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Surprising ways you might be putting your phone at risk

Helen Greaney
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Surprising ways you might be putting your phone at risk

We use our smartphones for everything. Checking traffic, catching up with friends, browsing
the sales… they’re our instant source of information.

But these devices also provide payments and hold so much data about who we are, and we
must protect it.

It’s easy to focus on obvious dangers like drops or theft, but your most significant risks often
stem from seemingly harmless habits. To help avoid exposing your personal data, take a few
moments now to assess these vulnerabilities and prevent stress and expense later.

Convenient passwords aren’t always safe

It is tempting to reuse a memorable password for everything from online banking to a
shopping site. While this makes life simpler, it creates a single point of failure. If one service
suffers a data breach, attackers quickly test those same credentials on other major
platforms.

For example, if your details leak from a fitness app, a scammer might immediately try to
access your email or Amazon account using that identical combination. Aim for a unique,
complex password for every single account you hold.

To make this easier, use a reputable password manager to securely store and generate
these strong credentials for you.

Ignoring updates is a hidden security threat

If you’re getting notifications about a system update, be sure to follow the steps. Software
developers frequently discover security flaws and release patches specifically to fix them.

When you skip these, your device is exposed to vulnerabilities that cybercriminals know
about and actively exploit. To ensure you stay protected without having to check manually,
enable automatic updates in your device settings so your phone installs these vital patches
while you sleep.

Be aware of scams, however. Legitimate updates will show up in your device’s internal
settings menu. If you ever get a text or email telling you to update your settings, it’s not
real. You’ll also never be asked for personal information or payment to make these changes.

Public Wi-Fi and unsecured networks are risky

Free public Wi-Fi in train stations or cafés is incredibly convenient, but these open networks
rarely offer true security. Using them allows malicious actors on the same network to send malicious messages directly to your device.

It also allows them to intercept information sent between your device and the internet. This
could include passwords, banking details, or sensitive emails transmitted without adequate
encryption.

A safer approach involves using your phone’s mobile data (4G or 5G) when accessing
anything sensitive, as this connection is encrypted by your mobile carrier. Alternatively,
employ a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app to create a secure, encrypted service for your
data whenever you use a public connection.

Make sure you’re covered

Even with the best cybersecurity practices, physical accidents and theft remain very real
possibilities in everyday life. It’s easy to shatter a screen, while opportunistic theft remains a
persistent issue.

Mobile phone insurance provides a practical safeguard against these sudden financial
shocks. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged accidentally, insurance typically covers the
cost of repair or replacement, often much faster than paying full price out of pocket.

Combine your insurance with good physical habits to ensure you have the most effective
protection possible.

Ensuring your mobile device remains secure doesn’t require any technical expertise. By
making some small, mindful adjustments to your daily routine, you build layers of protection.

From tree to table: A magical family meal at Prezzo Italian, MediaCity

Helen Greaney
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From tree to table: A magical family meal at Prezzo Italian, MediaCity

There’s something quite fitting about a family meal tied to a story as whimsical as The Magic Faraway Tree. 

A tale built on curiosity, discovery and a touch of magic feels like a natural partner for an early evening out with children in tow – and that sense of adventure carried through our visit to Prezzo Italian at Salford’s MediaCity.

We arrived at a fairly quiet but relaxed restaurant which gave the kids time to settle in with an activity sheet and by the time 6pm rolled around there was a pleasant hum of conversation that brought a warmth to the restaurant, styled as a casual Italian diner.

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The staff set the tone from the start. Friendly and genuinely accommodating, we were greeted with menus and a smile. They made the whole experience feel effortless. 

Dietary needs can sometimes feel like a hurdle when eating out, but here it was handled with complete ease. As someone who can’t eat dairy or gluten I do struggle with choices but these were explained clearly and catered for without fuss. 

The menu itself had a playful nod to The Magic Faraway Tree, with a children’s offering that leaned into imagination. Our kids loved this as they had watched the film earlier in the day.

It felt a bit like choosing which magical land to visit – comforting favourites with just enough excitement to keep things interesting.

Food arrived promptly and set a high bar early on. The coolers were a lovely sweet refreshing drink and a great match for the menu. 

