As the long, lazy days of summer begin with hopefully some decent weather to coincide, we are planning our next few months here at the BEC we use this time as our seasonal reset. We are undertaking some office moves and a revamp we spend so much time here having nice surroundings is important, and it boosts staff morale too!

We are making some physical changes to Three Sixty work rooms as well, with a new tenant taking part of the building so we will have building works to contend with as well.

Of course, we also have staff taking holidays my work wife is about to abandon me for three exceedingly long weeks 😊 last time she left emergency sweets which had gone by day two!

We have also just closed the applications for round two of Amplify which will start in September so Shanice our fab project officer is working her way through the 67 applications. It is great to see it building momentum with a 35% increase in applications and we will endeavour to support as many applications as possible. Last week our first group finished, and we had a small celebratory event, it was refreshing to hear their stories and how the programme had supported them in their business.

We are gearing up for our social sector support programme Building Bridges, which has started already but will gain momentum in September. This will mean a busy finish to the year. I am also wading my way through writing grant applications which if you are in this space can be a thankless and soul-destroying process when they are unsuccessful. I will defo need emergency sweets!

Of course, it’s still business as usual, our conference business goes quiet and we purposely stop the training calendar as its hard to focus when the children are around, but the workspaces are still busy and of course the businesses we support still need advice and mentoring as situations arise over the summer.

Starting summer break while managing work responsibilities can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some thoughts from me about how to make this time work.

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Create a schedule that designates specific hours for work and leisure. Communicate your availability to colleagues and stakeholders to ensure they respect your time off, the right to disconnect is invaluable.

2. Plan Mini-Breaks

Incorporate mini breaks throughout your day. Take short walks, enjoy a coffee break outside in the fresh air. These small moments can refresh your mind and help maintain productivity.

3. Use holiday Days Wisely

I have lost far too many days off to tidying cupboards, sorting wardrobes and other such things, I am sure I am not alone so, if possible, plan to take a few days at the start of summer. This will give you a solid break to recharge and transition into the summer mindset. Even a long weekend can make a substantial difference.

4. Create a Summer Bucket List

List activities you want to enjoy this summer. Include both short-term activities, like visiting a local park, and longer-term plans, like a weekend getaway or reading that book. This list can serve as a reminder to make time for fun amidst your work schedules.

5. Optimise Your Workspace

Make your work environment as pleasant as possible. If you work from home, set up your workspace near a window or add some plants. If you're in an office, take advantage of natural light and fresh air during breaks, come and work from our spaces if you need a break! Remember you can work from Three Sixty Workrooms on a Wednesday for free through the six weeks holiday.

6. Prioritise Self-Care

Summer is an excellent time to focus on self-care. The world seems a nicer place when you are mentally in a good place.

7. Leverage Flexible Work Options

If your job allows, consider flexible work options such as adjusting your hours or working remotely. This flexibility can enable you to better balance work and leisure activities.

8. Stay Organised

Use planners or digital calendars to keep track of work deadlines and personal activities. Staying organized can help reduce stress and ensure you make the most of your time.

9. Plan After-Work Activities

Make the most of your evenings and weekends. Plan activities like attending local events, dining out, or simply enjoying a sunset. These small outings can make your summer feel more fulfilling.

10. Stay Present

When you're not working, try to be fully present in your activities. Avoid checking work emails or thinking about work tasks. This mental break is crucial for enjoying your summer break.

Whatever you are doing over the summer period I hope you make time for fun as well as the serious stuff and we will see you back with our new plans for September! Of course, if you need us over the summer we will still be here, and you can get in touch through all the normal channels.

As the long, lazy days of summer begin with hopefully some decent weather to coincide, we are planning our next few months here at the BEC we use this time as our seasonal reset. We are undertaking some office moves and a revamp we spend so much time here having nice surroundings is important, and it boosts staff morale too!

We are making some physical changes to Three Sixty work rooms as well, with a new tenant taking part of the building so we will have building works to contend with as well.

Of course, we also have staff taking holidays my work wife is about to abandon me for three exceedingly long weeks 😊 last time she left emergency sweets which had gone by day two!

