Sew Your Own....Giant Eskimo!

Iconic British brand Clothkits will be running cut and sew workshops at the East London Design Show this December. The workshops will be running for the duration of the ELDS show at Shoreditch Town Hall, and are the perfect opportunity to have a go at machine sewing.

No experience necessary and open to all. Bring your child, bring your grandad, bring your chum or come alone and have fun! All materials will be provided and in an hour you can whizz and stuff gorgeous little Nanuq, their 55cm high fishing Eskimo. Then love him, hug him and even call him George if you prefer! (Children under 10 must work with a grown up.)

To be sure of a spot, booking is advised through the ‘workshop’ link on www.clothkits.co.uk.

East London Design Show Info
East London Design Show runs from December the 4th to the 7th of December , Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT. Admission: £4 Concessions: £2 Accompanied children under 16 get in free.

Workshop reservations are £10 including all materials

Are you a Kamikaze lover? Eager to destroy your relationship?

Do you climb aboard your plane, take off, aim it at the bridge of the SS Relationship, and watch the anxious face of the ship's captain as you fly directly toward the bridge, ready to destroy your own ship?

Of course you don't! For there's nothing that ever goes wrong in your relationship that is ever your fault, is there?

Because whilst it is true that it takes two to make a relationship work, it is perfectly possible for one partner in a relationship to damage it. By being a Kamikaze lover. Perhaps to even damage it beyond easy repair. If you want to learn how you can damage or wreck an otherwise perfect relationship, read on.

Talk AT your partner, rather than WITH you partner, and certainly never listen to what they have to say. You will find that eventually a combination of dismissive put downs, stony silences and angry yelling will shut them up. Perhaps for good.

Always ensure that you are in the right, even -or especially- when you suspect, or know, that you are in the wrong.

3) Belittle your partner in private and in public. Mock their hobbies, interests and their work abilities. You can extend this to mocking or belittling members of their family and the friends of your partner. Be as negative and as dismissive as possible. The key word here is “alienation.”

4) Use selective memory. Always remember the bad things that he or she has done, but only the good that you have done. Should this prove difficult, use a sub-technique. Employ blatant lies to dismiss or gloss over the memories of your partner. “Oh, really? Well that’s not how I remember it!” works perfectly well in a pinch.

5) Be controlling of your relationship and of your partner. Find out which techniques work best for you. Faux anger, yelling, screaming, tantrums, tears, threats (leaving, taking the children, suicide, violence, etc.) Whatever combination of techniques you decide is best for you, develop them properly and refine them. Remember, practice really does make perfect. Eventually your partner will be so controlled that you will only need a key word or gesture to make them do what you want. Or to simply quit the relationship, whichever suits your purposes.

6) If you have a problem with someone or something outside of the relationship, use Blame Transfer to place the blame upon the shoulders of your partner. This way you can find an outlet for your anger, but will not have to face the real problem.

7) Find fault in anything or everything they do. Be creative.

8) Always ascribe malice to the actions of your partner. This way you will not have to identify what is happening in your relationship, and you can remove any onus on yourself to identify any problems that you might be bringing to the table.

9) If your partner is involved in any dispute –with a member of your family or their family, a business partner or work colleague or a neighbour- always presume that your partner is in the wrong. This saves a great deal of effort of trying to establish what has happened and on what side you should be.

10) Always play the martyr when discussing your partner with friends or family. This will earn you much undeserved sympathy, and, should you achieve the ultimate goal of destroying your relationship, you will have set the scene for many hours of debating what an absolute rat he or she was.

Church converts to Unified Communications

New Testament Church of God to deploy IP based communications network across 108 sites to save costs and improve accessibility to its centralised national administration, members and the general public.

Swyx a market-leading vendor of Unified Communications for SMEs has been selected by The New Testament Church of God (NTCG) to a supply its SwyxWare Unified Communications solution at its headquarters in Northampton and for eventual roll-out to all its 108 churches and mission throughout England and Wales.

NTCG National Secretary & Treasurer, The Reverend Louis McLeod said, “The church prides itself on being an organisation that is open and accessible to all its members and followers, however we recognised that our incumbent telephony system was holding the organisation back from achieving these objectives. The Swyx solution will meet all our future operating criteria including the ability to manage our entire communications network as a single entity and from a central point. We aim to achieve a massive reduction in line and calling costs, and all Church ministers, regardless of their location will have access to a converged communications network.”

The solution was implemented by authorised Swyx reseller Shiva Technology.

McLeod adds, “To prove the system’s ability to connect to other churches Shiva first integrated our Education Centre which is based a few miles away from our Headquarters. Previously this was on a separate number, but is now on the same system so that all calls can be seamlessly transferred between the two buildings. And of course all the calls are now free!”

“Already we have seen our costs at head office drop by over 50% and are currently rolling out SwyxWare to our 25 district churches. Six months after this is completed we plan to expand the system at all 108 locations, with the district churches acting as local hubs and providing local support to the branches. We anticipate that the improved communications the system offers for an individual branch church will foster much closer communication with other local churches, their community and head office improving accessibility to members everywhere. Our initial calculations also predict major financial benefits for the Church as the costs of calls and line rentals are reduced throughout the organisation.”

According to McLeod these are the key benefits the new system has delivered:

• Significantly reduced the overall telecommunications costs as the Church no longer needs to pay for multiple line rental and traditional system service/maintenance charges

• ‘Never miss a call’ – call recording for messages and electronic filing of voice mails, voicemail/email integration.

• All churches and missions will become integrated into a single NTCG network significantly reducing costs (free calls between sites) and improving inter-church and head office communication.

• IVR (interactive voice response) has removed the need for a receptionist at head office

• New telephony-based fund-raising services can be introduced

For more information visit - www.swyx.com.

Viewers turn to online TV news to keep ahead of credit crunch, says Zattoo

Zattoo, the online TV player, reports today that the credit crunch has spurred a doubling in viewing share of its news, finance and current affairs channels in the last three months.

Analysis from Google Trends shows that UK searches for the term “credit crunch” have trebled in the last quarter (August to October). At the same time, the share of viewing on Zattoo for BBC News, Bloomberg and ABC News Now more than doubled, from 9% to 19%.

Alex Guest, General Manager for Zattoo in the UK, said: “The vast majority of viewing on Zattoo continues to be for evening and weekend entertainment. Fight Club on Channel 4 last Sunday was a big hit with our viewers. Now the news channels are growing in popularity with those who want to keep abreast of current affairs in these turbulent times.”

Bloomberg TV, with its live coverage of financial matters, accounted for 5.7% of viewing time in October, compared with just 1.5% in August. BBC News increased from 7% to 12%, while ABC News Now, with its focus on US news, grew from 0.6% to a peak of 1.3% in September.

Guest continued: “Watching TV news online is a very practical way of getting up-to-the-minute information while getting on with something else at the same time.”

http://www.zattoo.com

Rent Your Rocks - Exquisite Fine Jewellery Hire for Women

The credit crunch may be all around but there is a great new way you can still manage to shine during the festive season with some head turning pieces of fine jewellery and keep within your budget.

RentYourRocks.com is a brand new website that has been launched allowing you to hire fine jewellery for that special occasion for a week or longer if you prefer.

RentYourRocks.com is a whole new concept for the jewellery market and it gives people the flexibility to select a piece to match an outfit whether it is an elegant pearl necklace or something more flamboyant for really creating a stir and turning heads.

Rental prices start from just £50, and pieces which would usually retail from £350 to £18,000 would be available to hire from £50 to £750 a week respectively.

The collection on the website has been carefully selected so there are classically beautiful pieces and eye-catching items for that grander occasion.

You can even have advice from a highly experienced team of gemmologists at RentYourRocks.com if you are not sure which necklace, bracelet or earrings would be the best for you and your outfit.

Sophie Croydon, founder of RentYourRocks.com, who has developed the new website alongside her role in an established family jewellery business said: “We know that many people want to create a really special look for a big party, their wedding day or a special occasion in their life but might not want nor have the budget to commit to a piece of jewellery for life. Our new website will allow you to commit for just one week but still look as if you are wearing the family jewels to complete that special look.”

The RentYourRocks.com service has been designed to be easy to use and customers just have to register on the site and then select a piece from the website. This payment process involves a booking deposit which is reserved from the customer’s card and it is removed as soon as the item is returned after the hire period.

A full selection and further details of the exquisite jewellery for hire can be found on the website at www.rentyourrocks.com

Action Duchenne supports ‘Say Hello to Edward’ bid to gain chart success to raise funds to find a cure

Celebrities send messages of support for downloadable music video and record launched to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for those living with Duchenne.

Action Duchenne is supporting a new campaign 'Say hello to Edward' that has been launched to raise funds for the charity and to provide support to Edward Ackroyd , a five year old boy and sufferer of the muscle-wasting disease. The campaign includes the release of a song and music video ‘Never Say Goodbye' on 8 December, written and performed by friends of Edward. Proceeds will go towards the charity funds. It is hoped that a chart position will also increase awareness of the disease. A website www.sayhellotoedward.com has been created to enable people to leave a message for Edward and to download the song.

So far the campaign has received messages of support from Bill Kenwright, Sir Michael Parkinson, and Sir Richard Branson. In addition Edward has recently met Sir David Jason, and is looking forward to meeting the cast of Emmerdale and Robson & Jerome, who have all agreed to lend their support.

By ‘Saying hello to Edward’, registered visitors to the website will be notified when the single is released. They can also help spread the word on Facebook, Myspace and YouTube. So far 5,000 people are registered for the Facebook group.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy affects 1 in 3,500 male births in the UK, and is the most common and severe type of muscular dystrophy - sufferers are diagnosed usually by the age of 5. Duchenne affects the heart and respiratory system and many patients do not live past their twenties.

The new song was written by friends, Shane Hamill and Paul Lovatt-Cooper. Lovatt-Cooper teaches at Wardle High School in Rochdale and is the composer for the renowned Black Dyke Band - recent winners of the 'National Championship of Great Britain' competition and featured in the film 'Brassed Off' at the Royal Albert Hall.

Originally from Rochdale, Hamill met Lovatt-Cooper several years ago when they both worked as extras on ITV's popular soap, Emmerdale.

Nick Catlin, CEO of Action Duchenne said, “This is a very exciting and innovative way to increase awareness and raise funds for our charity. All services have been donated, so any funds that we make will directly benefit Action Duchene and sufferers like Edward. It is heart-warming that so many people are willing to dedicate their time and energy to support patients and relatives in such a creative and positive way.”

FACT FILE:

‘Say Hello to Edward’ is a campaign set up to support Edward Ackroyd and his family. Edward is five years old and has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which is a severe muscle wasting disease, which leads to paralysis and limited life expectancy. The campaign is aiming to raise awareness and funds to help find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which is tantalisingly close.

In order to help Edward and others like him, the campaign is asking for two simple things. The first is to leave Edward a message on the site by going to the 'Say Hello' section. The second is to buy the song 'Never Say Goodbye' which was written especially for Edward by some of his friends. Because everyone has donated their time and their work for free, 100% of the money raised will go directly to the charity Action Duchenne.

For more information please visit: www.sayhellotoedward.com

(EDITOR: Please forward this news article to your friends and family)

MPs fury over arrest of Damien Green (VIDEO NEWS)

Sellers are dictating the value of homes... not the estate agent!

A new survey has found that homeowners are dramatically wrong in their estimation of their own property value. It revealed that despite huge price falls, the average homeowner believes their property is now only worth £1,233 less than it was three years ago?.

In reality, the published data reflects a different picture. According to the Nationwide?, house prices have fallen by a record rate of 14.6 per cent and the average UK home is worth £158,872 – nearly £30,000 less than a year ago but to put this into context, the figure is almost £30,000 more than five years ago.

So what will become of the homeowners who believe they know better than their local estate agent?

Nick Wright, WOW Property Sales Director comments: “The decline of the property market and falling house prices has been front page news for a long time. However, we are still talking to sellers who are striving to achieve the high prices at the peak of the market a year ago. Inevitably if they don’t listen now and heed the advice to ‘price sensibly’ these homeowners are facing the prospect of losing thousands of pounds the longer they wait.”

Recently WOW Property has taken on several properties from sellers who have had to endure the painful process of reducing their price, far below their initial expectation, in order to sell their property. This is illustrated by a recent ‘real’ example below:

In September 2007, a five bedroom family home in London came to the market at £650,000. After three months the property had not been sold and the seller withdrew from the market. Five months later in May 2008, a different estate agent took the property on at the same price and again was not sold. In September, WOW won the instruction and instantly advised the seller that the property was incorrectly priced - based on market comparables the appropriate price for the current market was £599,950. The property was subsequently sold at £560,000.

Nick Wright comments: “WOW saved the seller £10,341 in fees, which is a small consolation in the overall scheme of things but we are a straight talking estate agent and price properties to sell now. It’s up to the seller if they want to listen and our track record shows that when they do we will sell their home.”

Customers are able to contact the sales team on 08450 000999 or via the website www.wowproperty.co.uk for further information.

FACT FILE:
WOW Property employs over 200 professionally trained estate agents with expert local knowledge throughout England and Wales. WOW sells properties in 57? days in the current economic climate and also offers a growing and comprehensive portfolio of properties for sale.

Like a traditional high street estate agent, WOW will provide an expert local valuation, prepare professional sales particulars, advertises on ALL the top UK property websites and offers accompanied viewings. No other nationwide estate agent provides a fully comprehensive marketing service at a fixed fee of £999 excluding VAT on a no sale, no fee basis.

In addition to the expert local agent, sellers will benefit from a dedicated account team who will manage every aspect of the sale from one super branch. The process begins from marketing of the property, arranging viewings, negotiating offers and co-ordinating the smooth progression of the sale with all parties through to completion. Implementing a business model with low overheads enables WOW to keep its cost to a minimum and pass on the savings to its valued customers.

Shop.com go for eType

the UK’s largest virtual shopping mall has appointed premium ad platform, eType, to sell and manage all online ad inventory on their behalf. The exclusive deal will see eType concentrate on developing site-specific campaigns, integrations and sponsorships, in order to build advertising revenues for the publisher.

With an average 3 million unique users per month, SHOP.COM is currently one of the UK’s largest CSEs (Custom Search Engine), allowing customers to shop for thousands of brands from hundreds of stores using the patented OneCart™ technology and a single account.

All Merchants featured on their site are vetted for family-friendly products and have demonstrated an expertise at remote shopping - from high quality product presentations to on-time delivery and conscientious customer service. This focus means that eType will be able to offer advertisers a range of brand-safe campaign and sponsorship solutions.

“SHOP.COM has successfully created a unique proposition that brings together the very best product ranges and online retailers into one safe environment to the benefit of both users and advertisers,” said Rob Gay, Managing Director at eType. “The site offers advertisers a large, diverse user base across gender, age group, social demographic and product-interest and we look forward to educating the market to the many benefits of advertising with SHOP.COM.”

Malcolm Tucker, SHOP.COM’s Marketing Director said, “ eType’s impressive portfolio and experience in maximising revenues for premium publishers within the online space, ensures we are able to provide an effective marketing channel for leading online advertisers.”

SHOP.COM provides easy access to a vast selection of trusted brands and high quality specialty retailers covering the home, fashion, food, beauty, kids and electronics all organised for convenience in finding, comparing and purchasing within a personalised shopping experience.

- ends -

Foviance survey identifies gap in travel industry market

Foviance, the expert in digital customer experience, has found that singles aged between 31-45 years old cannot find a holiday which suits their needs. Foviance’s research demonstrates how a focus on customer experience can help to create markets, drive sales and increase customer satisfaction, as 68% of respondents said they would travel on their own if they could find the right holiday.

A survey of 530 respondents, with an even breakdown between men and women, all of which had travelled at least once in the last year, found that half had in the past chosen not to go on holiday to avoid what they feared would be the typical ‘singles’ holiday.

The full research report entitled “Making the intangible tangible” found the travel sector is missing out on a massive opportunity by not understanding the needs of a large potential market. While most travel companies know the basics about customers such as their age, sex and where they live, they fail to understand who these people really are and what they want out of a holiday.

The main reason behind this age group choosing not to travel (as a single person) was that they had no one to go away with (31%). 10% of people also admitted to being embarrassed that they were single. This embarrassment was not only felt during the booking phase but also while on holiday. Location, meeting like-minded people of a similar age group and being away from younger singles’ parties were all cited as priorities. They felt what was on offer from the travel industry does not suit their needs.

Creating a positive customer experience depends on providing a holistic experience which supports every step of the customer interaction. While companies are finding it difficult to design consistent customer experiences that differentiate them as an organisation, by understanding customers and creating products that meet their expectations, there is also a significant opportunity to become a trusted advisor and ultimately maximise the relationship in monetary terms.

Currently, friends are seen as the most trusted source of information on singles holidays (25%), with websites coming a close second (21%). The least trusted source of information came from direct marketing (21%), blogs (18%), TV (13%), lifestyle magazines (11%) and travel press (11%).

Marty Carroll, consultancy director, Foviance said: “Organisations’ lack of understanding means that most focus on selling products and services rather than concentrating on delivering customer experiences. The end result is a fragmented product or service experience, delivered to a target audience which has been defined by a marketing tool developed for a market environment that no longer exists. Once organisations start focusing on who their customers really are what they love and hate and what they are missing out on, real customer experiences can be created. Companies that do not evolve and deliver exceptional customer experiences risk losing sales and market share to those that do.”

Foreign exchange company first to launch market updates via Podcast

Independent Currency Broker TorFX has launched a regular podcast to help clients keep track of currency movements and market information.

Leading broker TorFX has been helping individuals and companies who need to make currency transfers for years, providing commercial exchange rates and expert advice. Until now, clients have been kept informed by regular email market updates, by phone and through the online blog, but the podcast adds another dimension to the service, allowing customers to tune in and listen to TorFX currency consultants discussing market movements, trends and important economic developments that have an impact on currency rates.

In addition to useful market intelligence, the podcast also aims to help customers make more informed trading decisions by cutting out the usual market jargon and explaining things in a concise and straight forward manner. Each week the ten minute broadcast gives an overview of market rates and conditions, and also gives practical information about using TorFX, and how to get the best possible exchange rate.

The weekly podcast is the first of its kind in the commercial foreign exchange industry, and is presented by senior dealers from the TorFX trading floor who are responsible for handling millions of pounds of currency transactions on a daily basis. Considering the short time the podcast has been available its success speaks for itself; already reaching a new visitor, on average, every minute and since its submission to iTunes its popularity rating has risen to the point where it is now a featured podcast in the iTunes store.

To get the latest news in the currency markets every weekday and to hear our Podcast every week visit www.torfx.com/blog or search the iTunes store for TorFX.

Say goodbye to colds and flu this Winter with Olbas Powerflu

This season, just in time for the dreaded cold season, Olbas comes to the rescue with a treatment to help you kick colds and flu - Olbas Powerflu.

Olbas Powerflu is a two tablet cold and flu treatment. One tablet gives relief from a wide range of cold and flu ailments, including nasal and sinus congestion, headache, fever, aching limbs, coughing and runny nose. Its multi-relief formula means that nothing treats more cold and flu symptoms. The second tablet is a lemon-flavoured chewable vitamin C tablet to help you on your way to recovery.

Hilary Lynn, Olbas Powerflu Brand Manager, says: “Cold and flu symptoms can get you down but there’s really no need to suffer with them. Olbas Powerflu treats a whole host of symptoms and will help you to keep going when you need to. Life doesn’t have to stop when you’ve got a cold.”

Olbas Powerflu contains paracetamol and codeine and is so powerful that you have to ask your pharmacist for it. It is available in two pack sizes: a 6 dose pack (RRP £3.15) and a 12 dose pack (RRP £4.95).

WHO MAKES OLBAS POWERFLU?

Olbas Powerflu is made and distributed by G R Lane Health Products, a family owned business based in Gloucester.

WHO IS LANESHEALTH?

In 1930, Gilbert Lane established a thriving and prosperous family business. Gilbert was interested in all aspects of health and nutrition and he developed a wide range of effective remedies to treat many common ailments. Many of these treatments were based on his understanding of the medicinal properties of plants.

Today LanesHealth continue their founder’s tradition of developing effective treatments which will help improve people’s health and quality of life.

Olbas Powerflu is the first Pharmacy-only product manufactured by LanesHealth.

WHERE CAN YOU GET FURTHER INFO ABOUT OLBAS POWERFLU?

Visit the www.powerflu.co.uk website

This Christmas give a Sound investment

airSOUND® the latest British sound technology found only in orbitsound’s range of products this Christmas

No more hot-spots – no more hot ears – the future of stereo music has arrived. airSOUND® offers real stereo sound from single speaker enclosures. The latest sound technology to come out of Britain since Alan Blumlein filed his stereo patent in 1931 is exclusively available in orbitsound’s range of affordable products. Created by Ted Fletcher airSOUND® is a revolutionary single point stereo technology that delivers true stereo sound from a single speaker – filling the room and your head.

T3 – perfect for movers and players

The orbitsound T3 is an entirely new product concept, made possible by the development of airSOUND® single-point-stereo. Weighing only 115g the T3 is a portable stereo speaker system that plugs into your device (iPod, music phone, media player, PSP®).

Not only do headphones ruin your hair, there’s also a technical problem with them (and ear-buds). The problem is that they are not really stereo - just two separated mono signals clamped to your ears. Listening to stereo means you have to hear the sound from both speakers with each ear. This effect gives you the stereo sound field in between the speakers. Because headphones and ear-buds have monochannels, most people hear the sound in the middle or back of their head, as opposed to in front and around where the sound field is supposed to be.

The T3’s approach is to create a personal sound field (sound bubble), and when worn around the neck the T3’s unique BODYSOUND™ effect uses your own body to reinforce the sound. This innovative system allows music to be literally placed in the air, all around your head.

The sound from the T3 is a real spatial stereo sound field and, this way, you won’t be isolated from the environmental sounds around you anymore. You can listen to your favourite music and still be aware of traffic noise and people around or behind you in the street.

When you’re not wearing it the T3 can be placed on a flat surface and used as a travelling stereo sound system: ideal for use with PCs, laptops, digital media players or game players on the move.

Measuring just 102 x 60 x 19mm (22mm at maximum) the T3 is powered by a lithium rechargeable battery, providing up to 10 hours playing time on a single charge.

T12 – want perfect sound without the fuss?

Does the idea of perfectly balanced stereo sound appeal, but the reality of having to rearrange furniture or hide wires put you off? Look no further.

For movie enthusiasts and digital music listeners, the T12 soundbar and subwoofer delivers true spatial stereo without needing carefully positioned speakers to clutter your living environment. The T12 offers an instant and simple flat screen TV or high end multimedia sound upgrade with iPod® dock and remote control.

The major advantages over the more conventional (but less correct) way of listening to stereo, apart from the obviously lack of wires and ugly boxes are that there is absolutely no 'sweet spot'. The stereo effect is clear wherever you are. And it doesn’t matter where you put the airSOUND® loudspeaker because the sound fills the room.

