Category Archives: training courses

Shoppers Discount Club 2023 Finalist for Mobile & Emerging Technologies Startup Awards

Congratulations to Diane Shawe for becoming one of the 2023 Start Up Awards Finalists for her Shoppers Discount Club Business.

Dudley based startup Shoppers Discount Club has been named a finalist ahead of the Midland Final of the StartUp Awards.

The StartUp Awards has been launched to recognise the booming startup scene across the UK which has accelerated since the 2019 pandemic. Over 800,000 new businesses were founded in the UK since 2021, a 4.3% increase from the year before.

A record number of businesses applied to this year’s StartUp Awards, with 1,100 firms shortlisted across ten UK nations and regions. The contribution of these firms – all of which were started in the last three years – is significant, having created over 5,000 new jobs since they were established and generating annual sales of £584 million.

The Shoppers Discount Club is a using AI Conversational Chatbots and QR codes to help bricks and mortar retailers offer live discounts to shopper via their mobile phones in real time, helping retailers attract more footfall into their businesses founded by Diane Shawe in 2022. The business has been nominated for the Mobile and Emerging Technology StartUp of the Year.

Diane Shawe, founder of Shoppers Discount Club, said: “This is amazing. I have a business on the High Street and the idea came to me when I was trying to think of a way that us the retailers could compete with online discounts and offers in real time to attract more footfall. I focused on a solution using Artificial Intelligence Technology Chatbots and QR codes that could instantly engage passer-by in real time and entice them to claim their instant discount via their mobile phone and would not cost a fortune for retailers to use. Its been working for my business as customers are surprised that they can claim an instant discount on certain treatments. ”

Supported nationally by Starling Bank, British Business Bank, BT, Creative Ideaz, GS1 UK, Jeeves, Join Talent, ScoreApp and The Purposeful Project, the programme will celebrate the achievements of the amazing individuals who have turned an idea into an opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.

The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the StartUp Awards, said:

 

“ Start-up businesses are the lifeblood of any economy, being responsible for new jobs, innovation and in supporting communities in every nation and region across the UK.

All of the finalists this year represent the best of those entrepreneurs who have spotted an opportunity and through their sheer hard work, talent and perseverance, have created an amazing new business that is creating real impact in its sector.”

The StartUp Awards was created in collaboration with the team behind the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, one of the most successful awards programmes in the UK. The StartUp Awards are running for the second year after launching in 2022.

This year’s StartUp Awards finalists can be found online at

https://www.freshbusinessthinking.com/national-startup-awards/finalists/2023-shortlist/the-midlands/mobile-and-emerging-technologies-startup

For more information or to request an interview, please contact Diane at order@shoppersdiscount.club or 07367431859. Office 0203 535 6505 select Shoppers Discount club. Visit https://shoppersdiscount.club

View sample https://more-customers.shoppersdiscount.club

About StartUp Awards

The StartUp Awards is a collaboration between the founders of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards – an established programme nationally receiving thousands applications annually – and the Wales Start-Up Awards, the only regional awards currently celebrating new businesses in the UK.

The StartUp Awards will recognise the achievements of those amazing individuals who have had a great idea, spotted the opportunity and taken the risks to launch a new product or service.

Already established and thriving in Wales, the StartUp Awards is now taking the passion and drive to celebrate new business and extending across the whole of the United Kingdom.

#chatbot #startupawards #shoppersdiscountclub #finalists

Retailers turning to A I technology to combat Recession

As the word recession is on the lips of so many economists and financial institutions, businesses are beginning to explore new and innovative ways to stay afloat. One of the most trending methods used in recent years is artificial intelligence chatbots. These chatbots allow customers to interact with a computer system that can mimic human conversation, providing them with real-time discounts on products and services.

There are many benefits of using AI chatbots for business owners. Some of these include:

1) Increased Sales: Chatbots can help businesses increase their sales and footfall by up to 30%. This is because they provide customers with instant access to discounts on products and services.

2) Greater Customer Engagement: Chatbots keep customers engaged by allowing them to actually talk to a computer system that mimics human conversation. This creates a more personal connection between customer and business owner, which can result in increased loyalty and repeat business.

3) Reduced Costs: The use of chatbots helps reduce costs for businesses by automating routine tasks such as customer service inquiries or sales enquiries. This allows business owners to focus on more important tasks while still providing great customer service.

4) Update offers, run promotions in real time without spending huge sums of investment in paper and ppc adverts

The Launch of the Shoppers Discount Club

After a significant period of closures during lockdown with many customers opting for online retailers to meet their needs, retailers have struggled to incentivise those shoppers back in-store.

Diane Shawe founder of the Shoppers Discount club App was inspired by the use of QR code technology in the hospitality sector, so the company set out to deliver a benefit to retailers using the same technology people had become so accustomed to. Diane was delighted to bring her background in technology and retail together to be able to offer retailers something which will truly make a difference and provide the much needed solution stores need to increase footfall again.”

The app provides bespoke, QR codes and POS material for shoppers to display intheir store fronts. These QR codes host live discounts which shoppers can redeem in-store and are fully-customisable to retailers, allowing them to discount certain products to yield increased profits.

“With the rising cost of living, everyone is looking for a deal” states Diane.

Additional benefits for retailers include the ability to personalise discounts to different target audiences, including pensioners, students, traders, local residents, or government workers, making offers as targeted and relevant as possible. Retailers also keep 100% of their profits compared to other online discount offerings.

Overall, conversational chatbots offer many benefits for businesses looking to survive the recession and thrive in today’s economy. They allow businesses to offer greater value to their customers while reducing costs, making them an essential tool for any company looking to stay competitive in today’s market .

If you would like to find out more about this new must-have app visit, https://more-customers.shoppersdiscount.club

Your Guided Meditation Will Be More Successful if You Can Visualise In British Pounds Here’s Why

Guided meditation and affirmations with visualised images are very popular on Youtube.

