Remote working isn’t a new thing, but it has risen in popularity since the pandemic. Many businesses have embraced remote or hybrid working. This offers more flexibility, boosts productivity and work-life balance. It can cut costs for both employees and employers and allows organisation to tap into a global talent pool. Despite all the benefits, effective communication and the right kit are crucial for success. Here’s our list of essential kit every remote worker needs in 2024.

• Portable Monitor
• Portable Keyboard
• Laptop Riser
• Privacy Screen
• Headphones
• Wireless Chargers
• Hubs & Adaptors
• Digital Notebook
• Bags

Of course, it’s not always possible, practical or affordable to buy absolutely everything, which is why we also hire out key equipment such as headphones, monitors, keyboards and laptop risers.

Portable Monitor

A portable monitor is great for people who use more than one screen for their work. In fact, research by Jon Peddie found that using multiple screens can improve productivity by around 42% across various job types. It helps you view more content, swap between applications quickly, navigate multiple windows and view documents and spreadsheets side by side.

Portable monitors are usually around the same size as a laptop screen and fold flat so they can be carried around with your usual kit. You can find free standing monitors or even ones that clip onto your laptop and have multiple screens. Some still require external power so you may need additional cables, but some have built in batteries.

Different monitors are better suited for different things such as gaming, for creatives, more compatible for MacBooks etc, so it very much depends on the type of work you do as to which monitor is best for you.

You can see PCMag’s list of best portable monitors for 2024 here 

Portable Keyboard

If you’re working from a laptop, it’s important to ensure you are sitting comfortably in order to make the most of your working day. This includes having your body in the right position such as relaxed shoulders, wrists and forearms inline. You should also have your monitor in the right position to avoid neck pain and eye strain. To achieve this, you may find you need to use a laptop risers (see below), but if you do this, then your keyboard will be in the wrong position. This is where portable keyboards come in very handy.

Like with monitors, there are many different types of portable keyboards depending on the work you do. Some are compact and ideal for carrying around with you, some are split which are often better for those with wrist pain or limited movements and some have mechanical keys which are better if you do a lot of typing.

You can find a list of best portable keyboards here

There are also some all-in-one solutions such as this

Laptop Riser

As mentioned above, to avoid neck strain, you’re supposed to keep the top of your monitor around eye level. This can be tricky if you’re working on a laptop all the time, but fortunately there is a whole range of portable laptop risers that can really save your neck. Many of these can fold down flat so they are easy to carry about with you, but others are handy if you need a more permanent solution.

Here’s a list of best laptop stands by CBSNews

Privacy screen

A computer privacy screen is a polarised sheet that covers your display screen on your laptop and/or monitor. This is great to prevent wandering eyes from seeing potential confidential information. They work by limiting the viewing angle so you can only see the screen properly if you’re looking head-on.

Most privacy screens also help reduce blue light, reduce glare and protect your screen.

There are different types of privacy screens depending on what your concern is, as well as different installation methods for them. You can find magnetic screens which attach to your display frame, or screens that use natural static cling and are applied directly to your screen. You can also find permanent privacy screens.

Headphones

Headphones are essential if you’re working in a coworking space, shared office or coffee shop. Not only for when you’re taking or making calls, but also for concentration and productivity. Now obviously everyone has different requirements for headphones and fortunately there are plenty of different types to choose from. Some are better for long periods of use, some are better for noise cancellation, some have better sound quality, some are more portable etc.

For remote working, wireless headphones are more convenient so you have a quicker setup so ones with a long battery life are ideal.

Here’s a great list for headphones

Wireless Chargers

Wireless chargers are a game changer for remote workers.

There are many different designs and configurations for wireless chargers, so find one that suits your devices. Combination wireless chargers can deal with your phones, headphones, watches etc, you can also find wireless chargers that are attached to desk mats, lamps or even are built into your desk top.

