As impressive women go, Julie Chung is right up there with the best of them. A practising eye surgeon who just happened to create the hair tool brand T3 as a side hustle, we caught up about her drive, inspiration and the secret to good hair days.

You’ve been pushing the luxury hair market forward for over two decades. Were you always driven to succeed?

“If success means being mission-driven, then yes. I was raised by parents who instilled a deep responsibility to be of service to my community. That led me to medicine and becoming a glaucoma eye surgeon. At the same time, I’ve always believed in the importance of how women feel in their own skin. To me, feeling confident and put together is part of whole-body wellness.”

Were you always interested in hair?

“I grew up in a Korean immigrant household where culture places a strong emphasis on appearance, which probably explains why it’s become such a global phenomenon. Trying to understand my hair was a constant project. As a teenager, I cycled through chemical treatments and Japanese straightening, often using tools that were harsh, ineffective, or frustrating. Looking back, hair felt less like self-expression and more like something to manage.”

The Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer was your first launch in 2004. How did the idea come about?

“Directly from my frustration! I have thick, coarse hair, and it took nearly an hour just to blow-dry and another hour to straighten. My partner Kent couldn’t understand why the tools I used worked so poorly. His parents were hairdressers, so he was familiar with how little technology and innovation existed. We realised there was a space: tools that actually worked, were easy to use, and felt effortless. We also saw an opportunity to design tools women would want to own – most looked like garage equipment at the time! The dryer was about solving problems: speed, performance, and design without compromise.”

You mentioned your husband, and impressively, your business is still family-owned. How do you find working together?

“It’s both fun and challenging. When you work with your partner, you really must learn where to draw boundaries. We’re very intentional about when work conversations end, especially in the evenings and during family time. That said, there’s something special about building something together. We get to be creative side by side.”

You left a full-time medical career to make your dream happen. Is risk essential to success?

“I still practise one day a week. One of the most helpful perspectives I’ve learnt is that a risk doesn’t have to be irreversible. There’s almost always a path forward. Very few decisions are as final as we think. As a physician, I took the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm, and that principle directly informs how we develop our hair tools. At T3, health is never secondary. We design for beautiful results and high performance, but always with a priority of the long-term health of hair.”

Why do you think hair is so important to our self-esteem?

“Whenever I speak in front of a room full of women, I like to ask: who here feels comfortable doing their own hair? Usually, very few hands go up. Hair is often perceived as difficult and frustrating, and because of that, when it’s done well, it genuinely lifts our spirits. A great blow-dry, even without make-up, often communicates confidence and intention. Hair has long been a battleground for many women. A good hair day feels like a small but meaningful victory.”

Is there one of your products you couldn’t live without?

“Without question, the AIRE 360. My hair tends to frizz, so how I dry it really matters. The AIRE 360 has eliminated my need for chemical straightening treatments and significantly reduced how many products I use.”

Where do you see the industry going?

“There will be a deeper focus on hair health and personalisation. There’s a growing recognition that differences go beyond hair texture – women also have different lifestyles, priorities, and definitions of what ‘good hair’ means. Tools will be designed not just for performance but with long-term hair health in mind. Your hair isn’t the problem; it’s often simply a matter of finding the right tool to support what’s already there.”

The post Interview: T3 hair tools co-founder Julie Chung appeared first on Checklists.

According to FSB, there were 5.64 million small businesses at the start of 2025, and, compared with the previous year, the total business population increased by 191,000 (3.5%). That’s a lot of competition. So when you’re starting a company for the first time, you’ll be confronted with real-world issues you’ve never encountered before. Here are some of the things you should know.

Invest in yourself

First of all, do whatever it takes to invest in your company. That means reinvesting your earnings in yourself, through courses, workshops, retreats, and coaching. Why? It’s money well spent, even if you only learn one new thing. Book an online course relevant to your business so it helps improve your abilities. For example, taking an online writing course will help you become a better writer, so you can obtain more freelance writing customers and deliver more value to them. 

Remember to network

You’ll be surprised at how many people are there to help – they’ll be flattered you’ve even asked for advice in the first place. Networking can assist you with free business advice, open doors to possible customers, and even help you find more work. Be sure to engage with the start-up community, too, as it’s also highly supportive. Then there’s the importance of joining organisations like LinkedIn, connecting with people and companies who could very well increase your revenue.

Look at your workload

At first, you’ll be the one who does everything. You’ll most likely wear multiple hats, including sales, marketing, copywriting, and design. You’ll handle all of the work that comes with the concept that your company is founded around, often putting in extra hours. You’ll prepare for strategies to promote your company, deal with administrative activities, and respond to emails. You won’t see stability and a boost in income if you do nothing. Put in your all and get set to reap the benefits.

