Inspiring, educating and celebrating grassroots businesses
HOW TO start working
With a VA
Vicky Brooks journey of hope and courage
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MINDSET MATTERS
in business mindset creates 95% of all results
Plus
URE T A E F L A I C y SPE a d v e r s it
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IN CONVERSATION WITH •
Graham Allcott
ISSN 2754-8813
£5.00 SPRING isSue
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From homemade face masks to a full-time crafting business
Welcome to our Spring Issue
T
he theme of this issue is overcoming adversity. We all may face adversity at some point, but some of us are able to flourish when things get difficult, while others may struggle. When something bad happens in your life, how do you react? Do you approach the process of overcoming adversity as a learning opportunity, or do you let it throw you off your game? In our special feature, we take a closer look at what adversity is, accept it happens to everyone and learn steps to overcome adversity. Vicky Brooks has developed multiple successful businesses; she has dealt with health issues since the age of 26, some of which would be enough to make most people give up on their dreams. Vicky shares her journey of hope and courage on page 18. Our cover star is Graham Allcott. He is an author, podcaster, entrepreneur and single dad to his eight-year-old son. He has a global business based on helping people to improve productivity. We have interviews with Sophie Meislin Baron, founder of Mamamade. And William and Kelsey Seymour, Earl and Countess of Yarmouth, the founders of St Maur, a hand-crafted premium elderflower liqueur from the Heart of England. Performance Coach Mandy Evill shares why mindset matters in business. Mindset is our thoughts and beliefs that shape our behaviours and actions. Mindset creates 95% of all our results. Spending time developing your mindset is the best investment you could make into your business on page 26. Happy reading!
Bridget
Bridget Daley, Editor bridget@parentsinbiz.co.uk PS Don’t miss it SUMMER issue OUT 4TH July.
Inspiring, educating and celebrating grassroots businesses www.parentsinbiz.co.uk APRIL 2022
We are a Work for Good Partner and give a proportion of proceeds to charity. www.parentsinbiz.co.uk
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What to consider when employing staff for the first time As your business grows, you may begin to consider whether the time is right for you to bring a new team member on board to join you in the running of your business
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ome business owners shy away from this or delay it for as long as possible because of everything they have heard about the challenges of becoming an employer. The most common one is that you become liable to be sued! It does not have to be a negative experience, and if done at the right time and in the right way, it can be quite a rewarding experience and will elevate your business beyond being a solo business and increase your level of output. It also frees up your time for business development which you may not have time to do because you’re juggling far too many balls.
Before you embark on this journey, it’s important to consider the following questions: What Type of Team Member Do I Need? Note I used the word ‘team member’ because there’s a difference between an Employee and a Freelancer/ Consultant/Contractor. A person’s employment status will determine their rights and your responsibility as an employer. A Freelancer will be self-employed or a part of another company and will look after their own tax and national insurance contributions. They are not entitled to employment rights, e.g. the minimum wage and pension enrolment; they will also set their rate. It does not have to be a negative experience, and if If they are an Employee, they will be entitled to done at the right time and in at least the national the right way, it can be quite a minimum wage and will rewarding experience and will have employment rights such as statutory sick pay elevate your business beyond and holidays, maternity, being a solo business and paternity and adoption increase your level of output. leave. You will also be responsible for their tax and national insurance contributions. Freelancers are not entitled to these rights, but make sure you don’t blur the line between freelancer and employee as this can prove to be costly, as in the case of Uber and others.
You should also consider if you need someone on a full time or part-time basis and how many hours of support you will require. In some cases, an individual can start off as a Freelancer and later be offered an employee position. Also, do you need help for the short term or long term? If it’s for the short term only, you could be better off with a Freelancer arrangement. Is It The Right Time? It may be the right time to bring in a new team member if: • There’s enough work to demand additional help, and your financial situation is stable enough to manage the additional cost. • You regularly need a specific skill set that you don’t have in-house. • You require help to bring in sales or because you’ve been turning down work. • A new revenue stream has become apparent or started, and you can’t deal with it yourself. • Your clients feel neglected, or you’re receiving complaints. • You need support; there simply isn’t enough time in your day. It’s best not to wait until you suffer from the effects of burnout. Have You Thought About Legal Compliance? •
You should register as an employer with HMRC. You must do this within four weeks of taking on your first employee in almost all cases. As an employer, you will be responsible for paying your staff a pre-agreed salary and deducting any PAYE (Pay As You Earn tax) and National Insurance Contributions from staff salaries. Your Accountant will be able to assist with this, and other payroll related activities.
