by Dawn Gibbins - Friday, 12th October 2007 -

Nova Rehman is staging major rock concerts all over the world to raise money for cancer charities and to educate society on ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer. To me, he is just like a “possessed entrepreneur”. I can really relate to him and his passion.

Last year Nova and his team at Versus Cancer raised £250,000 for cancer charities by staging a concert – Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller and many other famous bands have performed for his cause.

I connected with his passion to make this world a better place in which to live and work. I connected with his loss, too. He lost his sister to cancer in 2003; I lost my best friend, business partner and dad to cancer in 1993.

I am also on the same mission as Nova, but I’m not making music. My mission is to educate the corporate world to transform their work environments into healthy, stimulating places.

This year I have been appointed international ambassador to the Feng Shui Society. I am passionate about introducing Feng Shui to the business world – to inspire our workforce and, in turn, boost the bottom line of our economy.

We, as leaders in business, have a responsibility to educate our people, our teams, our partners, our suppliers and our customers.

My team told me one of the best team briefs we ever had at Flowcrete was when I invited a nutritionist to speak – she inspired everyone, and I had so much positive feedback from my team.

Since then, we have banned biscuits in meetings and only allow fresh fruit. Our receptionist, Sensational Susan, has the job of keeping a bowl of fresh green apples replenished and offering them to all our visitors.

Versus Cancer has formed an alliance with GET Solutions to develop an additional revenue stream for the charity. GET Solutions helps companies save money on their utility costs, providing cheaper electricity, gas, water, fuel and communications.

First, a health check is performed, analysing bills, etc, and then a cure is developed to save each customer money. GET Solutions donates 50 per cent of all commissions earned to Versus Cancer.

To support this fantastic appeal – and save your company money – go to www.getsolutions.co.uk, or contact Steve Cunningham from GET Solutions on 0845 838 9840 or email steve@getcommunications.co.uk.

Join me in helping to raise awareness of how people can lower their risk of developing cancer.

Check yourself

Breast and testicular cancer are becoming very common in the UK, and it’s vital we give ourselves regular health checks. Visit www.versuscancer.org to download instructions.

I am now making Versus Cancer the official charity of my company, and I have just made our first donation following our summer staff rock concert, “Flowfest 2007”. We had just 200 in the audience. It’s not the thousands that Nova attracts, but from little acorns…

Have a great month everyone.

With enthusiasm,
Dawn.

Dawn Gibbins, MBE, is the founder and chairwoman of Flowcrete Group
www.flowcrete.com