There are no timing, phase and frequency response problems that are endemic with 2-speaker systems and as the phase relationships are more accurately reproduced, the music sounds noticeably cleaner and more clearly defined.

The orbitsound T3 (£49 inc VAT) and T12 (£249) are available to buy from selected independent retailers or online at http://www.orbitsound.co.uk/shop/

Beat the VAT man! with MandM

MandMDirect.com Hands Festive Boost To Customers By Introducing Chancellor’s VAT Discount Four Days Before 1st December Deadline

The UK’s leading on line discount clothing retailer MandMDirect.com has embraced the Chancellor’s 2.5% reduction in the VAT rate wholeheartedly – and even pipped him to the post when it comes to passing on the discount to its customers, because the company will be implementing the VAT changes overnight on Wednesday 26th November – 4 days before the Chancellor’s official start date. What’s more, in keeping with the company’s policy of integrity and fairness to its customers, any awkward prices will be rounded down not up and all delivery charges will also be trimmed accordingly.

It seems MandMDirect.com’s straightforward approach to its customers is paying off because despite general doom and gloom in the retail sector business has never been better at MandMDirect.com, with the company up around 20% on year on year sales and bracing itself for what it believes will be its biggest ever Christmas. Already the company is despatching over 16,000 parcels every day in the run up to the festive season.

According to MandMDirect.com CEO, Steve Robinson, “We’re successful because we know that every penny does really count to our customers and as a business we are nimble and responsive enough to be able to pass on good news like the Chancellor’s almost immediately. In this case we are delighted to deliver even lower prices to our valued customers a little early.”

About MandMDirect.com

MandMDirect.com is the UK leading online and catalogue retailer, bringing big brands at bargain prices to a computer or letterbox near you! Founded 20 years ago, MandMDirect.com has been supplying customers with fantastic products at prices that no high street store can dare to compete with. At MandMDirect.com, you will find big brand fashion, sportswear, outdoors clothing sports equipment, and accessories for men, women and children from more than 200 top brands at astonishingly low prices with discounts of up to 75% on RRP. With top buyers who can spot a good purchase a mile off, stock that is updated every hour and with no expensive stores to run, it means at MandMDirect.com you will never have to pay the full price again!

NB Please note VAT is not applicable on children’s clothes or books

Snore no more!

Lack of sleep is the main cause of stress; partners of snorers suffer day time fatigue which in one of the main causes of stress and irritability.

A totally new method to cure snoring has just been discovered to help nose snorers. The adkins snoring aid works by restricting the air flow through the nose – the main cause of snoring for many. By retraining the way you breathe in this way, many have now stopped snoring and their partners enjoy peaceful nights.

The major benefits are that the partner of the cured snorer will immediately have more energy, feel better and even look better as the skin only mends itself whilst you sleep.

Restful nights help you cope far better in stressful situations, like rush hour traffic on the way home, 60% of dark evening traffic accidents are attributed to tiredness.

Sleep deprivation expert chris grant is the man behind the new product. He explained that many people just accept they lose sleep because of their partner’s loud snoring. Now they have an opportunity to try this totally new method to stop snoring, which has worked for so many.

Questions government MUST answer from Dominic Grieve

(EDITOR: I believe these questions are so important that they must be answered in full by the government. And quickily, too! Please send the permalink to this post to your friends and family members and ask them to forward it, too. Alos, please bookmark it.)

The Leak Enquiry

1. Who initiated the original Home Office leak inquiry?

2. Did Ministers approve it?

3. When was it initiated?

4. Who ran the inquiry and who had knowledge of it?

5. Were any Ministers briefed about the inquiry, how were they briefed, when and by whom?

6. What did the Prime Minister know and when? Did he call for a leak investigation by the police in the first place?

The Referral to the Cabinet Office

7. Who made the decision to refer the inquiry to the Cabinet Office?

8. When was the decision made to refer the matter to the Cabinet Office?

9. Were any special advisers or Ministers aware of the decision to refer the inquiry to the Cabinet Office?

Referral to the Police

10. When did the Home Office (or Cabinet Office) refer its evidence of leaks involving potentially criminal conduct to the Metropolitan Police? What were Ministers told about the referral? Did Ministers ask to be kept informed of developments?

11. Who made the decision to refer the matter to the police?

12. When did they make that decision?

13. Were any special advisers aware of the decision to refer the matter to the police?

Arrest of Civil Servant

14. At 5.50am on 11 November, a Home Office official was arrested in the early hours of the morning by counter-terrorism police in connection with leaks. Were Ministers aware that counter-terrorism officers had been dispatched?

15. Were any civil servants, special advisers or Ministers briefed about the arrest of a Home Office civil servant in connection with the inquiry?

16. Did the arrest of the civil servant also involve SO15 or other counter terrorism officers?

17. What contact was there between the police and any Minister, adviser or civil servant regarding the progress of the inquiry between the civil servant’s arrest and Damian Green’s arrest?

Arrest of Damian Green

18. It is reported that Mr Green’s name was provided to the police on 11 November. Between the arrest of the official on 11 November and the arrest of Mr Green on 27 November, what further update did Home Office officials receive on the course of the subsequent police investigation? What was communicated to Ministers, and when?

19. When did Home Office officials know that the police were investigating a Member of Parliament? Who was the most senior official informed? When were Ministers informed? If they were not informed, why not?

20. Was any special adviser, press officer or Minister aware that a politician was being investigated? If so, when did they become aware?

21. The guidance on the offence of misconduct in public office states: “A charge of misconduct in public office should be reserved for cases of serious misconduct or deliberate failure to perform a duty which is likely to injure the public interest”. In what respect was it suspected that Damian Green might have done this?

22. Who in the police approved the decision to inform the Mayor about the proposed arrest of Damian Green?

23. Who in the police decided not to inform any Government Minister about the proposed arrest of Damian Green?

24. Why was it decided to inform the Mayor but no Minister?

25. Was any adviser or civil servant made aware of the proposed arrest of a politician?

26. Why were counter terrorist officers involved in the arrest? Why were 9 involved?

27. Which Government advisers and press officers were briefed about the arrest and when? When did they first discuss the matter with the press?

28. Was the Immigration Minister briefed regarding the inquiry in advance of his interview on the Today programme and if so what was he told and by whom?

29. If Ministers had no knowledge of the inquiry, why did Immigration Minister Phil Woolas say on the Today programme that “this is not…from the information I have, the knowledge of the arrest that has been made, not as straightforward as your question implies”?

30. What steps did the Prime Minister take to clarify that no Minister had been involved?

31. Is it conceivable that the Home Secretary and Prime Minister remained oblivious to the investigation and arrest of a Member of Parliament between 11 and 27 November?

Search of Damian Green’s Offices

32. Who was the most senior police officer who took the decision to authorise the arrest of Mr Green, and the search of his two residential addresses, constituency office and office in the House of Commons? Was the Commissioner aware, and did he authorise the decision? Why were counter-terrorism police dispatched to the House of Commons? Why did police not seek to interview Mr Green on a voluntary basis? Why did they wait until 28 November, the first day when the House of Commons was not sitting, Members were not present and no objection could be made to the Speaker? Why did they wait until the last day in office of Sir Ian Blair as Commissioner? Were the CPS consulted, was the DPP aware of these decisions and what authorisation did he give?

33. When did officials or Ministers know that Mr Green’s office in the House of Commons would be searched?

34. When the decision was made to arrest Mr Green and forcibly search his House of Commons office:

a. Did the Speaker authorise this operation?

b. If not, who did and on the basis of what evidence?

c. Was a search warrant obtained for Damian Green’s office in the House of Commons?

d. Who was the most senior ranking police officer who authorised the decision?

e. Who was the most senior official in the Home Office who was aware?

f. When did the Home Secretary and other Ministers know?

g. When did the Prime Minister know?

h. If the Mayor was informed in advance of the police operation, why weren’t Ministers also informed, given that the Home Office has responsibility for the Met’s counter-terrorism police?

i. Which member of the House of Commons authorities permitted the police to suspend Mr Green’s Parliamentary e-mail?

j. Since they have seized Mr Green’s Parliamentary computers, how will the police protect the privileged relationship between an MP and his/her constituents – not least in relation to matters that may involve the police?

k. Is it not a breach of Parliamentary Privilege for the police to arrest a Member of Parliament for using information he received for Parliamentary purposes?

The artrepublic.com 2008 Top 10 Artists of the Urban Art Scene

Written by artrepublic.com

The urban art gallery artrepublic, fresh from curating the hugely successful Saints and Sinners show in London’s St Martins Lane hotel, today launch their 2008 top 10 of who’s made the biggest impact in the UK urban art scene in 2008 and who’s poised for even greater things in 2009. Eagerly awaited by savvy art buyers, the list is compiled from sales, customer feedback and insider knowledge of the urban art market.

1. Banksy
2. MissBugs
3. Nick Walker
4. C215
5. Charming Baker
6. Blek Le Rat
7. Pure Evil
8. Lidia de Pedro
9. Screen Prince
10. Ben Allen

Source: www.artrepublic.com

Banksy

No surprises that the reclusive Banksy remains the most popular urban artist in the UK again this year. Demand for his incisive, thought-provoking works continues to sky-rocket as does his coverage in the media. His works continue to fetch staggering sums even in these difficult economic times.

MissBugs

The duo of Miss and Bugs, Muse and Artist, have rocketed from nowhere this year, with sell-out shows and collectors clamouring for new releases. Their work is a contemporary mix of spray, stencil and screen print, using iconic superhero figures and deft touches like 3D work and giant canvasses made up of thousands of badges. They aren’t afraid to take the mickey, point fingers at the ridiculousness of the art market and to show the greatness of a man in red tights.

Nick Walker

One of Banksy’s Bristol contemporaries, he’s a few year’s older than the mysterious stencil giant, but the art world went crazy for his work this year, with originals and limited edition prints soaring in value. If you’ve got a Nick Walker, hang on to it. His star is set to rise.

C215

The Frenchman, Parisian Christian, literally lives for stencils. They are his passion and it shows. We love the life he puts in to an art form that is essentially about simple lines. You get faces filled with passion, expression and gesture. He is certainly one to watch.

Charming Baker

What a charming man. The artist lives up to his name and his work is to die for. Using a rich palette of colour his creations are still-life in some respects, but not as we know it.

Blek le Rat

The Frenchman who influenced Banksy has been relatively unknown on these shores. Plus he’d been hiding out for years after a massive graffiti fine from the French police. A big solo show in London earlier this year has helped raised his profile. His works are almost stark, but they are always gorgeous. He’s always been a firm favourite of ours.

Pure Evil

Apparently a descendant of Thomas Moore, Pure Evil’s work does err on the side of humorous and let’s face it, dark, but he’s one to watch. With work for the Tate Modern under his belt, solo shows in the UK and Eu! rope, Pure Evil is pure genius.

Lidia de Pedro

Spanish beauty and art princess Lidia is certainly a rising star and one to watch out for. Her spirited, ethereal works come in a multitude of colour, symmetry and with some Spanish flavour. Prints are selling out straight off the press with barely a chance for the artist to sign them!

Screen Prince

Brighton printer Screen Prince takes his favourite figures from music history past and present and spins their lyrics into an amazing calligraphic swirl. Joni Mitchell, RunDMC, Prince, Bob Marley and Beethoven. They are a thing of beauty, printed to perfection.

Ben Allen

The boy's talent knows no bounds. He’s on the speed dial of every hip interior designer in town and it shows. Find his work in the homes of stars, media moguls and now, in yours too.

Also keep your eyes peeled for more sensational works by Jasper Goodall, Static and Jean-Michel Baptiste. Not forgetting our friends on the other side of the pond. Coming from America, these two art greats are understandably hugely popular in the Land of the Free, and are set to make a huge impact here. We love the work of urban artists Ron English and Saber, get them while they're still affordable.

View images by each of these artists at the link below:

http://www.artrepublic.com/articles/67-the-hottest-artists-o...

MP claims Speaker Martin OKed terror cop raid on Damiren Green, MP's office

This item on the blog of MP Douglas Carr makes interesting reading

http://www.talkcarswell.com/show.aspx?id=270

More will be carried on this story from a variety of sources as it develops.

David Cameron comments on arrest of Damian Green

David Cameron has described yesterday’s arrest of Damian Green as “extraordinary and frankly worrying”.

The Shadow Immigration Minister was arrested and released without charge yesterday following an inquiry into Home Office leaks.

Speaking outside the House of Commons, Damian said: "I was astonished to have spent more than nine hours today under arrest for doing my job.”

And he added, "In a democracy, opposition politicians have a duty to hold the government to account. I was elected to the House of Commons precisely to do that and I certainly intend to continue doing so."

Energy industry set for climate change

The UK energy industry is now much more prepared for the impacts of climate change, an innovative study has revealed today.

Results from the ground-breaking project between key UK energy companies and the Met Office have highlighted that the majority of energy infrastructure is already fit to meet the challenges of a changing climate.

However, the study has also shown that more needs to be done by the industry to help it prepare for predicted rises in temperature in the future.

A clear indicator from the project was that historical climatology is no longer relevant because of global warming. These long term changes mean that it is likely that energy demands will be affected through the seasons.

Within the next 10 years higher temperatures could increase electricity requirements during the summer, as air conditioning units become more widely used.

Change in demand was one of two broad areas the project highlighted, with developing and adapting technology to future climate being another major factor.

This included the prospect of reduced efficiency for the output of thermal power stations, as a result of higher summer temperatures. The study recommended that adaptation to climate change should now be considered, especially when re-designing or building new power plants.

John Hirst, Met Office Chief Executive said: "This innovative Met Office project builds climate science into operational planning and showcases the energy industry's commitment to respond to a changing climate."

Meanwhile, Energy and Climate Change Minister Mike O'Brien welcomed the report: "Cutting emissions from energy plants is a crucial part of how we are tackling climate change, but our energy networks themselves must also be resilient to the changing world in which they operate.
"Energy infrastructure is costly and can have a lifespan of 40 or more years, so it's a smart move for the energy industry to seek the expert advice of the Met Office Hadley Centre. This will help anticipate the potential impacts of climate change and allow the industry to future-proof what it builds in the coming years."

Damien Green Story Developing

The arrest of Damien Green, shadow home secretary, seems to be boiling up very nicely.

Check out Dizzy Thinks for more comment:

http://dizzythinks.net/2008/11/we-didnt-know-from-government-is-not.html

That's News will be updating this story as the situation develops.

(EDITOR: Mark my words, this will cause problems for Brown rather than Green...)

Official UK opposition shadow minister arrested by 'terror cops'

Top Tory politician Damien Green, MP for Ashford, Kent, and opposition shadow minister for the Home Office was today arrested by members of the anti-terror unit of the Metropolitan Police.

It is not thought he has being charged with any offence and although the arresting officers are members of the anti-terrorism unit, it is not thought any allegations have been made against Mr Green in regard to terrorism. It is believed he has been arrested as part of an investigation into a series of high profile and highly embarrassing leaks of government documents.

It is said that David Cameron, leader the Conservative opposition, is extremely angry and will be making a press statement at 8am tomorrow morning (Friday).

For further information please follow these links:

http://iaindale.blogspot.com/2008/11/consequences-of-arrest-of-ashford-one.html

http://conservativehome.blogs.com/

http://www.order-order.com/

It is hoped That's News will be able to bring you details of Mr Cameron's press conference as soon as possible, tomorrow morning.

Dubble Team On BBC ONE Today

The Dubble Fairtrade Chocolate team were invited to take part in a young people's show that aired this afternoon at 16.35....

The team from Dubble – the sister brand of Fairtrade leader Divine Chocolate – are the expert judges featured on this afternoon’s episode of the ‘Election’ programme, where two teams of young people are asked to create a new brand of Fairtrade chocolate and an advertising campaign to go with it. The programme goes out at 16.35 on BBC ONE today.

Dubble, the first and only Fairtrade chocolate bar created exclusively for young people, was launched by Divine Chocolate (the Fairtrade company that is also co-owned by cocoa farmers) and Comic Relief, as a result of the original Fairtrade chocolate brand design competition announced by Jennifer Saunders on the leading kid’s TV show Live and Kicking back in 2000.

The Dubble team – Kika Williamson and Sara Barron, with their colleague Jonathan Smith of Comic Relief – were invited to advise on the programme, set the brief, and sit on the judging panel. They also set up a live link with children of cocoa farmers in Ghana so they could tell their UK contemporaries what Fairtrade means to them.

Kika Williamson – now Special Projects Manager at Divine Chocolate – developed Dubble from the start. “Establishing a Fairtrade chocolate brand for young people was an absolutely enormous challenge. It’s a very competitive market out there and it needs all your creative energies as well as the passion and persistence not to take no for an answer. Setting up Dubble we had some wonderful things on our side – firstly, a great story – a cooperative of 45000 cocoa farmers who are not only getting a fair deal for their cocoa through Fairtrade, but they co-own the company and share the profits too – and secondly the most amazing goodwill, energy and support from all sorts of people who helped make it happen.”

“For these kids, grappling with this challenge on the programme, we were looking for evidence that they had thought about the market, and how to communicate the appeal of a bar that delivers not only delicious chocolate, but also really important benefits to others as well. It’s a great brief and they tackled it brilliantly!”

The ‘Election’ series, presented by Angellica Bell, and presided over by Jonathan Dimbleby, aims to find a young person with true leadership skills among the kids of the UK. Two selected teams of young people have been competing on tasks which focus on key leadership skills like negotiating and campaigning. The seventh episode focuses on Campaigning and features Ken Livingstone describing his campaign to get people to use less water flushing toilets, followed by a task where the kids have to create their own new Fairtrade chocolate brands, and the campaigns to promote them.

The format of the programme – which works a little like The Apprentice – has a team that wins each week, and individuals who leave the teams each week. Each week Jonathan Dimbleby announces the catchphrase “Your campaign is over!”. The winning contestant, will be selected for their leadership and communication skills and will meet the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, in the final episode. Tune in tonight to find out whose campaign is over this week!

Dating budgets unaffected by credit crunch: Claim

New research by UK online dating site Free Dating.co.uk shows that singles are spending as much as ever on a first date, despite the credit crunch.

Just 12% of single men were expecting to reduce the amount they would spend on a date due to the economic meltdown.

The study also revealed a surprising disparity between the sexes when it comes to the thorny issue of who should pick up the tab for a first date: 64% of guys believe the man should pay, whilst only 35% of women would expect their date to settle the bill.

Even more surprising was the revelation that the younger the respondent, the more traditional their views on this subject.

When under 21s were asked the same question, 80% of guys thought the man should pay, with 47% of women agreeing that the man should pick up the tab.

Dan Winchester of Free Dating.co.uk commented: "This research shows that the traditionally-held view that the man should pay for a first date is alive and kicking - even more so amongst the younger generation. Furthermore, guys are not letting the credit crunch hold them back when it comes to splashing out on a first date".

Asked how much they would spend on a date, Liverpudlians were by far the most generous, budgeting an average of £72. They were followed by guys from Coventry and Birmingham.

Sheffield singletons were the stingiest, with an average budget of £45. Guys from Nottingham and Southampton were also languishing at the bottom of the generosity table.

Londoners were reasonably high up the rankings, with an average budget of £64.

However, there were marked differences within London itself, with the majority of guys from Chelsea expecting to pay in excess of £100 for a first date. Chelsea was followed closely by Greenwich and Kensington in this respect.

Meanwhile, single men from Kilburn, Stoke Newington and Walthamstow were amongst the tightest, where the average budget was below £50 in each case.

Respondents also had the opportunity to recount the stingiest first dates they had been out on.

One woman was taken to McDonalds, where her date revealed he only had enough money for two kids meals.

Another was taken to the cinema on "Orange Wednesdays", where she paid for the ticket, whilst her date had the free one.

Other cheap dates included dinner at a free food outlet for the homeless, and a day out badger watching.

Winchester commented: "Whilst the majority of women are perfectly happy to pay their own way on a first date, men should be aware that most of their fellow suitors will be offering to pay. Our research also confirms that, unsurprisingly, many women find meanness with money an unattractive trait".

"If you are on a tight budget, try and make up for your lack of funds with an abundance of imagination - doing something interesting or exciting will make the small budget less obvious".

For more cheap date stories visit:
http://www.freedating.co.uk/lab-credit-crunch.html

New online stock agency for royalty free images for £4.99 to £14.99 including all usage rights!

Creative minds often do ask themselves: "Why do high resolution images often cost more than £50 for commercial use?" - At agodia.com communication professionals will find images in print quality with a maximum price of £14.99 including all usage rights. Steadily increasing registration numbers and sales confirm the strategy of the new online stock photo agency "agodia Images".

"Many of the well known stock agencies are working with complicated pricing models, long lists of different prices depending on resolution, media, number of copies and other criteria," explains Kai Stueckmann, founder of agodia Images. "agodia Images wants to keep the pricing simple and transparent for the visitors.". Every image is assigned to one of only three different prices by its photographer: £4.99, £9.99 or £14.99 regardless of size, number of copies, medium or purpose.

The design of the website is clear and the handling very easy. If a visitor wants to download an image, he can pay with his creditcard and directly download the high resolution images. The payment process is safe and easy with FIRSTGATE click & buy™. The customer will get a VAT invoice directly after finishing the payment process.

Every purchase includes all editorial (non-commercial) or commercial usage rights - only the resale of the image file is not allowed. Commercial usage rights include the right to create merchandising articles or any other commercial products!

agodia Images was founded by Kai Stueckmann in 2008 and the online distribution platform agodia.com was launched in November 2008. agodia started with more than 300,000 images of 1.000 photographers assigned to 120 categories. Every week thousands of new images are added.

"The guiding principle of agodia Images is to offer 'Professional photos for little money.' We do not want to encourage the collapse of prices in the creative sector. We just offer an online service besides the traditional distribution channels (e.g. image publishers, big and often more expensive images stock companies or royalty free CD-ROM), where advertising agencies, webdesigners, marketing departments or publishers can cover their demand." says founder Kai Stueckmann, who is working as a photographer himself.

Most of the images offered are coming from professional photographers and ambitious semi-amateur photographers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. But not only typical images of the countries like the "Alps", the famous "Castle Neuschwanstein", "Heidelberg", or "Oktoberfest" can be found. Matching the pre- Christmas period agodia features an online special with direct access to thousands of Christmas images.

Photographers can use either their real name or a nickname to display beside their images. So even well-known professional photographers distribute first- class material stored in their archives. Registered photographers can upload high-definition image material, enter keywords, assign an image up to three of the 120 categories and choose one of the three prices.

The editorial staff review every uploaded image and decide whether to release it or not. They pay attention to technical criteria, such as size and colour saturation and contrast and also to image-composing, originality and authenticity. Finally the category assignment and the keywords are revised before the image will be published. About 30% of the uploaded images are declined due to quality management specifications.

Visitors can simply browse through 13 main categories with 120 sub- categories. The other way to find an image is to use the keyword search feature. The results directly show the price, the size of the image, if the image is available for editorial and / or commercial use and if a corresponding model or property release is available. A click on an image thumbnail shows detailed information and a mid-sized image preview without any watermark. These preview images can easily be stored on local hard drives for composing purposes.

