More than 1,200 Hendy Group colleagues gathered in Bournemouth this month for its annual awards which this year also marked 165 years since the company was founded. Comedian Russell Kane acted as host for the event at the Bournemouth International Centre with Hendy Group chief executive Paul Hendy paying tribute to the exemplary performances from individuals and teams, and pledging a bumper year ahead. He thanked colleagues and manufacturers for their tremendous support over the years and promised significant plans for the future as the group continues to expand. “2023 was the biggest year for the company in terms of revenue and growth and this year we are looking at a turnover of more than £1.2 billion,” Paul told guests. “We’re 165 years old and we are just getting started.” There were awards presented to colleagues working across the business which represents more than 20 automotive brands across the south coast across more than 70 dealerships. The key Hall of Fame award was this year presented to two colleagues in recognition of the tremendous contribution they have both played in the business. Group ICT manager Steve Nicholas and director of estates and IT John Hendy were both inducted into the Hendy Group Hall of Fame. Steve joined Hendy in 1983 at IT manager and Paul said he had played a pivotal role in the development of the IT team. John joined the family business in 1994 and Paul said that he had been instrumental in helping the business grow and plays a key role in all estate development work. John Hendy was also involved in the Team of the Year Award with the Property & Estates Team honoured for their work in the field of acquisition, new sites, and major project work during 2023. Tunbridge Wells Langton Road was named Site of the Year with colleagues praised for their outstanding performance across all brands and their customer care. Individual winners included Ollie Clayton, the company’s first sales apprentice who picked up the Apprentice of the Year award and Sales Colleague of the Year was Sanjay Sivarajah who works at Poole MG. Sales manager of the year was Martin Witt-Smith, also at the group’s MG site in Poole. There were three awards for colleagues working at the group’s Villeneuve Way site in Eastleigh with Chris McLuckie named Technician of the Year, Graham Biggerstaff Aftersales Colleague of the Year, and Steve Davie Aftersales Manager of the Year. The awards also recognise those in support roles with Lucy Beardsley named Support Function Colleague of the Year and Oliver Halstead Support Function Manager of the Year. The final award was for the Hendy Hero 2023 which was awarded to Andy Yates for his running endeavours which included taking part in the 90km Comrades Marathon in South Africa. Andy completed this for the second time in 2023, raising vital funds for Hendy Foundation.

Leicestershire CCC has relaunched its flagship partnership with The Lionheart Educational Trust, opening the Club’s doors to more than 12,000 school students across the county. First established in 2022, the unique partnership will provide an unparalleled insight into the world of professional cricket for the Trust’s family of 14 schools, demonstrating how the sports industry covers far more than being an athlete. Each student will be rewarded with the opportunity to redeem a FREE bespoke Club Membership, granting access to all seven home County Championship fixtures, Family Funday during the One Day Cup clash with Glamorgan, and a dedicated Lionheart Trust T20 day featuring both Leicestershire Men and Women in a thrilling Friday double-header. The project is also set to see Lionheart’s students play an integral role in the Foxes’ future, with a trust-wide project tasking all 14 schools with designing Leicestershire’s 2025 T20 Blast shirt. The final five designs will be showcased during the Lionheart Trust-themed T20 day, where the power will then be handed over to the Foxes fans to select their favourite creation. Alongside creative and matchday experiences at Uptonsteel County Ground, the multi-faceted partnership will also see Leicestershire’s professional coaches deliver sessions at Martin High throughout the Spring term, with Leicestershire Men’s all-rounders Ben Mike and Tom Scriven, alongside Leicestershire Women’s bowler Aimee Colquhoun, leading January’s launch session. Discussing the partnership, Leicestershire CCC CEO Sean Jarvis said: “Teaming up with Lionheart is a massive game-changer for the Club. I see great initiatives across the country, but it’s amazing to create what we believe to be an industry-leading project at Leicestershire." “Grassroots cricket is incredibly important to us, so it’s brilliant to see our players out in the community helping students fall in love with cricket. Creating this link will grow vital support for both the Club and the game, and hopefully inspire a new generation of Leicestershire supporters.” Neil Lewis, Head of Enterprise at Lionheart Educational Trust, said: “Our partnership with Leicestershire County Cricket Club supports Lionheart's young people to experience all-important holistic opportunities, in addition to their academic studies." “We’re pleased that, as well as the resilience and teamwork skills gained through cricket coaching opportunities, our partnership also goes beyond the game including fantastic matchday experiences and the exclusive opportunity to design the Club's T20 kit for 2025.”

Harlequins have confirmed wing Louis Lynagh will depart the Club at the end of the season to pursue his international aspirations in Italy. The Academy product, who joined Quins at U13 level and since achieved 27 tries in 58 senior appearances, will join URC side Benetton Rugby ahead of the 2024/25 season. Lynagh made his senior debut in 2019 and enjoyed his breakout season in 2020/21, making 11 appearances and scoring six tries. The wing touched down in the Semi-Final against Bristol Bears, before scoring twice in the Final to guide Quins to the Gallagher Premiership title. Harlequins Director of Rugby Billy Millard said: “Louis has been a pleasure to work with and we have been proud to see him develop from our Academy to the first-team squad. He has certainly had some great moments in his short career to date and is a popular figure across the Club." "His 2020/21 season in particular showcased his ability and try-scoring strength. We’re excited to watch his career develop further at Benetton and potentially for Italy. We wish him the very best as he seeks to build his career in Italy.” Speaking ahead of his departure, Lynagh added: “It’s been a difficult decision to leave my boyhood club, but I feel the time is right for a new challenge in Italy. I have loved my time at Quins and made lifelong friends, working with some of the best players, coaches, and staff, and achieving the ultimate Premiership success in 2021. I would like to thank all the Quins fans who have supported me over my career, it’s been amazing to play in front of a packed Stoop every week, and I can’t wait for a massive finish to our season.”

Apprentices working at Yorkshire-based gritter manufacturer Econ Engineering, have urged more young people to follow in their career footsteps as they learn a valuable on-the-job trade.   During National Apprenticeship Week, two young employees at the company’s Ripon-based assembly plant have spoken of the exciting opportunities their roles have provided.   Oliver Merrin and Jacob Condie are in the middle of their specialist apprenticeships with Econ, the UKs leading manufacturer of winter maintenance vehicles, and believe the experience is providing them with the best possible start to their careers.   Family-owned and run since 1969, Econ – which has a workforce of around 240 – has welcomed a continual string of apprentices to their team, learning their trade both on the factory floor and at technical college.   Oliver Merrin, 19, started his apprenticeship back in 2021 as an Apprentice Welder, and is grateful for the opportunity that it has given him and said: “I have been at Econ for two-and-a-half years and a typical day would be making up the frames and welding them. The frames are what the gritters, the hot boxes and the de-icers sit on." “It is a good way to get into a trade and that is what I was looking for. Welding is quite a hands-on thing to do and I thought it would be right up my street… and it was."   “Econ is a very well-structured company, there is a lot you can learn here. Everyone is very welcoming, if you get stuck with anything then you can ask anyone in the factory and they will help you out."   “The key is to not let the college work pile up, so that you have a lot to do before the deadline. Crack on with it straight away so that you do not fall behind."   “My mentor here at Econ, Darren, has been great from the very start and the college itself has plenty of resources for us to use. If anyone is thinking of what they should do after school, then I would definitely suggest an apprenticeship.”   Jacob Condie, 25, who is in the middle of his IT apprenticeship, echoed the thoughts of his colleague: “Typically in a day, I respond to tickets from my colleagues here and essentially looking over the systems to make sure they are running properly. “My manager is really supportive and helps with anything that I might need." “My advice would be for people to look out for all the opportunities that you can get and just go for it. You won’t regret it.”   Econ Engineering Managing Director, Jonathan Lupton, who himself worked his way up from the factory floor as an apprentice before taking over the reins of the family business, said: “From the very earliest days of Econ, we have employed apprentices within the business and we are proud of the fact that so many of them have gone on to work for the business for many years." “After leaving school at 16, I worked my way across many of the various Econ departments as an apprentice, learning from those people who knew their jobs inside out and who could teach me valuable lessons about every aspect of the company."   “It made me the person I am today and if university is not for you, then learning a trade through being an apprentice is certainly something I would advocate.”

