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platinum THE LARGEST CIRCULATION BUSINESS PUBLICATION IN THE SOUTH EAST ISSUE 148

TWENTY YEARS OF BUSINESS SOUTH

MOTORING Audi SQ5

LEGAL DISPUTES OVER AI

TRAVEL A trip through Pakistan

ANGELS’ DEN HIRING RIGHT THE FIRST TIME 2026 – A GAME OF TWO HALVES

THE BIG STORY

MARTIN LEWIS

THE MONEY SAVING EXPERT

B E S T

O F

B R I T I S H

E V E N T S

P R E S E N T S

SPONSORED BY

E V E N T S

15:44

P R E S E N T S

48 Property News Irwin Mitchell discusses the desire for a ‘destination’ office

EVENTS

10 The Platinum Club Still going strong after 16 years, the latest gathering took places at Watches of Switzerland in Brighton 18 Surrey Business Awards Judging is underway and tickets are on sale for this prestigious 2026 event 26 Business South Highlights from a gala evening celebrating 20 years of Business South 34 Angels’ Den The real life business charity event returns to Sussex in November 42 Alex Bailey book launch The Co-Founder of Bailey & French launched her new book, ‘Rapid Reculturing’ at an event at Waterstones

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16 Mayo Wynne Baxter The benefits of a Private Finance Dispute Resolution in divorce cases

42 44 Brighton & Hove Business Awards Tickets are also on sale for the city’s premier business awards night, taking place in October 50 Sussex Business Awards The prestigious Sussex Business Awards are also open for entries. Get involved!

BUSINESS

12 Gatwick Airport Gatwick’s ongoing investment in the future 20 Omny HR Hiring right the first time 22 Nescot Surrey students learn about construction work and property development 23 BDO South East mid-market continues to grow despite headwinds

46 Partridge, Muir & Warren A game of two halves – how 2026 is shaping up for investors

FINANCE

14 Kreston Reeves Helping business owners and finance leaders navigate change with confidence 30 Southover Wealth Why bonds are back in the spotlight, and what it means for investors

TRAVEL

54 A trip through Pakistan Barry Hoffner reports from this extraordinary country

MOTORING

58 Audi SQ5 “All in all, a very handsome SUV.” And that’s before Maarten Hoffmann talks about what’s under the bonnet

24 Mattioli Woods How do British people deal with inheritance issues? 52 Cleankill Long-standing Managing Director, Paul Bates, has retired

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit. Platinum Business Magazine is owned and published by Platinum Media Group Limited.

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Family Law Specialists Call us on 0800 84 94 101 Offices across the South East

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WELCOME

Welcome to the August issue of your favourite business magazine, and evidence shows us that over half of you will be reading this on a sun bed somewhere in the world while we slave away producing your content. This month we are packed with great articles, fascinating stories and business advice from many experts across the South East. Such as our big story featuring money saving expert, Martin Lewis; we celebrate 20 years of Business South - the business organisation that does such stellar work promoting the Central South region of the UK; DMH Stallard look at the first of many disputes over AI; the Focus Foundation launch Angels’ Den – and so much more. Some great business events are on the horizon with the 22nd year of the Brighton & Hove Business Awards on October 1st, the Surrey Business Awards on November 19th, and the 38th year of the Sussex Business Awards on December 3rd. Brighton and Surrey are now closed for entries and ticket sales are open, and Sussex is open for entries – so hurry up and enter. If you don’t believe winning an award will radically change your business, speak to the hundreds who have won and they will certainly change your mind. And Dynamic Magazine for women in business is inside. Enjoy this issue, enjoy the sun, enjoy your vacation and hurry back to work – we miss you.

The Platinum Team

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CONTACTS PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk EVENTS DIRECTOR: Fiona Graves fiona@platinummediagroup.co.uk COMMERCIAL MANAGER: Imogen Hunt imogen@platinummediagroup.co.uk TR AVEL EDITOR: Tess de Klerk tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk PL ATINUM MOTORING EDITOR: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk DYNAMIC MOTORING EDITOR: Fiona Shafer fionas@platinummediagroup.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN / SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk

W W W.PL ATINUMME DIAGROUP.CO.UK

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NEWS SHELL PROFITS UP Shell’s profits for the second quarter of the year have more than doubled after the war in Iran pushed up oil prices. The company profits of $9.84bn for the April-to-June period, up from $4.26bn at the same point last year. The price of crude has risen since the outbreak of hostilities due to major disruption to global supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz. But energy prices have also seen sharp swings during the conflict, boosting Shell’s trading business.

PM CONCERN AT VIRTUAL JOB INTERVIEWS Bosses should not rely so heavily on virtual job interviews when hiring, as they don’t capture candidates’ personality and passion, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said. “One thing I really don’t like is this culture of interviewing via Zoom or Teams. How does a young person shine in that situation?” With over one million 16-25-year-olds not in work or education, and vacancies

at a five-year low, firms are increasingly turning to AI to sift through applications and choosing online interviews over in-person ones. Some young people have said the experience of applying for hundreds of jobs and never hearing back is “robotic and brutal”. It comes as some 89% of UK recruiters say they are planning to use more AI in the hiring process, according to LinkedIn.

NATIONAL NEWS UK BORROWS LESS THAN EXPECTED The government borrowed slightly less than expected in June, the ONS has said. Borrowing - the difference between spending and income from taxes - was £16bn, about £7.9bn lower than a year earlier, although analysts said challenges remained over the UK’s public finances. Other data showed the unemployment rate was unchanged, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) saying the labour market was “relatively steady”. Borrowing for June was slightly below the £16.3bn that had been predicted by the government’s official forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said June’s figure was “a rare piece of good news” for the new prime minister and his new Chancellor, John Healey.

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SAINSURY’S SELLS OFF ARGOS Sainsbury’s has agreed to sell Argos for £120m after a long process of trying to oﬄoad it as the supermarket chain aims to focus on its main food business. Sainsbury’s said it would be “business as usual” for Argos customers, staff, and suppliers. Shoppers will see no change as Argos will still operate in Sainsbury’s shops, sell Habitat products, and

offer Nectar points. The buyer, Swift Partners, is a company that has been created to buy the brand and includes former Co-operative Group boss Richard Pennycook. Founded in 1973, Argos opened shops where customers browsed its catalogues and placed their orders, with products being delivered to tills from warehouses connected to the stores.

❛❛Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.❜❜ Democritus CARMAKERS DELAY UK INVESTMENT

Carmakers are delaying final decisions to invest in UK factories until electric car sales rules are relaxed, according to the head of the British car industry’s lobby group. The chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Mike Hawes, said those with existing UK operations were considering building new models, but had held back so far. The British

car industry has put pressure on the government to weaken the zero-emission vehicle mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell an increasing share of electric cars each year until 2030. Jonathan Reynolds, who has returned to the role of business secretary under Andy Burnham, has indicated that the government is likely to water down the mandate.

NEWS GREGGS SALES UP IN HEATWAVE Iced matcha lattes and a bigger range of salads and chicken rolls helped Greggs to boost its sales during the summer heatwaves, as the bakery said it was adapting to the UK’s increasingly hot summers. Total sales at Britain’s biggest fast food business rose to £1.1bn for the first six months of the year, 7.2% higher than the same period a year earlier.

The rise in sales was largely due to additional stores, as the chain opened 34 new sites on a net basis, bringing the total number of Greggs outlets across the country to 2,773. The company said this year’s new shops had been performing well so far, attributing this to its “disciplined focus on high-quality locations”.

HEATHROW PASSENGERS FACE HIGHER CHARGES

BOSS WINS TRIBUNAL AFTER AGEISM SACKING

Heathrow passengers face decades of higher fares after the regulator overrode airline objections to allow the airport to charge for planning work to build its proposed third runway. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it had permitted Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) to recover early costs of up to £320m spent on developing its expansion plan since 2025. The money spent on planning will be recouped through higher charges to airlines, which are typically passed on to passengers in air fares, for about 20 to 25 years. Current charges are about £26.22 a passenger. The CAA said its decision would increase the maximum airport charge per passenger by about 15p in 2028, rising to an estimated 30p in subsequent years.

The former boss of the country’s largest estate agency was unfairly sacked because of his age after the Skipton Building Society took over Connells, a tribunal has ruled. In a ruling handed down at the Bury St Edmunds employment tribunal, the panel said it was “satisfied” that Stuart Haire, the building society’s boss, had “made the decision” to remove David Livesey, 67, “from the day-to-day running of the business”. The tribunal went on to find that Skipton bosses unlawfully eased him out. In its ruling, the tribunal accepted that senior managers told Livesey that they wanted him to “go now straight away, or words to that effect, and that he was advised not to attend any further meetings”.

LLOYDS INVESTS IN DIGITAL SERVICES Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to invest more than £13bn on a range of initiatives aimed at improving its digital services. The bank revealed its strategy alongside its half-year results, which showed statutory profit before tax up 23% to £4.3 billion and ahead of expectations. Lloyds said its business plan would make “money simpler, safer and more connected” for its 28m customers and would involve developing a ‘smart wallet’ using the technology it acquired through the takeover of Curve, a mobile app that provides a digital wallet for multiple debit and credit cards. The bank’s net interest income also rose by 9% to £7.3bn, helping lift total net income by 9% to £9.7bn.

❛❛All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware. ❜❜ Martin Buber, Austrian philosopher

BANK OF ENGLAND KEEPS RATES UNCHANGED FOR FIFTH MONTH The Bank of England has kept interest rates at 3.75% for the fifth month in a row.

or lower the Bank of England interest rate - something which affects, among other things, the cost of mortgages.

However, Interest rates may need to increase this year to keep rising prices under control, according to the Bank of England’s chief economist. Huw Pill, who is from Cardiff, told the Walescast podcast that the “speed limit at which you can run the economy is a bit lower than it’s been in the past”. Pill is a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), and one of only nine people who decide whether to raise

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NEWS LANDSEC ADDS £145M TO GUNWHARF QUAYS ECONOMY Real estate investor Landsec has published a report showing that its Portsmouth retail destination, Gunwharf Quays, put £145m into the local economy and supported more than 2,700 jobs in 2025.

Gunwharf Quays also provided approximately £580,000 in social

value in 2025 through investment in local communities and employment initiatives, including bursaries, community grants, volunteering and partnerships. Its retail line-up was bolstered by new arrivals including HOKA, Piglet in Bed and Oliver Bonas as plans progress to transform the harbour-facing waterfront area – part of a wider £45m investment project.

The company said it helped a further 168 people move closer to employment through initiatives such as employability partnerships and work placements.

B LOCAL BRIGHTON LAUNCHES

LOCAL NEWS ❛❛ Our scientific power has outrun our

spiritual power. We have guided missiles and unguided men. ❜❜ Dr Martin Luther King Jr

‘WE ARE POMPEY’ PLEDGE FOR CITY OF CULTURE 2029 Ten Portsmouth businesses have become the first to make the Proper Pompey Pledge, backing the city’s campaign to become UK City of Culture 2029. Led by We Are Pompey 2029, the initiative invites organisations to make a formal commitment to the bid and support its ambition to develop and deliver an accessible and inclusive cultural programme for the city. The businesses join partners University of Portsmouth, Victorious Festival, Portsmouth City Council, Delivered Social and Danger Danger to back Portsmouth’s bid.

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A new campaign is calling on businesses in Sussex to join a growing community of purpose-driven companies. B Local Brighton, a volunteer-led network supporting certified B Corporations (B Corps) and other responsible businesses across Brighton, Hove and Sussex, is encouraging greater participation from the region’s B Corp community. According to B Lab UK, the nonprofit behind the B Corp certification, there are currently around 90 certified B Corps in East and West Sussex— but only about half are active in the free-to-join network. Demi Heath, co-chair of B Local Brighton, said: “The new standards are a significant shift. Being part of a local group means they can work through the changes with people facing similar challenges.”

B Local co-chairs Greta Leipute, Demi Heath, Alex Hankinson, Ariela Schnitman

CHICHESTER UNI WINS GREEN AWARD

The University of Chichester has been named Green Busi ness of the Year at the 2026 Sussex Chamber Business Awards, recognising its commitment to sustainability. The award was presented at a ceremony in Brighton, hosted by Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell, with Lucy Ferre, Energy and Carbon Manager and Emily Shepherd, Environ mental and Sustainable Develop ment Coordinator, receiving the award on behalf of the University. The accolade celebrates the University’s approach to sustain ability, which combines ambitious environmental targets with prac tical action across its campuses.

NEWS MUSEUM CELEBRATES 35 YEARS Brighton Toy and Model Museum welcomed friends, supporters and members of the local community for a special celebration beneath Brighton Station. The event marked the official opening of the museum’s new frontage, unveiled by its Honorary Patron, Lady Judy McAlpine. President of the National Transport Trust and Patron of the Railway Heritage Trust, Lady Judy shares her late husband Sir William

McAlpine’s passion for preserving Britain’s railway and mechanical heritage. The new entrance allows passers-by to see inside the museum and forms an important part of the wider regeneration of the Trafalgar Street underpass. The project has transformed a previously overlooked gateway to North Laine into a brighter and more welcoming space for residents, visitors and people using Brighton Station.

WATER BOSS ACKNOWLEDGES ONGOING CHALLENGES The new boss of South East Water (SEW) says he faces a “huge challenge” in improving both its performance and reputation. John Halsall has taken over running the heavily criticised water company from former chief executive David Hinton, who resigned in May.

outbreak of cryptosporidium the same year, which affected thousands in Devon. He said of his mission to overhaul SEW: “Our job is to deliver water to our customers 24/7, 365, and we’re not doing that, for which I’m sorry.”

Halsall stepped down as COO for South West Water in 2024. The company was fined almost £2m following an

Halsall’s arrival comes as SEW remains under fire for repeated supply failures in Kent and Sussex, all the while grappling with major infrastructure issues.

❛❛ In democracy, the educated and the uneducated

hold the same voting power. When knowledge and ignorance carry equal weight, spectacle defeats reason, popularity replaces wisdom, and loud emotions outweigh hard truths. ❜❜ Socrates

SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW BUSINESS EVENT ANNOUNCED

A maritime-themed lunch will bring together business leaders to explore the connections between sailing and business success. The event, organised by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, will take place on September 18th, at the Novotel Southampton. It will coincide with the opening day of the Southampton International Boat Show. Ross McNally, chief executive of Hampshire Chamber, said: “Our Southampton Boat Show lunch is the signature social occasion on our business calendar, always eagerly anticipated. “It’s also the only dedicated business networking event at the show itself. This year we look forward to welcoming members and guests for what promises to be a fascinating presentation from Paul.”

BOGNOR FIRMS SUPPORT CHILDREN’S READING INITIATIVE A child’s love of reading is at the heart of a new community initiative. Children Reading for Life is being funded by a group of small businesses in the Arun district to deliver its family reading programme in Bognor Regis, thanks to a collective sponsorship scheme. Around 20 small businesses raised £1,500, enough to support two school terms of reading support for one family. The programme offers weekly one-to-one sessions, storytelling, library visits and books to keep, all designed to help families develop a love of reading together. Polly Atkinson, founder of Children Reading for Life, said: “This is exactly what Children Reading for Life is about, bringing communities together to support families in a meaningful and lasting way.”

PRIDE BRINGS MILLIONS IN REVENUE TO CITY Brighton Pride took place across the city on the first weekend of August, with an estimated 300,000 visitors travelling to the city to join in the revelry. The event brings in an estimated £30m to the local economy, with hotels, restaurants and AirBnBs reporting a surge in bookings. According to the Argus, there is an additional ‘regional ripple effect’ with independent

economic impact assessments showing an additional £5 million being generated for businesses in the wider Sussex region due to supply chain multiplier effects. The Brighton Pride organisation also makes around £1.5m in charitable donations to appropriate LGBT causes locally. However, some activists criticise the event, one of the largest in the UK, as ‘too commercial.’

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EVENTS

Donna Holland, (CEO, Rockinghorse); Maarten Hoffmann, (Managing Director, Platinum Media Group )

Alice Dewar-Mills, (Commercial Director, Looking Glass Solutions); Rob Reaks, (Consultant, Carnegie Group); Terry Bower, (CoFounder, Inside Stories)

Rupert Graham-Evans, (Partner, Blake Morgan); Nadia Cowdrey, (Partner, DMH Stallard); Stewart Payne, (Private Banking Manager, Handelsbanken); Liam Mulvee, (Jonathan Lea Network)

★★★★★ THE PLATINUM CLUB IS A ❛❛REALLY WELL ORGANISED

NETWORKING GROUP, WITH THE HOSTS HELPING TO FACILITATE TO ENSURE WE ALWAYS MAKE USEFUL NEW CONTACTS AT EACH EVENT LLOYDS BANK

❜❜ Rebecca Geer, (Mortgage Adviser, Oakdene Mortgages); Gemma Wall, (Partner, Galloways Accounting); Alex Bailey, (CEO, Bailey & French)

WWW.PLATINUMMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK 10

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EVENTS

David Sheppard, (Director, D-RisQ); John O’Connor, (Showroom Director, Watches of Switzerland); Rupert Graham-Evans, (Partner, Blake Morgan)

★★★★★ ALL BUSINESS IS BASED ON RELATIONSHIPS, AND PLATINUM GIVES YOU THE ❛❛ PLATFORM TO CREATE THE MEANINGFUL HUMAN CONNECTIONS THAT MATTER ❜❜ BAILEY & FRENCH VENUE: Watches of Switzerland, Brighton DATE: July 24th 2026 We meet once per month, excluding August. If you would like to attend an event, please get in touch: info@platinummediagroup.co.uk As annual membership isn’t required, we look forward to welcoming you to the most effective, enjoyable and lively networking group in the South

★★★★★ WE SEE THE PLATINUM CLUB AS AN IMPORTANT AND INTEGRAL PART OF OUR BRAND ❛❛AWARENESS STRATEGY, THROUGH INTERACTIONS WITH WELL CONNECTED BUSINESS PEOPLE AND OTHER INFLUENCERS. IT IS WELCOMING AND GREAT FUN TOO! ❜❜ MATTIOLI WOODS

Des Henderson, (Account Director, Jensten Insurance Brokers); Susannah Atherton, (Managing Director, The English Soap Company); Jen Melbert, (Co-Founder, Growth Animals); Tom Walker, (Business Development Manager, NatWest); Paul Melbert, (Founder, Melbert Creative)

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BUSINESS

Looking beyond today: Gatwick’s ongoing investment in the future London Gatwick’s impact extends far beyond connecting passengers with destinations. Whether that’s by championing regional growth through its Airport Economic Zone (AEZ), investing in local communities through the London Gatwick Community Fund, or pioneering new technologies such as robot parking and Smart Stand operations, the airport continues to look beyond day-to-day operations, investing in the future of the South East and aviation itself.

Supporting a shared vision for regional growth

In 2025, London Gatwick launched the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone, bringing together partners from across the public and private sectors to promote inward investment, international trade and the visitor economy. Covering a region that contributes £165bn annually to the UK economy, the initiative is designed to help the region speak with a stronger, unified voice. The latest milestone in this journey came last month with the launch of the Interim Strategic Advisory Board (ISAB), which brings together senior representatives from business, government and academia to guide the AEZ

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through its next phase of development. Co-chaired by Julie Kapsalis, MBE, and London Gatwick’s Economic and Com-

The Gatwick Region ❛❛ Airport Economic Zone has now reached an important phase of development ahead of full delivery. ❜❜ munity Partnerships Manager, Richard Lennard, the board will help shape future governance arrangements while maintaining momentum behind a range of regional growth initiatives. Members

include representatives from the British Chambers of Commerce, Office for Investment, University of Brighton, local authorities and wider regional stakeholders. Reflecting on the significance of the ISAB’s launch, Richard Lennard said: “The Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone has now reached an important phase of development ahead of full delivery. “To support this work, we are really pleased to have appointed representatives to the Interim Strategic Advisory Board who bring a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors.

BUSINESS

“Coordinated partnership working is key to successfully promoting our region and, importantly, to maximising the opportunities presented by London Gatwick’s global connectivity and our future growth plans”. While the board itself is new, the ambition behind it is not. The AEZ has been developed over several years to create a stronger, more unified voice for the region, helping partners collaborate across traditional geographic boundaries and maximise the economic potential of the South East. Earlier this year, we saw this proposition in practice as the AEZ attended the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum with its largest-ever delegation – bringing together 60 delegates from 28 partner organisations. Through the AEZ, the South East showcased its rich and diverse investment opportunities on a national stage and demonstrated the power of a coordinated regional approach. Economic growth, however, is only one part of the story. Earlier this summer, London Gatwick announced the launch of the new London Gatwick Community Fund, which will succeed the Gatwick Airport Community Trust (GACT) following the trust’s more than 20 years of community investment. During that time, GACT supported hundreds of local projects, awarding more than £590,000 through over 320 grants in recent years alone. From sensory gardens and inclusive play spaces to boxing clubs, sports facilities and programmes supporting vulnerable groups, GACT has helped fund projects that make a tangible difference to local communities. The new London Gatwick Community Fund builds on that legacy through a refreshed funding approach that delivers dedicated funding streams for Surrey, Sussex and Kent. While the structure may be evolving, the commitment remains unchanged: supporting local organisations that improve wellbeing, create opportunities and strengthen communities across the region.

Leading the way on innovation London Gatwick continues to invest in new technology, pioneering innovations designed to improve both airport operations and the passenger experience. One of the most visible examples is the installation of robot parking in partnership with Stanley Robotics. Now operating at London Gatwick, the service makes the airport the first in the UK – and only the second globally – to offer fully autonomous robotic valet parking. Designed to maximise ease for passengers, the service completely removes the time spent finding a parking space while making more efficient use of the airport’s parking capacity. Passengers simply leave their vehicle in a dedicated cabin, keep their keys throughout their trip and leave the rest to the robots.

London Gatwick is pioneering Smart Stand technology – a first-of-its-kind system that is transforming how aircraft are prepared for departure. The technology is now operating across nine aircraft stands and has already supported thousands of flights. Smart Stand enables key aircraft servicing activities to be coordinated remotely from a central control room, helping improve punctuality and operational resilience at the world’s most efficient single-runway airport. It also reduces manual effort and uses automation to enhance real-time decision-making throughout the turnaround. Initially developed as an innovation trial, Smart Stand has now become a practical operational tool, positioning London Gatwick at the forefront of airport innovation.

The installation of robot parking typifies London Gatwick’s ongoing commitment to identifying and helping to pave the way for the delivery of innovative solutions that improve the passenger experience. Innovation is also helping drive effi ciency behind the scenes.

www.gatwickairport.com

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FINANCE

By Mike Dyer, Business Advisory and Taxation Partner, and Jennifer Williamson, Accounts, Tax and Outsourcing Partner, Kreston Reeves

Helping business owners and finance leaders navigate change with confidence More than ever, businesses are having to make decisions against a backdrop of changing tax legislation, evolving accounting standards and continued economic uncertainty. These issues came into sharp focus in July when we held two Finance Focus webinars, one for finance directors and their teams and the other for business owners, and our experts shared insights into the legislative, financial and commercial changes shaping decision-making today. While each webinar was tailored to a different audience, common themes

emerged: early planning, informed decision-making and joined-up advice are more valuable than ever.

ing. Relatively few business owners appear to be actively preparing for sale or succession.

PLANNING AHEAD Finance Focus for Business Owners opened with its own poll which set the tone for the morning: 42% of attendees described their business as established and stable, and a further 37% as grow-

From April 6th 2026, the rules around Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) changed materially. 100% relief is now capped at £2.5 million per individual (transferable between spouses), with 50% relief above that threshold. AIM shares fare worse, with Inheritance Tax (IHT) relief cut to 50% and with no equivalent allowance.

While each webinar was ❛❛ tailored to a different audience, common themes emerged ❜❜

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Pensions add a further layer of ur-

FINANCE

gency. Currently outside the scope of IHT, pension funds will be drawn into the IHT net from April 2027. Our wealth planning team urged attendees to revisit their expression of wishes now, warning that some existing arrangements, spousal bypass trusts being just one example, will themselves become liable to inheritance tax under the new rules.

On audit, audit quality remains firmly in regulators’ sights. New standards on fraud and going concern mean auditors are asking more detailed questions earlier, particularly about cash flow forecasting and downside scenarios. Businesses with well-structured digital data are best placed to benefit as AI and data analytics reshape how audits are delivered.

The advice was consistent throughout: know what your lifestyle actually costs to fund and build a plan around that figure. Keep wills and powers of attorney up to date, lean on our joined-up advisory team spanning tax, legal, and wealth planning, and revisit your plan regularly.

Internationally, the widening of transfer pricing rules and a mandatory shift to territorial taxation of permanent establishments from 2027 all add to the compliance burden. A section on financial risk management captured most attention, setting out the red flags finance leaders should watch for - declining dividend reserves, mounting tax liabilities, over-reliance on short-term borrowing - and the discipline of monitoring and documented decision-making that should follow.

