The Manchester Deansgate Hotel was transformed last night for a dazzling celebration of philanthropy and performance, as friends, supporters, and celebrity guests gathered at the Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Ball raising £1,081.227 for children’s charities across the North-West.

Inspirational entrepreneur and Mum of two, Karina Jadhav, has continually made waves in the business and hospitality world over the last decade; after first stepping into the hospitality industry in 2010, as a bartender and as a waitress. Then, after years of successfully building businesses, from a food truck to award winning restaurants, Karina has firmly cemented a name for herself within the notoriously challenging sector. In 2015, Karina embarked on her biggest career achievement to date when she launched Menagerie Restaurant and bar, making her the north west’s youngest independent female business owner.

While it’s lovely to have more time with the kids, the constant questions of “Mum, what are we doing today?” or “Dad, can we play Fifa?” can get overwhelming fast.
At Happy Little Owls, we know how important it is to keep little minds and bodies active during the school holidays without exhausting yourself, or your bank account. So, we’ve rounded up some creative, budget-friendly ideas to help you make the most of the summer break at home. These are easy to set up, full of fun and perfect for creating lasting memories.

I hate admitting that because I value play so deeply, especially in those precious early years. It’s how our children learn, explore, imagine and build confidence. But as a mum trying to keep a household running and a business growing, it’s not always easy to appreciate those moments.

Inspirational Dad of three Steve Oliver co-founded the globally renowned business musicMagpie in 2007, following the collapse of Music Zone (the business he was Managing Director of at the time). musicMagpie is a leader in the re-commerce of consumer technology (including smartphones, tablets, consoles and wearables), disc media (including CDs, DVDs and games) and books, with sustainability running to the very heart of its operations.

Sally Lindsay is one of Britain’s best loved actors and presenters, best known for her roles as Shelley Unwin in ITV’S Coronation Street, Lisa Johnson in Sky One’s comedy series Mount Pleasant, and as Kath Agnew in the BBC sitcom Still Open All Hours.

Real stories from Danielle Nicholls and Sophie Austin, plus expert insight from Dr Andrew Conway Morris

Motivational mum of two, Vicki Broadbent, better known as Honest Mum, is a name that has become synonymous with authentic and relatable parenting. Vicki has built a reputation for sharing her unfiltered thoughts and experiences on motherhood, marriage, and family life. With a refreshing dose of honesty and humour, Vicki’s blog has become a go-to resource for parents seeking real advice and reassurance. We asked Vicki about her journey from an award-winning director to a renowned creator, her new children’s book, and what inspires her to keep sharing her honest perspective with the world.

Working mothers often carry an invisible mental and emotional load long after the day appears to be done. In this powerful piece, Sarie Taylor explores the “stress hangover” — the exhaustion, anxiety and overwhelm that can surface once the crisis has passed — and offers a compassionate reframe for why it happens and what it really means.

There’s a noticeable shift happening in how families spend their time. It isn’t loud or trend-led, and it’s rarely documented with before-and-after shots. Instead, it’s quieter and slower, rooted in small routines and shared moments. Family gardening is part of that change.

Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker and Dad of two, Ryan Williams is a leading innovator in the digital media space, recognized for co-founding some of the largest social media publishing brands in the UK, which includes KOMI Group and It’s Gone Viral.

The Women of the Year Awards are back for 2026, with nominations now open to celebrate exceptional women making an impact across the UK. From business and leadership to community and motherhood, this is a timely reminder to recognise the women whose work deserves to be seen.

March always sounds like a fresh start. Lighter evenings. A hint of spring. That little voice saying, “Right, this is the month I get my life together.”
But if you’re a working parent, you already know how that usually goes.

Confidence is a preference, as Damon Albon (Blur) once stated.

If confidence was indeed something we could choose, would we choose it?

I’m not sure that everyone would drink the magic potion even if it was that easy, as I think confidence can be associated or frankly confused with arrogance, it’s ugly second cousin.

Cacao ceremonies have gained popularity for their potential physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental benefits, all of which can contribute to a deeper connection with oneself, enhanced creative flow, self-expression, and self-acceptance. Here’s a breakdown of these benefits: