Author: Sam Allcock

The sudden closure of SKIN, a prominent name in the cosmetic surgery industry, has left hundreds of patients without critical post-surgery care, raising serious concerns over industry practices. The collapse has affected patients who recently had procedures through Harley Street Medical Group (HSMG), as well as those who had prepaid for upcoming surgeries. Patients are now facing uncertainty about how they will receive follow-up care, with many left unable to contact their surgeons or medical staff. For those who have undergone recent operations, this raises fears about possible complications going unaddressed, while others are left wondering what will happen to…

Creative agency Milk & Tweed is expanding its team with the addition of three new recruits, as the Wiltshire-based firm continues to grow in response to rising demand for its website design and digital marketing services. The appointments come as the agency, which specialises in branding, logo design, and digital solutions, looks to maintain its high standards amid a surge of new clients. Creative Director Jake Jeffries said that the agency’s latest hires – junior digital marketers Tia-may Collins and Charlie Moody, alongside junior web developer Jada Baron – were necessary to keep up with a growing client list. “We…

Nigel Farage has made it clear that “bigots” and “extremists” have no place in Reform UK as he looks to professionalise the party after its recent electoral successes. Speaking at the party’s annual conference in Birmingham, Farage stressed that Reform UK is “coming of age” following its victory in securing its first MPs in the July elections. However, he admitted that the party’s lack of professionalism had resulted in some controversial candidates slipping through, due to inadequate vetting processes. Party’s Focus on Professionalism Farage acknowledged that the party’s amateurish approach to candidate selection had been a weakness, leading to some…

Inheritance tax receipts have surged by 9% in the period from April to August this year, reaching £3.5 billion, according to the latest data from HMRC. This represents a £300 million increase compared to the same time last year, putting the government on course for another record-breaking year of inheritance tax (IHT) collection. With seven months remaining until the end of the current tax year, the rise in receipts has many questioning what could come next. The freeze on the nil-rate bands, which has been in place since 2009, along with rising inflation, has left more families than ever facing…

A new UK packaging tax, set to fund recycling efforts, is expected to drive up the cost of a range of everyday items such as soft drinks, beer, and small appliances like kettles and toasters. UK businesses are warning that the tax, which shifts recycling fees from councils to producers, will likely be passed on to consumers. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, coming into effect in 2025, is designed to make producers accountable for the cost of recycling their product packaging. While its environmental goals are clear, companies argue that it will cause significant price increases on commonly purchased…

New post-Brexit customs delays; processes for parcels and freight to Northern Ireland have been delayed until March 2025 amid trader concerns. This delay comes as part of the Windsor Framework, the post-Brexit trade agreement governing the movement of goods between these regions. Originally, the new processes were set to begin in October 2024. However, businesses raised concerns that the timeline did not provide enough preparation time. In response, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced the delay, citing multiple factors including the upcoming General Election and its pre-election period as contributing to the lack of readiness among traders. The Windsor Framework,…

UK-based food processing company Veetee Foods, Inc. is set to expand its operations in the United States by opening a major production plant in Selma, North Carolina, located in Johnston County. This move represents a significant investment of $35.7 million and is expected to create 200 new jobs in the region, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. The new facility will utilise over 20 years of technological advancements developed at Veetee’s factory in the UK. It will be equipped to cook a variety of foods including rice, pasta, noodles, and spaghetti, using ingredients sourced domestically within the US.…

Nigel Farage, the prominent leader of Reform UK, has announced he is stepping down from owning the party as it gears up for a significant overhaul at its upcoming conference in Birmingham. Farage revealed that he will surrender his controlling shares in the party, allowing members to take greater control over its future direction. However, despite relinquishing ownership, Farage has made it clear he intends to remain the leader of the party, potentially guiding Reform UK into the next general election. Farage explained that when Reform UK, originally launched as the Brexit Party, was established, it was structured as a…

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, over half of UK investors (53%) are now prioritising business proposals that include a clear manifesto, according to a recent survey conducted by Adobe. This trend signals a significant shift towards the importance of vision and values in driving long-term success, with manifestos gaining more weight than traditional business plans for many investors. The concept of manifestos has gained momentum alongside the growing popularity of manifestation practices. Manifestation, traditionally associated with personal growth, is becoming an essential tool for entrepreneurs and investors alike. More than 52% of Brits have embraced manifestation techniques such as…

American Golf, the UK’s leading golf retailer, has reported a sales increase and market share growth during the first half of 2024. Despite facing a slow start to the year due to unusually wet weather, the retailer managed a like-for-like (LFL) sales increase of 1.8% and a 1.4% rise in market share. The period under review, from February to August, saw particularly strong results in the sale of equipment, clubs, and footwear. The growth in these key product categories highlights American Golf’s continued success in establishing itself as the ultimate one-stop shop for golfers. Its ability to attract both loyal…