The advice was consistent ❛❛ throughout: know what your

lifestyle actually costs to fund and build a plan around that figure. ❜❜ For owners weighing succession, sale or simply protecting what they’ve built, the message was equally clear: act on the current rules now because the window for planning under them is closing. SUPPORTING FINANCE DIRECTORS THROUGH INCREASING COMPLEXITY Corporate tax rates may have remained stable, but Finance Focus for Finance Directors made clear that stability at a headline level masks growing complexity underneath. Quarterly Instalment Payments (QIPs) are catching fast-growing groups out earlier than expected: one case study showed a group, with one company tripping the QIPs threshold, resulting in three tax payments landing in a single year and materially affecting cash flow. Materially higher HMRC late-payment interest rates raise the cost of getting the timing of tax payments wrong.

SCAN THE QR CODES TO WATCH THE RECORDINGS ON DEMAND Finance Focus for Directors webinar

Finance Focus for Business Owners webinar

A COMMON MESSAGE Although the audiences differed, both our sessions reinforced the same message: businesses that review their position regularly, seek advice early and understand the changing regulatory landscape are best placed to protect value and seize new opportunities. Whether the priority is succession planning, tax structuring or audit readiness, the businesses best placed to act are those already having these conversations early and well before a deadline forces the issue. Our Finance Focus webinars for business owners and finance directors are part of an ongoing series of events and content designed to navigate an ever-changing economic and political landscape.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact Mike Dyer, Business Advisory and Taxation Partner or Jennifer Williamson, Accounts, Tax and Outsourcing Partner: Call: +44 (0)33 0124 1399 Email: enquiries@krestonreeves.com Visit: www.krestonreeves.com

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LEGAL

Tina Ripley, Associate Solicitor, Mayo Wynne Baxter

The benefits of a Private Financial Dispute Resolution in divorce cases If the parties cannot reach a financial agreement regarding the breakdown of a marriage, financial remedy proceedings may be brought in court. Generally, there will be three hearings – a First Directions Appointment Hearing (FDA), a Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing (FDR) and a Final Hearing. FIRST DIRECTIONS APPOINTMENT HEARING (FDA) The First Directions Appointment Hearing is a short directions hearing with four main purposes:

outcomes. All discussions at the FDR are without prejudice, meaning they cannot be referred to later, which allows for open negotiation. The court expects both parties to be reasonable and to try to reach an agreement. The parties must attend court an hour before the FDR, which provides time for discussions. If issues remain unre-

(and any experts) give oral evidence, and the Judge makes a final decision. Because the FDR Judge has seen the parties’ without prejudice proposals, they will not deal with the Final Hearing unless a second FDR is required or a Financial Remedy Order needs to be approved. PRIVATE FINANCIAL DISPUTE

If the parties cannot reach a RESOLUTION HEARING (pFDR) ❛❛ private FDR is an alternative to a financial agreement regarding Acourt-based FDR. This is a volunthe breakdown of a marriage, tary, out-of-court process in which 1. To identify the key issues. The both parties jointly instruct a senior financial remedy proceedings Counsel or retired Judge to review Judge will review the documents and decide which questions still financial information and may be brought in court. ❜❜ the need to be answered. provide an informed, neutral view 2. To give directions on valuing assets and obtaining any further evidence needed for the case. 3. To set a timetable for Replies to Questionnaires, valuations and any other necessary steps. 4. To list the case for a Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing. FINANCIAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION HEARING (FDR) The second hearing, the Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing, is a negotiation Hearing. Before the FDR, both parties are expected to have carefully considered their positions, exchanged realistic settlement proposals, and understood the likely range of

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solved, the Judge will give a nonbinding indication of what they might order at a Final Hearing. This guidance helps the parties understand how the court is likely to approach the case. If an agreement is reached at the FDR, a Financial Remedy Order will be drafted and signed at court. Once approved (provided a Conditional Order of Divorce is in place), it becomes a final and binding settlement of all financial claims. Both parties then take steps to implement the Order. FINAL HEARING If no agreement is reached at the FDR, the Judge will set directions for the remainder of the case and list it for a Final Hearing. At that stage, both parties

on what a fair settlement is likely to look like. A pFDR operates in a very similar way to the court-based FDR stage. Advantages of a pFDR: 1. Speed and avoidance of court delays The family courts are currently under significant strain, and listed Hearings, particularly FDRs (which are usually listed for one day), are frequently adjourned or delayed. A pFDR allows the parties to set a date of their choosing, often within weeks rather than months, avoiding the risk of lastminute cancellation by the court. The benefit is that it helps to keep the momentum of negotiations and reduces the emotional and financial stress of prolonged proceedings.

LEGAL

The government’s consultation on this is open ❛❛ until July 8th 2026, and the new rules are expected to come into force in 2027 ❜❜

2. A dedicated Judge for the entire day Unlike a court-based FDR, where the Judge may only have limited time due to a busy list, a pFDR Judge (usually a senior Counsel or retired Judge) dedicates the entire day to the case. The benefit is that there can be full and careful consideration of your position, papers and proposals and an opportunity for multiple rounds of negotiation throughout the day. 3. Greater judicial expertise pFDR Judges are usually senior Counsel or retired Judges with extensive

A pFDR tends to be ❛❛ less adversarial and more settlement-focused than the court setting. ❜❜

experience in financial remedy matters. The parties can choose the Judge. The benefit is that the parties receive a highquality, focused indication from someone who has deep expertise in the relevant financial issues.

6. Cost savings While there is an upfront cost for the private Judge’s fee, this is often shared between the parties and is usually far less than the cost of progressing to a Final Hearing.

4. Increased likelihood of settlement Because of the time, focus and quality of the indication, settlement rates in pFDRs are significantly higher than in court-based FDRs. The parties can potentially avoid a contested Final Hearing, with considerable savings in legal costs and greater finality for both parties, much earlier in the process.

7. More constructive atmosphere A pFDR tends to be less adversarial and more settlement-focused than the court setting.

5. Flexibility in format and venue The parties can choose the date, the private Judge and a convenient venue, often at Counsel’s chambers or Solicitor’s office. This flexibility allows for a more relaxed and productive negotiation environment, rather than the court’s more rigid structure.

If you need any assistance with a Family Law matter, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced Family Team at Mayo Wynne Baxter on 0800 84 94 101. Our specialist team can advise you on the best ways to resolve matters. tripley@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

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SURREY

2026

BUSINESS AWA R D S

STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT WHERE SURREY’S LEADING BUSINESSES ARE RECOGNISED

Judging underway for the Surrey Business Awards 2026 The stage is set. Entries for the Surrey Business Awards 2026 have officially closed - and it’s been a truly record-breaking year. An outstanding and diverse group of businesses from across the region have stepped forward, each demonstrating the ambition, innovation and resilience that define Surrey’s thriving business community. From pioneering start-ups to established industry leaders, this year’s entrants represent the very best in leadership, growth and impact. Now, the spotlight turns to our esteemed judging panel. Comprising respected business leaders and industry experts, the panel has begun the rigorous process of reviewing every submission in detail.

Beyond commercial success, judges are looking for the powerful stories behind the numbers – the vision, determination and influence that set exceptional organisations apart. Finalists will be revealed in next month’s issue - a moment that will celebrate the businesses who have risen to the top and earned their place among the region’s elite. Winners will then be announced at a spectacular gala ceremony on November 19th at G Live in Guildford. This prestigious evening brings together influential leaders and decision-makers from across the region for an unforgettable night of recognition, celebration and connection.

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BUSINESS FINANCE

James Houston, Talent Acquisition, Omny HR

Hiring right the fir Incoming changes to the Employment Rights Act (ERA) and the introduction of the six-month unfair dismissal protection rule will impact businesses sooner than they think. So, what do business leaders need to know? THE NEW SIX-MONTH RULE Until now, employees generally needed two years’ continuous service to claim ordinary unfair dismissal. Once new ERA provisions are enforced from January 2027, employees will qualify for unfair dismissal protection after just six months’ service. Backdated, this includes workers whose continuous service began after July 1st 2026, as well as existing employees with at least six months’ service.

There is a common ❛❛misconception that probation periods protect businesses. ❜❜

Most HR professionals are abreast of the new rules and consider them when hiring. Yet many line managers still view hiring as ﬁlling a gap quickly, unaware of the jeopardy attached to recruiting the wrong person. With less time to assess whether a new hire is working out and without robust recruitment and management processes in place, businesses risk heavy costs and HR challenges.

20 24

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HOW WILL THIS AFFECT BUSINESSES? Many employers use three-to-sixmonth probation periods as the primary assessment tool to highlight issues and manage challenges over time. Under the new rules, this timeline needs

to be shortened, and fair process and decision-making become important much earlier. This calls for more intensive hiring, onboarding and performance management procedures. Businesses must shift their mindset from “We’ll see how they get on and address

BUSINESS FINANCE

is limited to one year of gross salary up to £123,543. HMRC data shows that in the 2025-26 tax year, 840,000 Britons earned more than £123,543, meaning employers could face larger tribunal claims from high earners.

rst time problems later” to “Let’s reduce issues earlier”. The new rules substantially increase organisations’ ﬁnancial exposure when hiring highly paid employees, as they remove the cap on compensatory awards for unfair dismissal claims. Until January 1st 2027, compensation

THE PROBATION MYTH There is a common misconception that probation periods protect businesses.

PRACTICAL ACTIONS TO TAKE NOW Start with clarity If businesses are clear at the recruitment stage about what success looks like, it should ﬂow straight into the onboarding, objectives and probation. A

Getting it right the first time ❛❛ doesn’t just reduce risk but also

saves time, cost and disruption for the wider business. ❜❜

Whilst probations don’t extend legal rights, they play an important role in talent management - enabling individuals to understand expectations and giving businesses time to assess, support and provide feedback. However, without structure, check-ins and reviews often slip, and managers avoid addressing issues, believing they have time to work them out later. Structure ensures vital opportunities to feed back. It is important to note that from January 2027, an employee can raise an unfair dismissal claim during their probationary period. GETTING HIRING RIGHT Traditionally, recruitment has been driven by the need to “find someone quickly” to fill a vacancy. These changes move the focus from speed of hire to quality of hire. With less time to identify issues later, the questions upfront become very important. Getting it right the first time doesn’t just reduce risk but also saves time, cost and disruption for the wider business. It should also reduce the problems passed onto HR after a hire is made and eliminate the emotional distress caused by an early exit, which affects the candidate, clients and the team. Furthermore, the way businesses manage new hires needs to change. Historically, recruitment, onboarding and early-stage performance management have been handled separately, with recruiters, HR teams and line managers each responsible for their own part. However, the strongest outcomes happen when these elements are connected.

defined role helps get the right candidate through the door. Before recruiting, businesses need to know: how do we define what good looks like? Assess people consistently across the business and look at behaviours and culture fit, not just capability. The strongest hiring processes aren’t necessarily more complicated, but they are clearer, more structured and give everyone a stronger understanding of what they are looking for. Onboarding plays an equally important role in helping employees understand expectations and achieve success, which can prevent management issues later. Face difficult conversations earlier Give managers the confidence to have challenging conversations. Create positive feedback loop structures to help them discuss what people are doing right and wrong – this makes performance easier to manage.

If you’d like to sense-check your current recruitment approach, we’re happy to offer a free 30-minute discussion around hiring, probation and onboarding. Contact james.houston@omnygroup.co.uk or 01733 830838

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21 25

BUSINESS

Nescot welcomes Surrey students to learn about construction work and property development Year 10 students from six schools across Surrey recently swapped the classroom for property development and construction, in a hands-on work experience course created by Wates and hosted in partnership with Nescot in Epsom. The students, aged 14 and 15, spent a week exploring careers in construction and property, creating plans for a housing development and presenting their ideas to industry professionals. They also experienced a current Wates Residential construction site using Nescot’s immersive virtual reality pod, tried operating heavy machinery using advanced construction simulators, practised carpentry skills by building timber structures, and developed teamwork and problem-solving skills at an outdoor activity centre.

into future roles and opened their eyes to careers they may not have previously considered.

The scheme was run by development, building and property maintenance company Wates Group, part-funded by Surrey County Council and delivered in partnership with Nescot, Neilcott Construction, community interest company LMP Action and social enterprise Serious about Youth. The programme is an excellent example of employers, education, community organisations and local government working together to offer modern work experience to the next generation of local workforce.

The programme, which has been running since 2017, supports students who are interested in apprenticeships and vocational courses beyond their

The organisations worked together to offer almost 40 students an exciting, interactive week, with the chance to try new things, step outside their comfort zones and build confidence. They left with a better understanding of how their strengths and interests could translate

The impact of the course can be significant. Following last year’s programme, 90% of participants reported a stronger understanding of career opportunities in construction, 85% said the industry sounded exciting and 72% felt their employability skills had improved.

erty development and project management to construction work, architecture and engineering. I’m proud of what they achieved, and I hope they will go forward with new confidence as they consider their options for the future.” The partnership working between Wates and Nescot is supported by Surrey County Council as part of a wider project to help young people into work. Other programmes being delivered in this wider work, funded by Surrey County Council, include Experience Days: inviting young people into the college for a day to provide meaningful experiences of college life and curriculum areas, understand their options, feel supported, and be confident about coming to a college after their GCSEs.

The programme supports students ❛❛ who are interested in apprenticeships and vocational courses ❜❜ GCSEs, rather than A levels. By offering exposure to college life, varied career options and positive role models, it encourages, inspires, and broadens students’ horizons.

Julie Kapsalis, CEO and Principal at Nescot, said: “This scheme is incredible, bringing together industry experts and our state-of-the-art learning facilities to inspire young people who are often right at the beginning of thinking about a potential career. The programme has given them a glimpse at everything from prop-

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Neilcott Construction supported the practical element of the programme by arranging skilled carpenters to guide students through reading drawings, using tools safely and constructing the timber towers.

Email: adviceteam@nescot.ac.uk Web: www.nescot.ac.uk

BUSINESS

South East mid-market continues to grow despite economic headwinds Britain's mid-market businesses continued to grow in 2026 despite ongoing economic uncertainty, with those in the South East demonstrating resilience and continued expansion, according to new data from BDO.

Phil Cliftlands, Regional Managing Partner at BDO in the South East, commented: “It is essential that we listen to the signals and provide them with the support they need to ensure we are not holding back this engine of the economy.

es to offer young people work experience. It also includes sector-specific recommendations to boost growth in some of the most constrained sectors. To boost growth in the advanced manufacturing sector, it urges the government to implement a one-stop shop for mid-sized businesses’ export support, reduce energy costs, clarify eligibility for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), and support mid-market businesses in identifying and adopting new technologies.

Businesses in the South East ❛❛increased turnover by 1.3%,

The number of mid-market businesses in the South East increased by 3.9% year-on-year, taking the region's total to more than 5,000 companies. Mid-market businesses – defined as companies generating revenues between £10 million and £500 million, including AIM-listed and private equity-backed firms – play a critical role in the UK economy and remain a key source of investment, employment and growth across the South East.

contributing £340 billion to the UK economy. ❜❜

Businesses in the South East increased turnover by 1.3%, contributing £340 billion to the UK economy. The region's mid-market also supports more than one million jobs, underlining its importance as a driver of economic activity and opportunity in communities across the South East. Nationally, the mid-market now contributes £2.44 trillion to the UK economy and accounts for more than one in three private-sector jobs despite representing less than 1% of UK businesses. The continued expansion of the South East's mid-market demonstrates the vital contribution regional businesses are making to the UK's growth ambitions.

“Mid-market businesses often fall into a policy gap as they are too large to benefit from targeted start-up support and too small to influence government policy or win the recognition that the largest corporates command. With the right support, they can continue to play an outsized role in delivering economic growth.” RECOMMENDATIONS TO SECURE FUTURE GROWTH BDO has published its latest Mid-Market Manifesto, a series of calls to action for the government to maximise the mid-market’s growth. This includes measures to address skill shortages across sectors and regions, such as protecting access to apprenticeships in management, leadership, and digital transformation; rolling out a “clearance-style” apprenticeship scheme; and incentivising and supporting small and medium-sized business-

Finally, it recommends measures to simplify the tax regime to promote investment, boost employment, and back entrepreneurship. Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “We know that helping mid-market businesses to grow and thrive can have a significant impact on economic growth, with a 1% increase in growth potentially adding £35bn to the UK economy. Therefore, we welcome this timely report from BDO, setting out policy measures to support investment, productivity and international competitiveness.”

www.bdo.co.uk

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BUSINESS New research indicates most wealth will still be passed on after death, despite reports of widespread inheritance disputes

How do British people deal with inheritance issues? • Most over-55s still intend to pass on wealth through traditional inheritance rather than lifetime gifting • 64% of over-55s have witnessed family conﬂict over inheritance • 25% of over-55s have never discussed inheritance with their family • Welsh people are the most likely to have experienced inheritancerelated disputes New research undertaken by YouGov for leading UK wealth management and employee benefits firm Mattioli Woods reveals that most over-55s continue to favour passing on wealth after death, despite widespread family conflict over inheritance. The findings suggest that witnessing inheritance disputes is not prompting a significant shift towards gifting wealth during people's lifetimes. Passing assets on through an estate remains the preferred approach for most over-55s, while combining lifetime gifts with inheritance is the second most popular strategy. Only a minority intend to transfer most of their wealth before they die.

inheritance with their family, highlighting ongoing discomfort around the subject, concerns about privacy and a belief among many that it is simply ‘too early’ to have the conversation. At the same time, inheritance continues to be a major source of family conflict. 64% of respondents over the age of 55 say they have witnessed disputes among relatives or friends over inheritance, with arguments and damaged relationships by far the most common outcomes. Many have also seen more serious disagreements escalate into formal legal disputes.

the importance ❛❛ofDespite inheritance planning, conversations about it remain uncommon.❜❜

Despite the importance of inheritance planning, conversations about it remain uncommon. One in four (25%) over-55s say they have never openly discussed

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The experience of inheritance conflict varies across the UK. Wales has the highest proportion of people who have witnessed inheritance-related disputes (77%), followed by London (72%), the South East (71%), the South West (70%), Scotland (69%) and the East of England (63%).

Yorkshire stands at 64%, the East Midlands at 58%, the West Midlands at 60%, while the North East and North West both stand at 58%. The research also found that concerns about later-life care now outweigh worries about Inheritance Tax. When asked about the biggest challenges in passing on wealth, over-55s ranked paying for care or other later-life costs ahead of Inheritance Tax, the risk of running out of money in retirement, treating benefi ciaries fairly and the potential for family disputes. Adeline Christy, Wealth Management Director at Mattioli Woods, said: "Although inheritance disputes are remarkably common, they are not fun-

BUSINESS

damentally changing how most people want to pass on their wealth. Leaving assets through an estate remains the preferred approach for many families, even among those who have seen firsthand the tensions inheritance can create.

Mattioli Woods recently integrated Kingswood Group under a unified brand, following its October 2025 merger. The combined business now oversees more than 30,000 clients and is

sition as a leading national wealth manager and enhances its ability to deliver joined-up wealth planning, investment management and employee benefits services. Christy added, "There is no single right way to pass on wealth. Lifetime gifting can be an effective strategy for some families, helping to support the next generation while potentially improving tax efficiency. For others, retaining control of assets throughout later life will be entirely appropriate. The most important thing is that any approach forms part of a longterm financial plan that reflects personal circumstances, family dynamics and future objectives."

Many inheritance disputes ❛❛ arise not because of the value of

"What the findings do highlight is the need for earlier planning and better communication. Many inheritance disputes arise not because of the value of an estate, but because expectations have never been discussed. Open conversations, supported by professional financial advice, can help families understand the reasoning behind decisions and significantly reduce the likelihood of conflict later on."

an estate, but because expectations have never been discussed.❜❜ responsible for assets under management exceeding £32 billion. With over 200 financial advisers across more than 40 UK offices, the Group says the integration strengthens its po-

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BUSINESS

Business South celebrates of collaboration and part Business South, the independent representative of businesses in the Central South of England, is celebrating 20 years of bringing together business leaders, educators, public bodies and entrepreneurs to create a dominant and powerful force for growth and innovation. The organisation, which evolved from Business Southampton, has seen its focus develop over the last two decades. Setting out in 2006 with the aim of uniting business and civic leaders in Southampton, the organisation’s geography shifted to the Solent region (with a name change to Business Solent) before becoming Business South – the organisation we see today. Group CEO, Leigh-Sara Timberlake, said: “It has been a fascinating journey and one we could only have embarked on with the support of our members or Champions, as we call them. Having a mix of private sector, local authority and education partners has proved to be a winning combination. “Today we have more than 150 Champions who get involved in our action group programme, support our promo-

tion of the region on a national and international stage and enable us to keep on flying the flag for the Central South.” The idea of the Central South as a name for our region was born of frustration among business leaders who felt our location was often overlooked by the government. “Too often we were lumped in with the prosperous South East or as an afterthought in the South West – when the

truth is we are the really important bit in the middle, the Central South,” said Leigh-Sara, who has been involved from the outset and became CEO in 2019. Having an identity for the region has enabled a business-led consortium, drawn together by Business South, to promote the region for investment at major events such as MIPIM in Cannes, the world’s leading real estate and urban planning event, and UKREiiF, the UK’s real estate investment and infrastructure forum in Leeds. And an All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Central South, with the secretariat provided by Business South, has created a valuable channel to enable busi-

It has been a ❛❛ fascinating journey Back row: Andrew Carter; Alison Barnes; Wayne Layton; Nicola Millard; Shaun Stevens; Kate Pearce. Front row: Lee Peck, Dame Wendy Hall and Leigh-Sara Timberlake

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and one we could only have embarked on with the support of our members ❜❜

BUSINESS

s 20 years tnership

ness leaders to meet with regional MPs to highlight issues and share solutions.

BUSINESS SOUTH Business South is an independent and influential organisation operating in Hampshire, Dorset, Sussex and the Isle of Wight as a social enterprise.

With devolution on the horizon, LeighSara emphasised that Business South sees the roll-out of power to the regions as a huge opportunity for Hampshire and the Solent. “Our region has strong foundations for growth, but turning that potential into lasting change requires a long-term vision, collaboration and strong local leadership. There are encouraging signs that this could be a moment of real opportunity,” she said. Looking back over the past two decades, Business South has come a long way, and the future looks positive for the organisation. “I recently sat down with Sally Thompson, our founder and CEO, to look back on our journey over the past 20 years for a video production. It was great to reminisce with her and remember how it all started. “We are really excited for the future

Andy Burnham with Business South CEO Leigh-Sara Timberlake

years ahead and seeing how our region continues to prosper. Here’s to the next 20 years,” said Leigh-Sara. Business South Ltd Solent Business Centre 343 Millbrook Road West Southampton SO15 0HW T: 02380 518 223 W: www.businesssouth.org info@businesssouth.org

It connects leading employers to promote the area and champion the economy in the region. Business South’s vision is for the region to be recognised nationally and internationally, as a preferred location of choice, able to attract and retain talent, driving increased opportunities for investment and business. The organisation is bringing people together through its Champion Programme - there are more than 100 Business South Champions, employing 100,000 people between them and contributing an estimated £4 billion to the region.

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FINANCE

By William Martin, Managing Director, Southover Wealth

Why bonds are back in the – and what it means for inv For years, bonds were the quiet part of many investment portfolios. Shares got most of the attention, while bonds were seen as the steady option. They might not be exciting, but they are useful for income, diversification, and balance. Recently, though, bonds have become the focus. Rising gilt yields, persistent inflation, political uncertainty, and changing expectations about interest rates have made this asset class more volatile, even though many investors still see bonds as defensive.

ment borrowing, political instability, or the economy. Recently, gilt yields have gone up significantly. The yield on 10-year gilts is at levels not seen in years, and longerterm gilts are also under pressure. For the government, higher yields mean borrowing costs more. For investors, higher yields bring both opportunities and risks.

When the UK ❛❛ government needs

It is important to know that bond prices and yields move in opposite directions. When yields go up, existing bond prices go down. When yields drop, bond prices rise. This can seem counterintuitive, but the logic is straightforward.

funds, it issues bonds called gilts. ❜❜

So, why are bonds making headlines again, and why should business owners, savers, and long-term investors care? BONDS EXPLAINED Simply put, bonds let governments or companies borrow money. When the UK government needs funds, it issues bonds called gilts. Investors lend money to the government and get regular interest payments, called coupons. At the end of the bond’s term, the government pays back the original amount. The return that investors want from holding a bond is called the yield. When people feel confident, they may accept a lower yield. When there is more uncertainty, they want higher returns. This is why bond yields can change quickly if investors worry about inflation, govern-

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Imagine you own a bond paying a fixed rate of interest. If newly issued bonds start offering a higher return, your existing bond becomes less attractive by comparison. Its price therefore falls until the return it offers is more in line with the market. THE ROLE OF INFLATION AND INTEREST RATES Inflation is a big reason for these changes. Bonds usually pay a fixed income, so when inflation is high, those payments are worth less over time. If investors expect inflation to stay high, they want higher yields, which can push bond prices down. Interest rates are important too. If peo-

ple think the Bank of England will keep rates high, bond yields usually rise. If investors expect rates to fall, existing bonds with higher interest payments become more attractive, which can help support their prices. The Bank of England faces a difficult balancing act. Lower interest rates can support growth by reducing borrowing costs for businesses and households. They can also ease pressure on mortgage holders and encourage spending. But if inflation remains above target, cutting rates too quickly risks adding further fuel to price rises.

FINANCE

particularly when existing debt needs to be refinanced.

e spotlight vestors

For savers, the situation is mixed. Higher yields can offer better income opportunities than during years of very low interest rates. Government bonds, cash savings, and other fixed-income investments may now look more attractive, especially for cautious investors or those nearing retirement.

WHY IT MATTERS The impact is not limited to professional investors. Gilt yields influence many areas of financial life. In the UK, fixed-rate mortgage pricing is affected by movements in gilt yields and swap rates. When these rise, lenders’ costs can increase, and mortgage rates may follow. Businesses may also find that borrowing becomes more expensive,

A well-built portfolio should not rely on one asset class behaving in the same

Bonds can provide income, ❛❛ diversification, and a different risk profile than shares. ❜❜

However, higher income does not mean there is no risk. Bond values can still drop, especially if inflation stays high or interest rate expectations rise again. Longer-term bonds are usually more sensitive to these changes because investors are locked into a fixed return for a longer time. This has led some people to ask whether bonds still offer the defensive qualities they once did. Traditionally, bonds and shares often moved in different directions. During periods of stock market stress, investors would often move into government bonds, pushing their prices up and helping to offset falls elsewhere in a portfolio.

That tension has made the bond market more sensitive. Each new inflation figure, wage growth update or central bank comment can change expectations about what happens next.

ers, changes in the bond market are a reminder of why broad financial planning matters. Mortgage costs, business loans, cash savings, pensions, and investment strategies can all be affected by interest rates.

This relationship has become less reliable lately. When inflation is high and interest rates go up, both stocks and bonds can struggle at the same time. This happened in 2022, when global stock and bond markets both had a tough time as central banks raised rates quickly. Bonds can provide income, diversifi cation, and a different risk profile than shares. The important thing is to understand that how bonds behave depends a lot on the economy. For business owners and higher earn-

way forever. Equities, bonds, cash and other investments each have different strengths and weaknesses. The right balance will depend on personal circumstances, time horizon, risk appetite and income needs. Bonds are still a key part of the financial system and, for many investors, a valuable part of a balanced portfolio. The difference now is that investors cannot think of bonds as simple or riskfree. Like any investment, bonds need to be understood, watched, and held for the right reasons.

William Martin DipFA CeMAP Managing Director, Southover Wealth Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Tel: 020 8058 8230 | Mobile: 07487 727 498 www.southoverwealth.co.uk william.martin@sjpp.co.uk

Southover Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

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FINANCE LEGAL

By Nicola Billen and Simon Elcock, DMH Stallard

AI in dispute resolution: the SME wake-up call Artiﬁcial intelligence is reshaping how commercial disputes are conducted, how much they cost, and how fast they develop. If you run a small and medium-sized enterprise, this is no longer a matter to leave solely with your lawyers when disputes land on your desk. Dispute resolution must become part of your core business strategy – starting now. THE COST OF FIGHTING DISPUTES IS CHANGING FAST Litigation costs have always been driven overwhelmingly by the volume of: • Documents to be reviewed • Correspondence to be analysed • Administrative work and diverted management time required to keep proceedings on track. There is also the cost of hiring external legal expertise and the length of time litigation often takes. For businesses, the implications are signiﬁcant, and AI is upending the

For businesses, ❛❛ the implications

are significant, and AI is upending the equation. ❜❜ 32 28

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equation. Document-heavy disclosure, typically the single largest cost driver in complex commercial proceedings, can now be handled more eﬃciently and rapidly through AI and purpose-built legal tools. That does not mean disputes

will become inexpensive overnight, but it does mean that the cost of pursuing or defending a claim is shifting and the time involved may be curtailed. Cases that were previously uneconomic to run are becoming viable, and businesses

FINANCE LEGAL

that once relied on the sheer cost of litigation as a tactical deterrent to scare off an opponent may lose that advantage. AI IS ALSO A LIABILITY AI itself is not just a tool; it is also a source of risk, generating a new category of litigation exposure. Businesses that use AI for drafting documents, handling customer communications, and producing internal reports need to be vigilant. If you upload personal or sensitive data to external AI tools without safeguards, or accept AI-generated content at face value without appropri-

ate human oversight and veriﬁcation, your business will increase its risk. The courts have already made their position clear, as demonstrated by the recent “public admonishment” of Pinsent Masons in the case of Cork & Anor v Smith. The High Court has dealt with cases involving unreliable AI-generated materials, and its message is blunt: AI output must be checked by humans and, in complex areas, proper human legal input is non-negotiable. For SMEs running lean teams with limited compliance infrastructure, this is a particular vulnerability that demands attention.

WHAT SMEs SHOULD DO NOW AI is already reshaping the cost, volume, and strategic dynamics of commercial disputes. The businesses that will come out ahead are not necessarily those with the largest budgets; they will be those that plan ahead and prepare. Firstly, businesses should review their contracts and, in particular, check dispute resolution clauses and arbitration agreements now, ensuring these are ﬁt for purpose in an AI-inﬂuenced world.

AI itself is not ❛❛ just a tool; it is also

a source of risk, Secondly, set clear generating a new internal policies on use of AI-assistcategory of litigation the ed work, covering everything from docuexposure. ❜❜

EXPECT MORE CLAIMS, BROUGHT MORE QUICKLY AI is lowering the barrier to conducting litigation. Claims are now easier to assemble, cheaper to run, and quicker to ﬁle. Every business needs to understand what this means in its own sector. The impact of all of this is that your business may face a greater number of claims, brought more quickly and, often, largely generated by AI. Costs are increasing and, if you are on the receiving end of a claim, or the defendant is a litigant in person armed with AI, as is now very often the case, the commercial question becomes stark: that is, is this a claim worth pursuing or defending in the long run? Whilst the possibility of settlement – or even abandonment – has always been an important factor to consider in disputes, its signiﬁcance in this new landscape matters more than ever before.

ment drafting to client communications. If your team is using AI without guardrails, you are exposed.

Thirdly, ask the tough questions now, not after you have received a claim. If your business does not have an AI use policy, dispute resolution clauses, or a plan for managing and handling the rising tide of AI-driven claims, this is a boardroom issue and now is the time to act.

If you need help or would like further information, get in touch with our commercial disputes team to discuss how we can help you prepare and get ahead of the curve. Contact us at enquiries@dmhstallard.com

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33 29

EVENTS

ANGELS’ DEN RETURNS TO SUSSEX

MONDAY NOVEMBER 9TH 2026 • THE CORN EXCHANGE, BRIGHTON Focus Foundation is set to bring Angels’ Den back to Sussex for a second year, offering grassroots charities the opportunity to secure transformational funding for innovative projects that will make a lasting difference in their communities.

Den sees a select group of charities pitch bold new ideas to a panel of phil-

anthropic ‘Angels’. Each Angel contributes £15,000, with Focus Foundation

Following a hugely successful inaugural event, which attracted more than 120 applications and awarded £104,690 to grassroots charities, Angels’ Den 2026, taking place on Monday, November 9th 2026, promises to be even bigger and more impactful. The unique funding forum gives small charities a rare opportunity to secure significant investment, raise their profile and connect directly with philanthropists, business leaders and supporters.

Above: Pelican Parcels delivers its three-minute pitch to the Angels’ Den panel

Inspired by the investment format made famous by Dragons' Den, Angels’

Top: The Angel investors who helped award more than £104,000 to grassroots charities

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EVENTS

matching every donation to create a total funding pot of £150,000 available on the night. Ten shortlisted charities will have just three minutes to present their vision and demonstrate how funding could help them tackle some of society's most pressing challenges. From supporting vulnerable children and young people to improving mental health and wellbeing, tackling poverty and homelessness, and strengthening local communities, the event shines a spotlight on the remarkable work being delivered by grassroots organisations across Sussex and beyond. Taking place at Brighton's iconic Corn Exchange, the event will bring together more than 500 guests from the worlds of business, philanthropy and the charity sector, creating a unique platform for charities to share their stories, build valuable connections and secure funding that could accelerate their impact. More than just a fundraising event, Angels’ Den encourages charities to think creatively, challenge traditional funding models and showcase ambitious ideas with the potential to create meaningful, measurable change. It also offers

Brighton Table Tennis Club celebrates receiving £25,000 in Angels’ Den funding.

using their funding to expand services, reach more people and bring ambitious projects to life. Brighton Table Tennis Club, which secured the headline award of £25,000 to support the growth of its nationally recognised junior coaching programme, is one such example. "We are absolutely delighted," said Co-Founder Tim Holtam. "Our young coaches are incredible, and this funding means we can invest in their development and bring the sport into more communities across Brighton. This will genuinely help change lives."

pists and the community the chance to experience an unforgettable evening of inspiring pitches, live funding decisions and meaningful networking. Whether you're looking to support bold ideas, expand your local connections or simply witness the power of community collaboration in action, Angels’ Den Sussex 2026 is an event not to be missed.

More than just a fund ❛❛ raising event, Angels’ Den

encourages charities to think creatively, challenge traditional Focus Foundation is now invitorganisations to become funding models and showcase ing event sponsors or philanthropambitious ideas.❜❜ ic Angels, helping to shape the business leaders and philanthropists the opportunity to engage directly with local organisations, discover innovative projects and see first-hand the difference their investment can make.

next chapter of Angels’ Den. By pledging £12,500 or more, Angels play a direct role in backing innovative grassroots charities while demonstrating a meaningful commitment to creating lasting local impact.

The impact of last year's event is still being felt across Sussex, with charities

Audience tickets are also now on sale, offering business leaders, philanthro-

Further information, audience tickets and opportunities to become an Angel or sponsor can be found at www.angelsden.org.uk. For more information about Angels’ Den, other upcoming events or any of Focus Foundation’s initiatives, please contact the team at info@focusfoundation.org.uk

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BIG STORY

THE BIG STORY

Martin Lewis

THE MONEY SAVING EXPERT To see Martin Lewis, consumer rights activist, financial journalist, broadcaster, and author, in action on television, on social media, or giving evidence or advice to Commons Select Committees can be a sight to behold. Lewis has led various campaigns on high bank charges, energy bills and student finance costs, as well as the link between mental health and debt. Alan Wares looks at what else he is campaigning for in 2026 - and why

Lewis, 54, has been a presenter for ITV on the morning programmes Good Morning Britain and This Morning since 2007. Additionally, he presents The Martin Lewis Money Show, also on ITV. In his own words, he is a ‘consumer finance expert’, and not a qualified economist. That said, he is one of the governors at the London School of Economics. His main public presence is that of a caring person who cares passionately about consumer rights. Passionate to the point of getting angry, and often doing very well not to lapse into some Anglo-Saxon vernacular that the TV broadcasters might get upset about.

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Lewis created and ran the website MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE), which was originally launched in February 2003 for just £100. In September 2012, he sold the website to the Moneysupermarket.com group for up to £87m but remained editor-in-chief. The deal saw Lewis receive £35m cash up front in addition to 22.1m shares in Moneysupermarket.com and £27m in future payments. He simultaneously announced his intention to donate £10m to charity, with £1m going to Citizens Advice. In July 2015 Lewis sold just over half his shareholding in Moneysupermarket.com, obtained in the sale of Money Saving Expert, for £25.2 million. On the back of this, he

BIG STORY

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BIG STORY

gave a further £1m to Citizens Advice and £500,000 each to The Trussell Trust and the Personal Finance Education Group to fund financial triage and education work. In 2018, Lewis started legal action against Facebook for defamation over fake adverts using his face and name, mostly promoting “bitcoin” and “investing”. He later settled the action after Facebook agreed to fund an anti-scam project.

UK banks. He presented the first mainstream television programme on how to reclaim bank fees (ITV1’s Tonight) and in November 2006 published a step-bystep guide, including template letters, as well as regularly appearing across the media to champion the issue.

Lewis has requested to be created a crossbench peer (a peer of no political affiliation) in the House of Lords but was rejected by the House of Lords Appointments Commission, which encouraged him to apply again in the future.

Despite setbacks due to legal technicalities, he continued his campaign through to 2010, when, from then on, he

He believes he was turned down due to work and family obligations leaving him with limited time for parliamentary work, though a spokesperson for the appointments commission denied the claimed reasons, stating that some very good candidates were rejected.

Lewis is a champion of those ❛❛most affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. ❜❜

While he was satisfied with the settlement, those agreements never really took hold, and scam ads continue to this day, while the tech companies, whom he believes are part-culpable for the victims, have refused to help or compensate anyone who has fallen for the fake ads. As late as 2026, he was still explaining to consumers and critics that he doesn’t do endorsements or advertisements, and any that do feature his image or name are, somewhat conspiratorially, ‘deepfake’. CAMPAIGNS In late 2005, campaigns against what were claimed to be unfair bank charges gained momentum, and a few small websites began highlighting the issue. Lewis was at the forefront of the media campaign to reclaim what he felt were unfair and unlawful fees charged by

offered information regarding claims on legal grounds made in court, which had been published in February of that year. In 2016, Lewis launched and provided funding for the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, a think tank directed by former Liberal Democrat adviser Polly Mackenzie to study the link between mental health issues and debt. Lewis’ other large-scale campaigns, with the ensuing television programmes, include campaigns for refunds for missold payment protection insurance. Between January 2011 and December 2019, UK banks paid £38.3 billion in compensation for millions of fraudulently sold policies.

As an activist on behalf of consumers’ rights, this would have made a good move as it would have allowed him to continue his work, irrespective of whichever administration was in government, while having direct access to the corridors of power, and to a certain extent, direct influence over any debates and procedures. Lewis is a champion of those most affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Much of his ire stems from what he believes are either sharp or unfair practices by utility companies, or deliberate government policy, for instance, on how fuel prices are calculated, which puts the most vulnerable (whether the poorest, the third generation or those with physical or mental health issues) at higher risk than others. He is forthright and open in his take on consumer finance. When new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration announced the removal of VAT on electricity from October 1st, Lewis set about crunching the numbers, and while any reduction, he opined, was welcome, it was going to be swallowed up by the new higher price cap. So, hardly anyone will benefit from the VAT reduction.

Lack of tranparency in UK utility bills is something Martin Lewis has been campaigning to end for many years

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Lewis’ main strengths are that he can look beyond the headlines, using facts and figures and often translating some horrendous corporate word soup into plain English for listeners and viewers. For this, his integrity is valued by con-

BIG STORY

and water bills? Do you know if you can switch, and if so, to what? And is it easy? Many of you do know - you have to. Millions don’t. As a side story, and as reported in Platinum recently, the government has put in place new measures to alter Council Tax arrears and debt collection processes, which currently fall outside the usual legal sphere of operation, to bring them more in line with other debt collection procedures. Some of these measures include requiring multiple notices, court orders and regulated bailiffs, where none were previously required.

Martin Lewis, with Jon Sopel (right), about to go live on the BBC, 2012

sumers on TV and social media, where he currently has 3.2m followers on X. WHY DOES THIS MATTER? Despite certain political considerations that the investment in renewable energy is hiking our energy prices, it’s wholesale international costs that can be, and have been, prone to spikes (the war in Ukraine being one example) and is the single biggest driver of UK domestic energy prices.

While this is not Lewis’ main bone of contention, it is linked. The energy market is so convoluted, to the exclusion of anyone who wants to invest in that side of things, but more importantly, to the final billing price to the consumer. Lewis’ oft-repeated howl is the lack of transparency in the utility companies’ billings and tariffs, though even that

As with any new administration, one always hopes for a new dawn. Is Andy Burnham’s new government - and he wielded a fairly hefty broom when choosing his cabinet - going to be in a position to help with the frustration Martin Lewis, via his myriad letters and emails he gets from worried consumers, often expresses? He was a champion of this in Manchester, but that was the parochial Mancunians who were recipients of his largesse. He didn’t have to deal with vastly different considerations – the City, for one. Lewis himself makes no claims or statements about affiliation to any political party. He has worked with various administrations; his entire raison d’être, he states, is to campaign on behalf of the consumer. If he did make a statement on behalf of any party, those who don’t agree with that would then start to mistrust him.

In a field where trust is earned, ❛❛ and is easily lost, Lewis must walk a very hazardous tightrope❜❜

During a ‘cost-of-living’ crisis, vulnerable and now, the not-so-vulnerable (‘low- and middle-income households’) are being hit by a lack of transparency in public services billing. There is a growing political will for the UK to ‘break the link’ in energy prices; the ‘link’ being how UK gas and electricity prices are calculated, based on foreign agreements and markets. Different countries are advancing with renewable energy at different paces and, compared with the rest of Europe, the UK is well placed to move much more quickly in this direction. And not just in terms of supply – in terms of the cost of supply as well.

isn’t the only complaint he is written to about. The cost-of-living crisis isn’t just about whether people can afford to pay their bills; it’s also the ongoing effect - offering up a double whammy of misery - of cumulative debt, and the risk of losing everything due to unpaid bills via the bailiffs. Lewis isn’t sure whether the lack of transparency is deliberate or incompetence. As he diplomatically put it to the Commons Select Committee, “It’s not a conspiracy, it’s just crap.” Put it this way: for anyone reading this, do you know your energy, broadband

In a field where trust is earned, and is easily lost, Lewis must walk a very hazardous tightrope; it’s therefore imperative his campaigning carries no party political message. This, through carfeul consideration of what he is trying to achieve, is something he has been able to pull off for over 20 years. His work can only ever carry weight and value all the while people in authority are listening, and are minded to change. And that is something he will not stop at until they do.

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BIG STORY

Martin Lewis, to the Public Accounts Committee, May 2026 “There's still a huge amount of confusion, for both vulnerable and non-vulnerable people, across all sectors. Some of that is caused by regulation. Some of that is caused by external circumstances. Some of that is caused by the way that companies operate. “I do think the situation is better than it was 15 years ago. There has been some improvement in behaviour and improvement in trust. An example of that would be 15 years ago, I would never have told people to contact their company when they're in trouble in the energy sector specifically because I thought that they would behave as bad actors and often did. “In the energy market, what was meant to be a backstop tariff for vulnerable customers now applies to 60% of the population. The energy price cap is operating on a time lag. So when the current Middle East conflict started in March, we saw worldwide wholesale rates rise; it only hit people's bills on July 1st; it will continue to hit people's bills in October and possibly next January. “So you have a duality between a market-led system with a five-month time lag and one based on instantaneous wholesale prices. Vulnerable people can't and don't take advantage of the potential to fix right now. “For people on prepayment meters, there is no competition, so Ofgem has rightly made prepayment cheaper for those on price caps. It is now the cheapest way to pay. I think that was a good move. “I get questions from the public. “I'm on prepayment. Is it cheaper? Should I move?” So I give the answer that I give to consumers. “If you're going to stay on the price cap, you are better to stay on prepayment. If you can move off the price cap and you're able to engage in the market, there is a whole wealth of competition on direct debit that does not exist on prepayment.”

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The length of time it has taken me to explain that to you is an example of the complexity. “If we look at mobile and broadband, Ofcom introduced regulation two years ago to bring in transparency in the wake of above-inflation price hikes. That was after examination of 47,000 tariffs, which shows 75% of people are paying more because of what Ofcom has done than they would have done otherwise, and 99% of people are paying more than if we'd done the bleeding obvious, and simply said, “you cannot raise prices mid-contract above inflation.”

It’s not a conspiracy. ❛❛They’re just crap. ❜❜ “It’s the obvious solution. Why we don't do the obvious isn’t obvious, because it's pretty clear that's what we should have done. “When we come to the water industry, this is really interesting. It’s an industry with no competition, just privatisation. So let’s take the ‘social tariff.’ “I do not understand why the government did not universalise the social tariff. Take my job; I use this as an example. My job is mass communication. But how do I, on my television show, explain the social tariff? If you're on a lower income, you may be eligible for a social tariff. But I'm afraid I can't tell you what a lower income is because it's different with every water company. In some, it's defined by benefits. In some, it's defined by income. In some, it's defined by an income assessment. My really rough rule of thumb is: if you earn under about £26,000, check whether you can get a social tariff. But that's not good enough because I’ve found that when someone does check it out, and they're on £23,000, they're told they're not eligible.

“Water firms are asking consumers for their ‘equivalised income’ when assessing them for social tariffs.The point I’m making is if none of us in this room knows what that means – and I don’t know what that means – then I think it’s probably not a good way to communicate it to vulnerable people.” We’ve had this in so many sectors. You could start with a communications audit of how these water companies are communicating the social tariffs. Far better if they all had the same social tariff and we could have centralised, really good communication “I tend to think it’s because they’re crap at communicating. I tend to think this isn’t conspiracy, it’s just crap. “I think that what the regulator could do is crack down on crapness. And all I can do is say, "This is the level at which you should check.” “Hopefully, that gives you a broad overview of the different things going on across industries, where confusion tends to rule, certainly amongst vulnerable customers and many not so vulnerable. So my big question for you [the committee] is: “How far up the scale do you spread your help?” Do we only look at the very lowest-income people on means-tested benefits, or what about those on lower-middle incomes who are struggling with these systems too?”

DMH Stallard’s Dispute Resolution and Commercial Litigation lawyers are widely recognised for their depth of expertise and consistent delivery of excellent results.

Core areas of expertise: Simon Elcock

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EVENTS

RAPID RECULTURING: Alex Bailey’s debut book launch

Alex Bailey, the joint CEO of the leadership development company, Bailey & French, is a long-standing friend of Platinum and Dynamic. Now she has written her first book in partnership with Kerri O’Neill. Rapid Reculturing explains how to transform organisations at pace and scale, and expertly explains what makes organisations tick and how to move forwards whilst ensuring they take the entire team with them. A large group of people arrived at Waterstones Book Shop in Brighton on July 16th to celebrate the book and to receive their signed copy, courtesy of leading law firm, DMH Stallard who were kind enough to sponsors all copies. Alex is also a Business Ambassador for the University of Brighton and brought along two of her students to the event – and they would have gained a wealth of experience with such high profile guests. Good luck, Alex, and we all look forward to your first international book award.

Alex Bailey with Lucy Black of Bright Cause Consultancy

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EVENTS

Alex flanked by students Chelsea Lourenco and Ezgi Yeginaltay

Alex with Maarten Hoffmann, Managing Director, Platinum Media Group

All images © Sarah TuleJ Photography

Alex with Louise Wheeler, NHS Employers

Alex introducing the students from University of Brighton

Books sponsored by DMH Stallard; Maarten Hoffmann, Alex, Jonathan Grant and Paul Edmonds

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EST 2004

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FINANCE

Burnham appears to be listening to people with proven ❛❛ economic literacy, including Jim O’Neill and Andy Haldane. ❜❜

By Simon Lewis, CEO, Partridge Muir & Warren

A GAME OF TWO HALVES: What the first six months of 2026 taught investors 46

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FINANCE With the World Cup now concluded, it is tempting to describe this year's markets in footballing terms. The final score never tells you the whole story of the match. It does not reveal the momentum shifts, the periods of pressure, the nerves, the mistakes or the late drama. So it has been for investors in 2026: a genuine game of two halves. AN UNCOMFORTABLE FIRST QUARTER The opening months were bruising. War in the Middle East, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a sharp spike in oil and gas prices dragged inflation fears back to the surface. The Strait is not a distant shipping lane; it is one of the world's most important energy arteries, and its closure fed directly into the price of almost everything — transport, food production, plastics and household goods.

ble money, but those selling picks, shovels and denim. Data centre construction has outstripped the supply of critical components, handing memory chip manufacturers exceptional pricing power and earnings growth. It is that earnings growth, not blind enthusiasm, that explains much of the share price performance delivered in the run-up to the end of the first six months. The strong recovery in the global stock market delivered bountiful returns for portfolios with greater exposure to company shares, rewarding investors who had been prepared to take risk.

