Frome’s ‘Splash of Purple Day’, organised by members of Positive Action on Cancer, has been branded a great success over the last few years and this year is set to be just as successful. We thought we’d join in the fun this year, along with Truly Sopel, local fashion designer and hold a creative competition, which aims to raise money and awareness for the charity. Design a Hat for Aurora St Clare launched Monday the 30th January.

1st prize-Abernethy’s Cut & blow dry, hair treatments and a goody bag of after-care products!
2nd prize-Sunday lunch for two @The Cornerhouse, Frome and a purple Bodum blade grinder, 3 cup cafeteire with coffee beans donated by Emporio La Strada!
3rd prize-a hamper of sparkly trinkets and treats, provided by many local businesses!

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Pencil Studio have kicked off the new year with a brand new website! It has been designed using the latest responsive web technology and automatically reformats itself depending on which browser or device it is viewed on (Ooooh fancy!). The concept was simple, “We wanted to create a website that showcased our work in a clean, user friendly way. It was also vital that the site could be viewed without compromise on a desktop PC, iMac, laptop, MacBook, netbook, iPad or iPhone”. The new website has already attracted a lot of attention and Pencil have received interest from companies as far away as America! Check out their new site at www.pencilstudio.co.uk

We’re having another scrummy breakfast at Divas Cafe! “Business for Breakfast” an informal business get-together, will be held on the 8th March. The event will include a breakfast buffet for £6.50 per head. This to include Bacon and free range egg with chilli Jam, Veggie sausage and egg butty with chilli jam, Homemade Granola, Greek yoghurt and honey, Strawberry, banana and mango smoothie and Tea or coffee. Yum! Divas cafe is situated in the Black Swan Arts in the town centre; the café has full disabled access. The event will run from 8.30am-9.45am. For anyone who is interested in this event, please book your place by contacting Rebecca on 01373 888 108 or emailing host@forwardspace.co.uk

It’s the New Year and a fresh start, have you wanted to start that business venture for some time now-but have been putting it off? Here are a few reasons to think twice about your new enterprise, but don’t let them stop you!!

1. You don’t have what it takes!
Only you can tell, but most people who start their own businesses have an innate drive to succeed at what they do! If you love it enough-you’ll have the necessary determination to make it work and you never know; starting your own business could be the best decision you ever make!

2. Are you really clever enough to pursue your passion?
Yes! You’re bound to have some fears about taking it to the next step and have plenty of unanswered questions, but remember that every new (and established) business has obstacles and barriers to overcome. You are not alone in that! Starting anything new is hard work for the old brain cells, but don’t give up before you’ve had a pop at it, you might surprise yourself!

3. You don’t have enough experience to be in charge!
There will always be something you don’t know when starting up your own business, we can’t know everything all of the time! But there is a lot of advice out there, if you know where to look. Research always helps, and is the best place to begin, when you have seeds of doubt in your mind. Click here for a great list of what you need to do before you launch that start-up!

4. Money, money, money…
This is a biggie! But why not test the water first? How about running a business on the side, part-time? This gives you the opportunity to get your new enterprise off to a good start, before cutting ties with your existing salary. (Make sure you go legit, talk to HM Revenue & Customs about any tax issues or just for some basic advice etc). There are various grants available for starting a business, check out some ideas here. You can also check out these essentials for working from home.

5. You are no Alan Sugar!
So, you’ve got a great idea for a product, or you’d like to turn your hobby into a business…You may not know everything about “business stuff” but don’t fret, you can learn along the way! Nobody said it would be easy, but don’t let the word “business” scare you! Here is some great legal advice about all things business, this advice can also help you on your way!

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We’re delighted once again to have Ebbie from Ebbies Kitchen share some Christmas cheer, with this fantastic recipe. This delicious classic Italian dessert can be made a couple of days before Christmas day, making it that little less stressful!

Panna Cotta with pears and apples in cinnamon compote

Ingredients:
Serves 6
For the panna cotta
5 tablespoons skimmed milk
7 grams sachet unflavored gelatin
600ml double cream
100 grams caster sugar
1 vanilla pod

Pear and apple compote
2 tsp honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 slices of fresh ginger
4 tbsp caster sugar
6 litres water
3 pears and apples peeled, pared and chopped

Method

Panna cotta

Pour milk into a small bowl and stir in the gelatin powder. Set aside.

In a saucepan, stir together the cream, sugar and vanilla, and set over medium heat. Bring to full boil, watching carefully, as the cream will quickly rise to the top of the pan. Sieve the cream mixture.

Pour gelatin and milk into the cream, stirring until completely dissolved. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and pour into six individual ramekins.

When cool cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight before serving.

Pear and apple compote

In a large saucepan combine water, honey, sugar, vanilla and spices. Cook over a high heat until heat until mixture boils. Add apples and cook for 10 minutes, then add the pears. Cook until fruit is tender, serve hot or cold with the panna cotta.

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!