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Once you have found a suitable candidate for the position you’ve advertised, you must make sure that your prospective employee ( a) has the right to work in the UK and (b) passes any further checks which may be appropriate to their new position – particularly a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if they’re
It’s obvious that there are higher costs associated with having an Employee however, they have a more vested interest in your business and can be more reliable. This is not to say Freelancers are not reliable, but sometimes they may be fully booked with other clients, so you will need to weigh this decision carefully. working with children or vulnerable access, for example. This used to be known as a CRB check. •
You must provide a written statement of employment/ contract to anyone who will be working for you for a month or more. This document provides the employee with the conditions of employment and must be issued by day one of starting work.
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Employer’s liability insurance is compulsory because employers are responsible for the health and safety of their employees whilst at work. This cover will protect your business if an accident occurs and an employee is injured or made ill as a consequence of work related activities. They will have a claim for compensation against their employer.
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Unsurprisingly, you will be responsible for providing your employees with a safe and secure environment to work in. You don’t need a formal written Health and Safety policy unless you have five or more employees, however, you should take time to assess the risks your staff face at work. This responsibility also extends to being aware of and preventing any kind of
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discrimination and making the workplace accessible for those with disabilities and health conditions. You can find out more on the Health & Safety Executive site.
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Pension Enrollment is also an important consideration if you are taking on as Employers must enrol their staff into a workplace pension scheme. You can find out if your employee will be automatically enrolled via this handy Government tool. www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions
Tutu Popoola Founder & Lead Consultant of Sleek HR www.sleekhr.co.uk
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STARTUP: Interview with Mark Rushmore and Gyve Safavi
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ark Rushmore and Gyve Safavi, co-founders of SURI newly launched UK-based sustainable wellness brand, SURI, has designed an innovative, eco-friendly electric toothbrush in a bid to offer the world’s most sustainable smile and help combat the carbon footprint of oral care. Tell us about you? We are Mark Rushmore and Gyve Safavi, co-founders of SURI, short for sustainable rituals, a new sustainable wellness startup. Mark is a Dad of 2, Leo, two and Elsie, who is five months. Gyve is Dad to Ellie, who is six months.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
“Not many people know this, but toothbrushes today aren’t recyclable, meaning every year, over four billion toothbrushes end up in landfills or in our oceans. Said differently, every toothbrush you’ve ever owned possibly still exists.”
We launched SURI during the coronavirus pandemic, at a time when we (like many others) were re-evaluating what was important in life. With becoming new fathers, we felt the need to focus our
experience and expertise on creating something that would help protect the planet for future generations. It’s that moment when you realise it’s what you leave behind that really matters.
What was your mission at the start of your business?
We started SURI with a goal to create personal care products that help people live more sustainably; without compromising on quality, performance, or design. Not many people know this, but toothbrushes today aren’t recyclable,
meaning every year, over four billion toothbrushes end up in landfills or in our oceans. Said differently, every toothbrush you’ve ever owned possibly still exists. We believe we can do better, and with SURI, we’ve taken the electric toothbrush back to its first principles. SURI is slim
“Becoming new fathers, we felt the need to focus our experience and expertise on creating something that would help protect the planet for future generations.” and repairable, with compostable plant-based heads that deliver an exceptional clean while having a minimal impact on our planet. As we grow, we aim to expand our product portfolio, with a focus on sustainable products that make you feel good and look great in your bathroom. Ultimately we want to be a force for change within the industry and show other brands and manufacturers how it’s possible to adopt more sustainable materials, use less packaging, and aid more recycling to reduce the carbon footprint of the oral and personal care sectors.
How did you come up with the name for your company?
We are all creatures of habit. With SURI, we want to create the products that mean you can follow the same routines you always have but do so using eco-friendly materials and products that you enjoy using just as much, but that have less impact on the environment.
