Pressure Into Performance
Around 90 representatives of businesses from Newark and the surrounding area gathered at the YMCA for Newark Business Club’s March meeting. After chairman Simon Gabbitas welcomed everyone to the meeting, the roving mic travelled around the room, showcasing the vast variety of local businesses present.
The Key To Thriving At Work
Today’s meeting was sponsored by One Degree Training and Coaching. Founder and director Andy Nisevic is a trainer, mentor and coach whose mission is to make the workplace a happy and fulfilling environment so that both people and businesses can thrive.
Andy shared some surprising statistics about the UK workforce: only 10% of employees feel engaged in the workplace, ranking the UK 33rd out of 38 countries, and only 48% feel as if they are thriving at work.
Andy gave us an insight into how his company’s services enable managers to give people what they need to thrive at work. This may be different from what think they want! A manager needs to create a high-morale workforce first, before high performance and great relationships can occur in the workplace. This is not the same as creating a happy working environment because you will never be able to please everyone.
People thrive when they grow out of their comfort zone. Therefore, in order to improve performance and workplace satisfaction, leaders need to motivate employees to move out of their comfort zone and into their stretch zone, but without placing them under severe stress that can lead to burnout.
As a leader, you need to be aware that the way in which you communicate is based on your own values and this can differ from or conflict with the values held by members of your team. Everyone has their own intrinsic motivators, so to motivate your team, you need to treat each person how they like to be treated, rather than how you like to be treated.
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In order to raise your team’s morale, it is essential to provide them with engagement and fulfilment. The tools that Andy uses are detailed in his book, Leadership 101 – Don’t Be a Dick! They include the infinite leadership development loop, an ongoing process that begins with self-awareness.
The Business Card Draw
Next on the agenda was the business card draw. The winners of a write-up each were Lisa Ridgway of Newark Makers’ Market, a first-time visitor, and Ellen Rayworth of Reflect Recruitment, a regular attendee.
The Newark Makers Market is an exciting new indoor market launching at the Newark YMCA, bringing together over 20 talented local artists, crafters, bakers, and artisans to showcase their handmade creations. With six confirmed dates—March 15th, May 31st, July 19th, September 27th, November 22nd, and December 6th—this market is set to become a vibrant space for the community to support local talent, discover unique products, and take part in creative activities.
More than just a marketplace, Newark Makers Market offers an opportunity to engage with the local creative scene. A dedicated activity area will feature free creative workshops, starting with a Mother’s Day card-making session on March 15th.
Located at Newark YMCA, visitors can also take advantage of the fantastic on-site facilities, including a coffee shop, a climbing wall, and free parking—making it an enjoyable day out for all ages.
Newark Makers Market aims to connect residents and visitors with local creatives, offering a space where makers can not only sell their products but also share their stories and grow their businesses. This initiative is the first step in a larger project designed to strengthen Newark’s creative community, empower small businesses, and build a thriving artisan network.
For those looking to discover unique, handcrafted goods while supporting local talent, Newark Makers Market is the perfect destination. Join us and be part of this growing creative movement!
Maria & Lisa
Charity of the Quarter Initiative
As part of Newark Business Club’s Charity of the Quarter initiative, three local charities gave five-minute presentations about the wonderful work they carry out in the local community.
Framework
Ron Finnegan from Framework revealed how Framework has been helping homeless people in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire for almost 20 years. Providing wraparound support and care as well as housing, Framework often supports long-term homeless people and those with more complex needs. To prevent homelessness, Framework’s community support team works with people who are at risk of or threatened with homelessness to reach a solution that means they can stay in their homes. Its street outreach team provides initial support to those who are already homeless, and its housing solutions include self-contained studio flats with staff on the premises 24/7 to provide support, as well as move-on accommodation.
Positively Empowered Kids
Claire Clements, co-founder of Positively Empowered Kids CIC, a local social enterprise, emphasized that prevention saves lives. With 50% of mental health conditions developing before children reach 14 years of age, it is imperative to work with children, families and the community to improve wellbeing and build resilience. The Newark Community Fun Day is organized by children and attended by children and their families, with over 500 people taking part in 2024. This year, the Newark Community Fun Day will be held on 12th July.
Children’s Bereavement Centre
Katie Gibson, Marketing and Fundraising Executive of the Children’s Bereavement Centre, introduced an emotional video showing the positive impact of donations on children who are coping with the loss of one or both parents or siblings. The Children’s Bereavement Centre provides a loving and supportive environment for them to heal and recover. One child said that he had laughed there for the first time in months.
Who Gives a Book?!
This month’s business book, recommended by Andy Nisevic of One Degree Training and Consulting, was Flourish by Martin E.P. Seligman.
Two Minute Talk
In this section of the club’s meetings, all attendees booking a ticket before 5pm on the Wednesday before the meeting are included in a ‘wheel of fortune’ style spin. The winner gives a short presentation on their business in next month’s meeting. This month, Lisa Atkinson, director of Bright and Beautiful was in the spotlight. Using eco-friendly cleaning products, Lisa and her team provide a bespoke housekeeping service for domestic clients in Newark and Grantham. All the products used are pure, non-carcinogenic and no plastic waste goes into landfill. Lisa’s trusted team, who are all fully trained, uphold the company’s values of holistic housekeeping, pure products and strict security, giving their clients peace of mind.
Announcements
Saturday 8th March Simon, Michelle and others from Newark Business Club took part in the Hercules Clay ceremony at Newark Town Hall which also meant a donation of £300 to Newark Food Bank.
To mark her tenure as Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Councillor Jean Hall is taking on the challenge of walking and cycling through every part of the district to promote eco-friendly travel, meet community group and raise funds for three local charities: Nottinghamshire Mind, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Newark Women’s Aid. If you would like to donate, follow this link: Jean Hall is fundraising for Nottinghamshire Mind
The date of the next meeting of Newark Business Club’s Action Group will be Monday 24th March at 6pm in the Organ Grinder pub. Everyone who would like to become engaged with issues that affect the local community is welcome to attend.
Newark and Sherwood CVS are looking for donations of old technology, including mobile phones, laptops and tablets for repurposing.
There’s still time to enter a team for the annual Dragon Boat Race, to be held on 14th September in aid of Beaumond House Hospice and the Children’s Bereavement Centre.
Newark Book Festival is seeking sponsors, with sponsorship packages starting at £300. This year, it will take place from 10th until 13th July.
A few Newark Business Club meeting sponsorship slots are available in 2025. Contact chairman@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk for further details.
Charity of the Quarter – Result of the Vote
Following a vote by all attendees, Newark Business Club’s charity of the quarter was announced. The Children’s Bereavement Centre’s much-needed work in the local community will be supported by a donation of £600 from Newark Business Club and Newark & District Round Table.
Next meeting
The next meeting of Newark Business Club will be on 4th April at the YMCA, starting at 7 am.
By Roz Andrews of RA Writers For Hire/RA Book Editing
Thank you to Our Patrons & Sponsors
We are delighted to announce the following Patrons for 2025: Gusto Group|GXO in Partnership with Currys|Barcode Warehouse|Motorfinity|PeachyEvents|Radio Newark
Next Meeting – The next meeting of Newark Business Club will be at 7.45 am on 4th April at the YMCA.
The YMCA catering team offer a range of delicious breakfasts which are available to purchase.
Please Book your tickets online
YMCA Community and Activity Village
Lord Hawke Way
Newark
Nottinghamshire NG24 4FH
For sponsorship opportunities, contact chairman@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk
