they felt selfdoubt because they never expected to be so successful. Diane adds: “There’s a wider, ongoing conversation about high-functioning women who look successful on the outside, with the career, qualifications and financial independence, yet feel like frauds, internally battling imposter syndrome, low confidence, perfectionism and chronic self-doubt. “I’ve distilled what took me years of learning, self-development, investment and trial and error into this programme, which addresses beliefs and patterns around self-doubt at a deeper level. I want to give ambitious women a

“Coaching is a powerful tool, but we can consciously know exactly what we want to change and still find ourselves repeating the same patterns. That’s because so much of our behaviour is influenced by deeply ingrained beliefs, emotional responses and the identity we hold about themselves. Our conscious mind is only a small part of what drives us, so my work goes beneath the surface to help women recognise and change those patterns. “When you breathe in an expertly guided way, you can begin to calm the nervous system and quieten the mental noise. It creates space for deeper self-awareness, where you can start to recognise what’s driving yourself-doubt, move beyond the patterns holding you back and find greater clarity, confidence and fulfilment. “As a reformed over-thinker, my purpose is helping ambitious women get out of their own way and achieve their highest potential.”

More information at www. dianespence.com Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 49

From heartbreak to hope

Matthew Rhodes and Joanne Nicholson

A mother and son from York have announced the official launch of adaptable fashion brand EmAble in a bid to help transform the experiences of people battling life-changing health conditions and enduring treatment for chronic illness. Founded by Joanne Nicholson and her son Matthew Rhodes in memory of Joanne’s daughter and Matthew’s sister, Emily Rhodes, who died after a threeyear battle with cancer in 2019 aged 24, EmAble combines fashion, function and cutting-edge design. The mission shared by the family is to create clothing that gives people greater comfort, confidence and control while undergoing treatment. The launch coincided with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September 2026) and followed two-years of research, design engineering and product development. The adaptable clothing simplifies and speeds up hospital appointments by getting rid of the need for patients to undress for medical examinations, interventions and procedures. The range allows easy access during treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy,

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dialysis, blood tests, blood transfusions, breast checks and intravenous therapy. Joanne Nicholson, said: “It was heartbreaking watching Emily struggle not just with her terminal diagnosis, but grappling with her fluctuating weight and loss of identity. Because of her perceived body image, she dreaded undressing for treatment, so we hope we can eliminate this feeling for others. “Emily was our inspiration behind the launch of EmAble and her memory forms the foundation of the business. Her nickname, Em, takes centre stage within the brand. With the ethos and brand vision centring on enabling and empowering others going through treatment, we’ve combined the two to create EmAble which is a fitting tribute to the daughter I miss dearly every single day.” While EmAble’s debut collection is designed for adults, the family’s ambition extends beyond the launch range. The team plan to work on a dedicated collection for children and young people, with the same focus on comfort, dignity and practicality. Given that every day in the UK, 10 children and young

people receive the devastating news that they have cancer, according to Children with Cancer UK, this next stage of development has particular significance for Joanne and Matthew. Having experienced the impact of cancer treatment within their own family, they are determined to ensure that younger patients and their families can also benefit from clothing designed specifically around the realities of treatment. Matthew explained: “We know there is a huge need for this type of clothing across different age groups. We are particularly passionate about developing a range for children and young people because no-one should have to worry about removing their clothes for treatment or feel uncomfortable in their own skin. “This is our opportunity to celebrate the life of Emily and create a lasting legacy for her while supporting others who are facing an uncertain future.” EmAble has already attracted notable industry recognition, being announced as ‘New Starter Business of the Year’ at the Yorkshire Choice Awards. It’s also been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Against All Odds’ category at the 2026 York Community Pride Awards. Joanne and Matthew have also worked in collaboration with fashion students at York College on a project to design a range of vibrant, bold, fun shift dress in concealed zips. The debut collection includes a sweatshirt and two trouser options: •

•

The unisex Loci hooded sweatshirt with two neck zips which extend to the armpit, two sleeve openings, a central kangaroo pouch with a wide zip that opens to access stoma bags, peg feeds and catheters, and for ultrasounds. Retail prices £99.95 Jogger bottoms with a shirred

Alexandra Harrison

elasticated front waistband, concealed side seam zips from waist to knee and draw cord ankle cuffs. Retail prices £79.95 •

Jogger bottoms with elasticated waistband, concealed side seam zips from waist to knee and draw cord ankle cuffs. Retail price £79.95

All items are available in Ocean Grey and come in dual sizes: Extra small-small, small-medium,

medium-large, large-extra-large, and extra-large-two extra-large. The clothing is manufactured from 100% organic cotton, making it comfortable, breathable, warm and washable. The garments boast subtle design features, including contrasting-coloured functional zip pulls for easy access, branded zip tags featuring the wording ‘for Emily’, woven EmAble branding to the front and a woven branded badge on the reverse ‘for Emily’. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 51

But there is a commercial cost to this pattern. When everything depends on you, your team cannot develop. Decisions slowdown. Creativity disappears beneath urgency. You spend your energy maintaining the business rather than imagining what it could become. Eventually, your greatest strength - your ability to handle everything - becomes the very thing limiting growth. Self-leadership begins with noticing.

