Business London Press

New data shows what ‘big shop’ favourites could cost in 2038

Lifestyle

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13/10/2023

New data shows what ‘big shop’ favourites could cost in 2038

New research from Moneyboat has predicted how much certain food items could cost by 2038 if they continue to rise in the same way they have in the last 15 years.

The cost-of-living crisis has played a big part in the cost of food in the UK rising quickly, but the cost of food has been rising steadily over the years anyway.

Using government ONS figures from the RPI: Ave Price index, the study looked at how much certain foods had cost in 2008 and how much they cost now in 2023 to reveal the amount they’ve increased in price.

The top 10 items that have increased the most and how much they would cost by 2038:

1. Salmon – 98.64% increase

Salmon is one of the most popular fish in the world, and its high demand, overfishing, pollution, and climate change, have massively impacted the increase in prices. In the last 15 years, salmon has seen a whopping increase of 98.64% in its average price across supermarkets – if it carried on increasing like this, by 2038, it would cost £37.68 per kg, or £9.79 for the average packet size of two fillets (weighing roughly 260g).

2. White fish – 93.46% increase

Not far behind salmon, white fish has also seen a whopping increase in the last 15 years, with prices seeing a 93.46% hike, meaning white fish (such as cod, haddock, and plaice) could cost £37.76 per kg, or, for a standard 260g pack containing two fillets, £9.82.

3. Sausages – 90.49% increase

Over the last 15 years, the price of sausages has increased by 90.49%. For a kg, they currently cost an average of £6.61, but if inflation carried on in the same trend, they could cost £12.59, or £5.04 for a pack of six (weighing 400g).

4. Butter – 85.83% increase

Butter has seen an 85.83% increase since 2008, with prices currently sitting at an average of £2.36 for 200g worth. This means that by 2038, a 200g tub of butter could be costing Brits £4.39.

5. Tomatoes – 85.29% increase

Tomatoes currently cost about £3.15 for every kg; however, this price has increased by 85.29% in the last 15 years. If prices carried on increasing at the same rate, a kg of tomatoes could cost £5.84.

6. Milk – 75% increase

A pint of milk has increased by 75% in price, currently costing an average of 70p. By 2038 this could be costing Brits £1.23 per pint, or £4.90 for a typical 4-pint carton.

7. Coffee – 70.1% increase

Currently costing Brits an average of £3.30 for a standard tub, coffee has seen an increase of 70.1% in the last 15 years, which means in the next 15 years, a tub of coffee could cost as much as £5.61.

8. Grapes – 59.18% increase

Grapes have increased in price by 59.18% since 2008, currently costing an average of £4.25 for every kg. In the next 15 years, this means a kg of grapes could cost £6.77, or £2.71 for a standard 400g punnet.

9. Mince – 57.83% increase

A kg of minced meat typically costs Brits £7.86, which is a 57.83% increase since 2008. If prices carried on rising this way, it could cost £12.41 for a kg, or £6.20 for a standard 500g packet.

10. Pears – 56.2% increase

Pears have also seen a large increase in their costs in the last 15 years. In the last 15 years, they’ve increased by 56.2%, meaning by 2038 a standard pack of pears could cost £3.34 (per kg).

Another food item that has seen prices skyrocket is cheese, which over the last 15 years has seen prices increase by 39.43%, meaning a standard block could cost £5.15 by 2038.

How to make food last longer to decrease your weekly food shop spending

1. Wrap hard cheese in parchment paper

Ditch the plastic packaging and wrap hard cheese in parchment or baking paper, which allows the cheese to breathe and keeps it from drying out. It can also prevent any extra moisture and mould from growing. Hard cheese can usually last up to four weeks when stored correctly in the fridge.

2. Vinegar-bathe your veggies

A great way to disinfect all your fruits and veggies is to give them a vinegar bath. The vinegar solution should have a 1:3 ratio of vinegar to water in a bowl or your clean sink. Empty your produce into the solution and let sit for 15 minutes. Once done, you can rinse and thoroughly dry your produce before moving them into their respective storage containers.