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Racked with indecision, my partner finally went for the Spicy Nduja blended with creamy mascarpone and a touch of honey, toasted pine nuts on top – rich and gently spiced with a satisfying depth of flavour – served with warm toasted garlic ciabatta. The kind of starter that invites you to slow down and savour each bite. 

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For the main, the Crab and Lobster Ravioli was calling. With king prawns scattered in a bisque sauce, it delivered something a little more indulgent, while not too heavy. Dessert sealed things nicely with a classic sticky toffee pudding covered in butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream that was perfect in sweetness and portion. 

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I started more simply, but no less enjoyably, with a bowl of greens and large black olives dressed in a bright, lemony oil. They were fresh, vibrant quietly stole the spotlight with the kids nipping in for a sneaky cocktail stick. Clean flavours, done well.

I couldn’t resist a GF and DF Veggie One pizza as it’s not an option I often find. The base was thin and crispy but incredibly tasty with a fine selection of veg scattered on top of a rich tomato base.

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Mango sorbet was a lovely, clean way to round off a satisfying meal, leaving me pleasantly full.

The kids went straight for comfort. Pizza dough-style garlic bread for both, then spaghetti and meatballs for one, a simple fusilli in a tomato sauce for the other – both happily received and quickly devoured. 

It’s often the simplest dishes that matter most on a family outing, and these did exactly what they needed to with not a scrap left in bowls.

Pudding, though, was where things really lit up. Light tasty doughnuts with Nutella to dunk them in disappeared in record time, while a vanilla ice cream sundae added that extra bit of excitement to finish.

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There’s a thoughtful touch to the experience that ties everything together. The Faraway Tree theme doesn’t overwhelm, it just adds a layer of fun that children can latch onto. 

The small gesture of giving out tomato seeds to take home felt especially charming. A little piece of the evening to carry forward, something to plant, nurture and watch grow – not unlike the spirit of the story itself.

With Easter offers running, including kids eating free and crafts available, it feels like a genuinely good option for families looking to get out without overcomplicating things. It’s easy, welcoming and just that bit more engaging than your average meal out.

By the time we left, the restaurant had filled out nicely, the atmosphere still relaxed but with a gentle buzz. 

It felt like we’d stumbled across our own version of a magical place. Not at the top of a towering tree, but well placed in Salford Quays offering good food and thoughtful service. And of course, a little spark of imagination along the way.

If you’re thinking of booking a table for Easter, you’ve got to try the Cr*me Egg Calzone Dessert. Simply bring your own small chocolate Cr*me Egg and enjoy it transformed into a warm, gooey calzone dessert when you order a full-priced adult main or a kids meal.

Book a table at Prezzo Italian, based at 110 Broadway, here or call 0161 509 6722 – and you could also win a magical family trip to the Forest of Dean.

Managing remote team expenses in Manchester – A business owner’s guide

Helen Greaney
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Managing remote team expenses in Manchester – A business owner’s guide

Running a business in Manchester used to mean having everyone under one roof. The office was the nerve centre, and if someone needed to buy something – software licences, stationery, a last-minute train ticket to Leeds – you’d sort it out face to face. That world has largely disappeared.

Hybrid and remote setups are now the norm across Greater Manchester, from digital agencies tucked into the Northern Quarter to logistics companies spread across Trafford Park. This shift has unlocked genuine flexibility for employers and employees alike.

But it has also created a headache that many owners didn’t anticipate when they first embraced home working: how do you actually keep track of spending when your team is scattered across postcodes, cities, or even countries?

The expense report problem nobody talks about

Let’s be honest about something. Traditional expense reporting is fundamentally broken, and it has been for years. The process typically looks like this: an employee pays for something out of their own pocket.

Weeks later, they fill in a claim form, attach a photograph of a crumpled receipt, and submit it. Finance then spends half a day cross-referencing, chasing missing details, and trying to reconcile everything against the budget.

Multiply that by a team of fifteen remote workers, each making a handful of small purchases every month, and you’ve got a genuine administrative mess on your hands. For smaller Manchester businesses – the kind without a dedicated accounts department – this drains time, creates tension, and makes VAT returns far more painful than they need to be.

The employee resents fronting costs and waiting to be reimbursed. The manager loses visibility over who spent what and when. And the business ends up with patchy records that nobody fully trusts.

