Monthly Archives: October 2024

Financial Wellbeing

Saving for the Future

Saving for the future can feel overwhelming, especially during the current circumstances and modern financial demands. Whether it’s for a house deposit, a new car, or other milestones, goals may seem out of reach. However, with the right strategies and support, you can build a strong savings plan.

The Challenge of Saving in the Modern World

In today’s consumer-driven world, prioritising saving is difficult. Essentials like food, rent, and utilities consume most of your income, leaving little for long-term planning. Constant ads, online deals, and social media temptations also make it harder to save for the future.

Rising living costs and stagnant wages have also made saving even more difficult, with many feeling they’re just “getting by.” Saving can seem like a luxury, but a methodical approach can still help you build financial resilience over time.

How Your Employer Can Help

Many employers are now offering salary saving schemes to help their employees save more easily and effectively. These schemes allow you to set aside a portion of your salary each month, directly into a savings account or fund, before it reaches your bank account. It’s an automatic and effortless way to save, reducing the temptation to spend your entire income.

Additionally, some salary saving schemes come with added benefits, such as higher interest rates or matching contributions from the employer. These perks can help you grow your savings faster and reach your goals sooner.

Establishing Clear Financial Goals

One of the most effective ways to start saving is by setting clear, achievable goals. Whether it’s for a house deposit, a new car, or a dream holiday, knowing exactly what you’re working towards can motivate you to stick to your plan. 

Start by determining how much you need to save and by when. Once you’ve established your target, break it down into smaller monthly or weekly savings goals.

For example, saving £20,000 for a house deposit over five years means setting aside £333 per month. Breaking it down like this makes the goal more manageable and helps you track progress and adjust your budget.

Budgeting and Cutting Back

Creating a realistic budget is key to managing your money more effectively. Track your income and expenses to understand where your money is going each month. Once you have a clear picture of your spending habits, look for areas where you can cut back. This could involve reducing takeaways, cancelling unused subscriptions, or opting for more cost-effective alternatives in your daily life.

It’s also useful to adopt a ‘pay yourself first‘ mentality. Set up an automatic transfer from your current account to a savings account each time you get paid. This ensures that you’re consistently saving, even before you have a chance to spend the money elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve discussed, saving for the future can feel daunting, especially in today’s world. However, by setting clear goals, budgeting, and using tools like salary saving schemes, you can take control of your financial future. Small, consistent efforts will compound over time, helping you stay prepared for whatever comes your way.

Image by pixels

Business Travel, News

UK Business Travellers LOSE 4-8 hours of productivity due to poor planning, say researchers

  • A report from global chauffeur services provider Blacklane looks at how the integration of premium experiences and business travel is essential for productivity

  • 87% of those who find travelling for business stressful claim to lose at least one hour of productive time once they arrive due to the impact of this stress

  • Over 1 in 3 business owners, C-level executives and senior managers lose over half a day of productivity due to travel stress.

15th October 2024: As business travel bounces back, with the sector poised to hit a record spending high by year-end, a new report, “Premium experiences meet productivity: the changing face of travel and work“, uncovers the impact that travel planning is having on business travellers’ productivity.

With 85% of UK businesses looking to maintain or increase business travel spend over the next year, the report, launched by global chauffeur services provider Blacklane, reveals how the dynamics of business travel are evolving in relation to wellness and productivity, and how the evolution of premium amenities has the potential to improve professional’s overall productivity.

Blacklane’s report, “Premium meets productivity: the changing face of travel and work” explores how the current approach to global business travel planning causes executives to lose productive work hours as a result of fragmented journeys: 86% of global participants claimed to lose at least one hour of productive time across their trip, rising to 87% in the UK. Of that, over a third (34%) of UK business travellers reported losing between four and eight hours, equating to a full working day. The impact on UK C-level executives is higher, with 38% losing between four and eight hours of productive work time due to travel stress.

In order to enhance work productivity, up to 90% of business travellers are combining work and leisure, and are seeking out more premium experiences, such as travelling with a chauffeur.

Dr. Jens Wohltorf, CEO and Founder at Blacklane, said: “This report highlights a significant shift in business travel, where enhancing comfort and ensuring safety is not just a perk, but essential for boosting productivity, especially among executives. Understanding these evolving expectations is crucial for the industry and businesses overall to better meet the needs of today’s executive travellers.”