Lottery.co.uk celebrates 250th EuroMillions Lottery draw

Lottery.co.uk, Britain's most popular independent website dedicated to the UK National Lottery, is celebrating the 250th EuroMillions draw that took place on Friday 21st November.

The 250th EuroMillions lottery draw was widely considered a landmark in the history of lottery gaming. Since it's launch, the game has created a plethora of European millionaires and enjoying a high level popularity that shows no signs of waning.

Only three countries participated in the original Euro lotto on its launch in February 2004 but the game is now played in nine separate European countries, making it the biggest lottery in the world, with a jackpot which is never worth less than €15,000,000. If no one gets the EuroMillions results required to win the top prize, the jackpot fund rolls over to the next draw.

Due to the success and popularity of the EuroMillions draw, it may well be used as a template for a larger World Lottery in the future, which some have said could be available to play within the next five years. Sam Weren from Lottery.co.uk said, “Lottery players prefer larger jackpots and there are signs that EuroMillions, with its much bigger jackpots, is attracting players away from the UK Lotto game. So it stands to reason that a World Lottery Draw with even bigger jackpots would attract players across the board.”

Under a proposal from Dianne Thompson, the chief executive of Camelot, the company that operates the National Lottery, "up to 100 millionaires" would be created every month with one annual game that could result in a prize of £250 million for one lucky winner. Twenty countries would need to sign up to create the £250 million prize, which would rival the jackpots of American state draws. To date, the largest pay out has been to Andre Whittaker from West Virginia, who won $315 million (£160 million) in 2002.

A total of 48 countries have expressed an interest in a World Lottery following the unveiling of the proposal last year.

FACT FILE:
The Lottery Company Limited, a company registered in England and Wales under the number 2949433, and the website lottery.co.uk are both owned by Take That Ltd, also a private company registered in England and Wales, but under number 2147008. Take That Ltd is not connected with Camelot plc or any other lottery operator in any way - independence of information is therefore guaranteed.

Take That Ltd has also published The International Lottery Magazine, The National lottery Book, Playing Lotteries for the Big Money and other publications even before the UK National Lottery commenced, in line with our other gambling related titles. Representatives of the company appeared on the BBC lottery programme as their numbers 'expert' for eight weeks, wrote a weekly lottery column in The Daily Mail as well as being featured as their "lottery guru". Ad hoc articles and series of articles have appeared in The Times, The Sunday Times, The Daily Express, The Sunday Mirror as well as a host of local and international papers.

Is VAT Cut Being Passed on by Online Services?

Consumers spend money on lots of things that don't come off retail shelves, many from small businesses and many on the web. In a lot of cases the public don't know if VAT is included in the price of the goods/services they are buying or not.

Staff at online weight loss service www.weightlossresources.co.uk (for which members pay a £9.95 monthly fee), noticed that discussion of the VAT cut on their message boards did not include whether the cut would lower their subscription fee.

Fortunately, in spite of systems issues that will need to be addressed, Directors at the small company have opted to do the right thing and pass on the cut from December the 1st. This will slim down the monthly subscription cost by 22p to £9.74.

It will be interesting to see how many other web based services actually pass on the cut.

Usdaw members 'devastated' as Administrators move in at Woolworths and MFI

Usdaw, the shopworkers’ union, which represents thousands of members in Woolworths and MFI reacted with great sadness at the news that the two companies have been put into administration.

John Gorle, Usdaw National Officer, said: “This is devastating news for our members. We will be seeking urgent talks with the administrators to ensure that our members’ future is at the top of their agenda and to understand the proposals for the businesses in the short to medium term.

“Obviously, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the stores will be of great concern to employees, so we will do everything we can to help communicate the situation to the staff as the situation unfolds.”

“Many of the staff have served the companies for many years and are extremely dedicated and loyal and we will be doing everything we can to help them through this difficult time.”

Tax bombshell from Labour. VAT to increase to nearly 20%

Guido Fawkes at the Order-Order political comment and news website has revealed that there is a decidedly nasty catch in the new low temporary VAT rate of 15%.

For Guido has revealed that the new rate by 2011 will be a massive 18.5%! Only 1.5% away from 20%, in fact...

To read the full story please visit
http://www.order-order.com/2008/11/document-signed-by-minister-stephen.html

Get all your Christmas gifts wrapped up for £150?

One high street retailer is proving that it is possible to beat the credit crunch this Christmas by bagging a range of perfect presents for all the family for less than £150.

Buy, sell and loan store Cash Generator stocks a wide range of Christmas gifts, starting from as little as 25p! With a bit of savvy shopping, it’s possible to buy something to please everyone for an average family of seven for a pocket pleasing £130.51!

We challenged one shopper to take the Cash Generator credit crunch Christmas challenge. Here’s what she selected:

• A stylish DAB Digital Radio, just £11.99, for mum so she can listen to the Archers or sing along to festive songs while preparing Christmas dinner

• A Games Console, from £14.99, and FIFA game for just 59p for Dad so that he can slope off and indulge his inner child while avoiding the washing up!

• A Freeview Box, from £14.99, for Gran to ensure she is set for the digital switchover and doesn’t miss one episode of Cash in the Attic

• An iPod, from £24.99 and speakers from only £2.99, for a younger sister dreaming of marrying Mark Owen

• An electric guitar for a ‘rock god’ teenage brother from £19.99

• A bike, just £14.99, for a young nephew and a Dora the Explorer doll from £24.99 for a niece
Total spend £130.51

A saving of £600 when compared to other high street retailers

With great presents wrapped and ready under the tree, the fun doesn’t stop there. Gather the entire family together in front of the TV after Christmas dinner to watch a film with TVs from only £19.99, DVD players from £2.99 and DVDs from as little as 25p.

Established in 1994, Cash Generator is the UK’s leading buy, sell and loan store offering a top quality selection of pre-owned, brand new and graded items for sale as well as instant cash for goods and a host of highly competitive financial services such as currency exchange and cheque cashing.

Cash Generator currently has over 80 stores throughout England, Scotland and Wales, both company owned and on a franchisee basis, and pledges to offer simple, straightforward services at some of the best rates on the high street.

Fashion company Pockets the Problem at London's City Hall

Pocket the Problem exhibition at City Hall

In the last couple of months, Clippykit, an award winning fashion accessories company and Make your Mark young enterprise organisation have been running a competition with girl’s schools across London. The aim was to customise the bags with a issue that was important to them but also to combine this with a business plan on how to promote their chosen issue. Fashion, young women and issues proved to be a thought provoking and inspiring combination.

The results were spectacular and 160 teams entered, with over 650 girls getting involved with issues ranging from knife crime, forced marriage to social stereotyping (the bags are like Tracy Emin works of art). We have now been approached by schools to roll this competition out across the country as has proved such a success both with teachers and with girls. The winning school was Haverstock in Camden. These young girls (14-15 years) focused on Gun and Knife crime and their business plan was so impressive that their local police have offered them £5000 to start trialling workshops within schools across the borough.

The competition has had such a positive impact on the girls, it has given them the confidence to achieve their goals in business and face social issues. With all the negative press that teenagers accumulate this exhibition really does show a positive image amongst all the doom and gloom. The exhibition is currently on at City Hall until Dec 9th, Monday to Friday. Clippykit is also pleased to announce that they will be supporting the fantastic children’s charity Kids Company.

“Without projects such as these some children are a stone's throw away from becoming involved in the issues they are talking about," Tracey Scarsbrook, Norbury Business Enterprise college

For further details visit pockettheproblem|http://www.pockettheproblem.org.uk

Morgan Lovell Strikes Gold With Green Apple Award

Morgan Lovell has been awarded the gold Green Apple accolade from the Green Organisation for its pioneering fit out of a sustainable office.

Representatives from Morgan Lovell travelled to the Houses of Parliament to collect the accolade. The company was among only a handful of organisations in the UK to achieve the top honour.

This is the third award in weeks Morgan Lovell has achieved for its pioneering work to create a green office at the company’s own London headquarters, located in Noel Street, Soho.

Developed in the unlikely setting of a 1960s block, the office is in the type of building that would normally be considered an environmental write-off.

The other awards won recently include a highly commended award in the ‘Best Practice In A Fit Out Project’ category, at the British Institute of Facilities Management Investors in FM Excellence awards.

Morgan Lovell also took a highly commended accolade in the Green Business Awards, in the ‘Best Construction or Property Business category.’

Earlier this year, the sustainable workplace achieved the highest BREEAM fit out environmental assessment score to date in the UK, and as a result received an award from the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

David Henderson, managing director of Morgan Lovell, said: “This green office project proves that it is possible to transform an old workplace into a model of sustainability.”

The Noel Street project has also been shortlisted in the PFM Awards and Building magazine’s 99% Campaign for Refurbishment, developed to find the best examples in the UK of carbon being cut in existing buildings.

The Green Organisation is an independent group, dedicated to promoting the positive side of environmental endeavour.

Find out more about green office interiors at http://www.morganlovell.co.uk/sustainability

10,000 new tasers to boost national roll-out

Funding for up to 10,000 new Tasers was announced by Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith today to support a wider roll-out of Tasers to all police forces in England and Wales.

The roll-out will extend the use of Tasers beyond dedicated firearms officers to police response officers following a successful trial in ten forces.

Tasers are safer for the police and for the public. In situations where there has been a real possibility of someone being seriously injured or killed, Tasers have contributed to resolving the incident without injury. In a significant proportion of cases they have not needed to be fired; drawing or aiming the Taser has been enough of a deterrent.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "I am proud that we have one of the few police services around the world that do not regularly carry firearms and I want to keep it that way.
"But everyday the police put themselves in danger to protect us, the public. They deserve our support, so I want to give the police the tools they tell me they need to confront dangerous people. That is why I am giving the police 10,000 Tasers to ensure that officers across the country benefit from this form of defence."

Derek Talbot, ACPO spokesperson on Taser and Assistant Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police said: "ACPO welcomes the support of the Home Secretary for our proposal to roll out Tasers to Specially Trained Units across the country following a successful 12 month trial in ten police forces. The trial showed that in over 80 per cent of incidents where Tasers were used, the situation was resolved without recourse to discharge the weapon.

"This reinforces the value of Tasers as a useful tool to make the public and officers safer and to resolve potentially violent situations effectively and rapidly.

"The conclusions of this trial provide further evidence that Taser use is a proportionate, low risk means of resolving incidents where the public or officers face severe violence or the threat of such violence which cannot safely be dealt with by other means."

Paul McKeever, Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales: "I'd like to thank the Home Secretary for listening to our call for the further roll out of Tasers. This investment is testament to the hard work, dedication and professionalism of police officers nation wide and recognises the vital role Tasers plays in the fight against crime.

"It is important that forces utilise this additional funding; Tasers is not only an effective piece of preventative equipment, which supports officers and the public in the resolution of incidents, but the successful adoption of a less lethal alternative to firearms once again benchmarks British policing as a world leader at the forefront of technological advancement."

Today's announcement follows reports from the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Home Office Scientific Development Branch which found that Tasers improved both public and police officer safety in incidents involving serious violence.

Statistics from the trial show of the 661 recorded uses of Tasers, over 75 per cent involved the weapon just being drawn or the subject being 'red-dotted' - showing Tasers powerful deterrent effect and its benefits in preventing any escalation in violence. Tasers were only discharged in 93 of the 661 uses.

The extension means that officers in specially trained units will be able to use Tasers in situations where they face serious violence or threats of serious violence to the public, themselves or the subject. This is set out in ACPO guidance on its use.

More councils to offer homes and jobs advice - Stoke on Trent a 'trailblazer'

Sixty councils will benefit from increased funding to boost their housing and employment advice options for local residents, announced Communities Minister Iain Wright.

The Minister revealed the winners of the second round of 'Trailblazers' housing advice programme today. The twenty projects cover sixty council areas and each scheme will receive up to £260,000 to develop their housing advice services, making links to employment advice, and giving local residents more personalised information about the range of housing options available to them.

The Trailblazer schemes will offer a greater range of advice to people looking for housing, whether it is helping people to stay in their own homes, social and private rented or shared ownership. The personalised advice service will take into account the person's individual circumstances to ensure they make the best choice for their specific circumstances.

Housing Minister Iain Wright said: "We all know the importance of having all the facts to hand when making any decision, let alone one of the big life choices such as choosing where to live and in what sort of home. These Trailblazer schemes make sure people are fully informed of their options and able to make the decision that is right for them in their individual circumstances, not someone else's."

The first round gave twelve councils across the country the opportunity to develop their services. As well as the twenty schemes announced in this round a further ten projects will receive 'kick start' funding to begin developing their own approach to linking housing and employment advice, using the mentoring skills and expertise of the original twelve councils to help them in setting up their schemes.

Will Euro visitors boost UK Christmas retail sales?

Britain’s beleaguered high street is hoping for a Continental boost this Christmas as the weakness of the pound makes London an ideal destination for bargain-hunters from the euro-zone.

In recent years Britons flocked to New York or Paris to snap up the latest iPod or designer outfit, but now the boot is on the other foot as the pound has slumped against the euro and the dollar.

Research by Currencies Direct, a leading foreign currency provider in the UK, shows that an iPod Classic was £40 less in New York than in London in 2007, yet this year the saving is just £10.

And a pair of Nike Air Force One trainers which were £72 cheaper in New York last year, are just £22 less expensive this year.

But for a visitor from Paris or Rome the strength of the euro compared to the pound means they could save £34 by crossing the Channel to buy an iPod Classic in London rather than at home.

Other examples of savings on gifts which are far cheaper in London than Paris include:
£165 on a Gucci Montre Signoria ladies watch
£161 on the new 13” Apple Macbook
£81 on a Hugo Boss ‘Chantal’ bag
And £67 on Bose QuiteComfort 3 headphones

Ignacio Hernandez, managing director of Currencies Direct which carried out the price comparison, said: “This time last year the dollar was at a 26 year low against the pound but now the roles are reversed, with the dollar resurgent and the euro at a record high against the pound.

“As a result we expect to see many visitors heading over to London to take advantage of the exchange rate and the brilliant shopping which London has to offer. There’s not much comfort on offer for retailers this winter but hopefully an influx of visitors from the Continent will provide some Christmas cheer.”

Stephen Alambritis, from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “There will be some great offers for shoppers in the coming weeks as retailers pull out all the stops to attract customers - and the savings for visitors from the Continent will be even greater because the euro is so strong at the moment.

“So while it’s too early to start calling London the new New York, there’s every reason for euro-zone shoppers in search of a great weekend and some bargains to swap the Champs Elysees for Regent Street this winter.”

Ken Kelling, communications director of Visit London, said: “London provides great value all year round. But with the current value of the pound against both the euro and the dollar, there has never been a better time to visit the city for shopping.

“We know that people come to London for quality experiences and quality products. But combined with great value, it’s an irresistible combination for people thinking about a city short-break.”

Woman in Trouble near Beach at Hopton

At 02.00 am this morning a call to the police from the security guard at Hopton Holiday Village reporting someone on the beach calling for help. Two anglers on the beach also heard the woman calling and alerted a security guard. This was then passed to the Coastguard.

Gorleston and Lowestoft coastguard teams were then turned out to search the beach and cliffs and the Gorleston Lifeboat was asked to launch to check the sea close inshore.

A young woman was located at 03.30 on the Golf course at Hopton by the same security guard at the holiday village who was out looking for her at the time. The Coastguard teams moved to this location and administered first aid and a Coastguard 4x4 was used to transport the casualty to a waiting ambulance.

Dave Moore, Watch Manager at Yarmouth Coastguard said: "Apparently this young female went for walk on beach after spending the evening at a local nightclub. Within an hour and a half she was hypothermic and unable to help herself.

"At the James Paget Hospital she was treated for Hypothermia where her body core temperature was 32.5C. The hospital medical staff commented that she may have only had about 2 hours more, considering the weather.

"The weather was very inclement this morning with a wind chill of about -6C and with the strong wind and higher than usual tide the beach is a very hostile environment. If is wasn't for the vigilance of the security guard on the golf course at Hopton and the foresight of the anglers to report what they had heard then the outcome could have been much worse."

Wind Surfer Rescued in 'Treacherous' Conditions

At just after 2.00 pm this afternoon, Belfast Coastguard were alerted by a member of the public that he could see from his viewpoint in the car park of the Royal Court Hotel at Portrush a windsurfer being blown off his board in the east and towards rocks. He was described as having a red and yellow sailboard and a dark wet suit.

The first informant described the windsurfer as struggling against very large seas and strong winds and being unable to get himself to safety.

Diana Gadd, Belfast Coastguard Watch Manager said; “There were two windsurfers initially but one managed to get himself ashore and look for his missing companion. The coastline along the Dunluce road is very picturesque but in bad weather can be extremely hostile to anyone caught out. Due to the severity of the weather and how close inshore the windsurfer had become it was inappropriate at the time to request the launch of a lifeboat."

The winds and weather in the area currently are north westerly force 9.

The Coastguard Rescue Team at Portrush were immediately sent to the area and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter was requested from the Coastguard at Malin Head.

Diana Gadd continued: "A Coastguard team was sent to the hotel to get a visual check on the struggling windsurfer and make contact with the first informant who had gone to Whiterocks beach. They were not able to see him. It was also reported back to us in the Operations Room at Bangor that the sea was all white and foaming all along the rocks edge and that in treacherous conditions extra hands were needed to search for the now missing man.

"Additional information was gained which described the missing man as from Ballycastle and experienced in surfing having won an amateur championship.

"We deployed more teams to the area and also informed the local Police as passing motorists had begun to stop and watch the Coastguard activity. A cliff man was then put into a harness and put over the edge of the cliff in the extreme conditions to see whether they could see the missing surfer, and by 3.20 this afternoon he had been spotted at the base of the cliff. To our team he seemed secure and we then arranged for an ambulance to the cliff top for his eventual rescue by helicopter."

By 3.45 the man had been winched away from the rocks and was landed at the car park behind the hotel from where the initial call had been made. He did not require medical attention but had minor cuts and bruises.

Diana Gadd finished by saying; “This was a fantastic rescue by our teams in the most horrendous of conditions today. We would like to thank all of the rescue units who attended today, and again warn anyone to take heed of the prevailing conditions and the forecast in these winter months."

Yacht crew rescued after capsize

Four sailors including a 15-year-old boy were rescued after their racing yacht capsized in gale-force winds off Plymouth. They are all from the Plymouth area, and were with the Mountbatten Sailing Club.

At 10.50 this morning the crew of the 25ft yacht Gordon Rose were sailing downwind in Plymouth Sound on Sunday morning trying to reduce sail when a gust of more than 50mph knocked the boat over to its starboard side.

The crew of a nearby vessel the `West End Girl' alerted Brixham Coastguard and they were about to broadcast a Mayday signal into the area, when it became apparent that the Plymstock based fireboat `Vigiles' was already on scene and their crew recovered all four individuals to their vessel. The Police launch `Excalibur' also began to proceed to the location.

Weather in the area is particularly choppy with northwest winds force 7 to severe gale 9 forecast, perhaps storm 10 for a time later in west, veering northeast 6 to gale 8 later. The seas are rough to very rough out to sea whilst the Sound is relatively protected. Squally showers are also passing.

The Plymouth lifeboat and inshore lifeboat along with the MOD Police Launch assisted in recovering the yacht to a safe haven at Bovisands.

Andy Huber, Brixham Coastguard Watch Manager said; "All four men are safe and well, and all were wearing buoyancy aids. They were well experienced and taking part in races in the Sound. Unfortunately the weather overtook them and out thanks are to those who responded so promptly."

Treat Your Lips To A Traditional Christmas Tipple With A Twist, With New … Baileys® With A Hint Of Coffee

Try something different this Christmas and treat your lips to the delicious taste of new Baileys® with a hint of Coffee. Combining the rich, velvety taste of traditional Baileys Irish Cream with the gentle flavour of roast coffee, Baileys with a hint of Coffee is perfect for sharing with friends and family over the festive season.

With its wonderfully smooth texture and enticing aroma, Baileys with a hint of Coffee makes a delicious drink simply poured over ice, but it’s also incredibly versatile.

Add a dash to hot chocolate for a creamy, mocha style drink, or splash over a chocolate pudding for a rich, indulgent treat. It even makes a delectable dessert when poured over ice-cream.

Baileys with a hint of Coffee is the latest addition to the much loved Baileys range of luscious cream liqueurs, which also includes Baileys Original Irish Cream, Baileys with a hint of Crème Caramel and Baileys with a hint of Mint Chocolate. Each flavour brings together the careful
blend of fresh dairy cream and the finest Irish whiskey to create the ultimate delicious cream liqueur.

Whether hosting a festive party or enjoying an after-dinner drink, try something different this Christmas and impress guests by serving Baileys with a hint of Coffee.

Go on, add some festive flair!

Baileys with a hint of Coffee is available in Asda this Christmas.

Vegan-Friendly Catering Is Great For Everyone

Good vegan options are a great solution for caterers. The Vegan Society invites all caterers to join their free Vegan-Friendly Promise scheme. In return, The Vegan Society offers promotional ‘Vegans Catered for Here’ window stickers, a staff training sheet, and more.

Vegan Society CEO and Cordon Vert chef, Nigel Winter, said today, “Good vegan meals appeal to almost any customer. Plant-based food attracts healthy eaters, vegetarians and people on many religious diets, as well as vegans themselves. Whole groups with just one person seeking a plant-based meal will tend to choose the caterer who offers the best vegan options.”

The Vegan-Friendly Promise invites caterers to understand the needs of vegans, and to always offer a good vegan menu option. Vegans enjoy fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, peas, lentils, grains, mushrooms, herbs and plant-based spices, Almost any dish can be made from these ingredients, including shepherd’s pie, spicy bean tortillas and chocolate cake.

The Vegan Society offers professional advice and support to caterers. The Vegan Society can help with staff training, modifying existing recipes to make them suitable for vegans, and sourcing new ingredients, for example. The Vegan Society can also help to promote businesses more widely.

The Vegan-Friendly Promise is part of the ‘Vegan Catering for All’ project. Good vegan food is tasty, healthy, ethical and cuts your carbon footprint. The Vegan Society offers free advice on getting the most from vegan food. Free copies of the full-colour ‘Vegan Catering for All’ booklet are available to all professional caterers on request to The Vegan Society.

For free copies of the full-colour ‘Vegan Catering for All’, ‘Vegan Catering Guide for Hospitals and Care Homes’ and ‘Plant Based Nutrition’ booklets, please call 0121 523 1735/6 or 0845 458 8244 during office hours, or email info@vegansociety or visit www.vegansociety.com at any time.

Short programme on data encryption

An interview dealing with the subject of data encryption

23.5 years for boric acid gang

Four men have today been sentenced to a total of 23.5 year imprisonment for their roles in supplying cocaine and related money laundering activities - even though no cocaine was found in the course of an investigation by the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

What SOCA officers did find was 15 kilos of boric acid, occasionally used as a 'cutting agent' mixed with cocaine to make street supplies go further. Cocaine sold on the street is regularly adulterated in this way, so that the substance sold may contain up to 80% boric acid - a substance with mild disinfectant and insecticidal properties, often used in household laundry and drain-cleaning.

