Author: Sam Allcock

Aldi has been named the supermarket with the best value own-brand products in the UK, according to new research conducted by saving experts at BravoVoucher.co.uk. The analysis of 15 items from each of the UK’s major supermarkets revealed that Aldi offers the most competitive prices, with an overall cost of £5.64. The research evaluated various products, including staples such as brown bread, butter, beans, and milk, comparing prices per 100g, litre, or item. Aldi’s affordability shone through as it outperformed competitors on seven of the 15 items assessed. Notably, Aldi’s brown bread is priced at just £0.06 per 100g, while…

The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, is set to wrap up a series of events at this year’s party conferences with four key discussions at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. The programme, which began at the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton and continued at the Labour conference in Liverpool, aims to share academic research with policymakers and politicians. On Tuesday, 1st October, two panel debates will take place at Birmingham Library, starting at 10:30am with a session addressing the question: “Is antimicrobial resistance the next big healthcare risk?” The panel, chaired by Ryan Henson, CEO of the…

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to deliver three specialist education needs (SEN) projects for the London Borough of Brent, helping to address the rising demand for SEN facilities in the area. The £6 million investment will fund expansion works at Newman Catholic College, Preston Park Primary School, and St Margaret Clitherow RC Primary School. The projects, procured through the SCAPE framework, will see the construction of new classrooms and sensory areas, with each school benefiting from outdoor play areas and soft landscaping, such as vegetable gardens. The improvements are designed to enhance the learning environment for students with special…

A Leicester pensioner has secured a £9,000 settlement from Walkers, the renowned crisp manufacturer, after suffering partial hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to noisy working conditions without adequate protection. Petronia Greene, 77, worked at the Walkers factory for nearly two decades, experiencing the toll of noise on her hearing throughout her career. Ms Greene began her employment at the factory in 1975, seeking to support her two young children. Over her 19.5 years in roles including packing, quality control, and production, she became accustomed to the noisy environment, often struggling to communicate with colleagues. “I did find it to…

British pottery specialists Habulous  have unveiled an enchanting new range of plant decorations designed to delight gardening enthusiasts and plant lovers alike. The innovative Plant Hugger Collection, featuring quirky characters crafted from British clay and recycled glass, offers a charming way to enhance houseplants. Each of the 22 unique varieties in the Plant Hugger range showcases a variety of whimsical designs, including dinosaurs, sea creatures, insects, and birds. Handmade in Habulous’s Devon studio, the Plant Huggers are fashioned from leftover clay and assorted pieces of recycled coloured glass, ensuring that no two pieces are alike. This commitment to sustainability and…

A new study by Yubico underscores the pressing necessity for enhanced education and a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, both at work and at home. The findings come in light of increasing cyber threats and the evolving landscape of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). The survey results are timely, coinciding with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which begins next week. Conducted by Talker Research, the 2024 Global State of Authentication survey included responses from 20,000 participants across countries such as Australia, France, Germany, India, Japan, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The aim was to assess public perceptions and…

WeDo Business Services has bolstered its trade finance division with the appointment of John Rourke as Senior Commercial Manager. In this newly created national role, Rourke brings over 16 years of experience in business finance, having previously helped establish the trade finance department at 4Syte, where he was a senior manager. Rourke’s arrival comes as WeDo continues to expand its trade finance arm, which provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with crucial funding ranging from £25,000 to £2 million. The service is designed to ease cashflow pressures by financing the purchase of finished goods from suppliers, enabling businesses to fulfil…

Arighi Bianchi, the well-known Macclesfield furniture retailer, has revealed a series of events and special promotions set to take place from September through to October. Among the highlights are new product launches, an autumn sale, and the introduction of a limited-edition, Alps-inspired homeware collection. These activities provide a chance for shoppers to enjoy significant discounts and participate in exclusive events both in-store and online. The store’s Wellbeing Within campaign is currently underway, offering special discounts and expert advice to help customers create a healthier, more harmonious home environment. This initiative promotes the idea that well-designed interiors can support overall well-being,…

Linda Walmsley Interviews AO Founder, John Roberts, as Part of 2024 Business Leaders Series Linda Walmsley, professional interviewer and founder of recruitment firm Walmsley Wilkinson, continues her 2024 series of interviews with business leaders. The latest installment features John Roberts, the entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of AO, the UK’s leading online electrical retailer. Entrepreneurial Beginnings In the interview, John Roberts recounts his journey from a struggling student to founding AO in 2000 after a £1 bet with a friend. The bet led to the transformation of the white goods market, and over two decades later, AO now employs 3,000 people…

Policy@Manchester, the University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, is set to launch its party conference programme with a focus on education and mental health. The Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Brighton will see Policy@Manchester co-hosting a high-profile debate on how education policy can better support children’s wellbeing and mental health. The debate, titled “Learning to live well: how can education policy support children’s wellbeing and mental health?”, is scheduled to take place on Monday, 16 September, from 11.30am to 12.30pm at the Brighton Harbour Hotel. The discussion promises to draw attention to the growing concern surrounding young people’s mental health,…

Hard Rock Cafe Manchester has been named one of the top three best-performing locations in Europe during the brand’s World Burger Tour, an annual event showcasing limited-time menu items from around the globe. The restaurant’s success has been attributed in part to the popularity of the Pittsburgh US Burger, which has become a firm favourite among local customers. This American-inspired burger, featuring beer cheese sauce, whiskey bacon jam, and even French fries tucked inside, has been the best-seller on the special menu. Manchester’s enthusiasm for burgers is clear, with customers flocking to try the World Burger Tour offerings, a selection…

Every year, around 1.8 million acoustic guitars are sold in the USA, but many of these instruments eventually find themselves unused or discarded. In response to this waste issue, Australian designer Ryan Mischkulnig has developed an innovative solution: a DIY kit that transforms old guitars into functional Bluetooth speakers. Instead of letting these instruments collect dust or, worse, end up in landfill, Mischkulnig’s invention offers a new lease of life for unloved acoustic guitars. His Re-Tuned Bluetooth speaker kit allows users to repurpose their obsolete guitars into vibrant audio devices. To create the speaker, guitar owners simply need to remove…