Here’s a list of best wireless chargers according to Wired

Hubs & Adaptors

If you’re working on the go, having a handy adaptor or hub in your bag means you will be able to connect to more tech. Not every laptop is directly compatible with every thing you need. Maybe you need more USB or HDMi ports. These hubs and adaptors come in a whole range of configurations and are inexpensive and very portable.
Here’s a list from Best Product Reviews

Digital Notebook

See, I still like writing things down. I write my to-do lists each day, I write notes up in meetings, I jot ideas down as my day goes on. A digital notebook combines the practice of actually writing things down with integrating cloud storage.

If you’re working remotely, carrying around your notebooks or diaries can just add extra bulk you don’t need, and if you don’t happen to have it with you, you’re relying on finding scraps of paper to use and re-writing up notes after. A digital notebook means you are always connected to your notes no matter where you are and you can always add/update.

Here’s a list of the best digital notebooks from ZDNet

Bag

If you’re moving around from home to the office to meetings to site visits etc, you’ll need a solid bag that can hold everything you need, plus be comfortable, secure and protective. Since the rise of hybrid working, we’ve seen more stylish bags and bags offering a bit more function as well, such as bags with more compartments, bags with extra padding, bags with USB ports and so much more.

It’s important to ensure whatever bag you chose, it’s comfortable to wear when full. Padded shoulder straps don’t always look the most stylish but they make such a difference.

We’ve found a great list of bags here from Glamour Magazine

As voted for by our members.

Back in 2022 we released a list of the best lunch spots in Newcastle as voted for by our members, and we’re here to do it again.

One of the best things about being based in the city centre is the fantastic range of food places just a few minutes walk away. While sometimes you just can’t beat a supermarket meal deal for scranning on the go, having the option to go big, try something new or just treat yourself is exactly what you need.

DoughDaze

DoughDaze is one of our neighbours! Only a 2 minute walk from our front door, you can have New York style pizza by the slice or whole. With slices from only £2 this the perfect place to find pizza on the go. Their range includes a veggie and vegan pizza as well as standards such as pepperoni, buffalo chicken and more.

Open Monday – Saturday from 12pm.

The Little Dumpling House

Literally next door to DoughDaze, The Little Dumpling House is favourite of mine. Handmade, authentic dumplings available to sit in or take out. Their menu includes dumplings, bao and Chinese burgers.

Open Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm & Sunday 11am-6pm.

Zapatista

Newcastle’s first independent burrito bar and a trusted brand. Zapatista has a whole range of build your own burritos, fajitas, naked bowls, nachos and so much more. Again, just a 2 minute walk from our own front door!

Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 8pm & Sunday 11:30am – 7pm

Frankie & Tony’s

This one made the list last year, but we can’t not include it this time around. They offer a great range of sandwiches, salads, jackets, paninis etc.  

Open Monday-Friday 8am – 3pm & Saturday 8.30am-3pm

Nudo Sushi Box

Sustainable, healthy & delicious! They’ve named themselves “The Rolls-Rice of Japanese Food” and we have to agree. They began in 2013 with the store on Northumberland Street and have grown ever since.. They offer mixed box sets, long box sets and rice bowls to name a few.

Open Monday to Saturday 10:30am – 8pm & Sunday 11am – 8pm

Kato

Another repeat entry on our list, but again, we can’t deny how good Kato is. This pan Asian restaurant offers sit in and takeaway with a gorgeous range of rice boxes, noodle boxes, vegan and veggie options.

Open Monday – Friday 11am – 7.30pm & Saturday – Sunday 11am-6pm

Five Guys

Coming over from the USA, everyone knows that Five Guys do good burgers. With burgers, beef dogs and sandwiches on the menu, they’re great for visiting on your lunch break or with your colleagues to unwind.

Open Sunday – Wednesday 11am – 11pm & Thursday –  Saturday 11am-12am

Hen & Hops

Claims to have the best chicken in the toon….I mean I can’t disagree!

They have a superb range of chicken wings, burgers and dirty chips to die for, all just a 12 minute walk away.

