Where The Trade Buys, one of the UK’s leading printing companies, has launched a campaign to show support for the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of our ‘Together We Are Stronger’ campaign, we are calling on people to print off our posters and colour them in, to your
During digital transformation, taking advantage of new technology will involve increasing the cyber-attack surface of your business. With that said, you do need to ensure that you act with necessary caution. Worst case scenario, if an attack is successful, the downtime could spell financial disaster for your organisation. With cyber-attacks
As global warming threatens the planet, consumers are starting to pay more attention to the brands they buy from. Governments across the world are trying to prevent a global crisis by forcing businesses to lower their emissions. Sustainability has become increasingly important and it’s something consumers are focusing more on
Choosing the right venue for your corporate event, training, conference or meeting is vital to your success as much as choosing the speakers and deciding the schedule of sessions. The right venue can make a massive difference to the entire experience. From deciding on the number of guests you want
For most consumers today the words “plastic” and “sustainability” don’t often go together. However, manufacturers understand that reusable plastics are making supply chains more sustainable. Additionally, reusable plastics help to streamline a supply chain, reducing bottom lines and making products more affordable. This is especially true in the food supply
Working from home has some serious perks, especially if you hate traffic. In the beginning, most people think that working from home is relaxing. After all, being able to start work while you are still in your PJs is something that you couldn’t do before you decided to switch to
Productivity is the key to a successful career. Without it, you can find yourself spinning your wheels. That can be a frustrating, unnecessary feeling. Here are a few ways to avoid feeling frustrated and start feeling productive. Use a Bullet Journal to Tackle Your To-Do List It might sound a
Until the late 20th century, Forex trading was only accessible to institutions. Today, large banks and corporations exchange currencies alongside individuals. Retail traders in the UK monitor finance trends and make profitable decisions with assistance from local brokers. These intermediaries do not only give access to the market but also
Thankfully, the days when business was a completely male-dominated field are over. There are, however, still some improvements that need to be made in terms of equal opportunities between the genders, especially in terms of progressing beyond entry-level jobs. But in the upper echelons of business management we are now
Building a business from the ground up is tough work. It seems that everyone is depending on you to get the job done, and you certainly do not want to let them down. Being an entrepreneur means that you are taking on the responsibility of growing the business into something
Where The Trade Buys, one of the UK’s leading printing companies, has launched a campaign to show support for the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of our ‘Together We Are Stronger’ campaign, we are calling on people to print off our posters and colour them in, to your own tastes, and share them on social media. The campaign launch coincides with the UK public’s overwhelming response to ‘Clap for our Carers’, which saw people head for their balconies, windows, and doors, to applaud NHS health workers in their efforts to fight Covid-19. We’ve created a template for you. All you need to do is print it off enough times for all the family to get involved and get designing! Get your creative juices flowing, display your posters around the house — especially in your windows for the neighbours to see — and even take it to social media. Louise Stephenson, Managing Director at Where The Trade Buys, said: “The pressure the NHS staff are under at the moment is unimaginable. At a time of crisis, it is imperative that we all pull together and there’s no better way to do that than through social engagement. “While the majority of us are limited to the confines of our own homes, it is a great way to interact with our families and celebrate our unsung heroes. Let’s share these posters on social media and show the NHS we are all behind them and put a smile back on their face.” Share your posters between family and friends and engage with the hashtag #TogetherAtHome on social media. Remember to tag Where The Trade Buys in your posts so we can reach an even wider audience. To download your free posters, visit https://www.wherethetradebuys.co.uk/together-at-home
During digital transformation, taking advantage of new technology will involve increasing the cyber-attack surface of your business. With that said, you do need to ensure that you act with necessary caution. Worst case scenario, if an attack is successful, the downtime could spell financial disaster for your organisation. With cyber-attacks against UK organisations increasing in 2019, your business can’t afford to take risks. Ransomware attacks have hit some sectors harder than others, including finance, construction and professional services, at a high rate, hackers are targeting all industries with the file-encrypting malware (Datto). Read through our guide below, created to lend you some insight into how to adopt new technologies whilst keeping your business data as secure as possible. Focus on anti-ransomware solutions With the introduction of GDPR legislation, hackers know that encrypted or stolen data could land a business in hot water