Ros Jones - copyright Davidcharles

The hidden cost of being the woman who copes By Coaching and personal development coach Ros Jones

There’s a particular kind of woman you’ll find in almost every business. She’s capable, dependable and calm under pressure. She remembers what everyone else has forgotten, steps in when something needs sorting and keeps going when others might falter. She is the woman who copes. Perhaps she runs the business. Perhaps she leads a team. Perhaps she’s juggling clients, colleagues, children, ageing parents and a diary that appears to have developed a life of its own. From the outside, she looks successful. The trouble is, being the one who

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copes can become a trap. Because when you repeatedly demonstrate that you can carry more, people let you. When you solve every problem, people bring you more problems. And when your response to pressure is always, “Don’t worry, I’ll sort it,” anybody thinks to ask what it is costing you. Often, you don’t ask yourself either. Yo u s i m p l y b e c o m e m o r e efficient. You work a little later, think about work a little earlier and squeeze your own needs in to whatever space remains. Until coping stops being something you do and becomes part of whom you believe you are.

Notice the moment you automatically say yes. Notice when your rescue rather than coach. Notice when you take something back because explaining it feels harder than doing it yourself. Notice the belief beneath the behaviour: “It’s quicker if I do it,” “I can’t let anyone down,” or “If I don’t hold this together, who will?” Then pause. Not every problem is yours to solve. Not every gap is yours to fill. Not every request deserves an immediate yes. You don’t need to prove your value by carrying more than everyone else. Leadership is not about becoming indispensable. It’s about creating the clarity, confidence and capacity that allow other people to step forward too. You can still be capable. You can still care deeply. You can still be the woman people trust. But you don’t always have to be the woman who copes. Ros Jones Business Coach & Trainer

Bookcase

Ask for Andrea Noelle W. Ihli MacMillan - RRP £9.99

Each edition we are bring to you a selection of books read and chosen by author Milly Johnson. Milly is an author from Barnsley who has penned well over 20 books and is an ambassador for Yorkshire BusinessWoman

There is a charming and personable serial killer at large. We meet three of his young victims in the early part of the book and carry on following their stories after they have been murdered. All three ‘ghosts’ are united in trying to stop this maniac from killing more women. But what can they do as mere ephemeral beings? Exciting, and heartbreaking in places where the three victims are desperate to bring any relief to their poor families.

The Housemaid Freida McFadden Bookouture - RRP £10.99

In the Blink of an Eye Jo Callaghan Simon and Schuster - RRP £9.45 Detective Kat Frank is a cop who works a lot on instinct and so when she is persuaded, as a trial project, into being paired with an AI detective who works on logic,

there is a battle to see which is the more effective when they pick up the cold case of a missing teenager. Then they find that the cases of other missing teenagers are linked. Then it all gets too close to home for Kat. It’s extraordinarily clever. An unusual and amazing book I really had difficulty putting down.

When Millie takes a job working for the glamorous, gorgeous Winchesters, she feels as if all her birthdays have come at once. Nina Winchester is charming and friendly, her husband kind – and very sexy. But Millie isn’t there long before she finds that Nina is mentally unbalanced, unpleasable and manipulative. But Millie really needs this job and has to put up with everything that is thrown at her, even though the problems are escalating. A book full of many twists and turns. With a fabulously, satisfying conclusion. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 53

about single mum Jane who finds a mysterious invitation to spend summer in a small Scottish village that has some history for her. She should have run away their years ago with the man who dumped her. But she decides to visit with her daughter. Guess who she encounters when she’s there. Is it a second-chance romance for Jane? I can’t possibly say, but it’s a sweet and lovely story written by a wonderful writer.

Second Chances at the Little Scottish Bookshop Debbie Johnson Bookouture - RRP £8.99 This is the second in a series of ‘Little Scottish Bookshop’ novels and the first blew me away (If you like your heroes tall, silver-foxy and ex-American cop AND a tad spicy, then start there). This one is

Stay Another Christmas P h i l l i p a A s h l e y Penguin - RRP £9.99 After a life-changing event, Kate plans a simple Christmas in the Lake District surrounded by the ‘safe’ people she loves, with walks in the snow and all the snug Christmas comforts to set her on course for a fresh start. She does not plan on

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her ex turning up and the dilemma of whether to see him again to bring some closure. But also she is drawn to a handsome local who is keeping his heart guarded. Does she try to go back to the familiar… or forward with a fresh someone else? Gorgeously festive and romantic.

Dissection of a Murder Jo Murray Macmillan - RRP £16.99 If you like a courtroom drama, then you cannot miss this beauty of a book. I could not put it down. A barrister takes on her first murder case, defending a man she previously let down, but he really isn’t making her life easy. And she’s up against a seasoned older prosecuting barrister who was once her mentor – and is now her husband. Talk about a twisty-turny plot. It will have you hooked until the very last page because nothing is as it at first seems. I think it’s a masterpiece.

pop star while Jack and Lucy run the family farm and start a family. Then an accident changes everything for them. Christmas is on the horizon and Lucy just wants to get to the other side of it. She is burnt out, fed up and not feeling festive at all. Many miles away, Dylan also needs a break and when an invitation to spend Christmas with Lucy and little Sam arrives, he jumps at it. But when he gets there, it’s to find that Lucy hasn’t a clue about any invitation. Sweet and hopeful, a book with healing qualities I think.

You will forgive the shameless plug but it’s the best thing I’ve ever written (so far). Seven travellers all going away for Christmas for duty rather than pleasure. A couple whose marriage is in trouble, a depressed and lost young lady, a corporate Santa who can’t make the apology he needs to, a pensioner coerced into visiting her parasitic stepson and a taxi-driver escorting a passenger to celebrate her engagement. A freak and long snowstorm forces them to take shelter on a luxurious train – and spend Christmas together. Life is never the same for any of them again. Sprinkled with Christmas magic – enjoys!

Not Just for Christmas Cathy Bramley Orion RRP - £9.99 Twenty ago Lucy, Jack and Dylan met on a beach in Devon and thus began a lifelong friendship. Over the years Dylan becomes a famous

Let the Bells Ring Out Milly Johnson Simon and Schuster - RRP £9.99 Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 55

Member Spotlight:

Rebecca Grace

Rebecca set up The Yorkshire Planner on 1st January 2026, after 13 years working as a town planner at major UK planning consultancies. She has an experienced background in securing planning permission for a wide variety of projects

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including residential, renewables, town centre regeneration, schools, medical facilities and Listed

Buildings. “Retail and restaurant work was mine ‘bread and butter’” she explained “as I was seconded to The Ivy and Five Guys for a couple of years to help with their rollout.” Rebecca is nine months in to

on my LinkedIn, so there’s an honest record of my lessons learned on building a business from scratch. My hope was that the blogs would become a useful tool for anyone else thinking of starting up a business and it has been nice to have received phone calls and messages from people taking the leap! “Joining Yorkshire businesswoman was one of my better early decisions. It’s given me a real networking base with like-minded women to talk things through with, which makes a difference when you’re on your own. At my first YBW event, (the YBW Christmas party in January), I met Madeleine France of Blossom Training & Development CIC. I was so impressed by her mission to reduce violence against women and girls in the community through self-defence training and other work that she does, that I joined her business as an Ambassador. “I’m a planning consultant, but that’s turned out to be useful skill to add to the already amazing talent pool of Ambassadors that support Blossom Training and Development CIC work. I’ve been working recently with Maddie and other Ambassadors on the Wakefield Cathedral Quarter consultation, looking at how safe the city of Wakefield actually feels for women and girls, and how accessible it is for people with disabilities. We’ve carried out a walking audit, identified the specific places people feel unsafe and need improvement and set it all outs in a public report. Our findings are now with several Councillors and departments for review within Wakefield Council. “That’s the thread running through The Yorkshire Planner business: supporting Yorkshire communities however I can,” she continued. “I coach and sponsor 4 x teams of junior football in Huddersfield (sponsoring over 50 players), I am currently working on planning applications for community sports facilities, helping individual house/land owners with their own projects, as well as working on larger projects including housing, schools and restaurants. No development is too big or too small. running her business and going strong with the business in profit and looking to scale, build a proper website and increase the steady number of community and business development projects in the pipeline. “I’ve been documenting my business start-up journey

“On Yorkshire Day we held our own construction industry celebration at Green Room in Leeds, bringing people who live and work in Yorkshire (within the industry) together. It was a great success and maybe we will run an even better and better celebration next year,” she concluded. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 57

Autumn Style,your way By Lisa Darwin, empowerment coach & transformational stylist There is something wonderfully inviting about autumn dressing. Rich colours, beautiful textures and clever layering give us the opportunity to refresh our wardrobes and reconnect with our personal style.

Burgundy is a beautiful place to start. Rich and sophisticated, it works wonderfully with cream, navy and chocolate brown. Try a burgundy knit with tailored trousers or introduce the shade through boots or a handbag.

For Yorkshire women balancing business, family and busy social calendars, clothes need to work hard while helping us feel fabulous. My approach this season? Bring personality to everyday dressing, with pieces you can wear in several different ways.

Chocolate brown is my favourite foundation for an autumn wardrobe. Pair it with ivory for understated elegance or soften it with pale blue for a fresh combination.

The colours to know

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For women who love colour, royal purple and electric blue bring energy to the season. A vibrant

jumper beneath a neutral coat makes an immediate statement. Butter yellow offers a gentler alternative, bringing warmth to grey, brown and navy. My advice is to hold colours near your face in natural daylight. Notice which shades make you look brighter and feel more like yourself. Layer with intention Yo r k s h i r e w e a t h e r d e m a n d s flexibility. Begin with a lightweight base, add a cardigan or blazer, then finish with a coat that comfortably accommodates your layers. Keep proportions balanced. Pair

generous knitwear with straight trousers, or wide trousers with a neater top. A small front tuck can add definition without sacrificing comfort. Make texture your style secret Mixing textures adds interest without requiring a wardrobe full of new clothes. Try a satin skirt with a soft knit, denim with a velvet blazer, or tailored wool trousers with a crisp cotton shirt. Choose one standout texture and let the other pieces support it.

Finish the outfit Boots, a belt, a scarf or an interesting brooch can transform familiar favourites. Check trouser lengths with the shoes you plan to wear and choose footwear that feels comfortable throughout your day. Before shopping, create three outfits from pieces you already own. Photograph them for those mornings when inspiration disappears. “Above all, dress for the woman

you are and the life you are living. Trends can inspire you, but your personality should lead”. This autumn, choose one colour to explore, restyle one forgotten favourite and wear something that makes you smile. “Let your autumn wardrobe reflect your warmth, strength and individuality.”

Interested to learn more let’s talk LisaDarwinE:lisa@lisadarwin. com www.lisadarwin.com @ lisadarwin1111

AWARDS GALA DINNER & FASHION SHOW

HERO AWARDS 2027

You still have time to nominate someone for the Yorkshire Business Hero Awards, celebrated at FB Fashion Ball on 4 February 2027 at New Dock, Leeds. These awards are about people. The individuals, teams and businesses who inspire others, support their communities and make a meaningful difference. There are relevant award categories to nominate yourself, your colleagues, your clients or a business you admire. Our Employer of the Year awards are particularly special because nominations come from the people who work there. They give employees the opportunity to celebrate the culture, leadership, development

opportunities and team spirit that make their business a brilliant place to work. Being recognised by your own people is something truly worth celebrating. Is there a business, colleague, client, team or leader you believe deserves recognition? I’d love you to put them forward. Nominations close this month. You can select Yorkshire, view the categories and nominate here: Nominations & Voting · FB Fashion Ball https://fbfashionball.show/vote/

Tables of 10 or 12 can currently be secured with a 20% deposit. FB EVENING PROGRAMME • Black-Tie 6.30m-12am • Sparking Drinks Reception • Live Fashion Show • Exclusive Yorkshire Showcase Experience • Sumptuous Gala Dinner • Award Winners Glitzy Ceremony • Charity Presentation • After-show Party at Uyare with dancing until late RESERVE YOUR TABLE Let’s Talk: lisa@fbfashionball. show Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 59

to thousands facing severe hardship. As well as music, the event will include community stalls and opportunities to learn more about Focus4Hope’s frontline work. Founder Louise Reed said: “Music4Hope is about great music, fun, and bringing our community together in a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere. But it’s also about making a difference to people who need our support.”

Music4Hope is about great music, and fun! Focus4Hope, the West Yorkshire Charity supporting homeless, elderly, and vulnerable people, is bringing local musical talent together for an evening of live entertainment with purpose. The special fundraising night covers a range of music genres, from Suzie and The Groove’s 90s dance covers and Gogo Mojo’s pop, funk, and soul through to Dave Valentine’s famed Elvis tribute and Rock Choir’s chart classics. It will bring together local musicians, community supporters, and partners to help Focus4Hope continue to provide non-judgemental hands on support for people who might otherwise get forgotten. Music4Hope comes as the charity celebrates a decade of crisis support and life changing interventions for thousands of people across the region. Since i t s l a u n c h , Fo c u s 4 H o p e h a s delivered food, water, clothing,

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hygiene supplies, domestic abuse support, mental health assistance, and homelessness outreach

“Every ticket sold helps us reach people who are struggling, whether that’s through food parcels, wellbeing support or crisis intervention. We’re incredibly grateful to the musicians and volunteers who are helping make this night possible and we’re asking everyone to come along to make it a great night!”

Date: Saturday 21 November 2026 Time: Doors open 12pm, last orders 11pm, food until 8pm Venue: Brighouse Civic Hall, Bradford Road, HD6 1RW Tickets: focus4hope.co.uk

A FULL DAY OF LIVE MUSIC TO CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF FOCUS4HOPE

SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER BRIGHOUSE CIVIC HALL Bradford Rd, HD6 1RW

12 LIVE BANDS + DJ Stage 2 STAGES Main Acoustic Stage DOORS: 12pm BAR: 12-11pm FOOD: 12-8pm ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL HELP FOCUS4HOPE IMPROVE THE LIVES OF LOCAL ADULTS IN NEED, SO THEY CAN LIVE WITH DIGNITY, CONNECTION, AND HOPE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

EVENING LINE UP 10:00pm 9:10pm 8:20pm 7:30pm 6:40pm 5:50pm 5:00pm

SUZIE AND THE GROOVE

Putting a spin on 90’s dance covers!

ELLIE TELFORD BAND

Upbeat, dance-worthy covers.

GOGO MOJO

Pop, blues rock, indie, funk and soul.

KEEGAN&HARRISON

Feel-good covers spanning the decades.

THE LORES

6-piece classic indie covers band.

THE FUNKWITS

Alternative funk, rock and pop.

FACE THE STRANGE

High energy rock, funk, prog and pop.

AFTERNOON LINE UP 3:50pm 3:00pm 2:10pm 1:20pm 12:30pm

Charity Number: 1192543

Full Day Ticket: £12.50 (adv) £15.00 (door)* Evening Ticket: £10.00 (adv) (door)* Afternoon Ticket: £5.00 (adv) (door)* Under 12’s FREE** *Subject to availablility **Must be accompanied by a paying adult **No under 12’s after 7pm

BELLARUSE

A 3-piece rock n roll collective.

FOLSOM 3

The rockabilly, country blues of Johnny Cash.

JUMP, JIVE & WAIL

Swing, jive, jazz and rock n roll.

DAVE VALENTINE

Yorkshire’s premier solo Elvis tribute.

ROCK CHOIR

Singing rock, pop and chart classics.

PURCHASE TICKETS AT FOCUS4HOPE.CO.UK Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 61

Grape Potential Michaela Axford our regular gardening contributor shares tips with us on what we can plant and grow ourselves.

A recent trip to the Algarve has been quite an eye-opener for me. I was surprised that even in October the daily temperatures were around 28 degrees and we had only the lightest of showers early one morning. This had me wondering what the future of our own climate might be in the years to come. We have had an exceptionally warm spring and summer in 2026, with prolonged periods of drought. How will this compare with our favourite holiday destinations and what can keen gardeners expect? And will we one day be able to enjoy the vivid hues of bougainvillae in our Northern gardens? Predictions suggest that by 2050 the swathe of Northern England that makes up the M62 corridor will experience a climate like Melbourne, Australia. Our capital will enjoy the sun and heat of a climate like Barcelona. So, what will this mean for our gardens?

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Some think that we may be able to profit from this change in temperature by switching our horticultural focus to viticulture. It could be that the slopes of the Pennines over time become vineyards. Who knows, perhaps the second half of this century will see the production of Appellation d’origine contrôlée Hebden Bridge. That’s certainly “vine” by me! One of the loveliest aspects of the hotel garden was the abundance of citrus trees. Lemons, limes and oranges all grew with seemingly minimal input from the gardener. Limes are the most frost-sensitive of citrus trees, and not able to withstand low temperatures, but we could certainly grow satsuma mandarins in our gardens now,

providing we bring them indoors if there is a threat of a hard frost. The flip side of this scenario is less appealing to me; the beloved potato - and my favourite crop - is struggling with the lack of rain these days. I have had far less success with my own crop this year, and I have resorted to buying them. Whilst I have a range of local grocers to choose from, I have noticed that Maris Pipers in the main supermarkets have been far smaller than we are accustomed to. This is disappointing to lovers of the great Jacket Spud, who have no doubt expressed some shock at the price of the larger potatoes in the shops. Water palaver! We have also faced the possibility of the dreaded hosepipe ban this summer. Allotments generally already have strict rules about water preservation,

so the management of watering is something that allotment holders are mindful of. In the garden however, it can be greater challenge as we tend to focus on decorative plants which are, in the event of a hosepipe ban, only to be watered using a watering can. I struggled with this myself. Having read the advice given by Yorkshire Water, I intend to install a trickle irrigation system. These systems are permitted as they prevent surface evaporation and therefore provide a far more efficient and less wasteful way to water plants. They are generally powered by solar panels and can be set with a timer to maximize efficiency. I followed the guidance on water preservation very keenly this summer, and I was very sad to see the flowers wither away without constant watering, so I am eager to adapt for next summer. One thing can be said about the elongated summer period that we have experienced, and that is that it has been an excellent year for tomatoes. I was a little disappointed

last year and so I chose to reduce the space that I usually devote to growing them. However, the cherry tomatoes that I planted in hanging baskets with marigolds have been surprisingly productive albeit with a little bit of neglect, and the Moneymaker plant that I grew in the garden is the gift that keeps on giving.

I feared that the cooler weather approaching might bring blight, and so I harvested tomatoes whilst green to make chutney. However, I was delighted to find that the fruits continued to grow and ripen. This might be the longest tomato season I’ve experienced yet, and perhaps I shall be more ambitious next season. I have always loved this time of year; our green spaces turn to hues of red, orange, and russet. The delicate flavours of salad vegetables make way for the heartier and more comforting root vegetables. Pumpkins are certainly going to be more expensive this year, as they require an awful lot of water for the last few weeks of growth, however there are many alternatives to consider. Come February I plan to grow sweet potatoes in containers for the first time. They require less water, and if grown in containers, they take up little space and can be moved if we are struck by the tail-end of the expected El Niño. Gardening is all about rolling with the punches, if not the pumpkins. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 63

What Do We Wear in This In-Between Weather? By Fashion Designer Rebecca Rhoades

I don’t know about you, but at this time of year I can stand in front of my wardrobe and genuinely have no idea what to put on. It’s cold when you leave the house,warm by lunchtime, and then raining just as you’re heading home. Especially in Yorkshire, you can end up dressing for three seasons in one day. For me, getting dressed should be something you enjoy. I love clothes that make you feel good the moment you put them on, but they also need to work for your day. We’re busy, and most of us haven’t got time to go home and change between everything we’re doing. This is where I think a good dress really comes into its own. People often think of dresses as something for an occasion, but I wear mine for work, lunch, meetings and everything in between. It’s how you style them that makes the difference. A dress you’ve worn all summer can look completely different with boots and a jacket. Add a knit over the top and suddenly you’ve got another way to wear it. Before putting your summer wardrobe away, have a play with what you already own. You might be surprised. I’m also never going to be the person who says autumn means we all have to wear black. I love colour. It’s such a huge part of what I do at RHOEN,

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and I don’t think we should lose that just because the weather has changed. A beautiful print with a chunky knit or a tailored coat can look amazing. Try picking out a colour within the print for your jacket or shoes; it’s an easy way to bring everything together without overthinking it. And be comfortable. If you’re freezing, pulling at something or struggling to walk in your shoes, you’re hardly going to feel your best. There’s nothing wrong with trainers and a dress, or taking a bigger bag because you need an umbrella and an extra layer. I think we can get caught up in what we feel we should wear, rather than what we actually love. My advice is to try things on together, take a few photos and see what feels like you. We can’t control the Yorkshire weather, but we can enjoy getting dressed for it. Wear the print, keep the colour and make those favourite pieces work a little harder for you this autumn. Love Rebecca Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 65

The Historic Georgian estate is launchinganewvenue forboard meetings,conferences,executive stays, team days, corporate entertaining and Christmas celebrations Hotham Hall Estate, a privately owned Georgian country estate set within 117 acres of parkland in East Yorkshire, hosted the corporate launch on Wednesday 7 October, opening its doors from 2.00pm to 9.00pm. Following a multi-million-pound restoration and development programme by owners Linda and David Kilburn CBE, Hotham Hall now combines the atmosphere and privacy of a magnificent English country estate with beautifully designed event spaces, executive accommodation, contemporary technology, exceptional food and the flexibility to host everything from an intimate board meeting to a 250-person conference. Linda Kilburn explained: “The ambition is simple: to create a destination where businesses genuinely want to bring their people and their guests. A leadership team might arrive for a strategy day, meet privately, have lunch overlooking the estate and finish with cocktails and dinner. “A company could take over the estate for a conference, combine presentations with outdoor team activities and stay overnight. Businesses can entertain important clients over dinner, accommodate visiting executives, launch a new product, host an awards evening or abandon the predictable Christmas party altogether and create something memorable.” At the heart of the corporate offering is Hotham Hall's newly restored

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Leading Yorkshire businesswoman launches new corporate events venue Georgian Stable, with a spectacular event space accommodating up to 120 guests seated or 250 theatre-style for conferences, presentations and workshops. For larger events, Hotham's extensive grounds offer opportunities for marquees and outdoor events for up to 450 guests, while the estate's dedicated

festival field opens possibilities for major company celebrations, launches and large-scale experiences. For smaller gatherings, the historic Hall and its beautifully furnished rooms provide an altogether different setting for board meetings, leadership retreats, private dining, confidential strategy sessions and executive entertaining.

W i t h Yo r k , L e e d s a n d H u l l all within easy distance, and Doncaster and Sheffield not far away the proximity to the M62 is a real advantage to corporates located in Yorkshire. Linda added: “Rather than placing an important overseas client, senior executive or visiting board member in a conventional business hotel, companies can offer them the experience of staying on a private Georgian estate.” Pat Coyle, meting and business development consultant of law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits, commented: “We selected Hotham Hall because it offers the calibre of venue that aligns with our firm’s brand and the expectations of our clients. Its atmosphere and attention to detail made it the ideal setting for an important event like our merger drinks reception.

Linda commented: “We wanted to create the sort of place where somebody organising a board meeting, conference or company event thinks, ‘Why would we go back to an ordinary hotel when we could come here?’ “Businesses invest an enormous amount in bringing their people together. The setting should be part of that investment. If you want people to think differently, feel valued, build relationships or remember what was discussed, where you bring them matters. “At Hotham Hall, a board meeting can become an executive away day. A conference can become a two-

day experience. A client dinner can become an occasion. And a Christmas party can be something people are still talking about in January.” Hotham Hall is also positioning itself as a new base for businesses requiring high-quality accommodation for executives, c l i e n t s a n d v i s i to r s to E a s t Yorkshire. The estate has 13 newly created ensuite bedrooms in the Stable Block, individually furnished with antiques, beautiful furniture and sumptuous fabrics, together with a further five historic en-suite bedrooms within Hotham Hall itself.

“Guests and our team gave very positive feedback. People said the venue looked stunning, the event went extremely well, and it was great to visit Hotham Hall on a beautiful Spring evening and enjoy drinks on the terrace. “It’s hard to pick just one highlight — everything came together so well. The venue looked stunning, everything was brilliantly executed, and the staff supported us in such a relaxed, effortless way. It was also lovely that David and Linda Kilburn made time to join us. The food was great, and the weather couldn’t have been kinder.” Yorkshire Businesswoman editor was invited for a full tour and can confirm that Hotham Hall is indeed a stunning venue. Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 67

Skipton Business Finance provides £3m funding to The Serious Sweet Company Skipton Business Finance has provided a £3 million funding package to Yorkshire confectionery manufacturer The Serious Sweet Company, giving the business additional working capital to support its plans for organic growth and investment. The ne w partne rship brings together two Yorkshire businesses, with The Serious Sweet Company looking to build on its recent growth by investing across its manufacturing operations in Harrogate and Bridlington and bringing new products to customers in the UK and overseas.