Opens Tuesday – Friday 12pm – 9pm, Saturday 11.30am – 9pm & Sunday 11.30am – 3pm

Liosi Italian Bistro

Offering real Italian food from pizza to pasta to paninis. Located less than a 2 minute walk from us, this is a great place for team lunches or after work food.

Open Monday 10am – 6.30pm, Tuesday – Thursday 10am – 8pm & Friday – Saturday 9am – 9pm

Island Poke

Their healthy and nutritious Poké Bowls are made fresh to order. Every. Single. Time. Whether you grab one of their house recipes, or build your own, you can always guarantee your taste buds will be satisfied.

Open Monday – Saturday 11am – 9pm & Sunday 11am – 5pm

Honourable mention

Greggs

You can’t be from the North East and not long a Greggs. Fortunately in Newcastle city centre alone there are 10 Greggs branches and many more across the rest of the region. Festive bake season is nearly upon us as well so best get ready!

*none of the pictures in this blog are from the restaurants mentioned.

Hybrid working allows employees to enjoy the benefits of both working from home and working in the office. Since the year 2020, we’ve seen a massive increase in this way of working. It was traditionally favoured by smaller tech companies but is now popular across a huge range of industries.

Switching to this model of working is hugely beneficial to both employers and employees and we are going to look at some of the pros and cons, as well as different types of hybrid working.

Pros of home working

Work-life balance – Working from home, at least part of the week, helps employees improve their work-life balance. From receiving parcels to being around for tradespeople, working from home gives employees more freedom to arrange things around important work tasks.
Lack of commute – Without the stress, cost and time spent commuting to and from work, employees are less stressed when they begin work and make better use of their time.
Freedom – Employees have more freedom to choose when and where they work.
Productivity – Without the pressures that can come with traditional ways of working, employees say they feel more productive.

Cons of home working

Access to work resources – They may be small fry, but they do add up. Tea, coffee, notebooks, heating, electricity, office chairs etc.
Team collaboration & culture – Both are hard to achieve without physically being in the same space and require a bit more effort when managed remotely.
Disruption – It can be tempting to pop a load of washing in or mow the lawn on your lunch break but it’s important to remain disciplined. Work processes can also be disrupted by not being able to pop over and speak to someone face to face.
Work schedules – With individual freedom also comes difficulty to coordinate schedules.

Pros of office working

Belonging & relationships – working in the office can foster a sense of belonging. You have comradery with your colleagues and can build meaningful connections more easily.
Productivity – I know, we mentioned this in the home working list, but for some, working in the office is a more focused environment and helps people switch into ‘work mode’.
Onboarding – Onboarding new team members can be much easier in an office environment. They get to know the team faster, know who to speak to and you can oversee how they are settling in much easier.
Collaboration – Physically being in the same space as others helps promote collaboration

Cons of office working

Inflexible – When you’re in the office there is more of a requirement to conform to a standard timetable.
Commute – This one cannot be ignored. For some, the daily commute can be stressful, expensive and long.
Exposure to illness – Now a few years ago, we probably wouldn’t have given this that much thought, but since COVID we know how quickly and easily viral infections can spread in an office space or on the bus/train.
Conformity – From the way you dress, to what you eat, to how you perform certain tasks, you’re far more likely to feel the need to conform in the office which might dampen your creativity.

So we can see from the above that there are definitely some benefits to a combination of homework and office work.

Types of Hybrid Working

If you’re introducing hybrid working, there are a few different ways you can do this. It’s important to find a way that benefits your employees and your business without impacting your customers.

At-Will Working

This way of hybrid working allows employees to make the decision based on their own individual needs and wants. Those who work best in the office, they have a space to do so. Those who work best at home, don’t feel pressured to come in. This really is an employee focussed model and it sounds like an ideal setup, but there are definitely some drawbacks. Not knowing where people are going to be from day to day can cause confusion and a feeling of disorganisation. Your office can either feel overcrowded or under-utilised which can be expensive for organisations and demotivating for employees. On the plus side, organisations can hire workers who live further away so they aren’t bound by location.