The vinegar solution disinfects, cleans, and removes any bacteria from the produce that might break down the food quicker. The solution won’t be strong enough that you can taste it on the product but it will allow your veggies to last for up to two weeks!

3. Ice your bread

If your bread has become stale, grab an ice cube, and run it over the loaf before popping it into the oven for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also douse the loaf in water. This adds moisture to the bread and makes it edible again. The bread should then be used within the day. A freshly made loaf of bread can last up to four days, whereas a store-bought loaf will last up to one week.

Daniel Saunders at Moneyboat said: “The cost of living is affecting us all in different ways right now, but one way we’re all feeling that penny-pinch is in the weekly shop with the cost of food rising so sharply in recent months.

“With this in mind, we were interested to see just what prices of food would look like if they continued to rise the way they have done over the last 15 years, showing that some of our favourite items could be rather costly!”

Further info from the study can be found here: https://www.moneyboat.co.uk/blog/the-cost-of-food-index/

Stanislav Kondrashov Explores the History of Photography: Origins to the Present Day

News Desk

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13/10/2023

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Stanislav Kondrashov Explores the History of Photography: Origins to the Present Day

Stanislav Kondrashov’s latest publication, titled “The evolution of photography by Stanislav Kondrashov,” provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the history of photography. Kondrashov emphasises that photography is not only a significant art form but also a creative means of documenting the events of our time.

In his work, Kondrashov traces the entire history of photography, from its earliest beginnings to the contemporary era, highlighting the profound social and cultural impacts driven by the evolution of this medium. According to the author, photography represents a harmonious fusion of artistic expression and cutting-edge technological progress.

Kondrashov places particular emphasis on the pivotal role of Louis Daguerre, who introduced the daguerreotype in 1839. This invention allowed for the capture of specific moments in time, preserving them for eternity. According to Kondrashov, this was not merely a discovery but a true revolution in the history of visual representation.

The author continues to elucidate the evolution of photography, noting that in the twentieth century, cameras became accessible to a broader segment of the population. This democratisation allowed individuals to capture significant moments in their lives and store them in a physical medium.

The publication further delves into the transformative phases that propelled photography to its contemporary developments. This includes the introduction of color film in the 1930s, which breathed new life into black and white photography. Additionally, Kondrashov discusses the birth of the Polaroid camera in 1947, which enabled instant viewing of captured images, eliminating the need to wait for film development.

With the advent of digital technology and computers, photography entered a new era. Pixels gradually replaced film, memory cards supplanted physical albums, and modern smartphones gained the ability to capture high-quality photographs. These technological advancements, according to Kondrashov, have brought immediacy and connectivity to the world of photography like never before.

In conclusion, Stanislav Kondrashov’s publication sheds light on the rich history of photography and its evolution into the digital age. The author underscores how photography has evolved from capturing moments in time to becoming a dynamic and interconnected medium, shaping the way we document and share our lives. For a more in-depth exploration of this topic, readers are encouraged to read the full publication and watch the video.

Next eyes up Fat Face as new acquisition

News
Retail

News Desk

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13/10/2023

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Next eyes up Fat Face as new acquisition

Retail giant Next is on the verge of finalising a major deal to acquire fashion chain, Fat Face according to media reports.

Next – which already has 500 high street stores – would take over the operation of around 180 Fat Face outlets if the acquisition goes ahead.

According to a recent report from Sky News, the agreement for this potential takeover could be reached as early as this week.

This development would mark another strategic move for Next, following its successful acquisition of Joules, Made.com and Cath Kidston (not including its physical stores).

More recently, it increased its share in the fashion chain Reiss from 51% to 72%. These endeavors have contributed to the strengthening of its “Total Platform,” an online service suite catering to third-party brands.

Earlier this year, Next also acquired the floral fashion brand Cath Kidston, although the purchase did not include the brand’s physical stores.

The purchase of Fat Face is particularly significant given the company’s recent history.

