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The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
How do I explain break in employment after my freelance business slowed down?
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to get back into an in-house role after years of freelance work. 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q) I've enjoyed my 20-year career in marketing, but I've always wanted to work for myself and decided a couple of years ago to leave the job I'd been in for a while and go freelance. At first, I had lots of work, but over the last year or so, things have slowed down and I'm not earning enough to pay all my bills. I've decided I need to look for a new permanent role again so I can have a guaranteed salary, but I don't know how to explain my break in employment and my reasons for wanting an in-house role. Any advice? READ MORE FROM KARREN BRADY Evie, via email A) Going freelance was a bold and admirable step – it shows initiative, confidence and a desire to challenge yourself. Many employers value that kind of entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to put yourself out there. When explaining your employment gap, focus on what you gained from the freelance experience – managing multiple clients, developing new skills in new settings, and navigating the realities of running a business. Most read in Fabulous You've likely gained a deeper understanding of what businesses need and how important it is to collaborate effectively, and these experiences will make you a strong team player. Express that you're excited about being part of a team again, with the opportunity to collaborate more closely with different colleagues, while leveraging what you've learned and bringing all your strengths to help the team, and wider company, thrive. Karren Brady is an 'ice queen' who ignores The Apprentice candidates - even when the cameras aren't rolling, claims ex-star But don't be afraid to be honest about the challenges you encountered, too – you could explain that while freelancing started strong, the market shifted and sustaining a consistent income became increasingly difficult. Rather than seeing this as a setback, frame it as a valuable lesson in adaptability and resilience. Good luck! Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I want to be my own boss and start a business but I have no idea where to start. Help!
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to start a business but doesn't know where to start. 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q: I want to start my own business, but I have no clue where to begin! Since graduating with a degree in business last summer, I've had a few consultancy jobs for friends and family, and it's shown me that what I really want is to be my own boss. I love the flexibility and freedom that comes with working for myself, and I'm in a place where I can dedicate all my time and energy to it right now. However, I don't have any experience in making contacts, pitching for work, or any of the practical side of starting a business. Do you have any advice on how I can set myself up for success? Shona, via email A: Congratulations on graduating and taking the first steps towards your own business. Try to focus on one step at a time to make the process manageable. First, decide exactly what your business is, and what you offer that competitors do not. Work on perfecting your pitch, as you need a clear and concise way to explain what you do, why it's valuable, and how you stand out. Karren Brady is an 'ice queen' who ignores The Apprentice candidates - even when the cameras aren't rolling, claims ex-star Networking is super-important, so attend local business events, industry meet-ups, and online webinars to build connections. These are great opportunities to meet potential clients, mentors and partners who can offer support. When it comes to finances, it's vital to stay on top of budgets. Seek out investment or grants to fund your business, and carefully manage cash flow and the tax side of things – you might want to consider using a financial advisor. Also, utilise AI tools, such as ChatGPT and PrometAI, which can save you time and help refine your messaging as you begin establishing your business – they're great for brainstorming ideas and drafting proposals. Good luck! Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@
The Irish Sun
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
I want to be my own boss and start a business but I have no idea where to start. Help!