We have also just closed the applications for round two of Amplify which will start in September so Shanice our fab project officer is working her way through the 67 applications. It is great to see it building momentum with a 35% increase in applications and we will endeavour to support as many applications as possible. Last week our first group finished, and we had a small celebratory event, it was refreshing to hear their stories and how the programme had supported them in their business.

We are gearing up for our social sector support programme Building Bridges, which has started already but will gain momentum in September. This will mean a busy finish to the year. I am also wading my way through writing grant applications which if you are in this space can be a thankless and soul-destroying process when they are unsuccessful. I will defo need emergency sweets!

Of course, it’s still business as usual, our conference business goes quiet and we purposely stop the training calendar as its hard to focus when the children are around, but the workspaces are still busy and of course the businesses we support still need advice and mentoring as situations arise over the summer.

Starting summer break while managing work responsibilities can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some thoughts from me about how to make this time work.

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Create a schedule that designates specific hours for work and leisure. Communicate your availability to colleagues and stakeholders to ensure they respect your time off, the right to disconnect is invaluable.

2. Plan Mini-Breaks

Incorporate mini breaks throughout your day. Take short walks, enjoy a coffee break outside in the fresh air. These small moments can refresh your mind and help maintain productivity.

3. Use holiday Days Wisely

I have lost far too many days off to tidying cupboards, sorting wardrobes and other such things, I am sure I am not alone so, if possible, plan to take a few days at the start of summer. This will give you a solid break to recharge and transition into the summer mindset. Even a long weekend can make a substantial difference.

4. Create a Summer Bucket List

List activities you want to enjoy this summer. Include both short-term activities, like visiting a local park, and longer-term plans, like a weekend getaway or reading that book. This list can serve as a reminder to make time for fun amidst your work schedules.

5. Optimise Your Workspace

Make your work environment as pleasant as possible. If you work from home, set up your workspace near a window or add some plants. If you're in an office, take advantage of natural light and fresh air during breaks, come and work from our spaces if you need a break! Remember you can work from Three Sixty Workrooms on a Wednesday for free through the six weeks holiday.

6. Prioritise Self-Care

Summer is an excellent time to focus on self-care. The world seems a nicer place when you are mentally in a good place.

7. Leverage Flexible Work Options

If your job allows, consider flexible work options such as adjusting your hours or working remotely. This flexibility can enable you to better balance work and leisure activities.

8. Stay Organised

Use planners or digital calendars to keep track of work deadlines and personal activities. Staying organized can help reduce stress and ensure you make the most of your time.

9. Plan After-Work Activities

Make the most of your evenings and weekends. Plan activities like attending local events, dining out, or simply enjoying a sunset. These small outings can make your summer feel more fulfilling.

10. Stay Present

When you're not working, try to be fully present in your activities. Avoid checking work emails or thinking about work tasks. This mental break is crucial for enjoying your summer break.

Whatever you are doing over the summer period I hope you make time for fun as well as the serious stuff and we will see you back with our new plans for September! Of course, if you need us over the summer we will still be here, and you can get in touch through all the normal channels.

Dear Gentle Readers, sorry I just had to write that and get my Lady Whistledown moment! Like many of us I have been hooked with the third series of Bridgerton, I was an avid fan from day one.

I managed to catch the first four episodes of series three before going on holiday and then binge watched on my return whilst wading through the inevitable amount of holiday washing; back to earth with a bump heh!

If you are not familiar with Bridgerton, one could ask where have you been hiding? 😊 but for those who have not seen it, it’s a period drama series set in Regency times based on Julia Quinn's novels. It has been praised for its progressive approach to themes like race, gender, and female persona’s. One of the series' notable subtle themes is female empowerment, including aspects of female entrepreneurship. There are several powerful characters who demonstrate influence, business acumen, and of course Lady Whistledown who secretly writes a society paper, calling out bad behaviour and popular news much to the Queen’s distaste. I won’t reveal the full plot in case you are intrigued to watch or are still catching up.