In 2020, a group of lenders took over Hampshire-based Fat Face when the retail sector was grappling with the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Most recent FatFace accounts for the year to May 2022 showed it had recovered from the pandemic to revenues of almost £235 million and a profit after tax of £5.2 million.

Fat Face had engaged investment bank Rothschild to explore potential buyers for the business.

Next, Fat Face, and Rothschild have not provided any official statements.

Six years behind bars for manager who faked £1 million of invoices

News

News Desk

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13/10/2023

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Six years behind bars for manager who faked £1 million of invoices

A facilities manager who submitted fake invoices to suppliers has been jailed for six years along with a company director of a vendor he conspired with.

Paul Fitzsimmons, 49, of Royal Drive, Leicester, had been working at US firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP since the late 1990s, and as part of his duties, managed relationships with vendors of office and facilities supplies and services.

Over a three year period, it was estimated that Fitzsimmons duped fake invoices totalling over £1 million which were then sent to suppliers from his personal email and phone.

Jailed

He was jailed for six years at Southwark Crown Court on October 10.

Toby Britton, 53, of Manchester Drive, Essex, a director of one of the companies Fitzsimmons liaised with as part of his role, was also sentenced for four years and six weeks imprisonment at the same court.

Detective chief inspector Lee Parish, from the fraud operations team at the City of London Police, said: “Despite working for nearly twenty years at a prestigious law firm, it would appear that in itself was not enough for Fitzsimmons and that ultimately it was this greed that was his downfall.

“Fitzsimmons abused his trusted position as facilities manager for his own personal gain to fuel an extravagant lavish lifestyle for him and his partner. His relationship with Britton, despite being professional on the surface, was one forged through criminality and the two embarked on a reckless journey which has now resulted in time in prison for the pair of them.”

Fake companies

Evidence showed Britton suggested that he and Fitzsimmons set up fake companies with different directors listed to make the trail less obvious and to leave as little digital footprint as possible.

Invoices were then paid for work that had not been carried out with Fitzsimmons and Britton working together to dupe the law firm to over £1 million, with Fitzsimmons using the money to fund a lavish lifestyle of high-end performance cars, luxury furniture and designer clothes.

Both Fitzsimmons and Britton were originally arrested in 2019 after suspicions were raised by the finance team at Cleary Gottlieb Stein and Hamilton LLP. A company were then hired to conduct an audit and investigate the losses which uncovered a wealth of transactional information between Fitzsimmons and Britton.

The case was then transferred to the specialist fraud operations team at the City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud, for investigation.

Police professionalism

A Cleary Gottlieb Stein and Hamilton LLP spokesperson said: “The firm uncovered the matter as part of its monitoring and oversight processes in 2018, and immediately reported it to the police and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We would like to thank the police for their hard work and professionalism throughout this long running case.”

Celebrating the Republic’s 100th Year with the debut of Izmir’s Digital Currency

News Desk

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13/10/2023

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Celebrating the Republic’s 100th Year with the debut of Izmir’s Digital Currency

Turkiye’s inaugural city-focused cryptocurrency is set to launch. Anticipated to become the digital heartbeat of Izmir’s social life, this ground-breaking token will debut in a pre-sale on 29 October, coinciding with the centennial celebrations of the Republic.

London — As the number of fan tokens, designed to symbolise fans’ allegiance to their teams and currently listed on CoinMarketCap, nears 90, preparations for Turkiye’s inaugural city-centred token, inspired by this trend, have concluded. Conceived by Barış Turgut, an entrepreneur and communications specialist from Izmir, and developed by Batufi Soft, the Izmir Token will premiere in a pre-sale on the Bzetmex cryptocurrency exchange on 29 October Republic Day, marking the centenary of the Republic of Türkiye.

Commenting on the initiative, the Founder Barış Turgut remarked, “The Izmir Token, which has been in development for some time, aims to encapsulate the vibrant social life of a city onto the blockchain. We’re thrilled and honoured to launch this pioneering project, centred on one of our nation’s most beautiful cities, Izmir, during the pre-sale on 29 October Republic Day, as we commemorate the 100^th year of our Republic.”