The Rise of Premium Experiences: A Key To Productivity

Over the past year, the majority (59%) of business travellers in the UK have noticed cuts when it comes to travel budgets. For two thirds (62%) of travellers, these cuts have negatively impacted their productivity and performance when travelling for business. Interestingly, this increases to 74% among business owners and 79% among C-level executives. These results highlight an opportunity for travel planners to reconsider priorities in order to optimise productivity on business trips.

Blacklane has a unique perspective on the UK travel market, with millions of kilometres of chauffeured journeys taking place annually across the country. Early mornings, particularly between 6-8am on Mondays and Fridays, are peak times for travel. With these periods being among the most congested and stressful times to travel, ensuring comfort is essential to reducing stress and boosting productivity.

When it comes to business travellers’ priorities, the most important elements of the journey are arriving on time (38%), travelling in comfort (33%) and convenience (30%). Meanwhile, the most sought-after premium amenities when on-the-move are flying premium or business class (38%), WiFi access to allow work on-the-go (37%) and pre-booked private airport transfers (35%). These experiences when travelling for business would not only reduce stress but nine out of ten (89%) believe they would actively contribute towards their productivity and success when travelling for business.

Where Business Meets Leisure

Bleisure is here to stay after millions of Brits took to the beach to work this summer. In Blacklane’s latest report, 86% highlight they have combined business and leisure while travelling for work. Similarly, during trips dedicated to business, almost all (92%) said that they prioritise time for personal activities and relaxation at some point.

When asked what the attraction of such travel is, almost half (45%) said they wanted to explore the locations they visit for business, while 38% said it makes the business side of a trip more exciting. Importantly, three quarters of respondents (75%) believe “bleisure” travel either makes them more productive or does not have a negative impact on work performance. However, there are signs that a stigma around “bleisure” remains, with one in three (33%) believing strict rules around this type of travel will be implemented by business in the next five years.

Blacklane is dedicated to providing a high quality experience that meets the needs of its guests everywhere and ensures that they arrive better. The company offers a portfolio ranging from airport transfers to City-to-City routes connecting metropolitan areas, Chauffeur-by-the-hour services as well as In-city mobility to address all needs and is one of the safest mobility services globally, showcasing 60% less incidents than taxi services.

Interestingly, Blacklane data shows weekend mornings are also a popular time for Blacklane journeys, with early Saturday and Sunday trips comparable to mid-week demand, highlighting the growing trend of blending business with leisure.

James Dow, Blacklane’s UK general manager, comments: “Poorly planned business travel has a stark impact on the UK’s productivity. Traveller wellbeing needs to be carefully protected. Blacklane is supporting travellers to ensure all stages of a journey are high quality which means comfortable, reliable, memorable and most importantly delivering a successful business trip in all senses.”

For more information on Blacklane’s research and information on their routes, please visit www.blacklane.com.

Mid Wales

Enjoy a fun filled October half term at Elan Valley

Elan Valley is gearing up for an action-packed October half term with a range of activities designed to entertain and inspire visitors of all ages.

Nestled in the picturesque heart of Wales, Elan Valley is offering a variety of events from Halloween-themed adventures to a local food, drink, and craft fair, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Kick off the festivities with the Cambrian Mountains Food, Drink, and Craft Fair on Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 4pm. After a successful debut in 2021, this year’s fair returns with more local flavour and creativity.

As part of the Menter y Mynydd project, funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund and facilitated by Powys County Council, the fair features renowned local producers like Radnor Preserves, MAC Chocolates and Da Mhile Distillery.

Visitors can also enjoy cooking sessions by TV chef and author Nerys Howell and live music from local artists Toby Hay and Gareth Bonello. With new items arriving weekly, the Elan Valley shop will be well-stocked with Cambrian Mountains products.

For those seeking outdoor thrills, the Autumn Adventure Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, offers adrenaline-pumping activities and hands-on crafts for all ages.

Presented by Powys County Council events team, this weekend promises to thrill and inspire visitors with a range of exciting challenges and creative opportunities. For more information and to book activities: https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/autumn-adventure-weekend/

Experience a unique slice of history with the Dam Open Day on October 27, from 12pm to 2pm. For just £5 per adult and £1 per child under 18, visitors can explore Pen y Garreg Dam and chat to one of Elan Valley’s knowledgeable rangers.

Booking ahead is recommended for this rare chance to learn about the engineering marvels of Elan Valley, while enjoying breathtaking views from the central tower. Half the proceeds from this event will support Wateraid.

For a Halloween twist, test your bravery during the Spooky Dam Open Days on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 29 and 30, from 1pm to 3.30pm. With entry priced at £5 per adult and £1.50 per child, visitors can embark on a thrilling adventure inside Pen y Garreg Dam, emerging to claim a Halloween reward and continuing through the woods.