However, whilst on leave I was thinking of how Bridgerton has strong links with modern female entrepreneurship, particularly how it resonates with modern audiences. It is evident that female representation is a key feature of the programme, and it highlights independent and entrepreneurial female characters who defy traditional gender roles. This aligns with current trends where women are increasingly starting their own businesses and supporting the economy with a positive impact.

"Bridgerton" offers a compelling lens through which to examine modern female entrepreneurship, drawing parallels between the show's portrayal of female empowerment and the realities faced by contemporary women in business.

Here are my reflections.

Breaking Barriers - Key characters break societal norms and assert their independence in a male-dominated society, and of course women entrepreneurs today exemplify this trend.

Innovation and Adaptability – the characters   often demonstrate innovative thinking to navigate social constraints. For example, Madame Delacroix's success as a dressmaker requires creativity and adaptability. Of course, today’s female entrepreneurs use innovation to create niche markets, such as sustainable fashion, tech startups, and wellness industries. They adapt to changing market demands and use technology to their advantage.

Networking and Mentorship – throughout the programme you can see social networks and alliances female characters form which are crucial to the plots and the characters success. We see here at the BEC a continuous model of women supporting women.

Resilience and Perseverance – the female characters face societal pressures as it would have been in regency times, but nowadays resilience is the epitome of successful female business owners. Often facing the unique challenges of family responsibilities, gender bias and securing funding but despite all of this they persist and thrive.

I personally think "Bridgerton" effectively mirrors the journey of modern female entrepreneurs, highlighting themes of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. By drawing inspiration from the show's characters and their narratives, contemporary women can find motivation and confidence to navigate their entrepreneurial paths.

Here at the BEC we are proud to be advocates of female business owners, on our new (relatively) programme Amplify funded by the Council and UKSPF we are proud that 75% of our first cohort are female business owners in food, care, and of course other sectors.

We are currently recruiting our next cohort for September if you are in Barking and Dagenham then you can use this link to register your interest.  Link

PS its open to any gender!

Adult social care is close to my heart in Barking and Dagenham I made a career out of it for nine years and worked across a range of services during those years, collaborating with some incredible people delivering brilliant services.   For most of us this is a service that at some point we all interact with whether for ourselves or looking after ageing parents and relatives. It is undeniable that adult social care is a vital service designed to support older adults and those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. It ensures they can live with dignity and as independently as possible.

When Amplify our business support programme started, I was personally delighted that the BEC could support fifteen local care businesses to improve their offer and develop their business model. At the end of June, we say adios to our first graduates of the programme and are embarking on onboarding the next group through the summer, ready for a September start.

The world of care is huge, and it is big business, not just in Barking and Dagenham but across the country. Skills for Care has published 'The value of adult social care in England' report which shows the growing adult social care sector, and its skilled workforce contributes £50.3 billion to the English economy. This can range from personal assistance at home with daily living tasks to more structured residential support or nursing care.

Back in 2012, the BEC was delighted to support Barking and Dagenham council and the Northeast London Foundation trust in setting up Care City CIC. If you are not familiar Care City is an innovation centre for healthy ageing and regeneration, based in Barking. Their mission is to support people across Northeast London to live happier, healthier lives. It does brilliant work across public services, health and the social sector and has radically shifted the position of care in our borough. (http://www.carecity.org)

When we designed the Care programme; I always knew we needed Care City to be part of this journey for supporting care businesses; there is definitely need to think about the art of the possible when delivering care; moving away from traditional commissioning models and embracing the support that digital technology can bring to improve the wellbeing of people who need care and support.

We are over the moon to secure Matt Skinner Chief Executive of Care City CIC (and his team of course), in my opinion Matt and co are some of the most influential voices in the industry, bringing a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives. He and his team work tirelessly to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and wider afield as well.

If you’re a care business in Barking and Dagenham, whether you are looking to gain insights into the latest initiatives, learn from real-life case studies, or simply get inspired, this event has you covered. Expect the unexpected and leave with brimming with innovative ideas.

As, we inch closer to the date of our much-anticipated event, I cannot help but feel a surge of excitement that I just have to share with you all. This session promises to be a game-changer, and I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you exactly why you can't afford to miss it!

