Author: Karen Contrino

If you are thinking about a career change later in life, you are in good company. More people are embracing new paths at every age, proving that a shift in work can be energising, fulfilling and –especially in franchising – well supported. Franchising offers a fantastic opportunity for those ready to bring their life skills into something new, regardless of age. There is a common misconception that franchising is best suited to young go-getters in their twenties or thirties. While those starting out earlier in life between 20 and 40 certainly benefit from building long-term business careers, the truth is…

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Walter Stojash, celebrated hairdressing maestro and National Most Influential 2024 award recipient, is set to unveil his exclusive Imperial Collection at WS Hair Pro’s newest location on Queen Street in the City of London. This prestigious event, scheduled for March 8, 2025, promises to be a highlight for the industry, bringing together noble families from various monarchies, serene highnesses, esteemed industry professionals, celebrities, and journalists to experience a new standard in luxury hair artistry. Walter Stojash, whose heritage traces back to the Masovian Piast dynasty—the first royal house of Poland—and the noble Ostoja Clan, brings a blend of historical significance…

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Johanne Narayn aka Flamingo Arts Emporium is proud to announce the latest solo exhibition by celebrated British artist Johanne, titled “A Colourful Lime.” Running from 5th to December 8th 2024, this collection offers an immersive journey into nature’s exuberant beauty, with vivid depictions of flora and fauna inspired by the artist’s personal experiences and cultural heritage. Johanne, a versatile artist with roots in Trinidad and Ireland, brings her vibrant world to canvas through expressive acrylic paintings on linen. Each piece in “A Colourful Lime” radiates positivity and peace, capturing the artist’s lifelong fascination with the natural world. The exhibition explores…

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YORK OVERTAKES EDINBURGH TO BECOME THE MOST POPULAR UK CHRISTMAS MARKET LOCATION FOR THE FIRST TIME York has claimed the top spot as the UK’s most-searched Christmas market location, marking a notable shift in holiday destination trends this year. This exciting development comes from York-based SEO agency, Nomada Digital (https://www.nomadadigital.co.uk/), who have analysed October’s Google search trends to identify the most popular UK Christmas markets. The results showcase York as the top choice for festive celebrations, reflecting a +22% increase in search interest over last year, with 90,500 average monthly searches in October 2024. YORK’S STEADY CLIMB OVERTAKES EDINBURGH AND…

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From the minds that brought you The Bowls Club, The Winters of The World is here to redefine Christmas parties in the capital. A winter extravaganza nestled in Finsbury Square, open from 2nd December – 20th December only, this unique and globally inspired venue will treat those who visit to an unparalleled festive experience. Setting a new standard for festive traditions and celebrations, if you’re looking for the perfect venue for a friendsmas gathering or even a work party, Winters of The World allows you to dive headfirst into winter traditions from all over the world – all without the need to travel. Wander through the…

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Did you know that 78% of customers are willing to spend more on sustainable, eco-friendly, ethically-made products? As consumer interest in ethical and sustainable shopping continues to rise, Pedddle is meeting this demand by promoting artisan markets, many of which prioritise responsible production, local craftsmanship and other eco-friendly values. Shopping within your local area automatically reduces your carbon footprint, and many of the businesses that Pedddle work with source eco-friendly products themselves, therefore every purchase from them will be more ethically environmental in turn. As a platform, Pedddle connects conscious consumers with independent makers and markets that focus on sustainability,…

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In an era dominated by digital mass production, the preservation of artisan skills has never been more crucial. Traditional crafts not only offer unique, high-quality, handmade products, but they also foster a sense of community and cultural heritage that modern manufacturing lacks. Handcrafted goods reflect individuality, creativity, and sustainability – values that today’s consumers are increasingly seeking. Artisan businesses are keeping these skills alive by passing down time-honoured techniques that define local identities and promote thoughtful consumerism. It is these values which we must all work together to preserve. Caitlin, a Manager at Pedddle, comments, “AI can certainly help us…

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As the nights draw in and winter is well and truly upon us, it is the season of new beginnings for the UK’s market-leading nursery franchise, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, with three new sites in Horsham, Sevenoaks and Stevenage. Monkey Puzzle Horsham, a brand-new setting run by new franchisees Bhabani and Sampa Sahoo, opened to the public in the early autumn. The husband-and-wife duo dreamed of opening their own nursery, explained Bhabani: “It was the perfect time. We looked into running our own nursery to start with, but our research showed we needed the backing of a franchise – Monkey…

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As the holiday season approaches, Peter Bowen Art invites you to discover the perfect gift that beautifully combines artistry and functionality: our exquisite handmade ceramic clocks. This Christmas, give the gift that not only tells time but also tells a story—one that will last for years to come. Crafted by renowned artist Peter Bowen, each ceramic clock is a unique masterpiece that showcases the beauty of hand-crafted art. With intricate designs and earthy colours, these clocks are more than just timekeepers; they are stunning additions to any home decor. Whether displayed in a living room, kitchen, or office, a ceramic…

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CLOWD9, a leading cloud-native, B-Corp certified issuer processor, is excited to announce its strategic agreement and certification with Discover® Global Network, a prominent global payments network. This relationship marks a significant milestone in the realm of cross-border payments and issuer processing, ensuring enhanced services for customers worldwide. Driven by specific customer demand, the collaboration with Discover Global Network allows CLOWD9 to offer a third network option for fintechs and programme managers, expanding opportunities for cross-border card issuance. Notably, CLOWD9 has prioritised offering both virtual and physical cards through this work, demonstrating its commitment to providing comprehensive payment solutions. Suresh Vaghjiani,…

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