Families can get into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin carving on Wednesday, October 30, from 10am to 12pm. At just £5 per child, this activity offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the season.

Elan Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of walking and cycling trails, wildlife watching opportunities and group guided tours of the historic dams and reservoirs.

The visitor centre, complete with a café and shop, provides a perfect starting point for exploring all that Elan Valley has to offer.

To book or find out more information about the October half term activities and other events at Elan Valley, visit https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/ .

Elan Valley Visitor Centre is open form Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm. Parking is free for 60 mins or £3 all day. For more information, please contact Emily Fearn, marketing officer, at Emily.Fearn@dwrcymru.com .

Shrewsbury

Big name artists star at modern contemporary art auction in Shrewsbury

Works by big name artists including David Hockney, Salvador Dali and John Piper, all sold well at a successful modern and contemporary art and design auction in Shrewsbury yesterday(Wednesday).

Hockney’s signed etching and aquatint titled ‘French Shop’ achieved the top price of £4,200 at Halls Fine Art’s auction, after attracting great pre-sale interest.

‘The Frozen Watches of Space Time, from The Conquest of the Cosmos I’ a signed 1974 etching and lithograph by Salvador Dali (1904-1989), which came from a private collection, sold for £3,800, while ‘Felsham’, a signed gouache by John Piper (1903-‘92), found a buyer at £3,000.

Another top performer was Cecil Rochfort D’Oyly-John (1906-‘93) whose oil painting titled ‘Venetian Canal Scene’, sold for £3,200, almost triple its pre-sale estimate.

Sixteen sailing and Venetian works by Adrian Rigby sold for £6,500, including two oils on canvas titled ‘Race to the Needles, Yankee, Britannia and Velsheda’ and ‘Regatta Racers, Lulworth, Westward and White Heather’, which made £1,200 each.

His works are from a former North England art gallery, the contents of which Halls Fine Art is selling over a series of auctions.

The auction also included a collection of seven works by contemporary artist James Hart Dyke, which were painted during a year spent with MI6 to mark the centenary of the British Secret Intelligence Service in 2009.

All but one of the works sold for a combined sum of £2,260, with the top price going to ‘Waiting in the Hotel Room’ which sold for £850.

MI6 invited Dyke behind closed doors and into the secret world of espionage, resulting in a series of paintings and drawings that contributed to the ‘A year with MI6’ exhibition at Mount Street Galleries, London.

Four 1971 prints described as “after Bridget Riley”, born in 1931, sold for £3,230, with the top price of £1,400 going to the work titled ‘Firebird’.

Other leading prices were £1,100 for ‘Girl at a Mirror’ an  oil on board by Bernard Dunstan (1920-2017), which came from a private collection, £900 for ‘Construction’, a mixed media sculptural piece on canvas and board by Sandra Blow (1925-2006), £750 for ‘Cycloid IV, 1966’ a signed screenprint by German artist Peter Schmidt (1931-‘80) and £720 for an oil on canvas titled ‘Winter; by Gerard M. Burns (born.1961).

The contemporary and modern design section, organised by modern design cataloguer Chloe Delpy-Harding, also produced some good results.

A stunning 1920s turned wood lamp attributed to Dutch designer De Nieuwe Honsel sold for £1,350, double its pre-sale estimate and a Danilo Silvestrin for Gunther Lambert Milano range dining table and four chairs made £400.

Other notable prices were £500 for a McIntosh rosewood veneered teak, £460 for Tudric for Liberty enamelled pewter jewellery box and £380 for a pair of Timothy Oulton leather, swing, tub form bar stools.

Halls Fine Art’s paintings specialist Abigail Molenaar said: “Big name artists, such as David Hockey, always draw a crowd and I was delighted with the price achieved for his work ‘French Shop’.

“Works by Salvador Dali, John Piper, Cecil Rochfort D’Oyly-John and Bernard Dunstan all sold well and I was delighted to enhance our record for selling single owner collections.

“Having sold wildlife paintings by Adrian Rigby in the past, it was pleasing to see his sailing and Venetian scenes attract so much interest. It was lovely that so many people attended the sale and stayed until the end.”

North Wales

More recognition for green tourism pioneer in Snowdonia

An award-winning green tourism pioneer and owner of an eco holiday cottage in Snowdonia (Eryri) is among the first in the country to be recognised by a national sustainability programme for small businesses.

