May Talk with Caroline Peyton

The end of May is fast coming around and plans are afoot everywhere for the upcoming Platinum Jubilee where we celebrate the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Each week we speak to business owners to find out how things are going for them. Today we're talking to Caroline Peyton of Peyton Principles who is a nutritionist, naturopath and gut health expert helping those who suffer with unresolved digestive and gut symptoms to finally find relief. She also supports businesses with wellbeing in the workplace. She has clinics in Swindon and Cotswolds and works online globally.

May is the last month of Spring – how has Spring been for you so far in your business?
Spring has been a busy time for me. There is definitely a growing interest and awareness in health, wellbeing and digestive health. And people are stepping up and prepared to invest time and money to be the best they can be. I also recently ran a well attended group online programme for ladies teaching them how to prepare for and navigate their way successfully through the menopause.  

This has been a challenging time for some businesses – with issues around supply chains and cost of living rises – how are you facing that as a business or as a consumer? 
Fortunately I am not a product business with supply chain issues. But I do see problems with supplement availability for my clients, possibly due to raw ingredient shortages (whether due to Brexit or otherwise). I go the extra mile for clients to enable them to continue with their programmes and nutrition protocols by sourcing alternative brands. Stock shortages were rare before but are becoming far more frequent.

Do you have any money-saving tips or hacks you could share?
As a nutritionist this will be food focused! Use local farmers' markets and buy seasonal and local fruit and vegetables which should be cheaper. Use more dried pulses (rather than tinned) and less meat as these are a good source of protein at a much lower cost.

It's the Platinum Jubilee in a week - have you ever met the Queen?
I briefly met the Queen in 1987 when she visited Kent University. There was great excitement around campus and my friends and I made sure we were in a good position to be able to both see and speak to her.

What do you think of our Queen – does she mean something to you in any way?
The Queen represents a golden era which I don’t believe we will ever see again. Her commitment and loyalty to the United Kingdom is remarkable and something we should celebrate.

May is National Walking Month – it’s also one of the most beneficial exercises – do you walk at all?
I’m more of a runner than a walker although over the past two years like many people, I have enjoyed walking in our beautiful countryside which I took for granted before. I do encourage my clients to “move more” like walking, since intense ­strenuous exercise is not necessary for good health.

Where is your favourite place to walk?
The Marlborough Downs and the area known locally as the Valley of the Stones - it’s where I also like to ride my horse.

What’s your one top business tip to help others be positive about their business right now? 
Rather than focus on the negative financial situation, remember that there are always people who need and want your product or service.

Tell us one thing which we won’t know about you.
I broke my little finger three years ago by trying to reach some herbal tea bags from a high shelf. I jumped up and smashed my hand hard against the shelf leaving my finger at a very odd angle. Healthy eating (drinking) isn’t always so good for you!

And finally: 
Spring is my favourite time of year. I used to say Summer as it’s warmer, but I love the anticipation of the long, lighter, warmer Summer months ahead. It brings a smile to my face.

For more information visit www.peytonprinciples.com