One in nine people (11%) say they’ll be spending Christmas Day alone this year – up from one in 20 (5%) who said the same 55 years ago.

That’s according to new research that compares festive attitudes and behaviours in 2024 to those in 1969.

The study, by the Policy Institute at King’s College London, finds the share of people aged 65+ saying they will spend Christmas Day by themselves has remained the same over this period, at 15% – but among all other age groups it has risen, with the biggest increase seen among the youngest surveyed. One in 11 21- to 34-year-olds now say they’ll be alone, up from one in 100 (1%) in 1969.

The research – which is based on two nationally representative surveys of UK adults aged 21+ in 2024 and 1969 – is part of a series of studies updating survey results from decades ago to understand changes in the nation’s beliefs and ways of living.

This latest study finds that, overall, 80% people today say they enjoy Christmas, down slightly from 55 years ago (86%).

And while there have been some notable shifts in attitudes, others have barely changed, highlighting the persistence of some beliefs about the festive holiday.

Six in 10 (62%) people today think parents should encourage their children to believe in Santa Claus – down from three-quarters (75%) in 1969.

This change has been driven by shifting views among older age groups. For example, the proportion of 55- to 64-year-olds who think parents should encourage belief in Santa has fallen from 83% to 59%.

By contrast, 65% of 21-to-34-year-olds today hold this view – virtually the same as the 68% of this age group who felt the same in 1969.

In 2024, 54% say they’d like to cut down on spending for Christmas, compared with 46% who say they would not. In 1969, the public were also very divided, with 52% wanting to reduce their festive expenditure and 48% preferring not to.

Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London, said: “Christmas is just a little bit lonelier and less joyous or magical than it was 55 years ago. The proportion of people spending the day itself alone has doubled, we’re less likely to say we enjoy it, and a lot less likely to think parents should encourage their children to believe in Santa.

“But this doesn’t mean we’ve given up on Christmas – indeed a large majority of eight in 10 still say they do enjoy it, and nine in 10 will spend it with family or friends.

“These long-term trends are also useful in reminding us that some things have remained the same, despite the huge changes seen. 1969 was the year man landed on the moon, John and Yoko staged their bed-in for peace, the death penalty was finally abolished, and our current King was invested as the Prince of Wales. But even back then, eight in 10 were complaining that that Christmas was too commercialised – exactly the same proportion as today.”

Partridges is honoured to have been awarded a Royal Warrant as Grocers to His Majesty The King.

The independent family-run food retailer was founded in Chelsea in 1972 and operates stores in Duke of York Square, Chelsea and Gloucester Road, Kensington.

It sells over 10,000 fine food and drink items and its slogan has always been “Good things for the larder.”  Partridges is committed to becoming more sustainable and has achieved carbon neutrality over the past 12 months.

Thirty years ago, in 1994, Partridges was awarded a Royal Warrant to Her Majesty the Queen.

John Shepherd, owner of Partridges said: “On behalf of all of the staff at Partridges I am absolutely delighted to announce that we have been awarded a Royal Warrant as Grocers to His Majesty The King. This is an incredible honour and we are thrilled to have been supplying the Royal Family for over thirty years. We are sure that all of our customers will be as excited about this announcement as we are.”

Police are appealing for any possible victims who may not have contacted them already, to come forward after a man was convicted of child sex offences.

Mustafa Mehmet was found guilty of repeatedly raping a young girl in Hackney.

Mehmet (34) of Malden Court, N4 was unanimously found guilty of rape of a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act and assault (ABH) on December 6, at Wood Green Crown Court.

He has been remanded in custody and sentencing will be at the same court on January 31.

The sexual assaults and abuse took place over a three-year period from the mid-2000s and started when the child was eight years old.

Detectives from Central East’s Child Abuse Investigation Team have been working to identify possible further victims of Mehmet and encourage anyone who has been a victim of Mehmet to come forward and report to the police.

An investigation was launched after the victim reported the offences in 2019, leading to Mehmet being charge in January 2024. Local officers supported the victim throughout the investigation and trial, acknowledging the bravery it took to make the first steps in reporting the crime in the first place.

Detective constable Megan Davidson of the Central East Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Mehmet is a dangerous and predatory sex offender.

“It has taken tremendous courage on the part of the victim to report this to the Metropolitan Police, without which Mehmet may not have faced justice.

“The Metropolitan Police Service tirelessly pursues those who commit violence against women and girls. Whilst we cannot reverse the impact that this abuse has had on the victim, this conviction will bring some justice to the victim.

“I remain concerned that Mehmet may have committed other offences that have yet to be reported to us. If you recognise this man as having had any relationship with your family and believe that you or a family member may have been a victim of his abuse, please contact us immediately.

