Author Archives: Simon Perks

About Simon Perks

Writer, trail runner, hill walker, astronomer, kayaker, paddleboarder, photographer, nerd, tea drinker, lover of the sea, labrador wrangler

Enter the Doughnut

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Doughnut EconomicsI’m not an economist. But I do know that economics doesn’t seem to be working as it should. We seem to spend far too much time talking about profits and growth, and not nearly enough talking about people and our planet.

The economic models of the past have failed to predict, to prevent or to respond to the financial crises that have shaken our society. And yet they are still taught in classrooms and lecture theatres across the world.

We need a new way of thinking about economics. And we need it now. Continue reading →

Engaging with stakeholders

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There are some words that I dislike greatly, but that I find myself using because I can’t think of a better alternative. ‘Incentivise’ is one. ‘Disbenefits’ is another. But my all-time least favourite is far more commonplace: ‘stakeholders’. Yet while I cringe inwardly just typing the word, the concept is an important one. Indeed, your understanding of your organisation’s stakeholders could mean the difference between success and failure. Continue reading →

Supporting diversity in higher education

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I was delighted to have the opportunity recently to support a student-run event at the University of Bristol, designed to promote diversity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

The ‘Diversity in STEM’ event, which took place on Wednesday 7th March, attracted students, potential students and members of academic staff from across the UK and sought to identify ways to overcome barriers to progression and to increase awareness of career opportunities for STEM graduates. Continue reading →

The truth about prioritisation

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It’s a sad fact of life that, as mere mortals, we’re distressingly unable to control the passage of time. We can try all the tricks in the book, but the seconds just keep ticking by. Yet while we can’t control time, we do have complete control over how we spend it. The key is to choose carefully what we do and how we do it. The key is to prioritise. Continue reading →

Supporting our communities

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It is my firm view that companies should operate ethically and that they should seek to make a positive contribution to the communities in which they operate.

And I put my money where my mouth is (quite literally) by donating each year 10% of Sockmonkey’s pre-tax profits to charities who are doing great work in the communities where I live and work.

I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to support two amazing organisations in 2017: the Farming Community Network and the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team. Continue reading →