August 2007

 

The Waiting Game

 

Finally the sun has decided to come out and we're having a summer.  For many people, this is also a time of clean up after the awful floods and my thoughts are with those of you who have been affected.  I'm lucky to have escaped it but I know plenty of people that have been caught up in the devastation and its aftermath.

 

My lesson this month is one of patience.  For many months I've been keeping in contact with my old boss about some possible work and at the end of July was asked to tender for a big contract.  I joined forces with my friend and fellow coach, Carol Whitaker and together we worked up a proposal to a tight deadline. I've written before about how I've enjoyed collaborating with others and this has been real partnership working.

 

We spent time deciding what we wanted to say. We sought the help of my friend Audrey, who has great project management skills and is used to writing and evaluating tenders.  She helped to structure and then comment on our proposal and we then had it 'sanity checked' by other people we trust (but who know relatively little about our business).  It was a fascinating process seeing the final document take shape.

 

Now we're waiting for a decision. However, the organisation's original timetable has slipped by up to a fortnight.  It's been hard settling down to all the other things on my 'to do' list, but I know whatever the outcome that the journey has been a great learning experience.  I feel more confident about tendering for other business and proactively selling my services back in the corporate world.

 

In the meantime, I've been busy developing my networking relationships with several meetings over coffee and lunch.  It's been great to be somewhere other than in front of my computer.

 

Ladies that Lunch is taking a break in August when many of you are also on holiday.  However, we'll be back in September (25th) when our speaker will be Helen Guinness, who along with running Four by 4 Consultancy is Chair of the UK Board of Trustees of international charity, The Hunger Project.  Come along and be inspired by the work of this organisation. Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you at the next meeting.

 

Lesley Reader

Managing Director LTL and Emerging Potential

www.lesleyreader.co.uk 

 

Revenue help for recent flooding

LTL member David Rickwood from Shaw Gibbs LLP has passed this information on for anyone affected by the recent flooding.

The Government is responding to calls for direct help to those most affected by the floods. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, has announced that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will bring forward legislation waive interest and surcharges on tax paid late due to the floods.

Where businesses are affected by the flooding, they are asked to get in touch with HMRC who will be able to offer practical help.

HMRC will be able to:

  • defer collection of taxes and duties, or agree instalment arrangements where customers are unable to pay as a result of severe hardship;
  • waive interest, surcharges and penalties for the period during which collection of tax or duty is deferred;
  • introduce practical arrangements where individuals and businesses have lost records in the flooding;
  • suspend debt collection proceedings;
  • defer compliance checks and investigations.

HMRC will not charge penalties where they are satisfied that customers have missed deadlines as a result of the flooding.

Businesses having difficulty paying their taxes or duties, or sending in tax returns or other information as a result of the flooding should contact HMRC as soon as possible.


Women Focused Non-Executive Seminar

Wednesday 5th September in London

from 4pm-7:30pm

Have you considered becoming a Non-Executive Director and using your skills and experience to benefit other organisations? This seminar will discuss the issues relevant to women becoming Non-Executive Directors. It provides a unique opportunity to hear from and meet key players in the non-executive area. The topics being covered include:

  • View from a non-executive, Rita Clifton from Interbrand
  • What recruiters look for in a non-executive, Charlotte Boyle from Zygos Partnership
  • Women in the Wide World, Julia Middleton from Common Purpose

The cost, which includes drinks and canapes is £55+VAT. For more information visit:  www.non-execs.com or contact on 0845 458 9850.

Events

CALENDAR

Click on the title for further information and to book your place

Tue 25 September

Helen Guinness, The Hunger Project

Ending world hunger through leadership development and empowering communities

Tue 23 October

Michelle Hemstedt, Shattered Magazine

New Members

A Warm Welcome To new/renewing members:

David Rickwood

Shaw Gibbs LLP

 

Sue Rees

Sue Rees Associates

 

Nicky Gough

Johnson & Gaunt

 
Comment

NatWest everywoman Awards

Nominations close 31st August

 

There's still time to get in your nominations for the 2007 NatWest everywoman Awards.

Do you know someone who deserves their achievements applauded? It can be you or someone else.

Every year politicians, media, captains of industry, and female entrepreneurs gather to honour outstanding women in business at the NatWest everywoman Awards. This year 300 are set to attend, giving finalists public recognition on a national scale.

It could be you, it could be someone you know; but anyone you nominate should have a certain strength; a determination; and a pioneering spirit that has seen them make a truly inspirational mark as a woman in business.

To download a nomination form, or for more information, visit http://www.everywoman.co.uk/everywomanAwards/  

 

SUE RYDER CARE
First Women of Achievement Awards

This new awards scheme is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the successes of women from across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire – the three counties supported by Sue Ryder Care – Nettlebed Hospice.

The awards will recognise women who stand out as pioneers, show personal dedication and are an inspiration to others. All awards will be presented at a prestigious evening ceremony on 22 November at Phyllis Court, Henley. Money will be raised through voluntary donations with nominations, ticket sales for the event and other activities on the night. The aim is to raise over £25,000 for their specialist palliative care service.

Inspirational women can be nominated under the following categories: Care/Community, Arts, Recreation and Education/Enterprise. For nomination forms or for tickets, please telephone Anna on 01491 641263 or email: anna.spencer@suerydercare.org


Change of Contact Details

LTL member Michelle Stephens has moved up in the world and is now Director of Sales and Marketing for Blenheim Hospitality at Blenheim Palace.  We wish you all the best in your new role, Michelle.  Her new details are: michelle.stephens@sodexho-uk.com , Direct phone: 01993 810 511 and mobile 07949 030432.

 

 

Do you have some news or comment you want to share with our readers? Please email lesley@lesleyreader.co.uk with up to 150 words.

 

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