Office-First

While not too dissimilar to the above, an office-first model means employees are required to be in the office more days than they are at home. This is probably the easiest and quickest model to implement as it doesn’t require much setup other than some new policies. This makes arranging meetings and working collaboratively much easier. As it’s a more traditional way of working, employees will need to live nearby and be able to commute 3-4 times per week.

Remote-First

Employees only have access to office space 1-2 days per week, in some cases. This helps prevent overcrowding in the office but can mean that it’s harder to work with the individuals you want/need to. This can be great for those who prefer working from home but also like the social element of office-based work. Employers can use smaller office space but it can be more difficult when onboarding new employees.

Split-Week

Split week involves having certain days you require everyone onsite. For example, you may say everyone must be in every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This helps your team plan their work-from-home days, and embrace some of the pros of working from home while also maintaining the benefits of office-based work. It’s much easier to arrange face-to-face meetings or natural collaboration work. This also helps build strong relationships and has a sense of reliability. It can be more difficult to find an office setup that accommodates this.

Workload Based

This way of working involves management making a decision based on the current workload. This can be very tricky to manage as you can’t plan your weeks in advance. Employees will need to be able to be very flexible which can be expensive if relying on public transport or parking passes. It can also be expensive if you have your own office as it will be under utilised. If you don’t have an office, you’ll be relying on finding last-minute workspaces for your team for an unknown period of time.

Team Division

You might find that you don’t need all teams to be working in the office at the same time. Perhaps you need strategy teams in on Mondays and sales teams on Wednesdays. In some cases, you may have teams that could work fully remotely, but it feels unfair if you do have teams you need onsite. This can cause friction between departments but can be much easier to manage from an operational point of view. You won’t need as much office space and your team will know when and where they need to be in advance.

What does all this mean?

There are so many different ways of working and the one that works best for you, might not work so well for individuals on your team. If you are going to implement a hybrid way of working, you need to be able to identify the best way to do this. Individual preferences need to be taken into account, but also office costs. Running your own office which is either overcrowded or under used can be expensive and demoralising. Organisations need to be able to manage their overheads which is why flexible workspaces are great to help you achieve your hybrid model. In most coworking spaces, you can have a combination of dedicated desks and hot desking. This allows your team to flex throughout the week and means you only pay for the space you actually use. Unused desks aren’t your concern. Utilities and office perks are no longer your responsibility. It can be great for staff morale as they can meet and work with different organisations, they can feel a part of a community as well as your own organisation.

There are many different types of coworking spaces so spend time finding out which one suits your needs.

Thank Dog It’s Friday – Dog Friendly Coworking

In early 2023 we made the decision to become even more inclusive and opened up our ‘paws’ to our canine companions.

What was the reason behind this I hear you ask? Well, we keep getting asked to!

Over the past few years, we’ve had a rise in enquiries asking if we are a dog friendly workspace and it’s always been something we’ve been considering. So this year we have decided to take the plunge and open that doggy door.

Every Friday going forwards, humans can buy a day pass which entitles them and their dog to utilise space in The Racquets Court. We do, of course, have some rules:

• be friendly – good boys and girls only please!
• be respectful – since we are a workspace, dogs (and their owners) are reminded to stay together and be mindful about what each other are doing
• be clean – keep the space nice for other users and clean up after yourselves
• be calm – barking or hyper dogs are not good for productivity

Our full terms and conditions can be found here

What are the benefits of a dog friendly office?

According to Dogs Trust, dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than four hours. Now obviously, not all dogs are the same, but as a general rule of thumb, it does make sense. A dog left alone for too long can struggle with separation anxiety which can lead to injury to themselves and household destruction, which no one wants.

On the flipside, working from home full time does give your dog the social interaction they crave, but is it the right option for you?

Bringing your dog into the office can have many benefits.

It’s cheaper

69% of dog owners underestimated the cost of owning a dog according to Paws and Presto. Providing your dog doesn’t trash the office, having them with you during the day can actually save you money.

