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That's Christmas 365: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our PR Partners and Busin...: As the year draws to a close and we look ahead to a brand-new chapter, we wanted to pause and offer our sincere thanks to the PR professiona...

Why Silent Times Make Business Sense for Retailers and Restaurants

In recent years, many retailers and hospitality venues have made genuine efforts to become more inclusive. 

Step-free access, clearer signage and staff awareness training have all helped. 

However, one simple, low-cost adjustment remains underused: daily silent times.

Introducing a set silent period of up to two hours each day, where background music is switched off and unnecessary announcements are reduced, can make a profound difference for customers with hearing difficulties, autism spectrum conditions (ASD) and other sensory sensitivities. Crucially, it is not just a compassionate move – it is also a smart commercial decision.

The Problem With Noise in Commercial Spaces

Modern retail and dining environments are often overwhelming. Music, promotional announcements, kitchen noise, clattering crockery, multiple conversations and echoing spaces all combine to create a constant wall of sound.

For many customers, this is mildly irritating. For others, it is actively exclusionary.

People with hearing aids often struggle in noisy environments, where background sound competes with speech.

Autistic customers may find sensory overload distressing, leading to anxiety or the need to leave quickly.

Older customers, people with tinnitus, PTSD, or sensory processing differences can experience similar difficulties.

When noise becomes a barrier, customers simply stop coming.

Silent Times: A Practical and Predictable Solution

A daily silent period works best when it is consistent and clearly advertised. For example:

Every day from 2pm–4pm

No background music

Reduced or paused tannoy announcements

Softer lighting where possible

Staff aware that this is a low-sensory period

Predictability matters. Customers who need quieter environments can plan their shopping or meals with confidence, rather than relying on occasional “quiet hours” that vary by day or location.

Why This Is Good for Business

1. You Attract Customers Who Are Currently Excluded

Many people with sensory sensitivities actively avoid busy shops, malls and restaurants. By offering silent times, you are not redistributing existing footfall – you are unlocking a new and loyal customer base.

2. You Build Trust and Loyalty

Customers who feel genuinely considered are far more likely to return, recommend your business, and choose you over competitors. Inclusivity builds long-term brand loyalty, not just short-term goodwill.

3. It Costs Almost Nothing

Unlike major refurbishments or new technology, silent times are operationally simple:

Turning off music costs nothing

Reducing announcements costs nothing

Brief staff awareness costs very little

The return on investment is disproportionately high.

4. It Improves the Experience for Everyone

Quiet periods are often appreciated by:

Parents with young children

People working remotely who want a calm café

Shoppers who simply prefer a less hectic environment

Many businesses find that silent times become unexpectedly popular with a broad range of customers.

Restaurants and Cafés: A Special Opportunity

For restaurants, noise can be a decisive factor. Customers with hearing loss or sensory sensitivities may avoid dining out altogether because conversation becomes exhausting or stressful.

A daily silent dining window:

Makes meals more enjoyable and less fatiguing

Encourages longer stays and repeat visits

Differentiates your venue in a crowded market

Clear communication is key. Menus, websites and window signage should all highlight the silent period so customers know exactly when to visit.

Meeting Social Responsibility Without Making a Song and Dance About It

Importantly, silent times do not need to be framed as a “special concession”. They work best when they are presented as a normal part of how the business operates.

This avoids singling people out and reinforces the idea that inclusive design benefits everyone.

A Small Change With a Big Impact

Retailers, shopping centres and restaurants often talk about accessibility, but accessibility is not only about ramps and lifts. Sound matters.

By committing to a daily silent period of up to two hours, businesses can:

Remove a significant barrier to access

Demonstrate genuine inclusion

Increase customer loyalty and dwell time

Strengthen their reputation as thoughtful, modern organisations

In an increasingly competitive environment, the businesses that thrive will be those that recognise one simple truth: comfort is not a luxury – it is good business.

Cooler “Eco” Dishwasher Cycles in Commercial Kitchens: A Hidden Infection Risk for Vulnerable People

Across the UK, commercial kitchens are under intense pressure to cut energy use. 

Rising utility bills, net-zero commitments, and sustainability policies mean that eco settings on commercial dishwashers are increasingly treated as the default rather than the exception.

In many workplaces, that change is well-intentioned. In some environments, it may even be entirely appropriate.

But in others, particularly where vulnerable people are being fed or cared for, cooler, lower-energy dishwasher cycles can quietly increase the risk of infection if they are used without proper controls, validation, and staff training.

This is not an argument against sustainability. It is an argument for risk-based decision-making, not blanket cost-cutting.

Why commercial dishwashing is a safety issue, not just a cleaning task

In a domestic setting, dishwashing is mostly about appearance and convenience. In a commercial environment, it is part of food safety and infection control.

Commercial warewashing relies on a balance of four factors:

Temperature (wash and final rinse)

Chemicals (detergent, rinse aid, sometimes sanitiser)

Mechanical action (spray pressure and coverage)

Time (adequate contact at the right conditions)

Traditional commercial systems often rely heavily on thermal disinfection, particularly a hot final rinse, to reduce microbial contamination on plates, cutlery, cups, and utensils.

When eco modes reduce temperatures, shorten effective contact, or slow heat recovery, that balance changes—and unless the system has been properly validated, hygiene performance may fall without being obvious.

Who is most at risk?