If you were to give advice to a parent thinking of starting a business, what would it be? Planning and communication! Whether for business or for the family, with a squeeze on your time, it becomes even more important to plan in advance and communicate with your partner so that you can manage your time most effectively.
How do you manage your time between family and business? This is a work in progress, to be honest! We have set times that we are fully present with the kids (in the morning and evenings). We’re lucky that our kids attend nursery, enabling us to work during the day. If need be and is often the case, we will also work in the evenings.
Mark Rushmore and Gyve Safavi SURI www.trysuri.com
SURI is short for sustainable rituals, because we firmly believe that by making small changes to our daily routines and lives, we can help protect the planet for the future.
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special feature
How facing adversity helped 2 business owners build a better business smoke in the air from August through to December. I’ll never forget the daily anxiety wondering how close the fires may get. When conditions were forecast as catastrophic in November, we temporarily evacuated our home and camped on the coast. Fortunately, our small town and valley dodged the direct impact of the fires, but it came very close. Since then, we’ve dealt with annual flood events (the biggest just this month), homeschooling through the pandemic and juggling my retail and event hire business whilst finding time to maintain my 5-acre property!
How Did I Do It? So, how did I get through these challenging events? I’ve had the emotional support of some very good friends. Living in a small, rural community where everybody knows each other, I always had support close by or at the end of the phone.
Louisa Fallon, Stylish Camping Co www.stylishcampingco.com.au I lived on the other side of the world in Australia when my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. I had a newborn baby and a 2-year-old and had just launched my business. My children and I flew to the UK and reunited with my dad a week before he sadly passed away. I spent a month with my mum organising his funeral and his affairs before returning home to Australia. Three days after our return to Australia, my mother unexpectedly passed away. I was in complete shock. I made the return trip back to the UK with my children, and this time with my partner. We temporarily relocated for five months to organise my mum’s funeral this time, empty my childhood home, and close down my parents’ businesses. Within a month, I’d lost both my parents, and my life felt like it had been turned completely upside down, but I still had to be present for my children, both of whom I was still breastfeeding. (One was weaned very quickly soon after). At the time, I was also in an abusive relationship and felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells. I told my children’s father to leave just over a year after returning from the UK. I was anxious about how I’d cope as a single parent with no family support and how I’d run my business singlehanded. It was a huge transition and an emotional, mental and financial rollercoaster, but my children were always my number one priority. I wanted to protect them as much as I possibly could from more upheaval. But I also had to keep my business afloat for all of us. The following year we lived through the ‘black summer’ bushfires on the east coast of Australia. With constant
I also found the self-care I needed with regular massages, energy healing, and osteopathic treatment and saw a psychologist and a kinesiologist for trauma-related support. When I look back over the last seven years, each of those experiences was a huge lesson in discovering my own mental and emotional strength. I’m so much stronger than I ever thought I was, which has changed my own sense of self, confidence, and attitude towards having a go! My kids are thriving, and so is my business. We really weathered the storms pretty well after everything we’ve been through.
What advice would you give to a fellow parent business owner facing adversity? When things feel overwhelming, don’t put huge expectations on yourself. When your cup is empty, mentally, physically and/or emotionally, everything feels so much harder. But being able to accomplish just one thing each day, however small, will give you a daily sense of achievement, keeping the wheels turning at home or in your business, no matter how slowly. Surround yourself with people who can help and support you, whether it be friends, family or professionals. Mountains are climbed with small but steady steps, with plenty of time to rest and recharge, and always with the help of a support crew.
a parent. Everything I do, I do with my parenting in mind. I think of my kids and what I want for them. I also want them to see that obstacles and adversity can be overcome and that kindness is key. Of course, I want to help other people face similar challenges. Helping others gives me so much satisfaction and helps me continue to grow, develop, and overcome my adversity. For example, I hosted an event in February that helped raise awareness for mental health struggles. It helped me to give people back to my community and created an opportunity to connect with each other. I will certainly be putting on more of these events for our industry.