Visualising in British Pounds will help Your Manifestation

Visualisation activates the creative powers of the subconscious mind, motivating it to work harder at creating solutions. If done correctly some people have noticed new levels of motivation and find themselves doing things that normally they would avoid, but that will take them closer to success.

Visualisation and affirmations can help you to change your beliefsassumptions, and opinions about the most important person in your life — YOU! They allow you to harness the 18 billion brain cells in your brain and get them all working in a singular and purposeful direction.

Click to start Listening to our Guided Money Meditation on Youtube

Your subconscious will become engaged in a process that transforms you forever. This happens intensionally or unintensionally because the subconcious mind absorbs everything every waking and sleeping moments of your life.

The process is invisible and doesn’t take a long time. this is why it is important to put in the time to visualise and affirm by practicing your techniques, surround yourself with positive people, read uplifting books and listen to audio programs that flood your mind with positive, life-affirming messages.

Listen to our video on how a coach could help

Negative Thinking is the Enemy

It is no secret that negative thinking is part of almost everyone’s life.

For some reason, it seems it is easier to think negative thoughts, than to think positive thoughts. The mind and emotions are vast, it is true that people are not taught to think expecially at school, so people tend to flip flop between thoughts and emotions.

Unpleasant situations, problems and difficulties arise in everyone’s lives, and these events cause negative thinking.

Often, people are not very much aware of the thoughts they are thinking, and therefore, get easily immersed with negative thoughts and negative moods when listening to the news or to people talking about their problems.  There is also a tendancy to gossip and gossip is almosy always negative.

It would be a good strategy to avoid negative discussion which can contribute to negative thinking though, in many cases, it is easier said than done.

So for instance when you decide to start some guided meditation there is often 3 choices. a) music only b) verbal affirmations c) visual/images (There is an agruement for silent meditation but this is not guided but may be personally accomplished privately or in a group)

a) Music:  Often people will select a piece of music that either calms them, inspire or motivates them. If the music you come across grates on your nerves then it is unlikely that you will consider listening to it.

b) Verbal Affirmations: Words Matter and if the words you are hearing sound unbelievable then your subconcious mind and your inner self talk will start a negative debate about what you are listening too.  So it is important that the verbal affirmation you select empowers your inner self, does not cause resistance or sounds unachievable.

c) Visual Images: Most of you would have heard the term ‘Create a vision board’ the purpose being to solidify the visual image into your subconcious mind everyday reinforcing your desires, dream or wish to come true. There are lots of Guided meditation videos on Youtube and the stats show that a high percentage of guided money meditations are listened to each day around the world.

Do you need help with getting more appointments or leads?

However if you are british or european and your watching a guided money  meditation in dollars there is instantly a conflict because the image does not fit your currency reality.

You will succeed in neutralising your efforts if you think  positively about your goal for a few minutes, and have doubts or think about them negatively the rest of the day. So it is important to match your money mantra meditation with the currency you predominatly use every day, otherwise this is poor investment of your time, and is one of the main reasons why you are not getting results.

Meaningful Guided Meditation

Guided Meditation, Visualisation and Miracle Tones stimulate positivity which  are essential components to focusing your intentions in a quiet moment to bring about change, bring you clients, bring you business, cashflow and business growth.

No matter your business, startup, not for profit, online business or charity, taking time out to clear your mind and focus on what you want to achieve with a clear vision can be very enlightening.

The brain is still a membrain that needs rest, need oxygen and the right minerals to support it.  There is also lots of evidence to support that certain tones when listened to can stimulate deep into the brain. In this Guided Money Meditation, affirmations are powerful wrapped into the solfeggio tones and biennial beats with wads of british pounds tumbling towards you with a little added surprise.

Start your Guided Money Meditation Right Away

You can watch and listen or just listen to this guided meditation anytime. To help you manifest your goals which will translate into money for your business try this guided money meditation in british pounds for 7 days. Please do not use whilst driving.

We know that most of the UK businesses are gearing up to #OpeningDay this April, A lot of money will be poured into #advertising, its time to gear yourself up to #followup every #Lead automatically without lifting a finger 24/7 

Find out more about Chatbots

Visit our Website http://www.virtualpersonalassistance.com
https://www.subscribepage.com/howtogetmoreleads

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Improve Yourself and Your Business With Theses Unbelievably Simple Life Hacks by Diane Shawe

life hacks for business development
Go listen, like and subscribe to our youtube life hack video https://youtu.be/SFSSBOtgflg

These  tips will help you accomplish more for your business an yourself without spending any additional time.

1. Discipline yourself.

Stop Sacrificing What You Want Most For What You Want Right Now.

Stop Making Excuses.

Stop Taking Things Personally.

Exercise.

Eliminate Distractions.

Stop Playing The Victim.

Face Fear.

2. As a business owner, here are some tips to improve yourself as a business owner.

Talk to Employees. …

Listen to Customers. …

Monitor Your Brand. …

Read the News. …

Find Free Ways to Promote.

Focus on commitment, not motivation.

Get your free copy today

3. Ten tips to Achieve Anything You Want in Life

Seek knowledge, not results.

Make the journey fun.

Get rid of stagnating thoughts.

Use your imagination.

Stop being nice to yourself.

Get rid of distractions.

Don’t rely on others.

Plan

Protect yourself from burnout.

Get our free ebook by visiting http://www.virtualspeedyservices.uk

Visit our main website http://www.virtualpersonalservices.come

Virtual Personal Assistance offer a range of #Services to help you get a #Job or #promotion, #startabusiness or #market your #business effectively. check our services http://bit.ly/3jObWBL #BusinessNews

#BusinessPlan #OnlineBusiness #lifehacks

Don’t start ore expand your business without a business plan

How to Avoid Business Startup Scams by Diane Shawe

Ten tips to prevent being scammed out of your money online when trying to setup a Business

Dont be afraid to start over again

It is now more than ever that anyone intending to set up a business must have built into the Business Startup DNA 7 disciplines.