Lower wash temperatures don’t usually affect the healthiest customers first. The people most at risk are those with reduced ability to fight infection, including:

Residents of care homes and supported living

Hospital patients, including outpatient and day-care services

Nurseries and early years settings

People receiving meals on wheels or community food provision

Individuals with compromised immune systems, chronic illness, or advanced age

For these groups, even low-level contamination can contribute to outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness or secondary infections—especially when combined with other pressures on staffing, cleaning, and food handling.

How eco dishwasher settings can create real-world problems

1. Reduced thermal disinfection

Many commercial machines are designed so that the final rinse temperature plays a key role in hygiene. If eco mode lowers that temperature—or if the machine struggles to reach it during busy service—the disinfection step may be weakened.

2. Poor removal of grease and protein soils

Cooler water is less effective at breaking down fats and proteins. Combined with:

Heavy soiling

Inadequate scraping

Overloaded racks

Blocked spray arms or filters

this can lead to biofilm build-up inside the machine and on items that look clean but are not hygienically safe.

3. Greater dependence on perfect chemical dosing

Eco cycles often rely on chemistry to compensate for lower temperatures. If:

Detergent dosing is incorrect

Rinse aid runs out

Pumps are poorly calibrated

Staff use the wrong products

cleaning performance can drop sharply with little visual warning.

4. Pressure during peak service

Eco modes may work on paper, but struggle in practice when:

Incoming water is cold (common in winter)

The machine cannot recover heat between loads

Back-to-back cycles are run continuously

This leads to inconsistent results—some loads fine, others borderline.

5. The cultural risk: “saving energy at all costs”

Perhaps the biggest danger is behavioural. When “eco” becomes a managerial priority without clear boundaries, it can encourage:

Skipped pre-scraping

Infrequent filter cleaning

Ignored warning lights or alarms

Hand-drying wet items with tea towels

Reluctance to report faults

That is where infection risk really accelerates.

The knock-on effect: cross-contamination

A dishwasher that underperforms doesn’t just affect one plate.

Contamination can spread through:

Shared cutlery and cups

Serving utensils and jugs

Trays and reusable containers

Staff hands during unloading and stacking

Cloths used to “finish drying” items

Cooler cycles that leave items wet can actively encourage unsafe handling practices.

UK compliance: where assumptions become a liability

In the UK, food businesses and care providers are expected to operate safe systems, not hopeful ones.

While regulations don’t ban eco modes, Environmental Health Officers will expect you to demonstrate that:

Your warewashing process achieves effective cleaning and disinfection

Equipment is maintained and fit for purpose

Staff are trained and supervised

Risks to vulnerable service users have been assessed and controlled

If an outbreak occurs, “we were trying to save energy” is not a defensible position without evidence that hygiene standards were still being met.

Good practice for high-risk settings (care, health, education)

1. Use a risk-based cycle policy

Not all loads are equal.

Eco cycles may be acceptable for lightly soiled items, where validated

Standard or high-temperature cycles should be used for:

Heavily soiled items

Items exposed to high-risk foods

Services feeding vulnerable people

Document this in your food safety management system.

2. Make performance visible

Train staff to check:

Wash and rinse temperatures

Visual cleanliness

Odours or residue

Drying performance

In regulated environments, maintain appropriate records.

3. Maintain the machine aggressively

Eco mode cannot compensate for poor maintenance.

Clean filters and scrap trays daily (or per shift)

Descale regularly, especially in hard-water areas

Service chemical dosing systems

Act immediately on faults or alarms

4. Train staff properly

Most warewashing failures are human, not mechanical.

Focus on:

Correct loading

Avoiding over-stacking

Using the right racks

Keeping spray arms clear

Knowing when eco mode is not appropriate

5. Avoid false economies

If eco mode leads to rewashing, hand-washing, or towel-drying, you may be increasing:

Labour costs

Water use

Infection risk

while saving very little energy.

A safeguarding issue, not just an operational one

For organisations serving vulnerable people, dishwashing is part of duty of care.

Eco settings can still play a role—but only when:

The machine is designed for low-temperature hygiene

The cycle has been validated in real conditions

Staff are trained and supported

Hygiene is prioritised over headline savings

The business bottom line

Sustainability and safety are not opposites—but safety must always come first.

Eco dishwasher settings used without proper controls risk becoming a quiet weak point in infection prevention, particularly in care homes, hospitals, nurseries, and community food provision.

A genuinely responsible business saves energy without compromising hygiene, especially when the people affected may have no choice about where or what they eat.

Civil Air Support Searches for Missing Person along the River Tay in Perthshire

Image courtesy CAS

Following a request for support from a Perth family, and acting on the guidance of our national Search Advisory Group, Civil Air Support crews are conducting an extensive airborne search in the Perth area. 

As with all CAS search operations, this activity is fully co ordinated with the Aeronautical Rescue Co ordination Centre (ARCC).

The primary search area covers the stretch of the River Tay between Smeaton’s Bridge and Mugdrum Island, near Newburgh. Throughout the operation, crews are capturing a large volume of high resolution imagery, which will be reviewed and analysed by our experienced ground based support teams.

The family of Declan Cunningham, who went missing in the area on the morning of 18 December, are aware the search is taking place. The thoughts of everyone at Civil Air Support are with them at this extremely difficult time.

Sadly, Civil Air Support has received several similar requests for assistance over the Christmas period and is currently engaged in multiple missing person searches across the UK.

A CAS spokesperson told That's Business: “Our volunteer crews are working diligently to support families and the statutory agencies during what is an incredibly distressing time. 

"We are committed to doing everything we can, using the specialist aerial capabilities available to us, to assist in the search efforts and to help bring clarity wherever possible.”

https://civilairsupport.com

Mystery Boxes: A Smart Business Model or a Risky Gamble?