If you choose to leave your dog at home, there are various things to consider which can end up costing you money such as:

• Do you leave the heating on for them?
• Do you have to leave the radio or TV on for them?
• Do they have access to enough food & water?
• Are they in a part of the house where they will a) feel comfortable and b) cause the least amount of damage?
• Will they need to relieve themselves while you’re out?

One option is to hire a dog walker to pop in while you’re out. The average cost for this is approximately £11.25 per walk which soon adds up if you’re doing this multiple times a week. Another option is doggy day care which can range from £20-£30 per day.

As we all know, all dogs are different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some dogs aren’t office dogs. As someone who has had several dogs in my lifetime, one or two of mine certainly wouldn’t have been happy in the office and others would have been perfectly suited.

It improves morale & reduces stress

A few different studies have shown that when owners are allowed to bring their dog into the office, their morale improves. Leaving dogs at home obviously can cause stress for the animal, but can also cause stress for the owner. Often they are worrying about their pet, having to rush home at lunch time or the end of the day to walk them, worrying about the cost of day care, worrying about the dog being lonely and/or damaging their home.
Lets face it, dogs can also be really funny. Having dogs in the workplace can lighten the mood which helps create a more relaxed atmosphere AND can increase oxytocin levels which is the hormone that reduces stress.

It helps with staff retention

According to a recent study by Julie Naismith, the UK leading dog separation anxiety expert and author, 54% of people said they would consider quitting their jobs if their employers banned their dog from the workplace. Employees are less likely to look for new jobs if they are happy and secure in their current one. We’ve already talked about how having dogs around can reduce stress and improve morale so this is a good way to ensure you are looking out for their best interests and listening to their concerns about their pets being left alone.

Newcastle is also a very dog friendly city so there are plenty of places you can go after work for team outings and encourage your team to bring their pooch along. Check out this guide to dog friendly places to eat.

Improves productivity

Many of us end up skipping breaks because we feel the building pressure to complete tasks, however this is counter productive. Skipping breaks can lead to burnout and creates a negative atmosphere. According to Michigan State University, breaks can improve focus and productivity which, in the end, results in increased job satisfaction.
We also know that taking a walk outside is a great way to improve your physical and mental health. This allows you to get some fresh air, burn calories, strengthen your heart, boost energy, boosts your mood and has so many other health benefits. Having your dog with you in the office will help remind you to take these vital breaks as you’re more likely to take them if your dog is also showing signs of needing to go out.

Makes life easier

Putting it simply, being able to bring your dog to the office with you just makes life much easier. Even if you don’t intend to do it all the time, or if you suddenly have a change in circumstances that means no one will be able to walk your dog that day, having the option to bring your dog with you is a weight off your mind. The above study showed that 42% of pet owners have called in sick to take care of their pets, so lets remove the barriers.

You know your dog is safe, happy and you’ll be able to get your work done. It’s a win-win!

Improves relationships

62% of households in the UK have pets. They are a huge part of our society and give feelings happiness and companionship for owners. We bond over our pets: past, present and future. Personally I know people are far more likely to talk to me if I’m with my dog than they would otherwise. The same is true in the office. In places like Coworking spaces, having your pet with you can be a massive ice-breaker and help you expand your network and contacts, purely through the initial interaction over your dog.

What about the downsides?

Well, we have to be fair here, there are downsides of having dogs in the office as well. These can include dogs causing damage, people being fearful or allergic to dogs, worrying that the dog won’t settle well and cause disruptions. This is why we have opted to have a dedicated day per week to being dog friendly. This allows those who don’t want to be around dogs have space away from them and allows us to deep clean after Thank Dog It’s Friday so the office is pristine again ready for Monday. We also have a number of measures in place to make sure we are taking care of both the humans and the dogs in the workspace which will be reviewed regularly. And obviously, we are relying on you to do your part as well by:

• Respecting the rules we have in place
• Only bringing dogs in on TDIF
• Respecting your coworkers and other members in the building and their preferences
• Ensuring you have brought the items your dog needs to have a peaceful day in the office
• Take full responsibility for your own dog

If you do have any concerns, you can speak to a member of our team here

If you’d like to buy a day pass for Thank Dog It’s Friday, click the button below and purchase your day pass. Once you have your pass, you can select any Friday to redeem it and simply check your pass in!