Liz Baker, senior lawyer at the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office said: "Boric acid is not often seen in this context. This successful prosecution shows that together RCPO and SOCA can bring criminals to justice, even when the evidence makes the presentation of a case to a jury more complex than normal. Criminals need to realise that we will not be deterred by such challenges."

The jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court found Daniel Davis and Thomas Smith guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine and money laundering, and Kevin Downes and Paul Leaper guilty on money laundering charges. Davis was sentenced to 11 years, Smith to 6 years, Downes to 5 years and Leaper to 18 months. A timetable for proceedings to confiscate illegally gained assets has been set, with a confiscation hearing fixed for 1 May 2009.

Serious Crime Prevention Orders were granted in respect of Daniel Davis and Kevin Downes. These include the first imposition of restrictions on travel abroad and possession of substances which may be used as cutting agents, as well as the use of bank accounts, credit, mortgages and mobile phones. Any breach of one of these orders may lead to an additional 5 years in prison.

FSA confirms Derbyshire Building Society merger with the Nationwide Building Society

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) today announced that it has confirmed the proposed transfer of the engagements of the Derbyshire Building Society to the Nationwide Building Society.

Copies of the FSA’s written decision are available on the FSA website.

The document sets out the reasons for the FSA's decision. 109 written representations were received by the FSA and one person made oral representations at a Hearing held in London on 22 October 2008. Copies of the decision will be sent to each society and to those who made representations.

(EDITOR: Another merger. Is this good for savers? Or not?)

More councils to offer homes and jobs advice - Stoke on Trent a 'trailblazer'

Sixty councils will benefit from increased funding to boost their housing and employment advice options for local residents, announced Communities Minister Iain Wright.

The Minister revealed the winners of the second round of 'Trailblazers' housing advice programme today. The twenty projects cover sixty council areas and each scheme will receive up to £260,000 to develop their housing advice services, making links to employment advice, and giving local residents more personalised information about the range of housing options available to them.

The Trailblazer schemes will offer a greater range of advice to people looking for housing, whether it is helping people to stay in their own homes, social and private rented or shared ownership. The personalised advice service will take into account the person's individual circumstances to ensure they make the best choice for their specific circumstances.

Housing Minister Iain Wright said: "We all know the importance of having all the facts to hand when making any decision, let alone one of the big life choices such as choosing where to live and in what sort of home. These Trailblazer schemes make sure people are fully informed of their options and able to make the decision that is right for them in their individual circumstances, not someone else's."

The first round gave twelve councils across the country the opportunity to develop their services. As well as the twenty schemes announced in this round a further ten projects will receive 'kick start' funding to begin developing their own approach to linking housing and employment advice, using the mentoring skills and expertise of the original twelve councils to help them in setting up their schemes.

New book of Christmas Short Stories, Three Stories for Christmas

The Rann Street Press has published a special new e-book just in time for Christmas. It is a cheerfully described as a 'short book' of 16 pages in length.

It contains stories that are amusing, heart-warming and captivating too, and examine some interesting themes. For example, how would the cat at the Inn have viewed the birth of Christ?

What happened to a starving old war veteran at Christmas time? And two vehicle recovery drivers had the opportunity to do two good deeds in one evening and to meet Santa in person!

Just follow this link to buy the e-book for £2.00 or the equivalent in your own local currency:-
http://www.lulu.com/content/4936927

Caterer.com backs Scotland

The UK’s leading hospitality recruitment website is the latest organisation to join the Scottish Tourism Forum to support and promote the importance of the tourism industry in Scotland.

Hospitality recruitment website Caterer.com is the latest organisation to join the Scottish Tourism Forum, an independent body that promotes the importance of the tourism industry in Scotland.

This move underlines the company’s commitment to the Scottish tourism industry. As the region’s leading sustainable industry, tourism significantly boosts Scotland’s international competitiveness and business performance – and there is still untapped potential. For instance, the estimated 20,000 tourism businesses in the country already generate revenues of £4.2b a year and this is forecast to increase 50% by 2015.

In response, www.Caterer.com recently opened an office in Glasgow and put in place a team of experts dedicated to helping Scottish hospitality businesses with their on-line recruitment advertising needs.

The company’s strategy for strengthening the Scottish tourist industry was outlined by website director Ian Burke:

“The leisure, travel and tourism sector in Scotland employs 182,000 people, but with an average staff turnover of 29%, there’s a risk the sector could lose about 53,000 employees a year.

“For that reason, we have decided to work with the Scottish Tourism Forum, HIT Scotland and Springboard UK to raise awareness of the industry as an employer of choice. We have also opened an office in Glasgow to provide a dedicated resource to assist employers in the sector with their on-going recruitment needs.”

To improve its service, Caterer.com has also commissioned research into recruitment and retention across Scotland and will be presenting its findings at hospitality show ScotHot, which takes place during Scottish Tourism Week at the SECC Glasgow on 2-4 March 2009.

www.Caterer.com

Pet health over our health?

New research commissioned by dental payment plan provider, Denplan, has revealed that we prioritise the health of our pets above our own healthcare.

The survey shows that while only 11 per cent of UK pet owners would stop paying for their pet insurance if the credit crunch affected their wallet, more than double that number (23 per cent) would stop paying for their own private healthcare.

The survey also revealed that 19 per cent of people would stop their private dental plan payments, should they start to feel the pinch. And 58 per cent would cancel their gym membership.

“Not good news,” says Roger Matthews, Denplan’s Chief Dental Officer. “Early indicators of many systemic diseases including diabetes, strokes and heart conditions are obvious in the mouth at an early stage and can be detected by your dentist. The earlier the signs can be detected the greater the chance of successfully treating the problem. Unfortunately, it appears that we take our health for granted.”

Top of the list of belt-tightening cutbacks for consumers were subscriptions to DVD rental websites and magazines (73 per cent), charitable donations (46 per cent), football season tickets (36 per cent) and cable TV subscription (34 per cent).

However, it appears that some of our priorities are intact; ensuring comfort in old age remains front of mind during these tough times with only seven per cent of people saying they would stop their pension payments.

(EDITOR: But what Mr Matthews fails to realise is that if you do not get a pet treated and it is in pain, you can be found guilty of cruelty. You can't be found guilty if you allow your own tooth to be painful.)

FreelanceAdvisor.co.uk launches to unite surging UK freelance community in face of growing unemployment

Www.FreelanceAdvisor.co.uk, the advice and networking website for freelancers and contractors, has launched with the aim of uniting the UK’s surging community of self-employed as growing uncertainty forces people to look at their skillsets and consider working for themselves.

According to recent research carried out by trade body the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), there are currently 1.4 million people freelancing in the UK. The website makes its debut as official Government figures released last week show that unemployment has reached an 11-year high – the number of people out of work in the UK in the three months to September rose by 140,000 to 1.82 million. Economists claim this number could top two million early next year – leading to an inevitable rise in the number of freelancers and contractors.

Www.FreelanceAdvisor.co.uk is written by experts from all industries within the freelancing community, offering guidance and advice on managing all aspects of the lifestyle. 14 articles are published each month along with a podcast featuring an influential figure.

High-profile contributors include John Brazier, head of the PCG and Government lobbyist, and Emma Brierley, CEO of freelance resourcing expert Xchangeteam and responsible for the Freelancer of the Year Awards. A two-part podcast interview with Brazier is currently live on the site. Brazier gives his views on the UK’s working trends and provides analysis of in-depth research into the current number of people working for themselves.

Www.FreelanceAdvisor.co.uk was founded by award-winning online entrepreneur Darren Fell. Fell appears in this year’s ‘Courvoisier The Future 500 in association with The Observer’; a league table of the UK’s most talented business people and was also named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Sussex Business Awards 07/08.

“More people are being made redundant and in the current climate, we predict the UK will see a surge in freelancing,” said Darren Fell (pictured) Founder and MD of Freelance Advisor. “By their very nature, freelancers and contractors don’t have a universal offline or online meeting point, so there was a gap in the market for this website. It’s been growing since it soft-launched in February this year and has been so successful we now want to put it in front of a wider national audience. The content is timely, genuinely useful and will help ease the transition from employee to freelancer.”

Further research carried out by the PCG in September 2008 reveals that of 1.4 million freelancers, 183,000 are freelancing as a second job. These are people in well-paid nine-to-five jobs who are seeking the security of working for themselves.

“We will shortly be introducing a specialist social network; providing a novel way to allow freelancers to collaborate and find work,” Fell continued. “We are already becoming a trusted resource for thousands of freelancers looking for direction in all areas of the lifestyle.”

www.FreelanceAdvisor.co.uk intends to attract tens of thousands of users within the next two years.

The website is sponsored by online accounting system www.Crunch.co.uk.

FACT FILE
www.FreelanceAdvisor.co.uk is an advice and networking website for freelancers and contractors. Its aim is to unite the UK’s surging community of 1.4 million self-employed people, offering guidance on setting up and working efficiently; covering all aspects of the lifestyle. The site is written by experts from all industries within the freelancing community - 14 articles are published each month along with a podcast featuring an influential figure. A specialist social network allows freelancers to collaborate and find work.

Www.FreelanceAdvisor.co.uk was founded by award-winning online entrepreneur Darren Fell. Fell appears in this year’s ‘Courvoisier The Future 500 in association with The Observer’; a league table of the UK’s most talented business people and was also named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Sussex Business Awards 07/08. www.FreelanceAdvisor.co.uk is sponsored by online accounting system www.Crunch.co.uk

(EDITOR: I think this is one site I can't possibly miss visiting!)

ccidental pet poisoning cases a concern says M&S Money

M&S Money has urged pet owners to ensure medication is securely stored around the house following a large increase in reports of pet poisonings.

The potentially fatal mishap is a growing problem across the UK, with a 34% year-on-year increase in reported cases to Vetfone - a 24-hour advice line available to M&S Pet Insurance customers. Vetfone is manned by qualified veterinary nurses who can give concerned animal lovers immediate advice on a pet’s condition. Around 70% of calls to the service by M&S Money customers are made out of normal veterinary hours.

One of the major increases of poisonings seen involves nicotine-based products, including nicotine patches, chewing gum and inhalers.

The toxic dose of nicotine in dogs is five milligrams per pound pet bodyweight and a dose of 10mg/lb can be lethal. While a cigarette contains 15-25 milligrams of nicotine, nicotine patches can contain much more at between 8-114 milligrams of nicotine and even nicotine inhalers contain around 10 milligrams of nicotine. Signs of toxicity are dose-dependent and include tremors, weakness, depression and vomiting.

Vetfone Operations Manager & Senior Emergency Vet Nurse, Louise O’Dwyer, said: "It is very concerning that there has been such a large increase in reported pet poisonings.

"Nicotine poisoning can be particularly serious. Remember prevention is better than cure, so ensure products such as cigarettes, nicotine patches and gums and even ashtrays containing cigarette butts are kept away from your pets reach."

M&S Money Insurance Manager, Judith Roberts, said: "Anyone who suspects that their pet has swallowed household medication should first try and identify what’s been eaten, by recovering packaging such as blister packs or boxes and then seek immediate veterinary advice.

"M&S Pet Insurance policyholders can rest assured that a qualified veterinary expert is available round the clock to provide advice and answer questions should a pet become unwell."

Debt advice can help make you well

Sufferers of stress, anxiety and depression are reporting a marked improvement to their mental health when they seek advice about managing their debts.

A recent poll revealed that 80% of people have worries about their debt levels and two thirds are always thinking about their finances. Over a quarter of adults have cited medical problems as a direct consequence of debt worries, and it has been reported that debt-ridden individuals have two to three times the rate of depression, three times the rate of psychosis, double the rate of alcohol dependence, and four times the rate of drug dependence compared to the general population.

A spokesman for the Department of Health has urged those in debt to seek professional advice about their financial troubles, saying “The key thing is that people who are experiencing stress and worry about financial issues know where to go to get help and find solutions.”

Stuart Parkin from Kensington Financial Management Consultants has witnessed first-hand the emotional impact of financial fallout. He said: “Total UK personal debt currently stands at over £1.4 trillion, but the real cost is that on our mental health. The worrying thing is that people aren’t asking for help and, as a consequence, their debts are getting bigger and their health is getting worse."

There are a number of reasons why people may not seek financial advice. Most are embarrassed by their situation, many doubt there is any way out of their money woes, some are skeptical of Financial Management Consultants and stereotype them as ‘loan sharks’.

Parkin says: “There is still a stigma associated with Financial Management and this often means that the people most in need of professional help are the ones least likely to seek it. GPs are obviously the first port of call for anyone suffering from debt-related depression, but professional financial advice should be next on the list. Effective management of debts can be metaphorical medication and have an overwhelmingly positive impact on a person’s state of mind.”

For further information or for advice with handling your debts, please visit www.kensingtonfinance.co.uk

Ten errors to avoid when setting up a social network

Businesses can download a free social networking guide on how to avoid these pitfalls

Chat Moderators, today unveils the top ten mistakes that business make when introducing an online social media initiative. Based on eight years of customer research during the escalating popularity of User Generated Content (UGC) as a marketing tool, Chat Moderators has discovered that many businesses are making the same mistakes over and over again.

Customer intelligence has shown a number of examples of bad practice and a certain level of naivety regarding social networking initiatives including the common mistake of thinking that your audience won’t mind if you remove their submissions just because you can’t take valid criticism. They certainly will mind and any attempt you make to deny justifiable criticism will simply compromise the integrity of your initiative.

Other common mistakes include:

• Not publishing a straightforward set of rules for the creators of uploaded material.
• Not creating a sophisticated set of rules for the judges of uploaded material.
• Not verifying the email addresses of registrants.
• Not having the software tools to record why you might have removed certain content.
• Not having the software tools to reinstate removed content, to remove previously approved content or even to simply ‘hide’ content that needs further investigation.
• Not being able to judge UGC from a back-end queue and instead checking submissions via email or the ‘front end’.
• Imagining that any brand secrets or skeletons in your brand cupboard will stay undiscovered.
• Assuming that your audience will generate content as on-brand and on-topic as your marketing department does.

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes is: Not taking any interest in the initiative post-launch, Rob Marcus, director at Chat Moderators explains: “It’s often the most obvious things that are the most surprising in these instances. After all of the work brand managers seem to put into planning and creating an easily navigated and moderated social network at the start of the process, they forget to stay close to it. The early days are so important if you are to avoid cliques of troublesome users from developing. You need to ensure that your objectives are not going to be undermined by content that you hadn’t expected if you are to gain an influential foothold.

“Don’t be afraid to actively engage with your audience from time to time, especially to clarify misunderstandings. If you do so, don’t pretend to be someone other than who you are; the proud brand custodian who’s willing to listen”, concludes Marcus.

For more invaluable tips on how to avoid these common errors, businesses are invited to download a free guide which goes into more detail surrounding these common mistakes along with hints of how to avoid going down the wrong path with social networking initiatives. Visit www.chatmoderators.com and click on ‘Guide to successful UGC’ to download your guide.

Office support staff seek socially responsible employers

A recent online poll by office support recruiter Crone Corkill revealed that the majority of their candidates wanted an employer who took its corporate social responsibility seriously. 44% of those questioned said that this was a very important issue for them as they want to know that their employer is giving something back.

A further 36% felt that it was important but not vital. 20% of respondents did not consider social responsibility an important issue, with their focus more on whether they were happy in their job.

“We may be experiencing a client led market, but these figures show that the ethos and culture of the company is still really important to office support candidates when choosing an employer” comments Tracy Durrant, Managing Director of Crone Corkill. “In fact a recent report in The Times suggested that many members of Generation Y place a lot of emphasis on work that is ethically as well as financially rewarding. Consequently, employers who link their corporate social responsibility to their employer brand are often more attractive to those candidates who see giving something back as an important element of their career.”

Credit crunch or no, don't put the bite on your dog's dinner!

What are the three key actions you expect people to take in the credit crunch regarding the food they buy for their family?

1. Look for good value – balance of quality and price
2. Go for products with a longer shelf life to reduce waste
3. Buy locally sourced products

Which is why the country’s fastest growing natural pet food company, Pets’ Kitchen, is proving resilient to the credit crunch. Established in 2005, and showing a 300% sales increase in the past 18 months, Joe & Jack's range of natural foods were the inspiration of TV vet Joe Inglis after seeing the benefits that good quality, natural home-cooked recipes had for his dog Jack, and patients at the surgery.

But, in these times of credit crunch, don’t confuse premium quality with premium price. Honest or ‘real’ pet food – free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives - does not need to break the bank. Indeed, a price comparison between Joe & Jack’s Complete Fresh Chicken & Rice Dinner with Cesar…A Little More Refined Select Recipes Dog Food reveals that honestly natural is honestly cheaper – by the big bite of £580 a year! - (Based on recommended intake of both for a 10Kg dog at recommended retail prices November 2008)

As a UK dog food supplier, all Joe & Jack's products are made in the UK, using local produce wherever possible, and are packed full of healthy natural ingredients with absolutely no artificial additives. They are tasted, and approved, by Joe’s dog Jack and his friends and never, ever tested on unwilling animals.

And it doesn’t stop there! Not only healthy, natural and competitively priced, Joe & Jack’s Complete Fresh Chicken & Rice Dinner is the UK’s first mainstream pet food to use only FREE RANGE chicken meat. Joe & Jack’s Free Range Chicken Dinners and Joe & Jack’s Fresh Lamb Dinners are exclusively available now in 331 Tesco stores, for 6 months, priced at £1.49 for 395g.

Joe & Jack's fresh dinners are delicious wet complete meals for dogs, made using fresh meat, vegetables and rice that is simply minced together and steam-cooked in the tray. The trays can be kept at room temperature for up to a year, thanks to the innovative pressure-cooking process that seals all the goodness in whilst keeping bugs firmly out and, once opened, can be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days. Each 395g tray will keep a small (10kg) dog full and happy for a whole day.

Other stockists of the Joe & Jack’s brand: Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Budgens as well as a growing number of independent pet stores.

Find out more about Joe & Jack’s at www.petskitchen.co.uk

Cardiff Council-owned business slated for predatory conduct, says OFT

Cardiff Council-owned Cardiff Bus engaged in predatory conduct intended to eliminate a competitor, 2 Travel, the OFT decided today.

The OFT's decision relates to Cardiff Bus' behaviour between April 2004 and February 2005. Cardiff Bus responded to the introduction of a new no-frills bus service by another bus company, 2 Travel, by introducing its own no-frills bus services which ran on the same routes, at similar times as 2 Travel's services and made a loss for Cardiff Bus. Short

ly after 2 Travel's exit from the market Cardiff Bus withdrew its own no-frills services.
Before 2 Travel's entry, Cardiff Bus, which is owned by Cardiff Council, was carrying 80,000 people each weekday, and was the only significant provider of urban commercial bus services in the County with a very substantial share of the relevant market.

Predatory behaviour occurs when a dominant company sustains losses in the short run in order to eliminate a competitor. Such behaviour is in breach of the Competition Act 1998.

John Fingleton, OFT Chief Executive, said: "Predation by a dominant firm to eliminate a rival is a major distortion of competition that harms consumers. This type of behaviour can seriously affect the competitive process by weakening the incentives of efficient competitors to challenge dominant firms and bring greater choice and lower prices to consumers.

"Our decision should send a clear signal to firms that may be dominant, whether on national markets or smaller local markets, that predatory behaviour is a serious infringement of the law."

The OFT has not levied a financial penalty in this case. Cardiff Bus benefits from a limited immunity from penalties because the company's turnover did not exceed £50 million at the time of the conduct.

(EDITOR: Perhaps the next meeting of The Cardiff Council Standard and Ethics Committee – 4.30pm this afternoon- might like to raise the subject of this unethical behaviour by a council-owned business?)

Slow Food UK Brings Top Quality Produce To The BBC Good Food Show Birmingham

New to this year’s BBC Good Food Show Birmingham are the Slow Food Pavilion and Slow Food Taste Workshops which will bring some of the country’s very finest produce to the show. A partnership between the BBC Good Food Show and Slow Food UK will see a selection of small but very high quality producers appearing at the show for the first time, giving them a fantastic opportunity to showcase their superb tasting products to a large and varied food-loving audience. All producers meet Slow Food UK’s strict good, clean and fair criteria which means you know the product will taste great!

In addition to seeing these producers on their stands in the Slow Food Pavilion, visitors will also be able to learn about and taste their products in a more informative but relaxed environment at special pre-bookable Slow Food Taste Workshops. Taking place each day throughout the show, the Slow Food Taste Workshops are part of Slow Food UK’s Taste Education Programme which aims to help people understand why food produced locally, without additives and preservatives and with respect to nature and the environment tastes so much better than much of the mass produced food we often find in our supermarkets.

Slow Food Taste Workshops – choose from:

Slow Bread & Butter – highlighting how one of our most important staples can be transformed by allowing it just a little bit of time! Taste examples of bread made with traditional long fermentation methods accompanied by real butter made the old fashioned way and traditional cold cuts.

Real Veal – This workshop will introduce you to different cuts of welfare-friendly British Veal from Bocaddon Farm Veal in South East Cornwall and explore the broader ethics of our food choices and the vital role that veal calves play in our dairy system.

Cool Sensations – Ice cream and gelato are not just for the warm days of summer. Squisito’s of Warwickshire have developed a range of flavours specifically for the winter months - some with a festive twist. A chance to learn about the subtleties of good ice cream making – and a great excuse to eat it every day!

Nose to tail eating – Our food choices directly affect the livelihoods of farmers and producers. Learn how Ben & Charlotte Hollins of Fordhall Farm saved their organic family farm through innovative partnerships with their community and customers. We’ll focus on how the customer, the producer and the chef can get the most from the whole animal using different cuts and some of the tastiest parts that most people leave behind!

Smoke-filled rooms – The Organic Smokehouse is pioneering in both product development and environmental sustainability. While we taste from the Organic Smokehouse’s range of organic products, explore the intricacies of smoking and the distinctive place which this process has within our food culture.

Slow Food chef Mark Lloyd will be working throughout the show to prepare exciting tasting dishes for a number of the workshops and giving a chef’s perspective on sourcing and using local, artisan products in the kitchen

Tickets for the Tasting Sessions cost £7.50 per person and can be booked online at www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com or by telephoning 0870 906 3802. Each session lasts around 45 minutes to an hour.