1. Identify proper business advice or support
2. Take a short but credible Business Entrepreneur Course
3. Prepare a Business Plan and Cashflow Projections.
4. Setup Proper Legal Status, Bank and Merchant Account
5. Identify where you can apply for business startup funds and apply
6. Established Google verified Website & Social Media Links
7. Invest in effective Customer Aquisition online A.I technology

If you want to bypass these 7 disciplines, then you might be setting yourself up for failure and an empty bank account.

I have been in business for over 15 years. It is hard work, it takes resilience, the ability to adapt to change and short, medium and long term goal setting.  (Not forgetting stress, the losses and wins).

I use to help individuals and partners establish their business startup when I worked for the DTI Business Development department back in 1986. The government engaged in a big national campaign to get unemployment down and increase small business startups. We were very busy.

I learnt a lot about the challenges facing business owners and I can confirm that there is no shortcut, no quick rich route to establishing a solid business

Now everytime you switch on your phone, click on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram to name but a few, there is someone telling you how they made 5 or 6 figure income each month by just doing a few clicks and 3 hours a week work!  I suspect the reason most of them do this is because they are selling a replicatable business platform and each person who want to get involved needs to pay them several hundred pounds after you have been exhausted and convienced by a pretend training video which is just a long sales pitch! There I said it!

Even if you wanted to set up a online business, even if its a replicatable business, a amazon, ebay or spotify store I still beilieve that the 7 Business Startup DNA is essential so that you know where your going and not just sat there waiting for someone to come buy from your store.

According to a large Domain Name Registration Company there are over 9 million websites in the UK. Just let that sink in….and you would need to get people to it.

So my next point is how do you keep your hard earn money safe until you are really sure your making the right investment?

Study these ten simple tips to reduce the risk of being scams or fraudulently hoodwinked out of your finances just because your eager to start a business.

1. Be sceptical

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Thoroughly question all:

Online or offline deals, propositions or
Quick money spinning Opportunities
Presented Documents
Request for or photo evidence of money transactions
Information and the source

Anything can be pulled up, designed, prepared and recommended to make something look impressive.

If you want more qualified leads test this online tool for free! https://bit.ly/34f9dNC

2. A Business Plan will help you know your business inside out

Have a thorough understanding of your business so you know:

How it will operates
What manpower or collaborators you will need
The products and services it provides
Your target market and your business SWOT
Your legal and regulatory obligations
Your financial Projections

This will help you realise immediately when something isn’t right when you talk to other businesses. If they cannot answer indept questions about their business and spend a lot of time blagging, don’t part with your money.

3. Find out about  suppliers and how they work

When you understand who you do business with you can spot any business request or transaction that looks wrong for that customer or supplier and may be fraudulent.

Conduct due diligence using a risk-based approach, such as checking the customer or supplier details you have on file, as well as online searches. Check the website links, don’t be drawn in by glossy spotify websites for instance, anyone can set one up in minutes, which is good for the industry, but also very helpful to dishonest people.

http://www.virtualpersonalassistance.com

4. Identify your vulnerability to fraud

Imagine how a fraudster might target you, both emotionally and motivationally. If you are desperate for instance to start making money, will that sway your judgement to be more risky? A business or marketing plan with your own financial projection will help keep you focused, on pointand strategic.

5. Develop a personal development strategy

It is easy to assum that if you have been working for a company for many years, or have just completed your degree, or you have had a hobby for years that setting up a business might be the next logical step especially if you want to change caeers or create work for yourself.

This is all fine, but it might be a good idea to take a credible short course in Business Management, Marketing, Social media, etc to increase your knowledge base and get up to date.

6. Take extra care against cyber attacks and data loss

With increasing threats from cybercrime, protect your mobile phone, tablet and computer. Try not to post your mobile number across the internet. For instance buy a skype number. Also if your working on projects make sure you back up your systems in the cloud in case things get lost or corrupted.

7. Protect your finances

Understand how money leaves your bank account and how hard it is to replace. A few thousand pounds in your bank account might seem like a lot, but when incorrectly invested or spent will have you kicking yourself after te event try to:

place the bulk of your money in a 30 days request account. This may help slow down any implusive purchases.

take time to study and understand the concept of Return on Investment. 

Take great care with anything offering continued electronic growth like bitcoin in exvhange for real cash and flashy websites with sophisticated algorhymes.

Invstigate if you can borrow money first and keep your cash for backup and liquidity. There is a saying, ‘Us other peoples money’

Try to use a different debit visa mastercard that you have to load up online from your bank account, this will help protect your own credit and debit card numbers from fraudsters.

Always check your bank statements.

8. Secure and protect your mobile and intellectual property

This includes laptops, computers, smartphones and intellectual property. Factor in home or business insurance to cover these items if they’re compromised, damaged or stolen.

It is also worth copy righting any itellectual property that you have designed or created. This can be for instance putting logos or watermarks, saving and sendind as pdf, taking videos with you working on your project or design etc.

9. Develop an action plan

Consider when you might need professional or legal advice. While prevention is better than cure, it’s important for you to design an action plan.

10. Avoid Duplicating, copying or forwarding anything online that is not your copyright

Cybercrime is real and you could find yourself accidentially committing or participating in a crime or even become a victim. Criminals are aware that word of mouth, recommendations and reviews achieved in your excitment can act as strong validation and are the best way to legitamise their criminal activity.

If you are asked to share, copy or forward something that requires people to commit to any payments, familiarise yourself with the website copyright, privacy and legal status.

You should report and share any links to the police. Call the police cybercrime department if you suspect or have been a victim.

Remember if it sounds or reads to good to be true then the odds are you need to dig deeper.

In a business plan template we will cover

Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions Salon achieve Finalist in 3 Categories Second Year in a Row!

A local Dudley salon owner has been nominated for the second year running as a finalist in not one or two but three categories.

Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon West Midlands has been named as one of the Midlands top salons after being announced as finalist in three categories for the Salon Awards  2020.

Best Salon https://www.salonawards.co.uk/best-salon-finalists-2020/

Awards Ceremony on 12th December 2020

Best Customer Experience https://www.salonawards.co.uk/best-customer-experience-finalists-2020/

Best Salon for Hair Extensions https://www.salonawards.co.uk/best-salon-for-hair-extensions-2020/

The salon which is renowned locally, now awaits the awards ceremony in December, to see if they have been crowned the overall category winner.

Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon impressed the judge’s thanks to its commitment to meeting customer needs, making their mark as a new business locally, providing an exceptional range of hair extensions techniques to new clients and for their exception salon design and interiors.

Commenting on the result, Diane the owner said; “To be named as a finalist in not just one but three categories for the second year highlights how hardworking and commitment can pay off. With hundreds of entries for each category and a panel of judges that excel at looking for the finer details, just to make the shortlist is an outstanding achievement. What also makes it more important is the fact that we have also had to deal with a pandemic and closure.”

Visit http://www.needahairmakeoverfranchise.co.uk

The Salon Awards celebrate and acknowledge the success of the most creative, dynamic and innovative hair salons, hairdressers and barbers across the country through county awards events.

As a hair industry professional, these businesses are part one of the most exciting business sectors, and this is an opportunity to be recognised professionally for the great work that they do in there home county.

Download your copy from amazon or Google books

To find out more about their services  products and what they won visit:

http://www.needahairmakeover.co
http://www.needahairmakeoverfranchise.co.uk
http://www.hairextensionstraining.academy

Download our course prospectus today

Why a New Training Needs Analysis is Required To Manage Over Whelmed Remote Workers by Diane Shawe

Here’s Help for the bosses on how to help staff to manage stress when working remotely after and during the coronavirus outbreak by restructuring there training needs analysis.

Order your course today

When you (the boss or your board members) think about thriving in a digital world, you probably think first about technology. It’s evolving so fast that your business constantly has to adapt. But the greatest challenge is not the tech itself: It’s developing a knowledgeable, strategically adept, cognitively flexible, and proficient workforce.

You want people who can command artificial intelligence, analyse data, invent and apply solutions on the fly, and slide effortlessly into new roles as needed.
All the while, they should keep their skills sharp with mobile apps and online self-taught courses. Ideas should flow from all corners of the company, whether from full-time managers or a pool of gig workers who jump in when work heats up.

The demand for a more talented workforce goes beyond adapting to the new digital world. CEOs of fast-moving organisations – enterprises with bold strategies, innovative cultures, inclusive workforces, and great expectations – need highly skilled people.

Unfortunately, in nearly every industry, the best talent is in perilously short supply. At the 22nd Annual Global CEO Survey, 79 percent of chief executives around the world said that a lack of key skills threatens their business growth. Retailers need interface designers who understand customer experience. Banks and insurance companies need data visualisation experts. Energy, automotive, and industrial companies need team leaders who can manage interoperable platforms.

Helping remote workers draw a line between work and timeout

Just about everyone is looking for employees adept in robotic process automation, materials science, or simulations with machine learning that can predict outcomes and streamline processes.

They also need people who can master softer skills, such as managing teams effectively, gaining trust, working across boundaries, or applying neuroscience findings to increase their own stature and influence.

Upskilling is part of the answer. But you also need to rethink your jobs: redesign the workflow, combine some positions, add others, and probably eliminate some. You need to be more creative in finding and onboarding people, including through acquisitions, partnerships, gig economy–style freelancing arrangements, and talent pools oriented to flex work.

Finally, you must fill your enterprise with opportunities for continual self-renewal via modern learning strategies and digital technologies, so that becoming adept in new technologies is just part of everyday life.

Many business leaders realise that they can’t just hire the workforce they need. There aren’t enough prospective recruits, and the expense would be enormous. Instead, companies must upskill their existing employees or members of their communities.

This means expanding people’s capabilities entrepreneurial thinking, employability, often using adult learning and training tools, to fulfill the talent needs of a rapidly changing economy. But the old training needs analysis does not sit well in this every changing cog and an increasing number of remote workers.

A remote workforce transformation brings all these elements together, oriented specifically to your organisation. Your initiative must be led directly by the CEO and the other top executives of the enterprise, because your company’s success depends on the ability and commitment of all your employees.

In a successful initiative, you’ll do more than approve a budget and hold the leaders accountable; you’ll take part in the learning efforts yourself, engage in teaching others, and use this transformation as a genuine opportunity to improve your own skills and those of your direct reports.

Online, Workbooks, Zoom Training available now

Because no two organisations have the same circumstances, there is no single recipe to follow. But together, the 10 principles below can help you ready your company’s remote workforce for the future.

  1. Focus on a few concrete business outcome
  2. Foster emotional commitment
  3. Design a compelling experience
  4. Start with the highest-impact roles
  5. Change behaviour first
  6. Promote citizens led wellness groups
  7. Plan and commit to a comprehensive journey
  8. Engage with cultural influencers
  9. Include everyone but the unwilling
  10. Track results and course

Visit https://www.virtualpersonalassistance.com/training-courses-store

What Could Be Hurting Your Hair Growth by Diane Shawe

Diane Shawe AuthorThroughout this Lock-down it could be said that some people have made the most out of the lock-down by resting and doing things around the home, whilst others have found it really stressful, distressing and mentally painful.

Throughout this Lock-down it could be said that some people have made the most out of the lock-down by resting and doing things around the home, whilst others have found it really stressful, distressing and mentally painful.


Now it is said that the state of your hair can give an overview of how your health is, you can even get an idea of someone’s health by their nails.

article by Diane Shawe Author of Getting Started in the hair extensions business

But lets take a look at some of the reasons that could be causing your hair to look or become unhealthy, thin or start to fall out. There is no single explanation for hair loss but reasons can include:

  • Natural ageing process
  • Poor nutrition
  • Nervous disorders
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Serious illness
  • Certain medications
  • Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
  • Hereditary/genetic factors
  • Damaging Hair by over-processing using chemicals


Hair loss can have a devastating effect. It’s important to know that the earlier a hair loss problem is diagnosed, the better the chances are of treating it. We always recommend seeing a qualified hair specialist to diagnose conditions.

