IT'S HERE!..

The October/November issue of WorkLife is out and about town! If you haven’t got your hands on a copy yet you can read it here: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/Rejuvenate/worklife6/#/0/

We meet the inspirational entrepreneur behind the Shere Khan empire, Nighat Awan, interview the soulful indie pop sensation, Remi Nicole, and find out how business is booming in the organic food industry. And you can read how it goes for some more "2 Do Lunchers"!

We welcome Alex Leigh as the second of our new guest editors on the LIFE side, as she brings you a fabulous fashion shoot with all the latest looks and models from The Grooming Academy, and we take a look behind the scenes of The Shoot (see pics). We uncover the best products around for breast cancer awareness month in Luxury Living and Beauty, and Bobbi Brown gives us a Tutorial on Smoky Eyes.

Enjoy all this issue has to offer and we'll be celebrating with a WorkLife Press Party at Prohibition on 22nd October so get in touch for your invite!

Anna-Louise
work@worklifemagazine.co.uk

A New Chapter For Boca

Former Chapters night spot in Wilmslow was re-launched recently as restaurant and bar - Boca. The historic building has received a new lease of life as an up market establishment serving up South American cuisine.

Customers were given the taste of what Boca has to offer at a series of private launch nights prior to the venue opening to the public. Take That star Jason Orange attended to support his twin brother Justin who has been booked to DJ regularly. Stars from Coronation Street and Hollyoaks also enjoyed the food and atmosphere and mingled happily with other guests.

Owner Janet Rivett, from Nether Alderley, said: "The food is influenced by South American cuisine, however it's not all spicy Mexican food and chilies; there's something for everyone. Everything is freshly prepared on the premises and prices are reasonable because we know people want to be able to enjoy themselves on a budget. "We will be trading in the evenings from 5pm and hope to provide the whole package - a good dining experience in the evening with entertainment and a resident DJ from 10.30pm onwards.

Janet and her husband David already operate a string of successful bars and restaurants across the North West, including popular celebrity hangout, The Hale Kitchen and Bar, in Hale.

WORKLIFE MEET REMI NICOLE

Last Wednesday, WorkLife met with the multi-talented singer-songwriter Remi Nicole in Covent Garden. Exuding laid-back cool, dressed in high-waisted peg leg jeans, a pale pink vest and black converse boots, she explained the sounds of her new album, ‘Cupid Shoot Me’:

"Most people who have heard it think it’s a really fun and uplifting album when really it’s quite dark," says Remi. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, musician, singer and songwriter, Remi is so proud of ‘Cupid Shoot Me’ that she now considers it her first proper album, after the tentative, underrated start that was her 2007 debut set, ‘My Conscience & I’. "I feel like that was an album of demos," she says. "This is my real debut. I didn’t know myself when I was 23. It was a challenging time. Now I feel like I know who I am and I know what I want, and that’s making the whole process of being a musician, and everything it involves, a lot easier.”

‘Cupid Shoot Me’ hitting the stores on 7^th of September soulfully mixes playful reggae with infectious pop melodies. Already quite the scenester and known for her celebrity friendships with Amy Winehouse, Agyness Deyn and Alexa Chung, Remi seems used to the limelight, and we’re sure she’ll shine with the new album release.

You can read the full and exclusive interview with Remi Nicole in the next issue of WorkLife!

NEW ISSUE OUT NOW!

The August/September issue of WorkLife hit the streets this week! If you haven’t got your hands on a copy yet you can read it here: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/Rejuvenate/worklife5

Enter THEO PAHITIS on the WORK side – as I challenge the Dragon and am told “what a load of balls!” We uncover why in a bad economy the AVON lady is calling, and place the spotlight on the new Ethnic Minority Business Forum board members.

We welcome the first of our new guest editors on the LIFE side, as Kate takes a look at fabulous beauty products, brings you ‘Distressed Diva’ fashion, Nancy Spencer gives us a Tutorial on creating the perfect pout and we catch up with model ALEX LEIGH at The Grooming Academy.

And there’s loads more so have a flick through!

Anna-Louise

work@worklifemagazine.co.uk

Strike a Pose!

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A local model turned entrepreneur is launching her own DVD and modelling course ‘The Grooming Academy’ for girls who want to know everything about becoming a fashion model. WorkLife sent Anna-Louise and Marianne to meet with Manchester’s very own six foot “glamazon”, Alex Leigh, and to find out if they had what it takes to work that catwalk!

You’ll be able to read the full article in the next issue of WorkLife but in the meantime for more information visit www.alexleigh.co.uk

IT’S HIT THE STREETS!