Thank Dog It's Friday

Everyone who has ever worked in a co-working space, coffee shop, shared office or even when setting up your own home office, will know there are some essentials that you just have to have to make the days productive.

After speaking with some of our members, we’ve compiled a list of co-working essentials that everyone needs.

1. Laptop (& charger)
   If I had a pound for every time someone had turned up without a charger for their laptop I’d be…well I’d have probably £5…but that’s not the point. In this day and age, forgetting your laptop for work is like forgetting you pet when going to the vets or forgetting your car at the garage. While we can usually lend you a charger, it’s best to remember your own.

2. Notebook
   Okay so not an essential essential, they’re incredibly useful. I’m old school and like a written to-do list to keep me right, though I can make do with a piece of paper or post-it notes.

3. Pens or pencils
   Plain or ridiculous, but must be able to write with it. We often have millions of these in the bottom of our bags or absolutely none to found. Fortunately we’ve got plenty.

4. Water bottle and/or portable coffee cup
   It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day so water is a no-brainer, however many people also need tea or coffee to get through the day. While we do provide cups and glasses, many like to have their own portable drinks vessels.

5. 5. Laptop riser
      A small, portable laptop riser can be a life saver. The DSE health and safety guide tells us to keep screens at eye level which can be tricky if you’re working from a laptop which is why these nifty little risers are not only very handy, but also a coworking space essential. We have a number of risers available to borrow onsite if you do forget.

6. Portable keyboards and computer mouse
   If you’ve got your laptop raised to the correct position for your posture, chances are you can’t comfortably type. There are loads of portable sets that can help you out here.

7. Headsets and/or headphones
   Whether it’s for video calls or just to listen to your favourite tunes, headphones definitely make the essentials list.

8. Desk fan
   Not for everyone but it makes my essentials list. In the summer I love the feeling of a gentle breeze.

9. Phone charger
   I mean, it’s self-explanatory really, but if you’re going to making a lot of calls or generally doing some scrolling, you’re probably going to need a charger.

10. Desk snacks
    Biscuits, fruit, drinks, chocolate, whatever gets you through the day, bring with you! Personally I like sweet & salty popcorn close by if I’m going to be working on a big project. Always best to check no one has any airborn allergies

BONUS. Business cards
Well, you never know who you might meet in a co-working space. Could be your next big client, your next business partner or even your next best friend.

If you’re interested in co-working or hot desking, or would like some more information about the services we offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Virtual office. You’ve probably heard the phrase bandied around or seen it written down when you’ve been looking into setting up your business. So what is a virtual office?

Basically a virtual office falls under the flexible workspace umbrella. It is a way for a business to have a presence in an area where they don’t want or can’t be physically located. A virtual office plan, package or subscription gives businesses an address and sometimes a phone number and other benefits, usually at a  business centre, co-working space or shared office, without paying to actually use the physical space.

Virtual offices have been an option for businesses for many years now, so they aren’t a new phenomenon. Since the rise in flexible working they have become more and more popular. With video conferencing and a work-from-anywhere mindset, a virtual office fits in nicely to help establish your business without facing the massive (and often underestimated) overheads of renting physical office space.

Types of companies who typically use Virtual Offices

Start-ups

Start-ups use virtual offices as a way to be seen to be in a city centre or cluster related to their industry.

SMEs

Companies who don’t require a physical office space but don’t want to list a home address as their business address.

Flexible/Remote Companies

A Virtual Office gives you a single location to use as your base without needing to commit to being there.

Companies looking to setup a presence in a new city/area

Rather than setting up a physical office, a VO can help you find out if there is a demand in an area for your business or give you a presence in a city before you setup a physical office

Pros and cons of using a Virtual Office

As with everything, there are pros and cons of using a virtual office which may help you decide if this really is the right option for you.

