How Smart Businesses Reward Employees Without Increasing Costs

World Privilege Plus (WPP) helps businesses reward smarter with affordable, high-value employee benefits and white-label loyalty programs that improve wellbeing, engagement, and retention – all with zero admin.

Why Employee Rewards Matter More Than Ever
In today’s competitive job market, attracting and keeping great talent goes beyond salaries and bonuses. Employees want recognition that adds real value to their lives. With rising living costs, World Privilege Plus (WPP) gives organisations a simple, scalable way to reward teams with genuine everyday savings – without inflating budgets.

A Smarter Way to Reward and Retain Talent
WPP memberships provide employees with instant access to thousands of exclusive discounts across the brands and categories they already love – from travel and hotels to fashion, tech, fitness, and dining.

For businesses, it’s an easy-to-implement benefit that boosts morale and wellbeing, strengthens your employer brand, and supports a culture of appreciation.

Why World Privilege Plus Works for Employers
World Privilege Plus at a Glance:

  • 10,000+ verified global offers and member discounts
  • Savings on travel, fashion, tech, wellbeing, and experiences
  • Flexible group memberships for any team size
  • Optional white-label loyalty platform under your brand
  • Fully managed by WPP – no admin, no hassle

Even a single use of WPP can cover the cost of an annual membership – delivering high perceived value for minimal investment.

Tailored Memberships and White-Label Options
Whether you’re a startup wanting to add quick rewards or an organisation seeking a fully branded solution, WPP adapts to your goals.

  • Group Memberships: Bulk memberships give employees direct access to all offers instantly.
  • White-Label Programs: Launch your own branded rewards platform – powered by WPP’s technology and managed end-to-end by our team. Setup takes only a few weeks, and we’ll help identify and onboard partner brands your people value most.

Your brand. Our expertise. Shared success in rewarding people better.

Real Results from Real Businesses
Companies using WPP for their employee reward strategies consistently report:

  • Higher employee engagement and satisfaction
  • Improved retention and morale
  • Positive feedback on financial wellbeing


For employees, WPP isn’t just a perk – it’s a daily savings tool that supports their lifestyle and sense of appreciation.

For employees, WPP isn’t just a perk – it’s a daily savings tool that supports their lifestyle and sense of appreciation.

Start Rewarding Smarter with WPP
Empower your workforce with real savings on travel, lifestyle, and essentials through a tailored World Privilege Plus employee rewards program.

Contact us today to explore flexible group memberships or white-label partnerships that help your organisation reward smarter, retain talent, and build loyalty – all with minimal effort and maximum impact.

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A Day Aboard: Exploring the Innovation on a Fred. Olsen Ship

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of cruising, but having never experienced one myself, I wasn’t sure what all the excitement was about. That changed when the Directors of World Privilege Plus and Elevate Magazine invited me to spend a day aboard Fred Olsen’s flagship vessel, Bolette. What I discovered was a world of elegance, comfort, and adventure that exceeded every expectation.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles, and the scale and grandeur of the ship immediately impressed me. Boarding felt like stepping into a luxury hotel, with its lavish bar, plush seating areas, and spacious design. Our welcome was complete with patisseries, chocolates, and freshly brewed coffee, the perfect start to what became an unforgettable day.

Led by the knowledgeable and passionate Jessica Fowler, we were taken on a tour that revealed just how much Bolette has to offer. Far from the cramped cabins I’d imagined, the suites were stylish, spacious, and tailored to different budgets. My highlight was a suite with sliding glass doors opening onto a private deck, a serene spot to enjoy coffee while gazing at the ocean.

Every corner of the ship offered something unique. The spa, with its marble recliners, hot tub, and full menu of treatments, was a sanctuary of relaxation. Deck 8 Lido Deck, complete with pool and retractable roof, made me feel as though I’d been whisked away to St. Tropez rather than Liverpool. We explored the Grand Theatre, home to world-class entertainment, and the Auditorium, where live cooking demonstrations bring guests together. We also admired the Colours & Tastes restaurant, which serves authentic Asian fusion cuisine at exceptional value.

One detail that stood out was the thoughtful design of each space, from nautical touches in the carpets to themed lounges inspired by global flavours. It felt as though every floor offered a new discovery.

Our day concluded with a three-course lunch, served with style. I enjoyed a watermelon, rocket, and feta salad, followed by basil and garlic ricotta-stuffed chicken breast, and a decadent sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce — all accompanied by a fine glass of red wine. It was a dining experience that would rival many high-end restaurants on land.