Introducing the ‘must-have’ Digital Currency to engage in Izmir’s vibrant social life

The Izmir Token, crafted for residents of Izmir, tourists visiting the city, and those deeply connected to Izmir, aims to offer opportunities for users to engage with unique Izmir-centric events and promotions soon. Written on the Ethereum ERC-20 network and claiming the title as the world’s inaugural city token, the Izmir Token will be available for pre-sale at a set price on the local cryptocurrency exchange, Bzetmex, from 29 October. Following the pre-sale, the value of the Izmir Token will be dictated by market dynamics, responding to supply and demand. Furthermore, token holders can look forward to earning staking income.

Barış Turgut, highlighting their intention to introduce an innovative blockchain concept to Izmir, shared, “The Izmir Token is conceptualised as a utility token. In the medium term, as regulatory guidelines for digital assets within our nation become more established, we’re also considering the feasibility of using Izmir Token as a mode of payment in public venues. The token has attracted interest from international investors familiar with the project and will be made available on the Bzetmex cryptocurrency exchange for all affiliated with Izmir starting 29 October. Those who acquire the Izmir Token can securely store it in their digital or cold wallets, and will soon discover the exclusive benefits, which we will explore at upcoming events in and around Izmir.”

5-year vision to showcase Izmir to the world

Barış Turgut emphasised that the creation of the Izmir Token wasn’t merely as an investment mechanism, but also to enable Izmir to tap into the potential of blockchain technology and bolster its prominence in the software sector. “What truly excites us about the Izmir Token is our ambitious 5-year vision. During this half-decade, we envisage a range of training programmes and events, particularly designed for Izmir’s youth, to acquaint them with the realm of blockchain and enhance their digital and technological proficiency.

The economic momentum generated by Izmir Token will fuel investments in both businesses and sports clubs within Izmir. We’re poised to promote Izmir, which annually plays host to over 11 significant fairs, globally through the Izmir Token. This will be a call to action for global investors to recognise and invest in the Izmir Token. Beyond just these fairs, our global marketing initiatives will spotlight the Izmir Token — the world’s pioneering city token — and the city from which it originated, presenting it to an international audience. Down the line, we’re also keen to explore promising areas like NFTs and the metaverse.”

Destined to become one of Turkiye’s most extensive crypto communities

Drawing attention to the fact that Izmir is Turkiye’s third-largest city, with a populace nearing 4.5 million, entrepreneur Barış Turgut concluded, “We’re actively engaging with prominent communities and NGOs within Izmir that have yet to embrace the crypto and blockchain landscape. As these entities warm up to the Izmir Token, we anticipate our collective to transform into one of Turkiye’s most expansive crypto communities. This will also usher in a fresh wave of users to cryptocurrency markets in the country. It fills us with immense pride to embark on this journey, especially as it coincides with 29 October Republic Day, marking the centennial celebration of our Republic.”

Contact: Barış Turgut

[email protected]

DNA Vetcare Expands Network of Excellence with Acquisition of 12 Former Medivet Surgeries

Business

News Desk

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13/10/2023

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DNA Vetcare Expands Network of Excellence with Acquisition of 12 Former Medivet Surgeries

DNA Vetcare, a proudly independent multi-award-winning provider of exceptional veterinary care, is thrilled to announce its acquisition of 12 divested Medivet surgeries. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the group’s mission to provide gold-standard healthcare for pets and reinforces its commitment to the well-being of animals and standards of veterinary care in the UK.

The acquired surgeries include:

All Creatures Clinic Chelsfield
All Creatures Clinic Locksbottom
The Vet on Richmond Hill
The Vet in St Margarets
Ferring Street Veterinary Surgery
Ferring Street Vets, East Preston
Barton Veterinary Centre
Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic
The Hackney Vet
Iffley Vets Oxford
Iffley Vets Wheatley
The Vet Station

This acquisition underscores DNA Vetcare’s commitment to improving access to an independent and caring approach to pet care. It aligns with the group’s principles of providing a professional, compassionate service for pet owners and their beloved animals.