For bonds, the picture is ❛❛ more finely balanced — and

heavy AI investment may ultimately protect their competitive positions rather than undermine them. For bonds, the picture is more finely balanced — and recent weeks have shown how quickly it can shift. Renewed tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil back towards twomonth highs, and markets have priced in the possibility of Bank of England rate rises rather than cuts. FOR THE UK, THE BURNHAM ERA BEGINS Andy Burnham has entered Downing Street, replacing Rachel Reeves with John Healey as Chancellor. The bond market delivered an early verdict: talk of seeking ‘flexibility’ within the fiscal rules sent long-dated gilt yields to their highest levels since May. Investors don’t like it when politicians move the goalposts.

recent weeks have shown how quickly it can shift. ❜❜

Bond markets responded quickly. Investors who began the year hoping inflation would fall and central banks would keep cutting rates had abandoned that optimism by spring. UK gilt yields rose amid two worries: inflation and the country's fiscal position, at a time when overseas investors are needed to fund a significant share of government borrowing. Equity markets turned cautious, and adventurous portfolios with heavy share exposure were marked down more than defensive ones. A VERY DIFFERENT SECOND QUARTER As hostilities largely subsided and the Strait reopened, energy prices moderated surprisingly quickly, and inflation expectations settled. Attention returned to company earnings — above all, the extraordinary demand created by the build-out of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The strongest performers were not the fashionable software names but the less glamorous suppliers of the AI boom's “picks and shovels”: memory chips, storage, processors, networking equipment and semiconductor manufacturing tools. The Californian gold rush provides a useful analogy — it was rarely the prospectors who made relia-

THE INVESTMENT OUTLOOK Will AI infrastructure earnings hold? Nobody knows for certain, but it would be wrong to assume demand simply dries up once the initial build-out slows. Components wear out, become obsolete and are replaced by faster, more energy-effi cient designs — and efficiency matters enormously when data centres consume so much power. There are also signs of rotation into industrial automation, power and grid infrastructure, cooling, cybersecurity, defence, healthcare technology and selected financials, aiming to capture the potential productivity boost as AI moves from its infrastructure phase to wider adoption. Contrary to the common perception, the shares of technology giants are not uniformly priced for perfection: For example, shares in Microsoft and Meta have lagged the wider US market, although their

Nevertheless, Burnham appears to be listening to people with proven economic literacy, including Jim O'Neill and Andy Haldane. But the lesson of recent decades — a UK stock market that has slipped from the world's third-largest to eighth — is that policy, confidence and growth all matter. A government that discourages enterprise will be scoring own goals. Even so, PMW clients can look forward with confidence. Diversified, internationally invested portfolios have once again demonstrated their resilience — and proven that, over time, patient investors are rewarded.

If you would like us to help you optimise your own ﬁnancial and investment approach, we’d love to hear from you. www.pmw.co.uk

Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd (PMW) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The views and opinions expressed are those of PMW. We use all reasonable skill and care in compiling the information in this communication and in ensuring its accuracy, but no assurances or warranties are given. You should not rely on the information in this communication in making investment decisions. Nothing in this communication constitutes advice or a personal recommendation. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated and future actual returns will differ from any quoted past performance data. Investment involves risk. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Exchange rates may cause the value of overseas investments to rise or fall.

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FINANCE SECTION PROPERTY

By Hannah Mercer, Real Estate Partner, Irwin Mitchell LLP

The destination office

Driving performance, value and resilience in a changing market The UK office market has entered a new phase. Irwin Mitchell recently published its Office Occupiers Report 2026, which indicates that after several years of uncertainty, there is a shift from cautious, reactive decision-making to a more confident and strategic approach to workspace. At the centre of this change is a redefinition of the office itself. No longer simply

a place to work, it is being repositioned as a “destination”—a space that must justify attendance, strengthen culture and actively support performance. At the same time, evolving legal frameworks—most notably the forthcoming ban on upwards-only rent reviews—are reshaping the commercial context in which property decisions are made. Together, these dynamics are redefining how occupiers and investors approach

value creation. For occupiers, the emphasis has moved from expansion to optimisation. Rather than increasing their footprint, organisations are focusing on extracting greater value from existing space. Reconfiguration has become the dominant approach, driven by cost discipline and the recognition that better design and utilisation can enhance both pro-

❛❛ No longer simply a place to work, it

is being repositioned as a “destination”— that must justify attendance, strengthen and actively support performance. ❜❜ 48

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FINANCE

ductivity and employee experience. Offices are increasingly configured to support collaboration and more purposeful use. This shift sits alongside rising attendance expectations. While hybrid working remains established, businesses anticipate increased use of the office— but in a more targeted way. Time in the workplace is now focused on activities that benefit from in-person interaction, such as collaboration and relationship-building, placing greater emphasis on the effectiveness of space rather than its volume. Flexibility is central to this evolving strategy. Many organisations are adopting a blend of core offices and more adaptable workspace solutions, enabling them to respond to changing patterns of demand without overcommitting on cost. At the same time, decisions are becoming more data-led, with closer analysis of how space is actually used

[the office] —a space n culture

shaping ongoing adjustments to workplace design. Sustainability is also firmly embedded in occupier thinking. ESG considerations now influence building selection, design and operation. Offices that fail to meet these expectations risk becoming less attractive to both employees and clients, as well as facing increasing regulatory pressure.

now deliver across multiple dimensions, combining quality, flexibility, sustainability and resilience to changing legal and market conditions. In this environment, the role of advisers is increasingly important. Navigating shifting occupier expectations, regulatory change and more complex leasing structures requires a joined-up and forward-looking approach.

❛❛ Organisations are adopting

For investors, these trends are sharpening a divide in the market. Demand is concentrating on high-quality, future-ready buildings, while less adaptable stock is becoming harder to let without investment. This is driving a more active approach to ownership, with a focus on refurbishment, repositioning and stronger engagement with occupiers.

a blend of core offices and more adaptable workspace solutions, enabling them to respond to changing patterns of demand ❜❜

The landlord–tenant relationship is evolving in parallel. High-performing workplaces increasingly rely on collaboration rather than a transactional approach. Investors who respond to occupier needs with flexibility are more likely to secure stable, long-term income. Running alongside these changes is a significant legal reform: the ban on upwards-only rent reviews. The move introduces greater variability into rental income by removing the traditional floor on rents, reducing predictability for investors and sharpening focus on asset quality, tenant covenant and lease structure when assessing value. For occupiers, it creates a more balanced position, with rents more likely to track market conditions over time. Overall, the change reinforces the need for a more forward-looking approach to underwriting and asset management, while encouraging more flexible lease structures that balance certainty with adaptability. Taken together, these developments point to a market in which performance is defined more broadly than ever before. While location remains important, it is no longer sufficient on its own. High-performing office space must

Irwin Mitchell’s real estate team is well placed to support both occupiers and investors through this transition. Combining insight from its occupier research with deep legal expertise, the team advises on portfolio optimisation, reconfiguration, lease structuring and regulatory developments. For occupiers, this means aligning property strategies more closely with business priorities, enabling flexibility while maintaining control over cost and risk. For investors, it involves structuring and managing assets in a way that reflects evolving market dynamics while supporting long-term value creation—particularly in light of the changing rent review landscape. As the office market continues to evolve, one thing is clear: office space can no longer be viewed as a static asset or fixed cost. Instead, it must be understood as an active contributor to organisational performance. Those who embrace this shift—supported by the right expertise—will be best placed to succeed in the next phase of the market.

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PEST CONTROL

Pest contro One of the original founders of Cleankill Pest Control has retired after building the company into one of the South East’s leading pest control businesses. Paul Bates joined Cleankill in 1997 after a 16-year career with Rentokil, where he progressed from technician to sales, service and branch management. Cleankill was founded with a clear aim: to provide high-quality pest control delivered by well-trained, motivated staff who genuinely care about customers. The directors wanted to build a company that they would want to work for. Three decades later, that vision has helped Cleankill grow into a multiaward-winning business employing 58 people, with turnover approaching £6 million and thousands of customers across London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and the wider South East. Under Paul’s leadership, Cleankill has become known for its technical expertise, strong customer retention, ethical approach, environmental responsibility and investment in people. The company has won numerous regional and national awards and is the only pest control company in England to achieve and retain Gold Investors in People three times in a row. Paul has also played an active role in the pest control industry as well as the wider business and local community. He has been involved with Gatwick Diamond for 11 years, regularly supports networking and business events, mentors smaller pest control businesses and gives talks at national pest control conferences, schools, colleges and community groups.

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PEST CONTROL Under Paul’s leadership, Cleankill has become known for its ❛❛ technical expertise, strong customer retention, ethical approach,

environmental responsibility and investment in people ❜❜

ol industry stalwart retires Outside work, Paul is equally well known for his voluntary service. He has spent decades as a Scout leader, helping hundreds of young people experience outdoor activities, camps and new challenges. In 2011, he was awarded the Chief Scout’s Medal of Merit for Outstanding Service to Scouting. He was also a church warden, sings in a church choir and is a lifelong Crystal Palace Football Club supporter and season ticket holder. Fittingly, Paul will celebrate his retirement at the home of the Eagles surrounded by colleagues, family and friends. Commenting on his retirement, Paul said: “Cleankill has been a huge part of my life and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved. When we started, we wanted to create a pest control company that did things properly looking after customers, investing in staff and building long-term relation-

ships. Seeing the company grow and helping so many people develop their careers with us has been one of the greatest privileges of my working life.

knowledge, commercial understanding and a genuine concern for people, which has shaped the business culture from the beginning.

“I’ll miss the people and the day-to-day involvement, but I know Cleankill is in a

“Paul has never been the kind of Managing Director who stays behind a desk. He has always been willing to get involved, support colleagues and lead by example. His values, including professionalism, integrity, customer care, environmental responsibility and community commitment, are woven into what we call the Cleankill Way.

Paul has made an ❛❛ extraordinary contribution

to Cleankill and to the pest control industry. ❜❜ strong position for the future. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, continuing my community work and, of course, cheering on Crystal Palace.” Cleankill Director Clive Bury added: “Paul has made an extraordinary contribution to Cleankill and to the pest control industry. He combines technical

“Everyone at Cleankill wishes Paul a long, happy and very well-deserved retirement.” Cleankill’s customer retention reflects the strength of the business Paul has helped build, with more than 60% of customers having been with Cleankill for more than five years. Paul’s retirement marks the end of a major chapter in Cleankill’s story, but the values he helped establish will continue to guide the business in the years ahead. Cleankill Pest Control provides professional pest management solutions to commercial, industrial and residential customers across the South East. Services include routine pest prevention, wildlife management, specialist treatments, management and facilities management..

For a free survey or cost comparison contact Cleankill www.cleankill.co.uk

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TRAVEL

Like many Americans, much of what I ❛❛ associated with Pakistan came filtered through decades of headlines: terrorism, Taliban strongholds, political instability, and the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden. ❜❜

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TRAVEL

A trip through

PAKISTAN By Barry Hoffner “Are you sure you want to go to Pakistan with me?” My college friend Lee paused for a second on the phone before answering. “Yeah,” he said. “That’s exactly why I want to go.”

wife several years earlier, was learning how often our perceptions of places collapse once we finally see them and develop real impressions. A few weeks later, Lee and I boarded a small flight from Islamabad into Pa-

came Nanga Parbat, Pakistan’s second-highest mountain, towering over 26,000 feet. “Holy moly,” Lee muttered beside me. It looked less like a commercial flight and more like a mountaineering documentary unfolding beneath us.

We had entered the realm where ❛❛ the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges converge ❜❜

I laughed. For months, Lee had been telling me he wanted to join one of the trips on my journey to visit every country in the world. When I finally sent him my 2024 itinerary, I expected him to choose somewhere easier — maybe a tropical island in the Pacific or some other comfortable stop. Instead, he chose Pakistan. “There are definitely simpler options,” I reminded him. “Palau. The Marshall Islands. São Tomé. Beaches and an easy itinerary.” But Lee wasn’t budging. “No,” he said. “I want something completely outside my comfort zone.”

kistan’s mountainous far north. About an hour into the flight, conversation inside the cabin faded as passengers turned toward the windows. Below us rose massive snow-covered peaks so enormous they barely seemed real. One after another emerged through the clouds — jagged ridgelines, glaciers, impossible walls of ice and rock. Then

We had entered the realm where the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges converge — one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Pakistan contains more than 100 peaks above 23,000 feet. For comparison, the United States has only one above 20,000. The scale was almost disorienting. Over the following days, our guide, Manzoor, drove us along

Like many Americans, much of what I associated with Pakistan came filtered through decades of headlines: terrorism, Taliban strongholds, political instability, and the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Even as an experienced traveller who had already visited places like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen, I carried unconscious assumptions about what Pakistan might feel like. Yet part of the deeper purpose behind my journey to every country in the world, a journey that began during Covid as a way to heal after the loss of my

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TRAVEL sections of the famed Karakoram Highway, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Carved through cliffs and mountain valleys, the highway snakes north toward the Chinese border through terrain so dramatic it often felt imaginary. Villages clung impossibly to mountainsides. Glacial rivers thundered below us in shades of turquoise I didn’t know existed in nature. At times, massive rockslides narrowed the road to little more than a ledge. And everywhere we went, people welcomed us. That may sound simplistic, but it became impossible to ignore. In village after village, men placed their hands over their hearts as we passed.

Carved through ❛❛ cliffs and mountain

valleys, the highway snakes north toward the Chinese border through terrain so dramatic it often felt imaginary. ❜❜

Children shouted greetings. Shopkeepers invited us for tea. One afternoon, we stopped for a roadside haircut and shave that cost less than a dollar. Even there, laughter quickly replaced awkwardness once people learned we were Americans. The warmth felt genuine rather than a performance. One day, Manzoor arranged for us to visit a small private K-12 school tucked into one of the mountain valleys. Tuition there costs roughly ten dollars a month, still difficult for many families in the region to afford. When the principal heard about my travels, he asked whether I would speak to a tenth-grade class. I expected polite silence. Instead, after sharing stories from my journey for fifteen minutes, the students erupted with questions as if I had asked, “Who likes ice cream?” “What do you think of Pakistan?”; “What does America think about us?”; “Are there leaders you admire?” Then came the kind of questions that catch you off guard because they reveal both curiosity and seriousness beneath youthful faces.

“What’s the meaning of life?” Lee turned toward me, grinning. “Good luck with that one,” he whispered. I told the students I was still figuring that question out myself. Then the conversation shifted toward Gaza, Israel, and American foreign policy. The boys wanted to understand how Americans

Junction point of three mountain ranges in Pakistan: Himalayas, Hindu Kush and Karakoram

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TRAVEL viewed the conflict and why the United States supported Israel so strongly. Their questions weren’t hostile. They were thoughtful, informed, and emotionally invested. I tried to answer honestly while acknowledging complexity rather than pretending certainty. What struck me most wasn’t simply the conversation itself, but where it was happening: inside a modest classroom in a remote mountain region thousands of miles from Washington DC or Jerusalem. The internet had connected these students to the wider world in ways unimaginable a generation earlier. That realisation felt both inspiring and unsettling. Technology can expand understanding, but it can also deepen division. Pakistan itself knows this tension well. Not far from where we travelled lies the Swat Valley, home of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating girls’ education and still faces threats preventing her safe return home. Travel often reminds me that places rarely fit neatly into moral categories. Pakistan certainly didn’t.

For the next hour, Lee and I watched intensely competitive volleyball unfold beneath towering mountain peaks while vendors sold tea and roasted corn nearby. At one point, I looked over at Lee, who just days earlier had worried aloud about whether he should pack protein bars for Pakistan. Now he sat laughing with local spectators while cheering on teams whose names he couldn’t pronounce. “This trip,” he told me, “has already changed the way I think about travel.” I knew exactly what he meant. One of the great hidden rewards of diffi cult travel is that it dismantles abstraction. Countries stop being headlines. People stop being stereotypes. The world regains texture and humanity.

One of the great hidden ❛❛ rewards of difficult travel is that

it dismantles abstraction. Countries stop being headlines. People stop being stereotypes. ❜❜

There was breathtaking beauty here alongside obvious inequality. Deep hospitality alongside visible conservatism. Progress mixed with unresolved tensions. One afternoon, we found ourselves stuck in traffic near a small mountain town. Curious about the commotion ahead, we asked Manzoor to stop. To our astonishment, a regional beach-volleyball championship was underway. At nearly 10,000 feet elevation and roughly 1,500 miles from the nearest ocean. As a former volleyball player myself, I wandered towards the court. Hundreds of spectators surrounded the makeshift arena, many dressed in traditional shalwar kameez. An official spotted us and enthusiastically waved us into a VIP seating area near centre court. The crowd greeted us with smiles and hand-over-heart gestures.

Pakistan did not erase every concern or contradiction I carried into the trip. Nor should it have. The absence of women in many public spaces was impossible to ignore. Conversations about politics and religion occasionally revealed tensions simmering beneath the surface.

Barry is the author of Belonging to the World and was recently named the 2026 “Most Purposeful Traveler” by NomadMania. He has visited every country in the world (except North Korea, which he will visit soon), including all the highest-risk “Level 4: Do Not Travel” regions. His ﬁrsthand experiences challenge one-dimensional narratives, revealing the complexity, resilience, and humanity that exist alongside very real danger.

But meaningful travel isn’t about confirming simple narratives — positive or negative. It’s about allowing places to become more complicated, more human, and therefore more real. As our journey continued through the mountains of northern Pakistan, I found myself thinking back to the students in that classroom. What impressed me most wasn’t their knowledge of global affairs. It was their willingness to ask difficult questions while remaining open to hearing imperfect answers. That may be one of the most valuable lessons travel offers any of us. Understanding does not always align with agreement. It begins with curiosity strong enough to cross discomfort, uncertainty, and distance.

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MOTORING

All in all, it is a very handsome SUV, and that’s ❛❛ before I talk about what lies under the bonnet. ❜❜

Audi SQ5

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MOTORING

By Maarten Hoffmann, Motoring Editor I have always quite liked the Q5, ever since I first reviewed it in 2009, and, as you might recall from my recent review of the SQ7, I do like a fast Audi. So here we are again with the younger, smaller and slimmer cousin of the SQ7, the SQ5. In general, this new model is not so different from its previous incarnation, although for some odd reason, there is now a coupé SUV and the straight SUV. I’m really not sure why all this effort has gone into a very slightly different version of the same car! We do have a new, larger grille, new headlights, new rear bumpers and full-width light bar at the back, and new wheels. All in all, it is a very handsome SUV, and that’s before I talk about what lies under the bonnet. Inside, it is all very Audi and very nice, with great ruby-red leather seats that hold you well. A new bunch of buttons in the door panel and screens everywhere

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MOTORING

– and I mean everywhere. We are used to the Audi MMI virtual cockpit, which I love, but now we have the additional centre screen and then a third screen just for the passenger. I think it has all gone a tad too far, but it does allow the passenger to control things without the inevitable leaning over to get to the centre screen. However, does the passenger really need their own screen? It means that whilst staring dreamily into the distance on long

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MOTORING

trips, you now have a bright screen in your peripheral vision. The head-up display is also welcome, but now we have an image of the car on the road as well as speed and satnav; I am not sure how that helps anyone. I know where I am on the road, as I am not an idiot or blind or stupid; therefore, I don’t really need a visual of where I am on the road slap-bang in my field of vision. But let’s get to the most important element of this car - the power plant. And

As they say, ‘growing old ❛❛ is mandatory, growing up is entirely optional’.. ❜❜

as with all fast Audis (S and RS variants), the engine is sublime - super smooth with a seamless gear change and in the S version, as fast as Hades. This 3-litre turbocharged V6 produces a very healthy 362bhp and 406lb ft of torque.

62mph arrives in 4.5 seconds, and with the legendary Quattro system, it is fairly glued to the road with very clever masking of the height and bulk it carries. Add to that a hybrid system, called MHEV

a further 24bhp to the party, ❛❛ This brings and it is quite a party. ❜❜

Plus, with a 1.7kWh battery and two electric motors that not only fill in any turbo lag but also drive the car in town; and when coasting, the engine switches off. This brings a further 24bhp to the party, and it is quite a party. Calm and measured when in Comfort mode, switch to Dynamic and off we go to the party. It is remarkably fast for its bulk and seems to just keep going if you keep your foot buried - until you run out of courage or talent or road. The burbling sound is rather sexy, and you even get a bit of crackle and pop on the overrun, which is terribly childish to like, but you know you do. Hence they keep fitting this system to most high-powered cars. As they say, ‘growing old is mandatory, growing up is entirely optional’. It is one of the better-looking SUVs on the market, and if you can afford the £77k to buy it, it is highly unlikely that you would regret it. It is very well built; the interior is fabulous; the speed and power are addictive; the noise is glorious; and with the Quattro system, you are unlikely to ever get stuck in rain, hail, mud, or snow. If you want a large and fast SUV, look at the SQ7, but if you want a mid-sized SUV, capable of carrying five passengers in comfort and a large boot to boot, then you cannot do an awful lot better than the SQ5. I’d buy it. TECH STUFF: Model tested: Audi SQ5 TFSI S Edition Power: 362bhp Speed: 0-62 4.5 secs Top: 155mph Economy: 33.6 combined Price from: £77,255.00 As tested: £82,690.00

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Your best ideas deserve better than crossed fingers. With personalised financial planning and investment management, our advisers help you build a plan around the future you have in mind. Contact our Royal Tunbridge Wells office to arrange a complimentary introductory meeting. Paul Cannons | 01892 739580 paul.cannons@brewin.co.uk rbcwm.com/en-uk/royal-tunbridge-wells

The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested. RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of RBC Europe Limited. RBC Europe Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.

BDM6919

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN

THE GENDER BENCHMARK THE ART OF A HEALTHY ARGUMENT HISTORICAL SPOTLIGHT

ISSUE #63

TRAVEL The Italian Dolomites WINE & DINE Isca

DYNAMIC COLUMNISTS Alex Bailey The vulnerability of being seen

Laura Hearn

‘Known’ v ‘Known For’

Natalie Montagnani

Honour the chapter you’re in

Sophia Lorimer Stop dressing for the life you’ve outgrown

Camille Pierson Work with your body, not against it

THE BIG STORY

FREEZING YOUR FERTILITY London Women’s Clinic

CALLY BEATON EXPLAINING MANSPLAINING

CONTENTS

ISSUE 63

have ❛wrinkles, ❛ “If youyoudon’t haven’t laughed enough.” – Phyllis Diller

16 CALLY BEATON: BIG STORY

Art

THE SCOURGE OF MANSPLAINING

News

4 Upfront: The top international news stories involving women in business 12 In the Right Direction: Good news stories from around the world

Regulars

8 The Alex Bailey Column The vulnerability of being seen 10 The Laura Hearn Column The modern day culture of ‘Known v Known For’

26 Spotlight Focusing on two women who are not getting the recognition they deserve 28 Jo Irving What the hair industry taught me about leadership 34 Georgina Vass The art of a healthy argument 42 Historical Spotlight Focusing on two women whose past achievements have been overlooked, forgotten or erased from the history books

Wellbeing

14 The Natalie Montagnani Column Honour the chapter you’re in

6 London Women’s Clinic Freezing your fertility: your eggs, your timeline, your choice

32 The Camille Pierson Column Work with your body, not against it

Events

38 The Sophia Lorimer Column Stop dressing for the life you’ve outgrown

Features

22 Investing in Women Code Six years of evidence proving that backing women works 24 DMH Stallard How to outpace the legal sector gender benchmark

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

40 London Graceland A review of the artist’s latest collection, ‘Spotlight on the Shadows’

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21 Her Future Self Spaces are open for a groundbreaking seminar aimed at giving women more control over their lives

Further Reading

Travel

44 The Long Way Round Exploring the wonder of the peaks and villages of the Italian Dolomites

Wine & Dine

48 Restaurant Isca, Borde Hill A review of an excellent spot located in the idyllic Sussex gardens

Girl Torque

50 The world’s most beautiful cars MDHUB Managing Director, Fiona Shafer spent a day at London Concours 2026, showcasing some of the finest vintage cars still around

What’s On

54 A brief snapshot of what’s on in the South East

30 Kate Pearlman-Shaw Why employees don’t leave companies, they leave threat states

Review

36 Harmonise & Rise An idyllic retreat to unwind, reset, re-focus and relax - in central Hove All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit. Dynamic Magazine is owned and published by Platinum Media Group Limited.

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to our edition for sunny August In our Big Story this month, read how comedian Cally Beaton tackles mansplaining with the wit you’d expect and rather more nuance than the word usually gets. Elsewhere, Laura Hearn asks a question I suspect many of us need to sit with – are we chasing being known, or being known for something? If you’ve ever felt worn down by the pressure to be more visible, her piece is worth paying close attention to. And do not skip Camille Pierson’s column. Her guide to working with your body’s natural rhythms rather than against them is genuinely useful – the kind of practical, judgement-free advice that makes you wonder why nobody told us this years ago.

There’s plenty more besides. Georgina Vass explains why conflict in a relationship isn’t the problem – it’s what happens afterwards that counts. We look at how DMH Stallard is outpacing the legal sector’s gender benchmark, our Historical Spotlight continues to celebrate women the history books forgot, and we explore the realities of freezing your fertility. For something altogether more indulgent, join me hiking through the Italian Dolomites, or Charlin at a table at Isca, the Borde Hill Estate restaurant that thoroughly charmed her. However you spend your August, I hope there’s something in these pages that makes you think, laugh or book a table.

Editor, Dynamic Magazine tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk

CONTACTS

PUBLISHER: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk EDITOR: Tess de Klerk tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk MOTORING EDITOR: Fiona Shafer fionaas@platinummediagroup.co.uk COMMERCIAL MANAGER: Imogen Hunt imogen@platinummediagroupco.uk EVENTS DIRECTOR: Fiona Graves fiona@platinummediagroup.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN / SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk

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NE WS

ENTREPRENEUR CLARIFIES CONTROVERSIAL REMARKS

WOMEN PROMINENT IN BUSINESS BANK FUNDING

Millionaire businesswoman Emma Grede has clarified comments she made earlier this year about women working from home, which she was criticised for. Grede has appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and also cofounded the denim brand Good American in 2016.