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The Serious Sweet Company specialises in traditional British confectionery, producing muchloved treats including fudge, toffee, marshmallows, honeycomb, nougat and nut brit tles. Its products are sold through major UK supermarkets and wholesalers, alongside a thriving export business serving markets including

the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, Northern Europe and the Middle East. With a mission to keep traditional British confectionery relevant to today’s consumers, the business combines the nostalgia of familiar favourites with new recipes, products and formats. The group also owns Mallow & Marsh, the UK’s No.1 premium marshmallow brand, while its continued growth was recognised in 2026 when The Serious Sweet Company won the Top Growth Award at the York and North Yorkshire Top 100 Business Awards. Following a period of acquisitionled expansion, the business is now focused on organic growth, with plans to invest in new equipment, develop new products and improve manufacturing efficiencies across its Yorkshire operations. SBF worked closely with the team to put the funding in place quickly, providing

the flexibility to support these ambitions. Clarion Solicitors advised on the transaction, with Banking Partner, Ben Slack and Paralegal Andrea Piponides supporting the deal through to completion. Emma Verity, finance director at The Serious Sweet Company, said: “We were very impressed with the professionalism, speed and implementation of the Skipton Business Finance team. “The funding gives us greater flexibility as we focus on organic growth, invest in our manufacturing capabilities and continue developing new treats for customers in the UK and internationally. “SBF offers more than funding. Their contacts and industry knowledge will support us as we think through our strategy and development, and we believe we’ve found a long-term partner that will support our growth.” Matt Fannon, senior regional sales director (ABL) at Skipton Business Finance, said: “The Serious Sweet Company is a fantastic Yorkshire business with strong brands, international reach and exciting ambitions for the future. “We worked closely with the team to understand what they needed and moved quickly to put the right funding in place. That responsiveness, alongside providing flexible funding tailored to each business, is an important part of how we work at SBF. “We’re proud to support another Yorkshire business as it enters its next phase of growth and look forward to building a long-term partnership with the team.”

Triple award recognition for Yorkshire manufacturer Stokesley-based gas sensingand monitoring specialist, Analox, has received a trio of award recognitions from Make UK, the voice of the manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors. To mark its 130th anniversary, Make UK has published the 130 Honours list, recognising 130 people from a diverse range of sectors, regions and roles whose achievements, innovation, influence and leadership are shaping the future of UK manufacturing. Analox managing director, Emma Harbottle, is among those recognised. Make UK cites Emma’s ‘exceptional leadership at Analox, rising from the factory shop floor to managing director, driving continuous operational improvements and passionately championing emotional intelligence and women in manufacturing’.

in driving the business forward as staying at the forefront of innovation in our field.” Alongside Emma’s inclusion in the Make UK 130 Honours, Analox has reached the regional finals of the Make UK 2026 manufacturing awards, shortlisted in the Company of the Year and Health, Safety and Wellbeing categories. The regional winners will be announced on 22nd October at a dinner in Newcastle. From headquarters in Stokesley, Analox has been manufacturing and delivering pioneering gas sensing solutions internationally for over 40 years. The company’s monitoring technology can be found in life-supporting and critical commercial applications ranging from military submarines to space research, as well as drinks dispensing systems across the leisure and hospitality industries.

Emma says “It is wonderful to be honoured by Make UK alongside so many like-minded and exceptional people within the UK manufacturing industry. “I’m particularly pleased to be recognised for championing women in manufacturing and highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence in a technical sector. Our people have always been at the heart of our success; strong and effective leadership and management throughout the business is key to that success and plays just as important a role Y o r k s h i r e B u s i n e s s W o m a n 69

Chadwick Lawrence takes home two Yorkshire Legal Awards Chadwick Lawrence S o l i c i to rs h a s w o n t w o awards at the 2026 Yorkshire Legal Awards, recognising t h e f i r m’s o u t s ta n d i n g achievements over the past 12 months. The firm took home a double victory in the Corporate & Commercial and Residential Property categories. The wins exemplify Chadwick Lawrence’s dedication to providing first-rate legal advice to businesses and private clients across Yorkshire and beyond. The Yorkshire Legal Awards bring together the region’s legal community to recognise and celebrate its many achievements. The ceremony took place last night (8 October) at the New Dock Hall in Leeds. From 2025 to 2026, the firm delivered record financial performance of £18 million, expanded its service offering

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across the North with the opening of its office in Darlington, and continued to invest in its people, technology and infrastructure to maintain an exceptional level of client service. Alongside the wins, Chadwick Lawrence was shortlisted for Medium Law Firm of the Year, Managing Partner of the Year, Employment Law, and Debt Recovery. This showcases the breadth of its offering as a fullservice firm. The firm’s Corporate & Commercial and Real Estate teams are recognised for their efforts and achievements over the past year. The Corporate & Commercial team advised on the negotiation of a commercially significant deal for longterm client Huddersfield Town A.F.C, securing a five-year stadium naming rights agreement. This represented the club’s largest-ever sponsorship agreement and its first stadium naming rights change in more than a decade.