Little Hearts Matter, the only charity in the UK & Ireland dedicated to supporting and empowering anyone affected by the diagnosis of a single ventricle heart condition (or half a heart), has announced a major new awareness campaign to promote the life-changing work they undertake every day, as part of its 30th Anniversary in 2024. Based in the Midlands, but working across the UK, Little Hearts Matter’s support often starts at the point of diagnosis, where parents receive the devastating news that their unborn child has an incurable, life-limiting heart condition, and follows them through every step of their half a heart journey. This includes their first heart operation at just a few days old, into life at home and beyond. Since its inception in 1994, Little Hearts Matter has played a crucial role in advocating for awareness, providing resources and offering a supportive community for individuals and families affected by this condition – and this is what they hope the 30th Anniversary awareness campaign will further promote. Newly-appointed CEO, Lisa Davies, comments: “We’re incredibly proud to announce the 30th anniversary of Little Hearts Matter and using this milestone to not only promote our work, but also tell the stories of some of our most incredible members.” She continues: “When the charity first launched in the nineties, the diagnosis of a single ventricle heart condition was a bleak one. Since then, technology and knowledge of the condition has progressed immeasurably and whilst diagnosis today still signals an exceedingly difficult path ahead, there is support and hope. And it this hope we want to share through our stories.” Two such stories are Hannah Palmer and Jordan Parnell, who both live with the single ventricle heart condition – more commonly known as ‘half a heart’ – and, against the odds, will also turn thirty this year – a feat never thought possible when the charity first launched. Hannah is currently studying towards a Forensic Psychology degree and is also one of the Trustees at Little Hearts Matter. Diagnosed with an incredibly rare form of the condition, she was born without her right ventricle (it’s more common for those affected to be born without their left ventricle) and her parents were originally told that it was unlikely Hannah would live past the age of fifteen. Now on the cusp of celebrating double that age and turning thirty later this year, Hannah, who is based in Newport, Wales, is incredibly grateful for the role Little Hearts Matter has played throughout her life – both for her and her family. “Although my parents were aware of LHM when I was first diagnosed, it wasn’t until I had my Fontan surgery when I was nine, that we properly connected with the charity and I’ve never looked back.” She adds: “To finally meet people who were like me and going through the same challenges at the same age, was amazing. We’ve supported each other through our teenage years and moving into adulthood, sending messages when people have been in hospital and providing a shoulder to cry on when needed. It’s just really nice to know we’re not on our own." “I honestly wouldn’t be who I am today without Little Hearts Matter. The charity, and the people I’ve met through them, have changed my life.” Jordan is Managing Director at CV Technical in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at birth. “Little Hearts Matter has been there for me and my family throughout my entire life. It had obviously just started when I was born, but was a hugely invaluable source of support from the moment of my diagnosis and continues to be today. So much so, that CV Technical has nominated them as our main charity beneficiary for 2024.” To find out more about Little Hearts Matter and the work they do, please visit here .

A family-run business based in Lanarkshire has successfully expanded its services to offer the latest drone technology across the UK after its owners accessed support from Business Gateway. Horizon Drone Surveying Ltd provides state-of-the-art drone surveying services using the latest technology to deliver high-resolution images and data in the most challenging of environments, including land, sea, and in the air. Horizon Drone Surveying’s team includes certified pilots who use equipment and techniques to provide a wide range of drone surveying services, including aerial photography, thermal imaging, topographic mapping, and site surveying. The business, launched in April 2023, was founded by John and Robert Garvie, who were on a mission to use technology to deliver precision and accuracy in surveying while ensuring safety and efficiency. With John and Robert both coming from a background in health and safety, they felt strongly about providing a quality surveying service that was safety focused and approached Business Gateway for support to elevate their start up. The pair were introduced to a business adviser, Debbie Dawkins, who has provided them with ongoing one-to-one support, which included help with developing a business plan, and advice on maintaining cashflow. John and Robert also attended workshops, including trading online and Wordpress for beginners, which allowed them to pick up the skills required to develop a website. Through Business Gateway, John and Robert were signposted to funding, and secured £1,000 from the South Lanarkshire Business Start-up Grant, as well as £1,000 from South Lanarkshire Council’s Micro Business Support Grant. This funding was critical to purchase the equipment required, as well as a subscription service for drone mapping software. Thanks to the support, and the grants received, John and Robert have been able to begin trading properly, and have successfully grown their business to offer a range of surveying services. Looking ahead to the future, with an overarching goal of promoting their business to a wider audience, John and Robert will receive fully-funded consultancy support from a marketing expert which will help with SEO and advertising. John Garvie, Horizon Drone Surveying Ltd, said, “The support from Business Gateway in the background has been invaluable. Our adviser is always on the end of the phone for advice, a chat or to direct us to other resources to continue our grow as business owners and operators. With Business Gateway’s continued support, I’m confident we can continue to grow into a sustainable business and contribute to our local communities.” Debbie Dawkins, Business Gateway adviser, said: “We have been able to support Horizon Drone Surveying Ltd with a range of Business Gateway’s start-up services, which have helped John and Robert get their feet off the ground. It has been fantastic to watch the business expand and develop this year, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow in the future.”

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Surrey’s History Centre in Woking. Whilst there, The Duchess toured the Centre’s extensive heritage services and met the staff and volunteers. The Duchess was shown treasures from the Centre’s collections, including a signed letter by Lady Jane Grey, a Tudor swan roll, photographs and papers relating to the Surrey regiments on the Western Front, early Surrey maps and a rare 18th century handwritten Qur’an. On a behind the scenes tour, The Duchess of Edinburgh was shown how the collections are stored, conserved and protected for future generations and how members of the public are using the collections today. She spoke to search room users, volunteers and staff members who told of the current projects they are working on. Surrey County Archaeological Unit staff explained their work at Ankerwycke Priory and West Horsley Place alongside their mounted display of archaeological finds from recent excavations at these sites. The Duchess met with local volunteers who work on community archaeology projects. Mike Page, County Archivist, thanked her Royal Highness for visiting to learn more about the amazing range of innovative work delivered by Surrey Heritage Centre with the help of its expert staff, volunteers and strong local partnerships. Councillor Saj Hussain said, “It was an honour to meet Her Royal Highness today on her visit and to discover more myself about some of the most fascinating records held here." "The centre welcomes everyone who wishes to find out more about Surrey’s heritage, if you haven’t visited yet then do see the website for opening times and all the great services they offer.”

Regent Home, a two bedroomed house, is the latest to receive the top rating by the regulator, highlighting the ‘exceptional care and nurture’ that children receive. The home provides care for up to two children who may have social or emotional difficulties. Two other Wakefield Council run children’s homes – Cottam Croft Home and The Croft - were rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in October following their assessments. All three homes are based in the Pontefract area. Councillor Margaret Isherwood, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Wakefield Council, said: “We are very proud to have received our third outstanding rating in recent months. This is testament to the dedication of all those who work with and support our children and young people." “We want to provide the best possible care to help our young people thrive, and this is great recognition that we are delivering high quality and effective support. But we’re not complacent, and continually strive to continue to improve. Our ambition is that when our other three homes are next assessed they will also achieve top ratings – our children deserve the best.” Regent Home, a two-bedded home was rated as: • Overall experiences and progress of children and young people – outstanding • How well children and young people are helped and protected - outstanding • The effectiveness of leaders and managers - outstanding The Ofsted report said: “Children have wonderful experiences living at this home. They receive exceptional care and nurture from staff who are compassionate and enthusiastic. Children are making and sustaining fantastic progress in all areas of their development." “Children living in this home develop a strong sense of safety and security. Routines and boundaries are well established and the quality of relationships between staff and children is excellent. One child said, ‘If you were a child, you would never want to leave’.” At Cottam Croft Home, Ofsted recognised the high quality of care being delivered. It found that: “Children living at this home experience the very best of care from staff who are dedicated and want to make a difference for children." The home provides care for up to two children who experience social and, or emotional difficulties. The home was rated as: • Overall experiences and progress of children and young people - outstanding • How well children and young people are helped and protected - outstanding • The effectiveness of leaders and managers - good Ofsted also said: “Children are making excellent progress in all areas of their lives. They develop strong bonds with staff who take time to get to know the children and understand what they need. One child described how staff never gave up on them. They feel that staff will always be there for them and because of this they feel more confident. Another child described staff as ‘nice’ and said that they trust them.”

