Author: Karen Contrino

Corteva Agriscience has warned that weeds are continuing to emerge and grow in oilseed rape crops later than usual due to unseasonably mild temperatures.  Weeds are growing rapidly which, if unchecked, could be detrimental to the crop. While the national picture varies, later-drilled crops are still small and weeds are only just coming through. Where early-drilled rape established well, crops are forward with large canopies. Warmer weather also means most growers have the conditions to apply autumn herbicides to control key problem weeds. Joe Martin, Oilseed Rape Herbicides Field Technical Manager, said: “After last autumn when many farms either struggled to…

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WHAT OTHER FINANCIAL OPTIONS ARE THERE TO HELP BUSINESSES NAVIGATE RISING COSTS Novuna Business Cash Flow (https://www.novuna.co.uk/business-cash-flow/), a leading provider of financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has reviewed the UK’s latest budget announcement, which introduces significant changes expected to impact businesses across the country. As of the 30 October budget, the UK government has raised employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15%, marking one of the highest rates on record in recent times. Coupled with a 6.7% increase in the minimum wage for over-21s, now set at £12.21 per hour, these shifts pose a formidable financial…

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In this winter-warming Spid the Spider adventure, Spid and friends visit the Highlands. What sets this adventure apart is its unique blend of entertainment and education for children aged 4-10 years. While delivering laughs and thrills, it also reimagines aspects of late 13th and early 14th-century Scottish history, in particular, a spidery tale involving Robert the Bruce. In the story, Spid reads about King Robert the Spid of Glenthistle in a history book, and then decides to visit his cousin, Hamish McSpid, who lives there. However, Spid and his friends have hardly arrived when strange things begin to happen. Of…

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This holiday season, Hedges & Hurdles Country Skills & Crafts invites you to experience the magic of a sustainable Christmas with hands-on wreath-making and creative Willow Craft workshops that blend festive cheer, traditional craft, and environmental stewardship. As a holder of the prestigious Trade Mark Surrey Hills, Hedges & Hurdles transforms Willow, seed heads, dried grasses, and a range of coppiced and foraged foliage into enchanting holiday decorations that are as gentle on the earth as they are beautiful. Hosted at stunning Surrey Hills locations like Hogs Back Brewery in Farnham, Albury Organic Vineyard in Shere, Birtley Woodland Art Space…

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Award winning stand-up comedian and viral sensation Finlay Christie has announced his second UK tour with his critically acclaimed second hour ‘I Deserve This’. The show, directed by Bobby Mair, was a major hit at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe with a sold out run and extra shows at the Monkey Barrel.   The 25-year-old was also nominated for a prestigious Malcolm Hardie award for the ‘Act That Should Make a Million Quid’ and won a WoW (Week on Week) Award that are given to shows recommended as outstanding by Entertainment Now.   His debut hour “OK Zoomer” was not only nominated for NextUp’s “Best Show”…

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Pedddle is proud to be part of the paper craft renaissance happening at artisan markets, which we’re set to see in Christmas 2024, and throughout 2025. Card-giving for occasions has seen a downturn in recent years, as many consumers favour e-cards for both financial and sustainable reasons. However, nothing can truly replace the personalisation and nostalgia of paper craft in all forms, from cards to journalling. Rebecca from Pedddle states, “mindfulness and sustainability have been a huge focus for consumers in recent years, and for makers as a result. Things like journalling have seen an uptake, and customers are seeking…

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“This government appears committed to addressing the tough financial realities they’ve inherited, and for that, I commend them. However, it’s ironic that the hardest-working segment in our country – families who run small businesses – are being hit the hardest by these ‘Make Work Pay’ changes. While I’m relieved the Employment Allowance offers some relief for the smallest businesses, who often struggle the most with covering their costs and complying with the seemingly endless rules on tax and employment, the recent focus on ‘protecting the workers’ has created a sense of a ‘them-and-us’ divide in this Budget. Small businesses account…

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Leading female AI / Cyber / data expert, Alina Timofeeva’s reaction to today’s Autumn Statement. Alina is associate partner level with experience in FinTech/Ai/Cyber at the Big Four with clients including Santander, HSBC, JP Morgan Chase, Nat West and Credit Suisse. Alina Timofeeva says: “Innovation” was made a key priority in the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget with more than £20 billion funding for the science sector. I welcome the public investment in the UK – however, it is disappointing to not hear about plans to protect the cybersecurity needed so desperately for our country, given the recent scandals including the NHS,…

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Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA) and Medefer have announced the positive outcomes of their Targeted Prostate Health Check (TPHC) programme in a new report: https://medefer.com/early-detection-of-prostate-cancer/ This award-winning programme has raised awareness of prostate cancer, with 83% of participants gaining a better understanding of the importance of early detection, compared to a global awareness level of 74%. The programme successfully filled the gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and has now ended. Lessons from the project are being used to support Prostate Cancer UK’s TRANSFORM trial, a £42m research project aimed at finding the best way to screen men for prostate…

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“Productivity starts with a smile,” says Jasmine Tella, founder and Face Yoga expert. “By helping employees manage stress and boost wellbeing, WORKwell is designed to create a happier, more resilient workforce and reduce the factors driving absenteeism.” Introducing WORKwell by Jasmine Tella Face Yoga: A Corporate Wellness Program That Combines Stress Relief with Team Bonding for Today’s Workforce London, UK – Jasmine Tella Face Yoga is thrilled to launch WORKwell, a corporate wellness program tailored for today’s digital workplace. Traditional wellness programs focus primarily on relaxation, but WORKwell goes further, combining scientifically supported Face Yoga techniques with team-building elements that…

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