Mystery boxes have become a familiar sight across online marketplaces, social media feeds, and even high-street pop-ups. 

From tech gadgets and beauty products to food hampers and collectibles, the promise is simple: pay a fixed price and receive a surprise selection of items.

For businesses, mystery boxes can look like a clever way to drive sales and engagement. 

For customers, they offer excitement and perceived value. 

But are mystery boxes a sound commercial idea, or do they come with hidden downsides?

Let’s take a balanced look at the pros and cons of the mystery box concept, particularly from a business perspective.

What Is a Mystery Box?

A mystery box is a product or collection of products sold without disclosing its exact contents in advance. Customers typically know:

The theme (e.g. food, beauty, tech, Christmas gifts)

The price

Sometimes a guaranteed minimum value

What they don’t know is exactly what they’ll receive, which is where the excitement — and the risk — lies.

The Pros of Selling Mystery Boxes

1. Strong Emotional Appeal

Mystery boxes tap into curiosity and anticipation. The “unboxing” moment has proven marketing power, particularly on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

For businesses, this emotional hook can:

Increase impulse purchases

Encourage social sharing and word-of-mouth

Create repeat customers chasing the same experience again

2. Excellent Stock Clearance Tool

Mystery boxes are often used to:

Clear surplus or slow-moving stock

Bundle items that might be harder to sell individually

Reduce warehousing costs without heavy discounting

Done well, this protects brand value better than visible clearance sales.

3. Predictable Pricing and Margins

From a business standpoint, mystery boxes allow:

Fixed pricing

Controlled margins

Easier forecasting of costs

As long as the contents are carefully planned, mystery boxes can be very profitable, particularly when built around existing inventory.

4. Ideal for Seasonal and Gift-Led Sales

Mystery boxes perform especially well:

At Christmas

For birthdays

As corporate gifts

During promotional campaigns

They remove decision fatigue for buyers who want a quick, easy purchase.

5. Opportunity for Brand Discovery

Mystery boxes can introduce customers to:

New products

Lesser-known lines

Seasonal or limited editions

This can drive follow-up purchases if customers enjoy what they discover.

The Cons of Mystery Boxes

1. Risk of Customer Disappointment

The biggest danger is unmet expectations.

If customers feel:

The value wasn’t there

Items were irrelevant or low quality

The box felt like a dumping ground for unsold stock

…they may not return,  and could leave negative reviews.

Transparency around themes, value, and quality is essential.

2. Trust and Reputation Issues

Mystery boxes sit close to the line of perceived fairness.

Poorly executed boxes can:

Damage brand trust

Feel misleading

Lead to refund requests or complaints

In the UK especially, consumers are increasingly cautious about “too good to be true” offers.

3. Limited Appeal for Practical Buyers

Not all customers enjoy surprises.

Some shoppers prefer:

Clear product specifications

Control over what they’re buying

Predictable outcomes

Mystery boxes may alienate more practical or budget-conscious audiences if overused.

4. Potential Legal and Ethical Grey Areas

While mystery boxes are not gambling, they can sometimes feel adjacent to it — particularly if:

High-value “chase” items are advertised

Odds are unclear

Marketing leans heavily on luck rather than value

Businesses must ensure compliance with consumer protection laws and avoid misleading claims.

5. Logistics and Fulfillment Complexity

Creating mystery boxes isn’t always simple behind the scenes.

Challenges can include:

Ensuring consistent perceived value

Avoiding duplicate items for repeat customers

Managing returns where customers are unhappy with “surprise” items

When Mystery Boxes Work Best for Businesses

Mystery boxes tend to succeed when:

The brand already has trust and loyalty

The contents are genuinely aligned with customer interests

Value is clear, even if specifics are not

They are positioned as fun extras, not core offerings

They work particularly well for:

Subscription models

Seasonal campaigns

Clearance with care

Community-driven or fan-led brands

Best Practice Tips for Businesses

If you’re considering selling mystery boxes:

Be clear about themes, value, and quality

Avoid using them purely as a dumping ground

Limit availability to create excitement, not fatigue

Encourage feedback and learn from it

Position them honestly as a fun experience, not a guaranteed win

Mystery boxes can be a powerful commercial tool when handled thoughtfully. They blend psychology, marketing, and inventory management into a single product, but they are not without risk.

For businesses, the key question isn’t “Can we sell mystery boxes?” but “Will they strengthen or weaken our brand?”

Done well, they create excitement and loyalty. Done badly, they create disappointment and distrust. As with most business ideas, success lies in execution, not novelty.

knus Marks the End of 2025 by Thanking Volunteers After a Year of Growth

The app brings together chat, telephone and video support in one place, making it easier for people to book support.

knus has closed out 2025 by thanking its volunteers after a year that saw steady growth, new partnerships, and the early stages of a major digital launch.

The organisation has recently begun beta testing its new knus app, soon to be available on Apple and Android devices. 

The app brings together chat, telephone and video support in one place, making it easier for people to book support and simpler for volunteers to manage their availability. Subject to successful testing, the full launch is planned for the end of January 2026. knus is currently inviting volunteers and members of the public to take part in the beta.

Throughout 2025, knus also completed two accelerator programmes, the Hatch Enterprise Accelerator and the School of Social Entrepreneurs Accelerator - helping the organisation strengthen its foundations and prepare for its next phase.

Looking ahead to the start of 2026, knus has secured a place on Hatch Enterprise’s Sales to Scale UBS Deep Dive programme, supported by UBS Bank. The programme begins in early January and will support the organisation as it focuses on sustainable growth and widening access to its services.