NEW ISSUE OUT NOW! Yes, the latest issue of WorkLife hit the streets last week! If you haven’t got your hands on a copy yet you can read it here:

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/Rejuvenate/worklife4/

 

This issue is full of insights and inspiration on the WORK side – as we hear from Kristina Grimes, the ‘peoples favourite’ from The Apprentice, series three, we engineer a new business opportunity in “2 Do Lunch” and I try out this years facebook and join The Twitterati. In We Like Your Style we take a look at a decade of Code Computerlove and celebrities get a grilling with The Social Entrepreneur.

 

Whilst on LIFE, Sarah has worked hard on what has been our most adventurous shoot yet in ‘Fight or Flight?’ and as the weather heats up, she brings advice form St Tropez on achieving the ultimate tan, checks out the best festivals around and helps you plan ‘The Perfect Picnic’.

 

Enjoy!

Anna-Louise

work@worklifemagazine.co.uk

More Silverware for the Reds!

Despite the major disappointment of losing a European Cup final for the first time, it’s been a fantastic season for Manchester United achieving their third league title on the trot!
The 0-2 loss to Barcelona was the 66th result of a season in which the Reds have won four trophies - Barclays Premier League, Club World Cup, Carling Cup and Community Shield - and almost won three others - the Super Cup, FA Cup and Champions League…Better luck next year in Madrid boys.

The five weirdest MP expense claims

  

1.  Glitter Toilet Seat

Who: John Reid, former Home Secretary

Reid's Glasgow flat must be quite something - he claimed for a DFS sofa, which comes with instructions to 'plump cushions daily', a £199 'pouffe' and a toilet seat that would make Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen blush. 

2. Three Kit Kat Chunkies

Who: Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Blears bought the late night snacks while staying at the City Inn hotel. A ‘friend’ of Blears said she had been “feeling lonely” and had “wanted something to cheer her up.” 

3. Light Bulb Installation

Who: David Willetts, Shadow Innovations, Universities and Skills Secretary

Can't decide whether it's more embarrassing to pay someone to install 25 lightbulbs in your home, or to admit to such a thing by submitting receipts for the workman's bill? 

 4. Horse Manure

Who: David Heathcoat-Amory, Tory MP

The former Foreign Office Minister claimed for 550 bags of manure, as well as £5 to repair a wheelbarrow puncture and £6 for use of a chainsaw. Frightening.

5. Fluffy Dusters

Who: Steve Webb, Lib Dem Work and Pensions Spokesman

No flies on Mr Webb who managed to get us to pick up the bill for stamp duty on his Westminster pad, and none trapped in cobwebs either, it seems. Wonder if he donned a pinny and did the dusting himself?

The XY Factor

The X factor is the social conditioning that resides in our subconscious mind. Habits take up residence without us knowing about it. Although most people are unaware of it, these habits are in control of most people most of the time This habit is your unknown X factor. If it’s a change of any sort your X factor will not like it no matter how good that change might be. Once you have become aware of your X factor or inner voice, the habit can be changed or re-programmed.
The new idea, suggestion or activity is the Y factor, the change that disrupts the status quo. It may be the best idea or decision in your life but it is still change. Your X factor doesn’t want to be replaced by the Y factor so it fights it. This creates physical discomfort and anxiety as the battle continues. That negative feeling of anxiety floods your body and if persists, turns into fear.
It is important to understand and recognise what is going on when you experience anxiety and fear. If you give fear attention, you are simply reinforcing your X factor and its arguments. Nothing good can come of this reaction. It leads to stress and ultimately affects your results. Encourage your Y factor, don’t let your X factor win. It doesn’t take force, keep your Y factor cool and calm. You have the choice to reject the fear that arises. You do this by becoming emotionally involved with the results the Y factor will bring into your life, what it is already bringing into your life. So, how do you encourage your Y factor?
Think about what is it exactly that you want? Write it down, create a goal card, meditate on your want, get emotionally involved with the outcome of your want, think about how it will not only change your life but that of others around you.
The X factor never goes away completely but it will lose its strength. Once the Y factor has settled into your subconscious mind it becomes your X factor. Then the cycle starts again.
When you understand the XY concept you know what is causing the fear so the odds of success are much more in your favour.. When you have a new Y thought, become aware of what your X factor is saying in response.
Ask yourself these questions when you have a Y factor idea – will the new idea move you closer towards your goals and will action really cause you as much disruption as the original thought caused? The difference between winning and losing the XY factor battle is awareness.
Written by Sharon Machon, Life Success Consultant. For more information about the products and services available to help you move towards success visit http://sharonmachon.lifesuccessconsultants.com.

WorkLife Press Party

Back in April, we invited our advertisers and some of Manchester's finest elite to come together on St George's day to celebrate the success of the latest issue and the 'Best of British.' As always, Ithaca was the perfect setting to reflect the modern and sexy feel of WorkLife magazine as well as providing excellent service and tasty drinks and canapés.