By the end of the day, I no longer wondered why people rave about cruise life. Everything you could want is at your fingertips: luxurious surroundings, attentive service, world-class dining, and the promise of ever-changing destinations. From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, there truly is something for everyone.

I left Bolette with four simple words: When can I book?

WPP Members can benefit from up to £200 per person on board spend credit on most Fred. Olsen Cruises. For bookings and inquiries, please call 0800 0355 144 and quote your code.

A heartfelt thank you to Jessica Fowler, Ellie Fulcher, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and of course, David Brockway and Sheila Hunter, founders of World Privilege Plus and Elevate Magazine, for offering me the chance to experience a glimpse of cruise life. It’s safe to say I’m already converted.

Blog by I Lyn Cutler I ( Elevate Magazine)

For more information:
Fred. Olsen Cruises: https://www.fredolsencruises.com/
World Privilege Plus: https://www.worldprivilegeplus.com/
Elevate Magazine: https://wppelevate.com/

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🌸 Women in Business Summer Party: A Celebration of Connection, Colour & Community

We were honoured to have Elevate Magazine supporting The Summer Party. Their commitment to celebrating inspiring people perfectly complemented the glamour and connection at the heart of the day. Thank you, Elevate Magazine, for your unwavering support and for always championing our vision.

This summer, Manchester’s Spinningfields came alive with style, sparkle, and sisterhood as The Edge Events hosted the Women in Business Summer Party at the stunning Habbibi Manchester. It was more than an event — it was a statement of vibrant energy, bringing together powerful women, inspiring conversations, and unforgettable experiences as a showstopping red carpet entrance complete with interviews by the very vibrant Kate Harrison.

From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, the atmosphere was electric. Cameras flashed and interviews rolled with the fabulous Kate Harrison, capturing the confidence, ambition, and unity that define our Women in Business community.

The Highlights
✨ Armani Beauty Masterclass — a luxury beauty experience that had everyone glowing inside and out. @armanibeauty
✨ Isagenix Wellness Session with Mhari Oakes — energising and inspiring healthy living from the inside. @isagenix | @mharioakes
✨ Ultimate Health by Ellie — empowering women to prioritise their wellbeing. Ultimate Health by Ellie
✨ Live music magic with Ed on saxophone, Penny Power on the decks, and the unique tropical vibes of Zola Steelpan.
Ed on Sax | Penny Power | Zola Steelpan

The Vibe
The day radiated colour, connection, and confidence — Manchester had never seen anything quite like it! Laughter and conversation filled the room, fuelled by positive energy and a shared drive for success. As I looked around, I couldn’t help but feel proud of the community we’ve built and the meaningful collaborations that made it all possible.

A Huge Thank You to Our Partners & Sponsors & team
• Armani Beauty — @armanibeauty
• Isagenix — @isagenix
• Caroline Nield — Caroline Nield
• Mediascout — Mediascout
• Success School — Success School
• Medika — Medika Clinic
• La Pearle — @lapearle
• Tropic — Tropic with Chandan
• Party Starters — Party Starters
• Sunlight Pastries — Sunlight Pastries

Thank you to our team
• Habbibi Team — @habbibi.manchester
• Special thanks event support by Bill Smart & Alina — Bill Smart
• Alina Voronova — Red Raven UK
• Henry Ditchfield — @henryditchfield
• The Kapital Group & KapturedHQ — @thekapitalgroup | @kapturedhq
• Victoria Haydn Portraits — @victoriahaydnportraits
• Powered by Elevate Magazine — Elevate Magazine

Reflections
There was something magical about seeing this wave of colour, connection, and confidence sweep through Manchester. It wasn’t just about the beauty masterclasses or the music — it was about the conversations, the laughter, and the moments of genuine connection. This was our community, thriving, collaborating, and lifting each other higher.

Here’s to more events that inspire, empower, and connect women across the city — because when business owners come together, incredible things happen.

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A Journey of Purpose and Elegance: Shiyamali Paranirupasingam Featured in WPP Elevate Magazine

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news that speaks to the heart of who we are as a brand.

Shiyamali Paranirupasingam, the visionary founder of L’Amour Pearls®, is featured in the latest issue of WPP Elevate Magazine. This spotlight is not just a celebration of her personal journey—it’s a testament to the values, resilience, and purpose that have shaped L’Amour Pearls from day one.