An entrepreneur who walked away from a successful career in 2018, is celebrating his gin distillery achieving the Tripadvisor “Traveller’s Choice Award” which puts it in the top 10% of businesses listed in the world based on reviews. Warwickshire Gin Company’s tasting experiences have also shot to the envied top spot of Best Things To Do In Leamington Spa thanks to 80 five-star reviews from visitors. It marks a proud milestone for founder David Blick who established the distillery at Victoria Business Centre in 2018 after 28 years working in retail and logistics. He admits: “I didn’t know the first thing about making gin when the idea to start a distillery first came to me whilst on holiday in Tenby. I got talking to the owner of Tenby Gin who has a shop there and asked him how he made it. He told me he used a third-party distiller – and that’s when the penny dropped. We had a steep learning curve but learned from a multi-award-winning distiller.” Fast forward six years and David boasts a clutch of awards for his own gin and rum collection, born from ‘a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to fully represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the range of hand-crafted flavours to life.’ These include Leamington on Parade, inspired by the true story of circus elephant trainer Sam Lockhart in the 1880s; The Kingmaker – named after Richard Neville 16th Earl of Warwick and Peeping Tom – inspired by the legend of Coventry’s Lady Godiva. David said: “We have done it – the No1 Thing to do in Leamington Spa on Trip Advisor. I’m over the moon that all the hard work my team have put into our various experiences has paid off." "We now have many customers visiting Warwickshire and Leamington in particular who can see the reviews and book up ahead of their visit, confident they will have a great time." “Visitor numbers sky-rocketed last year to over 2,100 from 910 in 2022, we have already seen very strong bookings for 2024 and had to add more experience capacity to satisfy demand. In 2024 we are expecting over 3,000 visitors to our small craft distillery.” Gin Tasting Experiences now take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Afternoon G&Tea on Saturdays and Sundays and Cocktails at the Distillery on Friday nights. Due to demand, David is also adding another Cocktails at the distillery session in July on a Saturday night. He added: “Being in the Old Town area of Leamington is a handy short walk from the train station and also close to all the great bars and restaurants the town has to offer. Many decide to stay overnight or make a weekend of it.” Gift vouchers for the experiences are also selling well, especially ahead of Valentine’s Day, when there is a Gin Tasting.

Azets, the top ten Northern European advisory, compliance, and outsourcing group, announces the appointment of Melanie Richards CBE as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Melanie will work with Group Chief Executive Officer Chris Horne and the senior leadership team in delivering the company’s next phase of growth. Melanie brings large-scale general management, board, and advisory expertise, with over 40 years of corporate finance and capital markets experience. Melanie was Deputy Chair of KPMG UK, with a focus on a broad set of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) topics including risk and reputation, culture and diversity and inclusion. Melanie is a Non-executive Director of Morgan Stanley International. and HKA, a member of the boards of the Royal National Theatre and Invictus Games Foundation, and Chair of The Eve Appeal. She sits on the UK Government Skills and Curriculum Unit Leadership Advisory Board and is an Advisory Partner of Manchester Square Partners. Azets was formed in 2017 by Hg, a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses. The Group has grown significantly to become one of the largest tech-enabled providers of accounting, tax, payroll, audit and advisory services to ambitious mid-market, entrepreneurial, owner-managed, and family-owned businesses globally. In June 2023, private equity firm PAI Partners joined the business as a co-controlling investor alongside Hg, with the Group announcing ambitious plans to continue its growth strategy. Chris Horne, Group Chief Executive Officer at Azets, commented: “We are delighted to announce that Melanie has been appointed Chair of Azets Group. Melanie’s experience as a Chair, board member, and senior executive leading companies with their growth ambitions will help deliver our five-year Pathway strategy." “Melanie joins Azets at an important stage of our development, as we continue to focus on investing in our colleagues and supporting the changing needs of our clients in each of the markets we serve. “Melanie is an influential leader in diversity and inclusion and ESG, and I know our values are closely aligned both operationally and in these important areas. On behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone at Azets Group, we welcome Melanie and look forward to achieving great things together.” Melanie was awarded a CBE in 2019 for her contribution to business and to the diversity and inclusion agenda. She is a founding member of the 30% Club Steering Committee, sits on the Steering Group of the FTSE Women Leaders Review and won the Outstanding Contribution to Social Mobility Award in 2018. Melanie is an Honorary Member of the ICAEW and has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business and Administration from Oxford Brookes University. Melanie Richards CBE, Chair of Azets Group, said: “I’m pleased to be joining a successful and fast-growing business as we embark on its next growth phase. I’m very much looking forward to working with Chris and the executive team to achieve our ambitions. Azets is a purpose-driven business and I am energised by the opportunity to establish the Group’s leading market position and strong platform for future growth.” Melanie replaces Gordon Hurst, who stepped down as Chairman of Azets in December 2023 after three successful years with the Group. Chris Horne added: “I want to thank Gordon for his exceptional leadership since 2020. Gordon helped guide Azets through a transformational phase, during which we built the foundations for long-term success, at a time when we all faced significant challenges related to the global pandemic. We wish Gordon well in all his future endeavours.”

