A business is marking its 10th anniversary by helping boost the area's barn owl population. Northallerton-based virtual assistant firm Business Owl, founded by Jen Workman in October 2016, has partnered with nature restoration organisation Make it Wild to sponsor a barn owl nesting box at Low Wood, Smelthouses, near Pateley Bridge.

My company Business Owl is 10 years old this month. Looking back, I’ve worked with over 70 businesses; leased an office; worked in a home office; worked in client offices and co-worked. I’ve built a team; worked with associates; been an associate and run as a solo business. I’ve also won a regional award and been a national finalist. Alongside many businesses, I’ve navigated external circumstances that none of us would have ever thought possible 10 years ago.

Later this year my business celebrates 10 years. In the last decade, we’ve lived through more uncertainty than we have clarity. A common pattern I’ve seen, especially recently, is how uncertainty, not necessarily difficulty, can paralyse businesses. Take last year’s Budget; the speculation in the lead up to the announcement was in some ways more problematic than the announcement itself. We see similar behaviour now [...]

I’ve taken another step forward on my sustainability journey – my website is now powered by 100% renewable energy. It’s a small change on the surface, but choices like this matter. It takes a lot of energy to power the internet