Dane Walker, Founder and Director of DNA Vetcare, expressed excitement about the expansion: “We are thrilled to welcome these surgeries into the DNA Vetcare family. These fantastic surgeries allow us to serve even more pet owners and their beloved animals, ensuring they receive the highest standard of veterinary care. We look forward to building upon the excellent reputation of these surgeries and continuing to provide exceptional service to clients and their pets.”

DNA Vetcare is delighted that these 12 veterinary surgeries are returning to independent ownership. The newly acquired surgeries and their dedicated staff will undergo a seamless transition process to become fully integrated within the DNA Vetcare family. Clients and their pets can expect the same level of dedication, expertise, and personalised care they have come to trust, with the added benefit of access to DNA Vetcare’s multi-award-winning independent network of excellence and resources.

For more information about DNA Vetcare, please visit www.dnavetcare.co.uk.

Sunstone Systems Debuts RAFT: A New Era for Remote Power and IoT Connectivity

Energy

News Desk

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13/10/2023

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Sunstone Systems Debuts RAFT: A New Era for Remote Power and IoT Connectivity

Sunstone Systems, a renowned leader in renewable energy and surveillance technology, proudly introduces the groundbreaking Rapid Autonomous Frontier Technology (RAFT) System. This innovative product promises to redefine the integration of smart devices, renewable power generation, and connectivity in remote and challenging environments.

Building on the success of Sunstone Systems’ range of wireless clean energy remote power systems, which have been deployed in some of the world’s most extreme Oil & Gas environments, including Tengiz, Kazakhstan, for over seven years, the RAFT System elevates its capabilities to offer unparalleled power generation, substantial CO2 savings, and adaptable deployment solutions across various industries. Whether your field is telecommunications, agriculture, security, or any other sector requiring robust power and surveillance solutions, the RAFT System has the potential to revolutionise your operations. With a proven track record of delivering advanced technologies to prominent organisations such as the Highways Agency and Network Rail in the UK and worldwide, along with participation in the Chevron Catalyst Programme, Sunstone Systems possesses extensive experience and expertise in designing and manufacturing mission-critical power and connectivity technologies precisely where they are needed.

Unprecedented Innovation for Remote Regions The RAFT System is not just another solution; it’s a revolution. Designed to excel where traditional power sources fail, this rugged and off-grid power solution uniquely integrates IoT devices, renewable energy, and connectivity, making it indispensable for extreme and hostile environments.

A Versatile Powerhouse The RAFT System transcends conventional boundaries. It’s not merely a surveillance and security powerhouse; it’s also a renewable energy hub. In locations where power sources are scarce or unreliable, the RAFT System steps in as a versatile solution, delivering clean and reliable off-grid power to a wide range of IoT devices, including:

Oil & Gas Industry: Providing power for Surveillance Cameras, Gas Detection, and Communication Systems for monitoring Pipelines, Wellheads, and Refineries in remote and rugged environments.
Rail Industry: Ensuring uninterrupted power for Signalling, Communications, and Safety Systems along rail lines, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Highways and Infrastructure: Powering Traffic Management Systems, ANPR, and Electronic Signage for real-time updates, improving safety and traffic management.
Construction Sites: Delivering clean power to Security Cameras and Communication Systems, enabling efficient project management and site security.
Security and Surveillance: Enhancing situational awareness with Surveillance Cameras, Radar Systems, and IoT Sensors for proactive security measures.
Telecommunications: Ensuring clean and reliable power for Cell Towers, Remote Base Stations, and Communications Equipment, enabling uninterrupted communication services, even in remote locations.

