Something to cheer you up. I’ve met so many great colleagues today on shop visits, including some on day release from prison, others who’ve left prison, and two Ukrainian ladies who are settling in well.

Good to see Darren today who’s very proud of his new teeth that our Dreams Come True scheme paid for. He said he is now happy to smile in public and his confidence levels are sky high. A great result for a great colleague.

It’s great to see some of our colleagues can now get on apprenticeships while on day release from prison. We have one colleague who’s started and is doing really well….fingers crossed many more will follow!

I’m thinking of changing our job descriptions by removing most of the things that are irrelevant. So instead of the “HR” tick box things, I want to include “be kind to people,” “pick up litter” and “if someone needs help, drop everything and help them.” Good idea or not?

Heading to HMP Five Wells today for a prison tour, and hopefully I’ll meet some amazing prisoners who want to join our business on release 🤞

Sometimes you sense someone is watching, reassuring you that despite all the challenges in the world, things will be ok. Photo taken yesterday.

A bit of information for our customers. All of our Timpson, Snappy Snaps, Johnson’s the Cleaners, Jeeves, Max Spielmann and Watch Lab shops will be closed on Monday next week, and reopen as normal on Tuesday.

A letter from my dad to all our colleagues after hearing of the sad news of Her Majesty’s death.

Our colleagues get an extra day off when their kids have their first day at school, so you may notice a different colleague in your local Timpson shop next week, helping cover for this important day in a families life.

I’m just going through the Prison Reform Trust Bromley Briefing update. There are many facts in it that are shocking and depressing, but this one really got to me. 40% of children in custody are on remand, and three quarters of them are either acquitted or given non custodial sentences.

Unsurprisingly last week, across 2100 shops, we only sold 155 umbrellas.

It’s amazing that I have now have 150,000 followers who, like me, are passionate about running a business through kindness, recruiting people from prison who need that second chance, and are prepared to put values before profit. Thank you for following!

We set up a team to help reduce complexity in the business. Called the “cut the crap committee”, they have already reduced the number of separate monthly reports by a staggering 482. We clearly had too many, but thanks to the team for their great work on this.

Our amazing team at The Oyster Catcher in Rhosneigr were presented with a trophy today for yet again beating their record weeks sales figures. The sun helps, but most importantly of all, the amazing service our colleagues give is the real icing on the cake!

It’s amazing what prisoners can make while inside. This is our kitchen table that was made by the talented men in HMP Frankland. Thanks guys!

Thank you to everyone at ⁦Keele University⁩ for their friendship this week…it was my first week confirming degrees as your new Chancellor, and every day was full of fun, smiles and celebrating!

Running a business upside down is far more fun than telling everyone what to do…helping and trusting people to run the business on your behalf makes sense both culturally and financially. Less control…more trust and kindness instead!

A normal lunchtime break at the office today….colleagues dogs need a break and a walk about too!

Here’s some brilliant news…..we came 2nd in the UK’s Customer Service Index! It’s amazing to be on a list with so many top companies, and is testament to my incredible colleagues serving customers with so much kindness. (Last week 5% of our transactions were done for free.)