Rebecca Bishop, Elite Building Services (Vic) Pty Ltd www.elitebuilding.com.au Back in 2009, I was a pretty outgoing person. I was a wife, a law student, a volunteer, a basketball coach, a step-mum, and a full-time senior paralegal. However, in 2010, I was involved in a car accident that nearly killed me.The accident had the freeway where it took place closed for more than six hours. It took the emergency rescue services 3 1/2 hours to get me out. I was driving a station wagon, and it got wedged under a B-double which drove through the median at high speed and pushed my car across three different lanes of traffic. It was terrifying. I really believed I was going to die. It’s been 12 years, and I still struggle with my injuries. I have PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, and a brain injury. I couldn’t walk after the accident. I lived in a rehab centre for a month. I had to relearn how to walk and had no use of my right arm for a year after my accident. Despite all odds, I learned that I was pregnant just a few months later. Somehow, my baby survived the accident, and he just turned 11 last November.
How Did I Do It? Well, I can tell you one thing - it certainly hasn’t been easy. The road to recovery is always hard, and you never quite know how long it’ll take you. For me, overcoming adversity has meant throwing myself into work. I used my experiences and turned them into strengths. I run a business, completed my law degree, and became an industry leader in the building and construction world. I’ve appeared on television, been to events with hundreds of people, and spoken at events with amazing individuals. I love to help people to break out of their comfort zone, to feel heard and tackle problems faced in my industry. I’m a fierce advocate for mental health, and I do my best to help people where I can. Honestly, overcoming my mental health struggles and adversity is an ongoing battle. I literally just have to take it one day at a time. There are good days and bad days. I’m finally learning that I am not my accident, and I am not my injuries. I am more than that, and the feeling of confidence that I have (when I have it), the feeling of power that I have from constantly striving to do new and exciting things with my life and my career, that’s what pushes me forward. Even more so is the strength and resilience that comes with being APRIL 2022
I have so much left to offer people, and I want to help the world thrive. I know that the mental health space can always benefit from more people speaking up, so I will continue pushing my own boundaries and keep sharing my story. I also want to help create a safe space where women in construction will have an opportunity to thrive. I will also be admitted as a lawyer soon too! I have been quite resistant to treatment in the past, and in 2019 I made a commitment to myself. When I chose to sponsor the Collingwood Football Club players, I knew that I would take the opportunity to really challenge myself and my mental health. I made the most of every opportunity afforded to me as a result of that sponsorship, and I pushed myself well beyond my comfort zone, and this decision, the sponsorship of the CFC, honestly saved my life. I am grateful for every challenge I face and overcome. This has helped me to see what I am capable of and really inspires me to keep going – for me – and for my family. I am so proud of how strong my body and mind can be when I thought it was so weak following the accident. When you have an experience like mine, it’s safe to say that your entire world changes. Everything becomes different, and it’s important to try and reassess how you look at the world. I used to just exist, and to be honest, in some respects, my accident was a positive thing for me. I now mindfully appreciate everything I have in life and have the courage to push forward. It wasn’t the ideal way to get that change in my life (of course), but I’ve made the best out of the situation, and now I appreciate every little thing. That’s my story. That’s how I deal with adversity. I don’t look at how far I have to go. I remember who I am and where I’ve come from.
What advice would you give to a fellow parent business owner facing adversity? My advice to any parent and business owner would be to have an empowering and supportive network around you. Have people in your circle who will listen to you without judgment and help you with the support you need. I guess something I’ve always struggled with is asking for help, so having the confidence to do that is imperative as there is no need to struggle through it alone. I would recommend being part of groups with like-minded people or people who can relate to what you are going through. Business groups, coaching groups, trauma support services groups. A valuable network is so important – not only so that you feel supported, but so that you can support others as well. Helping others is another way that helps me feel good and improves my mental health as well.
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LET’S TALK BUSINESS WITH CLARE
STRAIGHTFORWARD SOLUTIONS AND STRATEGIES
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ello, I’m Clare – your positively creative Problem Solver I’m at my very happiest partnering with business owners like you to strengthen and confidentialy move your business forward. When not working you’ll find me outside, rain or shine running or wild gardening! Clare Morris is the Parents in Business Magazines
“business troubleshooter” answering your questions.
Q I’ve had a conversation about money today- it was a lovely chat in a networking group, but it’s made me think about money/pricing and just how emotional it all can be? Andrea SquiggleSocial A So, is pricing the problem, or how you value what you do, or the way you feel about money?