with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which could lead to fines in the tens of millions. They’ll use this to their advantage to extort ransom payments out of you. It’s never advisable to pay the cybercriminals, as it’s rare you’ll get your data back. Additionally, hackers will identify your business as a guaranteed pay-out and will continue to target you. With ransomware attacks increasing exponentially in recent years, security organisations have created solutions which specifically protect your systems and data from ransomware. Intelligent solutions like Intercept X will prevent ransomware at the point of infiltration. Or, if your business has already fallen victim to this file-encrypting malware, it’ll reverse the damage. You’ll also get access to features like root cause analysis, which identifies how the ransomware got into your business so you can bolster your systems going forward. A business continuity plan is paramount If, like many businesses, you host all of your critical resources on one server, an attack or failure on this system could bring your business down. For years, organisations have been backing up their files and data either on physical devices or into the cloud. But now it’s not enough to simply back up data. Forward-thinking business continuity and disaster recovery solutions will not only back up your data, but back up your entire IT estate,, whether that’s physical, virtual or in the cloud. Say, for example, a key server in your business goes down – that could be due to a malicious attack, an electrical failure or a flood. You can use your business continuity solution to spin up your server virtually and be back up-and-running in no time. A managed IT services partner can help you implement the most suitable solution. With proper training, staff can help to protect your business data Even with the advent of innovative technologies, your biggest attack surface is still your employees. Email is by far the most popular vector to launch a cyber-attack, with an estimated 91% of cyber-attacks starting with an email designed to harvest login credentials (PhishMe research). The phishing emails of the 2010s are significantly more targeted and harder to spot than old-school email scams. Hackers are impersonating the business software you use (including purporting to be Microsoft to get your email credentials), your suppliers and even your colleagues, and they’re more convincing than ever. Ensuring your staff are not only provided with training opportunities, but are continually upskilled in spotting suspicious content, is essential to keeping your business safe. Additionally, you can use tools which simulate phishing attacks to benchmark the existing knowledge amongst your employees and track progress against your training. Bio: Natasha Bougourd is a Lead Applications Writer at TSG, offering managed IT support in London, with expertise across a range of areas including Office 365, Dynamics 365, document management and business intelligence.
As global warming threatens the planet, consumers are starting to pay more attention to the brands they buy from. Governments across the world are trying to prevent a global crisis by forcing businesses to lower their emissions. Sustainability has become increasingly important and it’s something consumers are focusing more on too. This is especially true when it comes to product packaging. Here, we’ll look at what eco-friendly packaging is and why it’s becoming increasingly important to consumers. What is eco-friendly packaging? Eco-friendly packaging is described as a material which reduces its eco footprint over time. It could be made from 100% raw and recyclable materials, or it may be reusable packaging. It could also refer to packaging which has been made by a minimised production and supply chain process. In terms of what types of packaging businesses can use, cardboard and paperboard are great options. As well as focusing on recyclable materials, consumers also expect less packaging to be used. This means not sending goods in boxes that are far bigger than they need to be for example. Why is it important to consumers? So, why is sustainable packaging important to consumers? Well, they are much more aware of their own impact on the environment. Ensuring they buy from businesses who use sustainable packaging, therefore helps them to reduce their own carbon footprint. Another reason it’s important is because it shows consumers what a business truly cares about. They would much rather buy from companies who are dedicated to having the environment, than those who are simply looking out for their profits. The business benefits it provides It isn’t just the environment and the consumers which benefit from eco friendly packaging. It can also have great benefits to businesses too. By using sustainable packaging, it’s going to help drive profits and save the business money. When you order parcel delivery through Parcel2Go, you’ll find it’s much cheaper to send parcels with minimal packaging. As it’s important to consumers, you’ll also find focusing on sustainability helps you to attract more customers. This is turn boosts your profits. Of course, you’ll also feel good in the knowledge that you’re doing your part in saving the planet. If you really want to stand out from your competitors and make the biggest difference in terms of packaging, switching to plant based solutions is a good idea. These types of packaging are made from organic compounds which easily and safely decompose over time. As you can see, there are lots of reasons for businesses to start using more eco-friendly packaging. It plays an important role in reducing the effects of global warming, while also keeping consumers happier.