• You’re starting up a business and you really need to prioritize what you spend your money on so a city centre office may not be on the cards. A virtual office helps you be seen to be in your desired area, creates the impression of professionalism and you become a part of a community, introducing you to new opportunities.
• Using your home address might sound simpler (and cheaper), but there are downsides and risks associated with this. A home address may make your business appear smaller or more junior than it is and can make you feel quite exposed when all your clients and suppliers know where you live. The virtual office can add a level of protection for your home life, helping you better manage your work-life balance.
• Most places which offer virtual office services also have onsite services which VO members can use, usually for an additional cost. These can include hot desks and Meeting Rooms which again can help support your business if you do need to host face-to-face meetings with clients or need to meet your team for a project kick-off. Some places will allow you to create a package that includes a number of meeting room or hot desking credits which often can work out cheaper overall.
• Virtual offices over traditional office space can also help with recruitment and really support the flexible work movement. By paying for a traditional office, you will want your moneys worth, which will include needing your team to use it. A virtual office gives you more freedom to hire talent no matter where they are based rather than being restricted by location.
• Rolling monthly memberships also allow you to amend your package at short notice. This saves on general business costs as you aren’t tied into long-term contracts, but the downside here is you don’t have a long-term guarantee. Make sure you stay in good communication with the company you take your membership out with so you don’t have any last minute surprises.
• Depending on the package, some places may offer a mail forwarding service. This sounds great as you don’t need to make a weekly trip to check your mailbox, but on the other hand, you’re relying on another manual process to actually get your post. If it is a time-sensitive letter, you are entirely relying on the postal service delivery times for it to reach you, or if it’s a personal letter, you may feel uncomfortable with someone opening and scanning it across to you.

So, do you need a virtual office? If you’re a start-up, a small business or need a presence in a certain city, a virtual office is probably the most affordable way to do so with very low risk. They are easy to setup, easy to manage, easy to grow from and easy to move on if/when you outgrow it.

Research the difference packages and plans in the city you need before you commit to ensure you can access all the elements that will help make your business thrive.

Guy Fawkes Night. Firework Night. Bonfire Night. Whatever you call it, it’s here.

On 5th November each year, we gather at various firework displays on the anniversary of the infamous Gunpower Plot (1605). After the failed attempt on the King and Parliament, people up and down London began lighting bonfires in celebration. And thus, Bonfire Night was born.

Nowadays, celebrations often include elaborate firework displays, laser displays, even drone displays, alongside fairground rides, food stalls, flashy toys and that all important community spirit.

Here are some of the local firework displays happening in Newcastle and the surrounding areas this year.

• Newcastle Race Course – On 4th November from 1pm and fireworks at 7.30pm.This year they are putting on a firework & funfair race night which includes face painting, fairground rides and games, live music, DJs, firebreathers and more! They are also offering free parking and kids go free.
• Blue Flames Annual Fireworks Display 2022 – On 5th November from 4:30pm and fireworks at 7pm. This year they have a number of bars open alongside fairground rides and food stalls. Tickets must be bought in advance so no tickets on the doors.

• Blydon RFC Bonfire & Firework Extravaganza – On 5th November from 5pm and fireworks from 7.15pm. Hosting their 16th annual bonfire and firework night, Blaydon have music, bars open, bonfire, fairground rides plus catering vans all to showcase their choreographed firework display set to music.

• Fireworks Evening @ Ocean Beach Pleasure Park – On 6th November from 6.30pm and is free to attend!
• Saltwell Park Fireworks – On 5th November from 5pm. This year they have a 30 minute firework display, laser shows, fire eating, live DJ music from Metro Radio, fairground rides and street entertainers to name a few!
• Firework Display at Morpeth RFC – On 6th November from 5pm. Refreshments and food to purchase from the clubhouse. No pre-booking required, just pay on the day!

Let us know which bonfire night events you enjoy so we can add them onto our list for next year!

