Seeking solace during lockdown I came across online meditations by the Findhorn Foundation and through that found out about a finance steward role which I applied for. I was successful and took up the post relocating from northwest England to Findhorn with my husband. My time in that post was turbulent, navigating the Foundation through financial crises exacerbated by Brexit, COVID, and arson. We underwent significant restructuring, and after two intense years, I felt it was time to move on.

Grateful for discovering Moray, a beautiful part of Scotland, we decided to stay here. I launched “Ways to Make It Count,” an accountancy practice helping organisations and individuals dedicated to improving communities and the planet. My husband joined me, and we’ve quickly grown, focusing on supportive client relationships and assisting start-ups, particularly those aligning with “Ikigai” – work that’s loved, skilled, needed, and financially sustainable.

I advocate for ethical business choices, like supporting local economies over large corporations, and I’m keen to develop ways for small enterprises to measure their community and environmental impact. I advise on grant seeking from local organisations and emphasise the importance of choosing the right legal structure for social enterprises.

I believe the Findhorn community needs a unified organisation for housing and infrastructure to streamline responsibilities. While appreciating existing community efforts, I see a need for an extraordinary leader to foster collaboration and navigate the complexities of community governance, emphasising love, spiritual maturity, and appreciative dialogue to overcome challenges.