Following the success of the launch party, we decided that regular chances to network with other Manchester business men and women is what's needed to get the most out of your work and benefit your business. Enjoying good food, drinks and company whilst doing so is just an added bonus!

Guests who attended enjoyed sushi and cocktails, and left the venue satisfied and with their goodie bag (which included chocolate among many other things) in hand! One lucky guest left with more than he intended, as Imran Hakim, the iTeddy millionaire, kindly donated an iTeddy to be entered in the prize draw, which Manchester-based graphic designer William Frânk won.

Here are some pictures of our fantastic night...

Our latest issue.

Sarah Walker, WorkLife Lifestyle and Fashion editor with Anna-Louise Gilhooley, Owner and Managing Director of WorkLife Magazine.

Do you have any security and safety questions?

As a leading North West based security, protection and training company, we are working with Worklife magazine providing editorial for a security/safety feature. We are interested in all aspects of your personal safety and security, common areas of concern will be covered with appropriate advice. If you have an immediate security or safety issue then do contact us in confidence on 0845 223 4920 or visit our website http://www.standsolutions.co.uk/

Get a room!

On 1 April 2009, Velvet launched its chic 19 bedroom hotel, occupying the four floors above their existing restaurant and lounge bar, situated on Canal Street alongside the Manchester ship canal. Owner, Mark Cain and General Manager, Sunni Syal, proudly joined Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Mavis Smitheson, to cut the ribbon in the company of friends, family and business partners of Velvet. And WorkLife’s Anna-Louise was there to join them!..
“I had a great look round the 19 fully air conditioned decadent boudoirs, which are individually designed with the utmost of tender loving care, and comprise of all the things you would expect of an exceptional standard of hotel bedroom, plus a few you might not, like iPod docking stations, in-room cocktail and canapé packages and Burt’s Bees toiletries.
This latest addition to Velvet Manchester is sure to succeed even in these difficult times, and after a stay at the £5.5 million hotel, I can highly recommend room 35 with its four poster bed, outdoor balcony and indulgent roll top bath! Good luck to Mark, Jason, and all of the team!”

How do you eat yours?

Hello!

Well, Spring is in the air and as we all rush to make the most of the credit crunching easter egg bonanzas, we at WorkLife magazine would like to wish you all a very happy Easter!

The latest issue of WorkLife has now hit the streets of Manchester so pick up your copy! In preparation for this issue, Sarah also hit the streets and asked the people of Manchester:

"How do you eat yours?"

From top left- Rachel, 20, Chemistry student, 'I just lick it out!'

Jamal, 20, Video technology student, 'I eat it whole!'

James, 27, Freelance graphic designer, 'I just chomp down'

Sana, 17, College student, 'I like to bite off the top and use my finger to scoop out the middle'

Catherine, 22, Employment advisor, 'I like to savour the taste and eat is as slowly as possible!'

Chris, 44, Banker, 'In one go!'

Spotted in Me&Yu

The WorkLife team are not the only ones who love the fantastic designer duo Angie and Gordon, comedian Noel Fielding has been seen repeatedly wearing Me&Yu designs.

Noel Fielding, from hit BBC comedy The Mighty Boosh wore a t-shirt from Me&Yu to the launch of the Sony Vaio last week in London. "We we're just reading the Sunday papers and turned over to see Noel in one of our designs" said Gordon "He's worn our clothes before on Jonathan Ross", said Angie "It's great to see him continue to help a small label such as ourselves by wearing it to such a high profile event"Since photo's of Noel went in most of the national papers

Angie & Gordon have had so many requests for the Freak Show Disco design that they've re-released it for a limited time only. Available at the special price of £15 direct through the website at http://www.meandyu.com/ each t-shirt is silk screen printed by hand especially for you and comes packaged in a hand-printed pizza box! Me&Yu is also available at their shop in Afflecks on the third floor (formerly Afflecks Palace), Manchester Fashion Market, Unique Boutique, Triangle and they even sell a range of one-off, re-mixed vintage pieces at Oxfam, Oxford Road.

THE INTERVIEW with Carl Hopkins

By Anna-Louise Gilhooley

Carl Hopkins started out in the world of marketing in 1984 as a junior designer. In fact, it’s partly thanks to an economic downturn similar to the one we’re witnessing now that Carl got his big break at that agency. He’s well known in Manchester as the straight talking ‘Uncle Carl’ and was watched by millions as he went undercover taking on the role of community warden for Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire. Carl Hopkins is the first person to admit he is just an ordinary guy. So how did he go from ‘notorious council estate’ kid to Channel 4's Secret Millionaire? WorkLife speaks with Carl to find out…

5 Golden rules to help keep your retail business on track

There is no doubt that with the economy in crisis, many retailers are at a serious risk of going bust. We witnessed the downfall of Woolworths after an iconic 99 years of trade, and said our goodbyes to many other stores, including Zavvi and JJB Sports.