Keep an eye on customers

If your company doesn’t provide value to your customers, it will most likely fail. It’s therefore essential you’re constantly aware of how you are meeting their demands. Reviews, social media monitoring, and surveys are all great methods to keep track of consumer feedback. If your business is still relatively new, and there isn’t much feedback available, ask for it through direct contact with consumers. Most people are eager to share their stories, and their input is vital.

Always stay consistent

Of course you want your company to expand and grow – so it’s here that consistency is key. Show up as the same person and brand every time, publish material regularly and be sure to get your message out there in terms of what you do and why people should want your goods or services. By doing so you’ll quickly establish a reputation for yourself, as well as hopefully accomplishing success in ways you never dreamed of.

Success takes time

Success doesn’t come overnight, so don’t feel tempted to give up if you don’t see the results you expected straight away. There’s no assurance you will accomplish all you want in only a few months. Speak to family and friends who are on hand to offer support, and don’t overdo it, doing your best to strike the right work/life balance. If there’s a market out there for what you’re providing then it’s more than likely you’ll succeed. Because, as the saying goes, good things come to those that wait.

The post Things to know before starting your own business appeared first on Checklists.

Heather Mills has achieved an impressive amount in her 57 years. She’s been a model, campaigner and nabbed a Guinness World Record as the fastest disabled female skier of all time. She’s also married and divorced a Beatle and set up more groundbreaking businesses than you can shake a cruelty-free stick at. Feeling inspired? You haven’t seen anything yet…

You look amazing: quite the advertisement for veganism! Tell us about your plant-based journey.

“In 1993, I crossed the street and ended up losing my leg, crushing my pelvis and splitting my head open. Five months later I was still in hospital and still not healing. A friend introduced me to a vegan diet and I swear I healed in two weeks. There was no going back. I created my own vegan food company so I could eat anything I liked, by replicating what turned out to be hundreds of meat, fish and dairy alternatives.”

What tip would you give to anyone considering becoming vegan?

“Start slow. For me, being vegetarian was never good enough as eating dairy can cause so many ailments. Even fast-food addicts can find brands to reach for, like Vbites, which give easy alternatives. Eventually, you will find yourself naturally adding more beans, lentils, pulses and vegetables into your diet.”

Is it possible to eat vegan on a budget?

“It’s such a myth that vegan is more expensive! I’ve done countless spreadsheets to show families how much waste happens in their house. Not only can being vegan be more cost-effective, but it can also lead to a happier, healthier life. The key is to look at the requirements for a whole month. I’m always stocked up on kale, spinach, aubergines, carrots, courgettes, potatoes, rice and quinoa as you can make so many meals with them.”

“We guess you’re a force in the kitchen. What do you cook for friends?

“I like to show them they can eat the same things as they do in a restaurant, but plant based. I had a TV show in Italy called My Planet Vegan, where I taught Michelin chefs how to do vegan versions of favourites like soufflés, lasagnes and pizzas, which was so much fun.”

How else has being vegan affected your health?

“I’m 57 and still have periods! It may be genetic, but I believe it’s my diet because until I went vegan, I couldn’t have children. I kept having miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, but after going vegan, within years I had a beautiful baby. I strongly believe veganism is the future and I’ve been shouting about it for 30 years! You may feel like you can’t do anything about the state of the world, but individuals make choices – and those individuals become groups. I want to educate as many people as I can and feed them great food.”

You’ve launched a new food line, No Bloat. Can you tell us a little about it?

“No Bloat is going to change people’s lives, offering on-the-go, healthy, clean food to help heal gut issues. In 1999 I was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which destroyed my colon, caused my appendix to burst, as well as me having to have my gallbladder removed. I was told I had to live with a stoma, which I refused. Then, while on a liquid diet and suffering from extreme IBS for years – all while training for my Guinness World Record! – it was discovered I was intolerant to onions, garlic, and many mushrooms. Once I understood the problem, I created No Bloat, and I’m proud to say that after 13 years of testing with cameras in the colon, it’s now the first food to get stamped by the Harley Street Functional Gut Clinic, Monash University and Dr Michael Klaper.”

You also founded the make-up brand, Be At One, with your make-up artist pal Milena Thacker. How hands on are you?

“When I met Melina, she’d created a make-up business but didn’t know anything about veganism, so I worked with her to create a high-quality, low-cost vegan brand. One of the big companies recently wanted our mascara because it’s amazing and doesn’t irritate the eye, but we said no as we want to keep the price low, as well as save animals. I’m a bright red lipstick girl, but it amazes me how few people know they swallow insects every time they lick their red lips. We use vegetable colouring, not crushed beetles.”