Key Features and Benefits:

Extreme Durability: The RAFT System’s rugged design is built to withstand harsh conditions, making it ideal for challenging environments.
QuickGrid Integration: Seamlessly integrate our solar array, QuickGrid, for increased power capacity and energy efficiency.
Centralised Control: All system control equipment is conveniently located in one cabinet, simplifying management.
CO2 Savings: Incorporating a 2.4KW solar array for significant CO2e reduction.
Wide Temperature Range: Operates from -40°C to +50°C.
IP-Rated Protection: Guards against dust and moisture for uninterrupted operation.

“I am thrilled to introduce the RAFT System, a new innovation that will redefine how we harness power and IoT capabilities in remote and challenging environments. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of technology, and the RAFT System is a testament to our dedication to delivering unmatched innovation and reliability. With its unique blend of renewable energy, smart devices, and connectivity, the RAFT System is set to revolutionise multiple industries and make a significant impact on the way we operate in extreme conditions.” – Paul Schelhaas, CEO Sunstone Systems

For more information, including product details, case studies, and customer testimonials, please visit our website at https://www.sunstone-systems.com/raft-system or get in touch via email at [email protected].

Stanislav Kondrashov Explores the Fascinating Lives of Octopuses in His Latest Publication

News Desk

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12/10/2023

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Stanislav Kondrashov Explores the Fascinating Lives of Octopuses in His Latest Publication

In his latest publication, “The Marvelous Lives of Octopuses By Stanislav Kondrashov,” the spotlight is cast on one of the ocean’s most intriguing and enigmatic inhabitants: the octopus. Kondrashov delves deep into the captivating world of these eight-armed wonders, shedding light on their unique characteristics, dispelling myths, and sharing anecdotes of historical and cultural significance, all centered around these curious creatures of the sea.

Stanislav Kondrashov begins by sharing fundamental information that may be unfamiliar to many: apart from their eight arms, which give them their name, octopuses possess three hearts, earning them the author’s accolade as true gems of the oceanic realm. Much like precious gemstones, these captivating creatures are still ripe for discovery, especially concerning their lesser-known facets.

Within his latest publication, Kondrashov hones in on the physical and structural traits that have catapulted octopuses to global renown. Among their remarkable abilities, their capacity to change color and appearance within seconds stands out prominently. Stanislav aptly dubs them the “Houdini of the sea.” The publication also highlights their impressive intelligence, often witnessed when they effortlessly open jars or navigate intricate mazes.

Stanislav Kondrashov goes on to explore other captivating shared characteristics among octopuses, including their uncanny ability to slip through remarkably narrow spaces and navigate their way back after extensive wanderings. One of their most intriguing features, as per Kondrashov, revolves around their arms, or tentacles, which they employ both for capturing prey and exploring their surroundings, as well as for gaining vital insights into the taste of their food.

The publication also delves into their life expectancy, which is typically quite short, but offset by a flurry of daily activities such as hunting, mating, and, for female octopuses, the meticulous care of the numerous eggs they produce.

To uncover further details and curiosities about these captivating marine creatures that populate the ocean depths, readers are encouraged to delve into the full publication and watch the related video.

tastecard’s Coffee Consumption Survey: Which Cities Lead the Charge?

News Desk

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12/10/2023

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tastecard’s Coffee Consumption Survey: Which Cities Lead the Charge?

At tastecard, we’re as passionate about our daily cup of Joe as anyone else. But we couldn’t help but wonder: what do you love sipping on, and more importantly, where can you save money while enjoying it? Our curiosity led us to explore the caffeine habits of the UK to uncover which cities are brewing the most enthusiasm and what coffee choices are getting everyone up and running in the morning.

And The Most Caffeinated City Is…

Our data analysis reveals that London leads the pack with a staggering 97,270 total monthly searches for coffee. Following closely are Edinburgh (20,290), Manchester (15,000), and Birmingham (11,810). On the flip side, it seems Southwark could use an extra dose of caffeine, ranking at the bottom with only 700 total monthly searches for coffee and 5,600 in 2023 alone.

Top 5 Most Caffeinated Cities of 2023:

London – 778,160 total searches
Edinburgh – 162,320 total searches
Manchester – 120,000 total searches
Birmingham – 118,080 total searches
York – 112,000 total searches

The Nation’s Favourite Coffee?