As the firm’s largest department, the Real Estate team also champions innovation in its approach to client care. In 2026, the team has strengthened its bespoke client app to reduce onboarding times and implemented AI to improve the efficiency of administrative tasks, delivering a faster, more transparent service for clients. Neil Wilson, managing partner at Chadwick Lawrence, said: “This year we have really taken Chadwick Lawrence to the next level, broadening our service offering outside of Yorkshire while strengthening the care we provide to our customers in the region. “We’re delighted to have received these prestigious awards, with special recognition for the achievements of our Corporate & Commercial and Real Estate team s. T his is test am e n t to the hard work, dedication and expertise of our people over the past year. Congratulations to all the winners!”

To findout moreaboutChadwick Lawrence, visit: https://www. chadwicklawrence.co.uk/.

Big firm capability. Small firm personality. A partnership built on technical precision, clear communication and a commitment to your long-term success.

Wakefield 2 Silkwood Office Park, Fryers Way, Wakefield, WF5 9TJ

York Gateway 1, Holgate Park Drive, York, YO26 4GG

01924 669 500

01904 925 300

info@parsons.co.uk | www.parsons.co.uk

Being late to a party isn’t always a bad thing By Motoring Correspondant Graham Courtney

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Stylish RZ was the first all-electric car from Lexus..and it’s been updated. The Lexus RZ hasn’t been with us too long, but the technology behind electric cars is moving quickly so it’s already been updated.

build which is up with the best. It’s a case of getting what you pay for.

Lexus has taken on board criticism of the way it drove and the lack of a decent range. Consequently, the suspension has been altered, the battery is now larger and there’s even an increase in power. Being late to a party means you can check what everyone else is up to.

The RZ 350e will give you a predicted range of 346 miles…0-60 mph comes up in 7.5 seconds…a 10-80 per cent charge takes 28 minutes. The 221 bhp power is delivered via the front wheels.

What hasn’t changed is that the Lexus RZ is a seriously classy car which feels solid, looks good, is comfortable, safe and, as it’s a Lexus, should be utterly reliable. Let’s delve deeper. Prices start at £48,365 (Oct 26) which means the Lexus RZ is priced higher in the market when compared to other EV cars of a similar size… but it’s important to remember that you’re dealing with a premium brand which uses premium, classy materials, and has a standard of

Three versions are available.

Move up to the RZ 500e and your power increases to 375 bhp which means a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.6 seconds. Your range suffers though and drops to 306 miles. This is partly due to the addition of a second motor which now makes the RZ AWD. Charging times stay the same. Your price climbs to £56,295. Lastly, if you really want to go for it, the 402 bhp 550e shaves your sprint time down to 4.4 seconds but, again, your range takes a hit and is now predicted to be 287 miles. You’ll need to dig deep and find £67,795. To be honest, we’d go for the entry

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level RZ 350e and we’d stick with Premium trim because, as we mentioned earlier, every Lexus comes with a decent level of kit as standard.

Premium trim, you can also go for Premium Plus in the 350e. The 500e also adds Takumi trim which gets everything, while the 550e adds F Sport trim.

Okay, it’s always nice to have some serious performance when you need it, but surely a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds is more than adequate for this sort of car. It also means you have a greater range which, when heading off on a family holiday, is probably more important than anything else.

Premium gives you a foot activated powered tailgate, sat nav, powered and heated front seats and steering wheel, dual zone climate control, windscreen de-icer, panoramic glass sunroof, DAB radio, 7-inch driver display, 14-inch central touchscreen, LED headlights and a raft of safety kit. Do you really need any more?

If you need all-wheel drive…handy for those of you who live out in the sticks… you’ll need to go for the 500e or 550e. For the record, as well as the entry

The one reason to go for the expensive F-Sport 550e is because it has more technical wizardry. The regenerative paddles behind the

steering wheel now act like gear shifts. The steering wheel is no longer round…it’s like the controls you’d find on an aeroplane with no upper or lower section. Lexus refers to it as a yoke. Turn left or right and your movements are set to an electric motor which then turns the wheels. It takes a bit of getting used to because you never fully turn the wheel. The movements feel quite sensitive but, to be fair, you do get the hang of it eventually. Whether it’s worth the additional expense is a moot point, but it’s certainly a talking point for any passengers. Out on the road, the Lexus RZ is seriously good to drive. The changes which Lexus has made to this latest version of the RZ have worked. It’s got quite firm suspension, but it’s never uncomfortable. Also, for a big car, you can hustle along a country lane…fun even. And even though this is an electric car, it’s eerily quiet. Very little wind or tyre noise, and there’s only a very distant whine from the motors. The interior is lovely…it’s a great place to be. Understated but smart. Everything looks and feels top class. Roomy too. Five adults can travel in comfort and with 522 litres of space in the boot, everyone can take their baggage. The range of the Lexus RZ has now caught up with the opposition. The rejigged suspension now gives a more settled ride and the dollop of extra power also helps. If you want an electric car but don’t want to skimp on a few of life’s luxuries, the Lexus RZ will suit you perfectly. It looks smart, has a lovely interior and gets all of the kit you really need. Great car.

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