What’s next?

“At the moment the food industry is a mess, so I would like to help change that. The country is obese, and the government are soft and allowing people to get lazy. It’s pretty simple, but common sense is disappearing. It’s time to stop making excuses. There needs to be a revolution – and we do that through the choices we make.”

Find out more and shop for the No Bloat line-up here.

The post Interview: Heather Mills appeared first on Checklists.

Add perimenopause, years of putting yourself at the bottom of the list, the comparison trap that social media intensifies, and a natural dip in confidence, and it’s no wonder many are asking, is this it?

But this doesn’t have to be a cause for concern: instead it’s a chance to reclaim your confidence, rediscover your authentic self and craft a future that truly aligns with who you’re becoming. This isn’t about settling; it’s about strategic reinvention for the woman you are now. Here’s Claire’s five essential steps to move forward.

Give yourself permission to pause, as you don’t have to orchestrate a complete life overhaul immediately. Creating space for reflection allows you to think clearly and silence the external noise that clouds decision-making.

Reconnect with your essence – not just your achievements. Spend time exploring your core strengths, values and interests, asking yourself when you feel most energised and what genuinely matters to you at this stage of your life.

Challenge the limiting narratives you’ve internalised. “I’m too old to pivot,” “I must maintain constant productivity” question these inherited beliefs because most of them are outdated constructs that no longer serve your evolution.

Experiment with intentional exploration by trying something that sparks curiosity. Whether it’s a creative course, meaningful volunteering, or passion projects, these low-pressure experiments build clarity and confidence whilst honouring your desire for growth.

Finally, curate your support network thoughtfully. Be it through professional coaching, peer circles or trusted confidantes, don’t navigate this transition in isolation – external perspective provides clarity and momentum when you need it most.

“This stage of life isn’t the conclusion of your story,” adds Claire. “It’s the opening chapter of your most authentic era, an opportunity to prioritise yourself, rebuild unshakeable confidence and create a future that genuinely excites you.”

For more information head to see www.drclairekaye.com or @drclairekayecoaching

The post After your career: what’s next? appeared first on Checklists.

But it’s not just as a solo artist that Nik has enjoyed global success – he’s also written and produced best-selling songs for Elton John, Gary Barlow, Lulu, and many more. He even wrote the Chesney Hawkes smash The One And Only, which spent five weeks at number one and cracked the top 10 in the USA. 

All that as well as being the founder of his own record label Shorthouse Records, it’s fair to say that Nik has plenty to talk about – and that’s exactly what he’s doing on his intimate theatre tour, Musings & Lyrics. Let’s find out more, shall we?

Credit to Michelle Martin

Nik, tell us about your tour.

“I’ve loved the solo shows I’ve done so far. On until 23 November, it’s giving me a chance to share songs, stories and have a Q&A session with the audience.”

So what’s the best question you’ve been asked ?

“A few years ago someone said, ‘Nik, can you sing Fantastic Day for us?’ I had to break the news that I wasn’t Nick Heyward, and that they’d booked tickets for the wrong show!”

Anything else?

“I get asked a lot about Live Aid, which was unlike anything else I’ve ever done. It was an incredible experience, and I feel very privileged to have been part of it. When you realise just how many people were involved behind the scenes in making that event happen, it’s amazing.”

Take us back to your time in the Mid-Eighties

“My feet didn’t touch the ground for about two years. It was like my life was on rails and I couldn’t get off the train.”

But by the end of the Eighties you quit performing. Why?

“I’d become disillusioned with being a performer, so took a step back to write and produce for other artists. Some were written on my own; some in collaboration with others; some for established artists, some for hopeful idiots; some for major label projects; some just for the hell of it!”

Did you have a process when writing them?

“I used to wake up in the middle of the night with great ideas for a song and have to write them down. Or they’d come to me when I was driving the car, or out on a walk. I’d start whistling a tune, and it would grow from there. But the really successful songs came to me relatively quickly. They weren’t difficult to write, and just sort of happened – that’s often the way.”

What’s different when you’re not writing your own songs?

“It’s a very different process. You may have very strong views about something, either spiritually or politically, which would feel right for you to sing. You can’t do that for others – it has to be more generic. Harmonically I used to go off all over the place, but you can’t really do that when you are writing for others, either. You have to operate within certain parameters.”

And that’s what took you back to singing again?

“Operating within those parameters became the thing that frustrated me the most. I realised I couldn’t really go for it and write some of the songs I wanted to because no-one else was going to sing them, so I decided I was just going to have to sing them myself!”