John Whitehead, of Bryn Elltyd, Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, has been awarded a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by the BT Sustainability for Small Business Programme.

“This excellent programme examined most aspects of how a business and individuals interact with sustainable local and planetwide objectives,” he said. “Bryn Elltyd is a little ahead of the curve, as the business has run totally on renewable energy since 2013 and had the first Tesla destination electric car charge points in Wales, pioneering sustainability.”

Bryn Elltyd has harnessed solar power since 2005 and it has just completed a second full carbon audit to retain its rating as a gold standard carbon negative company.

John, an ex-aerospace engineer and technology teacher, did much of the engineering work himself, which he says highlights that even small businesses and individuals can make a difference.

“Linked to this recognition of real sustainability knowledge will be a function at House of Lords on November 6 which I shall be travelling to from Snowdonia by train, as it’s the greenest form of transport and least damaging to the environment,” he added.

Bryn Elltyd, previously an eco guest house, has collected a string of awards since 2013 when it won the Considerate Small Accommodation Provider of the Year Award.

The business was described by judges as “a beacon of sustainability at the foot of Snowdon” and went on to win the accolade again in 2014. Bryn Elltyd has also achieved gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme consistently.

The sustainability story began when John and his wife, Ceilia, visited the Centre for Alternative Technology, near Machynlleth in 1982 and were amazed to see working solar panels in a slate quarry.

John left his aerospace career, fitted solar panels on their suburban semi-detached home in Coventry and devoted the next 20 or so years to teaching technology.

The chance came in 2007 to change careers and create a green guesthouse, 700ft up a mountain in Snowdonia National Park. Bryn Elltyd is an 1883 granite building, which was a challenge for energy efficiency.

John has sensitively developed the property with massive insulation and turf roofed buildings, lined with sheep’s wool, solar panels, hot air extraction from conservatories, rainwater loo flushing and biological sewerage into a reed bed and duckpond.

The property was one of the early adopters of a boiler that turns local wood to gas and burns it at 900C. The boiler is computer integrated with a massive solar array.

Bryn Elltyd is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing more than 550 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia (Eryri).

Business Investment

Leading Midlands growth consultancy announce Birmingham investment summit 

Midlands growth partner Champions (UK) plc have announced their latest business summit for November in Birmingham.

Following successful entrepreneurial events in London, the organisation have decided to host their next summit at Squire Patton Boggs in the city centre on Wednesday 20th November.

The Champions’ Entrepreneur Investment/Exit Summit will look to help business leaders and decision makers successfully navigate securing investment and organisational exits. Speakers will also be discussing the power and opportunity of AI and automation in order to deliver improved multiple.

Across the summit, speakers will include former Dragons’ Den investor and AI expert Piers Linney, former Olympian Derek Redmond, strategic advisor and business owner Emma Tolhurst, and global EDI advocate Jamie McAnsh, opened by Champions’ Managing Director Matthew Hayes.

The itinerary involves talks surrounding ‘growth to exit’, ‘high performance leadership’, ‘the importance of people in delivering capital value’, ‘overcoming adversity to reach your goals’ and ‘the power of AI’.

Speaking ahead of the event, Matthew Hayes commented: “I’m incredibly excited for our upcoming Entrepreneur Investment Summit, especially after the success of our previous events that have offered the expertise to help business owners thrive.

“This event’s focus on finding investments and capitalising on the potential of AI will provide entrepreneurs with the tools and insights they need to grow in today’s fast-paced market. We’re dedicated to helping businesses connect with the right investors and seize emerging opportunities in the tech landscape.

“A big thank you to the team Squire Patton Boggs for hosting this event and supporting our mission.”

The event will begin at 2pm with speakers continuing until 6pm, which will be followed by complimentary drinks and networking opportunities.

To register your interest in the free event, visit https://championsukplc.com/page/rsvp-summit-event

Property

Soaring Number Of Renters Living Without Insurance Is Dangerous For Landlords & Tenants, Warns National Association Of Property Buyers

Figures showing rising numbers of renters choosing not to take out home insurance is dangerous for tenants and landlords, a leading property association has warned.

According to new analysis, nearly half of Britain’s 16 million renters go without cover, compared with only 20 percent of homeowners.

The phenomenon is even more acute among those living in house shares — 55 percent of flat or housemates have no insurance at all, based on the MoneySuperMarket data. In total, only 10 percent of tenants have renters’ insurance — a product that covers their contents and other unforeseen eventualities — while 27 per cent have just contents insurance.