Slow Food Pavilion Exhibitor Profiles:

Fordhall Farm from Market Drayton in Shropshire is a thriving Community Land Initiative producing great tasting beef, pork and lamb. When their organic family farm was threatened with development, Charlotte and Ben Hollins turned to the local community for help and sold non-profit making shares to local people. As tenant farmers, Charlotte and Ben have now built Fordhall Farm into a thriving business dedicated to rearing animals with the utmost respect and using traditional breeds and methods and the animals’ natural and stress free lifestyle results in tender and flavoursome meat. www.fordhallfarm.com

Edible Ornamentals are based in Chawston, Bedfordshire. With a passion for growing chillies and producing the freshest and healthiest products, Jo and Shawn Plumb will be selling their range of chilli sauces at the show. All chillies used in the sauces are lovingly home-grown and the range includes Sweet Heat (a Bramley Apple, chilli-infused chutney), Pure Heat (a gourmet pure chilli sauce) and Inferno (a viciously-hot Mexican sauce for the brave!) www.edibleornamentals.co.uk

Squisito from Monks Kirby in Warwickshire will be exhibiting their range of delicious authentic ice cream, handmade from local ingredients. The ice creams are made in small batches in Sara and Alex Chambers’ own kitchen but the success of the business has meant that they are shortly moving to brand new business premises. With a number of Christmas flavours available including Mulled Wine Sorbet, Pear & Stilton Ice Cream, Christmas Pudding Ice Cream and Pannetone Ice Cream, they will make a fantastic alternative desert over the festive period. www.squisito-deli.co.uk

Based in Looe in South East Cornwall, Bocaddon Farm Veal will be bringing their award-winning veal to the Slow Food Pavilion. The company already supplies many of the leading restaurants in Cornwall who appreciate the superior taste and quality of their pink veal that comes from calves reared to high welfare standards in the open air with a varied diet. www.bocaddonfarmveal.com

Fish also takes its place with style in the Pavilion on The Organic Smokehouse stand. The company is located in the grounds of a working watermill in the Welsh Marches and produces innovative and unique smoked produce using the finest organic ingredients. Centre stage will be the award-winning Elderflower Cured Organic Gravadlax but don’t miss the organic smoked butter or Organic Smoked Extra Virgin Olive Oil! www.organicsmokehouse.com

Growing your own fruit, herbs and vegetables is enjoying a huge revival at the moment and Rocket Gardens will be offering a selection of different instant organic, Soil Association approved kitchen gardens delivered ready to plant to your door. Based in Camborne, Cornwall, Rocket Gardens have a range of different gardens including Vegetable Gardens, Herb Gardens, Salad Gardens and even Children’s Gardens and gift vouchers are available, making this the perfect Christmas gift which will be delivered in the Spring. www.rocketgardens.co.uk

There’s nothing like a slice of freshly baked bread and butter and on the Slow Bread stand you will be able to try some of the very best breads in the country, marking the recent launch of Slow Food UK’s Slow Bread project. Each day a different master baker including Prices the Bakers of Ludlow and The Watermill, Little Salkeld, Cumbria will be offering top quality varieties of bread all made to traditional high and exacting standards using slow fermentation and proving that breadmaking is a true craft. www.slowfood.org.uk

Also in the pavilion, Slow Food UK will be running an information and membership stand where you can find out more about the movement and how to become involved. In addition, following the recent launch of the Slow Food UK Orchard Project to create awareness in the UK of the country’s heritage orchards, community orchards and orchard fruit, you will have the chance to taste delicious Heritage apple varieties and discover how you can contribute to Slow Food UK’s knowledge bank.

Tickets to the BBC Good Food Show Birmingham are on sale now. Please visit www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com or telephone 0870 906 3802 for full details on pricing packages. There is a £1.50 booking fee for advance ticket purchases.

Highways Agency, travel sponsor of the BBC Good Food Show Birmingham - helping you with your journey: check traffic conditions before you leave at www.trafficengland.com.

Slow Food UK

Slow Food UK is a non-profit, voluntary educational and campaigning organisation - the national arm of the international Slow Food movement, with a dedicated office in Ludlow, Shropshire - that protects British food, preserves biodiversity and promotes food and taste education.

The movement is growing fast in the UK, as more and more people discover how Slow Food can help to protect Britain’s food culture and traditions. Up and down the country our members gather together with their local convivia to organise events such as producer visits, taste workshops, local markets, seminars and dinners.

Each convivium is different, but all have the aim of celebrating and protecting the traditional foods of their region, giving visibility to small-scale farmers, fishermen, growers and artisan producers. There are currently almost 50 convivia and over 2,300 members. If you would like to find out how to join the movement and your nearest convivium, please send an email to info@slowfood.org.uk or call 01584 879599 www.slowfood.org.uk.

The Partnership between Slow Food UK and the BBC Good Food Shows

The partnership offers a selection of Bursary and subsidised stands to producers with foods exemplifying Slow Food UK’s Good, Clean and Fair criteria.

Versatile, Nutritious, Sustainable And Great Value– Now Is The Time To Try Game

Game offers a tasty alternative to traditional meat which is highly nutritious and ion these tough times can save you money. Duck, Pheasant, Venison, Pigeon and Partridge are more often seen on restaurant menus rather than in shopping baskets. Games On, the marketing initiative for the BASC are changing this - The National Taste of Game Week runs from 15th November to 22nd with a broad variety of activities, tastings and demonstrations to spread the word of the virtues of game meat.

Foodari is delighted to be involved, supporting this worthy campaign by publishing many new recipes uploaded by its members and explaining more about how easy it is for people to start eating game. It does not need to be the preserve of the landed gentry but can provide part of an affordable, balanced diet for all.

Foodari Direct, your local online food shop, offers a broad variety of game, all from the Mersham Hatch shoot, at extraordinary value. Their Game Box makes a perfect introduction to game, priced at £29 it includes 2 x pheasants, 2 x wild ducks, 2 x pigeons, 2 x partridge and even comes with recipe suggestions.

“As part of our drive to open accessibility to quality food we are really keen to get behind The National Taste of Game Week. Few people realise how good for you game is and how, if bought from the right sources, economic it is. Game is in season now so there is no better time to try it” says Jonathan Parker, Foodari founder.

Foodari.com is the UK’s most popular food and cookery social network. Launched in January 2008, Foodari is fast growing both in terms of user numbers, recipes and functionality. It is used by over 30,000 people to share recipes and enjoy food focused online networking. Foodari now offers distribution of quality local produce thought the South East of England through its sister site Foodari Direct.
For more information on Foodari or to gain culinary inspiration please visit www.foodari.com.

Make A Wise Investment This Christmas With Le Pigeonnier

Make the perfect investment this season with a rare bottle of Château Lagrézette’s 100% Malbec Le Pigeonnier. With over 500 years of experience with Malbec wine Château Lagrézette continues to produce pure indulgence in a glass.

Le Pigeonnier is made using traditional methods and ageing in new age oak barrels for 28 months. With only 4,800 bottles produced per year, Le Pigeonnier will mature gracefully over some 25 years and is a smart venture as well as a sumptuous gift.

The Lagrézette estate has 200 acres of vineyards, and grows grapes of excellence and great quality. The principal grape from the Lagrézette estate is the Malbec, powerful and generous, it mixes liquorice, aniseed and red berry aromas; rich in tannins, it is able to age a number of years.
La Pigeonnier can be perfectly matched to your traditional Christmas feast as well as winter foods such as game, foie gras, beef Wellington, steak and ale pie and cheese. A 100% Malbec wine is a rare find and a fine investment.

Available from Harrods and Partridges from £80.

Sheepdrove for your Christmas turkey and more

If someone produced a time machine and took you back to 1968, Mary Hopkins was all the rage after her winning appearance on Opportunity Knocks, Dan and Doris Archer lived and farmed at Brookfield, you could have watched Dad's Army, Do Not Adjust Your Set, or Father, Dear Father on the television and Minnie Caldwell, Ena Sharples, Albert Tatlock, Elsie Tanner and Hilda Ogden could have met up in Coronation Street.

And had someone given you a chicken dinner, my word! The taste of the bird would have been superb! But all of that is behind us now, long gone. There are no time machines to take us back to the distant land that we call memory.

Well... not so fast. For it is perfectly possible to buy a chicken as good -if not better- than the chickens we used ot be able to enjoy 40 years ago.

My wife and I had the distinct pleasure of cooking and eating a Sheepdrove farm organic chicken, recently.

The skin was perfection and the meat was as sublime as any fresh chicken I can remember eating as a child 40 years ago. If not better. (Proof that it's not just a trick of the memory, sometimes things just ARE better.)

Unlike modern birds the flesh was not papery and thin. It was firm, juicy -but not too juicy- and it had something that modern chickens do not have. It actually tasted of chicken! I remarked to my wife: “I think I had actually forgotten what chicken really tasted like!”

There was enough meat on the bird for a traditional roast chicken dinner, delicious sandwiches -with freshly baked, bread, of course, nothing else would have done it justice!- and there was also an extremely tasty and warming chicken soup, too.

Not only are you safe in the knowledge that all livestock at Sheepdrove Farm are looked after to the highest possible ethical standards, you can rest safe in the knowledge that everything on the farm is truly organic, so you do not have to worry about what is put into the produce you are feeding your family.

Sheepdrove are, of course, now gearing up for Christmas. They are taking orders for their highly acclaimed Christmas turkeys. They even have organic free-range turkeys, too. And they supply pork, lamb, mutton and beef, too. And meat hampers with a wide range of highly tasty treats.

So if you are in the mood for a real traditional Christmas, with real traditional quality food, visit www.sheepdrove.com and order the foods that previous generations loved to eat, today.

And if you want to give a lover of healthy meats a special treat, Sheepdrove Farm sells gift vouchers, too!

Motorists Call On All Councils To Scrap Speed Cameras

Motorists across the country are calling on their local authorities to follow the example of Swindon Borough Council and scrap their speed cameras according to a new survey by Motorpoint.

An online poll by the UK car supermarket giant found that 76% of motorists wanted their local politicians to look at alternative ways of reducing speeds rather than simply resorting to using fixed-speed and mobile speed cameras. Only 23% voted to keep the status quo.

Last month, Swindon Borough Council became the first in the country to vote to withdraw funding for speed cameras in favour of measures such as warning signs. Over 1,100 took part in the study at www.motorpoint.co.uk.

Says David Shelton, Managing Director of Motorpoint: “The message coming out of this survey is loud and clear – motorists are fed up to the back teeth with the blanket use of speed cameras on our roads.

“While no one would argue that they don’t have a place, as a country we need to be looking at other ways of educating drivers to slow down, rather than simply by punishing them with three points and a £60 fine.”

FACT FILE:

Founded in 1998, Motorpoint is the UK’s number one car supermarket group. It currently operates from five locations – Burnley, Derby, Glasgow, Newport and Peterborough.

In 2007 Motorpoint increased sales and saved around 30,000 retail customers a total of £144m against the recommended retail prices to be found on franchised dealers’ forecourts – an average of almost £5,000 per car. Last year, the company also repeated its achievement of selling a car into every post code area in the UK.

With projected total annual sales of 35,000 units, Motorpoint has helped to change the face of car retailing in the UK offering motorists a vast choice of new and nearly new cars – almost all makes and models – at unbeatable prices. Motorpoint is currently listed at number 83 in the Sunday Times Top Track 250.

Winter Savers: Winter Sale Prices At Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is reintroducing the Winter Savers concept so that guests can make the most of this winter. Room bookings through www.swissotel.com lead to attractive savings everywhere from Osaka to Lima, from Sydney to Chicago and from Amsterdam to Moscow.

Winter Savers offer guests a 20% discount on the best available rate for bookings of at least 2 nights. This offer applies from 15th November to 28th February 2009 and excludes taxes and service charges. The winter savers are bookable via www.swissotel.com or via any travel agency.

This offer is valid worldwide for the entire international hotel chain with the exception of the Swissôtel Göcek Marina & Resort.

Los Angeles venue for top Indian restaurant underway

Restaurant entrepreneur Arfan Razak (aka Raz) of Curry Lounge Ltd is spicing up the industry with an inspiring franchise venture that reaches right across the globe.

22a Station Parade, Willesden Green, London, kicks off the roll-out before Christmas, with venues in Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham being considered early next year.

An opening in the Ocean Point area of Los Angeles is also under way, with a view to launching in Autumn 2009, as well as an impressive hotel site in Dubai.

“There is a growing need for healthy, authentic Indian cuisine in the restaurant industry as people’s tastes have vastly evolved in recent times,” Raz comments.

“Public food knowledge is on the rise, leading customers to rightly expect fresh ingredients, locally sourced produce and quality meat, with exceptional restaurant service - diners will not accept the oily one-pot curries that seem to have been embedded in our nation for such a long period.”

Having opened the first Curry Lounge restaurant in Nottingham in 2007, the brand has gone from strength-to-strength since its appearance on Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares series late last year.

“Gordon’s advice was invaluable to turning the business around. Maybe, one day I will be able to return the favour,” Raz continues.

An increase in the number of franchise enquiries has occurred, with like-minded entrepreneurs approaching the company for franchise opportunities, due to the restaurant’s recognition in the television series and the committed training program in place.

Prior to trading, Curry Lounge provides owners with everything needed to set-up a restaurant, from site locations, building advice, supplier deals and menu selections, to HR, in-store operations and business management skills.

The same strategy will be catered to each location, with franchisees running their business to local needs to the Curry Lounge framework and advice.

Raz will be investing approximately £70K into the initial set-up and operation of the franchise business, and is currently in search of a franchise agent to locate possible venues that show a gap in the market for real Indian food.
He concludes: “It is my ultimate goal to bring real home-cooked Indian food to the international table.”

Having been voted one of the top five Asian entrepreneurs in the East Midlands in 2008 by the Midlands Business Awards, this franchise venture is a recipe for great restaurant success.

For more information on The Curry Lounge franchise venture, including details on how to become a franchise partner, visit http://www.currylounge.co.uk/franchise.asp

FACT FILE:

Promising traditional Indian and Punjabi cuisine freshly cooked to order, the Curry Lounge has been voted Best Indian Restaurant East Midlands 2008 by the Customer Excellence Awards in recognition for the quality of the food, service and authenticity.

Having opened the first Curry Lounge restaurant in Nottingham in 2007, the brand has gone from strength-to-strength since its appearance on Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares series.

Restaurant entrepreneur Arfan Razak (better known as Raz) is the brainchild behind Curry Lounge Ltd, and is venturing into a franchise business that reaches right across the globe, with future openings in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, Los Angeles and Dubai under consultation.

Located in Nottingham’s city centre, the Curry Lounge caters for lunch, dinner, corporate events and special occasions. Visit www.currylounge.co.uk for more information.

Speed Dating: Bikesure Launches Bikes And Babes Calendar

The motorbike insurance gurus at Bikesure have come up with a sexy new marketing tool - a calendar featuring babes and bikes. What makes this one different is that the girls actually work for Bikesure and its parent company, Adrian Flux Insurance Services.

And bikers can win one of 100 copies of the calendar – and a top prize of an Apple iPod Touch – in a free online competition at www.bikesure.co.uk

The girls are all insurance executives who spend their days arranging cover, managing business, making calls, attending meetings and hitting computer keyboards. And at night? Being part of Bikesure they have a keen interest in two wheels, and the calendar shows them with a variety of sexy machines. It's enough to make any hot-blooded male reach for the phone and call for an insurance quote - which is the idea, of course.

Bike Renewal Technician Michelle, who shares the November page with a custom chopper trike, explains the appeal of being a Bikesure Babe. "It's a real laugh," she admits. "Mainly it's about doing a few photo shoots during the year and visiting some of the bike shows to promote the company. We get to meet lots of the punters, which is brilliant. It can be quite hard work but we have a load of fun and it's a complete change from the usual office routine, which is great."

Michelle and her fellow Babes helped choose the bikes in the calendar. The selection shows the wide variety of machines that Bikesure covers: from superbikes to twist 'n go scooters, including trikes, classics, custom builds and quads. "I like the trike, but to be honest I’m more a Harley girl," says Michelle. "I love October’s custom Hog (I mean the bike, not Jem, who’s the model in the shot)."

Getting hold of a copy of the calendar isn't going to be easy - it's an exclusive that's mainly designed for motorbike dealers and VIP customers, so only a few thousand copies will be printed. However, Bikesure have put up 100 copies (plus an Apple iPod Touch) for the online competition which bikers can enter at www.bikesure.co.uk

Bikesure is 100% British owned and based. It has a huge range of specialist policies for the motorcycle enthusiast, including cheap bike insurance schemes for performance and custom bikes, scooters, trikes, quads and bug riders. For details freephone the Bikesure quote line on 0800 089 2000, email the company at bikesure@adrianflux.co.uk or visit www.bikesure.co.uk

Ummah Foods Launches Premium Range In ASDA

Ummah Foods is proud to announce the launch of its new Premium Range of Halal Chocolates. The new range is a result of feedback from the largest ever survey of British Muslim Women in the UK, and will be reaching selected Asda stores across the UK during Global Entrepreneurship Week 17th - 23rd November 2008.

This exciting new range comprises of:

• Intriguingly Dark chocolate with 60% indulgence of pure cocoa
• Oriental Riches Milk Chocolate
• Milk Chocolate Mélange of Raisins and crushed Peanut
• Delectably Smooth Milk Chocolate with Peanut nibbles
• Milk Chocolate Raisin Treasure Trove

Khalid Sharif, founder of Ummah Foods is an Ambassador for Make Your Mark, and the launch was rescheduled to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week to encourage more youngsters in the UK to join in with the national campaign.

Khalid Sharif said "This is an exciting launch for us as we are able to bring our strong community focus along with our new Premium range together. It allows us to keep growing as a business and also fulfil our duty to serve the community."

Ummah Foods continues to encourage Enterprise in the UK and this include being part of the Ethnic Minority Task Force within BERR, Ambassador and Wise Head for Make Your Mark, and Aliyah Enterprise Programme, and member of the Business & Economics Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain. They are also the winner of the Muslim News Awards for excellence in enterprise, and noted as the Observer Newspapers "One to Watch!" in business. On a community level, Ummah Foods is involved in various projects helping Youth, Women, the Environment, Science, Interfaith work and the Arts. Ummah Foods also advises various Government Departments on issues facing the Muslim community.

Harry Rich, Chief Executive of Make Your Mark, says: “The success of Global Entrepreneurship Week relies on our inspirational Ambassadors, like Khalid, getting out and about and sharing their experiences of enterprise. By hearing from someone who has overcome challenges to be successful, young people can begin to consider their own ambitions and aspirations, and some will become the global entrepreneurs of the future!”

FACT FILE:

Khalid Sharif established Ummah Foods in 2004. Through knowledge, experience and connections within the community and industry, Khalid started advising supermarkets and public sector bodies on Halal food, Muslim issues and minority communities.

Ummah Foods is a manufacturer of Halal food products and is becoming the UK’s leading supplier of specialist chocolates specifically made for those who place importance on the purity on what is in their food and how it is made. Ummah Foods makes chocolate that is free from animal products and is manufactured in pure environments that do not risk contamination by alcohol or other products of concern to ethical and healthy eaters. www.ummahfoods.com

Ummah Foods simultaneously sets up on-line communities and communication hubs, provides advice and guidance on engaging and supporting minority communities and helps ethnic minorities into enterprise, employment, and volunteering opportunities such as School Governors. Ummah Foods social priority is to help “at home” and to promote solutions to the more immediate economic and social challenges that affect the quality of life of many in the UK and in other geographical markets that Ummah is active in.

Enterprise Week (17-23 November) is a national celebration of enterprise with thousands of events and activities happening across the UK. www.enterpriseweek.org.uk

This year it’s gone global as part of the first-ever Global Entrepreneurship Week, an international celebration of enterprise based on the UK’s highly successful model. It will run in more than 75 countries and inspire millions of 14 to 30-year-olds across the globe to join a growing movement of entrepreneurial people, to unleash their enterprising ideas to make a profit and address society’s biggest issues. www.unleashingideas.org

Global Entrepreneurship Week is supported by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, sponsored by NYSE Euronext, Ernst & Young and IBM and organised by Make Your Mark (founders of the UK’s Enterprise Week) and the Kauffman Foundation www.kauffman.org

Make Your Mark is the campaign to release the UK’s enterprise potential. It was founded by the four leading UK business membership organisations – the British Chambers of Commerce, the CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors. It is supported by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and endorsed by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. www.makeyourmark.org.uk

Ummah Foods Launches Premium Range In ASDA

Ummah Foods is proud to announce the launch of its new Premium Range of Halal Chocolates. The new range is a result of feedback from the largest ever survey of British Muslim Women in the UK, and will be reaching selected Asda stores across the UK during Global Entrepreneurship Week 17th - 23rd November 2008.

This exciting new range comprises of:

• Intriguingly Dark chocolate with 60% indulgence of pure cocoa
• Oriental Riches Milk Chocolate
• Milk Chocolate Mélange of Raisins and crushed Peanut
• Delectably Smooth Milk Chocolate with Peanut nibbles
• Milk Chocolate Raisin Treasure Trove

Khalid Sharif, founder of Ummah Foods is an Ambassador for Make Your Mark, and the launch was rescheduled to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week to encourage more youngsters in the UK to join in with the national campaign.

Khalid Sharif said "This is an exciting launch for us as we are able to bring our strong community focus along with our new Premium range together. It allows us to keep growing as a business and also fulfil our duty to serve the community."

Ummah Foods continues to encourage Enterprise in the UK and this include being part of the Ethnic Minority Task Force within BERR, Ambassador and Wise Head for Make Your Mark, and Aliyah Enterprise Programme, and member of the Business & Economics Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain. They are also the winner of the Muslim News Awards for excellence in enterprise, and noted as the Observer Newspapers "One to Watch!" in business. On a community level, Ummah Foods is involved in various projects helping Youth, Women, the Environment, Science, Interfaith work and the Arts. Ummah Foods also advises various Government Departments on issues facing the Muslim community.

Harry Rich, Chief Executive of Make Your Mark, says: “The success of Global Entrepreneurship Week relies on our inspirational Ambassadors, like Khalid, getting out and about and sharing their experiences of enterprise. By hearing from someone who has overcome challenges to be successful, young people can begin to consider their own ambitions and aspirations, and some will become the global entrepreneurs of the future!”

FACT FILE:

Khalid Sharif established Ummah Foods in 2004. Through knowledge, experience and connections within the community and industry, Khalid started advising supermarkets and public sector bodies on Halal food, Muslim issues and minority communities.

Ummah Foods is a manufacturer of Halal food products and is becoming the UK’s leading supplier of specialist chocolates specifically made for those who place importance on the purity on what is in their food and how it is made. Ummah Foods makes chocolate that is free from animal products and is manufactured in pure environments that do not risk contamination by alcohol or other products of concern to ethical and healthy eaters. www.ummahfoods.com

Ummah Foods simultaneously sets up on-line communities and communication hubs, provides advice and guidance on engaging and supporting minority communities and helps ethnic minorities into enterprise, employment, and volunteering opportunities such as School Governors. Ummah Foods social priority is to help “at home” and to promote solutions to the more immediate economic and social challenges that affect the quality of life of many in the UK and in other geographical markets that Ummah is active in.