Credit to Michelle Martin

So are you still singing now?

“I still do gigs, which I enjoy, but don’t have the same hunger and drive to be constantly creating new material that I had in my 20s. There will be another album at some point, though. At the moment I’m just not sure what it will be, and when. You always have to think that your best-ever album is still to come – there’s no point in doing this otherwise.”

Back to the show and the question we all want to know: will you be giving us a definitive answer to the meaning of your1984 hit The Riddle and reveal once and for all what it was all about?

“Yes – I’ve developed a new way of explaining it, and the process I went through when I was creating it. No spoilers, though – you’ll have to come to one of the shows or buy my book to find out.”

Buy tickets to one of Nik’s shows here and his book here.

The post Interview: Nik Kershaw appeared first on Checklists.

Richard, what was your career before you went on Britain’s Got Talent?

“I was serving full-time in the British Army as a Bandsman with the Household Cavalry. I’d been in the Army for several years, and most of my role revolved around performing music for ceremonial duties, state occasions, and concerts. It was a wonderful career in itself, with a strong sense of purpose and tradition. I loved the huge amount of travel it gave me and the excitement of every day being different.”

How did magic come into the equation?

“I began learning magic when I first joined the Army to help fill some of the down times while travelling. While I loved performing music, I found that magic gave me another way to connect with people on a more personal level. In the Army, I would often perform little tricks for friends and colleagues, and I soon realised it was more than just a hobby – it was something that brought joy to others and gave me a creative outlet.”

So what made you want to apply for Britain’s Got Talent?

“Friends and family had been encouraging me for years to audition, but I always hesitated because I wasn’t sure if I was ready. Eventually, I thought: ‘why not’? The show is an incredible platform for performers, and I wanted to test myself on the biggest stage in the country. It was also a chance to represent the Army in a different way, and show a side of myself that people might not expect.”

Had you left the Army by then?

“No, I was still serving while competing and I continued part time for another six years. My mindset at the time was very much ‘just enjoy the ride.’ If I hadn’t gone all the way through to win, I would have simply gone back to my Army duties; proud that I’d given it a go. Winning was never the expectation: just the dream. I loved my Army role which is why I didn’t want to leave, despite being super-busy juggling magic shows with duties.”

What did it feel like to win?

“It was surreal. Honestly, it didn’t sink in for a while. Standing there on that stage, hearing my name called out as the winner; I’ll never forget that moment. It was overwhelming pride and gratitude all rolled into one – not just for myself, but for everyone who supported me along the way.”

Where did it all go from there?

“After winning, opportunities started coming in fast:  tours, TV work, corporate events, theatre shows – the lot. I eventually made the decision to step away from full-time service in 2022 ,so I could give 100% to magic. It wasn’t easy to leave behind my Army family, but the transition felt natural because performing had become my calling.”

What are you doing now?

“I tour around the UK with my own live shows and also perform internationally. My act combines sleight of hand, mind-reading, and storytelling; often with a nod to my military background. I perform in theatres, festivals, and private events and host lots of corporate events, so no two weeks look the same, which I love.”

How does it feel now you’re the one deciding what you do –and not an employee?

“Liberating. I get to follow my passion and shape my career on my own terms. Of course, it also means the responsibility is entirely mine, but that’s part of the excitement.”

What’s the best thing about being your own boss?

“The freedom to be creative. If I want to try out a new idea, develop a new show, or take my work in a different direction, I don’t have to ask anyone’s permission. That independence is incredibly rewarding.”

Any downside?

“The uncertainty. In the Army everything is structured and secure: you know your schedule, your pay, your role. As a self-employed performer, there are ups and downs, busy periods and quiet ones. It can be nerve-wracking, but I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability.”

Finally, what advice would you give to anyone considering becoming their own boss?

“Go for it – but plan carefully. Follow your passion, but also be realistic about the challenges. Build a support network, stay disciplined, and don’t be afraid of failure. Most importantly, believe in yourself, because if you don’t, no one else will.”

For details of where you can see Richard’s The Sound of Magic tour click here.

The post Interview: Britain’s Got Talent winner Richard Jones appeared first on Checklists.

Here’s our list of companies offering a variety of different services and products, from home furniture, loan providers and coach training programmes to put your mind at ease and aid in getting your start-up business running as smoothly and successfully as possible.

1. Access Credit Management

As one of the UK’s leading commercial debt collection agencies, Access Credit Management Limited (ACM) provides global commercial debt recovery services to a wide range of organisations, large and small, national and international.

