A fun and exciting free weekly Creative Hub offering a range of activities for babies and toddlers, and for children aged five – nine is coming to Balham this summer. The Balham Creative Hub, which will feature two different age groups and will entertain the children with drama, dance and singing, is being held at Balham Library Hall, Ramsden Road, SW12. The Hub will run for six consecutive Saturdays beginning on July 26th until August 30th. Activities for babies and toddlers and their grown-ups, will run from 10am to 10.45am. Activities for children aged five-nine will start at 11am until 11.45am.…
Browsing: Lifestyle
Triple lock pensions are set to cost £15.5bn by 2030 The end of the triple lock pension could be inevitable due to the increasing cost of providing it to the UK’s aging population, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Tomm Adams, a Partner at the firm, said: “We will likely see the triple lock pension end when the current Parliament does, as the cost of providing it to the UK’s aging population is increasing and Government debt is rising.” He added: “The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) recently warned that the triple lock pension is set…
The Government must communicate with and support retail businesses Online retailers are also struggling due to increased staffing costs caused by higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and minimum wage, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Mark Cunningham, a Partner at the firm, said: “The primarily online maternity fashion brand, Seraphine, going into administration is a reminder that it’s not just high street retailers struggling with higher staffing costs due to the Government’s tax and employment policies.” He added: “Retail businesses that employ a high proportion of lower paid workers are among those facing the most financial…
Bestselling author Lisa Jewell made a splash in Glasgow this week as she attended two Bookface Sip & Swap events to launch her latest thriller, Don’t Let Him In. Over 250 guests turned out across two city centre venues to hear from the chart-topping writer, who has sold more than 15 million books worldwide. Hosted by Bookface founder, broadcaster and avid reader Heather Suttie, the sell-out events were a chance for readers to meet Jewell up close, hear about her writing process, and swap pre-loved books over a drink. The informal Q&A sessions gave fans a chance to ask questions…
Aspray is celebrating after being named a finalist in the prestigious 2025 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, in the hotly contested Franchise Support category. The business, which manages property damage insurance claims on behalf of policyholders nationwide, is headquartered in Lancashire. Since launching its franchise model in 2005, it has grown to 45 franchisees across the UK. The BFA (British Franchise Association) is the UK’s leading authority on franchising, dedicated to upholding ethical business practices and high standards. Established in 1977, it empowers businesses and individuals through accreditation, education, and expert guidance. There are 56 finalists in the 2025…
The Charles, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Munich, unveils a glamourous new makeover as it completes the extensive renovation of its ground fl oor. The new design, created by Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen in collaboration with Olga Polizzi, features a vibrant new colour palette complimented by a lush botanical theme, which fl ows from the redesigned lobby, to the stylish Florio Restaurant and Bar, and through to the newly opened Circle Bar. The reimaged lobby offers a grand welcome to hotel guests and visitors, featuring a striking central table framed by elegant statues and lavish floral arrangements. A curved…
Those are the findings of a new report by RTA Law, who analysed the latest search data to find out how many times places across the country search for terms like ‘How to dispute a speeding ticket’, ‘Speeding ticket lawyer’, ‘Fight traffic ticket’, and 1892 similar keywords. The research revealed that London has seen the biggest increase in searches over the past few years. From May 2021 to April 2022 the terms were only searched an average of 64430 times a month. However, this shot up to 90860 in May 2024 to April 2025. That’s a record-setting 41% rise. Greater Manchester came…
A journalist recently asked “Are sticks safe for dogs to play with?” and it got me thinking about news headlines dating back over a decade, warning us not to throw sticks for our dogs to fetch. But what exactly are the dangers of dogs playing with sticks? Why dogs shouldn’t play with sticks? Throwing and fetching a stick is not just a harmless game to play with your dog on a country walk or at a visit to the park; it can be dangerous and can even be fatal. But let’s be real. You are on a walk, your dog’s…
Anchord, the groundbreaking new luxury raffle company, has officially launched, giving participants the exclusive opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime week-long superyacht holiday for six people – every single month. This is a unique opportunity to live like the ultra-wealthy and experience the lavish lifestyle of the elite. With online entries starting at just £10 and free postal entries also available, participants could be setting sail on a stunning 25-45m superyacht, cruising to the world’s most glamorous destinations. Anchord’s innovative approach allows everyone—from dreamers to adventurers—to indulge in extraordinary experiences without breaking the bank. The prize includes everything needed for the perfect getaway: a luxury yacht charter,…
Stress of HMRC enquires causes some victims to attempt suicide HMRC is harming taxpayers who have been financially abused, with some victims even attempting suicide due to the stress of dealing with the Revenue’s enquiries, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Fiona Fernie, a Partner at the firm, said: “In my experience, HMRC staff do not recognise that victims of financial abuse are vulnerable and do not treat them with compassion when making enquiries.” She added: “I had a client whose husband hid funds which were paid into their joint account and were legally his wife’s…