Why shared company cards don’t cut it anymore

Some owners try to solve the problem by handing out the company credit card details to key team members. It works – until it doesn’t. You can’t easily set individual spending limits. You can’t tell at a glance who authorised which transaction without digging through statements.

And if one person’s software subscription renewal happens to overlap with another person’s ad campaign top-up, the card might get flagged or declined at the worst possible moment.

The bigger concern is security. Sharing a single set of card details across a distributed team is inherently risky. One compromised laptop. One phishing email. Suddenly your whole business account is exposed.

A smarter way to handle team spending

This is where the newer generation of payment platforms has made a real difference. Instead of sharing one card, you issue individual virtual cards to each team member. Each card has its own number, its own balance, its own spending cap and its own real-time tracking.

It’s not a radical concept. But the way it has been executed over the past couple of years has improved enormously.

Platforms offering virtual cards for business make it possible to spin up a new card in seconds, assign it to a specific person or project, and monitor transactions as they happen. There’s no waiting three days for bank statements.

No chasing receipts at the end of the month. No awkward conversations about who authorised a particular purchase. Everything is visible from a central dashboard the moment a transaction occurs.

For a Manchester digital agency juggling multiple client accounts, this kind of granular control can save hours each week. For a growing e-commerce brand pushing campaigns across Google, Meta, and TikTok simultaneously, it means ad spend stays tidy, traceable, and within budget.

And for any business owner who has ever stared at a credit card statement trying to work out what a mysterious charge was for, the relief is immediate.

Matching the tool to the way your business works

Not every business needs the same setup, of course. A freelancer with a couple of subcontractors has different requirements than a thirty-person SaaS company with offices in Manchester and Berlin. The key is finding a tool that scales alongside you — something that doesn’t charge the earth upfront but gives you room to grow as your team and spending patterns evolve.

Look for platforms that let you top up flexibly, offer real-time dashboards, and don’t lock you into lengthy contracts. If your team works across borders — and plenty of Manchester tech firms do — multicurrency support and the option to fund cards via cryptocurrency are increasingly valuable.

Getting your team on board

Technology only works if people actually use it properly. The good news is that most remote workers vastly prefer having their own dedicated card to the old claim-and-wait model. It feels more professional. It removes friction. And it gives individuals the autonomy to make purchases quickly without needing to ring up the boss first.

If you’re introducing virtual cards for the first time, start with the biggest spenders – typically the marketing team paying for ad platforms, or the development team subscribing to cloud services and testing tools. Once they see the benefit in practice, the rest of your team will follow naturally. Nobody goes back to expense forms willingly.

The bottom line for Manchester businesses

Remote work isn’t going anywhere. Neither is the need to keep tight, real-time control over where your money goes. Manchester’s business community has always been pragmatic – quick to adopt what works, slow to tolerate what doesn’t.

Getting expense management right won’t make headlines. But it will quietly protect your margins, speed up your month-end accounting, and keep your team happier in the process. In a competitive market, those small operational advantages compound over time. And that’s the kind of edge worth paying attention to.

PushON strengthens team amid continued growth

Helen Greaney
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PushON strengthens team amid continued growth

Manchester-based ecommerce agency PushON has strengthened its team with two strategic appointments as it continues to scale in response to sustained client demand.

Emma Gunn (pictured left) joins as Senior Account Manager within the agency’s Client Services team, while Emily Harris (pictured right) takes up the role of Marketing Executive, supporting PushON’s internal marketing function.

PushON specialises in helping ambitious retail brands achieve measurable, long-term ecommerce growth, and the latest hires reflect its continued investment in talent to support that trajectory.

Emma brings a strong track record in building and scaling client relationships. She joins from creative marketing agency Loaded Hype, where she worked across the recruitment, HR and consumer sectors.

At PushON, she will lead on developing high-value client partnerships, with a focus on commercial performance, client satisfaction and aligning delivery with business objectives.

Her appointment reinforces PushON’s consultancy-led approach, ensuring clients benefit from deeper strategic support as the agency expands its portfolio.

Emily Harris joins the marketing team following roles at Juice Academy and Cranmer Education Trust, where she built experience across content creation, campaign delivery and brand communications.