“Specially trained officers will be there to listen to you and provide you with any support you may require.”

Call 101 to report information or visit:www.met.police.uk

A knife-wielding man who was covered in blood when confronted by brave officers has been jailed for life for a frenzied attack on two women.

Tito Eleto (30) of Radipole Road, previously admitted attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife for his actions that stemmed from a domestic dispute.

Investigating officer detective constable Lucas Pollard said: “This was a horrific attack on two woman which began on a doorstep and escalated into a fight for their lives.

“The women absolutely thought they were going to die – it must have been terrifying for them, not least as a six-month-old baby was also inside the property.

“I thank the neighbours who heard the women’s screams for help and called police. Those officers then confronted Eleto as he tried to flee and, despite Eleto being still armed with a knife, managed to overpower and arrest him. Other officers who helped the victims described the scene inside the property as “carnage”.

“This type of domestic attack has a long-lasting impact on victims and we will always do our absolute best to investigate and bring offenders to justice.”

The incident happened on December 4, 2023, at an address in Wandsworth. Eleto (pictured) arrived at the victim’s home and they had a doorstep conversation. He then asked the victim to remove the door chain so they could speak properly.

As soon as she did, he forced his way into the flat, kicking the door, and launched an immediate attack. The woman initially thought she was being punched but in fact Eleto was stabbing her.

The victim ran further into the property but was chased by Eleto who continued to attack her.

Eleto then turned his attention to the victim’s mother who was also inside and tried to stab her twice in the head as she came to the aid of her daughter. He succeeded in stabbing her in the armpit before returning to the first victim and stabbing her in the face.

He began to tire and the two women managed to get to a bedroom and lock themselves in with the baby. They screamed for help through a window and were fortunately heard by neighbours who called police.

The women had blocked the bedroom door with a cot but Eleto pushed through, still armed with the knife, and told them “everyone in the room is going to die”.

The victims begged for their lives and the safety of the baby, and Eleto eventually left the flat.

Police had raced to the scene and at the lift Eleto, covered in blood and brandishing the knife, was met by officers.

They used incapacitant spray when he refused to drop the weapon and then a Taser when he started to stab himself.

The officers managed to overpower him and he was arrested before being treated at hospital for his injuries.

Police found both woman inside – the victim in her 30s suffered deep cuts to her face, arms and neck. The other woman, in her 60s, had cuts to her arms. They gave immediate first aid before they were taken to hospital. The baby boy, whose mother was the woman in her 30s, was unharmed.

Eleto was charged, remanded in custody, pleaded guilty and then appeared on Monday, at Kingston Crown Court.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 12 years for attempted murder of the victim in her 30s, five years to run concurrently for GBH with intent on the woman in her 60s and one year to run concurrently for possession of a knife.

A team leader at a London business has been named Apprentice of the Year by national trade body the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation).

Jordan Payne, branch team leader at Lawsons in Acton, was nominated by LEAP Apprenticeships for the award after achieving a distinction Level 3 apprenticeship.

Alongside completing a two-year team leader / supervisor course Jordan also stepped up to acting branch manager when needed.

Jeremy Norris, managing director at Lawsons, said: “As the branch supervisor, Jordan grew with confidence within the team, and I saw how he was passing on the knowledge and skills that he was learning and has learnt through the apprenticeship and work.

“Lawsons is committed to developing talent, nurturing and supporting the next generation of managers and department heads.

“Jordan has shown himself to be a disciplined, motivated and very able member of our team whom we will be delighted to see continue to develop his career at Lawsons. We heartily congratulate him on this achievement.”

Building on his successful apprenticeship and award-win, Jordan is now looking to his future career. He said: “This experience has allowed me to see how my career can develop.

“It creates an opportunity for me to develop even more and potentially manage my own branch one day.”

Jordan was announced as BMF Apprentice of the Year at the Federation’s annual Conference and Awards, hosted by Countdown’s Colin Murray and held at the Leonardo Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “Congratulations go to Jordan for the dedication and hard work that is recognised with this award.

“The BMF Annual Conference and Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the suppliers, service members and individuals across the sector who contribute to creating excellence in building materials supply.

Pictured from left: Tim Rowbottom, managing director at Collier & Catchpole and BMF Apprentice of the Year Jordan Payne receives his award from Countdown’s Colin Murray

Running a small business often feels like navigating a labyrinth—rewarding, yet brimming with challenges. With limited resources, tight budgets, and fierce competition, the hurdles can sometimes seem endless.

One effective yet frequently overlooked strategy is joining a local business club. Whether it’s a chamber of commerce, a networking group, or a social club in London, these organisations can unlock opportunities you might never have imagined.

From expanding your network to boosting your credibility, here’s how small businesses can truly thrive
by becoming part of a local business club.