Shazan Qureshi provides an insight into the reasons behind the retailers’ suffering, as well as helpful tips on how to survive in such a risky climate.

1. Produce regular forecasts
These should be at least quarterly, and preferably monthly, with cash flow being the most important. Make sure that items of capital expenditure are identified well in advance. Remember that you only go bust when you run out of money!

2. Set realistic banking covenants
These should reflect the true risk of the business and should not simply be intended to achieve the cheapest cost of borrowing.

3. Don’t hold on to old stock
Old stock ties up working capital, so if it isn’t selling, discount the price and get rid of it.

4. Check out the competition
Keep a watchful eye on competitors and if you are doing something different, make sure that you are right and they are wrong. Adjust your business model when required.

5. Stay alert
If you realise there is a problem, act on it and work out a solution that can be presented to creditors. Recognise that banks, in particular, don’t like shocks.

You can read the online article in full and get access to confidential, one-on-one advice, by clicking this link for Issue 2 of WorkLife.

Luxury Living: Geoffrey Parker at Harrods Deluxe Rubik’s cube £189, The Harrodian Christmas Hamper £2,000, Home Office Trike Deeply Madly Living Inc $2,200, Pig Table designed by front for moooi in Holland £1272, Boodles spaghetti Mandarin Garnet and diamond ring £4,6000, The Arnage final series, Bentley from £196,000, Sophie Villepigue collection –Glassware from £74.95 Tableware from £199.

2 Do Lunch - The concept is simple: a business lunch for two professionals. But the twist, the interesting part, is that it’s blind. The technical term that we have coined for this social experiment is micro networking.

....................

Akay Ahmet and Ajay Hargreaves are two willing volunteers who are confident enough to take a risk on the chance of business benefit. They step alone into Ithaca and wait to see who will join them for their lunch break.
Ajay is from Blue Square Telecom and Akay is from HSBC. Ajay manages the North Division of Blue Square Telecom in Manchester and Akay works for HSBC at St Ann Square branch, Manchester, specialising in new acquisitions and business development for retail, business and premier customers.
See how they got on here.

We like your style

Me&Yu duo Angie and Gordon have inspired us all recently, from their fun and quirky designs to their nurturing business attitude. Get to know them further by clicking here to read the article by Kelly Murray.

Images are designs by Me&Yu, Visit them on the 3rd floor of the Afflecks Palace, Manchester, or online at http://www.meandyu.com/

Daredevils required!

We’re looking for daredevils to join the WorkLife and Rejuvenate team as we slide 300 metres across the Manchester Ship Canal! Challengers will be transported 95 feet to the top of the Imperial War Museum North before launching 300 metres across the water- experiencing the wonderful views of Salford Quays before safely landing at the foot of the Lowry Theatre.
All participants will be required to raise a minimum of £150 for key 103 & Magic 1152’s Cash for Kids to help us support thousands of disadvantaged children in Manchester.
There are a limited number of places available so why not get a group of your friends together or your business colleagues and join us in this unforgettable adrenaline challenge. Please email anna-louise@rejuvenateonline.co.uk for more details on how to put your name down.

Strictly Arlene

Arlene Phillips made a recent visit back to her home town here in Manchester and WorkLife was there to catch up with her. Whilst taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing Live show Arlene made time in her busy schedule to support The Floyd Neurological Rehabilitation Unit at Birch Hill Hospital in Rochdale by attending a recent Think Floyd charity lunch at the Radisson Hotel.

When I met with Arlene the first thing I was keen to hear about was her involvement with the charity, and learn that her experience of the unit has been first hand because of her family. When I ask what it means to be involved in the event, Arlene speaks passionately about the cause; “It’s really important. We come from a family which is very, very close. Gordon’s mother, my Aunty Miriam, actually brought up my mother and so to be able to do something to support such a tragedy, and in a place which not only cared for Jill but cared for the whole family as a unit, it’s very, very important to me.”

The lunch is a fantastic 5 star affair and it’s great to see funds and awareness raised for such a worthy cause. After the event, I get the chance to speak further with Arlene and learn a little more about this successful and driven woman from the North.

If you would like to read the article in full, click here to be taken to the online issue.

WorkLife Launch Party

To celebrate the beginning of the new and diverse WorkLife magazine, Ithaca in Manchester hosted a party where many came to witness the launch with us. Our evening was incredibly successful, with guests such as Imran Hakim from iTeddy, ‘secret millionaire’ Carl Hopkins, glamour guru Armand Beasley and ex Miss Manchester Louise Cliffe attending to show their support. Here are a few photographs of the night...