Enterprise Week (17-23 November) is a national celebration of enterprise with thousands of events and activities happening across the UK. www.enterpriseweek.org.uk

This year it’s gone global as part of the first-ever Global Entrepreneurship Week, an international celebration of enterprise based on the UK’s highly successful model. It will run in more than 75 countries and inspire millions of 14 to 30-year-olds across the globe to join a growing movement of entrepreneurial people, to unleash their enterprising ideas to make a profit and address society’s biggest issues. www.unleashingideas.org

Global Entrepreneurship Week is supported by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, sponsored by NYSE Euronext, Ernst & Young and IBM and organised by Make Your Mark (founders of the UK’s Enterprise Week) and the Kauffman Foundation www.kauffman.org

Make Your Mark is the campaign to release the UK’s enterprise potential. It was founded by the four leading UK business membership organisations – the British Chambers of Commerce, the CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors. It is supported by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and endorsed by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. www.makeyourmark.org.uk

President-elect Obama makes video address to nation

President-elect Obama has decided to use the Internet to make regular addresses to America and, by extension, the rest of the world. Here is his first such address:-


http://change.gov/learn/presidentelect/

Welcome to That's News TV! PLUS! Our first ever net TV broadcast!

Yes, at last, here it is. After a false start a while ago -we just didn't have the technology quite right!- That's News TV is now up and running.

The videos are stored on our That's News TV channel on Youtube and are placed on the websites in the That's News group, depending on which channel they should be in. This first video is about the sport of wheelchair racing. Please enjoy it!

Britons warned after collapse of another Spanish developer - Campania Inmobiliaria Masdevallia

Time is running out for Britons affected by the collapse of another Spanish property developer to put forward their claim for recompense, warns law firm DWF.

The firm says that buyers affected by the collapse of Compañía Inmobiliaria Masdevallia should inform the Spanish court as soon as possible, or appoint a lawyer to do so on their behalf.

Masdevallia was the developer behind the ambitious Nueva Ribera and Nueva Ribera Golf Club developments in Murcia. Both Masdevallia and One Properties, which marketed the schemes and which has also filed for insolvency, appear to be linked to Juan Antonio Roca, ex-planning councillor at the Marbella town hall and one of the main people involved in the Malaya Operation, the anti-corruption campaign in Marbella.

Both companies are in a voluntary insolvency arrangement and administrators have been appointed to supervise their management. Antonio Guillen, a Spanish lawyer with DWF who are acting on behalf of British buyers affected, explained: “The administrators will detail the companies’ resources and assets as well as the debts and point out any possible ways of saving them. This procedure takes time and could prove extremely complicated and frustrating for those who are not familiar with Spanish law.

“Creditors of the insolvent company, and that includes purchasers of properties off-plan or owners of properties that have not been fully finished, should inform the administrators and the court of their credit as soon as possible.

“Under the Spanish Insolvency Act all creditors should receive a personal communication from the administrators but this does not always happen. Therefore it is advisable for anyone affected to contact a lawyer versed in Spanish insolvency law and provide them with any documents that can help to prove the payments they have made. These will have to be lodged with the court to ensure they are included in the final list of creditors.

“It is also necessary to ascertain whether the developer has a bank guarantee in place to cover any amounts paid by the purchasers towards the construction. This is a requirement under Spanish law although not all developers comply. This document is extremely important as it could make all the difference between creditors losing all their money and getting a refund. Your lawyer will check this for you.”

Antonio Guillen is also currently representing clients of Martinsa-Fadesa, Spain’s largest property developer and the largest insolvency in the country’s history, as well as another Spanish developer Herrada del Tollo S.L. He adds: “It is vital for purchasers affected by the insolvency of a Spanish developer to appoint a lawyer as soon as possible to make sure they are duly represented in the insolvency procedure, as well as considering alternative solutions such as enforcing the bank guarantee, if there is one.”

DWF has developed extensive sector-specific expertise in a number of areas including: automotive, education, retail & leisure, legal expenses and food and resourcing. Further information on DWF is available via www.dwf.co.uk.

Make your own decorations this Christmas!

Christmas decorations and cards can work out very expensive! Why not make your own this Yuletide, saving money whilst adding a personal touch to the festive celebrations? Here are some simple step-by-step guides to making baubles, a wreath, Christmas cards and an Xmas Star.

CHRISTMAS BAUBLES

Step One

Cut a length of ribbon long enough to fit around the bauble adding a little extra to overlap the ends. Glue it around the bauble. Cut two lengths of braid and glue them along both edges of the ribbon on the bauble.

Step Two

Work in small sections at a time so that the glue does not dry before the ribbon has been pressed onto it. Alternatively, glue one strip of braid along the middle of the ribbon.

Step Three

Apply dots of glue along the ribbon to decorate it, adding sequins and gems for extra embellishment. Make small dots of glue above and below the ribbon decoration for a more glittery bauble.

Materials required:

Plain baubles
Selection of ribbons and braids
Dremel Glue Gun and glitter sticks
Sequins
Small glittery gems

CHRISTMAS WREATH

Step One

Apply glue to the bottom of a pine cone and stick it onto the wreath base. Glue cones around this one, angling them slightly for an uneven look. It is a good idea to tie a length of ribbon onto the wreath base at this stage if needed to hang the wreath to the door when it is finished.

Step Two

Continue to glue pinecones onto the wreath, covering the entire surface so that it cannot be seen. Select smaller cones and glue them on top of this first layer to create a little depth.

Step Three

Using glitter glue sticks, apply small dabs of the glitter glue onto the pinecones to give them a gentle shimmer. Tie two large bows and glue them together to form a double bow. Glue this to the top of the wreath using the glue gun.

Materials required:

Wreath base - use a plastic wreath base available from florists' suppliers or try twiggy wreath bases available from flower shops and garden centres
Dremel Glue Gun and glitter sticks
Pine cones
Ribbon to hang the wreath
Wired ribbon for the bow

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Step One

Measure and draw four strips of paper measuring 17cm by 1cm using a ruler and pencil. Cut them out with scissors

Step Two

Lay the strips over each other in a star shape, gluing each one down at the middle. Apply a dab of glue to the centre of the star shape (on the back) and stick the end of one of the strips onto it. Continue with the remaining seven strips to form a 3-D shape.

Step Three

Cut a square of paper and stick the star onto it. Decorate the star with a button and sequin attached with a large blob of glitter glue. Stick the square of paper onto paper of a different colour or pattern and then glue them onto a piece of silver card that has been folded in half to form the greetings card. Apply spots of glue around the edge of one of the squares and add extra glitter on the stars and patterned papers using the glitter glue.

Materials required:

Selection of patterned papers
Silver card
Dremel Glue Gun and glitter sticks
Scissors, pen and ruler
Buttons and sequins

CHRISTMAS TREE STAR

Step One

Take two lengths of wire and glue them together to form a cross shape using the glue gun and glitter glue sticks. Lay two more wires across the first two to make a star shape and glue them together in the middle.

Step Two

Start to thread beads onto the wire, using the same arrangement of bead shapes and sizes on each arm of the wire star. Continue until the star is complete and you are happy with the arrangement.

Step Three

Apply small dots of glue between the beads to hold them in place and form extra decoration. Trim the ends of the wires with wire cutters if necessary. Using green glitter glue, add dots to the centre of the star, fixing a bead in the middle. Twist a length of wire around the middle of the star to use as a fixing to hold the star in place on the top of the tree.

Materials required:

Florists wire (four lengths)
Dremel Glue Gun and glitter sticks
Pearl beads in different shapes and sizes
Wire cutters

The Dremel Glue Gun Hobby Set including 12 glitter sticks in 6 different colours plus 10 glue sticks costs just £24.99 this Christmas from DIY shops or online from http://www.dremel-direct.com or http://www.tool-shop.co.uk/

For more information visit: http://www.dremel.co.uk

Icomera connects live CCTV trials on London buses

Icomera AB, the world’s leading provider of cellular broadband gateways, has announced that its Moovbox technology has been selected to provide real-time communications for a major trial of live CCTV on London buses to improve public safety. 21st Century CCTV, a division of TG21 plc, has equipped twenty-one double-decker buses in North London with the technology, which allows live images to be transmitted to a central control centre shared by officers from TfL and the Metropolitan Police’s Transport Operational Command Unit. The six-month trial on behalf of Transport for London (TfL) will monitor and analyse the use of the technology to decide whether it can help deal with incidents on buses more effectively.

The LIVEview system installed on each bus comprises a ProGuard digital video recorder (DVR) developed by 21st Century CCTV, connected to a Moovbox M200 Mobile Broadband Gateway from Icomera. Cameras fitted inside and outside the bus record images continuously to disk but the new Moovbox technology means the driver can activate a high-speed link whereby operators can view live or recorded footage in real time. The TfL deployment is the first stage of a major initiative by 21st Century CCTV and Icomera to offer live mobile video streaming technology to municipalities and transport operators for public safety applications.

“Transmitting CCTV streams is a bandwidth-intensive task,” said Ola Sjölin, Icomera CEO. “Our mobile gateways employ patented switching and load balancing technology that leverages multiple cellular backhaul links to provide the fastest possible connection for public safety applications such as this. Our relationship with 21st Century CCTV brings together two market leaders to create a best-of-breed solution ideally suited to intensive, mission-critical applications such as that Transport for London is trialing.”

“We chose the Icomera Moovbox M200 gateway for this project after careful evaluation,” said David Dent, Managing Director of 21st Century CCTV. “The Moovbox has a proven track record of successful deployments with some of the world’s largest transport operators, many of whom also use our ProGuard DVR technology for in-vehicle security. We are delighted to be launching an initiative with Icomera to bring this joint solution to market, and look forward to the opportunities we expect will arise following the announcement of the TfL trials.”

The LIVEview system is available through 21st Century CCTV and selected channel partners worldwide.

Malibu Secret™ … Anti-Aging Lotion……No Longer a Secret …

Sees the exciting launch into the UK.

Malibu Secret™ is the first anti-aging face cream designed for your body. Using specialty complexes used in facial skincare like THYMULEN 4™, BOIS 11, DERMOX SRC, and an AUTO DEFENSE COMPLEX.

Malibu Secret™ improves skin suppleness and texture, promotes free radical protection, and intensely hydrates and moisturises.

Year-Round body treatment Malibu Secret™ is designed to repair and replenish using a potent combination of botanicals, anti-oxidants, various butters, and a multitude of vitamins.

Malibu Secret's Floral Scent: Sandalwood, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Pear Fruit Extract, and Green Tea Leaf Extract. With hints of gardenia and jasmine.

Celebrity devotees include - Heather Locklear, Tori Spelling, Kathy Hilton, Lauren Conrad, Pamela Anderson, and Dania Ramirez.

Paraben FREE. No animal testing. Recyclable packaging

Smooth over body after bath, shower, or any time of day / night…

Malibu Secret™ setting the standard for anti-aging body beautifying creams. For beautiful bodies around the world!

Isn't it time your birthday suit got a makeover?

Available in tubes of 7.25oz (206g) costs £29.95 from www.malibusecret.co.uk includes free U.K P&P.

Homeowners put the WOW factor back in to 'smart selling' their property

WOW Property, the nationwide fixed fee estate agent, is selling its properties faster than the average high street estate agent simply by getting the price right.

This success challenges several current sources; Hometrack states the average time to sell is 77 days?, Rightmove’s average property time on the market is 89 days?, and RICS who are reporting that estate agents are selling on average less than one property per week across the UK?.

With the recession looming closer, there are a significant proportion of homeowners who are forced to sell. The successful sellers will be those who are cost conscious and price their homes correctly by using the best resources available to them. The internet is proving to be an invaluable tool to search for local house prices, reputable estate agents and it is reported that over 75% of successful home movers use the internet to search for property?.

Although Rightmove has just announced that new sellers are now marketing their properties at 4.9% less than 12 months ago and the average property asking price is now £229,691? the market is not as bad as it may appear. The ‘smart’ sellers are pricing their property correctly to get buyers through the door thereby increasing the number of offers with one ultimate goal – to sell their home fast at an acceptable price. Some sellers are even trading up and taking advantage of getting more square footage for their money, yet there are still homeowners who have put their head in the sand waiting for the buoyant market to return. Notably, the Council of Mortgage Lenders is expecting a total of around 45,000 properties being taken into possession this year? – those needing to sell now should take heed!

WOW Property offers a nationwide, complete estate agency service for just £999. Utilising the internet to advertise its portfolio on all the top property websites WOW has achieved an average sell time on the market of 57? days.

An example of this is a seller from Banbury, Oxford. WOW sold the home in just 54 days, saving the vendor £5687 in fees (based on an average high street estate agent commission of 1.75%).

Gareth Robinson, CEO comments: “In the past, many estate agents have been guilty of setting sellers expectations too high which has resulted in minimal viewings, fewer offers and in a falling market ultimately less money for the seller. We are commonly witnessing sellers being more pragmatic by taking the view that it is better to lose a little now than being forced to accept substantially less next year when the market has fallen further. Asking prices are being discounted by up to 20% and in fact, WOW has consistently proven that if a property is priced correctly that we will sell the home on average within 57 days.”

Customers are able to contact the sales team on 0845 0000 999 or via the website www.wowproperty.co.uk for further information.

Talking Tots Reveals Only 10% of parents will cut spending on their children in 2009

Britain might be in the middle of a credit crunch, but 80% of parents would rather spend less on new clothes or eating out than cutting back on their children’s activities.

A survey of 1,000 parents conducted by pre-school activity group Talking Tots found that half of parents expect to increase spending on activities such as toddler classes, swimming and baby yoga next year. A further 40% of respondents said they expected their spending to remain the same. On average, parents spend £650 a year on preschool classes and activities, with 10% of parents spending more than £1,000 a year.

Tracey Park, founder of Talking Tots, says: “There’s no doubt families are feeling the effects of the credit crunch, but so far it seems toddlers are being spared from the cutbacks. Mums see toddler classes as a really important way to help children learn new skills, as well as providing an opportunity to socialise and make friends.”

Activity classes provide important benefits to children, says Sue Atkins, parenting coach and author of Raising Happy Children: “Classes are more than just a way to entertain the kids for an hour. They have a real impact on children’s development, and are a wonderful way to bond, build confidence and learn social skills such as taking turns, listening and sharing.”

If money is tight, Sue advises focusing on classes that provide a rounded experience. “Remember you are your child’s greatest teacher and you don’t have to spend a fortune. Look for one or two activities that offer children lots of fun, the chance to develop over time, and which are well organised, and remember that your child will get as much pleasure out of a walk in the park or a visit to the library as they will from more expensive outings.”

Key Survey Findings

* 90% of parents attend at least one organised activity with their children each week.

* The most popular pre-school activities are swimming (attended by 60% of toddlers), communication and development classes (attended by 40% of respondents) and singing groups (35%)

* When asked what they would be prepared to sacrifice to pay for their child’s activities, 81% of parents would stop eating out, 75% would reduce spending on toys and presents, while 64% would spend less on new clothes.

* The most popular free activities for young children are visiting the park, story time at the library, nature walks at the beach or woodland, mother and toddler groups, and play dates with friends. More unusual activities included visiting art galleries and taking children geo-caching, a sort of high-tech treasure hunt.

Tips for Parents

For parents looking to save money, Sue Atkins advises only attending a pre-school activity if it:

* develops or encourages specific new skills in your child

* is run by professional, well-trained staff

* is progressive, and develops as your child matures

* is based on playing, exploring and learning in a fun atmosphere

* encourages children’s social skills such as turn-taking, confidence and empathy

About Talking Tots:

Full survey results, images and interviews available on request. Contact the press office on (01253) 731 986 or email press@talkingtots.info

Talking Tots is the UK’s fastest growing pre-school activity group, providing classes that help children aged 12 months to 4 years to communicate with confidence. Talking Tots recently won the “Best Innovation” award in the 2008 What’s on 4 Little Ones Awards, and was highly commended in the “Best Toddler Development” category.

FACT FILE:

Sue Atkins is a Parent Coach, former Deputy Head with 22 years teaching experience, mother to two teenage children and is an NLP Master Practitioner and Trainer trained by Paul McKenna. She has written many books on self esteem, toddlers and teenagers and has a collection of Parenting Made Easy Toolkits available from her website. She is also the author of "Raising Happy Children for Dummies" one in the black and yellow series published worldwide and available from her website. For more information, see www.positive-parents.com

Keep an eye on what they are saying about you on the Net!

Individuals can now check to see what information is being written about them across the internet as the global leader in people search and reputation management is launching in the UK. The innovative technology collates all the public information available about an individual from across the web and places it on one easy to use site.

yasni, the worldwide Number One in people search and online reputation management, has announced they are to launch www.yasni.co.uk, allowing British users to collate and view all the personal information available from across the web about themselves, colleagues, family and friends, on one easy to use and clear website.

This kind of service is more common with businesses looking to monitor their online reputation but now individuals can treat themselves as a brand and track what people are writing and saying to ensure nothing negative appears; offering full control over personal reputation.

yasni users or “yasnians” can also check up on their partners, keep an eye on their children, research employers or job applicants and find long-lost friends, lovers or relatives. The system is fun, free and easy to use; requiring very little technical ability or understanding.

yasni currently receives 23 million requests each month, which also includes thousands of searches from the UK and has been named the Number One people search engine by an independent Website traffic profiler1.

Steffen Rühl, CEO and Co-founder of yasni comments on the UK launch; “The German website is already receiving several thousand visits each month from the UK and so it seems a natural and exciting progression to launch a British version of Yasni.

“So many people are unaware of what personal information is actually available on the internet and yasni offers a fun and exciting way of keeping track of your own and others online reputation; it’s the people’s-people search engine and brings the UK a new level of infotainment.”

Social networking sites and online forums have become an increasingly popular way of conversing with friends and therefore personal brand awareness has never been so important. Especially when considering that 1 in 5 HR managers are now checking the suitability of job applicants on the web2.

www.quantcast.com and www.alexa.com
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/yoon/1123 Survey commissioned by Reuters

Ernest Jones Announces New Ball Watches Collection

Leading high street jeweller, Ernest Jones, has announced a new exclusive partnership with premier American watchmaker, the Ball Watch Company. A market leader in design, style and heritage, the Ball Watch Company has a long history of producing stylish, rugged and accurate watches which are historically famous for keeping America's massive railroad network running on time and are trusted by global explorers and adventurers for their durability and consistency.

As the UK's leading nationwide diamond and watch specialist, with well trained staff whose expertise are reflected in their customer care and product knowledge, Ernest Jones is perfectly suited to introduce this historic and timelessly fashionable watch brand into the UK.

Ernest Jones brand manager Stephen Gaunt is looking forward to the arrival of this prestigious watch brand from the US, "With one of the largest collections of premium watch brands on the High Street, Ernest Jones is delighted to announce this new partnership with Ball watches. The Ball Watch Company's brand signature style of quality and durability fits well with the strengths of the Ernest Jones watch range and we are proud to introduce its strong heritage to the UK. We've already had a very positive response from our watch-enthusiast customers who appreciate the distinctive good looks of Ball watches."

The Ball Watch Company was founded by Webster Clay Ball, an American jeweller and watchmaker. He was the first watchmaker to use time signals and in 1891 established precision standards and a reliable timepiece inspection system for US Railroad chronometers. At the end of his career, Webb C. Ball was overseeing 125,000 miles of rail tracks in the U.S.A., Mexico & Canada, having greatly contributed to the security of all railroad systems, using his knowledge of watches, timekeeping and his own, accurate timepieces to ensure that the trains ran safely and on time.

The self-proclaimed mission of Ball watches is to be on the wrist of every direct, no nonsense life adventurer in the search of his or her destiny. Single-minded in their commitment to this vision, the Ball Watch Company is focused on building superior watches that are designed for "accuracy under adverse conditions".

Working in partnership with Ernest Jones, Ball Watches will bring a brand new spirit of adventure to the UK high street. Ball watches are available now at Ernest Jones.

FACT FILE:

Ernest Jones, the Diamond and Watch Specialist, has over 200 stores and a retail website at www.ernestjones.co.uk. Featuring a wide range of leading brand watches and high quality diamond jewellery, Ernest Jones also has a stunning selection of gifts for all occasions. Ernest Jones is part of Signet Jewellers Limited, the world's largest speciality retail jeweller.

Over half of Britons believe economic recovery less than two years away

More than a quarter of Britons believe the economy will start to recover by the end of 2009, according to new research released by YouGov and leading integrated marketing agency Gyro International.

The research, which sought to assess the impact the impending recession is having on the spending habits of British consumers, found that over a quarter of respondents (28%) believe the economic climate will be more positive by the end of next year, while a further 29% believe that it will be brighter by the end of 2010.

However, 36% of participants also said that the economic downturn has weakened the trust they have in leading brands, with 50% of consumers now buying more own-label products at the supermarket and one third of shoppers using a cheaper store for their weekly shop. 47% of people are also doing more research to find the best price before making purchase.

Richard Perry, COO of Gyro International comments: “Consumers are surprisingly optimistic about the economy and taking sensible steps to reduce their shopping bills. Loyalty programmes will become increasingly significant together with online communication, as marketers look for the most interactive channels of communication. This is also a perfect opportunity for customer acquisition as consumers shop around for the best deals.”

The study also found that 24% of people are now giving less money to charity, 52% are eating out less and 53% are using less electricity.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1966 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 31st October - 3rd November 2008. The survey was carried out online. Statistics are + / - 1%. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

FACT FILE:

Gyro International is an independent full service integrated communications agency and is the fastest growing large agency in the UK and the UK’s largest and fastest growing business-to-business agency. Formed in 1991, the agency offers integrated communications to a client list which includes: Sony, Oracle, American Express, Hewlett Packard, Adobe, UPS, Nokia, Shell, Google, T-Mobile, Tate & Lyle and Virgin Atlantic.

Gyro has offices in London, Manchester, Geneva, San Francisco, New York, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Dublin, Hamburg, Munich, Dubai, Madrid and Paris.

For more information, please visit www.gyrointernational.com

H.Samuel launches Strictly Diamonds campaign

H.Samuel, the UK's favourite high street Jeweller has launched Strictly Diamonds, an exciting new campaign which references the current trend for the glitz and glamour of ballroom dancing. Welcoming the approaching festive season with great offers on diamonds and watches, online and on the high street, H.Samuel is looking to brighten up autumn with sparkling, affordable and glamorous gifts.

The campaign features 25% off eternity rings, Buy-One-Get-One-Half-Price on all watches, offers on diamond jewellery and ideas for graduation presents, anniversary presents, birthday presents or even early Christmas shopping. Online shoppers will find Buyers' Guides to help them decide, 5000 products to choose from, over 100 leading fashion and jewellery brands and new products added online every week. With such a wide range of offers to choose from, there is a bargain that suits every look and taste.

Jennifer Barre, Assistant Brand Controller for H.Samuel commented, "Strictly Diamonds is H.Samuel's new autumn campaign which celebrates our fabulous diamond collection - from engagement rings, to earrings, whatever message someone is trying to say with their precious gift, whether it is 'Happy Birthday' or 'Will You Marry Me?' a diamond gift from H.Samuel will help them say it better. The company is offering a staggering 25% off diamond eternity rings, which are the perfect anniversary gift, as they represent a couple's everlasting love through the circular band of diamonds."

"In celebration of having one of the strongest designer brand watch ranges on the high street," continued Jennifer, "H.Samuel is offering any watch purchaser the opportunity to buy a second watch half price."