The knus community has grown significantly over the past year, with 210 new volunteers joining across peer support and administrative roles. A number of new ambassadors have also come on board, helping to raise awareness of the organisation’s work. During this time, knus has improved its training and social platforms, bringing more of this work in-house through grant funding and fundraising.

In 2026, knus plans to focus on launching the app after final testing, improving volunteer benefits, expanding fundraising activity, and building closer partnerships with businesses to help extend its reach.

knus remains entirely volunteer-led. The organisation is fully bootstrapped, with no paid roles. Every service, platform and initiative exists because people choose to give their time and care to support others.

As knus moves into 2026, it does so with gratitude for the volunteers who continue to make its work possible and with confidence in the year ahead.

knus is a peer-support organisation working to make support more accessible through human connection and community-led care. Its services are delivered by trained volunteers across digital and conversational platforms.

Brixton Gears Up for the Biggest Quiz Night of the Year in Support of Local Charities

Businesses and people of Brixton are challenged to get ready for a quiz night like no other. 

Not Another Quiz Night is coming to Lambeth Assembly Hall on Thursday 14th March, promising an unforgettable evening of high-energy entertainment, laughter, and friendly competition, all in support of Lambeth & Croydon Foodbank and Age UK Lambeth.

Hosted by the absolutely brilliant Jake Bhardwaj and his team of “celebrity” guests, Not Another Quiz Night is far more than a traditional quiz. Expect a fast-paced, interactive show packed with music, comedy, surprise appearances, bonus rounds, and ridiculous prizes. Whether you’re a trivia expert or simply in it for the fun, this is a night designed for everyone.

The event will also feature exciting raffle prizes, delicious food, and a free drink on arrival for all guests, making it the perfect social night out with friends, colleagues, or fellow quiz lovers.

Teams can book for groups of Five or Two, and individual ticket holders can attend solo and be grouped with other players on the night.

Proudly supported by the Mayor of Lambeth, the event aims to raise vital funds for two charities at the heart of the local community, helping tackle food insecurity and support older residents across Lambeth.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday 14th March

Venue: Lambeth Assembly Hall, Brixton

Doors Open: 7:00 PM

Book Tickets:

Online - https://mysocial.churchsuite.com/events/wyevvppg

In person - At the Age UK Lambeth office Age UK Lambeth, 10 Acre Lane, Brixton, London SW2 5SG, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am - 3pm

With limited availability and a growing buzz, organisers encourage early booking to avoid disappointment.

So gather your crew, bring your A-game, and prepare for a night of epic trivia, big laughs, and even bigger impact. Will your team take home the crown?

https://www.jakebhardwaj.com

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Why You Shouldn’t Assume Your Shop Customers Aren’t Neurodivergent

In retail, good customer service is often taught as being proactive: greet customers quickly, offer help, and make your presence known. 

While well-intentioned, these standard approaches can unintentionally create discomfort or distress for neurodivergent customers, particularly those who are autistic (ASD).

The key issue is assumption. You cannot tell whether a customer is neurodivergent by looking at them, and many autistic adults mask their differences extremely well.

Presuming that “everyone shops the same way” risks alienating a significant number of people who simply want to browse in peace.

Autism and the Retail Environment

For many autistic people, shops can already be challenging spaces. Bright lighting, background music, crowded aisles, strong smells, and constant movement can all contribute to sensory overload. When you add sudden human interaction into that mix, the experience can quickly shift from manageable to overwhelming. Especially at Christmastime. 

Common retail behaviours that may cause distress include:

Being approached from behind without warning

Sudden verbal interaction while deeply focused

Staff standing too close or blocking escape routes

Repeated offers of help after a customer has declined

These actions are not rude or malicious — but for some ASD customers, they can trigger anxiety, startle responses, or even a fight-or-flight reaction.

“Can I Help You?” Isn’t Always Helpful

Many autistic shoppers are highly independent and come into a shop with a clear purpose. They may have rehearsed what they need to buy, where it is located, and how long they intend to stay. An unexpected interruption can break that mental plan.

Repeated or enthusiastic offers of assistance can feel intrusive rather than supportive, particularly when the customer neither needs nor wants help. In some cases, the pressure to engage socially may even cause someone to abandon their purchase and leave the shop entirely.

The Problem With Assumptions

A major barrier to inclusive retail is the assumption that neurodivergence is rare, visible, or limited to children. In reality:

Many autistic people are adults

Many are undiagnosed or late-diagnosed

Many mask their discomfort to avoid judgement

That quiet, focused customer who avoids eye contact or startles when spoken to may not be “rude” or “awkward” — they may simply be navigating the environment in the best way they can.

A More Inclusive Approach to Customer Service

You do not need to eliminate human interaction to be inclusive. Small changes in approach can make a significant difference:

Approach from the front or side, within the customer’s field of vision

Allow browsing time before offering help

Use neutral, optional language, such as “I’m here if you need anything”

Accept ‘no thank you’ immediately, without repeating the offer

Avoid sudden touch or close proximity

These practices benefit all customers, not just neurodivergent ones. Many peopl,  tired parents, anxious shoppers, those dealing with chronic illness, also prefer calm, low-pressure environments.

Quiet Isn’t Disengaged

One of the most damaging misconceptions in retail is that a customer who is quiet, reserved, or avoids interaction is disengaged or unhappy. For many autistic shoppers, the opposite is true. Silence and space can mean comfort, safety, and focus.

Inclusive customer service is not about doing more, it is about doing less, more thoughtfully.