If you are a care business in Barking and Dagenham, you can register for the event here.

Here at the BEC we completely understand that running a small business means multi-tasking, wearing different hats and that thinking about sustainability may not be top of the agenda. However, we cannot deny that the business world now takes sustainability very seriously, there are new laws coming in the very near future which will radically affect some businesses.

Undeniably there are compelling reasons. Integrating sustainable practices can lead to numerous benefits that enhance the business's long-term viability, reputation, and financial performance. We have seen a considerable increase in the need to identify sustainable goals through commissioning and tendering for services in the public sector. Our social sector colleagues are not forgotten here either with grants or trust funders looking at sustainability as a pre-cursor for agreeing funding.

 Learn more: https://youtu.be/FwH0ag0K-B4

We are by no means experts here at the BEC, but we have been on a learning journey and our way of remembering is the three P’s, people, places, and planet.

If you haven’t thought about sustainability or just need a reminder, here are our key reasons why sustainability is crucial for small businesses:

1. Cost Savings and Efficiency

Keeping an eye on the finances we are all looking for cost savings and sustainable practices often involve using less energy, which can significantly reduce utility bills. Energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems, as well as renewable energy sources, contribute to these savings.

We should all care about the planet for future generations, and I am sure you have noticed younger generations are more committed to minimizing waste through recycling, composting, and efficient use of materials can lower waste disposal costs and improve resource efficiency.

2. Competitive Advantage

In crowded markets how do you make your business stand out, one of the ways is adopting sustainable practices can differentiate a business from competitors, attracting customers who value environmental responsibility.

There has been a shift in consumer buying and many consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company’s sustainability credentials. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can build stronger customer loyalty and trust.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

If your business is in a regulated environment, then you will be unable to ignore that there are anticipated legislative changes. The Government are introducing more stringent environmental regulations. Proactively adopting sustainable practices helps businesses stay ahead of regulatory changes and avoid potential fines and penalties.

4. Employee Attraction and Retention

Your employees care about sustainability, and a commitment to sustainability can enhance workplace culture, making the business more attractive to potential employees, particularly younger workers who prioritize environmental and social responsibility.

Sustainable practices can improve employee morale and engagement by fostering a sense of purpose and pride in their work.

5. Long-Term Viability

Sustainable businesses equal resilient businesses and they are positioned to withstand economic and environmental changes. By focusing on long-term resource management, these businesses are more resilient to market fluctuations and resource shortages.

 Sustainability often drives innovation. Businesses that invest in sustainable technologies and practices can develop new products, services, and processes that provide a competitive edge.

6. Positive Community Impact

Sustainable businesses contribute positively to their communities by reducing environmental impact and supporting social causes, enhancing their reputation, and fostering community support. By sourcing locally and supporting sustainable practices, businesses can boost the local economy and build strong community ties.

We are by no means experts here at the BEC, but we have been on a learning journey and our way of remembering is the three P’s, people, places, and planet and if you want a quick tour watch our animation.

We all know that those pesky personal crises have a way of sneaking up on you, and with the joys of running a small business there really is not the headspace to manage both well. It is true to say that everyone reacts different to personal crises, some lucky folk, can separate work from home effectively and for others the lines become blurred and despondency, lack of focus and clarity set in.

I have been having my own testing time for the last six months, it has been exhausting, trying, and challenging to remain on top of everything and I would suggest I have been my true self about half of the time. However, I am blessed with a fabulous support network both professionally and personally and that has made things manageable.

I was thinking about mental health week and how I constantly see posts on social media from people who are clearly struggling, and either a) attempting to put on a brave face or b) reaching out for help sometimes without even realising they are doing it.

Let’s be clear on the reality of personal crises, and their impact on us as individuals, they are real, time consuming, emotionally draining and soul destroying at times. They can take various forms from health issues, relationship challenges, career setbacks and of course loss in all shapes and forms. What they have in common is they all bring an emotional toll on us and bring an unrecognisable sense of disorientation to the forefront.

I have found that there is strength in my vulnerability, after about three months I recognised and accepted that it was ok to be feeling vulnerable, and fine to share my emotions in a safe space, for me it afforded the opportunity for some healing and growth. Support from friends, colleagues, family, and professional help in some cases is a vital component to move on. Another shout to my work wife here she has been amazing, more amazing than she usually is!

I looked at how I could build my resilience allowing self-compassion and re-evaluating my sense of purpose. Focussing on work has certainly helped me and recognising that others needed me to be on form certainly helped. I know others who have found mindfulness, yoga and breath work a great support in building resilience. I also found listening to podcasts about conquering adversity inspiring, add a sprinkle of there are others worse off than you and it all helps to get your focus back!

My job as the CEO here at the BEC comes with an expectation that I always know what I am doing. I like to think I am being my authentic self, but there have been times when I have been masking what is going on inside. I cannot emphasise enough the need for self-care and setting boundaries even in times of turmoil.

My top tips are to firstly step back and assess your current workload, identify the most critical tasks that demand attention, and delegate or postpone the less urgent items. Be realistic about your current capacity and adjust your expectations accordingly. Secondly, be kind to yourself, its perfectly acceptable to be less than brilliant all the time, focus on bite size goals you can manage. Lastly, admitting you need support without feeling ashamed or embarrassed, sometimes our coping mechanisms need a recharge and another opinion professional or personal who understands your life is invaluable.

However big or small your personal crisis feels, please remember even in the darkest moments of a crisis, hold on to hope. Remind yourself that you have the strength and resilience to overcome this challenge, and that brighter days lie ahead.

Remember, managing a personal crisis is a journey, and it's important to be gentle with yourself as you navigate through it. You are not alone, and there is support available to help you through this challenging time. I am happy to chat whenever it is needed!

We have had a busy few weeks at the BEC firstly getting stuck into the delivery of Amplify which has seen twenty businesses start their journey with us across, food, care, and other sectors. I have listened to the comments when they leave which all sound positive and after just two sessions some businesses have connected, shared information and challenges which is what we wanted from the programme.

Secondly we launched Building Bridges our social sector support programme which is very close to my heart, there was an awful lot of work involved in getting the funding and it has been on my mind for some time that we should have a targeted approach to the not for profit sector in the same way we do commercial businesses.

Whether you run a commercial business or a not for profit, the   reality is in today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape, achieving success requires more than just hard work—it demands strategic thinking, innovation, and the ability to adapt to changing market trends. Whether you're a startup aiming to establish your presence or an established company seeking to maintain momentum, here are my top tips to amplify your business success:

1. Define Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) - Clearly articulate what sets your business apart from the competition. Identify your target audience's pain points and demonstrate how your products or services offer solutions.

2. Focus on Customer Experience- however you define your customers, either as clients, participants, or residents, prioritising exceptional customer service builds trust and loyalty, gathering feedback from these folk and using it continually to improve your offer is essential to stay ahead of the game.

3. Embrace Digital Transformation – easy said than done I get that, digital transformation seems daunting and expensive, however leveraging technology to streamline operations, improve efficiency and reach new markets is all good business sense. Even as basic as a user-friendly website can enhance your business.

4. Foster Strategic Partnerships and Alliances – collaboration with complementary businesses or industry influencers to expand your reach and access new markets and develop strategic alliances that offer mutual benefits and support long-term growth objectives.

5. Cultivating your organisational culture – whether you be a commercial business or a not for profit, fostering a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and employee engagement can only be for the good, aligning your company values with your actions and empowering employees to contribute to success.

Here comes a shameless plug folks if you would like to look at your organisational culture through your leadership then you can join us on this workshop on May 16^th link below.

(link)

Amplifying your business success requires a combination of strategic planning, innovation, and a customer-centric approach. By implementing these strategies and staying adaptable to change, you can position your business for sustained growth and prosperity in the ever-evolving marketplace.

If you ready to take your business to the next level, then you can find out about Amplify here (insert link), and if you are a social sector business or a budding social entrepreneur in Barking and Dagenham you can find out more here.

Here's to your continued growth and prosperity!