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to start a business but doesn't know where to start. Advertisement 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q: I want to start my own business, but I have no clue where to begin! Since graduating with a degree in business last summer, I've had a few consultancy jobs for friends and family, and it's shown me that what I really want is to be my own boss. I love the flexibility and freedom that comes with working for myself, and I'm in a place where I can dedicate all my time and energy to it right now. However, I don't have any experience in making contacts, pitching for work, or any of the practical side of starting a business. Advertisement READ MORE FROM KARREN BRADY Do you have any advice on how I can set myself up for success? Shona, via email A: Congratulations on graduating and taking the first steps towards your own business. Try to focus on one step at a time to make the process manageable. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous First, decide exactly what your business is, and what you offer that competitors do not. Work on perfecting your pitch, as you need a clear and concise way to explain what you do, why it's valuable, and how you stand out. Karren Brady is an 'ice queen' who ignores The Apprentice candidates - even when the cameras aren't rolling, claims ex-star Networking is super-important, so attend local business events, industry meet-ups, and online webinars to build connections. These are great opportunities to meet potential clients, mentors and partners who can offer support. Advertisement When it comes to finances, it's vital to stay on top of budgets. Seek out investment or grants to fund your business, and carefully manage cash flow and the tax side of things – you might want to consider using a financial advisor. Also, utilise AI tools, such as ChatGPT and PrometAI, which can save you time and help refine your messaging as you begin establishing your business – they're great for brainstorming ideas and drafting proposals. Good luck! Advertisement Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@ Five ways to save on roast dinners From the best-value cuts of meat when cooking at home, to eating-out deals, The Sun's Consumer Reporter Sam Walker reveals how to get your delish Sunday feast for less. CHOOSE CHEAPER CUTS Chicken thighs, pork shoulder and beef brisket are cheaper cuts of your favourite meats. We found a pork shoulder in Sainsbury's for £3.79 per kilo, while pork tenderloin fillet was £6.98 per kilo – £3.19 more expensive. Also, opt for wonky veg, which may be misshapen, but no less healthy or tasty. A bag of Tesco Perfectly Imperfect Carrots costs 53p per kilo – 16p less than regular ones. COOK SMART Generally, an air fryer is cheaper to run than an oven, but it's not always the case. For a roast, you're better off with an oven – cooking half a leg of lamb, roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings for up to an hour in a 2 kilowatt oven costs around 54p, according to Uswitch. But cooking these individually in a 1.4 kilowatt air fryer will cost you around 73p. USE A FOOD BANK Aldi partners with the app Too Good To Go to offer bags of fruit and veg approaching their sell-by dates for £3.30, instead of £10. Check your local Aldi on the Too Good To Go app from 10pm to collect the next day. Tesco is also trialling giving away yellow-sticker products for free in selected Express stores. If you are really struggling, visit a food bank. The Trussell Trust issues emergency parcels with three days' worth of food to families in crisis. Visit LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS Leftover roast beef gone tough? Just cut it into strips and pan fry to revive it – perfect for salads, wraps or stir-fries. To tenderise roast pork, pop it in a pan with gravy, water and stock and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn leftover veg into bubble and squeak or soup, or bring roasties back to life by tossing them in a pan. DINE OUT ON DISCOUNTS If you fancy a break from cooking, make the most of pub and restaurant offers. Harvester has a deal where those signed up to its Flavour Fan Club rewards scheme can get 25% off food for up to six people. That means, on a £60 order you'd save £15. Visit to sign up. Or head to one of The Hungry Horse pubs, where you can get a Sunday roast with a drink for just £10 – find your nearest one at Toby Carvery also has a loyalty scheme where, if you sign up to The Carvery Club, you'll get 25% off your food bill – see
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
My manager's absence means I've been left with little guidance – what should I do?
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who is Advertisement 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q) Since hiring me six months ago, my manager has barely been around, as she's been on and off sick leave. While she hasn't told me what's wrong, I of course wish her well. However, her absence means I've been left with little guidance. I knew my boss professionally before she employed me, and she created this position specifically for me. Advertisement READ MORE ON KARREN BRADY West Ham chief Karren Brady has her say on VAR in Premier League and predicts 'a season of anger and confusion' I was so grateful and excited to work together, but I've had to navigate everything on my own. Plus, whenever she briefly returns, she starts suggesting different ways of working, which just complicates matters, before she disappears again. What do you think I should do? Katie, via email Advertisement Most read in Fabulous A) Starting any new role is a challenge, but being left without leadership or clear guidance will hinder your ability to succeed. It's important to acknowledge and address how your manager's absence is impacting your work and your growth in the role. When you next meet, approach the conversation with empathy for her, while also being clear about your need for more consistent support, and offer suggestions on how you can work better together. Frame it in a positive way – express how much you value her leadership and were looking forward to working with her, then explain how a lack of guidance has left you feeling unsure about expectations. Advertisement Ask if she'd be open to setting clearer priorities or suggesting someone else in the team you can check in with when she's not around. This shows you're proactive and respectful, while still advocating for yourself. If her absence continues to hinder your ability to succeed, consider a chat with HR. It's crucial to be proactive in your career and to have the support you need to thrive. Advertisement Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@