National Stress Awareness Day 2022 – 2nd November

Stress. It affects us so much more than we realise. From our personal relationships to our jobs, our bodies and our minds. In this blog, we are going to look at work-based stress, how to identify it, how to voice it and some resources to help manage it.

Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. While it can help us stay focused and achieve things at work and in our personal lives, too much stress can have very negative side-effects and lead to burnouts and longer-term mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Statistics

Stress statistics from Champion Health:

• The most common cause of stress is work-related stress with 79% saying they frequently felt it (Statistica)
• One in 14 UK adults feel stressed every single day (CIPHR)
• 74% of people feel so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope (Mental Health Foundation and YouGov)
• Inpatient hospital admissions caused by stress-related illnesses in the UK cost around £8.13bn (Statistica)
• 46% say that they eat too much or too unhealthily due to stress (Mental Health Foundation and YouGov)
• 29% say that due to stress they started drinking or increased their drinking (Mental Health Foundation and YouGov)
• 16% say that they started smoking or increased their smoking due to stress (Mental Health Foundation and YouGov)
• 51% of adults who felt stressed reported feeling depressed and 61% reported feeling anxious (Mental Health Foundation and YouGov)
• 37% of adults who reported feeling stressed also felt lonely as a result (Mental Health Foundation and YouGov)
• 7 million working days are lost each year in the UK because of work-related stress, anxiety and depression, costing £28.3 billion yearly (NICE)
• 33% of employees report moderate-to-high or high levels of stress
• 28% report that high levels of stress impact productivity
• The top cause of work-related stress is workload (78%)
• 56% agree that the perfect amount of stress enables them to thrive

A common piece of advice when stressed in to plan ahead, but often the things that lead to stress are the things we have little or no control over. From being pulled in too many directions at work to uncertainties around rising costs both at work and at home to trying to juggle work and family life, there are just so many factors that it feels impossible to be able to plan enough because there is always something else waiting around the corner.

How to identify stress

Stress can present differently in different people so it’s difficult to say for certain how it will present, but we do know about some common warning signs that the stress is becoming too much.

Socially withdrawn

People tend to withdraw to protect themselves from other pressures or situations which could lead to extra pressure. Taking time for yourself is very important to helping battle the signs of stress, but you need to strike the right balance to avoid growing feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Sleeping and feeling tired

Because stress activated your fight or flight response, you body may struggle to produce melatonin (the sleep hormone). It also becomes a vicious cycle because when you can’t sleep you begin to worry about not sleeping which increases stress.

Excessive or increased use of personal vices

In times of stress we often turn to things that help us relax such as alcohol. While some have suggested that alcohol can hide some of the symptoms of stress (i.e., feeling more relaxed, boosting your mood, and providing a distraction) over time we can become intolerant to the ‘de-stressing effects’.

Loss of interest and excitement

Losing interest in things that once brought you joy can be a sign of stress as well as a sign of other conditions. Often this is a result of lack of sleep and a general feeling of being overwhelmed.

Anxiety or depression

Stress is often caused by short-term issues or pressures, but excessive stress can lead to longer term issues such as anxiety or depression.

Irritability

Trouble managing your emotions or becoming overwhelmed often are a sign of stress.

Physical symptoms

These can include panic attacks, muscle aches, headaches, stomach/digestive problems to name a few. Often the more stress you are feeling the worse the physical symptoms appear.

How to deal with stress

From the NHS website, its recommended that you:

• Talk to your friends and family or even a health professional (Samaritans, call: 116 123or email: [email protected]).
• Follow the NHS Stress Busters
• Use calming breathing exercises
• Plan for the things you can such as preparing for long journeys
• Listen to free mental wellbeing audio guides
• Look into talking therapies

In the workplace, it’s important to try and understand what is causing you stress specifically, is it a work-based stress or an external factor? What control do you have over this?

Speak to your line manager or mental health first aider if you have one. Work with them to devise a plan to help you cope with your stress and regular check-ins. If you don’t feel this is possible, turn to a co-worker or close friend who you feel comfortable speaking with.