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Jewellery with a purpose. I began silversmithing classes because I was tired of the 6 month wait to get finger splints made on the NHS, so I decided to make my own! I've since launched Created by Carol, a brand of jewellery with a purpose. I make adjustable rings for people with hand swelling or arthritis, and unique, contemporary jewellery from antique cutlery; my little attempt to battle fast fashion and disposable style. During lockdown, I was diagnosed with ADHD and so created a selection of fidget jewellery that is popular with neurodivergent or anxious people. My work is directly influenced by my experiences as a disabled person in an abled society. I've since had work featured in art galleries and been selected as a Small Biz 100 2022 by Small Business Saturday. www.createdbycaroluk.com.

Business Cashflow - The Perfect Storm Businesses are facing the perfect storm when it comes to cashflow. Customers are paying slower. Suppliers are tightening up on credit limits and payment terms. Supply chain disruption means that business are sinking more cash in to stock. Prices are rising. This is on the backdrop of Covid loan repayments kicking in and deferred payments to HMRC needing to be repaid. Sadly, these issues are compounded further. The rising Bank of England base rate means that the cot of funding is increasing. The perceived risk in the market means that asset valuations are dropping and the loan to value that lenders are willing to provide is falling. Lenders are looking for increased security, higher pricing and lower exposure against the assets that businesses put forward as security. So what can businesses do? Businesses need to ensure they stick to basics in terms of managing cash flow. - Raise invoices as soon as work is completed - Make sure you have a valid audit trail to support invoices so any disputes can be resolved immediately - Ensure credit control activity is effective In terms of using business finance, I have the following advice: - Shop around to ensure you get both the best price and structure - Structure is incredibly important. Use what business assets you have to the maximum effect - Don't give away security over assets where you don't need to. If lenders ask for additional security beyond what they are actually funding against, shop around - Try to be proactive and anticipate a funding need well ahead of any cash flow crunch It is not a time to panic or despair. Be aware of what you are facing and be proactive in seeking solutions.

Self employed folk in my industry are constantly penalised by some lenders. Certain mainstream lenders refuse to go outside of a very tight set of criteria for example. No holistic thinking at all. Some of my clients get paid extremely well for 6 months of the year and then less for the remaining. Lenders want the last 3 bank statements and refuse to look into track records and longevity. This means specialist banks and higher rates for the mortgage. Hence they are paying for the pleasure of a financially displeasing work roll. The Arts & Entertainment industry is very much in need of some better financial understanding. As a firm, we are trying, but a bigger voice would certainly help!

Did you know Newham, one of seven boroughs in East London, has more official homeless people than Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds combined? With the rent now significantly higher than LHA, I can only see this becoming worse.

Business owners warned to avoid Christmas HR nightmares Business owners are being warned to make sure Christmas festivities don’t cause an HR nightmare this year. An HR expert in St.Albans is advising bosses to make sure their employees understand exactly how they should conduct themselves at festive parties, and the repercussions if they don’t. Excessive drinking, fighting, and next-day hangovers are among the top complaints from business owners after Christmas parties. Katie Elliott, of consulting business HR Katie, said, “Business owners want their employees to let their hair down, but they’re failing to put plans in place to stop the behaviour that leads to issues. “It’s always a busy time of year for me – I have to deal with the disciplinaries and formal warnings when people have overindulged and conducted themselves badly. And so much of it could easily have been avoided with the right preparation. “Employers need to communicate clearly what they expect from their people and have plans in place to stop any incidents before they become problematic.” Katie says business owners should re-issue copies of their company handbook to all staff prior to Christmas parties, to make sure they understand what acceptable behaviour is, and the consequences of breaking company rules. She said: “A work Christmas party is an extension of the workplace. People should behave accordingly, that means no violence, no harassment or discrimination, and no risky or unsafe behaviour. “Employers have a duty of care to make sure staff don’t drink and drive, that everyone can get home safely, and that no one turns up to work hungover (or still drunk) the next day. “Making employees fully aware of this is the best preventative measure.” She added, “Most Christmas parties go off without a hitch, but in some cases they can take a turn and not only does it ruin everyone’s night, but it also causes a real HR disaster for the next day. “Pre-empt the risks and make sure everyone knows what is expected of them and it’s likely you’ll avoid any drama!” END Note to editor: Katie is available for further information and interview, on 07786 443404