Established in 2000, ACM offers many years of experience in dealing with slow paying debtors and has established a reputation for securing and recovering outstanding commercial debt from around the world.

In addition, they also take time to understand your business needs. So whether you require assistance to develop or revise your company credit policy and procedures, a full sales ledger cleanse or a helping hand with selective overdue accounts, the team are here to help you.

Access Credit Management Limited specialises in commercial debt recovery and has a proven track record of improving client cash flow by securing payment of outstanding receivables from around the world.

Find out more at accesscm.co.uk

2. Bisley Direct

With A huge range of office storage, desks and chairs, BisleyDirect can provide a comfortable working solution that allows you to grow and expand. Being your own boss means you want to work well without distractions, so designing the right space is important.

BisleyDirect delivers and install your products for you so you can focus on your business.

Chairs are important, so invest in reasonable quality seats for you and your employees. Use bench desks as you can add and expand easily. Make sure to add cable management so you hide all those cables and plugs.

Consider colour storage to enhance your environment. Check your measurements and access to offices as some items are large. A clean working environment with space to store is important so you have room for all files and tasks.

You spend a large amount of time in your office, so should invest in the right environment as staff are more productive in a smart workspace.

Whether you need one office space or a hundred the team have solutions to suit you. How can BisleyDirect help your business?

Find out more at bisleydirect.co.uk

3. ITC London

Find an expert team that excels at all things digital at ITC London. Offering 24/7 fully managed support, these highly qualified experts can act as your outsourced IT department.

From a small business looking for complete support, or a director of a large company with international subsidiaries, ITC London hold the highest levels of certification and can deal with all aspects of IT support no matter how demanding.

The company specialise in cross-functional platform, device and database agnostic solutions – including network solutions, IT support, consultancy or assistance with telephony systems.

ITC London is proud to have forged partnerships with some of the world’s leading and highly rated companies who deliver high-end quality customer service and solutions using the most up-to-date and innovative technology with the end-user in mind.

Find out more at itclondon.com

4. Academy of Executive Coaching

The AoEC offer world-class executive coach training programmes to suit career levels and areas of expertise. Accredited and validated by the industry’s top professional bodies, the AoEC works with you to develop your own model, style and ‘signature presence’.

Executive coaching is one of the most valuable skills in the workplace and in the world. Over 20 years ago the organisation wanted to change the world through conversation, today they hold this value more than ever.

Market demand for executive coaching is on the rise. If you have a background in HR, consultancy, training or team leadership, now could be the right time for you to train as an executive coach.

Training over 11,000 people since 1999, start your AoEC journey at one of their free open events. Kickstart your career in executive coaching now.

Find out more at aoec.com

5. Integrated Resources

Integrated Resources are here to help you release potential, improve performance and growth in your business.

The pros and cons of being your own boss. You can’t be fired! You will have immense freedom but to start with, no security; the freedom is heady after being in-house. The thrill of being paid is far greater.

Becoming your own boss requires planning, a viable business idea, and brand. There’s a natural order in the hierarchy of support and its run like this: Finance, IT, HR, Marketing and virtual facilities.

Digital marketing is critical; you need not only an effective website but pathways to drive people there. Integrated Resources have advised many people in the last 18 years, from established and listed companies to SMEs across all sectors.

Find out more at integratedresources.co.uk

6. LawBite

LawBite provides what businesses really want from law firms. The team help you make informed decisions, ensure your company is legally compliant, protected and help increase revenue opportunities – supporting your businesses at every stage as you start, grow and succeed – to save you time and effort.

Expect great value with expert business lawyers at half the cost of high-street law firms. The teams affordable and understandable access to legal services will provide you with SRA regulated and insured LawBriefs lawyers; averaging around 10 years of experience.

On top of that, a full range of commercial and corporate legal services and skills match the right expert lawyer to your needs.

Stay in control of all your legal matters with their innovative legal tech platform and app. LawBite are flexible to your deadlines and gives you 24/7 access to UK lawyers anytime, anywhere through the online platform.

Find out more at lawbite.co.uk

7. Peak Vantage

Dan Gayle’s Peak Performance and Wellbeing Coaching maximises clients’ talents and potential, and that of their employees.

A person’s mindset plays an absolutely pivotal role in success. Following many years as a coach, Dan developed the Marginal Accumulated Gains concept (inspired by an approach used by Team GB) and The 6P’s Coaching Framework leading clients to achieve between 10% to 30% increase in performance and productivity levels.

Their team has extensive experience in business, economics, finance and investment analysis, coaching and consultancy, and psychology, which combine to make our services a powerful offering for you to integrate.