Choosing the right venue for your corporate event, training, conference or meeting is vital to your success as much as choosing the speakers and deciding the schedule of sessions. The right venue can make a massive difference to the entire experience. From deciding on the number of guests you want to invite to setting up budget constraints, there is a lot involved in hosting a professional corporate event. To make it easier for you, we have a checklist that you should consider while looking for corporate event venues in Long Island. Check what’s included Whenever you approach a venue for a quote and to discuss the activities, make sure to get a clear picture of all possible fees and costs. Ask what is covered in the fee being charged. Are any taxes included? Are there additional charges for tables, chairs, and linens? Are audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi included? Some venues provide all-inclusive pricing. Make sure to confirm it. Layout and space Take a look at the space before to check if it meets your needs. Confirm the capacity limit once. Check if the floor space is flexible. Can you change the rooms later if required? Would you use the full venue or just a part of it? If you want to use outdoor space, check if the entire patio, garden, lawn or the deck are available. Also, check if the sponsors have any requirements. Have the sponsors requested a separate area? Is Wi-Fi connectivity available? Are there additional charges for using it? Discuss your plans with the operator in advance. Parking, accessibility, and location If your meeting is being held out of the town, then check if the delegates have easy access to the site. Check if the parking option is available. Are there any charges for arranging alternative transportation? If on-site parking is available, consider reserving the space for the attendees. If not, then it is best to book local taxis, Uber or a shuttle bus. Amenities and services You need to be careful and not just assume that all venues offer the same kind of inclusions and services. Do not assume that all amenities would be offered to you on demand. Confirm with the venue owner again if you are opting for additional services like floral arrangements, special catering, IT support, pens and pads, transportation and staging and lighting. Check this link to know about some awesome tips to host an awesome conference: https://www.inc.com/sangram-vajre/7-ways-to-host-an-awesome-conference.html Atmosphere The décor and ambiance of the venue can set the tone for your event. If it has a serious tone, then make sure to keep the professional image into consideration while choosing the venue. If you want to inspire creativity or want to host team activities, then opt for a place that can accommodate group activities and exude a fun vibe. If you are hosting a gala or an award ceremony, then an inspiring or elegant venue matters. Everything from the lighting to the furniture style adds to the atmosphere. Do not overlook the acoustics. Check the space for noise issues or for activities happening nearby that can interfere with your plans. Consider giveaways Find out if you can give away promotional freebies at the venue. If you’re hosting or sponsoring a business event or conference, giveaways are a great way to boost your branding. Imagine if you give out 1,000 pens with company branding, these are essentially 1,000 little adverts for your business. You could even look into some Knockout tech gift ideas, depending on your budget. Free stuff is a good incentive and the goodwill can do wonders for your reputation. Food and Beverage If you are hosting a lot of people for the event in Long Island, you will have to check what kind of meals and refreshments would be served. Do you want to plan a buffet-style dinner or a sit-down meal? Can the venue take special dietary requests? Check if the food is prepared using fresh ingredients. Also, find out what is the minimum food order and if alcohol would be served at the venue. You should always provide the service on table fabric runners for best results. Tech/audiovisual If you are hosting a corporate event, then you will obviously require Wi-Fi and AV for demonstrations, video presentations, and slide shows. Also, you will need special lighting, screens, projectors, and microphones. Discuss what is being offered for free and what you need to rent from a vendor. Further, find out if staff support is available. Ask whether charging stations would be provided to the attendees or not. Restrictions Certain venues may have restrictions pertaining to videography/photography, outside catering, alcohol use, and decorations. Some do not offer outside space at certain times. Make sure to be clear from the very beginning if you do not want to panic at the last minute. Staffing Would you require any staffing support? Find out what kind of support is provided. Do the staff have enough experience to manage your event? Is there enough security, concierge support and waiting staff available? Can they work overtime? Can they help managing tickets and registrations? Do they manage clean up and setup? Branding and signage Identify the kind of signage and branding opportunities available at the venue for your meeting or event. Identify your requirements. Check whether they are covered under the contract. Make sure to check specifications and sizing before the event. Check what kind of decoration options are available and permitted at the venue. Ask for recommendations. Cost While planning an event, consider the budget in mind. This is of the biggest concerns that businesses or planner have. Consider during what time of the year is the event being held. If it is not the peak season, then you can secure exclusive deals with the venue. Make sure to discuss the costs of additional services that you would be using. This will prevent discrepancies at a later stage. Click here to learn five amazing event planning strategies to make your
