7 November 2023: Legendary broadcaster and CNN’s chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour received Women in Journalism’s Lifetime Achievement Award last night (6 November 2023) at a special dinner given in her honour.

This year sees Amanpour, 65, celebrate her 40^th anniversary at CNN.  As well as being host of CNN International’s nightly interview programme Amanpour, Christiane has also just launched a new Saturday show – The Amanpour Hour – which premiered at the weekend (Saturday 4^th November 2023) and airs on CNN domestic and international. 

Beginning in 1983 as an entry-level assistant in the international assignment desk at CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta, Amanpour rose through the organisation becoming a reporter at the New York bureau and later, the network’s leading international correspondent.  She received an Emmy for her interview with Libya’s former leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi which was his last, has earned every major television journalism award, received nine honorary degrees and was awarded a CBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 for services to journalism. 

Alison Phillips, Chair of Women in Journalism and Daily Mirror Editor-in-Chief, comments: “There are few journalists anywhere in the world who have done more to illustrate the power of great journalism and its impact on people’s lives, business, and wider society than Christiane.

“During her career, she has reported from the front lines of conflict around the world, secured exclusive interviews with global power players, often being the first journalist to interview new prime ministers and presidents as they are appointed, and investigated the important issues of our time.

“Without doubt, Christiane is a force to be reckoned with, her success is recognised around the world and her uncompromising approach makes her shows a must-watch.  On behalf of Women in Journalism, it is an honour to give this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Christiane, an incredible role model for all female journalists.”    

Christiane received Women in Journalism’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which is sponsored by the UK’s number one skincare brand No7, at a dinner at The Lanesborough hotel attended by the who’s who of British journalism.  Guests included prominent UK female editors, broadcasters and media CEOs. 

Last year’s recipient was Tina Brown, the award-winning journalist, author, former editor-in-chief of Tatler, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker and Talk and founder of Women in the World.

For more information on WIJ please go to https://womeninjournalism.co.uk

13 March 2023: Women in Journalism (WIJ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Maria Boyle to its Committee this month.

Maria is founder and director of London-based MB Communications Ltd https://mbcomms.co.uk, a PR company which works with a number of leading global brands such as L’Oréal and Walgreens Boots Alliance; female-founded businesses such as Jo Hansford salons and jewellers Robinson Pelham; PR agencies including Ogilvy and Red, together with a number of high profile personalities.

Maria has been an active member for over ten years and has always supported WIJ.  This has included helping to secure the appointment of WIJ’s first ever Ambassador, the international bestselling novelist and journalist Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE, securing No7 Beauty Company’s sponsorship for WIJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award which launched in October 2022, and helping to further raise the profile of WIJ via her excellent network of contacts.

Alison Phillips, Chair of Women in Journalism, comments: “We’re really thrilled that someone of Maria’s calibre is joining the WIJ Committee. With her infectious enthusiasm, energy and laser sharp focus she is going to be a great asset as WIJ continue to evolve.

“Maria is very well regarded by all the editors I know which is rare in the PR world and she cuts to the chase and makes things happen, which is exactly what we need.”

Maria Boyle says: “I’ve always been passionate about media in all its forms and think it’s incredibly important to support and champion women in the industry. I’m also really honoured to be the UK’s first media PR professional to join the WIJ Committee and am excited to sit alongside such amazing editors and writers.”

For more information on WIJ please go to https://womeninjournalism.co.uk

The Net Zero Salons Programme launches to help salons in the UK and Ireland through the process of becoming a Net Zero business

26^th January 2023, London – L’Oréal and Net Zero Now, the climate action platform, have partnered to develop an industry-first initiative, the Net Zero Salons Programme – to enable hair salons to embark on the journey to Net Zero, open to salons across the UK and Ireland.

The Net Zero Salons Programme guides salons through the process of calculating, tracking and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through tailored carbon reduction plans, with the ultimate ambition of certifying as a “Net Zero Salon”. Developed by Net Zero Now in partnership with L’Oréal, as well as involving peer reviews and input from across the industry, the programme is based on a salon-specific roadmap and tool for measuring, tracking, reporting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

With approximately 31,000 hair salons up and down UK high streets, salons play a significant role in the beauty economy. Data from the initial Net Zero Salons Programme pilot estimates that the average salon appointment produces 3.1kg of greenhouse gas emissions per year. In line with Science Based Targets, the programme aims to empower salons and clients alike to play their role in taking carbon reduction action and recommends that salons on the programme work towards a benchmark of 2kg per salon appointment. If all salons in the UK achieved this 2kg benchmark, the industry could remove approximately a third (33 per cent) of its greenhouse gas emissions. 

