Discover Personalised Gut Health Care

Hello and a warm welcome to Anni Summers RD. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to share a bit about me and the passion that drives me as a specialist Gut Health Dietitian.

My Journey to Becoming a Gut Health Dietitian

A Lifelong Interest in Food

I have been interested in food and cooking since I was a young child when, at 4 years old, I got up early one morning and decided to “bake a cake”. After mixing together flour and sugar and putting it in the oven, my Mum woke just in time to intervene before I had the chance to turn on the oven! As a teenager, I enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen, and often made dinner for my parents, introducing them to “new” cuisines, such as Thai and Japanese. Many of my present-day social activities are culinary orientated, such as dining out (I love seeking out unique and unusual dining experiences in London) and hosting dinner parties for friends. And, of course, Mum and Dad still come round once a week for dinner.

From Passion to Profession: Embracing Dietetics

In 2007, my passion for nutrition and the interplay between food, health and disease grew, stemming from a close family member being diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, as well as my own diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (finally, I could make sense of the abdominal pain, bloating and wind I’d been experiencing since my early teens!). This personal connection to gastrointestinal health led me to a career switch and, in 2011, I began training to be a Registered Dietitian.

My Experience as a Gut Health Dietitian

Excelling in Nutrition and Dietetics

Jump to 2016, I had successfully earned my first-class degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, graduating top of my year. I had gained experience and worked in world-class London hospitals such as University College London Hospital (UCLH). I was brimming with enthusiasm. My desire to make a difference spurring me on to embark on a journey to help others through diet therapy, particularly those struggling with gut-related issues.

Professional Growth: Building Expertise in Gastroenterology

I worked within the NHS, where I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain invaluable experience. Hard work and determination soon saw me becoming a Gastroenterology Specialist Dietitian, working alongside a fantastic team of Gastroenterologists, Colorectal Surgeons and Specialist Nurses as well as my fellow Dietitians. During my time in the NHS, I strived to always put my patients first, instilling confidence and being their advocate when they needed me to. I was well liked and trusted by colleagues for my considered opinions and advice.

Personal Insight: Living with IBS

Having lived with IBS for nearly 30 years, the first 10 of which I spent not knowing what was causing my daily symptoms of pain and bloating, I understand what it’s like to feel confused, frustrated and hopeless. If you’re suffering with IBS, IBD, diverticular disease, food intolerances, gut motility issues, or any other digestive complaint or condition, it can be a real challenge to stay on top of things.

Providing Specialist Dietetic Gut Health Services

The Need for Specialised Care: A UK-Wide Problem

10‐20% of the UK population is thought to suffer with IBS (NICE, 2017), yet research indicates that 50% of NHS Trusts do not have dedicated dietetic IBS clinics (BMJ Front Line Gastroenterology Journal, 2021). There are thought to be 500,000 people diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis in the UK, however around 60% of those do not have access to specialist dietetic care within the NHS (IBD UK, 2020).

My Commitment: Enhancing Gut Wellness through Private Practice

While working within the NHS allowed me to support a significant number of individuals, I realised that there was simply not enough time or resources to enable me to fully support my patients in their journey.

In 2021, I made the decision to transition to private practice and set up in Bishop’s Stortford as a specialist Gut Health Dietitian to allow me to take a more customised approach to managing digestive disorders through diet. I now have the privilege of working closely alongside individuals experiencing gut issues to help guide them towards better understanding of their symptoms and conditions using evidence-based nutrition for gut health, empowering them to choose how to manage their diet and health.

My Approach: Personalised Support for Each Client

As a Specialist Gut Health Dietitian, I work to support each client with online 1-2-1 sessions to not only achieve their desired outcomes but also experience improvement in their overall well-being. This involves a commitment to understanding the intricacies of each individual’s unique lifestyle and challenges. Working as a gut specialist dietitian is so incredibly rewarding. It’s so inspiring to see my clients move forward, find relief, and take control of their health and nutrition.

Working together with Anni Summers RD: Your Journey to Gut Health

Here at Anni Summers RD, we believe in a personalised approach to your well-being. It’s not just about addressing challenges but about embarking on a journey together, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way. I look forward to being a part of your path to a healthier, happier you! Ready to Improve Your Gut Health? If you’re interested in finding out how I can help you, book a FREE Discovery Call with me.

How many platforms are you using for your business right now?

Depending on what stage you are at in your business you might be on everything! This should really only be the case in one of these situations:

1. You have the revenue to outsource some of the tasks for content creation

2. You are reasonably adept at content and know how to use AI to help you to create a multi-platform presence for your business.

If you can't tick either of these boxes then I suggest that you do two things:

1. Choose an algorithm based platform that you enjoy to use (Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn/Tiktok)

2. Focus the rest of your time on a evergreen platform. Choose which way you prefer to communicate (Blog/Podcast/YouTube)

But what are the pros and cons of each platform when you are searching for clients?

LinkedIn:

Pros:

1. Professional Network: LinkedIn is more commercial it's specifically designed for professional networking, making it an ideal platform for coaches and service-based businesses targeting corporate clients.

2. Advanced Targeting Options: LinkedIn offers advanced targeting options for advertising, allowing businesses to reach their ideal clients based on job title, industry, company size, and more.

3. Content Sharing Opportunities: The platform provides various opportunities to share valuable content, such as articles, posts, and videos, helping businesses showcase their expertise and attract potential clients.

Cons:

1. High Competition: Due to its professional nature, LinkedIn often has high competition, making it challenging for businesses to stand out among other professionals and service providers.

2. Limited Organic Reach: Organic reach on LinkedIn can be limited compared to other platforms, requiring businesses to invest in advertising or engage consistently to gain visibility. (This can be overcome by focusing on your personal profile)

3. Formal Atmosphere: LinkedIn's formal atmosphere may not be suitable for all types of businesses or coaching niches, especially those targeting a more casual or creative audience. (Although this is evolving.)

Facebook:

Pros:

1. Large User Base: Facebook has a massive user base, offering businesses access to a diverse audience of potential clients across different demographics and interests.

2. Robust Advertising Tools: Facebook provides powerful advertising tools with detailed targeting options, allowing businesses to reach specific audiences based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and more.

3. Community Building: Facebook Groups offer opportunities for businesses to build communities around their brand, foster engagement, and establish themselves as industry leaders.

Cons:

1. Declining Organic Reach: Facebook's algorithm changes have led to declining organic reach for business pages, requiring businesses to rely more on paid advertising to reach their audience.

2. Informal Environment: Facebook's casual and social nature may not be suitable for all businesses, especially those targeting a more professional or formal audience.

3. Privacy Concerns: Facebook has faced various privacy concerns and controversies, which may deter some users from engaging with businesses on the platform.

Instagram:

Pros:

1. Visual Content Focus: Instagram's emphasis on visual content makes it ideal for showcasing products, services, and brand aesthetics, allowing businesses to engage with their audience through compelling imagery and videos.

2. Engagement Opportunities: Instagram offers various engagement features such as likes, comments, and direct messages, enabling businesses to interact directly with potential clients and build relationships.

3. Hashtag Reach: Strategic use of hashtags on Instagram can significantly increase reach and visibility, helping businesses attract new followers and potential clients interested in their niche.

Cons:

1. Limited Linking Options: Instagram has limited linking options, particularly in posts (excluding the bio and stories for accounts with over 10k followers), which can make it challenging to drive traffic directly to external websites or landing pages.

2. Highly Competitive Environment: Instagram's popularity has led to high competition among businesses, making it challenging to stand out in crowded feeds and gain followers.

3. Algorithm Changes: Instagram's algorithm changes can impact the visibility of posts and affect businesses' ability to reach their target audience, requiring them to adapt their strategies frequently.

Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of platform should align with the target audience, business goals, and content strategy of the coach or service-based business.

TikTok:

Pros:

1. Viral Potential: TikTok's algorithm is known for its ability to quickly boost content to a wide audience, making it possible for businesses to achieve viral success and gain significant exposure.

2. Creativity and Authenticity: TikTok thrives on creative and authentic content, allowing businesses to showcase their personality, expertise, and unique offerings in engaging and entertaining ways.

3. Younger Audience: TikTok predominantly attracts a younger audience, making it an ideal platform for businesses targeting Gen Z and millennials or those offering products and services tailored to this demographic.

Cons:

1. Short-Form Content Limitation: TikTok's focus on short-form videos (up to 3 minutes as of my last update) may not suit all types of content or businesses, particularly those requiring more in-depth explanations or demonstrations.

2. Limited Linking Opportunities: Similar to Instagram, TikTok has limited linking options within posts, restricting the ability to drive traffic directly to external websites or landing pages.

3. Algorithm Uncertainty: While TikTok's algorithm can boost content virality, it can also be unpredictable, making it challenging for businesses to consistently reach and engage their target audience without a deep understanding of the platform's trends and dynamics.

I didn't mention X ... well ... I'm there but I only use it when I'm complaining! But maybe that's just me!

If you're here on LinkedIn then let's assume that is going to be your algorithmic based platform.

How can you get LinkedIn to work when you're getting advice like...

"You should create talking head videos with lots of free advice and occasional trending audio." Does that even work on LinkedIn? (Sometimes)

Post three times a week? Or a day? Avoid Mondays and the weekend... Is that true? (No)

Do LinkedIn polls work? No one votes for mine. (They are really useful if you know how.)

If you've been looking at LinkedIn and saying to yourself professionals are there, corporates are there. "I need to show up there."