In her new role, she will support PushON’s multi-channel marketing strategy, spanning paid and organic social, content, email marketing, events and webinars, while also contributing creative assets to client projects.

Emily Harris said: “PushON has a strong reputation in the ecommerce space, and it’s exciting to be joining at a time of real momentum. I’m looking forward to helping elevate the brand and supporting campaigns that deliver tangible results for both PushON and its clients.”

Simon Wharton, founder of PushON, said: “PushON has always grown by investing in the right people at the right time. As we continue to scale, maintaining the quality of our client relationships and the strength of our brand is absolutely critical. Emma and Emily both bring complementary skills that support this ambition. These appointments ensure we can continue to grow sustainably while delivering the high standards our clients expect.”

PushON now employs 50 people, partners with over 40 enterprise clients, including WDS Components and Medline and has grown by 40% in the past year.

TV Aerials UK Rolls Out Expanded Same-Day Installation And Repair Services Nationwide

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TV Aerials UK Rolls Out Expanded Same-Day Installation And Repair Services Nationwide

TV Aerials UK has broadened its same-day installation and repair services throughout the UK, making it easier for homeowners to access reliable and cost-effective television reception solutions.

As demand for uninterrupted viewing grows, many properties are still affected by issues linked to outdated aerial equipment, poor installation standards or environmental factors. TV Aerials UK provides targeted solutions, offering expert installations, upgrades and repairs to ensure consistent and clear reception.

With years of industry experience, the company is widely recognised as a dependable TV aerial installer, known for its efficient service, fair pricing and high-quality workmanship. Its service portfolio includes aerial installation and repair, satellite dish services, Freeview and Freesat setup, additional TV points, TV wall mounting and full home entertainment installations.

“Our focus has always been on delivering reliable service customers can trust,” said James Wilson, founder of TV Aerials UK. “As a professional tv aerial installer, we make sure every customer receives expert advice, proper installation, and a clear picture on every screen.”

The company’s engineers are fully equipped to diagnose signal issues and install advanced aerial systems that maximise reception. Every project is completed with careful attention to detail, including tidy cabling and minimal disruption to the household.

The expanded service offering is particularly beneficial for those moving into new homes, upgrading their systems or experiencing ongoing signal problems. As an experienced TV aerial installer, the company ensures each installation is tailored to the property and its location for optimal results.

Key service highlights include:

• Professional tv aerial installer services across the UK
• Same day installation and repair availability
• Free quotations with no call out fees
• TV aerial and satellite installation and repair
• Signal diagnostics and reception improvement
• Additional TV points and wall mounting
• Friendly, experienced, and reliable engineers

By continuing to expand its coverage and services, TV Aerials UK aims to remain a leading tv aerial installer, helping households enjoy reliable television reception without unnecessary delays or hidden costs.

Homeowners looking for a trusted tv aerial installer can contact TV Aerials UK for fast, professional service and expert support.

Manchester’s tech boom brings a hidden challenge: IT equipment disposal

Helen Greaney
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Manchester’s tech boom brings a hidden challenge: IT equipment disposal

Manchester has cemented its place as the UK’s leading tech city outside London.

MediaCityUK in Salford, the Oxford Road innovation corridor, the growing cluster of digital businesses around Spinningfields and the Northern Quarter have transformed the city into a genuine technology powerhouse.

But with that growth comes a challenge that few people talk about: what happens to all the old IT equipment?

The numbers are difficult to ignore. Greater Manchester is home to over 10,000 digital and technology companies, from two-person startups to global enterprises with hundreds of employees.

Each of those businesses cycles through hardware on a regular basis – laptops every three years, servers every five, networking equipment somewhere in between.

When the new kit arrives, the old kit needs to go somewhere. For too many Manchester businesses, “somewhere” means a storeroom, a cupboard under the stairs, or an
arrangement with a general waste contractor who may have no capability to handle data-bearing equipment securely.

The data problem nobody talks about

Every laptop, desktop, and server that has been used in a business environment contains data. Client contracts, financial records, employee information, login credentials, internal communications – all of it sitting on hard drives that do not erase themselves when the device is switched off.

A factory reset does not solve the problem. Consumer-grade deletion tools leave recoverable data on the drive. For a city full of fintech firms, professional services companies, and digital agencies handling sensitive client work, improperly disposed hardware is a data breach waiting to happen.