Build connections that work for you

One of the greatest advantages of joining a local business club is the chance to connect with people who can genuinely support your business’s growth. It’s not just about swapping business cards at events; it’s about building meaningful relationships. After all, who understands your local area better than other business owners in the community?

Networking events hosted by these clubs offer more than just a chance to mingle. They’re platforms for creating valuable partnerships, finding clients, or even discovering mentors. For instance, organisations like Business Networking International (BNI) operate globally, but their structured weekly meetings foster local connections.

Imagine a florist teaming up with a wedding planner or a graphic designer collaborating with a print shop. These connections often lead to referrals, joint projects, and even lasting friendships.

And it’s not all about business transactions. Sharing challenges, exchanging ideas, or simply discussing day-to-day hurdles with fellow entrepreneurs can offer both inspiration and reassurance.

Put your business in the spotlight

Standing out as a small business is no small feat, especially when competing against bigger, more established names. This is where a business club can be a game-changer. Many organisations offer their members visibility through online directories, newsletters, or social media posts, giving your business free exposure with minimal effort.

Membership in a well-regarded organisation also enhances your credibility. Customers tend to trust businesses affiliated with recognised groups, viewing it as a mark of professionalism.

Research from the British Chambers of Commerce, for instance, highlights that consumers are more likely to trust and support businesses associated with their local chamber. In this sense, membership isn’t just a badge—it’s a powerful trust signal that can make a real difference.

Learn, adapt, and grow

As a small business owner, you’re often required to wear many hats. But let’s face it, no one can be an expert at everything. That’s why the training sessions, workshops, and seminars offered by business clubs can be incredibly valuable. These events cover a wide range of topics, from improving your marketing strategies to understanding the latest tax regulations.

For example, many UK chambers of commerce offer tailored courses for small businesses, focusing on practical areas like cash flow management or social media optimisation. These sessions are often led by experienced professionals, ensuring the advice is not only relevant but actionable.

Beyond formal training, there’s the priceless benefit of informal learning. Simply being surrounded by seasoned entrepreneurs can provide insights and advice you won’t find in a textbook. Many clubs even offer mentorship programmes, connecting newer members with more experienced ones for guidance and support.

Amplify your voice

Small business owners often feel overlooked when it comes to local or national policy decisions. But by joining a business club, you become part of a collective voice. These organisations frequently advocate on behalf of their members, pushing for changes that can benefit small businesses, such as lower business rates or improved infrastructure.

Take the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. The British Chambers of Commerce played a pivotal role in lobbying for financial support for small businesses. By being part of such a group, your concerns gain weight, and you help shape the environment in which your business operates.

Save money and access resources

While membership fees might seem like an added expense, many business clubs provide benefits that can quickly offset the cost. These organisations often negotiate discounts on essential services like insurance, advertising, or office supplies, helping you cut down on operational costs.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), for instance, offers members access to legal advice, health and safety resources, and other essential services. For businesses operating on tight budgets, these perks can be a lifeline.

Some clubs also provide access to grants or funding opportunities. Whether you’re looking to purchase new equipment or launch a marketing campaign, these resources can give your business the boost it needs to grow.

Strengthen community ties

Small businesses are the backbone of their communities, and joining a local business club allows you to deepen those connections. Many clubs organise community events, charity fundraisers, or collaborative projects, giving members the chance to give back while increasing their visibility.

Sponsoring a local sports team or participating in a town clean-up, for example, shows that your business cares about more than just profits. These activities not only enhance your reputation but also build loyalty among local customers. According to the FSB, a large percentage of their members actively contribute to local initiatives, creating a win-win for businesses and their communities.

Enjoy the social benefits

Running a small business can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re the sole decision-maker. Business clubs offer more than just professional perks—they create a sense of camaraderie and belonging. Whether it’s a relaxed coffee morning or a formal gala dinner, these events provide a much-needed break from the day-to-day grind.

Some clubs even offer lifestyle perks, such as discounts on travel or leisure activities. These little extras can make membership all the more appealing.

Things to consider before joining

Of course, joining a business club isn’t a quick fix. To get the most out of your membership, you’ll need to actively participate—attend events, engage with other members, and contribute to initiatives.

It’s also essential to choose a club that aligns with your goals. Some organisations cater to specific industries, while others focus on general networking. Take the time to research your options and find one that suits your business’s needs.

Conclusion

Joining a local business club can be a transformative decision for small businesses. From expanding your network to increasing your visibility, saving money, and strengthening community ties, the benefits are vast and varied.

However, the real value lies in your level of engagement. The more effort you put in, the more you’ll get out of it. If you’re ready to grow your business and build lasting connections, why not give it a try? You might just find that a local business club is the missing puzzle piece in your journey to success.