(Which is why you're here, reading this article!)

So... You need to focus on getting the following right:

• What content works on LinkedIn to position me as an expert in my field?

• How to position my expertise in my About Section so that my credibility shines through?

• What to say in a private message so that I don't sound like the people who message me and drive me mad?

• How to build a network of new connections? I've changed industries.

• How to get the right people to pay attention?

• What actions to take to create the opportunity of a Discovery Call with my ideal client?

I know that the majority of the advice available is not for you. It talks about how to get a new role or a promotion, but not clients.

You know that your clients are there. You know that your offer can make a huge impact. It's so frustrating.

Truth of the matter is that LinkedIn is a goldmine for lead generation, networking, and crafting a strong professional personal brand. When you know how to use it.

Growing your personal brand in front of a corporate audience:

In my experience of working with clients across different social media platforms to grow their business, LinkedIn is easier when it comes to working with corporate businesses.

Here's what I focus on:

Step One - Create a Profile that speaks to your client (rather than being a list of achievements)

Step Two - Make sure your Content Speaks to the needs and wants of your client and is not a list of your services

Step Three - Leverage your existing network, and act like you would in real life when reaching out to prospective clients.

Step Four - Create a next step. Is that a consult call?

In LinkedIn to Leads, my Group Program I walk a small group of businesses through each of these steps over a 14 week period.

So that you can use LinkedIn to attract your ideal clients by leveraging your network and building the right connections for your business.

Find out more here:

https://www.elainewalshmcgrath.com/LinkedIn-to-Leads-Group-Coaching-Program

If you have any questions reach out to me:

hello@elainewalshmcgrath.com

Photo credit Albane McGuinness

Relationships can be so tricky to negotiate. This is especially true if you are looking for love the second time round. You will be older and wiser and perhaps left a little emotionally bruised from your past experiences.

When you find your perfect partner and want to take that important next step of moving in together it is important that you have that money conversation. It’s not romantic but it will give you both peace of mind and set out your ground rules.

Warning – the law does not protect cohabiting couples

Many couples think that when they are living together for a longish period of time, they acquire legal rights that will protect them if their relationship should break down. That’s just not the case. Couples who live together never get the same rights as married couples.  This is why it is so important to put things in writing.

Here are some top legal tips if you are ready to move on from just dating to that exciting first step of commitment that comes with cohabitation:

1. Consider a cohabitation agreement

A cohabitation agreement will set out what should happen to your money and assets if you do end up going your separate ways at some point in the future. It will protect any future inheritance you might receive and it can make provision for any children that you might have together or children from past relationships.

2. Put a trust deed in place

As an absolute minimum put a trust deed in place if you decide to buy a house or flat together.  This will set out what each of your shares are, what your future financial contributions will be and how your money will be divvied up when you sell the house.

3. Know the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common

Swot up on the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common (nothing to do with tenants!!) Make sure that the solicitor or conveyancer that you appoint to deal with the purchase of your home knows how you want to hold that property jointly. A tenancy in common will define your shares in the property and set out any unequal financial contributions that you both made to buy the property.  The details of those contributions should be recorded on the property forms that you will both have to sign. If you hold the property as joint tenants your shares in your home will not be defined. In the event of your death before your partner, the property will pass automatically to your partner. If you have children of a previous relationship or marriage this may not be what you want.

4. Give your property lawyer clear instructions

Give clear instructions to your property lawyer when buying your joint home. It’s really important that you tell your conveyancing solicitor if you and your partner made unequal financial contributions to the price of your property if you want your shares protected. Don’t assume that he or she will just know. Also keep a record of your financial contributions in case you need to produce that information at some point in the future.

5. Make a Will

This is so important especially if you have children. You will need to set out in your Will who should inherit your share in your home. This is also important if you and your partner would like your children to inherit your shares in your jointly owned property but you want to ensure that your partner can continue to live in your shared home in the event of your death for a period of time or for as long as they like after you are gone.

6. Sit back and enjoy!

And finally, when you have put your house in order (literally and metaphorically!) sit back and enjoy the love of your life. You will have worked hard to get to this point because relationships are hard work. They require negotiation and compromise. Well done you for taking the plunge and committing to sharing your home and your life. Cohabitation takes courage and conviction.

If you need any more advice and guidance on any of the above, do get in touch with Saika Alam. Saika is a well-respected family and divorce lawyer based in Mayfair, London. Known for her personal and pragmatic approach, Saika represents her clients on all aspects of their family relationships from cohabitation and marriage to separation and divorce and everything in between, whether that relates to financial matters or children’s issues.

For further information on the issues raised, please contact Saika Alam at sa@branchaustinmccormick.com.

In an era where financial independence is paramount, an increasing number of women are taking proactive steps to safeguard their assets through Prenuptial Agreements. The notion of unbridled romance is being challenged as more women recognise the need to protect themselves from potential heartbreak-induced financial setbacks.