Whatever the occasion, the latest campaign represents a great opportunity to buy diamond jewellery and watches at affordable prices. With a wide selection and easy to navigate site, H.Samuel has tried to make it as simple as possible for customers to find the right watch for him, her or for the children, as well as some delightful jewellery to brighten up the winter months.

ONEPOST sees over 100 % increase in postal activity in the last 12 months

In the current economic downturn Bristol based ONEPOST has seen a boom in postal activity handling over 16m items in September 2008 compared with 7m in September 2007.

ONEPOST, born out of the postal deregulation, is the leading independent postal advice organisation providing cost-saving solutions to mailers, utilising an increasing number of operators as well as innovative collecting, sorting and distribution techniques for mail in the UK.

Research from Bellwether shows that marketers are severely cutting back their advertising budgets as the economic downturn deepens and the FT has launched its ad campaign last month urging companies to continue advertising.

However a recent report from marketing agency, Epsilon, found that “Direct Marketing is playing a key role during the economic downturn with spend significantly increasing.”

Graham Cooper, ONEPOST Managing Director, comments “During this time it is even more important for companies to use channels that provide accountability and measurable results. In addition our aim is to provide postal strategies that will help businesses save costs, maximising the benefits of their postal budgets. He adds “Some companies are still unaware that there are choices in the postal market where significant savings can be made and improvements gained in the quality of service.”

Get Crafty This Christmas

Stuck for great gift ideas this Christmas? Want to buy your friends and family generous looking presents, that don’t cost the earth and will be appreciated long after the crackers have been pulled? The clever people at Winsor & Newton, makers of the world’s finest artists’ materials, have the perfect solution. Their attractive new painting and sketching gift sets are ideal for everyone on your Christmas shopping list – from teenagers to grandparents.

Aside from being great fun, painting is incredibly relaxing and can help boost self-esteem and confidence. Winsor & Newton has made it easy for everyone to unleash their inner artist this Christmas, whatever their experience! Their different ranges of beautifully packaged gift sets are suitable for absolute beginners or budding artists, indeed anyone who has ever thought about picking up a paintbrush or taking up sketching.

The Art Sets Range includes water colour, acrylic colour, oil colour and sketching gift sets that are perfect for someone who has never painted before. Each set contains all the quality materials a beginner will need. The recommended retail price for gift sets in the Art Sets Range is £19.95.

The Box Easel Sets Range consists of water colour, acrylic colour and oil colour sets. Every box includes a rainbow of colour, quality brushes and an easel. The easel included in the set has a sliding drawer which provides an easy way to store materials and is also compact enough to transport your materials around so you can find that perfect spot to paint. This range of gift sets is ideal for beginner or intermediate painters. The recommended retail price for gift sets in the Box Easel Sets Range is £29.99

The Wooden Boxes Range includes water colour, acrylic colour, oil colour, water mixable oil colour and sketching sets. The boxes come packed to the brim with 8ml, 37ml or 60ml tubes, mediums, painting accessories and quality brushes. All boxes include that all important wooden palette, which is conveniently stored within the lid of the box. In addition, there is space behind the palette for storage of paper, sketchbooks or canvasses. The recommended retail price for gift sets in the Wooden Boxes Range is £29.95.

The Winsor & Newton Christmas gift sets are available from WHSmith, Hobbycraft, The Range and other craft shops and independent art shops. To find your nearest stockist simply visit www.winsornewton.com. This newly launched site is also packed with artistic inspiration and information to help make it easy to unleash your inner artist.

GMTV Weather Girl Clare Nasir Forecasts A Bear-illiant Children In Need

This morning 50 children at local Shepherd's Bush charity, The Upper Room Project, were surprised by some very special guests including GMTV weather girl Clare Nasir, and Pudsey, when Build-A-Bear Workshop donated 50 Pudsey Bears to the charity.

Build-A-Bear Workshop has teamed up with Children In Need to launch a limited edition Pudsey Bear (£5 from each sale goes back to Children In Need) and to celebrate the partnership and opening of the 50th Build-A-Bear Workshop store at Westfield London they invited guests to make 50 Pudsey Bears to be donated to the local Children In Need charity. Based in Shepherd's Bush The Upper Room Project runs a club for the most deprived estates of West London, providing a safe haven for 4-11 year old children living on or below the poverty line.

(PICTURED: GMTV weather girl Clare Nasir donates a Pudsey Bear to Myriah McClean, 8yrs old, from The Upper Room Project in Shepherd's Bush)

Recycling service for wheeled bins and kerbside boxes offers revenue stream for local authorities

Local authorities nationwide are showing increased interest in a closed loop recycling service that pays up to £100 per tonne for ‘end of life’ wheeled bins and kerbside collection boxes.

Developed by recycling and waste management specialist Recycling Luxus Limited, the ‘Bin 2 Bin’ scheme was established some years ago and has been refined to add value. It offers local authorities the benefits of a sustainable purchasing option, lower waste costs and reduces the volume of waste going to landfill.

‘Bin 2 Bin’ closed loop recycling involves shredding and granulating wheeled bins and boxes, melting and mixing granulate with additives and colours ready for processing into new bins and boxes.

The service includes collection, or acceptance of delivery, of used HDPE bins and PP boxes. Following inspection and processing details of the waste recycled is confirmed in a report that a local authority can use for invoicing.

Comprehensive guidance on how authorities can maximise the value of this waste is provided in a series of specially created documents Recycling that can be downloaded from a dedicated recycling section on the company’s website at www.luxus.co.uk

Morgan Lovell Creates Inspired Office Space at IHG Headquarters

A state-of-the-art gym and dance studio, contemporary style coffee bar and facilities for fine dining are just some of the features at the new global headquarters of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

IHG has relocated from Windsor to a new site covering 100,000 square feet at Broadwater Park - formerly home to the Denham film studios - in Buckinghamshire.

Morgan Lovell managed the design and build project, which included full consultation, mechanical and electrical works, fit out and furniture.

Located in 13 acres of landscaped grounds, the open-plan space is set in a four-storey building. Taking advantage of the picturesque surroundings, a patio area complete with broadband coverage enables people to work outdoors.

The restaurant is a major showpiece of the office development based on the Crowne Plaza brand quality. A 20-room meeting suite has also been created.

Other features include fully functional sample rooms, relevant to the different hotel brands IHG operates, such as Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites. These rooms have a dual purpose, providing both a showcase facility for visitors and also providing overnight accommodation for visiting IHG staff when required.

A Green Room has also been developed, where new products and fittings are tested, before being rolled out across the seven hotel brands IHG operates.

The fitness suite includes a well-equipped gym containing the latest machinery and a dance studio complete with full-length mirrors and sound system.

Tom Lord, IHG’s project director for the development, said: “We set out to provide an inspiring office space - that supports IHG in delivering ‘Great Hotels Guests Love’. The key to our success was engaging with the 360 employees who work here to help us achieve that.

The building also had to be as sustainable as possible and demonstrate best practice, serving as a benchmark for our hotels and other offices. Our work at Denham will now influence future IHG fit outs and ideas from this project are already being introduced in our Singapore development.

Crucially, IHG and Morgan Lovell worked together as one team, to deliver the project on time and on budget.

It is an amazing result, a brilliant finish and our employees are very pleased with it. Visitors are also really impressed.”

Morgan Lovell’s southern team, based in the Thames Valley at Wokingham, managed the project. IHG has been able to tap into Morgan Lovell’s green office expertise for the carbon neutral fit out, which included a full eco-specification for products - based on limiting the travelling distances of materials sourced - and selecting those with a high recycled and recyclable content.

In particular, IHG was keen to illustrate the benefits of solar power – and panels are in place contributing to the running of the landscape and car park lighting. Solar blinds have also been introduced, controlled by a ‘weather station’ on the roof.

David Cannon, Morgan Lovell’s southern regional managing director, said: “This was an exciting project for us to be involved in. The end result is stunning.”

http://www.morganlovell.co.uk

Forget prim or proper, leather gloves are back in and are hotter and sassier than ever. High-end patents, cool drivers, long and short-cropped gloves in a huge range of gorgeous colours are all available now from online fashion and gift boutique www.LoveItHaveIt.com.

“Our patent and metallic gloves are right on trend and selling fast, together with the brightly coloured ones,” says LoveItHaveIt owner Penny Callaghan. “Our hot pink or lime green driver gloves give an instant lift to an outfit – especially on a cold grey day. Priced at £22.50 – they’re amazing value and pretty much credit crunch-proof.”

LoveItHaveIt has launched its new range of leather gloves in response to demand in Penny’s high street shop The Terrace in Lyme Regis. The shop is a secret haunt of weekending fashionistas looking for treats to themselves and gifts to take home.

LoveItHaveIt.com has a new look too. It has recently re-launched with a new design and photography, styled against the stunning natural scenery of its hometown. It’s altogether more funky, fast and easier to navigate.

LoveItHaveIt has hundreds of fashion and gift ideas with brands including: Hultquist, Fiorelli, Mamatayoe, Echo, Nica, Hispanitas, Modalu, Abbacino and Lisbeth Dahl.

Watch your data!

84 percent of the UK public are revealing highly sensitive personal data online, such as postcode and date of birth, according to the results of a survey announced today of more than 1500 UK residents aged 16 and over. Of the people who reveal their personal data online, 86 percent said they reveal their postcode and 84 percent their date of birth. Over a third (34 percent) also reveal their mother’s maiden name, 29 percent reveal their place of birth and 10 percent give bank account information. Personal information is revealed even though 79 percent of those surveyed are concerned about fraud. Tickbox.net conducted the survey for the world’s largest member organisation of information security professionals, (ISC)2.

Fraudsters can gain access to public and private records with personal information such as date of birth or mother’s maiden name. Despite this fact, marketers continue to require people to register these details before they shop online, join a social networking group or receive regular updates/newsletters.

“People are aware of the dangers of providing personal and highly sensitive data online - such as date of birth and mother’s maiden name and bank details - but they still do,” said John Colley, managing director EMEA for (ISC)2 and former information security professional for some of the UK’s largest banks. “This makes it easy for criminals to find and use their personal data for identity theft and fraud.”

“Websites should not be forcing – or even asking – people to submit these personal details about themselves. Consumers that want to shop online or sign up to receive information or join a social network for example, often have no choice if they want to proceed with their transaction. Yet we would never give this information to a shop assistant or someone surveying us in the street. It’s time that marketers changed their data collection practices and stop asking people to reveal sensitive data online,” said Colley.

When giving personal information online, most people (76 percent) try to ensure that the site is secure and will protect their personal information. 76 percent tick the box asking for their details to remain confidential and 14 percent seek third party re-assurance that the site is legitimate. 11 percent research the site’s validity with a relevant industry body.

“Even when a company says it will protect consumer information, there are no guarantees that its own network or Website may not be infiltrated by Cyber-criminals and, in turn, lose data,” said Colley.

Already this year, there have been numerous cases of personal data theft – such as The Home Office’s loss of data on all 84,000 prisoners in England and Wales; the loss of data for more than 25 million child benefit claimants by HM Revenue and Customs and the loss of 370,000 customer records by banking giant HSBC. “Ticking the ‘keep information private’ box is no longer enough. We shouldn’t be asking people to give this information,” said Colley.

These results come weeks after online consumers were warned to make better checks on the amount of personal information being held about them after a survey by the Information Commissioner’s Office said 95 percent of people considered their personal information valuable.

The (ISC)2 survey also highlighted that:

• Most respondents (88 percent) provide personal information online more than once or twice a week and one in ten people reveal their personal details more frequently (9-10 times per week) (11 percent);

• Younger adults (ages 16-24) were less likely than other age groups to reveal highly sensitive data pointing to the increased awareness in this age group of the risks of data misuse online (5 percent do not give any personal information online);

• Older people are less likely to look for re-assurance that a website is legitimate from a third party. 40.2 percent of people ages 16-24 said they got re-assurance from a third party site of a website’s legitimacy before they gave personal information away. This drops to18 percent for the 25-34 age group, 12 percent for the 35-44 age group, 11 percent for the 45-54 age group and continues to a mere 7 percent in the over 55 age group;

• 79 percent of participants are concerned about their personal information online. While 49 percent of respondents were somewhat concerned about whether their personal information was used for fraudulent purposes, 30 percent were definitely concerned and 19 percent were not really concerned. Only 2 percent of respondents were not at all concerned. Women were fractionally more concerned than men (81 percent vs. 77 percent of men).

Tips for keeping personal information safe.

When giving information about yourself online you should:

1. Always check the ‘keep information private box’ to ensure that the company you have provided information to does not pass on your details to third parties;

2. Don’t enter any personal information on a Website that does not have a Web address that starts with ‘https://��� and ensure there is a small yellow padlock in the frame of the web browser window;

3. Never give anyone your user ID, PIN or password, even if they appear to be a representative of a trusted firm;

4. Be wary of emails that appear to come from banks, credit card or other trusted companies, asking you to update security information. Banks will never communicate with you in this way;

5. Don’t give out personal information unless you initiated the contact and are sure you know who you’re dealing with. You wouldn’t disclose this information to someone in the street so why do it online;

6. Always type in the Web address of trusted Websites into the browser yourself instead of clicking on the links in emails. This will ensure that you have not been redirected to a hoax site;

7. Avoid using your real name and date of birth online (e.g. on social networking sites);

8. Be cautious of ‘fast friends’ that you meet online and ask you to reveal personal information;

9. Be wary of disclosing personal information on a work or personal Website;

10. Use secure, trusted Websites when shopping online.

Give Christmas gifts that really count, this year

When it comes to the annual headache of choosing what to buy family and friends this Christmas new research from magazine subscriptions website magazinesbymail.net has revealed that over 15 million people may opt to do some “home shopping” by re-gifting presents given to them during Christmas’ past.

Re-gifting by taking a gift received and giving it to someone else in the guise of a new gift could be a popular trend this year, with the research showing that a third of adults (32 per cent) admit to re-gifting unwanted presents, with women the most likely to pass on presents - almost ten million women (39 per cent) admitted to re-gifting, compared to just 26 per cent of men.

The magazinesbymail.net research also revealed that this Christmas, credit crunch pressures look set to put UK gift givers on target to make cut backs of over £7 billion on gift giving, so the challenge will be on for UK shoppers to find the perfect present which doesn’t break the bank. Magazine subscriptions are a quick and easy solution to this gifting dilema, with competitive prices available and 1000s of titles to choose from, there’s something to suit even the hardest to buy for person – all at great value prices.

When it comes to re-gifting it seems there’s a north south divide, with 37 per cent of people in the London area having passed on presents, compared to just 24 per cent of people in the Borders region admitting to this habit.

People in the North East are perhaps the most unlikely to need to re-gift with almost a quarter of people (22 per cent) saying they had never received a Christmas gift they did not like, whilst only 7 per cent of people in Northern Ireland were able to make this claim.

For millions of gifts given this Christmas their recipient may not be their final destination. However, a gift which keeps on giving for all the right reasons is a magazine subscription. Nicola Rowe said: “We all like to think our presents will be appreciated, however 85 per cent of people admit to receiving unwanted gifts which they sell, throw out or re-gift to family and friends. A magazine subscription is the easy way to give the perfect present, which is a continual reminder that you care everytime it arrives through the letter box.”

The survey highlighted that this Christmas people are set to make significant cut backs, reducing their spend on presents by over a third. The results revealed that for Christmas 2007 people spent an average of £410 on presents, or a total of £20 billion pounds across the UK. This year the credit crunch is set to have a marked effect on spending, with people stating they are set to make cut backs of around £155 each on present purchases, which amounts to a massive £7 billion UK wide reduction.

Nicola Rowe commented: “As people look to make cut backs on Christmas gifts a magazine subscription makes a great value gift, with some excellent discounts and free gifts available. Not only can a magazine subscription make your Christmas cash go further, its arrival throughout the year makes your gift last longer too.”

There are thousands of titles to choose from so there’s a magazine to suit all interests and hobbies. From homes to horses and football to food, it’s easy to find the right magazine for even the most hard to buy for individuals, whether they be your grandma or granddaughter, fiancé or father.

It’s never been easier to buy a magazine subscription. A visit to www.magazinesbymail.net will give access you access to a wide range of great value titles. Plus, there’s a chance to solve all your Christmas gift giving dilemmas and save some cash all at once by entering a competition to win magazine subscriptions for all the family.

Fudoso set to revolutionise online shopping by bringing it to life

A new approach to online shopping is about to be launched, where shoppers will be able to browse products in an online store designed to work like a real-life shopping centre.

No longer will people have to trawl through endless product titles and descriptions to find what they want. They’ll see the product ranges set out in aisles in 3D format and they’ll be able to select items to be added to their trolley.

Shoppers will be able to identify the real differences between products, and a 20” Plasma TV will be easily distinguishable from a 40” TV, unlike in most online stores.

Alan Mak, Fudoso’s founder, created the concept when he realised that online shopping was almost as exhausting and time-consuming as travelling from one retail outlet to another. Mak commented, “We live in a busy world. We want to save people time and money and help them get what they really want.”

Realizing the major differences between the real-life activity compared to online shopping, Mak dreamt of a place on the Internet where the enjoyment from high street shopping can be more accurately replicated, and now Fudoso is set to bring more fun and excitement to the online shopping experience.

Fudoso will be launched in late November ready for the Christmas season with a variety of Television offerings, before the range is expanded to a larger selection of categories in the New Year, creating a virtual department store where there is no limit to the size and number of products available.

Mak added, “This marks an important change in the online shopping industry, and as the credit crunch takes its toll on the high street shops, Fudoso will be perfectly placed to attract customers to online shopping that is just like real life.”

www.fudoso.com

Protect your data for pence!

Intelco Limited, a leading service provider to the UK software and applications market is working in partnership with cynapspro GmbH of Germany to supply computer users with cynapspro end –point security software on a subscription basis. The software, known as the cynapspro suite 2008, prevents the use of unauthorised memory sticks and other external devices being attached to PCs and laptops. It also encrypts all data, rendering it useless and unreadable except to authorised users.

cynapspro is Germany’s leading software company, specialising in the area of end-point security. Cynapspro has over 450,000 PCs and laptops being managed by its cynapspro suite software in over 20 countries. The company recently announced its entry into the UK marketplace, targeting sectors where it has already achieved significant success in other countries. Whilst security of information is paramount to all companies, there is a predominance of government and public bodies. In Germany, German Army, Police and Ministry of Justice are amongst its users.

The cynapspro suite 2008 combines device management, application access control, encryption for external devices and pre-boot authentication into one single management platform. The suite consists of three modules:

· devicepro 2008 controls access to ports and external storage
· cryptionpro 2008 encrypts software saved to USB sticks or other external devices
· applicationpro 2008 restricts the use of applications to approved software and users.

The cynapspro suite 2008 is priced on a per PC or laptop user basis. With Intelco’s subscription, organisations will be able to implement end-point security throughout their IT networks with no capital expenditure.

Intelco’s cynapspro subscription package also includes a 90day trial period. This means that a subscription customer is able to test the software operationally before entering into a contractual commitment.

A Intelco director confirmed their view that the cynapspro suite 2008 is just what organisations need to combat the growing threat of information theft. He comments. “An organisation’s data is its crown jewels, and protecting it is one of the top priorities on Board room agendas.”

“ Every week, we hear about the loss of sensitive data on memory sticks or laptops. Data protection is an urgent matter and our subscription package means that every organisation, no matter how small or large, can keep its data safe right now for a small monthly payment and without having the delays and constraints put on it by capital purchase.”

Established in 1988, Intelco Group plc is a sales and marketing company staffed by experienced IT professionals. It helps sales teams of supplier partners to sell by making their products and services more affordable. Intelco also has several other products directly available to end users on subscription, with all support being provided by the software supplier. In the case of cynapspro, all support and training is provided on-line during business hours.

The software can be downloaded directly from the cynapspro website www.cynapspro.co.uk.

Each cynapspro software module is charged for on a per seat basis, the more seats, the less the charge per seat. Purchase start at £16.50/seat for devicepro, subscription £12.20/seat for cryptionpro and £12.20/seat for applicationpro. For all three modules, the cost per seat starts at £27.90. Support and major upgrades are charged in addition.

With Intelco’s subscription plan, devicepro starts @ 41p per seat per month, cryptionpro @ 31p per seat per month and applicationpro @ 31p per seat per month too. Subscription for the complete suite of all three modules starts at 72p per seat per month. With subscription, all support and training is included.

As with purchase, the more seats, the less the charge per seat. For example for an organisation with 2500 seats, monthly subscription would be 52p per seat per month for the complete suite.

Top Six Ways HR Decision Makers Can Transform Short-Term Adversity into Long-Term Advantage

Top Six Ways HR Decision Makers Can Transform Short-Term Adversity into Long-Term Advantage

With the global economy in freefall, major investments under review and demand for sourcing and outsourcing likely to rise sharply, HR decision makers in all business sectors will need new strategies to operate within a recessionary climate.

Leading sourcing advisory firm EquaTerra highlights some ways to reduce operating costs, and ensure that you and your organisation are well prepared to weather the brewing economic storm:

- Save substantially on back office functions: Find quick wins to lower cost and increase value

- Postpone major IT investments: instead work to find alternative ways to address the organisational challenges that these IT investments were supposed to solve, (for example: centralisation or Business Process Outsourcing).

- Make the most of your team: acquiring the right talent will remain a focus for HR organisations, as they look to recruit and retain people who will add real value and see them through the tough times

- Engage with key stakeholders in your organisation to understand what is important to them. Use this to prioritise what programmes will survive on the capital available

- Be clear about what you expect from your team and service providers. Where they are not performing, communicate this and agree on how things can be improved

- Understand that it is turning into a ‘buyers’ market and that the right capabilities can be found at a better price. Use this to leverage your situation with service providers

Bill Thomas, Managing Director; HR Practice EquaTerra (EU & Asia Pacific) is available for interview on this topic.

EquaTerra (www.EquaTerra.com) is a leading sourcing advisory firm.

Turn the TV off this festive season - art & craft gift ideas to encourage kids creativity

The current range of art & craft products from Creative Charlie has something for every budget this Christmas, and provide an opportunity for adult and child to engage together in creative and green play.

Make Jewellery - £4.99
A great stocking filler. The box contains enough recycled paper beads and elastic thread to make a couple of necklaces, or a few bracelets. Packaged in a recycled cardboard box.

Travel Pack - £9.99
Keep the little ones entertained if you are planning a trip over the holidays. There are lots of paper-based things to do, along with a pack of recycled colouring pens, neatly contained in a recycled document wallet.

Make Hats - £10.99
Everything you need to make up to six hats. There are two paintbrushes and glue spreaders included, so that two children can create at the same time, and there is also a crown template - perfect for Christmas day!

Paint Your Own T-Shirt - £19.99
Budding fashion designers can design and paint their own t-shirt. In this box you will find a 100% organic cotton t-shirt, water-based textile paints, paintbrushes and a kids apron made from recycled juice packs.