On a £50k per annum salary, a client stands to gain £15k in added value improved confidence, resiliency, and physical and mental wellbeing. These are just a fraction of the possible benefits.

To see how this could benefit you, get 50% off any future coaching, by quoting COACH50.

Find out more at thepeakvantage.com

8. Hiddleston Trade Marks

Hiddleston Trade Marks act for many SMEs and know the demands upon your time and pocket. The organisation aim to provide their trade mark services with a new eye and fresh approach.

You’ve set up a new business but are snowed under with expenses and other demands. It is so easy to put off protecting your trademarks.

However, properly protected, your trade marks and other intellectual property are valuable assets, which may be an important consideration for any potential purchaser of your business down the line. Equally, however, they can be a potential trap for the unwary.

Get help searching the UK trade marks register to avoid infringing third-party trade markets and to register your mark for the future.

Hiddleston Trade Marks is here to provide a helping hand. They are now also offering a free 30-minute consultancy if you contact them

Find out more at hiddlestons.com

9. Support Tree

Support Tree, in response to this pandemic, has rolled out an immediate solution that will give you access directly to your work desktop from any system – whether that is a tablet, laptop, home computer and even a smartphone.

This costs just £10 per month and can be subscribed to for as little as three months plus a small setup fee.

Why purchase a high-value system that can take weeks to roll out, when an immediate and cost-effective solution is available? With Support Tree you can work from anywhere as though you are in the office in a few minutes.

Even for those with a remote solution, this is an effective backup.

Find out more at supporttree.co.uk

10. UK Wholesale

Many businesses have quickly adopted UK Wholesale’s phone systems to give their employees and businesses the flexibility they need to flourish.

UK Wholesale provides a range of communication options including ‘softphones’ with headsets for PCs and Macs, desk phones for plug in through any modern worldwide and a mobile app – all answering the same number.

Software behind UK Wholesale’s leading phone systems providers user-friendly functions and features, including conference and video calling, easy call transfer, document sharing, call queuing and auto attendants.

UK Wholesale has provided traditional and cloud-based phone systems to thousands of UK companies for more than a decade. Its customers include household brands. Plus, its sets up businesses to work remotely and flexibly within 24 hours.

Find out more at uk-wholesale.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Top 10 companies that can help you start a business appeared first on Checklists.

Covid-19 has increased anxiety for many of us. Now that the world has come to somewhat ‘normal’ again we’ve been able to reconnect with the people. As cases start to rise worries too can increase. Many could be concerned about how quickly things are changing or what the future holds. 

The lifting of lockdown limitations provides many of us with long-awaited chances, such as seeing friends, doing sports, resuming touch with family in ‘real space,’ or returning to employment that we like. 

Even the positive, much-anticipated transitions and readjustment may be tough for our mental health for many of us. 

What are the mental health issues and what can we do about them? 

The ending of lockdown restrictions can be just as difficult for us as the beginning. It’s possible that things won’t be the same as they were before. Our mental health advice is about developing routines, keeping connected, eating well, and exercising. 

Everyone is confronted with uncertainty and difficulty, and we have no option but to navigate it as best we can use our coping techniques.

Make sure you’re getting your information from reliable sources

It might be difficult to know what to do or trust when there is so much contradicting and confusing information concerning Covid-19. Try to restrict how much news and information regarding Covid-19 you absorb if you find it overwhelming or disturbing. For the most up-to-date information, go to reputable sites like GOV.UK and the NHS Covid-19 websites.

Find your new balance

Many people’s life was affected because of lockdowns, furloughs, and working from home. You may have started a new profession or job and are meeting your co-workers for the first time. You may have reunited with your children and spouse after stopping your travels, or you may have lost connection with the individuals you spend time with. 

Maintain the good habits you developed during the lockdown, as well as your awareness of your community and neighbourhood. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and find a method to receive what you need for your mental health.

Managing uncertainty 

Concentrate on the now, you can only do the best you can with what you have right now.  Bring things back into definite focus – although many things are uncertain right now, there are also things to be positive about. Try to keep track of and recognise wonderful things when they occur. 

Remove any negative thoughts

It’s normal to be concerned from time to time, yet our nervous thoughts might be counterproductive. You may get a new perspective on the problem if you can learn to recognise and distinguish between harmful and beneficial ideas.

Make a list of your thoughts

If you’re frightened or unhappy, maintaining a diary or notebook might help you work through your emotions. This is also an excellent approach to keep track of your mood over time and remind yourself of your accomplishments. You may check back on your entries as your confidence grows to see how far you’ve come.

