Community Service with Simon Hughes MP
What is the duty of a representative of a community? How do we resolve situations where interests collide? What is the difference between power and force? What is the common unity that holds a community together?
On this episode we speak with Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat MP who for over 25 years has served the people of the culturally and economically diverse Central London district of N. Southwark and Bermondsey - a typically Labour voting area. Simon has a long standing track record of integrity and effectiveness. Let's see what we can learn which will empower us to be better members of our own global interconnected communities.
Alison Mortlock began experimenting with making showercaps as a creative time-out from raising her two small children. When she discovered the demand for her stylish product she realised the opportunity to regain her identity as a professional women without the guilt of having to leave her children in daycare. Today she heads Dilly Daydream, a rapidly growing business which puts a touch of style into this neglected niche of truly intimate and very regal apparel.
When Kerry Bettinson left University with no idea what she wanted to do, she saw an opportunity in the herd of Alpaca her parents had reared as part of their idyllic country home. Now, at the age of 25, Kerry runs a successful business working with over 15 tonnes of wool each year, employing dozens of women in the UK and Peru and which leads the resurging trend of hand craftmanship, knitting and felting amongst modern youth.
Jean Haines is an acclaimed watercolour painter with a unique approach to her craft. An artist's role is to see beyond the mundane and into the subtle beauty of the world around us. We are all artists of our lives so join us as we explore the mind of an artist and discover the secrets to finding the subtle beauty in your world.
While still in university Daniel Abadi fell in love with the nostalgia of being a tea merchant. Rather than let the dream fade, Daniel made the leap of faith to found Topper's Teas and now sources and sells ethically produced tea of incredible quality. In this episode he invites us to catch a rare glimpse of a business in it's early stages and to learn from his creative solutions to overcome the hurdles...
Bees and honey are such a symbolic organism. Around the world, they work together tirelessly and selflessly to produce sweetness for the good of their colony. Along the way they fertilise crops resulting in 1/3 of the world's food. Tony Maggs invites us to peak into this fascinating world and shares his secret for producing what is without a doubt the best jar of honey I've ever eaten...
FACT: There are some areas of the Pacific were there is more plastic than plankton. Horrified by the implications of this on the health of marine and land creatures alike, Beth Williams quit working as an Ecologist and founded Turtle Bags, which creates inexpensive reusable string bags as an alternative to plastic ones. Hear her story...
Far from his retirement marking the end of his career, Craig Young began making paint boxes on special request for several top artists. He now uses the skills acquired over a lifetime to handcraft a beautiful bespoke product which has an ever growing wainting list. Hear his story about the simplicity of success when all the pieces fit together.
Brompton Bicycles entrepreneur Andrew Ritchie is inventive, interesting and inspiring standing for personal freedom, independence and enjoyment. In this teleseminar we'll hear Andrew's dramatic and inspiring story and discuss private business, health and the social impact of bicycling.
Sandi Rhys-Jones OBE is a passionate advocate for the construction and engineering industry, in particular the role of women therein, and feminine ones at that. With over thirty years experience in strategic marketing and management in the consultancy she co-founded with her husband, she brings a most common sense approach to what we all need to found our own lives on. 
Jonny Gritt, fomer British Army Officer, works with 
Kath Whitworh, runs the award winning Celtic Sheepskin with her husband Nick. The Celtic Sheepskin Co began in the mid 1970's as the original Ugg Co, making Ugg Boots and assorted leather goods. Since then, the company has steadily expanded to become one of the largest suppliers of sheepskin footwear and clothing in the UK and has been trading on-line for over a decade with customers from all around the globe. Celtic Sheepskin is an excellent example of how it is possible to produce excellent products, at reasonable prices, with a clear conscience. 
Nadia Narain, a highly successful international yoga teacher, runs the Pregnancy Teacher Training Programme at Triyoga, London's premier yoga centre. Her expertise in preparing women for pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood has led many to enjoy the changes in their bodies as they get ready for the new role that they are taking on. She encourages people to become strong and build their self-confidence so that they feel secure and calm.
Randolph Hodgson is the owner of the award winning Neal's Yard Dairy, champion of British Farmhouse Cheeses, and one of the pioneers in rejuvenating Borough Market. For almost 30 years Randolph has been at the forefront of changing how we appreciate the way our food is made and sold, and producing a culture of excellence by involving both the customer and the producer. He leads the way with his passion for quality, his dedication to raising the whole calibre of the food chain not only in the taste, but also in our responsibility for our agriculture and countryside, and his outstanding and inclusive approach to retailing.
The Sharing Evolution
Living Divinely
Enlightened Business
Success Without Stress
Organise to Elevate
The Joy of Tea