Redefining the Beauty of Pearls
L’Amour Pearls was born from a singular mission: to transform how the world views pearls. What began as a bold idea soon grew into a movement—one that merges timeless elegance with a modern sense of identity and meaning. At its core, the brand honors personal milestones, celebrates diversity, and seeks to bring depth and emotion into every piece of jewelry we create.Under Shiyamali’s leadership, L’Amour Pearls has become much more than a jewelry brand. It’s a purpose-driven company that empowers women, tells stories through design, and reconnects people with the significance behind the jewelry they wear.

“Building Something from Nothing”
As Shiyamali reflects in her feature interview:“The real achievement for me is knowing that I built something meaningful from nothing — that L’Amour Pearls is now part of people’s lives, their milestones, their stories.”This powerful quote encapsulates what drives us every day. We don’t just craft jewelry—we create moments, memories, and connections that endure.

Featured in Elevate Magazine – Issue 07
We’re incredibly proud to see Shiyamali’s story featured in Elevate Issue 07, a platform that champions entrepreneurial spirit and women in leadership. This recognition is a meaningful milestone for the entire L’Amour Pearls community.

👉 Read the full article in Elevate Magazine here
A heartfelt thank you to Sheila Hunter and Ruby Bradshaw at WPP Elevate Magazine for beautifully capturing this story

#WomenInBusiness #FounderStory #PearlJewelry #JewelryBrand #Entrepreneurship #LAmourPearls #ElevateMagazine #BusinessWithHeart #PurposeDrivenBrand

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The Ultimate Family Day Out – Save Big on UK Attractions This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it. With World Privilege Plus, you can unlock incredible discounts across the UK’s most-loved family attractions, from thrilling theme parks to hands-on wildlife experiences and stunning outdoor escapes.

Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or a spontaneous day out, our exclusive member-only offers help you stretch your budget further, so you can focus on fun, not on your finances.

Discover the UK’s Best Family Attractions for Less
Here’s a sneak peak at some of the standout destinations WPP members are enjoying for less this summer:

Merlin Entertainments – Save Up to 40%
From Alton Towers and Thorpe Park to LEGOLAND® Windsor and Chessington World of Adventures, these iconic destinations offer something for every age and thrill level. Whether your kids love the rollercoasters or prefer gentler rides and themed shows, a day at a Merlin park is always a hit, especially when you’re saving nearly half the price.

Sealife Centres – Dive Into Adventure
Take a deep dive into the ocean without getting wet. With discounted access to Sealife centres nationwide, your little ones can come face-to-face with turtles, sharks, seahorses and more. It’s educational, interactive, and the perfect option for a rainy-day activity.

Go Ape – Outdoor Fun with a Twist
If your family loves the outdoors and a little adrenaline, Go Ape’s treetop adventures are ideal. Swinging through the trees, tackling rope courses, and flying on zip wires, it’s a full day of activity and excitement, with savings that make it even sweeter.

National Trust – Explore, Picnic, Discover
For a slower pace and a dose of culture, National Trust properties offer a perfect balance. Discover grand houses, historic castles, beautiful walking trails, and peaceful gardens. Many include family-friendly trails and outdoor games, making it a great option for multi-generational outings.

A Sample Summer Day Out – Savings in Action
Imagine this: it’s a bright sunny day. You and the kids head to LEGOLAND® Windsor for a day of brick-filled fun. Normally, entry for a family of four might set you back around £200, but with your WPP membership, you will save £80 off that.

After a fun-packed morning, you can stop for lunch at Pizza Express (another WPP partner), saving a little more on a family meal. In the afternoon, you can swing by a nearby National Trust garden for a relaxing stroll, discounted entry once again making the experience both rewarding and affordable. Even small extras like ice cream and snacks feel easier on the budget when you’ve saved over £100 in a single day.

Multiply those kinds of savings across the summer, and it’s easy to see how families are keeping their lifestyle rich without stretching their income.

Why Families Choose WPP for Their Summer Plans

At WPP, we’re not about building points or credits. We’re about real cash savings on the things that matter, and family time is right at the top of that list.

With thousands of offers across travel, entertainment, dining, and everyday essentials, our platform is designed to support families with living better for less. Members benefit from:

  • Instant access to over 10,000 UK and global attractions
  • Exclusive rates not available to the general public
  • No points, no waiting. Just real-time savings
  • One platform for all your lifestyle rewards

Whether it’s a big day out or a low-key weekend activity, World Privilege Plus makes family time more accessible, more frequent, and more affordable.