The effects of the pandemic will not all be reversed after Covid has passed. It’s only natural to want a return to normalcy when things are difficult. 

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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It is time to break it down into what steps you need to do to get the business off the ground and running. There are plenty of companies that are offering services to help kickstart your business with ease.

1. ArchOver

ArchOver is a peer-to-peer business lending platform. They connect SME’s that need working capital with investors looking for a favourable return. Through their platform, lenders pledge to your project, providing you with the money you need to achieve your goals.

They carry out rigorous due diligence to ensure they fully understand our borrowers’ businesses, what they’re trying to achieve, and the challenges they face. They get to know them, spending time with them to ensure they get the best loan for their needs.

They have a proven record not only of helping businesses secure funding, but also helping their borrowers when they meet challenges outside their control.

Find out more at archover.com

2. WorkLife

WorkLife coworking spaces provide businesses with everything they need from an office space; whether it’s hot-desking or a private hub, including Wi-Fi, printing, meeting rooms, private phone booths, a reception and a fully fitted kitchen.

WorkLife know that work happiness plays a huge part in productivity, so the community-led spaces are designed to make you feel good, and the membership teams go the extra mile to make your experience special.

Your membership includes networking, unlimited coffee from Redemption Roasters, weekly fitness classes, regular breakfasts, monthly massages with Urban and training sessions with Jolt.

Located across London, Manchester and Reading, the spaces allow businesses to feel part of a wider community. Plus, members get easy access to a network of different skills and services all under the same roof, and the opportunity to share ideas and collaborate across companies.

Find out more at work.life

3. OKI

OKI sells the smallest A3 printer on the market – the C800 series – that can handle all your printing needs, including business cards, pre-cut media, posters, banners up to 1.3m long and beyond. Combining media flexibility, ultra-reliability and OKI’s pioneering digital LED technology, this productivity-boosting device is perfect for creating professional quality customer-facing collateral, as well as day-to-day office documents in-house and on-demand.

The C800 series warms up instantly and conserves energy thanks to OKI’s innovative fusing technology, saving time and creating efficiency, making it the perfect choice for any business workgroup.

Find out more at oki.com

4. Octopus Electric Vehicles

Octopus Electric Vehicles makes it easy for everyone – individuals and businesses – to join the electric vehicle revolution. They bring together everything you need to get you on the road.

They’ve got a team of experts who live and breathe electric vehicles day in, day out, ready to find you the best finance options, unlock government incentives and save you money wherever you can.

They’ve got a handpicked range of the best electric vehicles from all the top manufacturers including BMW, Nissan, Jaguar and of course Tesla. Their hassle-free smart charging solutions mean you’ll be able to wake up every day with a full charge.

They’re even changing the rules of how vehicles are used and energy is consumed, through Powerloop their vehicle to grid product that turns your parked car into a battery for your home. They’ve got the complete EV solution to start saving.

Find out more at octopusev.com

5. Payswell

Payswell can help you and your business with payroll solutions for contractors, temporary workers, recruitment agencies and individuals. Their organisation manages systems such as PAYE, LTD, UMBRELLA and CIS. 

They understand the demands made by contractors and agencies and can assist in mitigating the volume of paperwork and offer an HMRC-compliant payment model, ensuring both agencies and workers are up to date with current legislation.

 Payswell accept that charges can be one of the biggest deal-breakers when it comes to choosing an umbrella solution, that suits you and your company. They believe it is essential to be highly competitive and with the lowest charges in the industry tailored to your needs. Payswell simply puts you and your business first.

All clients are assigned their own dedicated personal account manager who will take care of all your payroll needs efficiently and offer advice whenever needed.

Find out more at payswell.net

6. Rockwool

Energy efficient upgrades to your building with ROCKWOOL with not only make your property more environmentally friendly, but they could also save you up to £600 per year on your energy bills.

Insulating your office is one of the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency, reducing energy usage by up to 70%. Using non-combustible Rockwool stone wool insulation will help you achieve much wider benefits than just energy savings.

There are many benefits to improving your insulation. Stone wool’s superior sound reduction performance will help you to turn noise down. Its insulation regulates internal temperature to make your building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Plus, as non-combustible insulation, stone wool won’t burn, making your property as safe as it is warm.

Find out more at rockwool.com

7. Pack & Send

For nearly 30 years Pack & Send have been delivering far more than just a simple courier service. They are the UK’s largest network of packing and shipping specialists with huge experience of safely moving virtually anything to all parts of the globe.

Their unique range of secure packing options make them particularly effective in handling fragile and valuable goods. They can also transport medical and laboratory equipment, vehicle parts and engineering machinery.

