Executive and Personal Assistants Association’s Post

Today, FBUK are launching an important campaign; #BackFamilyBusinesses. It is a calling card for anyone, be they policymakers, business leaders, business advisers, consumers, friends or loved ones to back family businesses. Please #getinvolved and support family business. Across the country, family businesses hold the key to unlocking the Government’s agenda for growth and skills. FBUK is ready to support them and work with them to achieve this. In a new report; Planning for the Long Term, we make a clear case for retaining the crucial policies of Business Relief (BPR) and Gift Holdover Relief, and the potential costs of scrapping them. We need government to Back Family Businesses and we need you to Back Family Businesses. Help us spread the word and take a look at why we're proud to Back Family Businesses ⤵ ◆ Download the Report ➡ https://bit.ly/4cVAOEc ◆ Take a look at our campaign page ➡ http://bit.ly/3Yf2cZn ◆ Sign up to receive our Magazine ➡ https://bit.ly/FBUKMag ◆ Tag Family Business UK in social posts you share, supporting the campaign. If you’d like to share your story with us, or if you’d like to know more about how Family Business UK can support you and your business, please get in touch with the team at info@familybusinessuk.org #FamilyBusiness #FamilyFirm #FamilyEnterprise

Recently I have seen a lot of people "let go" or made redundant. I know that sometimes this is a necessary evil for balancing losses. (In rare occasions, sacking is justified, I had to do it once). For me it was always the hardest part of being a Managing Director. Some around me called it a weakness. Early in my career I had a great boss who made me a 'manager' and I decided I should let someone go for many (I felt) good reasons. But he asked me to pause, look under every stone to make it work first. He also asked me to consider the guys personal situation and asked if I had noticed that he had been dropped off every day by his parents who will be desperate for him to succeed. He put the responsibility back on me. That stayed with me for all my working life. Saying "Its not personal" is a weak cop out. It is 100% absolutely personal. I remember signing mortgage papers for staff and that would keep me awake at night to think my decisions leading to success or failure could determine that mortgage being paid or not and I know what its like to fall into bad debt. I have lost my home. Its demoralising and embarrassing. That's on the back of work. Perhaps health, industry trend or being ripped off, lied to, deceived, broken promises or simply losing your job. Of course its personal, it has to be right? On LinkedIn, I've seen a rise in companies talking about Mental Health. This is terrific because too many people cant cope and have taken their own lives. I know someone who did. However, I wonder if some organisations are using this very serious topic for positive PR and image. Much like Greenwashing to make the company seem like its serious and cares about wellbeing, but in actual fact, the reality is its board and management are treating people badly and silencing desperate people with money/NDA's to protect and maintain their image. If organisations really were bothered they would demonstrate it and wouldn't need to run marketing campaigns on the topic because people would talk and share the open and great experience. I think about some football clubs the same. Most run amazing community departments and charity foundations that do incredible work for people struggling. However, fail to really care about the staff within its own club and most importantly, child welfare in the academy. Its business right? We all know the reality. Companies are not a charity. They make money or they fail and everyone loses their job. So sometimes their are tough decisions. The same in football. Players at all levels have to be let get go. But its never easy and there is a 'way' to do it. If your in management, if your responsible for people and you cant see this, or this comes very easy to you, then that's quite sad, you shouldn't be in management and you certainly should never ever be taking part in mental health and wellbeing campaigns. Stop hash-tagging about it, and demonstrate it. https://lnkd.in/eKCsSeYZ #stopthehashtags

"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." ----- President John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961 Several of my family members and close friends have asked me if I am going back to Washington, D.C. … Before I answer that, I want to remind you that this kind of decision is a deeply personal one and should be a family decision (not an individual decision). Let’s explore why one would consider serving in our government at any time: Many people feel a strong sense of civic duty and see government service as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. If someone is passionate about addressing national security, social issues, improving systems, and making life better for citizens, government service can be fulfilling and impactful. If a person’s skills, experience, and goals align with the needs of a government role, they may find it a fitting opportunity to create positive change. Public sector positions often allow individuals to directly address issues they’re passionate about, from national security to healthcare to justice to education, etc. Serving in government can be demanding, requiring personal sacrifices in terms of time, privacy, and occasionally financial stability. It’s essential to consider whether one’s personal life, family life, and resources can accommodate these demands. Government positions can offer unique leverage to make large-scale positive changes. In the end, if someone feels called to serve, has carefully weighed these and other factors of their own, and is committed to doing so with integrity, it can be a highly rewarding path with the potential to positively influence many lives. This photograph was taken well over four (4) years ago… I love this photo, more than any other reason, because you can see how proud my dear Mom is. She is beaming! How often does your Mom get to hold the bible that your left hand rests on while you raise your right hand and recite the Oath of Office during your swearing in? Admiral Slavonic, it was a distinct honor to serve our country as your Chief of Staff when you served as the Under Secretary of the Navy. Thank you again, sir. So, what is the answer to the question whether or not I am going back to Washington, D.C.? When you get “the call,” that call is indistinguishable from any other phone call in your life. Simple answer: I have not received that call. Like everything else in my life, this is in God’s hands. I have deep faith that I will continue to do what I am supposed to do, as a small part of God’s plan, no matter what I am doing and no matter where I am doing. Amen. V/r, LTK P.S. Some people also asked me about my threads… LOL. Haha. (redundant laughter reference for multi-generational appeal…).   Suit:  Peter Millar.  Tie:  The Army and Navy Club bow tie by Brooks Brothers.  Shirt:  French cuffs by Brooks Brothers.  Shoes:  Wingtips by Allen Edmonds. PC: Alex Kubitza