For most consumers today the words “plastic” and “sustainability” don’t often go together. However, manufacturers understand that reusable plastics are making supply chains more sustainable. Additionally, reusable plastics help to streamline a supply chain, reducing bottom lines and making products more affordable. This is especially true in the food supply chain, where sustainability as well as cleanliness are of utmost importance. When looking at the journey a tomato takes from farm to a consumer’s home, it’s clear to see how often reusable plastics make it possible. Plastics in the Growing Process It used to be that tomato farming required in the US the use of a large amount of non-eco-friendly materials, such as metal and wood. However, the containers and other products made of these materials are damaging to the environment to create as they require mining or felling of trees. Additionally, these products weigh more than plastic, leading to raised shipping costs and adding to the fuel required to get these products to the farms and out for shipments. Nowadays, farmers use carefully sourced plastic systems to help them grow tomatoes safely and naturally. Plastic seedling trays, plastic irrigations systems, and plastic greenhouse covers allow farmers to grow tomatoes more efficiently and in all kinds of weather, yielding more abundant crops and reducing the overall carbon footprint of the tomato industry. Plastics in the Harvest Process Lipman Family Farms, located in Immokalee, Florida, is America’s largest field tomato grower. They pride themselves on being Earth-conscious and pioneering sustainable farming practices, which is why plastic harvest bins are their go-to containers when it’s time to pick the tomatoes. “The harvest bins are the foundation of our farming operation, they’re reusable to the point of five to six years,” says Louis DeMaso, Sustainability and Operations Analyst for Lipman Family Farms. “They hold about 5,000 pounds [so we use them] anytime we transport our bins from farm to packinghouse.” Not only are plastic harvest bins reusable, but they can be equipped with features such as ventilation, sturdy handles, and side-wall access. These features make harvesting easier for workers, thereby speeding up the process. Containers with these features can also protect the produce within, leading to less waste. All of this can contribute to reduced costs for the farmer and consumer. But perhaps the most crucial reason that plastic harvest bins have become preferable in agriculture explains DeMaso is that “from the food safety perspective, plastic is much cleaner.” Plastic is safer for food storage due to its nonporous nature. It does not absorb moisture, so bacteria is not able to grow. Washing plastic with sanitizer virtually guarantees a clean surface because substances cannot become trapped within the plastic, unlike cardboard, which very easily absorbs moisture, dirt, and germs. Plastics at the Packinghouse After the tomatoes are harvested, they are then sent to a packinghouse for washing and packaging. Specially designed reusable plastic crates allow for proper ventilation and automated sorting, all of which leads to reduced waste. Most tomatoes are then processed into sauces and soups. For this purpose, most packinghouses rely on intermediate bulk containers, or IBCs. These large plastic boxes are especially designed to hold liquids and can hold over 300 gallons. Their high-load capacity, durability, and reusability make IBCs far superior to traditional barrels. Plastics in Distribution There are many reusable plastics being used at the distribution level as well. Grocers rely on reusable plastic containers, or RPCs. These lightweight, foldable containers also often act as the “shelves” in produce displays. They are also easily stacked, and not expensive to ship due to their light weight. Additionally, plastic shipping pallets are used to send tomatoes and produce of all kinds to grocers and processors. They are lighter, take up far less vertical space than traditional pallets, and can nest into each other for return shipments, making them far more cost effective for shipping large quantities of goods. Plastics and International Trade For international transit, especially, plastic is preferable because the supply chain is longer. The durability of plastic, as opposed to wood, means the containers are less likely to be damaged on a long trip, even with hundreds of pounds of produce stacked on top of them. Plastic is often also easier to pass through international customs, as they’re naturally less likely to harbor dangerous germs, molds, or other contaminants. The United States has been a bit slower to adopt reusable plastics in general, likely because the initial cost of reusable packaging is higher than single-use options. However, companies like Reusable Transport Packaging are working to change that perception by offering rental models that allow farmers to only pay for the time they are using the containers. “Farmers still spend a lot of money on single use corrugated and or single use plastics for distribution to retailers. Our pay-per-use or milk man model allows users to cut out single use packaging waste, save money, and use a better reusable transport package,’ says Justin Bean, Business Development and Sales Manager at Reusable Transport Packaging. Many in the agriculture industry are also realizing the importance of using reusable packaging if they want to do business internationally. “There are a lot of countries especially in the EU that will not allow or simply don’t want their products shipped in single use cardboard or plastics,” says Bean. “We are able to work with those customers to provide a RTP that will work for them and protect their protects better in transit.” Looking at all the advantages of reusable plastics, it becomes clear why they have become a staple for supply chains in nearly every industry. Of course, agricultural shipping has additional concerns when it comes to maintaining food safety, making plastic containers an even more ideal solution.