The British Business Bank is backing 10 first-time venture capital fund managers with up to £90 million, creating a group that stands out in the UK investment scene. More than half of the general partners are women, and 43% are from ethnic minority backgrounds. These funds are the first investments from the Bank’s £400m Investor Pathways Capital initiative, which aims to make institutional venture capital more accessible to underrepresented managers. Each fund will get a cornerstone commitment from the Bank, ranging from £10 million to £20 million. The funds will focus on pre-seed and seed investments in the technology, deep tech, artificial intelligence, climate, defence, and consumer sectors.

“What I think is that work-from-home culture is a career killer for women. Careers require proximity and visibility. You want a pay rise, you want the next promotion, you want the big corner office. You need to be there.” Clarifying her stance in a BBC interview, she stated, “Nobody’s saying that it’s a bad idea to work from home, but what you can’t do is have ambition that is sky high and keep yourself out of visibility.”

UKRAINIAN/BRITISH WOMAN WINS EUROPEAN BUSINESS AWARD Katerina Spranger, founder and CEO of Oxford Heartbeat, is one of the winners of the 12th edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators, revealed by the European Commission at the European Innovation Council

(EIC) Summit in Brussels. The prize is awarded to women from the EU and Horizon Europe-associated countries whose disruptive innovations deliver tangible benefits to society and the planet, drive progress and strengthen Europe’s

competitive edge in the global economy. The prize showcases the remarkable achievements of winners and runners-up across three categories: EIC Women Innovators, EIC Rising Innovators, and EIT Women Leadership.

UPFRONT THE LATEST BULLETINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

LAW FIRM SIGNIFICANTLY AHEAD ON SECTOR GENDER AVERAGE

FRAUDULENT COVID BUSINESSWOMAN JAILED

Leading law firm DMH Stallard has revealed that female representation within its partnership has reached 49.5%, significantly outpacing the wider UK legal sector average of just 29%*. The firm credits this milestone in part to the work of its internal Women in Law group. Meeting quarterly, the group champions women across the firm’s six offices London, Brighton, Gatwick, Guildford, Horsham and Hassocks - offering support, mentoring and a strong sense of community. This progressive approach

A businesswoman who fraudulently claimed about £200,000 in Covid loans because of a “messy divorce” has been jailed. Rupali Wagh, 51, from Cardiff, fraudulently claimed the money from the UK government-backed scheme designed to support businesses through the pandemic between May and September 2020.

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to talent development is reflected in the firm’s exceptionally strong internal sentiment. In its latest staff survey, an overwhelming 100% of people named DMH Stallard a “great place to work,” while 95.7% reported an excellent work-life balance and 97.6% expressed absolute confidence in leadership. Data from McKinsey confirms that top-quartile companies for gender diversity show a 39% greater likelihood of financial outperformance over their bottom-quartile peers. Read the full story on page 24.

She inflated the value of her businesses and used the money to invest in stocks and shares, as well as clearing credit card debts. She pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud in November and was jailed for two years and three months at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday. Wagh secured £216,250 five Bounce Back Loans and also two other loans - for her companies, when businesses were only entitled to one. Judge David Wynn Morgan said “it was wholly dishonest for personal gain”.

WOMEN’S RURAL BUSINESS NEED MORE HELP A report from the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) has highlighted the support needs of women-led businesses and identified opportunities to strengthen innovation, enterprise and business growth in rural areas. The findings are based on a series of Rural Women in Enterprise events held across northern England in March this year. The events brought together women running a wide range of rural businesses

to discuss the challenges they face and the support they need to develop and grow. The report also highlighted wider barriers affecting rural womenled businesses, including poor digital and transport connectivity, limited business premises, childcare challenges, remoteness and access to tailored business advice. Participants also pointed to the importance of peer support networks in tackling isolation and building confidence.

❛❛

A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. A woman must do what he can’t.” - Rhonda Hansome American comedian, writer and director

MOTOR BODYSHOP OWNER PRAISED BY MP A businesswoman has been honoured in a national scheme celebrating female entrepreneurs. Katarzyna “Kat” Kolosowska, co-owner of Romsey Vehicle Bodyshop, was named this year’s MP HERo for Romsey after being nominated by MP Caroline

Nokes. The scheme, organised by Savvitas in partnership with NatWest, recognises women running successful businesses across the UK. As part of the honour, Ms Kolosowska will visit Parliament on November 18th to join other MP HERoes at a roundtable celebration

LATEST UK GENDER PAY GAP FIGURES REVEALED Forbes has revealed the latest gender pay gap information, courtesy of Office for National Statistics figures. The headline figure is that the gender pay gap among full-time workers was 6.9% in April 2025* (down slightly from 7.1% in April 2024). Additionally, compared with lower-paid employees, higher earners experience a much larger pay gap between the sexes. According to the ONS (October 2025), the median weekly pay of men working full-time outstrips that of women at every age. Women tend to be more likely to take career breaks and reenter the workforce in lower-paid roles. The median annual salary of men aged 50 to 59 in full-time work is £43,940 – 8% higher than that of women of the same age.

and reception. Romsey Vehicle Bodyshop is a family-run business based at Budds Lane Industrial Estate and managed by Ms Kolosowska and her husband Przemek. Operating since February 2025, the business has already earned more than 50 five-star reviews.

MANCHESTER BEST UK CITY OUTSIDE LONDON FOR FEMALE START UPS Manchester has been named the leading UK city outside London to start a business, according to new research from National Women’s Enterprise Week, in findings that point to the growing pull of regional ‘hidden hubs’ for women building companies away from the capital. The survey of 1,000 female entrepreneurs found that 41% named Manchester as either the best or second-best UK city outside London to launch a venture, with 27% putting it in the top spot. Birmingham followed on 14%, with Liverpool on 5%. The picture that emerges is of founders of women-led enterprises citing lower costs, greater flexibility and stronger regional opportunity as reasons to stay put.

❛❛

Even a stopped clock is right twice every day. After some years, it can boast of a long series of successes.” — Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, Austrian writer www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

WELLBEING

FREEZING YOU

YOUR EGGS, YOUR TIM F or many women, egg freezing isn’t about certainty. It’s about keeping the door open. It’s often assumed that egg freezing is mostly for career-focused women, but that’s rarely what patients tell Dr Vanessa Ross, Fertility Specialist at London Women’s Clinic. Far more often, it’s about timing that hasn’t yet come together, whether that’s not having found the right partner, or simply wanting more time to prepare.

Dr Davenport-Pleasance’s research found that many women wished they’d known about egg freezing sooner. Reflecting after freezing her eggs at 39, one participant said: “I wish I’d done this earlier... but 10 years ago the information out there about this was quite scarce.” A personal fertility health assessment is the best place to start evaluating ovarian reserve, discussing goals, and helping determine whether egg freezing is right for you.

Research by Dr Ellen Davenport-Pleasance, Research Fellow at London Women’s Clinic, based on interviews with London Women’s Clinic egg freezers, backs this up. Many women were clear that their decision wasn’t driven by panic, as one participant put it; she didn’t want “the window to close.” Egg freezing gives you a real opportunity to preserve your eggs at their current age and quality. It’s not an insurance policy. It’s an additional option that gives you the tools to make decisions about your future family on your own terms.

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS The process itself is more straightforward than people expect. Treatment begins with around 8–10 days of hormone injections, helping the ovaries produce several eggs instead of the usual one. Regular ultrasound scans monitor how the follicles, which contain the eggs, are developing. Once ready, an egg collection procedure is carried out under light sedation.

“For many women, egg freezing isn’t about certainty. It’s about keeping the door open.”

TIMING MATTERS Age is the most important factor influencing fertility. A woman’s chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby gradually decline with age, primarily because both the number and quality of her eggs decrease over time. “The best window to freeze is between your mid-20s and early 30s, while egg quality is strongest,” explains Dr Ross, “though at London Women’s Clinic, women can freeze up until their 43rd birthday.”

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It’s often the logistics, not the medicine, that prove the bigger challenge, which is exactly why every patient is supported by a dedicated coordinator and nursing team throughout the process. THE NUMBERS BEHIND OUR RESULTS London Women’s Clinic has the only dedicated egg freezing department in the UK, performing over 1,000 egg freezing cycles routinely every year. Data scientist Jemma Garratt explains: “Partnered with one of the UK’s largest

UR FERTILITY

MELINE, YOUR CHOICE egg banks, London Egg Bank, our laboratories have frozen over 135,000 mature eggs, and warmed over 47,000 mature eggs for treatment.

“Research at our centre has shown that live birth rates with frozen own eggs are comparable to rates seen using fresh own eggs in IVF (Garratt et al., 2025). In 2024, live birth rates were 44% per single embryo transferred for patients under 35 using their frozen own eggs in treatment. After three embryo transfers, this reached up to 60%.”

“As one woman summarised, ‘It is so empowering as women to have just an extra layer of choice around fertility.’ ”

A WEIGHT LIFTED For many women, the greatest impact of egg freezing isn’t medical; it’s emotional. Dr Davenport-Pleasance’s research captured this recurring theme throughout: “It did take that pressure off,” one participant said, describing how she felt more able to simply get on with her life. Another explained that freezing her eggs meant she was no longer “appraising someone” she was dating as a potential father and could instead “just live in the moment.” As one woman summarised, “It is so empowering as women to have just an extra layer of choice around fertility.” It doesn’t guarantee a future pregnancy, but it does offer something valuable: the knowledge that you’ve taken a proactive step, on your own terms. CLOSER TO HOME “Egg freezing should be accessible, affordable, and convenient,” says Dr Ross. That’s why London Women’s Clinic developed its Freeze Local programme, enabling patients to see an experienced egg freezing specialist closer to home, making the process simpler, more convenient, and less overwhelming, wherever you live. ABOUT LONDON WOMEN’S CLINIC London Women’s Clinic has twenty clinics across the UK, with Freeze Local available in the South East, including at LWC Brighton, based at 169 Preston Road, Brighton. Visit www.londonwomensclinic.com to ﬁnd out more. London Women’s Clinic 169 Preston Road Brighton, BN1 6AD

A PATIENT’S STORY Egg freezing isn’t about delaying motherhood. It’s about creating choice

‘‘

Like many women, I imagined that by now my life would look different. Instead, I’m still building that future — creating a career I love and embracing the uncertainty of not knowing how life will unfold. That is why I chose to freeze my eggs. Not to delay motherhood, and not to put my career first, but to create space for life to happen without feeling that biology was making the decision for me. People often assume egg freezing is something career-focused women do instead of having children. That’s the biggest misconception. Most of us aren’t choosing work over family — we’re waiting because life hasn’t unfolded as we imagined. Egg freezing is rarely about postponing motherhood. More often, it’s about preserving the possibility of it. What surprised me most was realising that knowledge doesn’t make you immune to emotion. I understood every stage of the treatment practically, yet living it was different. I thought less about the injections and more about time, identity, and the future I hoped for. I wasn’t just undergoing a medical procedure — I carried an entire life story into the clinic. I want to be honest, too: egg freezing isn’t an insurance policy. It’s an opportunity, not a promise — medicine can preserve eggs, but it can’t guarantee future pregnancy. Women deserve conversations that are hopeful without false reassurance. My advice is simple. Don’t decide based on fear or social pressure — decide because you’ve understood your options and what feels right for your life. Seeking information isn’t committing to treatment. More than anything, I hope women reading this feel less alone. Fertility journeys often happen quietly, carried privately behind everyday life. If this encourages even one person to ask questions earlier, sharing it has been worthwhile.” To ﬁnd out more about egg freezing and the London Women’s Clinic Freeze Local programme, visit ww.londonwomensclinic.com

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FE ATURE

The

Alex Bailey Column

COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2022

We are delighted to hav and CEO of Bailey & Fre She founded leadership team delivering work ac large blue chips as well

The vulnerab Publishing a book has reminded me of that lesson all over again.

By Alex Bailey

few days ago, I held my first published book in my hands. After more than 20 years of working with leaders around the world, building a business, speaking on stages and helping organisations navigate change, I thought I knew what that moment would feel like. As the founder of Bailey & French and co-author of Rapid Reculturing, I’d spent years thinking deeply about leadership, culture and what it means for people to thrive at work. I did feel pride and relief, but also a sense of responsibility and vulnerability.

Ironically, much of my work focuses on helping organisations create cultures where people feel able to speak up, contribute ideas and bring more of themselves to work. The concepts behind Rapid Reculturing are grounded in helping organisations build a stronger sense of purpose, healthier mindsets, greater human energy and deeper human connection. But there is an important truth I’ve been reflecting on: I cannot create cultures of courage if I’m unwilling to practise courage myself.

“It struck me that achievement and vulnerability often arrive hand in hand, and I wonder how often we talk about that. Particularly as women.”

Not because I didn’t believe in the book, but because for the first time, years of thinking, questioning, researching and believing were no longer sitting safely in notebooks, presentations or conversations. They were out in the world publicly for other people to read, challenge and judge. It struck me that achievement and vulnerability often arrive hand in hand, and I wonder how often we talk about that. Particularly as women.

We’re encouraged to celebrate promotions, share good news and mark milestones. We post photos of awards, announce new roles and talk openly about success, particularly on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Yet we rarely discuss what happens beneath the surface: the doubt and uncertainty, the voice in our head asking, “Is it good enough?” I guess I thought that one day I would wake up feeling completely certain of myself, but in my experience, that moment never comes. Over the years, I’ve realised that bravery has very little to do with feeling fearless but is more about acting through uncertainty, speaking before you’re ready, leading before you feel qualified… writing before you’re convinced anyone wants to read what you have to say. 8

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And courage is rarely glamorous and heroic as I had assumed; it’s admitting you don’t have the answer, it means changing your mind, and sometimes it means launching something that matters deeply to you, knowing it may not resonate with everyone. As I held the finished book, I found myself thinking less about publication and more about permission. Permission we often wait for; permission to begin; permission to contribute; permission to share an idea; permission to stop striving for perfection. I suspect many women leaders know this feeling. We become experts at meeting expectations; we work hard, prepare thoroughly and strive to get things right. Yet somewhere along the way, many of us quietly convince ourselves that we need one more qualification, one more achievement or one more success before we’re truly ready. What if we’re already ready? What if the thing holding us back isn’t capability but the belief that confidence must come before action? Looking back, some of the most important decisions in my career happened before I felt prepared, knowing I would

ve Alex Bailey contributing to Dynamic. She is an organisational psychologist, author, ench, and a global expert in humanising leadership, culture, and the world of work. p and culture consultancy Bailey & French which has grown organically to a global cross 155 countries, in all markets and industries and trusted by the board/execs of as those at the most senior levels of central government.

bility of being seen face whatever the outcome, even if that meant failure. Starting a business. Speaking on bigger stages; taking opportunities that stretched me; writing a book. None of those decisions was accompanied by certainty or any safety net. They were accompanied by possibility and passion. The book is a great example; we wrote it and finished all 74,000 words before we had a publisher. We wrote it as if it was going to be a bestseller, perhaps some call it blind faith, others call it courageous, but we were prepared to write the whole thing and put in the hours without knowing it would ever be printed.

“Growth doesn’t happen when doubt disappears, but when something becomes more important than the doubt.” And perhaps that’s one of the biggest lessons leadership continues to teach me. Growth doesn’t happen when doubt disappears, but when something becomes more important than the doubt. Today, as this new chapter begins, I’m not feeling the sense of completion I thought I would feel. Instead, I’m feeling curiosity and gratitude and yes, a little vulnerability. Because putting your ideas into the world is always an act of courage. But perhaps that is the point. Maybe success isn’t arriving at a place where you no longer feel exposed. Maybe success is caring about something enough to show up anyway. And if that’s true, then holding this book in my hands didn’t mark the end of a journey; it marked the beginning of another one. alex@baileyandfrench.com www.baileyandfrench.com www.rapidreculturing.com www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

FE ATURE

Laura Hearn is a former BBC journalist, now storytelling consultant and founder of Flip It - a podcast and platform helping people and businesses use storytelling as a tool for clarity, connection and change. This month, for Dynamic, Laura looks at the notion that ‘personal brand is everything’, when the truth is it really isn’t.

THE MODER

‘Known’ By Laura Hearn

t has never been easier to make yourself visible. Everywhere we turn, we’re encouraged to share more, say more, build an audience and become known. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I keep hearing the same sentence: “You need to build your personal brand.” Recently, sitting on one of my favourite spots on the beach with my dog, I overheard it again. I only caught part of the conversation, but it was enough to make me wonder if being ‘known’ had replaced being known for something… anything. “All my friends keep telling me I need a stronger personal brand to support the business, but just thinking about adding more to my diary right now feels exhausting.” Her friend then asked what she meant. “I honestly don’t know. I’m not even sure what a personal brand looks like. I just feel like I ought to be doing it, as I’m worried my business won’t grow.” That was all I heard, but it was enough to inspire this month’s piece, because the more I thought about it, the more I realised I’d been asking myself the same questions not so long ago.

“I’m not even sure what a personal brand looks like. I just feel like I ought to be doing it, as I’m worried my business won’t grow.” That was all I heard... 10

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Yet, I have come to believe it’s a trap that many of us fall into unconsciously. Most of what gets called ‘personal branding’ is really just an effort to be known, full stop, regardless of what you’re known for. Say something often enough, post consistently enough, show up in enough feeds, and visibility starts to feel like proof you’re doing something right. It isn’t. It’s just proof you’re visible. Two very different things, easy to mistake for one another when the algorithm rewards the first and takes years to reward the second. Whether it’s podcasts, conferences, business books or social media, building a personal brand has become the accepted wisdom of modern business. If you want to grow your company, people need to know who you are. And there’s

RN DAY CULTURE OF

’ v ‘Known For’ some truth in that. People buy from people. We connect with faces before logos, stories before strategies. But knowing who you are and knowing what you stand for are not the same thing, and I think we’ve started confusing the two. After more than 20 years as a journalist, I’ve learnt that attention and trust are very different currencies. Attention can happen in an instant. Trust rarely does. In journalism, your reputation is everything, and it’s never built on one interview or one programme. It’s built over years, by turning up prepared, checking facts, treating people fairly and doing what you said you’d do. Nobody ever talked about building a personal brand. They talked about earning trust, story by story, until your name meant something specific rather than something familiar.

That’s where I think we’ve become distracted. We’ve started treating founders as though they are the business, encouraged to become content creators, personalities, the centre of every conversation. But what happens if the founder becomes bigger than the business? When every client wants to deal with you, every decision depends on you, and every opportunity begins and ends with your name? Growth gets difficult because the business can’t outgrow its founder, and being known becomes the whole strategy rather than a by-product of one.

“Visibility might open the door. What you’re actually known for is what keeps it open.”

I’ve come to believe business works much the same way. Visibility might open the door. What you’re actually known for is what keeps it open. Today, I spend much of my time helping founders articulate who they are and how they communicate: messaging, positioning, thought leadership, media opportunities. Those things matter because if people don’t know you exist, they can’t choose to work with you. But they’re only the foundations. The harder, slower part is building something people believe in – something with substance.

“There’s a difference between being known and being known for something, and only one of those is worth chasing”

The strongest organisations I’ve encountered aren’t built like that. They’re built on shared values, exceptional people and cultures that inspire. The ones that endure all seem to have one thing in common: people believe in far more than the person at the top. They believe in the colleague who solves the problem, the person who steps in when someone needs help. Culture is what people remember, not the volume of the founder’s voice. That’s why I find the phrase personal brand slightly uncomfortable. Not because founders should hide, your story matters, your voice matters. But there’s a difference between being known and being known for something, and only one of those is worth chasing. A personal brand can be built on noise. A reputation can’t. It’s earned one conversation at a time, one promise kept, one client who recommends you to someone else, until your name starts opening doors before you’ve even arrived. Back on the beach, I resisted the urge to add to her confusion. But I wanted to turn around and tell her she didn’t need a stronger personal brand. That she probably already knew exactly what she wanted to be known for. The exhausting part wasn’t the answer. It was everyone insisting she needed to look for one.

You can listen to Laura’s podcast, Flip It, wherever you get your podcasts, and you can connect with her at www.ﬂipitglobal.com www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

NE WS

GLOW-WORMS RETURN TO THE SOUTH DOWNS Glow-worms are set to make a welcome comeback in South Downs National Park following a carefully managed conservation project. The insects, which have declined because of habitat loss and light pollution, have been reintroduced as larvae and are expected to begin glowing next year. The park’s famously dark skies offer ideal conditions for the species to thrive. Ranger Paul Bushell said the location is “the perfect area for a reintroduction”, adding that conservationists hope the wait will be well worth it.

IN THE RIGHT

DIRECTION AMBITIOUS REWILDING PROJECT SECURES FUNDING

A landmark conservation project in Northumberland is set to restore 3,000 hectares of degraded land after securing almost £9 million in funding. The initiative will revive damaged peatlands, increase biodiversity, reduce flood risk and support sustainable grazing, creating one of England’s largest dedicated nature restoration sites. Restore founder Benedict Macdonald believes the estate will become

“a biosphere-level reserve where nature itself is the driver”, placing wildlife at the heart of long-term land management.

AMAZON DEFORESTATION REACHES DECADE LOW Brazil has recorded its lowest level of Amazon deforestation in 10 years, with rainforest loss dropping 38% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year. The figures are being hailed as evidence that government action can make a measurable difference. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who pledged to curb deforestation, has made environmental protection a priority. “This is evidence that deforestation is not an inevitable process,” said scientist Ane Alencar.

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“An overnight success after 25 years is delicious.” Hannah Waddingham, award-winning actor

ROAD DEATHS FALL DESPITE RISING TRAFFIC

Global road deaths have fallen by 21% since 2011, even as more than one billion additional vehicles have taken to the roads. New World Health Organisation figures show major progress in road safety, although traffic accidents still claimed 1.16 million lives in 2025 and remain the leading cause of death among people aged 5–29. Countries have now pledged to halve road deaths by 2030. As WHO director Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said, “We’ve made real progress”, but there is still much more to do.

HUNGARY BEGINS REBUILDING PUBLIC TRUST IN MEDIA Hungary’s new government has begun dismantling what critics described as a state-run “disinformation machine”. Viewers tuning in to public broadcaster services were greeted with an apology acknowledging that public media “should not lie,” before news programming was temporarily suspended for reform.

SCIENTISTS LAUNCH INDEPENDENT CLIMATE PLATFORM After widespread funding cuts and job losses under the Trump administration, former US government climate scientists have launched an independent website to keep trusted climate information publicly available. The new platform, ‘climate.us’, has been funded through thousands of private donations and aims to provide reliable scientific data free from political influence. Managing director Rebecca Lindsey said, “Trusted climate information should not disappear when politics change,” underscoring the importance of accessible evidence for communities, educators and policymakers alike.

PSILOCYBIN OFFERS HOPE FOR ANOREXIA CARE Psilocybin, the active compound found in magic mushrooms, may become a valuable new treatment for anorexia nervosa when paired with talking therapy. In a small Imperial College London study, almost half the participants showed symptom scores similar to someone without an eating disorder after three months. Researchers stress the findings are preliminary, but encouraging. Lead therapist Jennifer Danby said the treatment helped participants “explore their relationship with the illness and gain some new perspectives”.

BLOOD TEST COULD TRANSFORM WOMB CANCER DIAGNOSIS A pioneering blood test powered by artificial intelligence could spare thousands of women from undergoing invasive investigations for suspected womb cancer. In a study of more than 16,000 women, the PinPoint test achieved 99% accuracy in detecting or ruling out gynaecological

The overhaul fulfils a key election promise by Prime Minister Peter Magyar following years of political interference under the previous administration. While journalists have welcomed the move, many say the true test will be creating an independent and trustworthy public broadcaster.

cancers. Researchers believe it could speed up diagnosis for high-risk patients while reducing unnecessary procedures for others. The team said the technology could lead to “a better diagnostic experience” and be introduced quickly without the need for additional equipment.

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Lean in, speak out, have a voice in your organisation, and never use the word, ‘sorry’. – Trish Bertuzzi, Founder, The Bridge Group

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FH E A E TA U L TR H E

Natalie Montagnani is a Business & Leadership Coach for founders and leaders strengthen self-leadership, commer Natalie is on a mission to advance a new era of female lea

Honour th By Natalie Montagnani

believe we should live our lives by design, not default. But there are inevitably times, or chapters of our lives, where our choices may be limited. For the past couple of years, I have poured my heart into events: networking brunches, workshops and masterminds. Bringing brilliant women together, watching friendships form and collaborations happen, genuinely became one of the greatest privileges of my work.

Something had to give, so I stopped trying to do everything and paused all of my events this year. Because leadership is sometimes about having the courage to say, “This isn’t what this chapter needs from me or what I can handle.” THE LESSON I NEVER EXPECTED What surprised me most wasn’t the relief of having more space in my diary; it was what I discovered once that space appeared. I’d been so busy the last couple of years that I hadn’t stopped to ask myself an important question: where do I create the greatest transformation? I’d spent so much time trying to work out how I could best serve my community that I’d unintentionally drifted away from my own zone of genius. My superpower has never been organising the room; it’s what happens inside it.