Under UK GDPR, the organisation that collected the data remains responsible for it until it is verifiably destroyed. The ICO does not accept ‘we thought it was wiped’ as a defence.

If a retired laptop from a Spinningfields office turns up with recoverable client data, the business that disposed of it faces enforcement action- regardless of how the device left their premises.

The environmental angle

Manchester has set ambitious sustainability targets, and the city’s businesses are under increasing pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Yet electronic waste from commercial IT equipment remains a significant blind spot.

The UK generates approximately 1.5 million tonnes of e-waste annually. Circuit boards contain lead, mercury, and cadmium. Batteries contain lithium and cobalt. When this equipment reaches landfill, those materials leach into the environment.

Professional IT recycling ensures that materials are recovered and reprocessed rather than buried, with a zero-landfill approach that aligns with Manchester’s green ambitions.

What good IT disposal looks like

Professional IT asset disposal follows a clear process. Equipment is collected — typically for free – and transported securely to a processing facility. Every data-bearing device undergoes Blancco-certified wiping to NIST 800-88 standards, producing individual certificates that serve as auditable proof of destruction.

Hardware with remaining useful life is refurbished and resold. Everything else is broken down for materials recovery.

The entire process is documented from collection to final processing, giving businesses the compliance evidence they need for audits, regulatory enquiries, and client due diligence requests.

A city that moves fast should dispose fast too

Manchester prides itself on moving quickly. Its businesses adopt new technology at pace, and its workforce expects modern tools. That same energy should apply to the back end of the hardware lifecycle. Every month that decommissioned equipment sits in storage is a month of unnecessary data risk and wasted office space in a city where commercial rents are climbing steadily.

The solutions exist, they are free, and they are designed to make the process effortless. For a city building its reputation as a responsible, forward-thinking tech hub, getting IT disposal right is simply part of the job.

Drew Povey Outlines Five Essential Tips To Help New Leaders Win Over Their Teams Quickly

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Drew Povey Outlines Five Essential Tips To Help New Leaders Win Over Their Teams Quickly

For many individuals stepping into leadership roles for the first time, one challenge stands out above the rest: how to earn the trust and support of a team they have only just begun to manage.

Now, one of the UK’s most respected leadership consultants has shared his guidance on how to approach this critical early stage.

Drew Povey, author and founder of Drew Povey Consultancy, explains that the principles of effective leadership remain consistent across industries, whether in elite sport, retail environments or major corporate organisations.

Having worked closely with England football managers Stuart Pearce and Gareth Southgate, Povey draws on his experience in high-pressure settings to highlight the importance of making a strong and immediate impression.

Drew, who has worked with England Football managers Stuart Pearce and Gareth Southgate, said: “You need to make an impact, and quickly. Those new to a job need to understand the culture they’re inheriting if they want to be successful.

“In modern football, managers just don’t get the luxury of time and we know that one poor run of results and literally, headlines will start writing themselves.

“The job is relentless. It’s public and, quite frankly, it’s completely unforgiving.

“But there is something fascinating about that environment, because when a new manager walks into any sports club, but particularly a football club, they’ve got to create an impact immediately.

“But they’re inheriting a culture. They’re inheriting a dressing room dynamic that they didn’t create, a history that they may or may not have been part of and this is all before they’ve even taken a training session or met the players.

“This can sound familiar to many other leaders. Because whether you’re managing a football team or you’re running a shop floor or you’re leading a FTSE 100 company, the same truth applies.

“Leadership is leadership regardless of sector, and the way that a leader resets an environment often determines everything else that follows.”

Here are Drew’s five leadership resets which can help any new leader make an immediate impact.

1. Do your due diligence before you walk through the door

“Great leaders don’t start just by changing things, they start by understanding them. The best leaders don’t come in blind but will start by studying the squad, the club culture, supporters, the expectations of the board and the dynamics within the dressing room.

“They’ll have a view of that before they’ve probably even accepted the job, and definitely before they’ve started training.

“Regardless of sector, a new leader will understand that before you lead the future, you’ve got to understand the present. What’s worked, what hasn’t worked and what are people hoping will change?

