On Monday, I put on my glad rags and headed off to Parliament for an intimate dinner with some fabulous fellow business owners and policy-making MP’s. I felt incredibly honoured and lucky to be sat in a hot seat between the MP’s themselves. It was a chance for us as small businesses to reflect on all we’ve been through since the pandemic and talk openly about what would make a difference to us going forward. At the top of my agenda were green issues and how we should have tighter legislation so we can all do our bit before it is too late. We also covered AI and how it can work for us, rather than against us with more innovation (I mean less about robots taking over and more about how AI can help with the jobs we don’t necessarily want to do) and how we should be shouting from the rooftops about being British made, shopping local and supporting all the small businesses that are around every corner, in every city across the country. I really enjoyed it - it was nice to have a voice and to have the chance to listen to the other inspirational business owners at the table. I shouldn’t brag but out of 8 incredible businesses 5 were female-founded which was refreshing and well deserved.

On a lighter note, we snuck into the House of Lords. It felt like being in a scene from Indiana Jones with loads of life-sized knight statues that looked like they might come to life at any point! The food was fabulous, the hand- painted wallpaper in the House of Lords stairwell was to die for. I wasn’t particularly impressed by the loos, however. I was expecting much more glamour!

Now from ‘Parliament’ to our ‘Podcast’. Show Us Your Bits with my partner in crime the very talented Josie Lloyd which we launched only a few hours ago to much delight and nerves from us. We will be launching a new episode every Wednesday. So please tune in. This week's episode was our initial pilot show with just the two of us talking about our favourite pieces of jewellery.

We have been wanting to do this for so long. However, it is received, we are super proud of ourselves for making it happen. Next week it will be less about us and more about our fascinating guests!... I can promise insightful, heartfelt personal stories peppered with love and laughter on our podcast journey as we uncover the stories behind their jewellery pieces.

Please do listen in on Spotify or below.

Don't forget to share with friends. We would love a rating and review.

Here is this week's synopsis of
SHOW US YOUR BITS - EPISODE 1 - The Pilot

Brighton-based friend's jeweller Alice and novelist Josie introduce their new podcast with a light-heated natter about the jewellery they wear every day, including Alice's cursive 'A' necklace (which doesn't look at all like a turd!) and her shell necklace inspired by her wild adventures in Mexico. Josie shares her story about accidentally running the Brighton Marathon 10K and the woman who gave her a 'butterfly of hope' necklace. Along the way, they discuss the pros and cons of winter holidays in the sun, Piers Brosnan's suite in a hotel in Mallorca, going through breast cancer treatment and the positive power of a mid-life shake-up.

Now moving onto my 3rd P – Pride. One of the best weekends of the year in Brighton where we all celebrate everything and everyone that makes Brighton the best city in the world. A fun, dynamic, cultural, diverse, creative hub where you can be whoever you choose to be. If only every city was more like Brighton. Every year we get very excited about our Pride window display and this year is no different, Sarah has pulled off one of my favourites. If you are walking past our shop on Sydney Street in Brighton, please take a look at the gemstone rainbow in our window. Well-done Sarah. Thank you, x

So, my final P is the Christmas Party today!!! We have always had a little shindig at Christmas, but we’re so exhausted after our busiest time that we all decided we’d rather do a full-on party in the middle of summer. One of my favourite days of the year at PTD where we all get together; London and Brighton shops and the Brighton workshop, and head out for a boat trip - with optional mackerel fishing, then beach volleyball at Yellowave, a swim in the sea to cool down and finally to the pub for a feast in the garden. It's always fun and a chance for us all to mingle and let our hair down. We will fill you in on how it goes in next week's newsletter with the important stuff like who catches the most fish (normally jeweller Marie), who wins the volleyball tournament (def Tanya’s team) and who makes a fool of themselves (def ME!).

Have a lovely weekend and next week's newsletter will be written from San Francisco. I’m very excited. YAY!