Why This Matters for Business

From a purely commercial perspective, neurodivergent people are customers with spending power, loyalty, and influence. Many actively choose shops where they feel safe and understood — and avoid those where they feel pressured or overwhelmed.

Word-of-mouth within neurodivergent communities is powerful. A reputation for being calm, respectful, and non-intrusive can set your business apart.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to know who is neurodivergent to treat customers inclusively. By assuming that any customer may prefer space, predictability, and autonomy, you create a retail environment that is calmer, kinder, and more effective for everyone.

Good customer service isn’t about constant interaction. Sometimes, the best service you can offer is simply letting someone shop in peace.

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Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children: A Business Responsibility, Not an Optional Extra

Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children is not solely the responsibility of public bodies, schools, or care providers. 

Businesses and organisations of all sizes and sectors have a legal, ethical, and reputational duty to ensure that the people they serve, employ, or come into contact with are protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

Whether you run a charity, a small business, a community organisation, a venue, or a large commercial enterprise, safeguarding must be embedded into your everyday operations—not treated as a tick-box exercise.

What Does Safeguarding Mean in a Business Context?

Safeguarding refers to the proactive measures taken to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. In a business environment, this may apply to:

Customers and service users

Employees and volunteers

Visitors, clients, or attendees

Members of the public interacting with your organisation

Vulnerable adults may include individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, learning difficulties, age-related vulnerabilities, or those experiencing social or economic hardship.

Why Safeguarding Matters to Businesses

Safeguarding is not just about compliance, it is about trust.

Failing to protect vulnerable people can result in:

Serious harm to individuals

Legal action and regulatory penalties

Reputational damage that can permanently affect your brand

Loss of funding, contracts, or partnerships

Conversely, strong safeguarding practices demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and social responsibility, qualities increasingly expected by customers, staff, and stakeholders.

Key Safeguarding Measures Every Business Should Have

1. A Clear Safeguarding Policy

Every organisation should have a written safeguarding policy that is:

Relevant to your sector and activities

Easy to understand

Accessible to staff, volunteers, and contractors

It should clearly outline:

What safeguarding means in your organisation

Expected standards of behaviour

How concerns should be raised

Who is responsible for safeguarding

Policies should be reviewed regularly and updated when legislation or organisational activities change.

2. Appoint a Safeguarding Lead

Even in small organisations, there should be a named safeguarding lead responsible for:

Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns

Liaising with external agencies when necessary

Ensuring policies and training are up to date

This role provides clarity and reassurance, ensuring concerns are handled consistently and appropriately.

3. Safer Recruitment and Vetting

If your organisation works with children or vulnerable adults, safe recruitment practices are essential. These may include:

Enhanced background checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Verifying references thoroughly

Clear role descriptions outlining safeguarding responsibilities

Recruitment should never prioritise speed over safety.

4. Training and Awareness for Staff and Volunteers

Safeguarding training should be proportionate to the role but should ensure everyone:

Recognises signs of abuse or neglect

Understands their responsibilities

Knows how to report concerns

Training should be refreshed regularly and built into induction processes, not delivered once and forgotten.

5. Clear Reporting and Whistleblowing Procedures

People must feel safe and supported when raising concerns. Your organisation should:

Provide clear reporting routes

Protect whistleblowers from retaliation

Treat all concerns seriously, even if they appear minor

Creating a culture where safeguarding concerns are welcomed, not discouraged, is critical.

6. Working With External Safeguarding Bodies

Businesses should know when and how to escalate concerns to appropriate authorities or specialist organisations such as:

NSPCC

Local authority safeguarding teams

Police or adult social care services

You do not need to investigate concerns yourself, your role is to report, record, and respond appropriately.

Safeguarding Is About Culture, Not Just Compliance

The most effective safeguarding systems are underpinned by a strong organisational culture. This includes:

Respectful behaviour at all levels

Zero tolerance of abuse, harassment, or exploitation

Leadership that models accountability and care

Safeguarding should be woven into everyday decision-making, from customer interactions to marketing campaigns and event planning.

A Final Thought for Business Leaders

Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children is not someone else’s job, it is everyone’s responsibility.

By taking safeguarding seriously, businesses and organisations not only protect individuals from harm but also protect themselves, their staff, and their long-term reputation. 

More importantly, they play a vital role in building safer communities where trust, dignity, and wellbeing come first.

If your safeguarding policy is outdated, or doesn’t exist at all, now is the time to act.

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TikTok Shop and The King's Trust Help the Next Generation of UK Entrepreneurs Soar

A wave of young entrepreneurs will soon be the recipients of unique enterprising opportunities in the UK, thanks to an exciting new partnership.

SOAR brings together The King's Trust charity, which supports young people to build the confidence and skills to secure a job or setup a business, and leading discovery commerce platform TikTok Shop, who are launching their established global SOAR programme (Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers) in the UK for the first time.

Originally launched last year in the US, SOAR was created to empower small and medium businesses (SMBs), entrepreneurs and creators on TikTok Shop with tailored support and resources to help them rapidly advance their businesses. 

SOAR will work with young people on The King’s Trust Enterprise programme, which offers support and funding to help young people aged 18-30 start their own business.

The UK arm of the initiative aims to equip young founders aged 18-35, particularly those who aren't in education, employment or training (NEET), with tools to build successful and sustainable businesses in today's fast moving digital economy. 

The UK programme follows the success of its US counterpart, which last year saw 80 SMBs graduate from the initiative through accelerators for underrepresented groups, including women-owned businesses and veterans.