“Clarity before action is never, ever wasted time. ”

2. Respect the past, but don’t be trapped by it

“When a new manager arrives, players already have experienced another leadership style and might have got used to it. Some won’t have liked it. Some will have been ambivalent. Some will have loved it, though.

“A new leader must avoid the temptation to rip everything up on day one, even if it’s been a low performing strategy, because that’s a journey the team has been on.

“Implementing too much change all in one go will be confusing and overwhelming.

“Authenticity builds credibility faster than imitation ever will. The goal isn’t to erase the past, it’s to build for the next chapter.”

3. Meet people where they are now. 

“Every dressing room I’ve ever worked in is very different, but every workplace is very different, too. Some people are confident, some cautious. Some are motivated by challenge, others by stability. Some are ready for change, but others will be unsure.

“Great leaders don’t force people into their style, they meet them where they’re at. They ask questions so they can find out about their new team and take the time to understand what people care about, what they believe in, what drives them and of course, the things they might be worried about.

“Great negotiators find the common ground and the same goes for great leaders. The influence part of leadership rarely begins with instruction, but instead with understanding.

4. Reset expectations

“When a new leader comes in, it’s a chance to reset the rules of engagement. But the best leaders don’t just come in and deliver this diktat and announce what they want, they create shared expectations.

“There are three elements of this. Firstly, as a leader explain what you expect of your team members. This can be as simple as explaining what you stand for, and what you expect from them in terms of effort and behaviour.

“The second is to tell the team what they can expect of you.

“And then the final element is, what can we expect of each other?

“How does this look? It should be a conversation, not just a transmission. This allows you to build connections and build that trust which is the hallmark of the best leaders.

“Teams are going to succeed and fail together so it is essential to have conversations around those expectations and at an early stage, ensure you are all getting what you need from this relationship.”

5. Create belief in winning again

“In football, confidence can disappear quickly, but it can also arrive pretty quickly too. A team which expects to lose usually does because people are beaten before they’ve even begun.

“That’s the same in all organisations, whether it’s sport or someone delivering a new business pitch.

“New leaders must therefore do something psychological as well as practical – restore belief.

“This is not the same as blind optimism but believable progress which you can deliver by letting people understand and embrace the process.

“It’s helping people see the small wins. Even if you’re losing the game, where are the small wins happening? It’s about getting that clear direction of what’s important, and it’s helping them see that visible improvement, progress and growth.

“Because when people do start to believe again, performance almost always follows.”

Family Creates Colouring Book Project In Daughter’s Memory To Support Children’s Hospice

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Family Creates Colouring Book Project In Daughter’s Memory To Support Children’s Hospice

A couple from the UK have launched a series of colouring books inspired by towns across Britain, following the loss of their daughter, Freya.

Stephen, 38, who works in a warehouse, and his partner Melissa, 22, began developing the idea shortly after her funeral, using the project as a way to navigate the stillness and emotional weight of the weeks that followed.

Freya, remembered by her parents as strong, determined and “incredibly amazing”, left a deep and lasting impact on those around her. Known for her striking hair and warm personality, she brought happiness to many despite the difficulties she faced.

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22-month-old Freya in her dad Stephen’s arms

“She just kept going,” Stephen says. “She was always pushing herself to get better and do things people didn’t think she’d be able to do. She made us so proud.”

In the months leading up to her passing, the family received support from Martin House Children’s Hospice, where they were able to stay together and gain the skills needed to care for Freya at home.

“The biggest thing they did for us was teach us how to look after her,” Stephen explains. “We stayed there before bringing her home from the hospital, and it gave us the confidence to care for her ourselves. They were always there when we needed support.”

After Freya’s passing, evenings and weekends became particularly difficult for the family.

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Britain in Lines

“That’s when it really hits you,” he says. “When everything slows down.”

In search of a way to stay occupied, Stephen explored different outlets, including gaming and going to the gym, before the idea for Britain in Lines began to emerge.

The concept developed into a collection of colouring books based on real towns and locations across the UK, designed to provide a calming and mindful activity.

“I was looking for something different,” he says. “A lot of colouring books are patterns or cartoon-style drawings. I wanted something where you could feel like you’re colouring your own town or somewhere meaningful to you.”

What began as a modest idea soon grew in significance as the first illustrations were completed by freelance artists.

