Welcome to our July issue. In the current economic climate we hear a lot of doom and gloom but it’s heartening to hear a success story such as our real life character this month, former sales executive Amanda O’Brien, who gave up her nine-to-five job to set up a business on eBay and through sheer hard work and determination she is now bringing in five times her previous salary. “We’ve been able to pay off some debts and we now go on family holidays abroad that we probably wouldn’t have before,” says Amanda, who works hard at finding the products that sell successfully. Keen not to present it as a money-for-nothing scheme, Amanda stresses that the more time and effort you put into researching products the more money you can make. “You’ve got to do a bit of work, even if it’s for the first six months, and then reap the benefits after that,” says Amanda who has written a step-by-step guide for anyone who wants to follow in her footsteps. “eBay is so massive, there’s plenty of room for everyone.” Turn to pages 10-13 to find out more.

We talk to Private Banker at Coutts, Charlie Ellison, who echoes Amanda’s optimism in new business success. “There are some really exciting opportunities to come out of the current economic climate as people reassess their lives,” says Charlie, who at 35-years-old is the youngest Private Banker in the Cheltenham branch of Coutts. (Read page 67).
As media sponsors of the very successful Beards Glamour in Gloucestershire Ball, we are thrilled to be able to bring you exclusive pictures of the Ball featuring guest of honour Liz Hurley and a special catwalk show of Liz’s new beachwear range. The event raised £54,000 for the Hop, Skip and Jump Charity, of which Liz Hurley is President. Turn to pages 22-25 to see the pictures and read our mini interview with the stunning actress and model.
The eagerly-awaited opening of the Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet Centre went with a bang as style guru Gok Wan attracted crowds of fans and shoppers keen to sample the outstanding shopping, waterfront restaurants, cafes and bars. We have the pictures on pages 36-37. Read about the best places to shop in the beautiful town of Lechlade-on-Thames, the cosmopolitan Suffolks and The Westgate Quarter in Gloucester, and find out how to ‘get the look’ with this season’s special occasion dresses, shoes and bags.
As ever, we are always delighted to receive the support of our readers and your response to our May issue achieved record sales in the Waitrose Cheltenham branch, so thank you again to all our readers and advertisers for your support.

Eve Maguire, Editor, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it