During Dying Matters Awareness Week by Hospice UK, we're reminded of the importance of planning for life's uncertainties. Estate planning isn't just about money—it's about ensuring your loved ones are cared for. We have a proven 6 stage process to make sure that every aspect of your financial house is in order. We think it's really important to have conversations with your loved ones about dying, sharing what your wishes would be at the end of your life and for them to be confident they're doing their best for you. Visit Dying Matters for some ideas and resources on how to get the conversation started. We've also written a blog on the topic, which you'll find a thought provoking read: https://lnkd.in/eQDAKktV If you would like to make sure your affairs are in order, we offer a free 30 minute consultation. Call 01509 610472 or visit www.chestertonhouse.co.uk to arrange yours. #DyingMattersWeek #FinancialPlanning #EstatePlanning

During Dying Matters Awareness Week by Hospice UK, we're reminded of the importance of planning for life's uncertainties. Estate planning isn't just about money—it's about ensuring your loved ones are cared for. We have a proven 6 stage process to make sure that every aspect of your financial house is in order. We think it's really important to have conversations with your loved ones about dying, sharing what your wishes would be at the end of your life and for them to be confident they're doing their best for you. Visit Dying Matters for some ideas and resources on how to get the conversation started. We've also written a blog on the topic, which you'll find a thought provoking read: https://lnkd.in/eQDAKktV If you would like to make sure your affairs are in order, we offer a free 30 minute consultation. Call 01509 635467 or visit www.woodgatefp.co.uk to arrange yours. #DyingMattersWeek #FinancialPlanning #EstatePlanning

💖 Worried about securing a future for your loved one with special needs? A trust can provide the peace of mind you need. Planning for a loved one with special needs can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. 🌟 A special needs trust is a powerful tool to ensure your loved one is financially secure without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. 🏦 It allows you to set aside assets that will be managed and used for your loved one’s needs throughout their lifetime. 🛡️ This type of trust is specifically designed to cover expenses not met by public assistance, like education, therapy, and personal care. 📚 By establishing a trust, you can protect your loved one’s future and provide for them in a way that maintains their dignity and quality of life. 💖 Let’s create a plan that meets your family’s unique needs! 📩 We are offering a free consultation to the first 25 people. #SpecialNeedsPlanning #TrustFund #FinancialSecurity #FamilyFirst #PeaceOfMind #EstatePlanning

RIC was born from observations and conversations. Every solution is tailored to your community’s individual needs and abilities. We work to understand the individual needs of your community while weaving in the bigger picture solutions: helping governments prepare, respond and recover. We’re not here to tell you what to do. Our process begins with listening. Understanding the cultural and logistical nuances that vary from community to community is at the core of helping you succeed. Every situation is different, and so is every community. RIC provides well-thought-out solutions that are tailored to fit your community’s needs. No matter the sector (public or private), size, and needs of your government or organization, RIC can help. #emergencypreparedness #emergencyresponse #disasterrecovery #emergencymanagement

Are you a MC (Management Committee) member of an Apartment Complex? Know your Liabilities & Risks, understand the tools needed to hit sixers to all bouncers your residents throw at you! If you know anyone who is a Management Committee member of an Apartment complex, share the word with them! This is an extremely important webinar!

Check out the latest blog post from my HayDay Services partner, Amanda Day, Last week Kimberly and I led a workshop for area police chiefs and other command staff. We spent time talking about what grants can and cannot do and how to build a grants team without a grant professional on staff. We spent a lot of time explaining that competitive grant applications do not happen overnight. The most pressing question we received after the presentation was: what should I do when my program isn’t progressing as planned and I still have grant money to spend? To me, the answer is simple, but I realize if you are new to the profession, that is a worrisome issue. We often assume if even the smallest thing goes wrong the funder will suspend or terminate the grant, take our remaining money, and never want to work with our organization again. If you’ve never experienced this feeling before, or you have and still haven’t resolved the issue, let me be the first to tell you this: NO GRANT EVER GOES RIGHT AND YOUR FUNDER HAS SEEN IT ALL BEFORE. Sorry for the shouty ALL CAPS, but I needed you to hear me. Here’s a list of just a few of the issues I’ve had with grant funding before: Read the rest here: https://bit.ly/4awETNg

5 Key Asks of the new National Performance Framework (NPF) for Scotland for me! 1. Community Empowerment and Volunteer Support: NPF should recognise the importance of community action and volunteering but caution against over-reliance on volunteers to fill gaps left by public service cuts. The NPF should ensure that volunteering complements, rather than replaces, essential services. Policies should support volunteers' well-being and sustainability, acknowledging their contributions without shifting the burden of service delivery away from professional, paid roles. 2. Integration of Well-being Metrics: I strongly support the integration of well-being metrics within the NPF. I would advocate for the adoption of the Wellbeing-Adjusted Life Year (WELLBY) as a key measure to quantify the impact of policies on individuals' mental health and overall well-being beyond just GDP. 3. Preventative Spending: The Scottish Government should implement a 1% target for all public spending on preventative measures. Setting a specific target would shift the focus from reactive to proactive policymaking, ensuring resources are allocated to initiatives that create sustainable positive impacts on health, education, and social outcomes. Stuart Mackinnon Sarah Latto Charis Chittick Kirsten Hogg Sarah Boyack