Blog

This week, Paul looks at how to prevent and deal with stress.

With the weather warming up, the days stretching longer into the evenings and the government guidelines relaxing, dinning outside has never been so exciting. Now the ‘Rule of 6’ back in place, gathering in parks and gardens for a picnic or BBQ will be happening earlier in the season than normal so it’s good to be prepared for whatever social events your customers have planned.

The Classic Picnic

There are some things that you just need at a good picnic; a blanket to sit on (or chairs in you’re fancy), that one wasp that won’t leave you alone, and of course all the picky bits you can fit in your baskets. We have all the staples like Coleslaw and sausage rolls, as well as veggie rolls and vegan friendly tapas options. Mash Direct’s new salads are a great addition to any fridge and Higgidy have great vegetarian alternatives across their range. Olives and Antipasti items are also a great thing to offer for those sophisticated alfresco drinks.

Cakes from Buxton Pudding Co. can be sliced and shared amongst friends and GU’s cheesecakes are also perfect for transporting to the park. Encourage your customers to take their dining experience to the next level by adding sweet treats to your picnic selection.

Don’t forget we also have plant-based Yoghurt and Mayonnaise for those who want to make vegan friendly versions of their favourite salads.

Pre-season BBQ

Seeing as we can only entertain and dine outside for the moment and the British weather isn’t always as mild as we would like, firing up the BBQ is great for dual purpose, get some great char on the food and let everyone gather around for a bit of warmth.

Whether you’re cooking classic sausages, corn on the cobs or Halloumi skewers, the secret to hosting a great BBQ is having a great range of condiments available.

Classic Ketchup is a must and most people will appreciate some Hot Sauce, balance that out with Mayo, and a good

This week, Paul talks about his upcoming book, The Fourth Bottom Line, available for pre-order now.

This week, Paul talks about the need to change up our routines.

This week, Paul looks at how recent events have increased the need for us to look at how we treat people in the workplace. 

This week Paul talks about why we should be more worried about climate change.

This week, Paul looks at what trends may continue as the lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The word ‘love’ was rarely used in a business context until recent years. In fact, in some places using the word ‘love’ would have prompted phone calls to HR and potential disciplinary proceedings. Is it OK to love your people, your customers, your suppliers and all those stakeholders who are impacted through your business? Well, of course, my answer is “yes”. 

The English language is lacking when it comes to ‘love’. We have the same word for loving fish and chips as we do for loving our children, our partners and the deeper love coming through compassion for others. The Ancient Greeks had a better handle on love They had four different words for love. The first ‘storge’ was used of a deep affection for children or potentially pets, a nurturing, caring, deep love for those on a different level to us. The word ‘philia’ is used for a friendship type of love – as CS Lewis describes it as side-to-side type of love coming through sharing a common task together. 

‘Eros’ is, of course, better known to us as the third love and the one that western nations seem to be obsessed by, so much so, we seem to have lost the friendship type of love in many ways for fear of it being misinterpreted. True ‘eros’ love is, of course a beautiful thing but so are the other three ‘loves’ include those deep friendships that are so nourishing. Finally, there is ‘agape’ which is the wider sense of love for those who aren’t our children, friends or partners; the altruistic love for those in the world that causes us to act. In previous generations this word was translated as ‘charity’, which for me, doesn’t really convey its meaning properly, but does give a right sense of looking out for others less fortunate than ourselves.

So, apart from family businesses, are these types are love acceptable and necessary in the business setting? Well certainly. Many great friendships are formed at work as we work alongside each other for a common goal. Having other’s backs and sharing burdens with those with whom we work are hallmarks of a successful company. Philia is an important characteristic for bosses who don’t see themselves as superior to those who work for them but carry a sense of being alongside. And businesses must also now carry the fourth altruistic, compassionate love as part of their purpose, as it is no longer acceptable for businesses to not be making a positive difference in the world for those less fortunate than themselves. And this call to action comes through agape.

As Tina Tuner sang, ‘What’s love got to do with it?’ In my view, absolutely everything, so show some love in and through your business this week.

This week, Paul encourages us to live in the moment rather than looking to a false future.