The Queen has toured the Asian Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC) in Harlesden to mark the 45^th anniversary of its exceptional service in providing crucial support to Black, Minority and Ethnic (BME) women affected by domestic abuse and harmful practice.

The visit from Her Majesty also shone a spotlight on the pressing issue of domestic abuse within all communities, encouraging a wider dialogue on support, empowerment, and change.

The AWRC has served as a lifeline to BME women across London, since the late 1970s using its understanding of women’s issues to provide practical and emotional support, ensuring they are able to make informed choices about their future.

AWRC’s services include the professional advocacy, advice and information to survivors and support to help women to secure safe housing, and access to interpreters and signpost to counselling and legal advice.

As part of her visit, the Queen met with dedicated AWRC members of staff, volunteers, and inspiring survivors, listening intently to their powerful and moving stories of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

Healing Garden unveiled by the Queen

As part of her tour, Her Majesty also officially inaugurated AWRC’s newly developed Healing Garden. The Healing Garden is designed to serve as a tranquil refuge for the women and children the AWRC helps to support, fostering a safe space for healing and rebuilding lives after experiencing the trauma of domestic abuse.

Sarbjit Ganger, director of AWRC said: “This visit is a momentous occasion for AWRC, and a profound recognition of the challenges faced by BME women affected by domestic violence.

“Her Majesty’s empathy and commitment to social justice resonates deeply with AWRC’s mission, and we are immensely grateful for her support.

“We are proud of the impact that AWRC has had over the past 45 years, but our work is far from over. We are dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse and ensuring that every woman can live a life free from fear and violence. Our urgent need for donations and continued awareness is paramount in sustaining AWRC’s work and providing life-changing support to those who need it most.”

Shipping containers aren’t just for transporting goods anymore—they’re now a go-to solution for
businesses looking for cost-effective, sustainable, and versatile spaces.

From pop-up shops to modern offices, container conversions offer a creative and practical alternative to traditional to buildings. If you’re looking for a container service in London, this guide will walk you through
everything you need to know.

Why choose container conversions?

Firstly, they’re cost-effective. Converting a shipping container is often more affordable than conventional construction, with lower material and labour costs. They’re also durable as they’re made from tough corten steel, shipping containers are designed to endure harsh weather and heavy use.

Repurposing containers reduces construction waste and supports eco-friendly building practices. If you need to relocate, there is no issue as containers can be easily transported, offering unmatched
flexibility.

Common business uses for container conversions

Some great ways that businesses can use container conversions include but are not limited to:

● Retail Spaces: Perfect for pop-up shops and boutiques, container stores offer a modern, industrial aesthetic that attracts customers and enhances brand identity.
● Cafés and Bars: Whether it’s a trendy coffee shop or an outdoor bar, containers provide an affordable, stylish solution with quick setup times.
● Offices and Workspaces: Containers can be transformed into fully functional office spaces with insulation, climate control, and custom layouts.
● Workshops and Studios: Ideal for creatives and small business owners needing secure, private spaces for their craft or production work.

Key benefits of container conversions

There are plenty of options for making a container conversion bespoke. You could modify your container with windows, doors, lighting, and interior partitions to fit your exact needs.
As projects can be completed faster than traditional builds, this saves both time and money. Containers are built to last, requiring minimal upkeep compared to standard structures.

Things to consider before converting a container

● Planning Permissions: Check local building regulations to determine whether you need permits for a container-based structure.
● Insulation and Climate Control: Proper insulation is crucial to maintain comfortable temperatures and energy efficiency.
● Utilities and Wiring: Plan for electrical, plumbing, and internet connections early to avoid costly modifications later.
● Structural Integrity: If you’re adding large windows or doors, ensure the container’s strength isn’t compromised.

Design tips for container conversions

If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out a few of these top tips!

To maximise natural light, add large windows or glass doors to create an inviting, well-lit space, while high ceilings or mezzanine levels help maximise limited square footage. You can go green by incorporating solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and energy-efficient lighting to reduce environmental impact.

The bottom line

Container conversions are an innovative and stylish solution for modern businesses. They offer affordability, sustainability, and flexibility, making them perfect for everything from retail stores to workspaces.

Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding your business, a container conversion can provide a functional, durable, and visually striking space tailored to your needs.

• Driving an open-top convertible has been proven to enhance happiness

• Turo offers an array of convertibles starting at just £37 per day*

With February often ranked as the least popular month of the year**, Turo has compiled a list of the best convertible cars in the UK to help drivers enjoy the uplifting experience of open-top motoring. As winter slowly gives way to spring, a convertible drive could be the perfect way to brighten the season.

A 2023 study by Cranfield University and FIAT* revealed that driving a convertible with the roof down “can significantly improve motorists’ mood and performance,” with every driver in the study reporting a boost in happiness compared to driving with the roof up.

For those eager to embrace the joys of convertible driving, Turo offers a wide selection of vehicles, including BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, and FIAT cabriolets, from as little as £37 per day*. For a more premium experience, a Porsche 911 Targa 4 is also available.

Budget thrills 

For those looking for an exciting drive on a budget, Turo hosts options including the FIAT 500C, which is available from just £37 a day*. This includes an Automatic gearbox and Bluetooth and AUX connectivity to blast your favourite driving tunes while you go. A great first step for convertible rental.

The Mini Roadster is another option in this price range, for drivers looking to channel their inner Johnny English on their drive, available from £38 a day*, complete with Air Conditioning to keep you warm in the February chill. 