Commenting on the figures, property expert Jonathan Rolande, from the National Association of Property Buyers, said: “A shocking stat but not entirely surprising. However, it is a dangerous trend for renters and for landlords.

“Renting, being more transient, means that many do not  feel compelled to take out insurance for their possessions either because they wrongly believe their landlord covers it, or because it is an easy way to save money at a time when rents and other living costs are so inflated.

“But tenants should consider the full costs if the worst happens and they lose their possessions in a burglary or fire. The average cost to replace contents is over £40,000 with the average insurance policy costing around £130 a year.  What’s more, many of us insure high-value items such as phones, computers, TVs, and laptops using separate ‘tech’ policies. It is possible that by insuring with a mainstream content company, these can be cancelled, offsetting much of the cost. However, it is important to be completely sure that the level of cover is sufficient.

“It may also surprise many to learn that a lot of landlords don’t have insurance, especially in flats, where the maintenance fund covers the building itself. If landlords neglect to take insurance they won’t be covered for tenant damage or other perils and again, if the worst happens, they won’t be able to claim for things such as curtains and other furnishings. They could also be open to claims from the tenant or their visitors for third-party liability risks.

“All in all, it is wise to have a good policy whether you own or rent. A policy that gives peace of mind and financial cover for under 40 pence a day is surely a good investment.”

Business Coaching, Business Leaders, L&D, Leadership, News

Mind Tools creates Product Advisory Panel with sector experts to support leadership and management skills development

Mind Tools, the market-leading expert provider of leadership and management skills development to drive exceptional workplace performance, announced today the creation and appointment of their new Product Advisory Panel. 

The Product Advisory Panel has been established to provide strategic input and expert advice on the development and refinement of Mind Tools’ leadership and management skills development products. It will also advise on and contribute to Mind Tools’ thought leadership and contribute to our market leading content.

The Mind Tools Product Advisory Panel consists of a diverse mix of senior practitioners, influencers, and academics with expertise in leadership, management, and learning and development (L&D) content and technologies:

  • Donald H Taylor, Lead Researcher, L&D Global Sentiment Survey
  • Dr Markus Bernhardt, AI Strategist & Board Advisor
  • Joan Keevill, Director of Designs on Learning Ltd and Leadership Coach, Henley Business School
  • Julie Dirksen, Learning Strategy, Design Consultant Author
  • Samantha Burridge, Samantha Burridge, Board Director and Advisor, leadership coach and content specialist
  • Jason Zeman, Director, Strategic Enablement Leader (Talent/L&D, Deloitte Audit & Assurance)
  • Dr Nigel Paine, Author, Learning Culture – Learning NowTV 
  • Michelle Ockers, Chief Learning Strategist, Learning Uncut
  • Shabnam Shahani, CEO of Mind Tools explained the rationale behind the creation of the Product Advisory Panel:

A spokesman said:

“We are delighted to have such an esteemed group of experts on board.

“Mind Tools has embarked on a transformational product strategy that seeks to address the unmet challenges in modern leadership and management skills development by offering compelling learning experiences including capability diagnosis, accelerated development, on-going support, targeted coaching and consultancy services.

“Their expert insights and critique will help us continue our tradition of evidence-informed product development and thought leadership while bringing fresh, external perspectives that challenge and strengthen our offerings.” 

The Panel will be chaired by Mind Tools Chief Product Officer, Owen Ferguson, who said:

“The workplace is transforming faster than ever, and we’re committed to keeping our leadership development products at the cutting edge. By bringing together these experts, we’re ensuring our solutions remain innovative, relevant, and effective for both current and future leaders.”

AI, Business & Property News, News

Global AI Ethics Institute Issues Call for Submissions: $1000 White Paper Prize to Recognise Excellence in AI Research

Wednesday, October 23 2024 – The Global AI Ethics Institute (GAIEI) has announced a call for submissions for its inaugural White Paper Prize. The initiative seeks outstanding research papers on artificial intelligence (AI) ethics that have been published during 2024.

All writers, whether researchers or scholars, as well as public professionals worldwide who have contributed to the field of AI ethics through original works are encouraged to submit their papers for consideration. The submission deadline is the end of the calendar year 2024.

To be eligible, entries must meet two key criteria:

  • Publication in a recognised medium: Submissions should have been published in 2024 in a reputable and accredited journal, newspaper, magazine, or book (as a chapter).
  • Original work: The submissions must be entirely original works of the author.

The GAIEI White Paper Prize will award one winner with a $1000 cash prize. In January, the GAIEI will announce the winning paper through its publicist network and make it available on the GAIEI website with permission from both the author and original publication.