Common hair loss conditions include:

Androgenic Alopecia (‘Pattern Baldness’)

This is one of the most common forms of hair loss. It affects both men and women and occurs in distinct patterns. In men, this form of hair loss is very obvious. At the end of the process – which can take from 15-25yrs – the only hair remaining is at the sides and the back of the head. Roughly one third of all women are affected by this type of hair loss normally on the vertex (top of the head) with the front hairline often intact. The process of shedding is on average 50-100 hairs a day.

Alopecia Areata

This condition manifests itself in patchy hair loss, usually starting with a small spot that can spread. It is an auto-immune disease where the body attacks itself, killing off the hair. In general, the onset of alopecia can be caused by illness and raised temperature, shock, viruses, inoculations, medication or a period of extreme stress 2-6 months before a bald patch appears. It’s important to remember that early diagnosis and treatment can minimise the effects of the condition. Following diagnosis, many patients are extremely anxious which can also exacerbate the problem. It is advisable to seek specialist advice on how relieve stress and help hair growth to resume.

Alopecia Totalis

Alopecia Totalis is condition in which total loss of scalp hair occurs and can follow on from unchecked alopecia areata.

Alopecia Universalis

The result is a loss of all body hair including eyebrows and eyelashes. This form of hair loss is very distressing.

Telogen Effluvium or ‘Diffuse Hair Loss’

This condition manifests itself in shedding from all parts of the scalp. A great deal of hair is shed before the effects become noticeable. Telogen Effluvium can be caused by high fever, thyroid, postnatal depression, anaemia, surgery, medication, emotional stress, shock, dental treatment, surgery or dieting. During pregnancy, high levels of female hormones generate healthy hair. Some women can experience diffuse hair loss after childbirth.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy hair loss

Chemotherapy or radiotherapy drugs work by attacking rapidly-growing cancer cells in the body. Because hair follicle cells also multiply very quickly – like cancer cells – chemotherapy drugs have difficulty in discerning the difference. This means that cancer treatment also destroys fast-growing hair cells and the hair falls out. Damage is not irreparable however and hair usually grows back 6-8 weeks after chemotherapy treatment has ended.

Trichotillomania

A rare form of Alopecia that is extremely stressful and caused by a patient self-harming i.e. pulling his or her own hair out. Given the psychology surrounding this condition, sufferers may not initially admit to pulling their hair out. Although young children can be particularly prone to Trichotillomania, it normally affects adolescent age groups.

Scarring Conditions

Several scarring conditions may includeLichen Planus, Lupus Erythematosus, Folliculitis Decalvans and Pseudo Pelade. These conditions can be slowly progressive and scarring of the scalp causes permanent hair loss.Different types of wig base by diane shawe

Traction Alopecia

A condition often caused by hair extensions or hair styles that cause physical trauma to the scalp e.g. cornrows, tight braiding which causes patchy to total hair loss prodominately around the hairline becomes weak and stops growing.

In addition to hair loss problems, scalp disorders can include:

Dandruff (Pityriasis capitis) – This condition is all too familiar and about half of all Caucasians will have had dandruff to some degree before they are 20. In most people, it disappears after the age of 50 or so. Dandruff is associated with a tiny yeast called pityrosporum ovale, which is normally permanently present on the scalp. In dandruff, there is an increase in the regular loss of cells from the skin surface and they are lost more quickly. As more cells are lost, the yeast grows more rapidly. These cells may clump together to produce the all-too-familiar flakes of dandruff.

Eczema and Dermatitis

Psoriasis – Chronic skin condition affecting 3% of the population. It appears as raised, inflamed skin topped with silvery white scales. In severe cases the whole of the scalp may be covered by scales and there may well be some hair loss. Severe cases are extremely uncomfortable and distressing.

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis – Scaling condition characterised by yellow, branny scales on the scalp and red, irritated skin. It is sometimes associated by an unusually greasy scalp. In babies, the condition is known as ‘Cradle Cap’. It can also affect the nose, eyebrows and ears. In severe cases, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis may lead to hair loss.

Infections

Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis) – Infestation of parasites living off human hosts. The hosts are 6-legged creatures, 2 – 4 mm in size and grey in colour. They are found near the hairline, at the nape of the neck and around the ears. This condition is highly infectious (ova hatch within 5-8 days). Lice can live off the human scalp for up to 48 hours in scarves, hats, chair backs, combs, brushes etc.

Impetigo – Bacterial infection of the skin that results in weeping, crusted sores and produces itching. It is often seen in young children and is highly contagious.

Ringworm – Fungal infection which appears as pink, scaly patches on the skin. It is more likely to be caught from animals than from humans.

Chemical & Heat Damage

Throughout the Lock-down most people attempted to resolve their outgrown roots by purchasing do it yourself home kits for colouring or relaxing hair. Not using the right product or leaving it on to long can cause hair breaking, split ends and visibly unhealthy hair. The causes of chemically damaged hair can usually be attributed to hair colouring, perms and hair relaxants. … In order for this to happen the chemicals break down the disulphide bonds in your hair.
The causes of heat damaged hair can usually be attributed to hair being daily subjected to very high temperatures using straighteners or hot combs with no hair protector. This burns the hair cuticles which can often leave the ends split or frayed looking.

Find out how to start your own Hair Extensions Business today. Request a free brochure

Turning 50 isn’t the end of a business career – new wave of silvererpreneurs

Get qualified in days not years

The only way is up after a downturn

article by Diane Shawe M.Ed

Turning 50 isn’t the end of a business career – it’s the beginning. And an ever-growing wave of ‘olderpreneurs’, starting a business have 70% chance of surviving their first five years compared with only a 28% survival rate for those younger than them.

Nearly half the self-employment population is over 50, and one in six new businesses started in the UK are set up by post-half-centurions.

So what’s fuelling the entrepreneurial impetus of the ‘silver startup’, and why are they doing so well?

Necessity

The over-50s age group has been particularly hard-hit by the recession. Last year, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed 28% of those aged between 50 and state pension age were out of work – compared with only 20% of those aged under 50.