In the US, graduates of SOAR on average have grown their sales by 200%, doubling their follower base within just eight weeks. With over 2,500 applicants, the US programme demonstrated a strong appetite among entrepreneurs for this kind of support. It's expected to help over 1,000 entrepreneurs every year across markets.

Expanding the Impact of Our Partnership

This initiative builds on the partnership between TikTok and The King’s Trust, which launched in 2024. 

Through its support for The King’s Trust Enterprise programme, TikTok is helping more young people from a wide range of backgrounds to turn their ideas into businesses. 

Alongside the SOAR partnership, TikTok has also provided advertising credits to help The King’s Trust reach more young people on the platform and raise awareness of the opportunities available to them. 

Together, we’re ensuring more young people can gain the confidence, skills and support they need to take control of their future.

Empowering Young Founders Through Discovery Commerce 

Through this partnership, young founders in the UK will gain the tools to turn ideas into sustainable businesses, while developing the skills needed to succeed in the world of e-commerce.

The SOAR programme will guide participants through each stage of business development - from planning and launch to advanced growth. Training will cover digital marketing, logistics and operations, alongside building confidence, resilience and networks. 

TikTok Shop Training and Tools

Entrepreneurs will also benefit from personalised onboarding to TikTok Shop, including:

Best practices for selling through live streaming

Guidance on working with creators

Using promotional tools effectively

The goal is to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship and platform access they need to launch and grow successful businesses, while driving inclusive economic growth.

Three Key Areas of Focus for UK Entrepreneurs 

The UK SOAR programme will focus on three priorities:

Digital Skills Development - Bridging the e-commerce skills gap identified in the UK and EU Digital Education Action Plan

Youth Economic Empowerment - Helping NEET individuals transition into sustainable self-employment

Entrepreneurial Growth – Supporting young innovators to scale their businesses both within the UK and internationally

Jan Wilk, Head of TikTok Shop UK told That's Business: “We believe e-commerce should be about more than transactions, it’s about connection, creativity and opportunity. That’s why we’re so excited to be launching SOAR in the UK for the very first time, building on the programme’s proven success globally.

"Through SOAR, we’re proud to work with The King’s Trust to give young entrepreneurs the skills, confidence and visibility they need to grow their businesses and make an impact. By empowering participants to create meaningful shopping experiences through storytelling and engagement, and by supporting underrepresented groups, we aim to spark inclusive economic growth while helping the next generation of entrepreneurs thrive."

Jo McKnight, Head of Enterprise at The King’s Trust added: “The King’s Trust Enterprise programme has supported tens of thousands of young people into self-employment, with TikTok’s support enabling us to reach even more young entrepreneurs access the confidence, skills and opportunities to make this happen.

“By combining our experience and knowledge with TikTok Shop’s platform, expertise and e-commerce tools, we can continue to help young entrepreneurs across the UK turn their ideas into thriving businesses and ultimately, to take control of their future.”

https://www.tiktok.com/shop

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Why Are So Many UK Pharmacies Filthy? A Business and Trust Crisis

Dirty pharmacies damage trust, risk regulation breaches, and drive customers away. Why hygiene failures are becoming a serious business problem in the UK.

Pharmacies occupy a unique position on the British high street. They are not just retail outlets; they are healthcare environments.

People visit them when they are unwell, vulnerable, elderly, or managing long-term conditions. 

Yet increasingly, customers report walking into pharmacies that are visibly dirty: dusty shelves, grimy floors, filthy skirting boards, cluttered counters, overflowing bins, and unhygienic consultation areas.

This raises an uncomfortable question for the sector: why are so many pharmacies failing basic cleanliness standards, and what does this say about how they are being run?

Cleanliness Is Not Cosmetic in Healthcare

In most retail environments, poor cleanliness is off-putting. In a pharmacy, it is potentially dangerous.

Pharmacies handle prescription medicines, controlled drugs, medical devices, and confidential patient consultations. They also provide vaccination services.

They are expected to operate to standards aligned with infection control, public health guidance, and Care Quality Commission (CQC) expectations. A visibly dirty pharmacy undermines confidence in everything else it does.

Customers reasonably ask: If the floor is filthy, how careful are they with my medication? And if the consultation room where I'll be vaccinated obviously hasn't been cleaned in a long time, could I get an infection?

Cost-Cutting and Chronic Understaffing

One major driver is relentless cost pressure.

Independent pharmacies and national chains alike have faced years of squeezed margins, rising rents, increased energy costs, and static NHS funding. Cleaning contracts are often one of the first corners cut. Daily professional cleaning is replaced with “when we can manage it”, usually by already overworked staff.

When pharmacists and dispensers are expected to clean toilets, vacuum floors, manage stock, serve customers, and dispense safely, something will give. Cleanliness usually loses.

Retail First, Healthcare Second

Many pharmacies now resemble convenience stores more than healthcare facilities. Shelves are crammed with promotional stock, seasonal displays, and impulse items. Back rooms are overflowing, deliveries are stacked in public areas, and clutter builds quickly.

This retail-heavy model prioritises sales per square foot over safe, calm, hygienic environments. Ironically, it often damages sales by driving customers away.

Poor Management and Weak Accountability

Cleanliness failures often point to deeper management problems.

Some pharmacy owners and head offices rely on inspection fear rather than day-to-day standards. Cleaning only improves when a CQC visit or head office audit is expected. In between, there is little accountability, no cleaning logs, and no ownership of the issue.

A well-run pharmacy treats cleanliness as a non-negotiable operational standard, not an optional extra.

Trust Is Easy to Lose and Hard to Regain

Pharmacies trade on trust. Patients trust pharmacists with their medication, medical advice, and private information. A dirty environment silently erodes that trust.

Once customers feel uncomfortable, they do not complain – they simply go elsewhere. In an increasingly competitive market, this is commercial self-harm.

Regulatory and Reputational Risk

Filthy pharmacies also expose businesses to serious risk:

CQC enforcement action

Negative local reviews

Social media exposure

Staff dissatisfaction and turnover

Increased risk of contamination or error

None of these are abstract threats. They directly affect revenue, recruitment, and long-term viability.

Cleanliness Is a Leadership Issue

Ultimately, dirty pharmacies are not a cleaning problem. They are a leadership problem.

Clean, organised premises signal professionalism, competence, and care. They reassure customers before a single word is spoken. 

For a sector that depends on public confidence, neglecting cleanliness is not just careless, it is commercially reckless.

If pharmacies want to be taken seriously as frontline healthcare providers rather than struggling retailers, they must start by getting the basics right.

And nothing is more basic, or more visible, than a clean floor, a tidy counter, and a space that feels safe to step into when you are already unwell.

British-Made uPVC Sash Windows Prove Resilience in Real-World Hurricane Conditions

Bedfordshire-based Colin’s Sash Windows has released findings from a recent overseas installation in Jamaica, where its British-made Spectus uPVC sash windows were subjected to hurricane-force conditions during Hurricane Melissa.

The windows formed part of a bespoke window and door package supplied from the UK several years ago for a new residential build. 

Following the storm, post-event the homeowner confirmed all uPVC sash windows remained fully intact, with no visible damage to frames or glazing.

In contrast, several accompanying uPVC French doors installed on the same property sustained storm damage as a result of extreme wind pressure and flying debris, highlighting the differing performance demands placed on window and door systems in severe weather environments.

“We’re proud that our sash windows stood firm in such challenging conditions,” Colin Greenslade, founder of Colin’s Sash Windows, told That's Business.

“They have been laboratory tested in up to 140mph winds but this provided a genuine real-world test of the Spectus system and demonstrated the strength of its design and fabrication.”

While the project was based overseas, the company says the results are equally relevant to UK homeowners, architects and specifiers, as resilience and durability become increasingly important considerations in window design amid changing global weather patterns.

Colin’s Sash Windows continues to supply and export bespoke window and door packages to international markets, applying lessons learned from real-world installations to improve long-term performance across its product range.

FACTFILE:

Founded in 2014, Colin’s Sash Windows supplies high-quality uPVC sash windows, casement windows, aluminium and steel heritage doors, and FD30 fire-rated internal steel doors. The company serves customers across the UK, Ireland and selected overseas markets, combining traditional British design with modern manufacturing standards.

For more information, visit https://www.colinssashwindows.co.uk

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How to Start a Podcast: A Simple, Realistic Guide for Beginners

Podcasting has become one of the most accessible ways to share ideas, tell stories, build an audience, and even grow a business. 

Whether you want to podcast as a hobby, a creative outlet, or part of a wider brand, the good news is this: you do not need expensive equipment, a studio, or a huge following to start.

What you do need is clarity, consistency, and a willingness to begin before everything feels perfect.

This guide walks you through how to start a podcast step by step — without overwhelm.

1. Decide What Your Podcast Is About (and Who It’s For)

Before you buy equipment or record anything, get clear on your purpose.

Ask yourself:

What topics could I talk about repeatedly?

Who is this podcast for?

What will listeners gain from tuning in?

Your podcast does not need to be groundbreaking. It does need to be focused.

Strong podcast themes include:

Niche interests or expertise

Personal experiences and storytelling

Interviews with people in a specific field

Companion content to a blog, business, or community

A clear theme helps listeners understand instantly whether your podcast is for them.

2. Choose a Simple Podcast Format

Keeping your format simple makes podcasting far more sustainable.

Popular beginner-friendly formats include:

Solo podcasts (just you speaking)

Interview podcasts

Co-hosted conversations

Short-form episodes (10–20 minutes)

You do not need music, sound effects, or complicated editing to begin. Many successful podcasts started with nothing more than a voice and a clear idea.

3. Get Basic Podcast Equipment (Without Overspending)

You can start podcasting with minimal kit.

At a basic level, you need:

A decent microphone (USB microphones are ideal for beginners)

Headphones to prevent audio feedback

A quiet room with soft furnishings to reduce echo

You do not need:

A professional studio

Expensive mixers

High-end software

Good content matters far more than perfect sound — especially when you are starting out.

4. Record Your Podcast

Recording can feel intimidating at first, but it becomes easier quickly.

Helpful tips:

Record in a quiet space

Speak naturally — imagine one person listening

Pause if you need to; mistakes can be edited out

Don’t aim for perfection — aim for clarity

Free or low-cost recording tools are more than sufficient for beginners.

5. Edit (Lightly) and Keep It Natural

Editing does not need to be complex.

Focus on:

Removing long silences

Cutting obvious mistakes

Adjusting volume if needed

Over-editing can make a podcast feel unnatural. Listeners prefer authenticity over polish.

As your confidence grows, you can refine your editing style, but it’s not essential at the start.

6. Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform

Podcast episodes are stored on a hosting platform, which then distributes them to apps like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Your host will:

Store your audio files

Generate your podcast feed

Submit your podcast to major directories

Provide basic listening statistics

Choose a platform that fits your budget and feels easy to use.

