Advancing safety first

Partners in life and business, Steven Mclean and Dr Charlotte Knight combine their expertise to deliver a range of respiratory testing and health and safety, first aid, mental health first aid, safeguarding and fire safety training to businesses across the UK. Here, they discuss the inception of Advanced Safety Group, and why companies and organisations must keep up-to-date with rules and...

How cyber-resilient is your business?

Cyber attacks can strike fear into businesses, big or small, but Net Defence’s approach is not to terrify its customers into buying its bespoke IT, telephony and cyber security solutions. Instead, it is focused on demystifying and simplifying threats and allowing its wide-ranging client base to make informed decisions to become more cyber resilient. Here, Net Defence managing director Debra...

Jeni Smith of NetKnow-Where helps people and organisations network smarter

Networking can secure new business, build relationships and foster collaboration. But the thought of entering a room of strangers fills many people with dread, and most are happy to leave it to the more extroverted among us. But Jeni Smith, who has spent her career attending, hosting and researching networking, is keen to show that by taking a more strategic approach, it can be an effective tool...

Times are a-changing at Blackfriars

Alison Cowie samples the historic Newcastle City Centre restaurant to see what’s new. Blackfriars restaurant in Newcastle is steeped in history dating back to 1239. The main restaurant, with its exposed stonework and stained glass windows, occupies a former friary’s refectory and is believed to be the oldest dining room in the UK. It offers lunch, dinner and afternoon teas overseen by...

Matthew Williams fights to Knock Out Depression

Having experienced depression three times, Matthew Williams knows how difficult it is to think clearly when each day feels like you’re in a 12-round bout with Tyson Fury, getting pummelled mercilessly around the head. But this passionate boxing fan has turned such an analogy into mental health programmes that provide practical support while fighting stigma. Here, he talks to Alison Cowie about...