Why? One of the biggest factors is the rife ageism that permeates practically every industry in the UK, that anyone over 50 who’s been forced to look for employment will testify to with a weary nod. The ONS estimates those who lose their job aged 50 or over have only a 10% chance of being re-employed.

Deciding to use their money from redundancies to fund ta company, over the course of two years the payout had trickled in its entirety into the business. But it was worth the investment – and they often don’t have to rely on the ineffective banks at the moment.

77 Questions to avoid business failure

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New challenge

At a fundamental level, sometimes people just want to do something different in their later years.

It’s interesting that recent YouGov and Standard Life research found the average age at which people feel totally confident in their working skills is 37, while the more elusive sense of fulfilment peaks at 50. Perhaps this climax of achievement and sense of ability leads to a need for a new direction, a new challenge, once a person passes the half-century mark.

You’re in good company if your over 50 and considering starting a business.

More than four out of 10 new businesses in the UK are started by people over 50, according to the Office for National Statistics. And it’s a growing trend. A recent report from Barclays highlighted that over 55s are now 63% more likely to start businesses than 10 years ago.

And this rise in business owners doesn’t just apply to founders in their 50s – the number of self-employed people aged 65 and over has more than doubled in the UK in the past five years.

While there’s never a ‘right time’ to pursue a business idea, an increasing number of people in their 50s and over – dubbed ‘olderpreneurs’ – are shifting to entrepreneurship. But why?

For starters, budding business owners in their 50s are capitalising on the government pension freedoms – first introduced back in 2015 – and are opting to take their tax free cash lump-sum to “create wealth” by using their pensions to start a business.

However, it’s not just pension-led funding which is boosting the numbers of  the UK’s older entrepreneurs.

Low-interest loans and mentoring, provided by the likes of , is playing an integral part in funding and supporting the growth of founders in their 50s with over 5,700 loans having been supplied to founders aged 50 and over by the organisation to date.

Supported by research from PRIME that those who start a business in their 50s are 42% more likely to be successful than their younger counterparts, we want to shake off the notion that starting a business in middle-age isn’t a good idea. On the contrary, older entrepreneurs have the advantage of being able to tap into wealth of experience and knowledge which they can put to use in a start-up venture.

To break down stereotypes, we’ve highlighted five inspiring businesses founded by entrepreneurs aged 50 and over, who each received a Start Up Loan to make their business dreams a reality.

Operating in industries ranging from domestic care to street food.

After every downturn there is alway a upturn because people really work hard along with banks, investors and government to make it work.

How Hair Loss Can be Related to Liver Dysfunction by Diane Shawe

THE LIVER AND IT’S ROLE IN HAIR GROWTH

Has there ever been more pressure to have a full and luscious head of hair?

In the randomised study of over 2,000 women in the UK, more than one in five said they are suffering from hair loss or hair thinning. When you add in the number of women who have suffered from this in the past, the figure rises to almost 30 per cent.

A further 25 per cent who did not have the problem themselves knew friends or family who did.

The emotional toll can be devastating: many of those the researchers spoke to described how they had begun to withdraw from everyday activities.

As many as 51 per cent say they now shy away from having photos taken, 47 per cent say they avoid social events and 40 per cent said the same for meeting new people. Anxiety and embarrassment were also common responses to developing the condition.

One of the main reasons we lack an effective way to prevent hair loss is that we still understand very little about the molecular mechanisms that underpin human hair growth and loss.

Each hair follicle on our scalp is a miniature organ, which follows its own rhythmic cycle of growth, regression and rest throughout our lifetimes. With age, some of them become sensitive to hormones on the scalp, most notably dihydro testosterone or DHT, which binds to the follicles and miniaturises them until they no longer produce visible hair. However, we know hardly anything about how this miniaturisation process happens, or how to prevent it.

According to Prof Ralf Paus, a dermatologist at the University of Manchester, this is because hair loss is still viewed largely as a cosmetic problem, rather than a disease. Because of this, in the western world, neither industry nor academic funding bodies have been willing to spend substantial sums of money on hair research.

Despite the scale of patient demand, they have been dissuaded by the knowledge that any drug that hits the market is unlikely to be covered by the NHS or insurance companies.

So how could you self help and what does this have to do with your liver.

Liver disease can impact hair growth and trigger the onset of hair loss. Therefore, improper functioning of the liver affects all metabolic systems including digestion and the uptake of fat soluble vitamins. This is primarily because proper digestion and the uptake of vitamins is crucial for hair growth and cycling.

The liver is responsible for the uptake of fat-soluble vitamins, the detoxification of estrogen and the regulation of blood sugar. All of which are important for normal follicle hair cycling. In addition to normal metabolic function the liver performs hundreds of different functions.

Detoxification of the body takes place via a number of body systems. The principle organ of detoxification is the liver. Life is dependent on the function of the liver as the primary defence against any toxins that enter the blood stream.

The liver can be found on the right on the side of the stomach and weighs about 3 pounds. It is divided into two large sections called the right and the left lobes. The liver sits on top off the gall bladder and alongside parts of the pancreas and intestines.

Liver detoxification has been touted as the perfect route to an efficient liver; but is detoxifying the liver treating the cause or the symptom? Detoxifying our organ of detoxification is a contradiction in terms but certain methods can be employed to aid the liver in its normal detoxification process.

A liver that is not detoxifying efficiently could be the result of an iron deficiency or chronic over consumption of alcohol; medication or certain types of hormonal therapy. Liver disease can also be caused by hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency


FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER IN RELATION TO HAIR LOSS

Conversion of ammonia
The conversion of ammonia to urea is essential for normal metabolism. Ammonia is taken up from the blood by hepatocytes (liver cells) and converted to urea through the Krebs-Henseleit cycle. Ammonia is the by product of the break down of amino acids; disorders of the ammonia/urea cycle can lead to iron deficiency. Individuals with hyperammonia (high levels of ammonia in the blood) are likely to develop coarse brittle hair. They may also have brittle hair that breaks easily, a condition known as trichorrhexis nodasa.

