We need an open and honest debate about the evolution of Loughborough town centre and high streets across the UK., based on the current world, facts and not some nostalgia and lack of understanding of the role of the Council, and private investors.

I have never really had a traditional career or followed many of the rules I about traditional career progression. My pathway might not work for many people but I have enjoyed taking this different path.

Traditional career planning focuses on setting firm goals and following a set path. However, today's work environment changes rapidly anyway - so this makes a flexible approach more valuable for the next generation.

Local Government Reorganisation in Leicestershire: What It Means for Businesses

Leicestershire is undergoing significant changes to its local government structure following the English Devolution White Paper published on December 16, 2024. This reorganisation will impact how public services are delivered and how businesses operate within the region.

I have long been a supporter of greater devolution in the UK, I supported Labour Party policy in the 90s driven by John Prescott for Regional Assemblies. The UK is one of the most centralised economic and democratic countries in the world and it is not a good thing!

Over the years, I've written extensively about the concept of busyness—both from a personal perspective and its broader implications for society.

One of my main goals upon retirement was to reduce my busyness, and to a large extent, I have succeeded. However, I still find myself engaged in numerous activities, leading me to wonder if this is an intrinsic part of my nature. Interestingly, I also have a tendency towards laziness and self-absorption.

It seems that my tendency to stay busy is a complex interplay of my personality and the societal pressures to be involved in 'meaningful' activities.

Here I explore the concept in more depth

An important week for our regional economy, and it was god timing to share a few thoughts from my 30 years of economic regeneration journey at the Midlands Engine event in Nottingham.

I really welcome the launch of the Midlands Growth Story—an interactive tool for partners, policymakers, and investors. The Growth Story combines data, analysis, and impact stories to showcase the region’s strengths and opportunities.

My interest in measuring what truly matters in life is not new. From Aristotle to JFK's famous 1968 speech on the limitations of GDP in reflecting well-being, the quest to measure happiness has long eluded policymakers.

Personally, I have been on a journey to find purpose and happiness, knowing that true contentment can only be achieved when it is shared across society.

Last week in Copenhagen, I had the opportunity to visit The Happiness Research Institute Museum. This visit was particularly meaningful as I've been following their agenda for years and have been applying their insights to my work and those around me. My passion for physical activity policy is deeply rooted in this broader measure of well-being.

Just back from a welcome break after a hectic start to 2024. As I head to my 60th Birthday (I am still only 59.5) I am taking time to stop and reflect again on my progress towards my ‘retirement’ plans. I need to make better progress this year!

So I spent the last couple of weeks taking some family and friends away who share a similar outlook on life and the definition of success. Ironically neither of them are on Linkedin. Obviously. Each of us have tried to take a path of a balanced and purposeful life avoiding the pursuit of accumulating stuff for its own sake. The others are much better at this than I am, but I am learning from them.

I have learned that people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Anglou

My mind works at 100% trying to link multiple agendas and getting involved in too many things. I always 8-9 books ‘on the go’ and multiple tabs open on my computer.

It is Saturday morning and after 3 hours of DiY I feel the need to write and share my thoughts. Most of my thoughts are not original but I think I can help some groups I work with understand each other better.

This is what I need to get out of my haed and onto my screen today

Whether it’s for a class presentation in school or a speech at a wedding, public speaking can be nerve-racking. You can overcome a fear of public speaking, though, with a few helpful tips and a lot of practice.

Whilst I am not the greatest public speaker - I am no Obama or Mandela, but I have created my own style and confidence to carry speak in public events over the last 30 years.

Stop. Rest. Pace

I am a long time advocate for maintaining levels of activity so when I say you should follow these guidelines I mean it. Too many sports people and fitness experts on social media and elsewhere love this idea that you can always ‘push on/ through’ You CAN’T. I have seen the consequences of ignoring your body and that’s why we fought so hard against the previous NICE guidelines and want people to understand the importance of PACE

Most importantly, people who experience post-exertional malaise or PEM — worsened symptoms after physical and cognitive exertion — should be advised to rest and pace their activity. 

Unfortunately, many people with Long COVID are being encouraged to exercise and get back to work.