Make This Summer One to Remember
Don’t let high prices keep you from making memories. With World Privilege Plus, your family can enjoy more of what the UK has to offer, and pay a lot less to do it.

Not a member yet? Join now and unlock instant access to family discounts across the country.
Already signed up? Log in here and start planning your next adventure.

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New Podcast Launch: Discover the Secrets of Smart Saving with World Privilege Plus

We’re excited to officially launch The Discount Club Podcast, your new go-to audio series for smart saving, loyalty rewards, and exclusive insights into the growing world of member benefits. Hosted by World Privilege Plus (WPP), one of the world’s leading loyalty and rewards platforms, this podcast gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how over 3.5 million members are unlocking real value through lifestyle discounts and white-label loyalty programs.

Episode 1: How It All Started
In the first episode, WPP founder and CEO David Brockway shares the story of World Privilege Plus and how it all started – from its humble beginnings helping airline crew members find travel discounts, to becoming a global rewards network helping individuals, families, and businesses save every day.

It all started with finding discounts for airline crew members. Now, we’re helping millions save every day!” – David Brockway

David discusses how WPP evolved beyond travel benefits to deliver savings across lifestyle, technology, fitness, entertainment, dining, wellness, and much more.

Our Mission: Why Pay Full Price?
World Privilege Plus exists to answer one simple question: Why pay full price when you don’t have to? We partner directly with trusted brands to negotiate exclusive offers that are only available to our members. This allows us to pass on real, tangible savings to a wide range of individuals, from employees and customers of major organisations to savvy everyday consumers.

A Community Built on Value
Today, our member base includes individuals, professionals, families, and organisational partners from groups like England Golf, The Police Federation, and Hearst Magazines. They all benefit from an extensive range of rewards from top brands, including offers on travel, fashion, tech, fitness, and entertainment, plus everyday savings from dining out to wellness experiences.

Our members aren’t just subscribers; they’re part of a thriving digital community. We also support and engage our audience through our online lifestyle magazine, Elevate, where we share real-life stories, interviews, and insights that celebrate success, wellbeing, and innovation.

For Brands and Businesses: Unlocking White-Label Loyalty Solutions
The podcast doesn’t just serve consumers; it’s also a valuable resource for businesses and organisations. You will learn how loyalty rewards and white-label solutions can:

  • Improve employee engagement and wellbeing
  • Boost member retention
  • Enhance brand value
  • Open new affiliate revenue streams

By offering branded loyalty programs, companies can provide meaningful benefits to their staff and customers while enjoying a low-maintenance, high-impact solution.

Where to Listen
The Discount Club Podcast is now available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other major platforms. Be sure to follow us to stay up to date with weekly episodes featuring industry experts, brand partners, and real-life member success stories.

Listen on Spotify

Explore Elevate Magazine

FAQs

What is the Discount Club Podcast?
The Discount Club Podcast is hosted by World Privilege Plus and explores smart saving tips, brand partnerships, member benefits, and the power of loyalty programs for both individuals and businesses.

Who can join World Privilege Plus?
Anyone – whether you are part of an organisation, an employee group, or an individual looking for better lifestyle savings – you can become a member and access exclusive deals across travel, lifestyle, tech, fashion, entertainment, and more.

How do businesses partner with World Privilege Plus?
We offer flexible white-label loyalty and employee benefit programs that are easy to integrate and deliver high engagement. Contact us to explore partnership opportunities.

What kind of content does Elevate Magazine feature?
Elevate is our online community magazine that highlights inspiring stories, industry interviews, wellness advice, and curated insights for a thriving lifestyle.

Stay tuned for new episodes, and remember, why pay full price when you don’t have to? Sign up for your membership and start saving today!

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“Business Meets Beauty: Armani Teams Up with Women’s Brunch Club for Unforgettable Events”

On 7th February 2025, the Women in Business Brunch Club hosted a glamorous Valentine’s Party with a self-love theme and a red or metallic dress code. The event, partnered with Armani Beauty, offered guests mini makeovers and insider tips on achieving the perfect red lip for Valentine’s Day!