Mid-range Motors

For those looking for an upgrade to the speed and looks of their convertible rental, the BMW Z4 is hard to look past at a price from just £63 a day*. This model includes heated seats and boasts 194 horsepower. 

Alongside the BMW is the Mercedes-Benz E Class, perfect for the transition from city to winding roads, from just £83 a day*. The model also includes a high quality Burmester sound system, perfect for audiophiles looking to overpower the wind roar of top-down driving. 

High-end fun

At the upper end of the exclusivity scale is the Porsche 911 Targa 4, available from £208 a day,* this 365 horsepower thoroughbred will take you from 0-60 in just 4.3 seconds, offering the pinnacle of wind swept driving. It includes heated seats, and all the other modern conveniences to help make any trip comfortable and thrilling, even on an otherwise cold and depressing February day. 

Rory Brimmer, Director at car sharing marketplace Turo, commented:

“Driving under a crisp blue sky with the roof down is one of the most pleasurable things you can do as a driver, and we want to emphasise that this is not just something reserved for summer or even owners of convertibles. The research around top-down driving reveals what many of us know, that the simple act of having the wind rushing through your hair makes driving much more enjoyable, which is why we want to make this experience available to everyone, all year round. 

Car sharing is a fantastic way for the owners of cars such as this to top up their income and share the cars they love with other enthusiasts when they aren’t using them. There is a wide range of options on the Turo platform, from the exclusive to the accessible, from the sensible to the showstopping. Best of all there’s no need to wait around at a rental desk or trek all the way out to an airport to pick up your car.”

A man (pictured) who organised the raid of £1.38 million watches from a jewellers in Richmond, has been convicted.

Two men tied up a member of shop staff before stealing the luxury watches during the raid in May 2024. 

Detectives from The Met, who specialise in investigating robberies, recovered and trawled through hundreds of hours of CCTV from across the country to piece together what happened. 

Mannix Pedro (37), of Cobbetts Close, Woking, was found guilty of conspiracy to rob at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday. He will be sentenced at a later date.

The jury failed to reach a verdict in relation to another man. A re-trial will take place in due course.

Detective sergeant Matt Hollands, who led the investigation, said: ”This was an audacious robbery that was several months in the planning. I’m pleased our investigation has resulted in a dangerous offender being convicted.

“Our work is far from over, and our focus remains finding the three other men involved and putting them before the courts.”  

On the afternoon of May 25, 2024 two men visited the jewellers in Kew Road after making an appointment with the owner. 

After initially appearing to be normal customers, they tied up a member of staff before filling a rucksack with high-value watches. 

The Met was called and officers began an investigation. They recovered CCTV from the jewellers which had captured the incident. By working back, they were able to identify the car the men had arrived in. 

Along with phone data, officers used this evidence to link the two men to three others they believed had been involved in planning the robbery. 

The day after the incident occurred, the member of staff assaulted during the robbery – Oliver White (27) from Surrey – was found dead.

A full inquest into his death is yet to take place, however it was not treated as suspicious. 

Detective sergeant Hollands added: “Throughout this investigation Oliver (pictured above) has been in our thoughts and we have remained committed to securing justice for his family. His death is a tragic reminder that crimes such as robbery have a significant impact on victims.” 

In a statement paying to tribute to her son, Oliver’s mother, Amy Keane, said: “I would describe Oliver as a huge character, very warm and a brilliant person. He lit up the room when he entered it and was incredibly kind and caring, he would go above and beyond for anyone. He cared deeply for his family, was a wonderful role model for his little brother, as well as his two sisters.

“Oliver really wanted to make something of himself, he aspired to buy a house, have a family and was planning for his future and this influenced his decision to work 24/7 as he saw his friends doing well in a business they enjoyed.

“We know Oliver to be trustworthy and honest. Given the jury have convicted a man of planning and organising the robbery of Oliver, we take this as vindication of our firmly held belief he played no role in this offence and was not implicated in any involvement.

“We are all absolutely devastated with the loss of our funny, thoughtful and kind son Oliver, our lives will never be the same and we feel this loss every minute of every day.”

Further enquiries are ongoing to locate the three other members of the group and anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to call 101 quoting the reference 01/MP/11200/24.  Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

High-Velocity Startups is giving back to a new business, after experiencing its own success.

The London firm has awarded University of Exeter student Isham Broer, with a £2,000 grant and accelertor support for his fitness tech start-up business, ‘Jim’.

Jim leverages technology and automation in its user experience to support everyday people in increasing consistency in exercise and nutrition. It offers users a personalised experience through a questionnaire that is then assessed to provide a composite exercise and nutrition plan using an expert-reviewed database of fitness programs.

High-Velocity Startups believed its prize through the STRIVE™ Accelerator – which supports startups and small businesses in achieving significant momentum over a 12-week period – should be awarded to Isham for his innovative approach in supporting the public’s health and fitness levels.

The award was presented to Mr Broer outside the House of Commons in London. 

High-Velocity Startups’ founder Raihan Islam met Isham Broer at The Business Show at Excel London where Mr Broer delivered a pitch detailing his vision for Jim.

Raihan said: “Jim shows real potential. The company demonstrates a focus on agility, cost-effectiveness, and measurable value for clients. I reviewed Mr Broer’s plans, helped refine them, and felt confident about the funding.”

Isham said: “These days, everyone is bombarded by all types of information, and they are lacking confidence that what they are reading will actually work. The Internet and social media have empowered a lot of people, but these tools have also made it difficult to trust the information we see. This prize boosts our ability to refine our technology. We appreciate High-Velocity Startups for their support.”