Maintenance of blood sugar
Blood sugar  regulation is linked to hair loss and low levels of blood sugar can lead to hair thinning and premature hair fall. Hair follicles require an adequate supply of glucose to remain in anagen (growing phase) and periods of low blood sugar can disturb normal follicle cycling.

Although fatty acids and ketone bodies can be oxidised by the hair follicle, they are poor energetic substitutes for glucose.

Storage of vitamins
Fat soluble vitamins travel through the lymphatic system of the small intestines and into blood stream within your body .

The liver stores fat soluble vitamins: A, D,E and K. The bile secreted during digestion is essential for absorbing them so that the body can use them. If bile production is compromised by liver damage, the proper absorption of these vitamins may be affected. Fat soluble vitamins are essential for norma hair follicle cycling.

Detoxification of the blood
The liver is responsible for filtering bacteria, old red blood cells and toxins (such as alcohol) from the blood. The liver is also the site of biosynthesis hormones such as estrogen. Estrogen is related to hair growth and hair loss. When estrogen levels are sufficient, women have full, thick hair. But when they drop, such as after a pregnancy or during and after menopause, more hair enters the “resting” phase, where it soon falls out and causes thinning and even balding patches .

THE LIVER DETOXIFICATION PATHWAY
The liver removes toxins and metabolic waste by converting them to water soluble compounds that can be excreted in the urine. Substances that are not water soluble are excreted in the bile, the bile is transported into the intestines and excreted in the faeces.

Phase-one detoxification transforms toxins through oxidation, reduction and hydrolysis by utilising a network of around 50 detoxification enzymes collectively known as cytochrome P-450 enzyme system. This transformation process creates free radicals (highly reactive species of oxygen). These free radicals are normally balanced by antioxidants.


Phase I detoxification prepares substances for phase-two detoxification. The liver normally produces a supply of antioxidants to negate any potential damage caused by free radicals. Key nutritional requirements for phase one detoxification include vitamin: A, E and B3. Minerals required include zinc, magnesium; essential fatty acids are also necessary.

Phase II detoxification transforms any toxic agents so they can be excreted in the urine or in the faeces.

If phase-two processing fails to keep up with phase-one free radicals can accumulate, in the form of reactive intermediates. A reactive intermediate is a short-lived, high-energy, highly reactive molecule, when your liver fails to process theses intermediates efficiently they begin to build up. If the liver can not process intermediates; much like a factory line production will slow down considerably

PHASE I INHIBITION
• Vitamin deficiency
• Mineral deficiency
• Oral contraceptive
• Anti-histimines
• Iron overload

PHASE I OVER STIMULATION
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Certain medication

TOXIC OVERLOAD IN THE BODY
If the phase I and II detoxification pathways become overloaded, there will be a build up of toxins in the body. Most of these toxins will fat soluble and incorporate themselves into fatty parts of the body.

The brain and the endocrine (hormonal) glands are fatty organs, and are common sites for storage of fat-soluble toxins. This may result in symptoms of brain dysfunction and hormonal imbalances, such as infertility, breast pain, menstrual disturbances, adrenal gland exhaustion and early menopause.


SECRETION OF BILE AND ITS ROLE IN HAIR LOSS

Bile is a green-yellow fluid that is synthesised by the liver; it is critical for the breakdown of fats and absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Once bile synthesis is compromised essential fatty acid and fat soluble vitamin deficiencies can develop.

Essential fatty acids are essential for hair growth.

Vitamin A;

a lack of vitamin A can cause hypoplasia (dry hair and scalp) or hyperplasia (greasy hair and oily scalp).

Vitamin D;

research shows that a lack of vitamin D in your body can lead to hair loss. When there isn’t enough vitamin D in your system, new hair growth can be stunted.

Vitamin E;

a small trial from 2010 found that vitamin E supplements improved hair growth in people with hair loss. It’s thought that the vitamin’s antioxidant properties helped reduce oxidative stress in the scalp.

Vitamin K;

vitamin K helps regulate calcium deposition in the body; because of this, it helps prevent blood vessel calcification, as seen in pattern hair loss scalp calcification.

NUTRIENT SUPPORT FOR THE LIVER

Vitamin B complex

B vitamins help the body obtain energy from food and is also involved in cholesterol and hormone production.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace element and necessary for a healthy liver. Selenium increases levels of glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant required for phase II detoxification.

Manganese

Alcohol consumption can lower content of several trace elements, as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.

Beta carotene

Low doses of beta carotene have an anti-oxidation role in the liver preventing damage and inflammation.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also important in liver detoxification pathways. It helps protect liver detoxification enzymes, created in phase I and phase II liver detoxification pathways, from oxidative damage.

Vitamin E

Antioxidants such as vitamin E reduce the damage caused by free radicals created in phase I. If antioxidants are lacking and toxin exposure is high, toxic chemicals become far more damaging to the liver.

Copper

Slightly lower than normal levels of copper has been reported as a potential factor in diseases characterised by disrupted fat metabolism such as non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency may manifest itself in many ways: liver disease, poor liver regeneration, slow growing hair, or altered immune function.

LIVER FUNCTION TESTS

Liver function tests help determine the health of the liver by measuring levels of liver enzymes, proteins and bilirubin in the blood. Liver function tests can be used to asses acute and chronic liver disfunction.

Alanine transferase (ALT) ALT is an enzyme made by cells of the liver, an ALT test measures the amount of ALT in your blood. ALT is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in metabolism; it aids in the process that turns food into energy. the hair follicle is energetically expensive and requires high amounts of energy in the growing phase.

When higher than normal amounts of ALT is found outside of the liver it can indicate the liver is damaged or inflamed indicating a problem in phase one/two detoxification.