Client habits and expectations on sustainability are evolving: recent L’Oréal surveys found that nearly half of British women (45 per cent) said they made more sustainable choices in 2022 than in previous years, and when looking more specifically at salons, 43 per cent wanted to see their salon doing more to be sustainable, and nearly a quarter (23 per cent) said they now expect a beauty or wellness service provider to be committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

The programme aims to make the journey to becoming a “Net Zero Salon” accessible for all salons by providing personalised and actionable recommendations; from switching to renewable energy and becoming more energy efficient, improving waste treatment and management, reducing water consumption and heating, to incentivising employees with ride to work schemes or encouraging public transport options. The programme is open to salons in the UK & Ireland who can discover more and sign up to the programme now:  www.netzero.salon

Simon Heppner, Co-Founder, Net Zero Now said: “We are very excited to introduce this industry-first roadmap and tool for the salon sector in partnership with L’Oréal. This programme is open to all salons, empowering the whole industry to play its part in tackling the climate crisis and meeting the growing expectations of consumers and employees. We know this programme can help salons to be even more efficient by reducing energy and water consumption which we hope also brings more business resilience for the future. With Net Zero initiatives now live in hospitality, accountancy, tech services and salons, we’re providing tens of thousands of small businesses with the tools they need to take their first steps on the road to Net Zero.”  

Adam Reed, Adam Reed London, hairdresser & salon owner said: “I am delighted to be one of the first salons to be part of the L’Oréal and Net Zero Now ‘Net Zero Salons Programme’. Sustainability is something that is incredibly important to me as an individual and as a business leader – and it is something that both my team and clients actively ask about and want to see us taking action on. 

“I have been embarking on my salon’s sustainability journey for some time and new tools like the programme protocol are invaluable for our sector. The tool has helped me to understand where I am at on my journey by calculating and tracking, and then importantly, has helped me to accelerate with a personalised reduction plan and making my salon business more resilient for the future.” 

 

Millie Kendall OBE, CEO British Beauty Council said: “Now more than ever – especially post pandemic – salons play an essential role on our British high streets and local communities; with the power to not only inspire confidence and promote wellbeing, but to be an advocate for positive change – not only from a business perspective but extending to influencing consumer habits on important topics such as sustainability. This new Net Zero Salons Programme, coupled with L’Oréal’s new educational offerings to help up skill hairdressers on sustainability, is really empowering the salon sector to play its role and take action.”

Leading names in the salon industry, including Adam Reed (London), Trevor Sorbie (Manchester) and Linton & Mac (Scotland), were amongst the 17 salons who enrolled on the Net Zero Salons Programme pilot to help develop this industry-first actionable salon carbon footprint tracker and roadmap. 

The Net Zero Salons Programme is part of L’Oréal Groupe’s wider 2030 sustainability roadmap, L’Oreal For The Future, a set of measurable targets on climate, water, biodiversity and natural resources. As part of this roadmap, L’Oréal is committed to supporting its partner salons – and the wider industry – to adopt more sustainable business practices through its Hairstylists for the Future programme. This already established programme, has been developing innovative solutions to support salons across environmental pillars such as waste, through a partnership with the Green Salon Collective and water, providing solutions for responsible water use and lowering water consumption with the new L’Oréal Water Saver, a showerhead that uses jet-fusion technology to significantly reduce a salon’s water consumption at the backwash, which is set to roll out in spring 2023. 

Aromatherapy Associates announces its ethical B Corp certification as it pledges to put people and the planet on the same footing as profit

LONDON: Aromatherapy Associates today (21 October 2020) is announcing a change in the way it does business. In future it will give equal weight to people, the planet and profit by becoming an ethical B Corporation.

B Corp is a global movement – to date 3,500 companies in 150 industries have gained the certification which can takes several years to achieve. Other global brands that have become B Corps include Patagonia, innocent, Abel & Cole, The Body Shop, Allbirds and Veja. This more ethical way of doing business is gaining momentum as a result of the climate, social and economical crisis coupled with rising inequality and an increasing desire by consumers for brands with purpose.