7. Create Simple Podcast Branding

Your podcast needs:

A clear name

A short description

Cover artwork that looks good at small sizes

Your artwork does not need to be elaborate. Clean text, strong contrast, and clarity matter more than complexity.

Your description should explain:

What the podcast is about

Who it’s for

How often you publish (if known)

8. Publish Your First Episode (Even If You’re Nervous)

This is the step many people delay, often indefinitely.

Your first episode does not need to be perfect. It can simply be:

An introduction to you

Why you started the podcast

What listeners can expect

Confidence comes from doing, not waiting.

Once you publish, you are officially a podcaster.

9. Promote Your Podcast Gently and Consistently

You do not need aggressive promotion.

Simple promotion ideas:

Share new episodes on social media

Mention your podcast on your blog or website

Encourage listeners to subscribe rather than “go viral”

Repurpose episodes into short clips or written posts

Podcast growth is usually slow and steady — and that’s normal.

10. Keep Going (Consistency Beats Perfection)

Most podcasts fail not because they are bad, but because they stop too soon.

Set a realistic schedule:

Weekly

Fortnightly

Monthly

Choose something you can maintain without burnout.

Even a small, loyal audience is a success.

Final Thoughts: You Learn by Podcasting

You do not become a confident podcaster before you start.

You become one by starting.

Podcasting is a skill that grows with practice, your voice, confidence, and style will evolve naturally over time.

If you have something to say, there is room for your podcast.

Why an Outdated Press Office Costs Businesses and Charities Media Coverage

If you media information is outdated, nobody is happy 

Why outdated press pages frustrate journalists and cost businesses and charities valuable media coverage... and how to keep your press office credible.

For journalists, producers, bloggers, and editors, a well-maintained press and media section is a sign of a serious, credible organisation.

It shows that you understand how the media works, that you value coverage, and that you are prepared to engage professionally.

Unfortunately, far too many businesses, charities, and organisations undermine themselves at the final hurdle.

A journalist can be reading an interesting, relevant, well-written press release, only to click through to the “Press” or “Media” section of the organisation’s website and discover that the latest press release is two or even three years old. 

UPDATE: I just found a "new" press release on a charity website that is five years old and mentioning the problems caused by COVID.

At that moment, enthusiasm drains away and frustration begins to take over.

Why Out-of-Date Press Pages Are a Red Flag

From a media professional’s perspective, an outdated press office raises immediate concerns:

Is this organisation still active?

Do they take media relations seriously?

Will anyone respond if I make contact?

Is the information accurate and current?

Journalists work under tight deadlines. They do not have the time to chase organisations that appear dormant, disorganised, or uninterested in engagement.

If your press page looks abandoned, your story is far less likely to be pursued, no matter how good it is.

First Impressions Matter More Than Ever

Your press and media page is often viewed before any contact is made.

It should immediately reassure journalists that:

The organisation is active

Information is current

Contact details are correct

Press material can be trusted

An outdated press section does the opposite. It creates doubt, friction, and hesitation, all of which make it easier for a journalist to move on to another story.

Common Press Office Mistakes

Many organisations fall into the same traps:

1. “We’ll update it later”

Press pages are often built during a website redesign and then quietly forgotten. Months pass. Then years.

2. Only updating when there’s ‘big news’

Smaller updates still matter. Partnerships, appointments, milestones, awards, and campaigns all demonstrate activity.

3. No named media contact

Generic inboxes with no named press contact feel impersonal and unreliable.

4. Old PDFs and broken links

Nothing signals neglect faster than links that no longer work.

What Journalists Actually Want to See

Keeping your press office current does not require a full-time PR team. It requires consistency and awareness.

At minimum, journalists expect:

Press releases dated within the last 3–6 months

A clearly named press or media contact

A working email address and phone number

A brief “About Us” summary they can trust

Access to logos or images if available

Even modest updates reassure journalists that your organisation is alive, responsive, and professional.

The Cost of Neglecting Your Press Page

An outdated press office doesn’t just lose you coverage — it can actively damage your reputation.

It suggests:

Poor internal communication

Lack of planning

Low priority given to transparency

Missed opportunities for visibility

For charities, this can affect funding and public trust.

For businesses, it can impact credibility with customers, partners, and investors.

For SMEs, it can mean missing the very exposure that could help them grow.

A Simple Maintenance Rule That Works

If you take nothing else from this article, follow this rule:

If your latest press release is over a year old, your press office is overdue for attention.

Set a reminder to review your press page every quarter. Even adding a short update or statement can make a meaningful difference.

Press Offices Are Not Just for Big Organisations

There is a common misconception that only large corporations need a press office.

In reality:

Local businesses

Community groups

Charities

Start-ups

SMEs

…all benefit from appearing press-ready.

Local journalists, trade publications, bloggers, and niche media outlets regularly look for credible sources — but they will not chase organisations that appear disengaged.

Final Thought: Don’t Let Good Stories Die on Your Website

It is genuinely frustrating for journalists to find a promising press release, only to discover that the organisation behind it appears to have stopped communicating years ago.

Your press office should work for you, quietly opening doors, building trust, and making it easy for the media to say “yes”.

Keeping it up-to-date is not a luxury.

It is a basic, powerful business discipline.

And in a competitive media landscape, it can be the difference between being featured, or being forgotten.

One of the things you can do is to work with organisations like Pressat to help them send press releases out to relevant journalists, publications, broadcasters, etc:-

"Why Every Organisation, From SMEs to Large Corporations and Charities, Should Use Pressat to Reach the Media"

https://thats-business.blogspot.com/2025/12/why-every-organisation-from-smes-to.html