Working from home has some serious perks, especially if you hate traffic. In the beginning, most people think that working from home is relaxing. After all, being able to start work while you are still in your PJs is something that you couldn’t do before you decided to switch to a remote position. Over time, all of those perks can start to fade out when you realize that it is almost impossible to shut off thoughts of work when you don’t have an actual schedule. It is possible to finally feel relaxed at home again when you make an effort to separate work from family life. Synch Your Work Schedule With Your Family’s You might be tempted to stay up late at night to churn out as much work as possible before the weekend hits. Or, you might make weekends your prime working time. This may seem to make sense if you partner is available to help watch the kids during those hours, but it can quickly lead to burn out. Try finding time to work when everyone else is busy at their job or school so that you can also have the same hours to enjoy family time as everyone else. Know When to Stop Without a time clock in the office, you might have trouble knowing when to shut down for the day. Create a mandatory stopping point, and set an alarm so that you are reminded to stick to it. While you are at it, make sure to set a regular break time for lunch. You’ll feel much better when you create a routine that nourishes your body. Make Your Bedroom a No-Work Zone Promise yourself right now that you will not let work interfere with your bedroom being a relaxing oasis. When you sink down onto your mattress at the end of the day, you’ll appreciate the fact that it does not make you think about work. Make sure you find a mattress that caters to your specific sleep needs, so you get the best night’s rest possible. This way you’re ready to get started first thing in the morning. If necessary, set up a workstation in the living room or a home office that forces you to manage your duties far away from where you sleep. Many people who work from home for an extended period of time end up building a small office that is an exterior building in the back yard so they disconnect from house duties during their work hours. Establish a Screen-Free Evening Hour The hour or two before bedtime should be filled with relaxing activities that help you unwind and reconnect with your family. Plan a family game night a few times a week, or consider doing a fun hobby that helps you zone out. Shutting off the electronics reminds you that work time is over for the day. Eliminate Reminders of Work You might still feel tempted to go handle emails if you see your laptop sitting open. Find a way to screen off your workspace so that you don’t have to look at the stack of things that need to be done. Ideally, you should have a home office area where you can shut the door. If not, then consider using a pretty dressing screen or curtain to hide the area from view. Your career helps to support you and your family, but things can quickly get out of control if you don’t make relaxation a priority. Taking time out to catch a breath and do enjoyable things with your family makes those long working hours feel worth it.
Productivity is the key to a successful career. Without it, you can find yourself spinning your wheels. That can be a frustrating, unnecessary feeling. Here are a few ways to avoid feeling frustrated and start feeling productive. Use a Bullet Journal to Tackle Your To-Do List It might sound a little too old school but trust us, a bullet journal can help you tackle your to-do list with precision. A bullet journal is just a way of making lists using a bulleted list template. All you need in order to begin is a basic notebook. You’ll then divide it up into four sections where you can track your daily activities. Turn Off Your Notifications You don’t need to be randomized with every single thing that happens in your online world. A new email message, a social media notification, etc. can cost you an hour of your day. It’s true. A 10-minute distraction can result in the loss of an entire hour. Even worse, keeping electronics on right before bed can affect your sleep and overall health the next day. Don’t let yourself be distracted by the small stuff. Turn off the notifications on your smartphone. Control Your Social Media Time Spending time on social media can rob you of hours from your day. You think you’re just posting a quick update but then suddenly, you find yourself in the endless scroll trap that causes time to fly by far too quickly. That fight about politics or disagreement about the color of a dress just isn’t worth your precious time. Consider using an app blocker that will prevent you from accessing social media apps during certain hours. Tackle the Big Stuff First Don’t let yourself procrastinate from the things that really matter. Put the big stuff at the top of the to-do list. That’s the stuff that will have the biggest impact on your life, so why not conquer it and reap the benefits? Don’t put it off until tomorrow. Quick Tasks Come Second Once you’ve conquered the big stuff on your list, look at the quick stuff. If there are any two-minute tasks on your list, get them done. You will feel more productive when you see your to-do list dwindling. As a result, it will help motivate you to conquer even more. Don’t Sit in Meetings All Day Meetings are one of the biggest wastes of time. Sure, there are important meetings that need to happen in order to keep the channels of communication open between the team. However, most meetings aren’t like that. Most of them are just a time suck and you spend most of the meeting wondering why they even included you on the invite list. Do yourself a favor and try the following: Cut your current meeting times down by 25%. Try stand-up meetings where you have a quick chat at your desk. Evaluate the meetings on your calendar and ask yourself if they’re really necessary. By trying these six productivity hacks, you should be able to carve out enough time to breathe and enjoy life. The important thing is to work smarter, not harder. Becoming productive is the key to making that happen.