Credit card bills, substantial legal costs and eviction from their residence are common experiences of women navigating the aftermath of failed marriages.

Heartbreak, it seems, can come at a steep cost. A recent survey by Scottish Widows revealed that one in seven people in Britain would contemplate marrying for financial security. The rising trend of men making claims on their wives' wealth in divorce underscores the changing landscape of relationships. With one in ten marriages in the UK ending in divorce within five years, women are increasingly opting for Prenuptial Agreements to ensure their financial well-being survives the demise of romance.

Lucy Hart, Director at Sinclair Law, notes the evolving societal perspective, stating, "We're moving on as a society where women are a bit more realistic about relationships and whether or not they're going to last long term." The shift is attributed to the increasing financial independence of women, particularly those marrying later in life, prompting a natural inclination to protect accumulated wealth.

Lucy advises that, “A well-structured Prenuptial Agreement can prove invaluable. It is a legal contract entered into before marriage, covering the division of property, assets, and potential spousal support in the event of a divorce. Although not 100% binding in England and Wales, prenups often act as influential frameworks, reflecting the understanding between partners during happier times and the court will only depart from a well drafted and fully considered prenup in exceptional circumstances.”

Prenuptial Agreements were once associated primarily with high-profile marriages and substantial assets. However, today, individuals with more modest incomes are increasingly considering Prenuptial Agreements.

The current economic climate is identified as a significant factor driving the surge in Prenuptial Agreement enquiries. Regardless of background or profession, people are recognising the importance of safeguarding their hard-earned wealth. This sentiment particularly resonates with female entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals accustomed to binding agreements.

Lucy Hart advises that, “The pragmatic approach many of our female business owner clients take emphasises that Prenuptial Agreements are about financial certainty and protection from potential debt-related complications. Transparency is crucial, revealing that a prenup can serve as a litmus test for the sincerity of a partner's intentions. I believe that discussing and formalising financial arrangements before marriage is a responsible decision that does not diminish the depth of love and commitment between partners.

Prenuptial Agreements need not be deal-breakers. Advocating for careful negotiation and early agreement, I envision prenuptial agreements as documents tucked away, gathering dust, while marriages thrive. I advise women to be resolute in protecting their finances and I encourage a pragmatic approach.”

Love may be blind, but in a world where financial independence is crucial, it's wise not to let romance obscure the importance of being financially prepared and protected.

For a free 30-minute consultation contact Sinclair Law Solicitors today on 01625 526 222 or visit www.sinclairlaw.co.uk

Labour's proposals for overhauling the existing laws governing cohabiting couples, announced by Emily Thornberry, Shadow Attorney General, during the Labour Party Conference on 10 October 2023, hold particular significance for women business owners. In the event of Labour securing the public's mandate in the upcoming general election, they intend to reshape the legal landscape for cohabiting couples, although the specific details of these reforms remain undisclosed.
Notably, Labour is committed to enacting laws designed to safeguard the financially vulnerable party within cohabiting relationships. This aligns with the longstanding advocacy of organisations like the Law Commission and Resolution, spanning over two decades. The proposed changes are poised to address the financial hardships faced by individuals lacking protection within the current legal framework.

According to a recent publication by the Office for National Statistics, the number of cohabiting couples in the UK has surged by 144% since 1996, reaching a current count of 3.6 million. This growth underscores the increasing prevalence of cohabitation as a family structure, necessitating comprehensive financial protection within family law, especially for women who may find themselves in precarious situations post-separation.

The Women and Equalities Committee's 2022 report exposed a widespread belief in the UK regarding the so-called 'common law marriage' myth. Many individuals erroneously assume they enjoy the same financial safeguards as their married or civilly partnered counterparts. Unfortunately, this misconception often becomes apparent only when it is too late to rectify the situation.

Despite recommendations for reforms outlined in the Committee's report to ensure fairness and equality, the proposals faced rejection from the incumbent government. In a November 2022 response, the Conservative Government asserted the need to finalise ongoing work on marriage and divorce law before addressing cohabitation issues.

Lucy Hart, Director and Family Lawyer at Sinclair Law, views Labour's announcement as a positive stride in the ongoing campaign for legal reform in this domain. Jo Edwards, Chair of Resolution’s Family Law Reform Group, expresses enthusiasm, describing it as a "hugely welcome development" for cohabiting couples and practitioners alike. Graeme Frase, Chair of Resolution’s Cohabitation Committee, adds that the announcement represents a favourable step in the right direction for addressing the significant hardships resulting from the current outdated legal framework.

Our expert lawyers can help you with co-habitation and all aspects of family law. Rated Excellent on Google and Review Solicitors. Request a free 30-minute consultation at www.sinclairlaw.co.uk