Most important is being confident in your value proposition (what you promise to deliver to your customers). Make a list, and it’ll grow with your confidence! Value: believe in, benefit, worth, fairness, love, knowledge, quality, respect 1. Show your customers work in progress or how amazing they’ll be after working with you – benefit. 2. Don’t think ‘my customers can’t afford it (you really can’t know this). You’re making their life easier or helping them to make money. 3. Have a forecast/spreadsheet. Your price should be able to financially support you. Is it feasible without working 24/7? 4. Historically, do you have enough time, over deliver, undersell. These are the kinks to iron out as part of your delivery promise. Now think about your pricing again. And remember, there is no perfect price! You can always change it.
Q I’m an accountant, and a few of my clients have left the UK but still have businesses and properties in the UK. They often call to talk about their accountants in the evening. The time difference is becoming a problem with my work/life balance. What solution would you suggest for this? Anonymous A First, I would love to know if these are key clients for you? Do you look forward to working with them? Are they adding value to your business?
If yes to the above, then maybe you could look at just offering one evening a week/fortnight/month for exclusive access to your expertise – and by doing so, implement a new pricing structure that funds a little more freedom when you are enjoying your life/work balance. Or, if it’s no. And leaves you without a main income. Would it be an opportunity to look at your business solutions and re-work them according to the sectors, client types/size etc., that you could enjoy working with at times of the day that are most suitable to you. Both of the answers seem to indicate a good time to reevaluate your financial and personal goals alongside your preferred customer and ways of working. I hope the answers help you see where your enjoyment and energy are most rewarded.
Q I have been in business for over a year. I am finding it hard to make decisions on my own, business visibility and the stress of worrying about money?
Try personalising the relationship with your customer. It could be as simple as how you shop (ethically) or how you get around (electric/active travel). If you take a stand on social issues, showing you, have values that your customers can align with. Join communities/groups that are right for you that give you another voice – but here, you’re talking directly, not into the social media ether.
Anonymous A Straightaway, I would suggest pairing up with a business
If you’re being honest and consistent, it won’t feel forced, too personal, or false. And it should be enjoyable, easy to write/create. If it’s hard work, you may not have the balance quite right.
Stress can cloud every task, thought and decision. It might help to meditate, walk, garden – something you enjoy and can maintain. There are benefits from just 15 minutes a day.
Q My challenge is ramping up the businesses and marketing with no budget and limited time.
friend or joining an online community - that you could talk to regularly and share your experiences. You’re not alone in any of them, I assure you.
I would like to ask more about whether visible is about confidence in your product or yourself? This can be the difference between working on your brand and customer promise or understanding who you are and connecting with people on the same wavelength. Great decision making would also come from working on both of the above. Once you feel calmer, and this will be a combination of alleviating stress and building confidence, it will give a clearer understanding of how to work in the most compatible way for you in terms of business consistency (more regular income and structured ways of working).
Q What are your top tips for reaching more potential clients on social media without overexposing your personal life? Cherie, The Parent Coach A Balance is key for any business. Big corporations
communicate the ‘process’ of work and highlight individuals who are key to a service or product – going the extra mile, making the purchase personal instead of the person. Websites often have insights into teams with their likes, hobbies, pets. Without giving away locations, family, friends etc. Humanising without exposure.
Anonymous A Because of your constraints, time and money, you
need to be smart and targeted with your marketing. You don’t have time to waste on marketing activities that won’t connect. Think about your ideal customer and list as many things as possible about this person. Likes/dislikes and needs. Consider how you can create low time, no cost marketing content to reach that person—things like videos, blogs, photos. Pick one social media platform and spend the time you have developing an audience there. Always think about the customer with anything you post. This platform is about them, not you. Spend time on your chosen platform talking to your customer, give so much value in your content they look forward to hearing from you. You can cut through the noise, but you need to make sure you are a voice your customer wants to hear from. Shona Chambaers, a Marketing Consultant, answered this question
“Clare has been the breath of fresh air that we so desperately needed! Always a pleasure to speak to and immediately able to offer such practical and creative advice.”