Until the late 20th century, Forex trading was only accessible to institutions. Today, large banks and corporations exchange currencies alongside individuals. Retail traders in the UK monitor finance trends and make profitable decisions with assistance from local brokers. These intermediaries do not only give access to the market but also educate clients on the most viable Forex trading strategies. Dozens of companies are advertising brokerage services online. Due to the incredible popularity of Forex trading around the world, the existence of scam sites is not surprising. Since brokers handle their clients’ financial operations, it is vital to make the right choice. This article will help you identify reliable operators in your country. Crucial Selection Criteria Use the following list of factors to weed out scammers. See if you can answer these questions. 1. Does the company comply with UK regulations? What regulatory body is it monitored by? The company must have a licence to conduct business in the United Kingdom. This information should be clearly stated on their website, as it is a sign of credibility. Check the list of regulating bodies carefully. After all, your financial flows will go through the broker. 2. Do client reviews look genuine? Online feedback can hardly be perceived as a reliable source of opinions. However, when reviews are fake or paid, this may be deduced from the language. Look at specialized platforms with comparisons of Forex operators. 3. How much are the transaction costs? The spreads (i.e., the difference between the Ask and Bid values) determine the broker’s commission for every transaction. Although it is natural to seek the lowest fees, remember that these must look realistic. 4. Are there any hidden fees? Unscrupulous providers may use deceptive passages in their Terms and Conditions. Reliable brokers, on the other hand, make all the conditions transparent. 5. How much is the minimum deposit? This usually depends on the type of account you open. Can you afford to start trading with this broker? 6. Are their deposit and withdrawal methods convenient? This determines your ability to make transfers using the accepted methods. 7. Does the broker offer comprehensive guidance? Renowned Forex providers supply clients with tonnes of educational material. Demo accounts should be available, so you can practice trades with zero risks. You should also be able to reach the support centre around the clock, at least on weekdays. Example: Trading with FXTM Established in 2011, this brand is now truly global. With 2+ million clients in 150 countries, it boasts impressive geographical coverage. In the UK, the company is subject to regulation by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). The mission of this entity is to protect consumers, enhance market integrity and promote competition in the finance field. Over the years, FXTM has collected over 25 industry awards. The firm is usually included in annual forex broker reviews. Importantly, all client funds are kept separate from corporate assets. This adds another degree of protection. Other competitive advantages include: Other UK Brokers Here are a few other brokers with positive trust ratings. All of them are regulated by FCA. Check the companies’ sites for exact terms and conditions of trading.
Thankfully, the days when business was a completely male-dominated field are over. There are, however, still some improvements that need to be made in terms of equal opportunities between the genders, especially in terms of progressing beyond entry-level jobs. But in the upper echelons of business management we are now finally progressing towards a situation where it’s no longer unusual for a woman to be in charge. Many of the most powerful business leaders now in the world are women. That includes company presidents and CEOs, as well as influencers, government advisors, entrepreneurs and lobbyists. These women also provide much-needed role models and inspiration for younger women just starting out in business, proving that if there is still a “glass ceiling” hindering women in their career advancement, then it’s there to be broken. World power Every year, Fortune Magazine lists the most powerful women in business, based on the global size and importance of their business, the direction it’s heading in, the career arc of the woman in question and their social and cultural influence. In 2019, Marilyn Hewson, CEO of US aerospace and defence giant Lockheed Martin, held the number one spot for the second year running. Hewson joined the Lockheed Corporation in 1983 and has been the CEO since 2013. The company’s market cap has doubled since then, and last year Forbes named her as the tenth most powerful woman in the world. Running a close second to Marilyn Hewson in the business power stakes is Mary Barra, chair and CEO of General Motors. Working her way up from the assembly line, Barra became CEO in 2013 and is also a member of the Business Council, sits on the General Dynamics Board of Directors, and in 2017 was elected to the board of Disney. At General Motors she has shifted the company’s focus towards technological innovation in the form of electric and driverless cars. UK women One of the most powerful women in the UK business world has long been Lady Barbara Judge. Born in the US, Lady Judge was the first female chair of the Institute of Directors, and has been a chair of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the Pension Protection Fund and fraud prevention service Cifas, as well as an ambassador for UK Trade & Investment. She remains a powerful advocate for women in