Lynne Franks

Lynne Franks is a communications strategist specialising in women's issues. She has written a number of books under the SEED brand on the feminisation of business and founded SEED, the women's social networking site, together with various SEED learning and coaching programmes designed to empower women personally and professionally.

Lynne recently launched the Covent Garden based flagship of B.Hive, a women's business club and hub in partnership with Regus, the global office service providers.  B.Hives are opening this Spring in Manchester and Bristol, with Scotland and Birmingham due to complete later in the year.

LYNNE'S FAVOURITE SITES

Annie Lennox - Other than being one of my favourite singers, Annie's site is one of the most entertaining and visually appealing musicians' site I have ever seen. It takes you on a flash journey through Annie's virtual house, where you can see archives of her clothes, music, read her blogs and connect with her campaigning. Easy to navigate, full of information and a pleasant journey. Yet more proof that women have a far more on-line visual aesthetic than men.

Josh Howie - Total nepotism I know but I really do like my comedian son Josh Howie's site. It is visually appealing, edgy like his humour and still manages to have the points he needs to make. I used to nag him to keep it up to date but he has now managed to link it to his online paid for blog on www.blokely.com and his gig list to www.chortle.com.

Urban Zen - The informative and stylish site from designer Donna Karan's philanthropic Urban Zen Foundation. It covers the many areas of interest close to Donna's heart including her involvement in Haiti; her interest in different cultures and her commitment to wellbeing. To quote Donna, the Urban Zen Foundation creates, connects and collaborates to raise awareness and inspire changes in the areas of well-being, preserving cultures and empowering children.

World Pulse - One of the best sites for information on women worldwide, full of encouraging stories of grassroots activism and bravery. It also produces an excellent print magazine from some corner of North America which I have been subscribing to for some time.

Norma Kamali - Another one of my favourite American designers whose clothes I have worn for years. A recent trip to her shop in New York introduced me to Norma's passion for wellness and her discovery of the best holistic wellbeing products on the market which I have now discovered I can order in the UK.

Huffington Post - I think Arianna Huffington deserves every cent of the huge payout she has just got from AOL. The Post is about the best newspaper in the world with insightful blogs from those of all political backgounds, offering a diverse commentary on world affairs. She was the first to get what was about to explode with citizen journalism.

TED - I can't not mention TED. Again a revolutionary way of live events using the web which has had true global influence. Originally a series of intimate affairs, held in a small room near Stamford University, the eighteen minute presentations from some of the world's most interesting thinkers, scientists, artists and even Jamie Oliver are now held all over the world and watched by millions.

21st February 2011