“Leadership is sometimes about having the courage to say, ‘This isn’t what this chapter needs But running events as a one- from me or what I can handle.’ ” woman business is enormous, and this year I’m helping to launch an exciting new PropTech business which deserves focus, energy and commitment during these early stages. At the same time, I’m a mum to two young daughters, looking after an elderly relative and like many women, balancing family life, work and trying to look after my own wellbeing too.

It’s the conversations that change how someone sees themselves; it’s helping women make brave decisions they never thought they were capable of making, enabling them to think differently about themselves, their leadership and what’s possible. The transformations I’ve witnessed have been extraordinary because I finally gave that part of my business and myself room to breathe, and I genuinely feel like I’m living my purpose. Ironically, had I continued filling my calendar with events, I may never have discovered it. I was too busy doing good work to fully recognise my greatest work of all. BUSY DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN ALIGNED As women, we’re often praised for juggling and making everything happen, but capability can become a trap. We end up saying yes to things because we know we can do them, rather than asking whether we should. Commercially, my events were never the strongest part of my business. After I’d invested weeks of planning and execution, I’d be lucky to break even. Meanwhile, the same amount of time invested in coaching and corporate workshops creates transformational results for clients while also building a more sustainable business.

Speaking at one of my POWERHOUSE strategy days

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That was a difficult truth to admit, but an important one. Sometimes the bravest business decision isn’t adding

r Women and Founder of Ignite. Drawing on 25 years of commercial experience, she helps female rcial confidence and influence. Through her coaching, workshops and curated leadership rooms, adership.

he chapter you’re in

The incredible women of my 2024/25 Mastermind.

another service; it’s letting go or pausing one that no longer represents the highest and best use of your time.

“ ‘Is this the highest and best use of me?’ That one question has changed the way I lead, let go of guilt and make peace with saying no.”

STOP COMPARING CHAPTERS Every week, I speak to women navigating completely different chapters, and one of the biggest shifts I’ve made this year has been letting go of comparison.

Do I still see others delivering events I’d love to host? Absolutely. But comparison ignores context. It compares someone else’s chapter with your own, and that’s never fair. Your chapter might be about building. Someone else’s might be about healing. Another woman’s might be about starting again. None of those chapters is more valuable than the others; they’re simply asking different things of us. MAKE THE MOST OF WHERE YOU ARE So ask yourself a simple question about what you’re doing in this chapter of your life: Is this the highest and best use of me? That one question has changed the way I lead, let go of guilt and make peace with saying no. Most importantly, it has helped me stop trying to be everything to everyone and instead become more of who I’m actually meant to be.

I am excited for when my events can return, new ideas and different opportunities. But right now, this chapter deserves my full attention. Because when you stop resisting the season you’re in and start honouring it instead, something remarkable happens. You stop trying to become everything, and you fi nally become exactly who you’re meant to be right now.

Natalie Montagnani Founder of IGNITE Women in Business 07900 153503 ignitewomeninbusiness.com Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn or drop her an email to natalie@ignitewomeninbusiness.com www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

B I GH S E TA O L TR H Y

THE BIG STORY

CALLY BEATON Countering the scourge of mansplaining

Mansplaining, the portmanteau word combining ‘man’ and ‘expla…’ Oops, just about to go down that same road myself. It is the bane of just about every professional woman – scratch that – it is the bane of every woman to have the arrogant, self-important man assume you’re an inferior person on a technical, intellectual and emotional level. Alan Wares looks at a practice that has no place in civil society

he unsolicited advice, the condescending tone, the ignored or overlooked expertise, based on… well, pick one. Ignorance. Arrogance. Stupidity. Excess confidence. Self-entitlement. The patriarchy. If this magazine has sought to achieve one thing (several, really), it’s that women have every bit as much intellect, business acumen, knowledge, and inalienable right to challenge all of the proxies that have gone before them. And some men don’t like that. Certain men are now feeling so downtrodden at the thought of women doing – and doing well – what they considered was ‘their job’, challenging their power and status, contradicting their word, that they feel like an endangered species. It’s the same across many aspects of culture, whether gender, race, sexual orientation or nationality, so when 16

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women outperform them, they start whining. Something about ‘woke’ or ‘positive discrimination’. Naturally, Dynamic is not interested in this status quo. The cultural roots of the word gained widespread attention after author Rebecca Solnit published her 2008 essay “Men Explain Things to Me,” even though she did not use the actual word ‘mansplaining’ in the text. In broader terms, while Solnit originally meant to describe a gender-based power dynamic, the term is more often used today to refer to any overconfident or patronising explanation given to someone, regardless of gender.

Certain men are now feeling so downtrodden at the thought of women doing – and doing well – what they considered was ‘their job’

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Trent Davis Bailey

“‘Do men still explain things to you?’ ‘Do they ever! Social media are to mansplainers what dogs are to fleas’” Rebecca Solnit, creator of the realisation of ‘mansplaining’

In 2014, Solnit told the Guardian in an interview about how she felt being the creator of the word ‘mansplaining’, “A really smart young woman changed my mind about it. I used to be ambivalent, worrying primarily about typecasting men with the term. (I have spent most of my life tiptoeing around the delicate sensibilities of men, though of course the book ‘Men Explain Things to Me’ is what happens when I set that exhausting, doomed project aside.) Then in March a PhD candidate said to me, ‘No, you need to look at how much we needed this word, how this word let us describe an experience every woman has, but we didn’t have language for.’ “And that’s something I’m really interested in: naming experience and how what has no name cannot be acknowledged or shared. Words are power. So if this word allowed us to talk about something that goes on all the time, then I’m really glad it exists and slightly amazed that not only have I contributed about a million published words to the conversation but maybe, indirectly, one new word.” “Do men still explain things to you?” “Do they ever! Social media are to mansplainers what dogs are to fleas, and it has brought them out in droves. But more than anything since I wrote ‘Men Explain Things to Me’, the public conversation offers up a dramatic uptick in guys mansplaining feminism and women’s experiences. Worse, they’re just denying that we even need feminism. “If there were awards to be handed out, I’d offer one to the man who told a woman friend that – one, women actually like catcalls from, two, a man who’s only spent time in men’s locker rooms. So according to him, we like street harassment, because we’re just crazy that way. How do we know? Just ask an expert. Obviously one who is not a lady.” 18

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Back in the UK, and more recently, one of the most frequent recipients of mansplaining is comedian, writer and TV producer, Cally Beaton. She spent 25 years in boardrooms and in TV production before leaving to tread the boards. Her expertise is exemplary and wide-ranging. Until she meets a non-expert, it would seem, one of whom was more than happy to say how her time and experience have been wrong. Beaton is also mansplaining’s main protagonist and, over the past couple of years or more, has taken to posting short videos on social media, describing how she has been on the receiving end of persistent mansplaining either during, before or after her stand-up shows. Actually, for ‘describing’, it’s more ‘brutal takedown’. If you can tear yourself away from this august magazine, head to TikTok and YouTube and type ‘Cally Beaton mansplaining’. There are myriad examples of her exasperation, brilliantly told, usually while taking her dog ‘Jeff’ for a walk.

“Not every man is a mansplainer, but every mansplainer is a man”

As Newsweek reported in May 2024, “Cally Beaton explained in a video that she was due to speak at an event earlier this month when she noticed that her name card wrongly listed her as Carry. She asked for it to be corrected, but instead of changing it, the man she spoke to insisted that Carry was correct, despite her protestations that she wasn’t. “It was extremely frustrating for Beaton, who lives in London. She told Newsweek that it’s all too common for people to “doubt a woman’s credibility.” She feels that this wouldn’t have happened if she were male, but because she’s a woman, the man chose to mansplain her own name. Since she shared the “ultimate mansplain” experience on TikTok, the clip has been viewed over 425,200 times (now 493,000) and gained more than 54,900 likes (now 63,000) in just days. Beaton, a comedian and podcaster, said: “I’m a very experienced speaker, and I feel that a woman probably would not have said that to me. She’d have tried to help. Also, if I were a male speaker, I don’t think that guy would have said, “No, that’s not your name.” It wasn’t the only time she had been mansplained over her name. She was in a ‘well-known coffee chain, noted for its green and white logo’, when the barista (alright, bloke behind the counter) pointed out that she was spelling her name wrong. “Cally is spelt ‘C-A-L-I’” he unwisely decided

to mansplain to her. Your forehead hurts after a while with all the facepalming. As a result of the first video being posted, Beaton was inundated with examples from TikTok viewers describing their experiences of being mansplained. “What an embarrassment of riches,” she commented in a follow-up post. One thing specifically asked for was what was the best response to this ignorance; what is the thing she’d wished she’d said at the time when thinking about it later?. Her favourite at the time was, “Please don’t confuse your Google search with my PhD.” In another post, she references a conversation about a book by Caroline Criado Perez called ‘Invisible Women’, which a clueless male in the meeting she was part of kept talking over her. Or at least, the male was trying to reference it; Beaton was helping him with what he was on about, and he wouldn’t listen. Soon after these first videos, Beaton continued to post more content, further explaining how men would talk over her and tell her things about herself or her profession (usually incorrectly). In fact, if one is so minded, a deep dive into Beaton’s TikTok posts will leave you open-mouthed at the breathless ignorance of some men. “It isn’t gender www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

HE ALTH

“Beaton was in a ‘well-known coffee chain’, when the barista pointed out that she was spelling her name wrong. “Cally is spelt ‘C-A-L-I’” he unwisely decided to mansplain to her.”

Cally Beaton at the Dynamic Business Awards, 2025

neutral,” Beaton posted, “because women still have some trouble getting themselves heard. Not all men are mansplainers, but all mainplainers are men.” A series of these behaviours is writ large in the caricatures in the 2026 film ‘Ladies First’, starring Rosamund Pike and Sasha Baron Cohen. Billed as a ‘comedy’, it is instead a fist-gnawing look at overt misogynistic tendencies at a London PR firm, most of whose practices are outlawed now.

believe a woman when she is on the receiving end of violence or abuse from their partner. Meanwhile, in 2025, Cally Beaton wrote a top ten best-selling book ‘Namaste Motherf*ckers: A modern manifesto for keeping cool when you’re a hot mess’. As Amazon wrote, “Part memoir, part stereotype-defying manifesto, Namaste Motherf*ckers is a funny, empowering, practical book that takes an irreverent look at the author’s own story of radical midlife reinvention - taking her from meetings in the boardroom to becoming a stand-up comedian - thanks to a chance conversation with the late, great Joan Rivers encouraging her to make change happen.”

“If one is so minded, a deep dive into Beaton’s TikTok posts will leave you openmouthed at the breathless ignorance of some men.”

As to the entertainment quality of the film, that’s up for a separate debate, but what the film does do is cast light on heinous sexist practices - hopefully exaggerated, but not totally - in City businesses. There is a Hollywood ending (of course there is), but one fear highlighted by a reviewer is that mansplainers might use this film as an instruction manual for these ongoing practices. There is a more serious, chilling side to this. It’s one thing to be disregarded by an entitled man – an act that leaves eyes rolling in your head like a slot machine; it’s another thing to be ignored by a man in authority. Doctors who won’t listen to women, or worse, who say there’s nothing wrong. Police officers who won’t 20

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Beaton uses her platform to gather other real-life stories from members of the public. She draws on these, along with her own real-life experiences with mansplaining, in her live shows. Oddly enough, there are certain - male, obviously - members who get so triggered that they heckle her on this very subject, as if to prove her point. “Oh, to have the confidence of a mediocre man…” comes the sharp riposte. Unsurprisingly, the irony goes way over their heads. The ocean of these stories and experiences is, sadly, vast. Cally Beaton is no stranger to Platinum; she hosted the Dynamic Business Awards in 2025 and will present both the Brighton & Hove Business Awards and the Surrey Business Awards later this year.

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SIX YEARS OF EVIDE BACKING WOMEN WO

or the sixth year running, the organisations that signed the Investing in Women Code have put a greater share of their funding behind female founders than the market as a whole. A commitment that began with twelve signatories now has more than 330 – and a growing body of proof behind it. There is a familiar argument made in rooms where funding decisions are made, and it goes roughly like this: backing women is the right thing to do. It is, but being right has never been especially good at moving capital on its own. Evidence helps. The sixth annual report from the Investing in Women Code, published on July 8th, offers a decent amount of it. For the sixth consecutive year, signatories to the Code have directed a greater proportion of their funding to female-founded businesses than the wider market has. Six years is long enough to stop calling something a trend and start calling it a pattern. The Code is a government-backed commitment to improve access to finance for women-led businesses, and its growth tells its own story. In 2019, it had twelve signatories. Today it has more than 330, including most of the major UK retail banks, venture capital firms, angel investors and lenders. Nationwide and Innovate U signed up this year.

“There is a familiar argument made in rooms where funding decisions are made, and it goes roughly like this: backing women is the right thing to do.” Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, said signatories had outperformed the wider market for the sixth year in a row, showing that backing female founders is ‘good for business and good for growth’. The Code matters, he added, because it helps more women start, scale and succeed – unlocking talent, creating jobs and strengthening the economy along the way. WHAT THE MONEY ACTUALLY DOES Percentages are useful. Founders are more persuasive. Kate Heath is the founder and chief executive of Gaia Learning, the UK’s leading online school for neurodivergent learners. She joined the Baltic Ventures Accelerator in 2023 and came away with mentoring, business support and a £50,000 22

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pre-seed investment. That early backing helped Gaia Learning speed up product development and go on to secure more than £600,000 in follow-on funding. In 2025 she was named Great British Entrepreneur of the Year. She is honest about the difficulty of the fundraising itself. ‘Securing funding is not easy, whichever path you take,’ she said, describing it as one of the hardest parts of building a business. What changed things for her was a shift in how she thought about it - ‘When you stop seeing it as just raising money and start seeing it as finding people who genuinely believe in your mission, it becomes more rewarding’ Working in education, and specifically with children with SEND, meant investors tended to connect with the work

ENCE THAT ORKS personally. The funding allowed the school to grow. But Heath is clear that it brought something else too – a community of people who share the belief that every child deserves an education that works for them. WIDENING THE CIRCLE The report is candid: women-led businesses still receive a smaller share of overall investment than they should, and there is plenty of work underway to close that gap. The Invest in Women Taskforce has deployed more than £70 million from its £635 million pool in its first year. The British Business Bank’s £400 million Investor Pathways Capital Initiative is designed to support emerging fund managers and widen who gets access to investment opportunities in the first place. Last week the Bank committed

£90 million through that programme to ten new funds, with women making up more than half the General Partners in the cohort. That last detail is easy to skim past and probably matters most. Who writes the cheques shapes who receives them. Kristen McLeod, chief strategy officer at the British Business Bank, described the findings as evidence that the Code is gradually shifting the dial while making it plain that there is much more to do. The Bank’s focus, she said, is on widening access to finance and knocking down barriers so that more female founders can reach their full potential.

“Women-led businesses still receive a smaller share of overall investment than they should, and there is plenty of work underway to close that gap.” A HABIT WORTH FORMING What the report describes is a habit taking hold across a few hundred organisations that have agreed to count what they fund and publish the answer. That sounds administrative, but measurement is what turns a good intention into a commitment, and commitment is what moves money. Six years of data is making an argument that no amount of advocacy could make on its own. Somewhere in those numbers is a woman with an idea and a spreadsheet, sitting across from someone deciding whether to believe her. Six years on, the odds of that conversation going well are better than they were.

THE CODE, IN BRIEF Signatories to the Investing in Women Code commit to three things: • Adopting best practice to improve female entrepreneurs’ access to ﬁnance • Nominating a member of the senior leadership team to be responsible for supporting equality in all interactions with entrepreneurs • Providing annual funding data broken down by gender to the Department for Business and Trade. The Sixth Investing in Women Code Annual Report is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/ investing-in-women-code-annual-report-2026 Organisations wishing to sign up can do so here: www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ investing-in-women-code

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Leading law firm DMH Stallard has revealed that female representation within its partnership has reached 49.5%, significantly outpacing the wider UK legal sector average of just 29%*

How to outpace the legal sector gender benchmark

he firm credits this milestone in part to the work of its internal Women in Law group. Meeting quarterly, the group champions women across DMH Stallard’s six offices – London, Brighton, Gatwick, Guildford, Horsham and Hassocks – offering support, mentoring and a strong sense of community. For HR Director Amanda Smith, the figure reflects

something more deliberate than good fortune. “The milestone is a very positive leap forward,” she says, “one strongly attributed to providing a platform where women are genuinely supported to progress into senior leadership.” The quarterly meetings, she adds, are what keep that platform from becoming an abstraction: they ensure career growth, work-life balance and wellness remain 'continuous actions, not just policies on a page'.

“For HR Director Amanda Smith, the ﬁgure reflects something more deliberate than good fortune”

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That approach is reflected in the firm's exceptionally strong internal sentiment. In its latest staff survey, an overwhelming 100% of people named DMH Stallard a great place to work, while 95.7% reported an excellent work-life balance and 97.6% expressed absolute confidence in leadership. “It is a foundation of inclusion that explains 'exactly why 100% of our people value our workplace culture so highly,” Smith adds. The commercial argument is well established. Data from McKinsey** confirms that top-quartile companies for gender diversity show a 39% greater likelihood of financial outperformance over their bottom-quartile peers. A BROADER CULTURE OF INCLUSION AND WELLBEING The success of the Women in Law framework serves as the blueprint for a rapidly expanding portfolio of diversity and wellness initiatives across the firm, including: • The Launch of PRISM: Alongside its gender diversity milestones, DMH Stallard has formally established PRISM (Pride, Respect and Inclusion, across the Spectrum and More). The group gives LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies a visible, supportive space to collaborate and shape day-to-day policy.

or them); enhanced maternity and paternity leave benefits above statutory minimums; the option to buy an additional week's holiday, supporting wellbeing and helping everyone to balance childcare and other personal commitments; and a Partner Coaching Programme offering confidential one-toone sessions throughout the year.

“Organisations that prioritise is internal success coincides genuine inclusion consistently Th with an exceptional period of exoutperform their peers” ternal growth. DMH Stallard was

recently crowned Regional Law Firm of the Year by Chambers UK and swept three major categories at the Insider Media South East Dealmakers Awards, including Corporate Law Firm of the Year.

• GP-Led Parent Support: Recognising the complex realities of modern working families, the firm's Learning & Development team partnered with Stretching the City to deliver specialist 'Digital Wellbeing' webinars. This included a dedicated session delivered by a practising GP focusing on children's digital habits and screen-time strategies for working parents.

Sources: *The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Diversity Data ** 'Diversity Matters Even More: The Case for Holistic Impact'

• Gold-Standard Development: Backed by a Gold accreditation from Investors in People, the firm has achieved a 100% trainee to NQ retention rate over consecutive years. It has recently launched a pilot mentoring programme for junior lawyers, with plans to roll this out across the firm, alongside formal coaching programmes for all Partners.

DMH Stallard is an award-winning full-service law firm with offices across London and the South East, including Brighton, Gatwick, Guildford and Horsham. The firm advises businesses, individuals and families across a broad range of legal services, including corporate law, real estate, employment, dispute resolution and private client matters.

Rebecca Thornley-Gibson, Partner in Employment, sees the effect reaching well beyond the firm's own walls. Organisations that prioritise genuine inclusion, she says, consistently outperform their peers – and the 49.5% figure 'isn't just a proud milestone for DMH Stallard; it directly influences how we support our clients'. Where flexible working, mentoring and robust family support are part of the DNA rather than the marketing, she argues, the firm isn't 'just talking about modern workplace trends – we are living them'. Her conclusion is a simple one: it makes for better advisors, and a truly progressive place to build a legal career. That thinking runs through the firm's benefits package too, which includes Volunteer Days (two paid days per year to volunteer for registered charities that matter to the firm

ABOUT DMH STALLARD

Recognised by leading legal directories including Legal 500 and Chambers UK, DMH Stallard is known for delivering clear, commercially focused legal advice and building long-term client relationships. The firm supports clients ranging from owner-managed businesses and entrepreneurs through to large organisations.

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SPOTLIGHT

In our exclusive Spotlight feature, we highlight women who are doing good things in their community. They’re not always seen but we think they should be.

SPOTLIGH T Shazia David Shazia David’s business, Caremark Spelthorne & Runnymede, won Dynamic Awards Medium Business of the Year

y grandmother’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired my journey from corporate leadership in Dubai to the founding and building of an award-winning care business in Britain.

People often ask what gave me the courage to leave a successful career in Dubai and start again in a completely different country. The truth is, I believe my story began long before I was born. My grandfather was a pastor in a small village in Pakistan, and my grandmother was an extraordinary entrepreneur long before the term existed. As a pastor’s wife, she recognised the hardships faced by women in her community and established a knitting enterprise that trained local women and young girls to produce beautifully handcrafted knitwear. Their work became so highly regarded that it was exported to the United Kingdom and the United States.

my work, I longed for a greater sense of purpose.

Medium Business of the Year

In 2017, I left behind a prestigious government career and moved to the UK. Two years later, I acquired Caremark Spelthorne & Runnymede, then a small home care business supporting just five clients. Today, we deliver over 1,500 hours of care

each week, employ 30 local people and have “Success isn’t always about following the path into an award-winning business genyou imagined. Sometimes it’s about having the grown erating more than £1.1 million in annual revcourage to embrace the one you never expected.” enue. Our achievements include Dynamic For those women, it meant far more than an income. Young girls saved for their dowries, mothers sent their children to school, and families enjoyed a better quality of life. Long before “women’s empowerment” became a global movement, my grandmother was quietly transforming lives. Looking back, I realise I inherited not only her entrepreneurial spirit but also her belief that business should create opportunities for others. Growing up in Dubai, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. Instead, my path led me to management studies and into the corporate world, where I built a successful career in leadership and organisational development. As Senior Manager in Learning and Development with the Government of Dubai, I was responsible for developing future leaders. Although I loved 26

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Awards Medium Business of the Year 2026, Caremark Regional Winner 2026, Best Town Centre Business 2025 and recognition in several employer, leadership and business excellence awards. Although I never became a doctor, I still found my calling. Today, I lead an organisation that enables vulnerable people to live independently with dignity in their own homes while creating meaningful, long-term careers for the local workforce. If my journey has taught me one thing, it is this: never be afraid to rewrite your story. The road you never planned may become the one that leads you to your greatest purpose. Success isn’t always about following the path you imagined. Sometimes it’s about having the courage to embrace the one you never expected.

Lydia Eccleston Lydia is the Founder an Director of Brightonbased Remarkabull Marketing, and winner of the Future Talent of the Year category at this year’s Dynamic Awards

rowing up in the Midlands, if you’d told the 16-year-old me that one day I’d be running my own marketing consultancy on the South coast, I never would have believed you.

My marketing journey started at 16, when I created social media posts as part of a Saturday job. I had no idea then that I’d found something I’d spend the next 14 years loving. From there, my career took me through agency and in-house marketing roles across the UK, working with everyone from universities and manufacturers to charities and hospitality businesses. Along the way, I completed my degree in English Language and Literature, achieved my CIM Level 6 qualification and eventually settled in sunny Brighton in a Head of Marketing role.

County Hospital, I found myself sketchFuture Talent of the Year ing out ideas for what Remarkabull could become. At the time, it simply felt like hope. Looking back now, it’s incredible to think that’s where the business really began.

Sixteen months later, it’s been a whirlwind. “Remarkabull has has supported more than 60 supported more than Remarkabull businesses across Sussex, expanded into As much as I loved my career, I kept seeing 60 businesses across Surrey and Kent, working with everyone from independent retailers, cafés and wellthe same problem. Brilliant small busiSussex, and expanded ness brands to manufacturers, professional ness owners were either trying to juggle their marketing themselves or paying for into Surrey and Kent...” services, charities, hospitality businesses support that lacked real strategy. They deserved access to experienced, director-level marketing, just delivered in a way that was honest, approachable and affordable.

At the same time, I was navigating life with endometriosis. After years of surgeries, hospital stays and trying to fit my health around a traditional 9-5, I reached a point where I knew something had to change. I didn’t want to work less; I wanted to work differently. During one particularly long stay at the

and construction companies.

We’ve expanded our team, won both the Brighton Girl Awards New Business of the Year and the Dynamic Awards Future Talent of the Year, and achieved more than I ever imagined possible in such a short space of time. But if you asked me what I’m most proud of, it wouldn’t be the awards. It would be the community we’ve built. Running a business can feel incredibly lonely, and I’ve always wanted Remarkabull to be more than just a marketing consultancy. I meet with my clients face-to-face, use their services as a client where I can, and get to know them as people. Through donating hundreds of hours of support to charities and community organisations, creating free networking opportunities, mentoring local founders and becoming a genuine extension of our clients’ teams, we’ve built something based on relationships rather than transactions. Remarkabull has never been about becoming the biggest agency. It’s about proving that expert marketing doesn’t have to feel corporate or out of reach. Every business has a story worth telling, and I feel incredibly lucky that I get to help passionate people tell theirs every day. www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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By Jo Irving

What the hair ind taught me about le A

fter spending more than 25 years in the hair industry, I genuinely believe it’s one of the most underestimated leadership schools in business. Most people think hairdressers cut hair. That’s part of what we do, but it’s probably the smallest part of the job. What we really do is understand people. Every client who walks through the salon door is different. One arrives full of excitement because they’ve just got engaged. Another has had the worst week of their life. Someone else sits down quietly and tells you they’re going through a divorce, caring for a parent with cancer or have completely lost their confidence.