I am ready to answer your questions, which can be anything business-related, but don’t restrict the situations to just inside work. If they are affecting your life-work balance, I would love to address these. Click here to send your questions to me or email Info@parentsinbiz.co.uk Connect with Clare www.cmresource.co.uk APRIL 2022
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Parents in Business Directory Joy Foster TechPixies
Salihah Agbaje Spoken World Productions
Bhavini Lakhani B81 Designs
TechPixies is an award-winning CPD accredited online learning platform with a social mission to help women leverage the power of modern technology (Social Media, WordPress and MailChimp) to improve women’s access to employment or help them to start a business.
Spoken World Productions are a Theatre in Education organisation operating across London and the globe (virtually!) to bring fun, educational and enriching Drama lessons to primary aged children.
Bhavini is a Milton Keynes-based graphic designer with a shed-load of passion and the experience to match. She has been a print-focused graphic designer for over 14 years, working in-house and for agencies before breaking free and setting up B81 Designs in 2011.
www.techpixies.com
Their sessions are designed to work in line with all subjects and can be tailored to the individual curriculum. So if you are a school teacher, home educator, enrichment officer or parent seeking a drama package for your child to enjoy, they can help.
Bhavini loves working with clients of all shapes and sizes, from Barclaycard and British Gas to business-to-business start-ups. www.b81designs.com
www.spokenworldproductions.com
Patience Modevi Otentikcare Patience created Otentikcare as a wellness hub for women because she believes that wellbeing should be an everyday practice and that even the smallest things in life can bring calm, comfort and care. With this in mind, she shares the mindful products and practices that have revolutionised her own well-being in her online space. She stocks authentic, sustainable products for mind, body and soul wellness, with a particular focus on products for ladies over 40 who are conscious of their wellbeing. www.otentikcare.co.uk
Beverley Bispham - Luvlybubbly Craft Parties Luvlybubbly Craft Parties organise kid’s craft parties for children, where young passions for fashion are born. They strive to inspire the youngest minds of our generation with creative and fun craft parties. They are based in North North East London and organise kid’s craft parties all around London and surrounding areas– including Kent, Essex, Herefordshire and parts of Sussex. www.luvlybubbly.co.uk
Georgina Fihosy AfroTouch Design Afrotouch Design is an unapologetically Afrocentric brand that produces personal stationery items that showcase West African designs uniquely and memorably. Each product is based on and designed with a touch of West African print fabric. The vibrant colours and unique designs allow our customers to connect with the beauty. Many potential customers struggle to find stationery and gift items that reflect their culture, so AfroTouch Design exists to fill this space within this industry. www.afrotouch.design
You can find these businesses and more on our online directory Michelle Molyneux MJM Virtual Solutions
Louise Worsley Worsley Training
Nadene Martin Format Services Limited
Your everyday virtual admin solution provides personal assistant support to conquer general admin tasks, so consultants and small businesses can focus on growing their business. They offer a range of flexible packages to suit your needs, drawing on our expertise in education, Health and Social Care, GDPR and proofreading to name a few.
Louise has over fifteen years of hands-on First Aid experience, both as a global expedition leader and as a parent. She draws from this to bring First Aid to life for participants, providing practical training grounded in realistic examples of how the techniques could be used. Louise is qualified through and regulated by Rescue Emergency Care, Nuco Training and ProTrainings.
Format Services is a Virtual Assistant Company taking care of all of your administration needs. Offer various services which can support you to grow your business, and you can view them further in the Services section. There are many benefits of outsourcing your administration, which you can discuss further as every business is unique.
www.mjmvirtualsolutions.com
Julie Hawkins – Single Mums in Business Network The primary objective of the SMBN is to help you gain exposure to your business. They concentrate on driving traffic to their member’s pages so that you are seen. The secondary objective is to reduce stigma and dispel misconceptions that single mums are work shy. It is the passion of founder Julie Hawkins to raise awareness of the real issue is that work is not in sync with school and wages are not in sync with inflation. www.singlemumsbusinessnetwork. com
www.worsleytraining.co.uk
www.formatservices.co.uk
JOIN THE DIRECTORY The Parents in Business Directory is here to help you! Featuring your business with us will boost your visibility levels. We will ensure that your business, and more importantly, what you offer, is seen by the RIGHT people. www.parentsinbiz.co.uk/join-the-parentsin-business-directory/
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