The topic of the published papers should be AI ethics, preferably from a global perspective. For instance, how AI affects a country or countries of the global south, far east, etc; or some aspect of AI governance and its consequences; or of structuring AI governance; or an effect of AI on society at large and its ethical dimensions.  Any topics having to do with global AI ethics will be considered.

Kevin LaGrandeur, GAIEI research director (pictured above) said the White Paper Prize was important for encouraging ongoing research and ethical context into the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

“We are thrilled to announce the first Global AI Ethics Institute White Paper prize. The inaugural topic for submissions is ‘AI, ethics and the future of work’ with a global perspective,” he said.

“As leaders, companies, societies and the world, we have to get this right. We look forward to sharing not just the winner, but the key insights we gather from thought leaders in this critical area.

LaGrandeur said the institute was concerned with AI, ethics and the future of work, with a global perspective.

White paper submissions can be made to contact@globalethics.ai.

 

About the Global AI Ethics Institute:
The Global AI Ethics Institute is the only global think tank addressing ethics applied to AI through cultural lenses. The organisation fosters outside-the-box thinking on AI ethics and explores a new global multilateral framework for AI normative governance. GAIEI raises awareness of the cultural dimensions of AI ethics, promotes respect for cultural diversity in the field, and opens the debate to new perspectives.

News

Top clinic celebrates third major award ahead of cancer fundraising ball for cancer campaign

THREE is the magic number for one of the country’s most illustrious skin clinics.

Pure Perfection, based in Rossett near Chester and Wrexham, has won its third major award of the year.

Led by esteemed director Sara Cheeney, the business picked up the title for Provider of the Year – Wales at the Cutera Awards, hosted by TV presenter and journalist Anna Richardson at London’s Sopwell House Hotel.

The accolade comes after Pure Perfection was named Best Clinic Midlands and Wales at the national Aesthetics Awards, and Aesthetic Clinic of the Year for the South West and Wales at the prestigious Aesthetic Medicine Awards.

Sara, an ambassador for the international Hydrafacial aesthetic treatment and UK trainer and key opinion leader for Zo Skin Health, said: “We are completely overwhelmed to have received this award, it is a tribute to our amazing team and the strides we have made together over the last 12 months.

“The clinic has gone from strength to strength, introducing state-of-the-art technology and welcoming new patients all the time, in addition to our long-standing customers who visit us to treat and prevent a wide range of issues, from acne, and ageing, to pigmentation and rosacea.

“We are so grateful to them for their loyalty and support, and also to Cutera for this incredible honour, which was hugely unexpected.”

Pure Perfection has invested in cutting-edge machinery including Cutera’s excel V+ skin revitalisation and Secret PRO CO2 laser treatment for skin resurfacing and deep dermal remodelling.

The Chester Road practice – which employs seven staff – is the only clinic in Wales to offer the latter service, and Sara is also now a key opinion leader for the global brand.

“Cutera’s ethos aligns with our own, as they are passionate about medical skin care, quality, safety and efficacy and the customer experience,” she added.

“Their treatments and technology are peerless, they are among the most advanced companies in this sector, and we are proud to work in collaboration, and of course to win this amazing award.”

Meanwhile, Sara, a mum-of-two and breast cancer survivor who helped to launch the successful Star Box appeal for NHS charity Awyr Las – a care package for patients using the Shooting Star Unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital – revealed a fundraising ball will be held for the campaign next month.

Taking place on Saturday November 23, the event is at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa from 6.30pm-1am.

Sara was among a group of six volunteers to develop the Star Box having successfully battled the disease more than seven years ago, and said they are determined to continue raising funds and awareness in support of people undergoing cancer treatment in North Wales

She said: “I am immensely proud to be a part of this, it’s a charity very close to my heart and I would like to thank the businesses that have sponsored the event.

“Tickets are selling fast so please get in touch if you would like to be a part of it – we hope you can join us.”

Cutera was founded in 1998 by veteran laser and optical engineers who envisioned that technology “should and could do more”.

The organisation has since grown into a global leader of dermatology and aesthetics devices that appeal to “forward-thinking clinicians who seek the next generation of performance, safety, and efficacy”.

For more information on Pure Perfection Clinic, visit the website www.pureperfectionclinic.com or follow Pure Perfection Clinic (@purepclinic and @pureperfectionrossett) on social media.

To book tickets for the Starbox Charity Ball, visit www.startingbox.co.uk.