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As hairdressers, we don’t get to choose who walks through the door. We simply have to meet them where they’re at. Within minutes, we’re reading body language, listening to tone of voice, picking up on their energy and deciding how they need us to show up. Do they need someone to listen? Do they need to be distracted? Do they need confidence? Or do they simply need an hour where they don’t have to think about everything else going on in their life? At the very same time, we’re think- i n g about colour formulas, face shapes, grey coverage, timings, the next client arriving and how to deliver incredible work within the time we’ve got. That requires an enormous amount of emotional intelligence.

“People aren’t all the same. So why would we lead them as if they are? Just as every haircut is bespoke to the person sitting in front of us, so should leadership be. “

dustry eadership It’s also one of the greatest leadership skills an entrepreneur can develop. One of the biggest mistakes I see leaders make is expecting everyone to be motivated by the same things, communicate in the same way or perform at the same level every day. People aren’t all the same. So why would we lead them as if they are? Just as every haircut is bespoke to the person sitting in front of us, so should leadership be. Some people need encouragement. Others need stretching. Some need clear direction. Others simply need to know you believe in them. The best leaders don’t lead everyone in the same way. They understand the individual in front of them, adapt their approach and meet people where they’re at.

someone leaves the salon loving their hair, they don’t just leave with a new hairstyle. They stand taller. They smile more. They walk differently. They walk into meetings with more confidence. They bump into someone they haven’t seen for years and feel excited rather than self-conscious. That confidence doesn’t stay in the salon. It ripples into every conversation, every relationship and every opportunity that comes afterwards. Great leaders create exactly the same ripple effect. They don’t simply manage people or improve performance. They help people believe in themselves. When people feel confident, they contribute more. They share ideas. They have difficult conversations. They take ownership. They innovate because they feel safe enough to do so. The impact of great leadership is never confined to the workplace. It ripples into families, friendships, communities and every person that employee goes on to meet. Finally, the hair industry taught me something every entrepreneur eventually learns. You can’t continually give your energy away without looking after yourself. Hairdressers spend all day giving. Listening. Creating. Problemsolving. Supporting. Entrepreneurs do exactly the same. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself, it affects every decision you make, every conversation you have and every person you lead. Leadership starts with self-leadership. Looking after your wellbeing isn’t a luxury. It’s one of the most important leadership responsibilities you have.

“The second lesson the hair industry teaches is that relationships will always outperform transactions.”

The second lesson the hair industry teaches is that relationships will always outperform transactions. Clients don’t drive for two hours because nobody else can cut a bob. They do it because of how that person makes them feel. They feel listened to. They feel understood. They feel safe. They feel valued. As entrepreneurs, we spend a lot of time talking about marketing, but I’ve always believed your greatest marketing strategy is the experience people have after spending time with you. People remember how you made them feel long after they’ve forgotten exactly what you said. That’s why trust is one of the most valuable assets any business can build. Perhaps the greatest leadership lesson the hair industry has taught me is this: confidence ripples. If you’ve ever had a haircut you hated, you’ll know it affects far more than your appearance. You may avoid mirrors, cancel plans, question yourself and spend days wishing you looked different. The opposite is equally true. When

People often ask me how I went from hairdressing into coaching entrepreneurs and leaders. The truth is, I don’t think I changed careers. I’ve always been helping people build confidence, navigate change, communicate better and see what’s possible in themselves. The chair was simply my first coaching room. Looking back, I don’t think the greatest lesson the hair industry taught me was how to cut hair. It taught me how to understand people. And in business, I can’t think of a more valuable leadership skill than that. Jo is a leadership, business and performance coach, facilitator and speaker. joirving.com www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

RE VIE WS

FURTHER READING…

WHY EMPLOYEES DON’T LEAVE THEY LEAVE THREAT STATES

Kate Pearlman-Shaw is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and is the autho The Psychology of Effective Leadership: This Works, published by Routledge.

here are three well-known reasons why people leave their jobs: better pay and benefits, poor leadership and management and lack of development opportunities. Behind all of these is some serious neuroscience, the science of ‘threat’ and ‘reward.’ A threat state occurs when the limbic system, the brain’s alarm and reaction centres, becomes overstimulated. The amygdala, hypothalamus and thalamus comprise the brain regions receiving so many distress signals that we are unable to think properly. Areas of our prefrontal cortex, particularly those running our analytic and empathic systems, the mechanisms to solve problems and attend to those around us, don’t work as well as usual. Consequently, we experience emotional arousal, cognitive and behavioural changes and feel stressed.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LEADERSHIP: TIMELESS

PRINCIPLES TO IMPROVE YOUR MANAGEMENT OF INDIVIDUALS, TEAMS... AND YOURSELF! By Sébastien Page (Harriman House, 2025) T. Rowe Price’s chief investment officer looks beyond finance into positive, sports and personality psychology to explain what actually makes leaders effective. Page blends research, humour and real stories into eighteen practical principles covering selfmanagement, motivation and reading the people around you. It’s less about hierarchy and more about mastering the mental game of working well with others.

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The more we are in this ‘threat state,’ the more intense this becomes as we produce cortisol, our stress hormone, sending even more distress signals to the limbic system. There are multiple causes of workplace threat states: being overloaded, too many competing demands, not being heard or included, unwanted change, goalposts constantly changing, disagreements with colleagues, a task or project gone wrong, not being adequately recognised and rewarded, and many, many more. It’s easy to see that in this environment we can’t see our career progressing and we’ll see the people around us as being part of that problem, most often our leaders and managers. The neuroscience answer is to create the opposite: a ‘reward

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY PLAYBOOK:

LEAD MORE POWERFULLY BY BEING MORE HUMAN By Karolin Helbig and Minette Norman (Page Two, 2023) Written by a former McKinsey consultant and a veteran tech leadership advisor, this playbook offers twenty-five concrete actions for building teams where people feel safe to speak up, disagree and admit mistakes. Organised around five core leadership skills, it favours specific, repeatable moves over abstract theory, making it a handson companion for anyone trying to shift a team’s culture in practice.

WHY ARE WE HERE?:

CREATING A WORK CULTURE EVERYONE WANTS By Jennifer Moss (Harvard Business Review Press, 2025) Workplace expert Jennifer Moss investigates the quiet unease many employees feel post-pandemic, asking what has fundamentally shifted in our relationship with work. Drawing on extensive interviews with leaders and staff across industries, she identifies what separates organisations people want to stay in from those they’re desperate to leave, offering research-backed guidance for rebuilding purpose, trust and belonging at work.

COMPANIES,

or of

state’ in which the limbic system is calmer and the prefrontal cortex can do its job. We’ll be able to solve problems, stay calm and communicate well. Most of all, we’ll feel engaged, attached, inspired and motivated, and we’ll use our discretionary effort – we’ll go the extra mile.

Recent studies have demonstrated the fundamental importance of belonging and ‘mattering,’ where we are recognised and valued for doing something that matters to others. Knowing we matter and belong creates huge reward states.

are friendly; our colleagues will be supportive and helpful, and when we encounter problems, we’ll be heard and understood. We’ll be challenged for sure, but we’ll be recognised for what we’ve done. We’ll have the satisfaction of achieving something that’s meaningful for us.

social support, key activities to create reward states. And if you are management and you want to keep your employees, work on creating rewards, not threat states for them.

“A threat state occurs when the limbic system, the brain’s So, if you love your job and notice Workplaces that are great places to are slipping into a threat state, alarm and reaction centres, you work, that keep their workforce, are look for your purpose, calm your good at creating reward states. They becomes overstimulated. ” limbic system, find your focus and

THE CURE FOR BURNOUT: HOW TO FIND BALANCE AND RECLAIM YOUR LIFE By Emily Ballesteros (The Dial Press, 2024)

Organisational psychologist and burnout coach Emily Ballesteros identifies three distinct types of burnout, then offers a structured path out through five key areas: mindset, personal care, time management, boundaries and stress management. Practical rather than theoretical, the book pushes back firmly against hustle culture, arguing that sustainable balance is built through habits, not occasional bursts of self-care.

THE FRICTION PROJECT:

HOW SMART LEADERS MAKE THE RIGHT THINGS EASIER AND THE WRONG THINGS HARDER By Robert I. Sutton and Hayagreeva ‘Huggy’ Rao (St. Martin’s Press, 2024) Two Stanford organisational psychologists spend seven years studying why some workplace obstacles quietly destroy morale and productivity while others are genuinely useful. They teach leaders to become ‘friction fixers’: people who treat colleagues’ time as precious, cut needless bureaucracy and jargon, and know precisely when slowing down actually produces better decisions and outcomes.

LEADING FOR WELLNESS:

HOW TO CREATE A TEAM CULTURE WHERE EVERYONE THRIVES By Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer (Wiley, 2025) Based on two original studies, this book by two industrial-organisational psychologists argues that employee wellbeing has far less to do with perks and wellness programmes than with everyday leadership behaviour. The authors introduce the idea of the ‘Generator’ leader, someone whose daily tone and actions cultivate trust, and offer a science-backed framework for building genuinely thriving teams.

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WELLBEING

Work with your body, not against it By Camille Pierson

n the previous issue, we talked about stress, and I mentioned in passing that men and women handle it differently. I want to stay with that thread for a moment, because it points to something much bigger than stress management. It points to the fact that women’s bodies operate on an entirely different biological calendar from men’s, and almost nobody tells us this. Men run on a 24-hour hormonal cycle. It resets daily, like clockwork. Women of reproductive age run on a cycle of roughly 21 to 35 days, four distinct hormonal phases, each one creating a different version of you in terms of energy, mood, focus, appetite, and physical capacity. Not better or worse versions. Different ones. The problem is that we live and work in a world designed around the male 24-hour cycle. The same energy is expected every day with the same output around the same availability. And so women spend a significant portion of their lives wondering why they can’t seem to be consistent, not realising that consistency was never the point. Cyclical was always the design.

Camille Pierson is a wellness entrepreneur, founder of Float Spa, and a qualified naturopathic health coach specialising in behaviour change and nervous system regulation. With over a decade of experience in the wellness industry and a background in marketing, Camille brings a unique blend of science, strategy and real-world insight to her work. Following her own personal health challenges, she has developed a deep understanding of stress, resilience and sustainable wellbeing. Camille is passionate about helping individuals and organisations move from burnout to balance through practical, accessible tools that create lasting change. 32

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Understanding your cycle doesn’t require a science degree. It requires a simple reframe. Instead of fighting the rhythm, you learn to work with it. I use the four seasons as a framework with my clients, and once you see it, you genuinely cannot unsee it. WINTER - MENSTRUATION (ROUGHLY DAYS ONE TO FIVE) This is your lowest hormone phase, and counterintuitively, the phase where your body is physically most similar to a male hormonal profile. You can actually divert more energy towards exertion during this phase, with less muscle pain and faster recovery. But mentally and emotionally, this is a time for inward reflection, not outward performance. Avoid scheduling important meetings or difficult conversations if you can. Rest is not laziness here; it is strategy.

“Men run on a 24-hour hormonal cycle. The problem is that we live and work in a world designed around the male 24-hour cycle.”

Eat: iron-rich foods to replenish what you’re losing, lean meats, fish, spinach, lentils. Add magnesium through leafy greens and complex carbohydrates for steady energy. Move: gently. Walking, yin yoga, slow stretching. Your body is doing significant work already. SPRING - FOLLICULAR PHASE (ROUGHLY DAYS SIX TO 12) Oestrogen begins to rise, and with it comes a shift in energy that is almost impossible to miss once you’re paying attention. Motivation increases, verbal fluency improves, and there is a genuine appetite for newness. This is the best time in your cycle to start a new project, pitch an idea, plan ahead, or begin a new habit. Your brain is primed for learning, and your body is stronger.

body is burning more calories even at rest. This is not a weakness. This is physiology. Eat: increase protein to stabilise blood sugar. Add an extra 100 to 300 calories, ideally through complex carbs in the evening. This is not comfort eating; it is smart fuelling. Move: yoga, pilates, walking. Save the high intensity for next month’s Spring. If you don’t currently have a cycle, whether due to contraception, perimenopause, or any other reason, you can still work with this framework by syncing loosely to the lunar cycle, or simply by tuning into your own natural energy rhythms across the month. The principle remains the same: you are not designed to be the same every day, and the sooner you stop expecting yourself to be, the better you will feel.

“Your body has always been trying to tell you something. This month, try listening to the season you’re in.”

Eat: lighter, fresher foods. Increase healthy fats to support hormone production. Appetite will be naturally lower, so follow that lead rather than fighting it. Move: this is the phase for weights, running, hiking, anything that challenges you. Your body can handle it and will respond well. SUMMER - OVULATION (ROUGHLY DAYS 13 TO 15) Peak oestrogen. Peak energy. Peak everything, frankly. Communication skills are at their sharpest, confidence is higher, and research suggests that even facial symmetry improves at this point in the cycle (the body doing its evolutionary best). This is the time to ask for the pay rise, have the important conversation, present to the board, or meet someone new. Your nervous system is as settled and outward-facing as it will be all month.

Your body has always been trying to tell you something. This month, try listening to the season you’re in. Camille x www.camillepierson.co.uk www.thefloatspa.co.uk

Eat: add cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and raw carrots to support healthy oestrogen detoxification as levels begin to shift. Move: HIIT, group classes, dancing, anything high-energy and social. You have the reserves for it. AUTUMN - LUTEAL PHASE (ROUGHLY DAYS 16 TO 28) This is the phase that trips most women up, because it’s the one where the world’s expectations and your body’s needs are most at odds. Progesterone rises, energy drops, body temperature increases, and the brain genuinely functions differently, with poorer spatial awareness and concentration, particularly if blood sugar is out of balance. Cravings increase for a good biological reason; your

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FE ATURE

By Georgina Vass, Relationship & Sex Therapist

THE ART OF A HEA A common misconception is the belief that healthy relationships don’t have conflicts. In fact, relationships are as unique as the people in them, and there are no relationships without conflicts or compromises. When it comes to disagreements, often the frequency is less concerning than the quality of communication during them and the repair that follows. In all relationships, arguments are an important form of communication. They can create opportunities to understand people more deeply, as opposed to being a battle to be won. The skills below promote couples fighting for each other by choosing connection rather than fighting with each other. THE MIND BODY CONNECTION Arguments trigger a powerful physiological response. When a disagreement arises, it can be helpful to identify the physical cues and where you notice physical tension through emotional regulation. Emotional regulation is the ability to monitor, manage, and respond to emotional experiences in an adaptive way. When a person experiences overwhelming emotions during a conflict, the body undergoes a physiological response known as ‘flooding’ that can make it difficult to communicate effectively. This challenge to empathic communication is why a break is recommended when an argument has veered into unhelpful terrain. The amount of time to dedicate to the break varies; 20 minutes is usually the minimum, but what must be agreed upon is that both people will return.

“When a disagreement arises, it can be helpful to identify the physical cues and where you notice physical tension through emotional regulation.” 34

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ZOOM OUT When you’re in a challenging situation, your vision narrows. By zooming out and detangling yourself from this automatic stress response, you can transcend to the big picture, which may be more aligned with your values. Gaining an alternative perspective by zooming out can help rise above ego battles and focus on shared goals. It may also help to

“Conflict without repair can be damaging. A repair is a gesture that bridges the gap following a rupture.”

ALTHY ARGUMENT contemplate what lies beneath the argument, beyond automatic thoughts, to the root cause of the emotional cycle that provoked it. When couples stop seeing each other as opponents to defeat and start seeing the conflict as a shared issue to solve together, a helpful shift can occur.

Voice of the relationship. Relationships are like living and breathing ecosystems that couples exist within. In a committed relationship, there are the needs of each partner and then the needs of the relationship. When you’re having an argument, it may be helpful to externalise the couple from the issues by contemplating what the voice of the relationship would say, and what the relationship needs from this argument. Personifying the

relationship with its own voice may lower defensiveness and reduce a tendency to blame. I STATEMENTS Patterns are learned, and almost anything learned can be unlearned. One pattern that is useful to break is employing critical language during arguments, and a helpful technique to do this is using ‘I statements’. ‘I statements’ focus on asserting one’s own thoughts, feelings or needs and are most effective if done respectfully and specifically in a timely manner. To effectively communicate during an argument, true ‘I statements’ focus on genuine emotions and are not disguised as ‘you’ statements like, “I feel like you“…. MEET YOUR NEEDS Helpful arguments will unlikely occur when you’re starving, in an inconvenient location, needing the loo, in front of other loved ones, tired, in a noisy place, in a rush, in a crowd or in the middle of doing something else. Environmental factors conducive to a useful argument are those that promote emotional regulation and effective communication, such as quiet, private spaces with comfortable surroundings. REPAIR Conflict without repair can be damaging. A repair is a gesture that bridges the gap following a rupture. It can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from an official apology to an extended hand or even a knowing glance. The gesture doesn’t matter so much as whether the receiving partner accepts the attempt. Each time you repair the relationship after an argument, you demonstrate that the relationship is sturdy and can withstand friction, which promotes trust and emotional safety. Over time, arguments may feel less threatening and more productive.

Georgina is a relationship and sex therapist with over 15 years of academic and professional experience in sex education and mental health services. She oﬀers a sex-positive approach to individuals and couples. georginavass.com

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RE VIE W

I recently attended the inaugural Harmonise & Rise event in Hove. And I’m so glad I did. That one day reset my nervous system, creativity and level of joy. By Tess de Klerk

HARMONISE W

e don’t always notice our underlying base level of stress, the subconscious feeling of pressure, nearly inevitable in our modern life. The stretch of our nervous systems that, in me, leads to muscle tension or less-than-ideal sleep quality. Even if my own life is chugging along nicely, the awareness of the world never escapes my consciousness.

Like many of us, I do what I can to take care of myself – yoga, downtime, etc., but even that can start to feel like routine work! Without really realising it, I needed something different, and I found it in a day spent with a group of women, letting our guards down, getting creative, enjoying good food, laughs, and connection. Harmonise & Rise was co-created by mindfulness teacher Paula Seabourne Gordon and Charlie, the founder and Creative Coach Charlie Doodle, with the intention of creating a space where people can step away from the pressures of life, strip away the masks we so often wear and reconnect with who we truly are. Our day started in the lovely, leafy garden at The Flamingo House in suburban central Hove, in

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the morning sunshine, as Paula led us on a profound mindfulness journey. Later, an exceptional sound bath by Mimi Banks (Into Being) guided us all down a path of utter relaxation and nervous system reset. A beautiful lunch followed, with bubbly and conversation flowing in a way that was genuine and effortless – women who were strangers just a few hours previously were now friends – that is what happens in a non-judgmental space where we feel safe enough to be vulnerable, and that is what Paula and Charlie have created with Harmonise & Rise. Next was our creative session, which truly distinguished the day from other wellbeing days. Charlie led us through candle-making and oyster shell decorating, which ignited such joy and creativity in us all that, looking around the table, I

“No perfection. No pretending. Just real people, real conversations, shared experiences and the freedom to simply be. That is the heart of Harmonise & Rise.” – Paula Seabourne Gordon

E&RISE could see the inner child in each of us. It was pure fun and happiness all around that table.

Rounding off the day were more bubbly moments, more laughter, and a very interesting and insightful presentation by gemmologist and jeweller Rosie Odette. I left the lovely Flamingo House that evening with my cup overflowing. Through creativity and genuine connection with the souls of others, I had reconnected with my powerful inner self. Ready for the world once more.

Join Harmonise & Rise on September 27th for an expertly curated day of wellbeing, creativity and pleasure. harmoniseandrise.com “What a truly memorable wellness day with Paula and Charlie. The day provided a wonderful opportunity to step away from the pace of everyday life & reconnect with ourselves through creativity, mindfulness & shared experiences. Each activity encouraged us to slow down, be present and embrace creativity. “The delicious food, along with the wine and champagne, was an added treat and helped create a warm, relaxed atmosphere where everyone could connect, laugh and enjoy each other’s company. It was a perfect reminder of the importance of self-care, reflection, taking time to nature our wellbeing.” - Mandie

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FH E A E TA U L TR H E

“We become different versions of ourselves in these moments; they change how we see ourselves and the world around us”

F EM A LE S

Stop dressing f By Sophia Lorimer

ave you ever found something in the back of your wardrobe only to find it still had the tags on? And not to alarm you, but according to WRAP, there are 1.6 billion items of clothing sitting unworn in UK wardrobes. Now, sometimes that’s not because you don’t like it or because it doesn’t fit, but because it doesn’t fit the version of who you are. It belonged to a version of you that no longer exists, or maybe even a version of you that belonged to other people. I often refer to our lives as seasons or chapters, and different chapters require us to show up differently. From navigating motherhood, a promotion, starting a business, divorce, menopause, weight changes or simply wanting to up-level your life. All of these things create huge shifts, not only physically but mentally too. We become different versions of ourselves in these moments; they change how we see ourselves and the world around us, so why do we think we can still live in the same identity that got us to this point? The strange thing is, we expect our wardrobes to evolve without ever intentionally evolving them. Maybe your wardrobe isn’t the problem; maybe it hasn’t failed you, and the shift is actually you. You are no longer the person you once were, and I am here to say that is okay. Accepting that we have changed is one of the first steps to growth and fully stepping into our own. When you grow from this space, you give yourself the agency to go for what you want, not only in business but in your personal life, too. Because somewhere along the way, we have been taught that successful women should dress a certain way. Don’t be too bold, you don’t want to be a distraction, neutrals are best... the list goes on. But something I want to challenge is: says whom? Why should we

Dynamic Magazine is pleased to have Sophia Lorimer as its columnist for Female Style at Work. A sustainable stylist and founder of Fine-Tuned Wardrobe, Sophia helps people feel confident in what they wear while making more conscious choices. She has spoken at the House of Lords, spoken at Channel 4 and been featured in Forbes Magazine, Good Housekeeping and The Sun. She was also named Sustainability Champion of the Year at The Dynamic Awards. 38

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ST Y LE AT WOR K:

for the life you’ve outgrown

conform if it doesn’t align with how we want to show else’s idea of what success should look like. The goal is up? This goes back to that version of you that belonged to dress like the woman you are becoming. to other people. Now I’m not saying throw everything away and start One thing almost every client says to me is that they again, because that’s not what we do around here. feel their clothes don’t represent who they are or where What I am inviting you to do is something I help they are going, and that is due to the disconnect that women all over the world with. Creating a wardrobe can happen when we go through different chapters of our lives. Our lives move forthat truly represents who they we grow and change, are and where they are going, Don’t be too bold, you don’t ward; but so often our wardrobes often just by spending time crewant to be a distraction, stay exactly where they were. ating outfits using what they already have. Sometimes it’s an neutrals are best... the list We keep clothes for the peralteration, sometimes it’s wearing something in a completely goes on. But something I want son we used to be, the life we we would have or bedifferent way, and sometimes to challenge is: says whom? thought cause we feel guilty about letit’s accepting that an item no ting them go. But growing longer belongs in your chapter doesn’t mean rejecting the woman you were. Every and allowing it to serve someone else. version of you got you here, and there is something reBefore you get dressed every morning, instead of just ally powerful in accepting that while also giving yourgrabbing what is clean, ask yourself how you want to self permission to move forward. feel and how you want to show up that day. Maybe you need to feel powerful for a meeting, magnetic at an So the next time you open your wardrobe, I don’t want event or simply more like yourself. Your clothes don’t you to think about trends, what everyone else is wearcreate your expertise, ambition or personality because ing or whether you’re getting it “right”. I want you to all of that is already there, but they can absolutely help think about who you are now and whether your wardrobe has been given the chance to meet her yet. you connect to it. The goal is not to dress like the women on the commute, the women on your Instagram feed or someone

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ART

Graceland London’s

Spotlight on the Shadows

raceland London’s work mirrors the age we live in through an animated fantasia. Creating images of decadence and vice through candy colours and playful form, she presents the perfect balance between the beautiful and the dark, reflecting the social and economic climate with a supernatural scepticism. AN ALTERNATIVE REALITY Birth name Grace McCalla, her art truly transports you to a world of its own; hence, Graceland London. She sees her paintings as faceless self-portraits, highlighting the strength, darker beauty and resilience of women, whilst tackling emotions and themes that everyone can connect with, no matter who they are. The collection’s title, Spotlight on the Shadows, reflects her interest in the natural duality of life and the idea of ‘sonder’, the realisation that everyone you see has a life as full and complex as your own. With an assorted melting pot of inspiration, from Italian Renaissance, surrealism and fifteenth-century Flemish paintings to street art, B-movies, Americana and the continued saturation of pop culture, her artwork is created to be explored and dissected by the viewer. SYMBOLIC STORYTELLING Her worlds are furnished with an array of objects and phrases, creating a treasure trove of cryptic clues and characters. The skull, the egg, the leading femme fatale; all familiar iconography seen throughout art history, from the old masters to contemporary pop art, but Graceland London uses them differently. While whole eggs have traditionally been featured to represent optimism and new life, she inverts this

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tradition by presenting surrealist-style fried eggs with golden yellow or acid green yolks as a poignant metaphor for how identities and perceptions are moulded by society’s expectations and norms. Drawing from art history’s biblical tapestry and blending it with modern-day digital techniques, Graceland London creates something unique, bridging the gap between ageold and modern techniques.