B Corps are companies that instead of just focussing on the traditional bottom line – profit – they have a triple bottom line where the impact of the business on people and the planet is given the same weight as making money.

Aromatherapy Associates achieved B Corp certification in just ten months in recognition of its social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

The company – founded by aromatherapy pioneers Geraldine Howard and Sue Beechy – was way ahead of its time even when it launched in 1985. It began on a kitchen table in a house in Fulham where the pair would mix their oils. But soon their products for the face and body drew a high profile following; famous fans included American actress Ava Gardner and actor Peter O’Toole. However Aromatherapy Associates most famous advocate and ambassador was Diana, Princess of Wales, who used the brand’s Revive Evening Bath & Shower Oil.

Aromatherapy Associates has already changed its way of working with a range of initiatives. These include new wellbeing schemes for staff, implementing measures to ensure diversity across its business, changing its London headquarter to run on 100 per cent renewable energy, employees undertaking voluntary work with the company’s community partners, and measuring and improving the social and environmental performance of its top tier suppliers over time.

It is also putting in place gender and ethnicity pay gap monitoring, a pledge to be carbon neutral and for all plastic packaging to be 100 per cent recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2023. All its Tier 1 suppliers will be screened, assessed and verified for their environmental, social and governance practices, with the aim of setting new standards for the luxury personal care sector.

Aromatherapy Associates join a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit. Celebrities and leading public figures are also part of the B Corp community including Jamie Oliver Group; Lily Cole and her company Impossible; Al Gore and his company Generation Investment Management; and actor Jaden Smith’s Just Water.

More than 100,000 businesses have engaged with the B Impact Assessment since its launch in 2006 and today there are 3,500 B Corps worldwide. The process grades brands on a points system that measures five key areas: governance, workers, environment, customers and community. Chris Turner, the executive director of B Lab UK, the non-profit organisation that certifies companies, confirmed they are seeing a “dramatic surge” in the number of businesses looking to become certified:

“In the wake of the pandemic, we’ve seen unprecedented growth. Businesses of all sizes, and across industries, are recognising the need to change how business operates. By becoming a B Corp they make a meaningful commitment to make this change and to prove that business can be a force for good.”

“Welcoming Aromatherapy Associates is particularly exciting because we see the opportunity to build on the trust and leadership of this brand.”

Brands with purpose: not just a nice to have, it’s a pre-requisite for consumers today

Driving positive change for both society and the environment is no longer a nice to do – it’s expected. According to new research1, consumers are no longer happy to align themselves with a company that solely delivers shareholder value.

The research, commissioned by B Lab, found that focusing narrowly on shareholder returns is just not good business anymore. It found:

• 76 per cent believe capitalism isn’t working well or is harmful to the UK economy. Only 19 per cent feel that “capitalism is working well in the UK and does not need tinkering with”.
• 72 per cent believe that businesses should have a legal responsibility to the planet and people alongside maximising profits.
• 76 per cent believe businesses have a responsibility to protect the natural environment.
• Nearly half (47 per cent) of respondees also said that they agree with the statement that businesses have a responsibility to solve social issues such as inequality, poverty and mental health issues.
• 53 per cent were more likely to favour brands that are doing good in the world.

B Corp certification helps to accelerate business growth

As the world starts to recover from the pandemic, businesses around the world are looking to rebuild in a way that puts their people first and protects the communities and the environment on which they rely.

Research By B Lab UK showed that the average year-on-year growth rate of UK B Corporations that had recertified in 2018 was 14 per cent, 28 times higher than the national economic growth of 0.5 per cent. The potential upside of being driven by a wider mission – rather than solely trying to maximize shareholder profit – is something companies are waking up to.

All images credit Fiona Hanson

Airport and Platform Concierge services in demand as worried travellers seek professional help to get through airports and train stations on first trip post lockdown

The world’s leading global provider of luxury meet and assist services, DiamondAir International, is reporting an increase in demand for its concierge services as travellers request help to get through airports and busy train stations on their first trip post lockdown.

As people start travelling again, one of the areas they are most concerned about is how they can avoid busy airport terminals and crowded train stations with the minimum of interaction.

Christina Lawford, Founder and Managing Director of DiamondAir International, says:

“Often the most stressful part of travel is getting through the airport or train station to the final mode of transport. Inevitably airports are busy and confusing places with numerous queues and this, combined with locating where you need to check in, drop your bags, and get through security, creates maximum tension the best of times.”