Apprenticeships are crucial in encouraging people from a diverse range of backgrounds to enter the creative industry and help to combat misconceptions about the best path to a successful career, according to Amalia White, an Account Executive at Stockport-based creative agency IPOS. To mark National Apprenticeship Week (5th-11th February), Amalia - who joined IPOS through an apprenticeship in project management before transitioning to account management - is sharing her top tips for others considering the same route. Amalia says: “Awareness weeks like National Apprenticeship Week are crucial. They provide a platform for individuals to inspire others and share their creations and achievements. For me, it was a fantastic opportunity to get a foot in the door at a leading creative agency and work with global brands. As a result, I’ve gained an insight into a fascinating industry and received valuable experience that led to my appointment as Account Executive, where I can work on projects with the likes of Birkenstock, New Balance, Under Armour and UGG." “Choosing an apprenticeship is also a statement about the importance of a diverse range of educational pathways. While university can be a great option for some, practical, on-the-job training is equally - if not more - valuable. By pursuing an apprenticeship, you can not only develop career skills, but also challenge the notion that university is the sole path to success.” Amalia’s top tips for people considering an apprenticeship include: 1. Embrace The Learning Curve : Understand that entering an apprenticeship with little to no experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the learning curve, be open to new challenges, and view every task as a chance to acquire valuable skills. Through my apprenticeship in project management, I got to work with people across all parts of IPOS, learning about roles I never knew existed and I saw first-hand how these all come together to deliver results for clients. 2. Cultivate Curiosity : Cultivate a sense of proactive curiosity. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek clarification, and express genuine interest in the work you're doing. This not only demonstrates your eagerness to learn but also fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment. IPOS is particularly keen on encouraging this kind of atmosphere and is recognised by the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter for its vision to be one of the region’s most rewarding creative agencies. 3. Build A Diverse Skill Set : An apprenticeship is a unique chance to explore various aspects of your chosen field. Take advantage of this by actively seeking out diverse tasks and projects. Building a broad skill set not only makes you a more versatile professional but also opens up more opportunities down the line. I was fortunate that my apprenticeship in Project Management at IPOS meant I dealt with people across every department, covering key areas such as strategy development and idea generation, giving me a broad range of skills. 4. Networking Matters : Forge connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. Networking is a powerful tool that goes beyond the immediate workplace. Attend industry events, engage in online forums, and build relationships that can provide guidance, support, and potential career opportunities. 5. Show Initiative : Initiative is highly valued in any work setting. Take the initiative to tackle tasks without always waiting for instruction or a brief - just identify the problem and try to fix it. Volunteer for projects, propose ideas, and demonstrate your willingness to go the extra mile. This proactive approach not only sets you apart but also accelerates your learning and growth. 6. Embrace Feedback : Constructive feedback is a valuable resource for improvement. Embrace feedback with an open mind, see it as an opportunity to refine your skills, and use it to shape your professional development. This willingness to learn and adapt is a hallmark of a successful apprenticeship experience. 7. Set sShort-Term Goals : Whatever training or development programme you’re on, break it down into manageable short-term goals. Whether it's mastering a specific skill, completing a project independently, or expanding your professional network, setting achievable milestones provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated. 8. Maintain A Positive Mindset : Starting with no experience can be challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. Try to extend this to positive body language too; engage, be interested, give good eye contact and do your best to create a positive impact. A positive attitude not only benefits your personal wellbeing but also contributes to a positive work environment.

Harlequins can confirm that Defence Coach Jerry Flannery will depart the Club in February to take up a coaching role with the South African national team. Flannery will depart for the Springboks following the high-profile friendly match at The Stoop on Friday 23 February as Harlequins take on his former side Munster Rugby. Flannery, who joined the Club in 2020 has been a key part of the coaching team that won the Gallagher Premiership title in 2021 and now stand second in the Premiership. Harlequins Director of Rugby Billy Millard said: “We will be sorry to see Jerry go as he is a big character and can be very proud of his achievements at Harlequins. We wish him well as he moves into international rugby and continues to develop his career. He will always be welcome at The Stoop." "For the rest of this season we have a very strong group of coaches and are very fortunate to have Assistant Defence Coach Jordan Turner-Hall with us, and the resources and structure to achieve our goals." Flannery added: “I have loved my time at Harlequins working alongside a talented young group of coaches and players. The opportunity to move into international rugby and to work alongside Rassie Erasmus again after our time at Munster was very appealing and I would like to thank Harlequins for supporting my desire to take up this opportunity to develop my career. I look forward to the next few weeks with Harlequins and a final home match at a sold-out Stoop in February."