Over 70 business owners arrived in style at Lucky Cat. Each guest was welcomed with a glass of bubbly or a mocktail for the health conscious. With a strong emphasis on networking, new connections and friendships quickly blossomed. The atmosphere was relaxed yet high-energy. Guests graced the red carpet, posing in front of a stunning metallic sequin wall backdrop and balloon décor for a memorable photo opportunity! Light bites and drinks flowed as conversations sparked. There was also a mesmerizing magic performance that wowed the crowd, along with browsing opportunities for various lifestyle brands. Every guest left with a bespoke Armani Beauty goodie bag.   The event was made possible by a talented team. A huge thank you to:

The event was organized by @theedge.events and conceptualized in partnership with @armanibeauty.

It was powered by WPP Elevate. A special thank you to our main sponsors: @fazilasciberras and @sculptedbydoctors.uk. Additional brands included @buhnbabybuhn, @tiime.for.skin, @nieldvisualmedia, and @turkeymedicaldental.

A massive thank you to all the incredible guests, the amazing team, and of course, the team at @luckycatbygordonramsay for making the night unforgettable!

SUMMER PARTY WITH ARMANI BEAUTY ON MIND BODY & SOUL 

Women in Business Brunch Club is a community of female entrepreneurs who come together to network, support each other, and celebrate success. Our events and resources are designed to help women thrive in the business world.

At Women in Business Brunch Club, we believe in the power of connecting and supporting women entrepreneurs. Our goal is to create a community where women can thrive in their business ventures. Join us and be a part of our journey!

For tickets to our summer party, go to: Book Summer Party Tickets
OR visit our website: The Edge Events We look forward to see you soon

Love Lyn xxx

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The Vital Role of Cooling Down: Why It’s More Than Just Recovery

The crucial role of a cool down: unveiling the importance of post-workout recovery
In the fast-paced world of fitness, it’s easy to become immersed in the excitement and energy of a workout. We focus on pushing our limits, breaking a sweat, and achieving new personal records. However, amidst the adrenaline rush and endorphin high, many of us tend to overlook the significance of the cool down—the final act of our exercise routine. Especially when you exercise outside or in a gym. Luckily, Fit at Home offers a great solution when you’re the kind of person that always forgets to cool down. In this article, we will first explore the importance of a cool down after working out and shed light on its numerous benefits for our overall fitness journey.

Gradual recovery and muscle relaxation
A cool down session acts as a bridge between intense physical activity and the resting state of the body. It allows our heart rate and blood pressure to gradually return to normal, preventing any sudden drops that may lead to dizziness or fainting. By engaging in low-intensity exercises or stretches during the cool down phase, we provide our muscles with an opportunity to relax, reducing the risk of post-workout soreness and stiffness.

Enhanced circulation andwaste removal
During exercise, blood flow increases to meet the demands of working muscles. A cool down promotes a gradual decline in heart rate, aiding in the redistribution of blood throughout the body. This process helps remove metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, which can accumulate during intense exercise. By assisting in waste removal, a cool down helps minimize muscle soreness and fatigue, promoting faster recovery.

Injury prevention
A proper cool down routine can significantly contribute to injury prevention. When we exercise, our muscles contract and become tighter. Abruptly stopping physical activity can cause these muscles to remain in a contracted state, increasing the likelihood of cramping or muscle strains. Cooling down allows our muscles to return to their natural length, reducing tension and lowering the risk of injuries. It also helps maintain joint flexibility and range of motion, preventing stiffness and promoting overall musculoskeletal health.

Mental relaxation and stress reduction
Physical exercise has a profound impact on our mental well-being, and the cool down phase plays a vital role in this aspect. As we gradually wind down, our bodies release endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that elevate our mood and reduce stress levels. The serene environment of a cool down session offers a chance for mental relaxation and reflection, allowing us to fully appreciate our accomplishments and recharge our minds.

Long-term performance improvement
Consistently incorporating a cool down routine into our fitness regimen can have long-term performance benefits. By aiding in recovery and reducing muscle tightness, a cool down helps optimize our future workouts. With improved muscle flexibility and reduced risk of injuries, we can push ourselves further, reach new milestones, and make steady progress toward our fitness goals.

The cool down phase is an essential component of any workout routine that should never be neglected. Its importance lies in the multitude of benefits it brings to our bodies and minds. By taking a few extra minutes to gradually recover, we promote muscle relaxation, enhance circulation, prevent injuries, reduce stress, and pave the way for better long-term performance.

Fit at Home offers home workouts for the whole family to enjoy. The #1 family fitness app in Europe can be found on your Smart TV from Samsung, Philips, LG and Sony and is also available on Virgin Media. Whether you’re a kid, 30-year-old or 60-year-old, Fit at Home has a suitable workout for you to enjoy. All Fit at Home workouts automatically end with the proper cool down, so when you start to work out at home, you will never forget to end your workout with a cool down.