business and an important influencer on government policy and financial affairs. Last year, Sharon White DBE replaced Sir Charles Mayfield as chair of the John Lewis Partnership. A former civil servant under Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and then David Cameron, White coordinated the UK government’s response to the 2008 global financial crisis. She was only the second woman to be made permanent secretary to the British Treasury, and the first person of colour. As well as heading up John Lewis, which has an annual revenue of £10bn, White was also the CEO of communications regulator Ofcom until November 2019. Technological shift Since 2012, Virginia ‘Ginni’ Rometty has been the CEO of IBM, and was the global tech giant’s first female CEO, president and chair. After overseeing the acquisition and integration of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Rometty has successfully steered the company away from focussing solely on the manufacture of computers and operating systems, towards a more forward-looking emphasis on machine learning, AI and quantum computing. She recently announced that she was stepping down from the role, but will doubtless remain a highly influential figure in the world business community. The green queen The most influential women in the business world are not all business leaders. Kathleen Rogers is president of the Earth Day Network pressure group. Under her direction, the network has grown into a full-time activist organisation that has a direct impact on corporate and government policy in many nations around the world. Earth Day itself has over a billion participants in 192 countries. Rogers has been directly involved in helping develop financial mechanisms that can support the creation of green buildings and schools. She was also the force behind the ‘Billion Acts of Green’ programme, which so far has encouraged and recorded roughly three billion individual environmentally-friendly actions. Driving profits The chief operating officer of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg, is said to be worth over $1.8 billion thanks to her stock options and smart investments, as well as her salary. She is the first woman to serve on Facebook’s board of directors, and came to the company from Google, where she was vice-president of global online sales and operations. Sandberg is widely credited as turning Facebook into a highly profitable concern, and is co-author of the book Lean In: Women, Work And The Will To Lead (Knopf, 2013). All of these women have made it to the top of their respective fields in different ways, and all have inspired many others to follow in their footsteps
Building a business from the ground up is tough work. It seems that everyone is depending on you to get the job done, and you certainly do not want to let them down. Being an entrepreneur means that you are taking on the responsibility of growing the business into something that you have long envisioned. At the same time, there are only so many hours in the day. It seems that far too many entrepreneurs today allow their sleep patterns to be severely interrupted so that they can focus on important business related tasks. This is a dangerous trap to fall into. We need our sleep. Your business will much better off if you are well rested. Here is what you need to do to make that happen. Leave Your Phone Out of the Bedroom Believe it or not, there was a time not too long ago when we got along just fine without smartphones. You can do so again. Choose to make your bedroom one of those places where your phone is simply not welcome. Over time, this will eliminate the temptation to check your email or take a look at the future stock price estimates. You should focus on creating good bedtime habits. Putting your smartphone well out of reach is one way to do just that. Become Unavailable at Night If you allow your clients and employees to call you at night, you can count on them doing so. This is something that you want to avoid. You need to protect your bedtime hours. Once you start doing this, others will begin to respect your wishes. If you use an instant messaging system, you can set a timer so that it does not disturb you between certain hours. Do this and you will be much better off in return. Your business will survive without while you are sleeping, so don’t worry. Develop an Evening Routine Just like you have a routine each morning to get ready to go to the office, so should you do the same when it comes time for bed. You should begin winding down so that your body knows it is about to get some rest. The suggestion is to stop working at least an hour before hitting the covers. Stop looking at any device the emits light and prepare your sleeping environment to be comfortable and conducive to getting hours of uninterrupted sleep. Outsource Important Tasks in the Evening Being an entrepreneur means that you are important. Many people will try to contact you at all hours of the night. We get that. However, most tasks you can delegate to an assistant that you outsource work to. This individual can check your emails and prioritize tasks so that they are waiting for you when you start work in the morning. This is a much more productive use of your time at the end of the day. This guide should help you to develop healthier sleeping habits that will also positively impact your business at the same time. Your business depends on you being healthy and well rested. It is important that you begin to take this seriously and aim for a minimum of seven quality hours of sleep each evening. Nine is even better, so try to build up to that point.