Spring into April
Does the sun make anyone else’s soul smile?
I am genuinely thrilled to see April arrive, the magnolia’s are blooming and there just feels like a wave of new beginnings incoming.
Behind the scenes of P&M the 2025 refresh is now in implementation mode. You will see us popping up again over on Instagram, saying hi in stories and sharing insights.
Over on LinkedIn we will continue to share thoughts, connecting our network through events and I will more than likely get on my soap box about something that has irritated me!
Pausing for a while has really helped me focus on what is important and I reminded myself that, when investing in nurturing the soul of P&M, everything else just falls into place. I feel more in flow as a founder, those aligned clients appear at the right time and the jigsaw pieces slot together.
We could call this vision, mission and strategy, I like to call it purpose.
Spring Cleaning; budgets and people plans
April will always bring a focus and flurry of activity around finances as we begin to embed the budget updates into our businesses and ensure that statutory rates are applied correctly.
A reminder that the National Minimum Wage increases to £12.21 per hour for workers over 21 which is more aligned but still under) the Real Living Wage of £12.60 (£13.85 inside London).
Research by the Living Wage Foundation (2024) shows that many of Britain’s 3.7m low paid workers are still struggling with the impact of years of high prices. What does this look like for your people?
Are they one of the 42% having less than £10 left each week after covering essential expenses.
Did you know, 39% of low paid worker have used a food bank in the past year and 32% have skipped meals for financial reasons.
We recommend that when you review your people budgets, instead of seeing ‘heads’ as cost, view those £ signs as an investment. Allocate resources wisely, ensure stability and growth and create foundations that support your people’s financial wellbeing.
Need a hand being noble in how you review your people plans? We make a great sounding board for ethical founders who want to do the right thing.
Caught in the whirlwind of life?
We get it, it is frustrating when you have been seeking answers but all that has happened is you have gathered more noise and confusion. When all you wanted was clarity. So where do you start – can we suggest by focusing on less rather than more. It is time to go within and listen to those whispers.
So, I ask you, what would be on Hygge Pinterest board?
What helps you turn down the external noise? Where is your calm place? What vision do you have for your future self? What brings you comfort and joy? How do you define wellness within?
Not sure where to begin, we have limited space for 1:1 coaching through the Peony Community where we delve deep into what makes your soul shine. We can support you step out of that tornado and into a summer full of calm.
Working with P&M
Our focus is on connecting with clients who care about their people. This means investing in experienced, knowledgeable HR support.
Did you know we intentionally cap our HR retained hours a month? We are now at capacity, however do have space created for coaching clients, either corporate or 1:1. Interested then drop us a reply and we will arrange a coffee and chat.
And finally….
Back to recommending things I enjoy.
So, I am now on the 10th book of 2025 and by far the best so far have been:
Fiction: Cleopatra and Frankenstein, Coco Mellors. This one gave me similar vibes to A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara which literally left me speechless. (I was asked moments after finishing it what was it like and I heard words come out, but not in a coherent way!) Cleopatra and Frankenstein focuses on ultimately what brings people happiness and how we carry so much from our childhoods into adult lives without being conscious of the impact.
Non Fiction: The Panic Years, Nell Frizzell. This one I think everyone could read and relate to in some way. It raises some really interesting questions around societal expectations around life, work and family dynamics.
I am always on the search for interesting reads and love a second hand book shop so drop me any suggestions and I will add them to my pile.
As we head into April I hope you find small moments to soak in the sun and find one small thing to be thankful for everyday. I am always forever grateful to the community and connections around me, those who recommend P&M and me and keep the ripples flowing in the right direction.
Alice
Peony & Magnolia