“I want to flood the viewer’s brain with the world I created. I believe it’s crucial to embrace both the positive and negative aspects of existence.” Her complex worlds are represented in a 2D universe using acrylic paint and bold black lines. She carefully removes brushstrokes to create a completely flat plane, before adding a single oil-painted motif to each piece. With careful use of shading and meticulous attention to detail, she renders this individual object in almost photorealistic depth, appearing in stark contrast to the rest of the scene. “What I’m interested in is making people look closer. I want them to be caught off guard. I want them to ask ‘What does that mean?’ Graceland London’s artworks can be viewed at Castle Fine Art Brighton, across their nationwide network of galleries, and at www.castlefineart.com www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

S P OHT EL AI GL H TH T

In our new Historical Spotlight feature, we highlight women whose achievements in the past did not get th

HISTORICAL Margaret Calvert The South African-born British design guru whose work has been seen on Britain’s roads every day for nearly 70 years

ave you ever stopped to consider the typography or signage on the UK highways? Unless you’re an artist or graphic designer, it’s highly unlikely. These staples of British everyday life were designed, for the most part, by Margaret Calvert. In 1957, a designer named Jock Kinneir was appointed Head of Signs for British Roads (what a job title). He, in turn, hired Calvert to redesign the entire British road sign system. She came up with simple, easy-to-understand pictograms, including ‘farm animals’ (based on a cow named Patience that lived on a farm near to where she grew up), and ‘schoolchildren nearby’ (a girl leading a boy by the hand, which she said were actually modelled after herself), and arguably the most famous and lampooned sign for ‘Men at Work’ (a man digging, or a man having trouble with his umbrella – a viewpoint that still annoys her).

Born in South Africa in 1936, Calvert moved to England in 1950, where she studied at St Paul’s Girls’ School and the Chelsea College of Art. Kinneir, her tutor there, had asked her to help him design the signs for Gatwick Airport.

In addition to the road signs, Calvert is also a typographer. Most famously, from 1957 to 1963, and under The primary route sign system designed by Kinneir the management of Kinnier, she designed one of and Calvert between 1957 and 1967 entered the dethe most recognisable typefaces, still in common sign collection of the Museum of Modern Art in use nearly 70 years later. Transport is the typeNew York. The same system remains the legal face used on all of Britain’s road signs (with basis of road signage in the UK, the Crown the exception of the narrow lettering used on Dependencies and several British Overseas motorways, called Motorway, and also deTerritories today. A retrospective exhibiThe one road sign Calvert signed by Calvert). tion of her work, Margaret Calvert: Woman wishes she could change at Work, was held in 2020 at the Design She and Kinneir also created Rail Alphabet in 1965 – very Museum in London. similar to Helvetica – which was used by British Rail for its standard signage until its fragmentation 30 years later. Calvert was awarded an honorary degree by the University of the Arts London in 2004. She was made a Royal Designer for Industry for Graphic Design in 2011. In 2015, she was preMargaret Calvert designed sented with the D&AD President’s Award. She was appointthis typeface called T ‘ ransport’ ed OBE in the 2016 Birthday Honours for services to typogin 1957, with modifications, raphy and road safety. until 1963. It is still in use on the roads of Britain today and, more recently, on the website of the UK government Dynamic Magazine

Although this series is intended for the women who have been forgotten, overlooked or erased from the history books, Calvert’s legacy ought to be celebrated as one that will endure thanks to her vision for safety, simplicity and clarity. Margaret Calvert OBE RDI (b. South Africa, 1936)

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he recognition they deserved or who were completely overlooked at the time or have simply been forgotten

L SPOTLIGHT Rosalind Franklin A pioneering researcher into the structure of DNA, whom many have argued was robbed of her rightful posthomous Nobel Prize

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

n 1952, King’s College research scientist Rosalind Franklin famously took an image using X-ray crystallography, entitled ‘Photograph 51’. The image was the first sight of the shape of DNA - the famed ‘double helix’. Shortly afterwards, she left King’s for Birkbeck to commence research into plant life. In April 1953, the scientific journal Nature published three back-to-back articles on the structure of DNA, the material our genes are made of. Together, they constituted one of the most important scientific discoveries in history. The first, purely theoretical, article was written by James Watson and Francis Crick from the University of Cambridge. Immediately following this article were two data-rich papers by researchers from King’s College London: one by Maurice Wilkins and two colleagues, the other by Franklin and a PhD student, Ray Gosling. Several years later, while on a trip to meet with scientists in the US, Rosalind Franklin fell seriously ill. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She fought the disease for a year and passed away in April 1958, at the age of 37. In 1962, Crick, Watson and Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for ‘discovering’ the spiralling staircase structure of DNA. None of them credited Franklin’s research as the original basis for their work, nor was she mentioned in the citation. In short, she received no credit for her crucial contribution to this discovery until years after her death. In 1968, Watson published his memoir, revealing that Rosalind Franklin was the scientist who contributed the crucial X-ray crystallography photograph. In 1962, when the three men were awarded the Nobel Prize, the rules stated that only three people could be awarded a single Nobel Prize, but allowed that an additional person could be awarded the prize posthumously. Sadly, this rule allowing a posthumous award was eliminated in 1974, making it impossible for Rosalind Franklin to

be awarded the Nobel Prize despite new evidence about her crucial contribution. There is great controversy about this history; was Rosalind Franklin robbed of the Nobel Prize? Was she denied recognition because her contribution to unlocking the structure of DNA was not essential … or because she was a woman? Many believe that Franklin should have been credited for her X-ray crystallography research and deserved to be recognised with a Nobel Prize. Historian Kiona Smith argues that Franklin was an essential contributor to the discovery of DNA’s structure; her X-ray crystallography was the final piece of the puzzle that unlocked scientists’ understanding of DNA. She views Franklin as an equal to her male colleagues and worthy of being honoured at the same level. The science community has since recognised her contribution to DNA research, including eponymous schools and research laboratories across several academic and scientific establishments around the world. In 2004, Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School changed its name to the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.It also adopted Photograph 51 as its logo. Rosalind Franklin (b. London 1920, d, 1958) www.platinummediagroup.co.uk www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

TR AVEL

“I’ve returned a number of times and now know enough to conﬁdently suggest a loose seven-day itinerary that will leave you with a renewed sense of wonder”

Seven places, seven days and a good deal of w Cortina d’Ampezzo

By Tess de Klerk

rowing up, there was this photo amongst my family’s huge collection of photos of my father, then in his twenties (in bellbottoms), standing in front of three huge, jagged, cutting grey monoliths. These monoliths clearly showed what I had been learning in geography – how tectonic collisions shaped mountains – and brought home to my young mind how varied and magnificent the earth must be. That may well be where my unquenchable wanderlust ignited. Many years later, I found those peaks – Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Dolomiti – and discovered the spectacular

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THE LONG WAY ROUND

wandering off-plan in the Italian Dolomites Dolomites in northeastern Italy. Famed for jagged peaks, glowing pink hues at sunset and glacial lakes, it spans 16,000 square km across five provinces and is a UNESCO World Heritage site blending Austrian and Italian cultures. Since then, I’ve returned a number of times and now know enough to confidently suggest a loose seven-day itinerary that will leave you with a renewed sense of wonder and a soul filled to the brim.

but sit outside long enough, and you’ll see the other Cortina going about its evening: schoolchildren, dogs, hikers coming off the hill, still muddy at the knees, and nonnas stopping every few meters for a chit-chat.

DAY 1: CORTINA D’AMPEZZO Take it easy on your first day. This quintessential Alpine town is a lovely place to hang out and enjoy. Cortina has been fashionable since the 1930s, and the recent Winter Olympics brought it back into the public eye. There are pricey furs and jewels in the windows along the Corso Italia,

DAY 2: TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO AND CADINI DI MISURINA Forty-five minutes north of town, a toll road climbs to Rifugio Auronzo, and from that one car park, you can reach two of the finest views in the Alps.

Walk the Corso, order casunziei, the beetroot-stuffed ravioli that stain the plate deep pink and watch the light move around the Tofane mountain while you eat.

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The Tre Cime are the three peaks that made these mountains famous. There’s a loop around them about 10km long on a wide, well-signed path, rated a moderate hike that will likely take three or four hours for most people – and well worth it. The first time I visited, I hadn’t expected to find a remarkable historical sight. I was surprised to find the lingering evidence of war in the rock, riddled with tunnels and trenches from the First World War, when Italian and Austrian troops fought over these summits at altitude in winter for years. It’s a memory that lingers for me, eating my sandwich in an old gun emplacement with that view in front of me. A short spur off the same path leads to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, a narrow ledge overlooking a cathedral of spires. If you dislike heights, skip it. If you don’t, it is one of the most dramatic views you’ll ever experience. DAY 3: LAGO DI BRAIES Set an alarm. Everybody says so about Lago di Braies, and everybody is right, because by mid-morning the coaches arrive and the lake belongs to many. I am no morning lark, but the beautiful Lago di Braies is worth it. At 7am, it is a sheet of green reflecting glass, with an old wooden boathouse at one end and a wall of limestone rising straight out of the water at the other, and almost nobody about. Alternatively, arrive late afternoon, early evening-ish, when many people would have left. You can hire one of the wooden rowing boats from mid-May to the end of October, around €20 for half an hour, or walk the flat four-kilometre path around the shore, an easy hour that keeps revealing a better angle than the last. The locals call this exquisite lake Pragser Wildsee. Everything in the area has two names and often three, in Italian, German and Ladin, the old language still spoken in these valleys.

Misurina village, National Park Tre Cime di Lavaredo

way as I did. The road climbs and drops through one pass after another, and every second bend opens onto something spectacular that you have to stop for. I suggest buying bread and speck before you leave Cortina, finding a bench somewhere breathtaking and eating your lunch there. Your new base is Val Gardena, with Ortisei at its centre, a working town of woodcarvers and church spires with cable cars strung up the slopes on either side.

“Set an alarm. Everybody says so about Lago di Braies, and everybody is right...” DAY 5: SECEDA

DAY 4: THE PASSES On paper, this is a ninety-minute transfer west to Val Gardena. In practice, it will eat most of your day, and I’d suggest planning for that rather than discovering it the hard

Val Gardena

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The lift goes up from the middle of Ortisei, and what waits at the top is one of the closest to Tolkien’s Middle-earth landscapes I’ve ever stood in. The ridge tilts out of the meadow like a wave about to break, then stops dead in a row of jagged fins that drop clean away into the valley. There aren’t barriers or viewing platforms, only grass and then suddenly, the grass runs out, and all there is is the sky and the view of the valley below.

Carezza is small, no more than three hundred metres long, and it glows. Its Ladin name is Lec de Ergobando, the rainbow lake, after a story about a sorcerer who fell for a water nymph, built a rainbow down from the Latemar to lure her out, bungled the business and smashed the rainbow into the lake in a temper. Stand at the railing on a clear morning with the peaks doubled in the surface, and the story seems perfectly plausible. Stay behind that railing, by the way. The colour comes from fine silt on the lake bed and very low algae, both easily disturbed by people climbing down for a photograph. A FEW PRACTICAL THINGS September beats October. Aim for mid or late September. The air is crisp, the crowds have thinned, parking is manageable, and the larches are just turning. October is riskier: many of the Cortina lifts shut between September 20th and October 6th, and one closed cable car can quietly remove a day from your trip. Seceda is the exception; its Ortisei– Furnes–Seceda line is running until November 2nd, 2026.

Go up late in the afternoon if the weather allows. The day-trippers have gone by then, the rock turns apricot and gold as the sun drops and, with a touch of luck, you can sit there for an hour with hardly anyone about. DAY 6: VAL DI FUNES Day 6 is the day to explore that valley. Val di Funes is the definition of picture-perfect with the onion-domed church of Santa Maddalena alone in its meadow, the serrated wall of the Odle behind it, cowbells drifting across from somewhere you can never quite pin down.

Hire a car. The buses are excellent, but leaving at half five for an empty lake is worth every euro. Where to sleep in the west. Moseralm sits practically on top of Lago di Carezza, which makes that final morning effortless and shortens the run back to Venice or Verona. Cyprianerhof is the five-star choice, with more comfort and slightly quicker drives north to Seceda and Val di Funes. As a frequent visitor, I come home from the Dolomites every time with a car full of muddy boots, a phone full of photographs that don’t come close, and the odd, useful feeling of having been made very small for a week, which is, I think, most of what I go anywhere for.

“September beats October. Aim for mid or late September. The air is crisp, the crowds The best way to experience the area have thinned, parking Most likely, you would have arrived here is by walking the Panoramaweg trail, an easy-to-moderate loop of approxis manageable, and the after travelling from one of Venice’s airports. It’s an easy 2-hour drive by car. imately 8km. Not one for walking that much? Then leave your vehicle larches are just turning.” Bus and train travel are options, but I at the nature park house parking in Santa Maddalena village and walk the roughly 20-minute walk up to the famous Val di Funes viewpoint above the church.

Don’t try to drive directly to it, even if your satnav insists, because vehicle access is severely restricted. After enjoying the view, head further down the valley to visit St. Johann in Ranui, a stunning 1744 Baroque chapel standing in a private meadow. You won’t be able to enter the chapel but can enter the grounds for €5; I found that my best pictures were taken from the nearby viewing platform.

highly recommend hiring a vehicle. This way you’ll be able to visit popular tourist spots early in the morning or late-ish afternoon when you’re much more likely to have peace and quiet.

Val di Funes, with chiesa de Santa Maddalena standing prominent

Stay for sunset, if you can. Standing in a field with the light going gold on those peaks and the cows heading home will be well worth it. DAY 7: LAGO DI CAREZZA Save this one for the last morning, on the way south to the airport. It’s exactly the right place to end. www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

DINE & WINE

“It’s not that the food was bad. It simply wasn’t flavourful enough.”

Restaurant Isca Borde Hill, West Sussex By Charlin Thompson

ovely, just lovely. We arrived at Isca through the walled garden’s original wrought-iron gates and followed a garden walkway towards the glasshouse that is the restaurant. But by the time I reached the door I had more or less stopped thinking about lunch, distracted by flowers, bees and butterfl ies! Restaurant Isca opened in spring 2026 at Borde Hill, the 2,000-acre family estate near Haywards Heath, in a glasshouse built into the 1906 Victorian stables. It’s named after a rare magnolia in the garden, magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’, which tells you something about the owner’s priorities and focus. The one-acre walled kitchen garden it overlooks has been redesigned and divided into four elemental quadrants of earth, wind, fire and water, planted with what Isca calls ‘edimental’ species - plants that are both ornamental and

Magnolia x veitchii ‘Isca’

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“Restaurant Isca opened in spring 2026 at Borde Hill in a glasshouse built into the 1906 Victorian stables.”

edible. Is edimental really a word? Honestly, I don’t know and don’t want to look it up because it covers the concept so perfectly. The dining room is all light. Glass above, garden on every side, magnolia grandiflora and greenery brought indoors by interior designer Nicola Harding, marble tables and things that catch the light just so. There are tables outside, too, which looked perfect, but the weekend we visited was hot, and service was only inside. Not that I minded, as it was cool and bright and beautiful inside. Executive Chef Jack Hazell, formerly of Marcus at The Berkeley and Bibendum, leads the kitchen with Head Chef Philip McEnaney, who comes from Trinity and Boath House. Their menu changes at every solstice and equinox and adapts mainly to what the garden has to offer. Much of it grows within sight of the table; the rest comes from the estate’s biodynamic market garden 400 metres away, or from Sussex producers. Isca talks about food metres rather than food miles! Cooking aims to be root-to-tip and nose-to-tail, so that less is wasted and food is fresh.

mascarpone, broad bean and nettle in a faultless tempura batter. Beautiful to look at and beautiful to eat. My only niggle in the entire meal is that I could have done with a little more of it. My guest’s South Downs lamb with globe artichoke and magnolia harissa was tender and full of flavour, the harissa a nice nod to the tree the restaurant is named after. A side of crispy potatoes with Café de Paris butter was excellent and disappeared quickly.

“Isca will have broad appeal and Dessert was cherry with cacao would suit a special occasion or a sorbet, woodruff and cherry granita - rich and refreshing at romantic dinner just as well as a the same time, which is not an family lunch with the little ones” easy thing to pull off.

The wine list deserves its own paragraph. It is organised not by country but by the terroir the wines come from maritime, river, mountain and plateau. Many are organic or biodynamic, and several come from neighbouring Sussex vineyards. It is a genuinely interesting read and a treat to order from. To the food. My cured chalkstream trout with labneh and walled garden flowers arrived as two generous chunks rather than the wafer-thin slices I had expected, and it was all the better for it. Delicate, delicious and beautiful with the tiniest flowers adding flavours new to me. For my main, I chose the courgette flower stuffed with black olive,

About the bathrooms (because I always notice) - they are beautiful and add an air of care and luxury. Bathrooms are often neglected, and I think that’s a real shame. Isca will have broad appeal and would suit a special occasion or a romantic dinner just as well as a family lunch with the little ones, especially in good weather when they’d be delighted to roam around the garden. I am already planning my next visit and next time I will make a day of it in the extended Borde Hill gardens and estate. It sure does look lovely. ££ Isca, Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath RH16 1XP 01444 441102 www.iscabordehill.co.uk www.platinummediagroup.co.uk www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

TORQUE GIRL

The world’s mos LONDON CONCOURS 2026 By Fiona Shafer, MD, MDHUB

t’s not every day that the headquarters of one of the oldest military organisations in the world lets a beautifully curated collection of legendary supercars onto their immaculate front lawn for a few days, but this is exactly what the good folk of the Honourable Artillery Company did.

“London Concours showcased with most things that I don’t over 80 of the world’s most As feel entirely comfortable with, I precious and rare cars drawn like to explore its reason for befrom the meaning of the word from collections around the ing, Concours to the history behind the event. UK and beyond”

Based in the very heart of the City, London Concours celebrated its spectacular 10th anniversary from June 9th – 11th with this prestigious event, widely regarded as one of the most luxurious automotive garden parties in Europe. It showcased over 80 of the world’s most precious and rare cars drawn from collections around the UK and beyond, selected for their rarity and provenance.

For the uninitiated in such things (as I was), I thought it looked like a very posh event before I arrived, with posh people at an expensive garden party supported by vintage food

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trucks and pop-up Pimms and Champagne bars. However, scratch beneath the surface and it is likely a dream destination event for serious car enthusiasts. And maybe because it had more of a festival vibe with very reasonable ticket prices, it did in fact encourage and attract a mixed demographic of visitors – the torrential downpours amidst the hot sunshine produced more than one beige anorak and emergency poncho in and amongst the corporate umbrellas, pink socks and chinos.

Concours is a French noun most commonly translating to ‘competition’ or ‘competitive examination.’ It typically refers to high-stakes, merit-based evaluations or contests. In English, the word is most famously used in the automotive world as short for Concours d’Elegance—a prestigious event where luxury and classic cars are judged on appearance.

st beautiful cars

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Behind these prestigious events lies the impressive Concours House, which has formed a partnership with Salon Privé and permanently houses its car collection in Bradford-on-Avon. Concours House describes itself as “more than just a premier luxury storage facility but a vibrant hub for the UK’s automotive community. Discover a new standard of automotive lifestyle at Concours House. Whether you are a local resident seeking a stunning atmosphere or a petrolhead on a Sunday drive, our dining options and facilities are designed to keep you fuelled”.

“I went along on the Wednesday and was treated to a carefully curated selection tracing the evolution of Jaguar’s legendary sporting models” This all made me feel a whole lot more comfortable, plus they even have Bobbie’s Diner on site too. Arguably, it all looks like another level to your average café, but I really liked the ambitious concept and vision. Concours London was curated over three days from June 9th to the 11th. The first day, Tuesday, was the VIP Preview and Porsche Perfection; Wednesday was Jaguar XK Day, and the Supercars concluded the event on the Thursday. I went along on the Wednesday and was treated to a carefully curated selection tracing the evolution of Jaguar’s 52

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legendary sporting models, from elegant XK 120s through to beautifully preserved E-Types, highlighting the marque’s enduring influence on sports car design. Among the Jaguars on display were painstakingly restored classics sitting alongside cherished original examples, each with its own fascinating history. Owners were on hand throughout the day, enthusiastically sharing stories of restoration, preservation and motoring adventures. Proud moments came for the Winner: Tuners – 1991 Lister Jaguar XJS Le Mans, with Highly Commended for the 1991 Jaguar Sport XJR-S 6.0 and the 1997 AC Schnitzer ACS3 / BMW 328i E36. Although Wednesday’s focus was firmly on Jaguar, visitors

absolute favourite was the Winner of the “My absolute favourite was the Winner of My Icons Remastered Award, the absolutely exquithe Icons Remastered Award, the absolutely site Limited Edition R33 Stradale – a Britishbuilt homage from Automotive Artisans to the exquisite Limited Edition R33 Stradale” Alfa Romeo Tipo 33. It is not a rebodied donor also enjoyed the wider concours displays featuring Alfa Romeos, American muscle cars, hypercars, remastered classics and dream cars that had been judged during the opening day of the show. Standing proudly as the overall Best in Show for the event was the magnificent 1976 Lamborghini Countach LP400 Periscopio, while the 2024 Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 received the Chairman’s Award after winning the Hypercars class.

car but a new vehicle shaped around the proportions of the 1960s original.

Only 33 have been made, and I was discreetly informed that there were only four left, and I got the distinct impression – in the nicest and most understated way from a “man in the know” – that they were going to curate who they would sell them to. It was such a thing of beauty that it would have been impolite to have asked the price. So I Googled it on the way home – of course I did. So can you.

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AIRBOURNE: EASTBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW

HASTINGS OLD TOWN CARNIVAL WEEK

WHAT'S

EASTBOURNE

HASTINGS

A proper slice of seaside tradition, running since 1968. Expect pram races down cobbled lanes, a gurning championship and a carnival procession that ends in fireworks over the castle. It’s unpolished, unpretentious and entirely local — the kind of week that reminds you what a community festival should feel like. August 1st-8th Hastings Old Town oldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk

Europe’s biggest free seafront airshow returns for its 32nd year, with the Red Arrows leading a line-up that includes rare MiG-17 and Sabre jet displays. Best watched from Beachy Head with the sea and lighthouse as a backdrop — four days that draw hundreds of thousands to this stretch of coast. August 13th-16th Eastbourne seafront visiteastbourne.com/ airshow

WHAT’S ON... A brief snapshot of art and culture in the region CRANLEIGH

CRANLEIGH LIONS CLASSIC CAR FESTIVAL Around a thousand beautifully kept classic cars — from beloved family runabouts to genuine exotica — fill the showground for the South East’s largest one-day car show. There’s an autojumble, PLUMPTON

PLUMPTON REVIVAL – SUMMER OF LOVE Over half a century after Pink Floyd and The Who played this quiet racecourse, Plumpton reclaims its forgotten chapter of festival history. Tribute acts, live blues, vintage funfair rides and a pop-up cinema screening Woodstock-era footage bring the spirit of 1969 roaring back for a psychedelic weekend in the Sussex countryside. August 8th-9th Plumpton Racecourse plumptonrevival.uk

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live music and a food village too, all in aid of the Cranleigh Lions’ local charity work. August 9th Cranleigh Showground, Surrey cranleighlions.org

HAYWARDS HEATH

BORDE HILL SUMMER SERIES A brand-new run of open-air concerts in Borde Hill’s heritage parkland, with Nile Rodgers & CHIC, McFly and Becky Hill headlining across four nights. Rolling lawns and rare trees make a natural amphitheatre — a rather glamorous new addition to the Sussex summer calendar. August 13th-16th Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath bordehill.co.uk

ARUNDEL

ARUNDEL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Ten days of music, drama and street performance spill through Arundel’s medieval streets, beneath the castle. Gallery trails, theatre and food and drink events knit the whole town into one continuous celebration — an easy festival to wander through slowly, discovering something new at every turn. August 22nd-31st Arundel, West Sussex arundelfestival.co.uk

LINGFIELD

EDENBRIDGE & OXTED AGRICULTURAL SHOW A proper old-fashioned country show, dating back to 1837, where farming communities from Kent, Surrey and Sussex gather. Livestock judging, equestrian displays and knights on horseback in the main ring sit alongside local food stalls — a warm, unhurried way to spend the Bank Holiday weekend. August 30th-31st Ardenrun Showground, Lingfield edenbridge-show.co.uk

CHICHESTER

BRITISH LANDSCAPE: A SENSE OF PLACE

A major exhibition tracing how British artists — Nash, Ravilious, Sutherland, Hepworth among them — reimagined the countryside and coastline between 1910 and 1970. It moves from pastoral revival through Surrealism to postwar abstraction, asking what landscape meant to a nation in flux. Until November 1st Pallant House Gallery, Chichester pallant.org.uk www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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