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Meet the ‘extremely talented’ winner of Stormzy’s #Merky Books 2023 William Rafet Hunter

Driven by personal experiences 30-year-old William Hunter (he/they) aims to bridge societal gaps through universal themes of human connection. Winning the #MerkyBooks New Writers’ Prize 2022 alongside being a junior doctor working in Accident and Emergency, he draws on his identity to enhance patient care, viewing empathy as a strength in healthcare settings where kindness and responsibility are paramount and this heavily influences his writing.

When asked about the New Writers’ Prize, he tells me he first heard about it on the radio and when confiding in a friend about their entry a few days before the deadline “…she was like, you have to send this in! Like, this is really good. And I think if she hadn’t said that, I probably wouldn’t have done it, so I owe her a lot”. The doctor was “completely blown away” and said, “I still have moments where it has not really settled in”.

Discussing his debut novel ‘People Like Us’, now to be called ‘Sunstruck’ , Will revealed “…it was about the characters and just how kind of vibrant they felt” that made his entry stand out against almost 1,000 other entries submitted. He goes on to tell me more about the book; following two young men in the South of France who meet and fall in love whilst on holiday and how that bond is tested when they return back home in London. One of the men is mixed race, working-class, whereas the other is white and from a well off London based family.

“…I draw a lot from some of my experiences of dating, but also just of like, being a person of colour in quite white spaces, which is something that I think most people of color in the UK experience to some degree, and trying to find the point of human connection in those, like, quite fraught spaces. I guess it’s come from a thought experiment, on how to bridge those gaps and love across things like race and class. And it’s just about how, whether or not it’s strong enough to overcome those very structural things because love feels so organic in some ways, but then, now there’s all of this structure around it”

Hunter mentions there will be points of reference to black culture – specifically Jamaican culture and hopes these points will hit home with readers who can relate. “There are also some really universal points about how you love and how you feel loved by someone who is different to you, that will appeal too”.

I asked whether or not Will feels any pressure regarding being a prize winner to which he responded by commending other successful candidates of the #MerkyBooks Prize: “I’ve seen how the previous winners’ books have done and their writing really speaks for itself and I hope mine does as well”.

Exploring the writer’s other successes, studying Medicine and earning a Master’s in Clinical and Forensic Psychology at Newcastle University, he describes how he thrives on having a busy schedule and therefore enjoys incorporating all socializing, writing and studying into his life.

He vocalises the ups and downs of working in Accident and Emergency starting in December 2019. “You are taking on a lot of emotion, and I find it quite hard to separate myself from the patients’ emotions. So I find it a very emotionally taxing job”. On the other hand, Will explains how rewarding it was “…seeing the change in someone from them being anxious and afraid when they come in and being more reassured and feeling safer when they leave.. I found that amazing”.

Although Will has taken a step back from A&E and is focusing more on writing, he refers to feeling “really lucky to be a queer black person. I think those parts of my identity allow me a level of empathy with other people who are struggling in so many different ways… I could understand them (patients) better. I could be kinder. I understood feeling scared, and I understood feeling ashamed”.

Whilst conversing about the lack of representation for strong queer and/or black leads in media, books, public figures, etc., Will shares that a “big inspiration of mine is a writer called Caleb Azuma Nelson…I really loved Queenie by Candice Carty Williams. I think it’s like an excellent book” and also talks about how he “grew up reading a lot of Zadie Smith”. They discuss how they feel lucky to be a part of #MerkyBooks as they’re now included in this new wave of black British writers that the industry is starting to notice.

What else can you expect from Will Hunter? He shares, ” Currently, I’m focusing more on my writing. Started, as I said, on my second novel. I would love for Sunstruck to potentially become something else, maybe get an adaptation or something like that… I’d love to just feel out the edges of my writing practice, I guess, and see where I can go with it. I’m interested in doing some more essay writing and just writing about the world around me, because it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. And since winning the prize, I’ve now got the opportunity and the confidence in my own voice where I’m like, okay, I can. I can take this seriously. I can. I can be a writer. That’s something that I can do”.

Here at Elevate, we are beyond excited to read ‘Sunstruck’ due to be released on 15th May 2025. Available to pre-order from Amazon, Blackwells, Bookshop.org, Foyles, Hive, Waterstones,  Penguin Books and WHSmith.

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