They understand the concerns of buyers and vendors when moving unique things. Pack & Send apply the same high level of attention to detail in executing the shipment. They are so confident in the security of their shipping services that they offer a loss and damage warranty on anything that they have packed – regardless of its value.

Pack & Send’s flexibility, attention to detail, and premium customer service can be the answer.

Find out more at packsend.co.uk

8. Dehns

Dehns is one of Europe’s leading firms of patent and trademark attorneys, working with SMEs in all sectors over the last 100 years to help increase the value of businesses. Dehns can help identify, obtain and protect your intellectual property, which in turn can help you achieve your corporate objectives.

Two of the most important IP are trademarks and patents. Brand recognition and loyalty are developed in a trademark over time. It can become a highly valuable asset; obtaining appropriate trademark protection early on is important, otherwise third parties may be able to use an identical or similar trademark, in a way that may confuse customers, divert business and/or damage your brand’s image.

Patents protect new inventions. The owner of a patent can generally prevent others from using, making, or selling the invention for a limited period of time.

Find out more at dehns.com

9. Amazon Business

Amazon Business and American Express launched two new products aimed at the small business market.

This allows you to tap into the ability to make of the most of your future spending. In addition to no annual fee in the first year, you will receive a £25 Amazon Gift Card upon approval, and on top of that, the freedom to choose between 1.5% Amazon Rewards or deferred payment for 60 days on UK purchases at Amazon Business, amazon.co.uk and Whole Foods Market.

Find out more amazon.co.uk

10. Hampshire Trust Bank

When it comes to saving, opening an ISA is a great start. That’s where Hampshire Trust Bank can help.

Basically, it means you can save up to £20,000 a year, tax free. They offer a range of cash-ISAs available for new subscriptions and transfers from both cash, stocks and shares ISAs.

And, when you choose Hampshire Trust Bank, you have the added peace of mind that comes from knowing your money is protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK’s deposit guarantee scheme.

Find out more at htb.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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Many of us have had to adapt to home offices during the pandemic. With attention-demanding children and pets, home-working spouses, housework and home-schooling all under one roof, the distractions and difficulties of home working have presented an array of challenges to employee productivity. Despite these setbacks and the original adjustment period, many workers are now pushing for more regular remote working in the return to the ‘new normal’, with the trend leaning towards a ‘hybrid’ set up; some days spent in the office and the rest at home. Research shows that Gen Z workers in particular are pushing to split their time between home and office to get the best from both worlds.

Employers may understandably feel cautious or uncomfortable with the prospect of staff working out-of-office for half of the week. Although the benefits for staff are clear; among them cheaper lunches, child-care flexibility, home comforts, and lack of commute, it could be argued that business owners gain little from having a team work remotely. Employers may want to consider investing in monitoring software to help manage their remote teams, allowing them to assign tasks and track their progress throughout the day. You will be able to see how long it takes an employee to complete a task, and will also remove the back-and-forth email chasing between managers and staff as the job is in progress.

Regular communication between employees is crucial to keep remote workers engaged, but be careful of ‘Zoom fatigue’ and overloading your staff with onscreen meetings. If a chat can happen face-to-face on office-working days, consider rescheduling so that you can discuss with them in person. It will be much easier to pick up natural physical cues and foster a welcoming atmosphere in these circumstances, rather than on a video conference. Offering bonuses and target incentives can also help drive remote workers to maximise their time and boost overall morale. Recognising and rewarding an employee’s hard work will help keep them motivated and make them more likely to meet or exceed their targets. Focusing on a team’s accomplishments and achievements will help bolster remote workers’ overall sense of purpose and wellbeing. This coupled with continuous feedback will allow the team to develop their skills over time and focus on areas that need the most attention.

Offering flexibility is key to retaining and motivating remote and hybrid workers. Should they need to collect their kids from school in the early afternoon, or attend an important doctor’s appointment, employers should endeavour to arrange a schedule which allows them to do so. One of the main obstacles in remote working can be technology; if your employees don’t have the correct equipment, or their equipment is not fully functioning in a remote environment, their productivity will be impacted and half of the day could be spent trying to overcome the problems it presents.

One of the main aspects of home working is the trust you place in your staff. If employees feel that managers are suspicious of their work-from-home output, or constantly bombarding them with emails and messages to ‘check-in’ on their whereabouts and workload, it fosters an unhealthy surveillance culture and can breed animosity between employees and managers. Finding ways to mitigate these issues, such as investing in software to manage employee schedules, and having weekly meetings to summarise the achievements of the week, rather than check-up on them frequently throughout the working day.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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