Damage to the liver causes an increase in ALT; the ALT can assess the amount of liver in the blood but it ca not show how much liver damage is present or how severe liver damage can become. Some drugs may affect the levels of ALT levels in your blood. Most low-normal results for ALT indicate a healthy liver.
Normal range: 0 – 45 U/L Optimal range: 10 – 30 U/L

Aspartate aminitransferase (AST) AST is present in various tissues of the body. This enzyme helps trigger chemical reactions that the body need to function. Only a small amount of AST is normally found in the blood. Higher than normal amounts is associated with liver injury. Liver specialists report that AST is more likely to be related to liver injury than ALT.
Normal range: 0 – 45 U/L Optimal range: 10 – 30 U/L

Albumin Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood. A proper balance of albumin is needed to reduce leakage of fluid from blood vessels and maintain blood volume. Albumin aids in growth and repair of tissues and appendages such as the hair follicle. An abnormal albumin level indicate liver disfunction.
Normal range: 35 to 55 g/L Optimal range: 38 – 40 g/L

Globulin High levels of globulin may indicate infection, inflammatory disease or immune disorders; these disorders can contribute to anaemia of chronic disease. Anaemia of chronic disease is called by iron withholding which disrupts iron metabolism; critical for the function of healthy hair follicles.
Normal range: 20 to 39 g/L Optimal range: 24 – 28 g/L

Bilirubin High levels of bilirubin can indicate haemolytic anaemia; a condition where red blood cells are destroyed too quickly. Hair is dependant on an adequate supply of oxygen, the premature destruction of red blood cells can affect hair follicle cycling.
Normal range: 1.7 – 20.5 umol/L Optimal range: 1.7 – 20.5 umol/L

5 SIGNS YOUR LIVER IS BEING OVERWORKED
(and what to do about it)

  1. You find it difficult to lose weight; the liver is the primary metaboliser of fat in the body. When liver function is below normal, it eventually impacts on your ability to burn fat. In addition to weight gain, it makes losing any extra pounds nearly impossible.
  2. You have trouble digesting fatty foods; If you find you have a fatty or distended stomach after eating fatty foods, you may have a poorly functioning liver. Bile is required to digest and absorb fat, if you are not digesting fats efficiently you are not absorbing adequate amounts of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K- vital for healthy hair, immunity, bones and much more.
  3. You have dry, slow growing hair; the liver is the main metabolic site of the body. It produces enough energy to sustain thousands of necessary functions performed every second by the body’s cells. Your hair follicles are dependant on a constant supply of energy to grow and regenerate.
  4. You get ill often; the liver is responsible for fighting off infections and when the liver is overworked the immune system cannot hands the extra load leaving you more prone to picking up bugs and infections.
  5. You suffer bad PMS; the liver regulates our hormone levels, an overworked liver results in elevated levels of estrogen which can lead to mood swings and irritability. Elevated levels of estrogen leads to estrogen dominance which can lead to high amounts of thyroid binding globulin. Thyroid binding globulin binds thyroid hormones so that they can not be utilised by cells of the body. The hair follicle is dependant on adequate amounts of thyroid hormone to maintain normal growth.
    WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
    The liver has an amazing capacity to regenerate itself. Through diet, nutritional supplementation and exercise most types of liver disfunction can be resolved.
  6. Ditch the caffeine; Caffeine speeds up Phase I detoxification and can increase the burden on an already sluggish liver. Try a Tumeric latte with almond milk instead. Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin that prevents the liver from damage and can help to regenerate new liver cells. Turmeric also helps to stimulate the production of bile, necessary for the breakdown of fats from your food.
  7. Cut back on alcohol; Alcohol increase Phase I detoxification and a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 g /dL will affect the livers capacity to regulate blood sugar and metabolise fats. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dL will typically occur after 4 alcoholic drinks. Heavy alcohol use is defined by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as drinking more than 4 alcholic drinks on 5 or more days in the previous month.
  8. Supplement to support the liver; the liver requires an adequate supply of iron to fully support its detoxification and metabolic processes. Adequate iron storage is essential for intracellular energy output, from which adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) is produced. ATP administration reduces fat in liver cells. To generate sufficient ATP; a ferritin level over 100 ug/L is essential. Evaluating ferritin can be difficult as it is also an acute phase reactant and can be elevated in chronic and acute inflammatory conditions. Ferritin levels must be assessed in a within a broader blood panel. The phase II liver detoxification pathways is dependant on ATP. Supplementation with vitamins A, D, E and K as well as selenium will support and enhance the liver detoxification pathway.
  9. Pump it up; Regular exercise is key to a healthy liver. Exercise decreases stress on the liver and increases energy levels. Aim for at least 4 hours of exercise, such as brisk walking, weight lifting or swimming per week.
  10. Get tested; Even moderately raised amounts of liver enzymes can indicate fatty liver and liver disease. Fatty liver is linked to insulin resistance; insulin resistance is linked to hair loss. Be warned, even fatty livers can result in normal amounts of liver enzymes in the blood

TYPES OF LIVER DISEASE THAT CAN IMPACT HAIR GROWTH:

A WELL BALANCED DETOXIFICATION CAN SUPPORT HAIR REGROWTH
Because the liver is the primary organ that controls detoxification within the body. It plays a vital role in helping achieve optimal health due to its ability to remove toxins from the blood and converting it to non toxic substances that can be eliminated in urine and faeces.

The liver also processes food and is responsible for the uptake of fat soluble vitamins for use within the hair follicle and throughout the body.
When in good health, phase I and phase II of the liver detoxification pathway are well balanced and the process works to protect against harmful toxins generated from the body’s own biological activity or from the environment. Liver function is almost always compromised, when the amount of toxins within the liver itself is greater than it can process. This toxic overload can be caused by poor nutrition and by the absence of nutrients needed for the two separate phases of detoxification or as a consequence of illness or disease.

REFERENCES

  1. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):51–70. doi:10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
  2. Eshraghian A, Hamidian Jahromi A. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and thyroid dysfunction: a systematic review. World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(25):8102–8109. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i25.8102
  3. Hodges RE, Minich DM. Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways Using Foods and Food-Derived Components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application. J Nutr Metab. 2015;2015:760689. doi:10.1155/2015/760689
  4. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2015 Dec;28(6):675-86. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12286. Epub 2014 Dec 18.