When it comes to coffee types, the humble Americano steals the spotlight with a whopping 1,350,960 total average searches in 2023. It’s followed by the Flat White (216,800), Cappuccino (177,600), and the exotic Chai Latte (177,600).

Top 3 Coffee Types of 2023:

Americano – 1,350,960 total searches
Flat White – 216,800 total searches
Cappuccino – 177,600 total searches

What’s Flying Off the Shelves?

Our data also sheds light on the nation’s preferred coffee purchases among tastecard’s audience. The Latte Regular takes the lead with 22.3k sold, followed by Cappuccino Regular (14.6k sold), Flat White (13.9k sold), and Americano Regular (13.1k sold).

Top 3 Coffee Purchases:

Latte Regular – 22.3k sold
Cappuccino Regular – 14.6k sold
Flat White – 13.9k sold

Are You Ready To Join The Buzz?

We hope our caffeine exploration has been an eye-opener. Whether you’re an Americano aficionado in London or a Latte lover in Oxford, it’s clear that the UK has a rich tapestry of coffee enthusiasts.

But the most crucial fact of all is the 25% savings on Barista-made drinks with tastecard. This means that non-tastecard members are missing out on £117 worth of savings!

Notes: Based on using tastecard’s 25% off barista-made drinks on an average coffee price three times a week.

Join tastecard today to sip and save on your favorite drinks while becoming a part of the nation’s grand coffee tradition!

*Savings based on the national average price for a cup of coffee of £3.25, with the average user buying coffee three times a week.

Wandsworth Prison deemed “inhumane” in damning report

News

News Desk

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11/10/2023

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Wandsworth Prison deemed “inhumane” in damning report

“Inhumane” conditions in HMP Wandsworth reflect the failures of the prison system as a whole, according to an annual report by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB).

The IMB report covering June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023 stated there had been “no real progress in resolving problems caused by years of underinvestment in the fabric, facilities and staff at the prison”.

There were serious concerns of overcrowding with most men sharing cells designed for single occupancy and repeatedly having no hot water over the winter months.

In wings G and H there were only 11 shower stalls available for 265 men.

During the year the shortage of available staff seriously undermined the ability of the prison to function effectively, with the percentage of available officers rarely reached above 50%.

The prison was deemed “unsafe” with violence levels continuing to rise and assaults rising by more than 20% in all areas.

Access to contraband

The shocking report also found that prisoners had easy access to contraband, with 1,900 litres of illicitly brewed alcohol, over the year.

And more than 300 mobile phones were found at Wandsworth, with drones used to send goods over the prison walls.

Shortcomings of the prison system

IMB chair, Tim Aikens, said: “Recent events at Wandsworth have demonstrated the shortcomings of the prison system that the IMB has been highlighting repeatedly for many years.

“Prisoners are being failed and most have a severely reduced chance of rehabilitation upon release. We are told there is significant investment in the prison system, but we see little evidence of this in Wandsworth.”

Decisive action

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We have already taken decisive action to address the serious issues raised in this report, with frontline staffing having increased by almost a quarter in the last six years and investing millions into security upgrades at the prison.

“This includes spending more than £8m to roll out new CCTV and putting in place tougher gate security, with dogs working alongside specialist staff. We have also installed new windows, repaired roofs and refurbished healthcare facilities to significantly improve conditions.”

The Ministry of Justice, in its Annual Performance Ratings for 2022/23 covering 119 establishments, rated HMP Wandsworth as one of only nine establishments whose performance was of serious concern.

1. Salmon – 98.64% increase

2. White fish – 93.46% increase

3. Sausages – 90.49% increase

4. Butter – 85.83% increase

5. Tomatoes – 85.29% increase

6. Milk – 75% increase

7. Coffee – 70.1% increase

8. Grapes – 59.18% increase

9. Mince – 57.83% increase

10. Pears – 56.2% increase

How to make food last longer to decrease your weekly food shop spending

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