“Currently, travellers’ worries are even more heightened as we gradually come out of lockdown and our services help remove this stress. They are designed to run effortlessly from the moment you arrive at the airport or station and can continue until you arrive at your final destination.”

The company regularly deals with the rich and famous, business travellers, individuals, and families all over the world. Since lockdown has eased, it has reported a 200 per cent increase in calls and increased traffic to its website as travellers seek assistance through airports. Its three key services are:

Airport Concierge Service

Available in 600 destinations, this service enables traveller to get through the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible and is available on departures, arrivals and transits.

A DiamondAir Airport Concierge Agent is ready to greet travellers on arrival kerbside and will assist them through check in, escort through security and assist through all additional passenger health and screening protocols pre and post flight. Baggage porters can be arranged to collect and transfer luggage, with sanitisation of bags provided upon arrival (subject to airport). The Agent will ensure dwell time is minimised in the congested passenger areas of the airport and take care of any common use touch screens.

If a lounge has been booked, traveller/s will be escorted there while waiting to board. A boarding time will be arranged with the DiamondAir Airport Concierge Agent who will then collect traveller/s from the lounge and escort to the aircraft, avoiding busy areas and removing any unnecessary stress encountered before take off. The same process takes place at arrivals, with the Concierge Agent assisting traveller/s through immigration, baggage reclaim and customs, and escorting traveller/s to their final mode of transport. For those who have connecting flights, the Concierge Agent will escort to the onward gate, and has the benefit of knowing the layout of the airport and most efficient ways around it.

Airport By Invitation

This premium and bespoke service makes the private jet experience available without the price tag but with all the benefits of using a private terminal, taking travellers from airside to kerbside and vice versa. It is accessible in more than 80 airport locations.

Tailored to the needs of the individual, looking for the ultimate in discretion, privacy and exclusivity between plane side and kerb side, it provides transport to and from the tarmac to VIP suite, completely exclusive for a traveller/ travellers. The suite is sanitised after each use, includes a butler service and clients can also access entertainment or spa services, personal shopping and catering.

As part of the Airport By Invitation service, security, customs and immigration checks are carried out individually in the private suite, avoiding other passengers in congested areas. Those travelling via this service are able to relax in luxurious surroundings, while the DiamondAir Agent coordinated the transfer of baggage.

Boarding and disembarking is made simple with a private tarmac transfer from the lounge to the aircraft with fully sanitised vehicles for optimum safety measures.

Platform Concierge

This service runs from train side to kerb side across major worldwide rail stations. DiamondAir’s Platform Concierge Agent provides a luxury meet and assist service, helping to support travellers’ end to end transit across the world’s busiest stations. This can include help with travel schedule monitoring and coordinating all travel arrangements. This service can benefit not only business travellers but also individuals, families and groups and provides valuable local on-the-ground knowledge. Assistance is available on both arrival and departure to minimise dwell time in the busy passenger areas.

New for 2020

Ahead of the summer getaway, DiamondAir International’s new Family Getaway package offers all the benefits of the above Airport Concierge Service and costs £150 including VAT for a family of four with the optional extra of adding access to an airport lounge if the family wishes. The service includes a baggage porter and the use of pushchairs to and from the aircraft – fully sanitised after each use – and assistance with hand luggage.

Christina Lawford adds:

“Our Family Getaway package not only caters for those with young children but also young passengers travelling alone, nervous flyers or inexperienced travellers who simply appreciate a guiding hand. We aim to make the airport experience as enjoyable as possible at the beginning and at the end of a holiday.”

DiamondAir Airport Concierge Agents can also escort families to the children’s play area and its CRB-checked Agent can oversee children if parents wish to do some last minute shopping before take off.

• Airport Concierge starts from £150 for up to 2 passengers
• Family Getaway service starts from £150 for a family of 4
• Airport By Invitation starts from £170.00 per person
• Platform Concierge starts from £150

For bookings please:

• Call: 020 8897 9183
• Email: reservations@diamondairinternational.com
• Website: https://diamondairinternational.com

DiamondAir International’s services now incorporate further safety and precautionary measures which are continuously monitored and adapted in alignment to local Government advice and guidelines, and as travel policies and border controls change globally, so will its service protocols.

All its Airport Concierge Agents wear PPE whilst at the airport, handshaking will not be observed and it continues to monitor its frontline staff. Social distancing is adhered to between the Airport Concierge Agent and passengers at all times.