Rainy Day Box - £29.99
An award-winning product, that is packed full of activities and materials to keep children busy over Christmas and New Year.

"It's value as a creative resource is immense and it incorporates flexible and enjoyable activities, as well as helping to teach children about the environment. Adaptable, original and a lot of fun!" A few of the comments made about the Rainy Day Box by the Practical Pre-School Award testers.

Notes to editors:

All products are available from www.creativecharlie.com.

The products have all been designed and put together in the UK, using child-friendly materials which are either recycled or can be reused.

The Rainy Day Box was the overall winner of the Practical Pre-School Awards 2008, toys and games category.

Both the Make Hats and the Rainy Day Box are available with either right or left-handed scissors, ensuring that all children can interact.

Antony Worrall Thompson links up with Morrison's for a fantastic Christmas treat!

Antony Worrall Thompson has linked up with Morrison’s supermarket to offer his freshly baked crispy croutini and crunchy breadsticks at 25% off from November 17 until after Christmas.

The croutini and breadsticks are perfect for party nibbles – and have a bright red sticker to highlight this so you can find them easily in the crackers and savoury biscuits aisle at your local Morrison’s. You’ll find them in a carefully designed shelf tray – developed by Antony’s team to help keep the snacks in perfect condition – for just 99p for a 90g bag.

There are three flavours to choose from and Antony has also created two toppings and a dip that make perfect party appetisers.

Olive Oil, Sea Salt & Rosemary breadsticks conjure up a heady taste of the Mediterranean even mid-winter! They go with a wide range of creamy dips and Antony recommends his Blue Cheese and Walnut Dip (recipe below).
Olive Oil, Sea Salt & Black Pepper croutini have Brazilian black pepper that bounces on your taste buds. Top with a slick of cream cheese and a curl of smoked salmon. Or try Antony’s quick, easy Mackerel Pate (recipe below).
Cheese, Garlic & Oregano croutini are a rich combination of Italian cheese, plump garlic and aromatic oregano. Top with red or green pesto and chopped olives. Or make into Antony’s Mini Tomato Bruschetta for a colourful start to your party (recipe below).

Antony says: “Handing round a plate of tasty bite-sized snacks is the perfect way to welcome guests and get people talking. My fresh-baked croutini and breadsticks take away all the fiddly preparation. Simply whiz up your dips and toppings in advance and chill in the fridge. Then just before you serve, top the croutini and fan the breadsticks around your dip. It’s such an easy way to impress and treat your guests!”

Freshly baked with the finest ingredients

Antony Worrall Thompson’s breadsticks and croutini are made from fresh dough into which the finest natural ingredients are baked. They contain no artificial additives, preservatives, colours, flavours, emulsifiers or dough improvers. Olive oil or rapeseed oil is used so that the snacks are naturally low in saturates and high in monounsaturates. In addition, they are guaranteed to be free from hydrogenated fats and genetically modified (GM) ingredients. They are all suitable for vegetarians.

Find these and other recipes plus more about Antony’s range of food, kitchen and lifestyle products at www.awtonline.co.uk.

Mini Tomato Bruschetta

Add a handful of pitted black olives and some ripped fresh basil leaves to a pot of fresh tomato salsa. Heap onto Antony Worrall Thompson Cheese, Garlic and Oregano Croutini, drizzle with olive oil and season to taste.

Smoked Mackerel Pate

Remove the skin from a pack of smoked mackerel and flake the fish into a blender. Add a 250g tub of light soft cream cheese , a teaspoon of horseradish and a squeeze of lemon. Gently blend until semi smooth. Spoon onto Antony Worrall Thompson Olive Oil, Sea Salt & Black Pepper Croutini.

Blue Cheese & Walnut Dip

Place 100g of any soft fresh blue cheese (such as Saint Agur or Roquefort), two tablespoons of mayonnaise, 150 ml of ½ fat sour cream and 25g of chopped walnuts in a large bowl and blend until smooth with a hand held electric blender or whisk. Add a further 25g of chopped walnuts and stir in to the finished dip. Serve with carrot batons and Antony Worrall Thompson Olive Oil, Sea Salt & Rosemary Breadsticks.

Topman Set to Launch New Range from Antony Price

Topman, the leading UK men's fashion retailer, has announced its partnership with Antony Price, one of Britain's most important fashion designers who has been designing clothes for a number of high profile celebrities since the 1960s.

The new range from Antony Price and Topman will focus largely on suits, coats and shirts with an emphasis on tailoring and quality. The collection has a definite 80s influence in the form of cropped jackets, elongated shoulders and slim trousers but has still been created with todays Topman customer in mind. Shirting is available in four styles ranging from a crisp white tuxedo shirt to black and grey military inspired tops whilst astrakan and burgundy fur coats compliment this luxurious collection perfectly.

Antony Price was the man behind some of rock and pop's most iconic fashion statements. He was stylist for the first eight Roxy Music albums, designed stage clothes for the Rolling Stones' 1969 US tour and was the man behind the classic "Transformer" album cover for Lou Reed. He has also designed outfits for the likes of David Bowie, Steve Strange and Duran Duran. He currently works from his home in the English countryside, creating made to measure clothing for an elite clientele including the Duchess of Cornwall, while a small range of his clothes are sold in A La Mode, a London boutique.

Gordon Richardson, design and product development director for Topman, commented: "As a young, eager fashion student in the mid to late '70s there were very few designers I could aspire to who understood the whole sexy notion of fashion and music that's now so blithely bantered around. Antony was out there on his own. It's a pleasure to be able to bring his whole rock and roll fashion aesthetic to a young Topman audience."

The Priceless range from Antony Price and Topman was launched to the British media at a dinner and party attended by Bryan Ferry, Pam Hogg, Nicky Haslam, Peter York and others at the legendary Mayfair nightclub, Tramp.

About Topman

Topman offers the latest in mens fashion, encompassing a range of styles to suit every shopper. Topman's extensive collection embraces everything from the latest fashion trends to classic pieces, and extends to footwear, accessories and formal wear. Topman also provide the simplest way to search for and buy mens clothing, placing it among the leading fashion retailers in the UK market today.

Science Minister launches World’s largest diffraction pattern at Diamond Light Source

During a visit to Diamond Light Source on Friday 7th November, Lord Drayson, the new Science Minister, launched the World’s largest diffraction pattern project by contributing a silver stitch to what will become the world’s largest diffraction pattern. The project, which will involve over 5000 people adding their stitches, has been created to provide a platform for scientists to explain their research to the public in an engaging and imaginative way.

Diffraction patterns are obtained by biomedical researchers during their experiments at Diamond and lead to a 3-D representation of the structure of a specific biological target, which can be used to help design cures for specific diseases. The diffraction pattern being created in the art and craft piece is that of a target called serine racemase, which is an important target in the fight against pain and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is one of the first ever collected for this specific biological target and the research was carried out by scientists from the pioneering Oxfordshire-based biopharmaceutical company, Evotec. The company undertakes regular research at Diamond and is kindly supporting this initiative.

Lord Drayson was delighted to get involved, he said: "I am pleased to be taking part in this thought provoking project, which will give members of the public an opportunity to appreciate the wide range of science taking place at Diamond. Over the next decades, Diamond will play a vital role to engage the young and the old in the exciting contribution science is making to society and will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers in the same way that cool projects in the 70s and 80s inspired me."

Anne Griffiths, a textile artist leading the project, is keen to start collecting more stitches, she says: “Having been involved with Diamond Light Source for several years I am delighted to be able to continue the relationship through this project. It is wonderful to be able to bring science and art together in this way and I am looking forward to gathering stitches from lots of different people over the next few months. This will enable us to create the world’s largest diffraction pattern and to help people understand more about the science behind the art.”

Dr John Barker, Group Leader of X-ray crystallography at Evotec, and his team achieved the featured diffraction pattern during beamtime at Diamond earlier this year. He says: “The information we gain from these diffraction patterns is vital to the progression of our research into serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and pain relief. It is fantastic that one of our diffraction patterns is now being used to create a unique work of art whilst at the same time widening access to science. Evotec is very pleased to be supporting Diamond Light Source in this initiative and we are looking forward to seeing it on display.”

The World’s largest diffraction pattern will receive stitches from far and wide as the project will be taken to Paris this week for its celebrations as European City of Science and to Chicago for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) meeting in February 2009.

Members of the public who are interested in sewing a stitch and finding out more about the dialogue project should visit www.diamond.ac.uk or email us at diamondcomms@diamond.ac.uk.

New faces at ConsumerChoices

ConsumerChoices.co.uk – a leading price comparison site for TV, home phone and broadband – is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its management team.

Seamour Rathore, an experienced editor and journalist, will be taking on the role of senior editor. Prior to joining ConsumerChoices.co.uk, Seamour previously worked as a features editor at IPC Inspire and a senior reporter at Bloomberg and has solid online/SEO experience as well as significant consumer and financial sector knowledge.

Murali Jonnada will join ConsumerChoices.co.uk taking on the role of senior developer. Murali has spent the last 4 years at travel and leisure website, Lastminute.com where he gained a wealth of experience in application software analysis, design, and web development.

Jon Ingram, director of ConsumerChoices.co.uk said: “We are very happy to welcome both Seamour and Murali to ConsumerChoices.co.uk and are delighted with the expertise they bring. Our company has more than doubled in size in the last 12 months and we need to support this expansion by recruiting dynamic and experienced individuals. In a competitive market, we need to ensure that our services are as comprehensive and consumer friendly as possible and I have no doubt that their appointments will greatly benefit users of our website.”

Ernest Jones and Leo Diamond launch £2000 travel voucher competition

Ernest Jones and the exclusive Leo Diamond have launched a joint competition to win £2000 worth of travel vouchers. This amazing prize can be redeemed on accommodation and travel to any international destination. The competition is open to visitors to the Ernest Jones website with no purchase necessary. To enter, all visitors have to do is sign up for the Ernest Jones newsletter and the holiday of a lifetime could be theirs.

The Ernest Jones email newsletter enables customers to keep track of offers and features up-to-the-minute information about special offers, discounts, competitions, gift vouchers and much more. For a chance to win the £2000 travel vouchers, all customers have to do is sign up to receive this newsletter. The Ernest Jones homepage has a link to the competition where customers can sign up by simply entering their email address.

The voucher can be redeemed at a leading travel agency for travel and accommodation to any location within the budget of £2000. In these credit crunch times, this is a truly amazing prize that would really make someone’s year.

Exclusive to Ernest Jones, the Diamond and Watch Specialist, the Leo Diamond has a patented cut and is the first diamond to be independently certified for its superior brilliance. For even greater allure, each Leo Diamond ring has a trademark ‘hidden’ diamond inside the band and features in a range of stunning diamond engagement rings, eternity rings, pendants and earrings.

Leo Schachter is one of the leading fine diamond companies. Its heritage encompasses a family of four generations of master artisans. The Leo Diamond is the pinnacle of more than 100 years of research and development. In the words of Leo Schachter himself; “The unique symmetry and placement of its facets result in fire, sparkle and brilliance that will take your breath away.”

The Ernest Jones website features regular offers, competitions and exclusives, such as up to 50% off their diamond engagement rings range this Christmas.

About Ernest Jones: The Diamond and Watch Specialist
Ernest Jones, the Diamond and Watch Specialist, has over 200 stores and a retail website at www.ernestjones.co.uk. Featuring a wide range of leading brand watches and high quality jewellery, Ernest Jones also has a stunning selection of gifts for all occasions. Ernest Jones is part of Signet Jewelers Limited, the world’s largest speciality retail jeweller.

UK-Swedish statement on EU-Russia relations

In a joint statement today on EU-Russian relations, the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, and the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Carl Bildt, said, "On 1st September, the European Council asked the Commission and Council Secretariat to undertake a review of all joint EU Russia activities. It also postponed negotiations with Russia over a new framework for the EU Russian cooperation agreement. "

EU Foreign Ministers will assess both the review and the question of whether to resume these negotiations at our meeting in Brussels today.

"Next week, the Strategic European Energy review will also be completed. It will propose measures to diversify the EU's sources of energy, reducing over-dependence on Russian oil and gas in favour of other suppliers and promoting the development of renewable energy sources.

"Russia's disproportionate actions in the summer against Georgia - in clear violation of international law - continue to cast a shadow over the EU's relationship with Russia. It has changed the character and atmosphere of the EU's cooperation and political dialogue with Moscow.

"Sweden and the UK welcome the fact that Russian troops have withdrawn from the areas adjacent to the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in a way that has enabled EU monitors to start to deploy.

"However, we are deeply concerned that Russia has not yet withdrawn to its pre 7 August positions as the EU has made clear that it must. We therefore urge Russia to fully implement both the 12 August and 8 September EU brokered peace agreements. We are also concerned that OSCE as well as EU monitors have still been prevented from entering South Ossetia.

"We continue to support Georgia's territorial integrity and urge all parties to take an active and constructive role in the Geneva talks that will recommence on 18 November. We applaud the commitments made at the donor conference on Georgia on 22 October and look forward to their being carried through.

"While noting that a strategic partnership with Russia, based on common values is not in place as of today, we can support resuming negotiations on the new EU Russia Framework agreement because we believe that the issues that will be covered are in the EU's interests as well as Russia's.

"We need and want to work with Russia. Negotiations on the agreement are a pragmatic way of pursuing our interests across a range of important issues, like energy, climate change and trade, as well as deepening the rules based framework to our relationship. At the same time, we look forward to deciding what further actions the EU might take in the light of its review of other EU Russian activities.

"We believe that the EU should be clear about the basis on which it is resuming the negotiations. We are not returning to business as usual, nor are we turning the page on the conflict in Georgia. The EU will stick to the tough mandate that has been agreed for the negotiations.

"We will also ask other EU Ministers to agree to keep the overall EU Russia relationship under regular review. We are confident of the possibility of maintaining the unity of the Union around this hard headed approach".

Oats. They taste good and they are good!

The message that just 3 grams of oats a day can help lower cholesterol levels has definitely been taken to heart by the nation with sales of Oatly oat drinks, http://www.oatly.com, doubling over the last two years with around 3.5 million packs being sold. A staggering 41% growth year on year up to the end of September 2008 proves that Brits have taken on the message that getting your oats can really help your health.

Just one 250ml glass of Oatly provides a third (1g) of the daily requirement of beta-glucans (soluble fibre) for cholesterol reduction. With four delicious varieties of Oatly to try (Enriched, Organic, Chocolate and Dairy-Free Alternative to Cream), it’s never been easier to enjoy the health benefits of oats every day.

Professor Rickard Öste, Professor of Food Chemistry at the Lund Institute of Technology in Sweden, who helped develop Oatly, explains “In a large number of clinical studies, oats have been proven to have characteristics that reduce cholesterol. The secret lies in the water-soluble fibres contained in oats (also known as beta-glucans), which are activated on their way through the intestinal tract. These beta-glucans are thought to have a cholesterol lowering effect. Today increasing numbers of people consume medication to bring down their cholesterol count and/or foods that contain substances similar to such medication. In contrast to such strategies, oats have the great advantage that they are a natural food and that there is no risk of overdosing.”

Dr Carrie Ruxton who conducted a recent study on oats for Weetabix, comments “This review provides further evidence that regular oat consumption is an effective dietary strategy for helping reduce cardiovascular disease risk”. The review showed that eating just 3 grams of oats a day could help lower levels of cholesterol by up to 17 per cent.

It seems that Brits are happy to make small, easy changes to their eating habits, such as consuming more oats, if it means that they’ll be healthier without feeling deprived. Consumption of fruit and veg in the UK has risen since the five-a-day campaign began in 2002 from 94kg a person to 113 kg in 2007². Sales of bottled water have also risen over the same period according to the British Bottled Water Producers³ as the eight glasses a day message seeps through: 29 litres was the average consumption per person in 2002 rising to 36 litres in 2007.

So how can you get your oats? Starting the day with a wholesome bowl of porridge has long been acknowledged as a great way to fill you up as well as delivering an oaty boost: the beta-glucans in oats provide a slow assimilation of carbohydrates leading to a prolonged sense of feeling full which makes it easier to stop reaching for snacks between meals. Try our delicious porridge recipe below for a great way to get a double dose of oaty goodness every day.

If porridge isn’t your breakfast of choice, Oatly oat drinks make a great low-fat addition to a fruit smoothie as well as being a tasty, refreshing drink on their own. Try using Oatly with your morning cereal too – the Chocolate version is bound to go down well with the kids. And Oatly is heat-stable, so it is also ideal for use in cooking and baking instead of dairy milk or cream in dishes like Fish Pie, Mediterranean Vegetable Pancakes and Italian Chocolate Trifles. Check out the range of delicious sweet and savoury recipes on http://www.oatly.com.

Cookery expert Lorna Rhodes comments, ““Nature has given us a range of delicious foods which not only taste good but are good for us as well: so all we need to do is make sure that we eat enough different foods and swap some of the more calorie laden choices for healthier options. Oatly is a healthy and tasty alternative to milk and soya which is low in saturated fat and high in fibre. “ Her recipe for Lemon Drizzle Cake shows that getting your oats needn't be boring.

Oatly oat drinks are also lactose, milk protein and soya free, so they’re great too for anyone who suffers from milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance and/or an allergy to soya.

Available from all major supermarkets, Holland & Barrett and independent health food stores, Oatly Organic and Oatly Enriched cost £1.39/1 litre, Oatly Chocolate is £1.49/1 litre and Oatly Dairy-Free Alternative to Cream is 79p/250ml. Oatly stays fresh for 4-5 days in the refrigerator after opening.

PERFECT PORRIDGE
Serves: 1
Preparation: 5 minutes

50g jumbo porridge oats
250ml Oatly Enriched or Organic
Honey to sweeten
Fruit to serve, eg blueberries, strawberries or dried fruit

1. Put the oats and Oatly into a small saucepan. Heat and when it comes to simmer, lower the heat and stir for 2-3 minutes.
2. If you prefer a sloppier porridge, add a little more Oatly. Pour into a bowl, add fruit and drizzle over honey.

LEMON DRIZZLE CAKE

Serves: 10
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes

3 unwaxed lemons
300g plain flour
3 tsp baking powder
300g caster sugar
175g sunflower margarine or butter
2 large eggs
250ml carton Oatly Cream
Lemon Glaze:
100g golden granulated sugar

1. Grease a 20cm/8” round spring-form tin and line the base and sides with baking parchment. Pre-heat the oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan) gas mark 4.
2. Finely grate the rind from the lemons, squeeze the juice and reserve for glaze.
3. Sieve the flour and baking powder into a bowl, stir in the sugar than add the margarine. With an electric hand whisk, beat until the mixture looks like fine crumbs.
4. Beat together the lemon zest, eggs and Oatly Cream then add to the flour mixture and beat together.
5. Pour into the prepared tin and bake in the middle shelf of the oven for 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven and makes several pricks with a cocktail stick over the top of the cake.
6. Mix together the lemon juice and sugar for the glaze and spoon evenly over the warm cake. Leave to cool in the tin.
7. Either serve with fresh fruits as a dessert or simply enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tip, store in an airtight tin for 3-4 days
If preferred, grease and line a shallow baking tin approx 30x23cm/12x9in and bake the mixture for 40 minutes. When cool cut into 24 squares.

NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS PER SERVING:
412 kcals
5g protein
20g fat (of which 4g saturated)
57g carbohydrate (of which 32g sugar)
0.7g salt

(EDITOR: Whilst recently enjoying a desert with some delicious cream poured over it, I commented to my wife: "That's odd. I didn't know we had any dairy cream in the fridge?" To which she replied: "We haven't That's the Oatly Cream you were sure you could tell wasn't 'real' cream!")

FotoInsight Opens the Internet Deco Shop with Laminated Posters, Photo on Canvas Prints and Floating Frames from Nielsen

Online poster and canvas services will usually only print the customer’s image. FotoInsight is launching its new “Deco Shop”, where a matching, natural wood frame can be combined with a mounted canvas or laminated poster. Large format prints from own digital photographs will then be delivered mounted and framed, ready to decorate the wall at home or in an office.

Cambridge. 6 November 2008. – The resolution of digital cameras is rising constantly. Many digital photographs could impress at home or in an office meeting room, when printed as a laminated poster or a stretched canvas in a floating frame. With the right image it makes a worthy gift not just at Christmas.

FotoInsight, a specialist serving amateur and professional photographers alike, prints canvases in different sizes from 20x30 cm / 12”x8” (minimum resolution 800 x 1100 pixel) to 60x80 cm / 32”x24” (2500 x 3300 pixel recommended). FotoInsight states that it uses man made optimised fibres and fade-resistant "archival" inks to guarantee longevity and brilliant colours. The hi-tech inks penetrate deep into the fabric and can therefore be printed and mounted over the edges of the wooden frame. Standardised sizes allow a largely automatic production process. According to FotoInsight this ensures constant quality and long durability at lower prices for the first time.


NEW: Laminated and framed poster prints
While a photo canvas print will be stretched over a wooden frame, FotoInsight can also mount posters onto a "Deco-block“, specially made to hang the laminated and framed posters straight onto a wall. The so called Deco-block was originally developed to hang art prints. It simulates the wood frame used to stretch a canvas. FotoInsight laminates the poster prints onto the block and then seales the surface with a layer of matt UV-protection vanish. The sealed surface warrants a much improved humidity and UV-resistance. The website provides a preview of the poster to help choose among a range of Nielsen wood frames.


Collage Poster Tool
With the new version of software its “Designer” FotoInsight provides tools to create collage posters. For a collage up to 98 images can be layered to form a single poster print, which optionally can come laminated and framed.

Framed poster and canvas prints elevate holiday snaps to impressive works of art. The fine structure of a canvas lends an artistic impression and adds depth when stretched over a 1/2“ deep frame. A large, framed photo print becomes a unique piece of art and an ideal present, most appropriate to decorate a home or an imposing office space. Photo canvas printing is also well suited for digital art created with image editing software tools and filters. FotoInsight's Managing Director Klaas Brumann states: "The traditional canvas print has received a completely new importance. At FotoInsight we offer the high print quality for impressive prints.“ Unlike a poster behind a glass frame a canvas print, with its fine structure looks thorough and avoids reflections. "Quality is our priority. All materials we use are subject to extensive testing and are guaranteed by their manufacturers to last 100 years. This guarantee extends to poster printing on real photographic paper as well as to the canvas print", emphasises Dr. Rolf Hollander, CEO of FotoInsight's production partner and Europe's largest photo finisher.


Convenient and flexible
Ordering framed prints in FotoInsight's Deco Shop is as easy as with traditional photographic prints, poster or photo books. A clearly structured overview of formats and costs with their respective recommended resolution come together with a user friendly interface at http://www.photo-canvas-printing.co.uk/.

FotoInsight’s Head of Communications states: “The mounted canvas print is an ideal present. And the collage photo poster feature is a great addition for families.” The hi-tech production processes enable FotoInsight to provide the framed laminated poster prints from £17.99 (postage & packaging from £2.80) – prices well below of what used to be expected from framed prints, make it an ideal present. Orders should be placed at least two weeks in advance to ensure delivery in time for Christmas.