“That’s when it felt real. I could picture people sitting down for 20–30 minutes, just relaxing and colouring one of the pages.”

For Melissa, who had devoted so much of her time to caring for Freya, rediscovering a sense of focus has been equally important.

“Melissa isn’t quite ready to return to work yet,” Stephen says. “She lost her role as a mum, which is something no one should ever have to go through. Colouring has helped her take some time for herself and begin to look forward again.”

The project, Britain in Lines, has since taken on a deeper meaning beyond creativity.

“It gives us something to build, something positive,” Stephen says. “And it gives people a chance to take a bit of time for themselves too.”

As part of their initiative, the couple have pledged to donate 10% of proceeds from every book sold to Martin House in Freya’s memory.

“She made so many people happy in her life,” he says. “This is a way for her to continue helping others, even now.”

The books feature detailed, architectural-style illustrations of real UK locations, including towns such as Harrogate, Scarborough, Falmouth and Buxton, designed to encourage relaxation and focus.

“We just hope people enjoy them,” Stephen adds. “That they get a bit of peace, even if it’s just for a few minutes.”

Looking to the future, the couple plan to expand the collection to include more towns and potentially develop charity editions, with all proceeds supporting organisations such as Martin House.

For now, their purpose remains clear. “We’ll keep building this, for her.”

One Degree doubles reach as life-changing mentoring goes nationwide

Helen Greaney
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One Degree doubles reach as life-changing mentoring goes nationwide
One Degree, the UK charity transforming young lives through tailored mentoring, is set to double the number of students it supports from disadvantaged backgrounds over the next three years – expanding beyond London for the first time in its history. Through a new phase of growth alongside Ark, the charity will bring its proven mentoring programme to schools across England, reaching hundreds more young people in need of academic and personal support. To date, 918 students from less privileged backgrounds have accessed One Degree’s life-changing mentoring programme. With seven additional schools targeted over the next three years, the charity expects to support a further 800 students nationwide. The programme combines one-on-one mentoring, on-demand learning and career guidance, equipping GCSE-age students not only to achieve academic success, but also to build confidence, resilience and employability skills. CEO of One Degree, Roger Wynne-Dyke, said: “Our national expansion is a game-changer for the charity. For the first time, we can offer our holistic mentoring approach to students outside London, helping them unlock their potential and create pathways to further education and meaningful careers.” One Degree’s impact is already evident. Since its founding in 2009, the charity has supported almost 1,000 students, with recent cohorts seeing up to a 30% increase in grades. In one Greater London school, students in the programme achieved a 100% Maths pass rate. One former student, Eliott C, is now a 25-year-old DJ and producer performing internationally under the name ‘CONFLUENCE’. Struggling with confidence in English and maths during his GCSEs at Westminster Academy, Eliott joined the One Degree programme, where he improved academically while building key communication and teamwork skills. He has since performed for major brands including Guerlain and Eurostar, and featured in Simon Squibb’s ‘What’s Your Dream’ series. Reflecting on his journey, Eliott said: “Joining One Degree really helped me with maths and English. At first I was worried it would take too much time away from making music, but it quickly became a second family. The confidence I gained means I can communicate easily with global clients, producers and event managers. “Whether I’m negotiating a gig in Paris or collaborating on a track in London, I feel equipped to put myself forward and take opportunities—skills that have been crucial in building my international DJ career.” Roger (pictured) added: “Our national expansion represents a unique opportunity for further corporate partners and volunteers to get involved. Businesses who want to support or provide mentors can help shape the next generation of UK talent.” To find out more, visit https://myonedegree.org/ or https://myonedegree.org/contact/.

King Charles III’s costal path puts Dorset on track to be Britain’s next great destination

Helen Greaney
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King Charles III’s costal path puts Dorset on track to be Britain’s next great destination

Independent holiday agency Dorset Cottage Holidays says the county is ready for its moment in the spotlight.

The opening of the King Charles III England Coast Path last week has shone a fresh light on the English coastline – and its great news for Dorset tourism.

Dorset Cottage Holidays, a family-run business with close to 100 hand-picked properties across the county, says the launch of the new coastal path marks a turning point for Dorset as a travel destination, and that the county has everything it needs to rival the Cotswolds as Britain’s most coveted rural retreat.

Leanne Hemingway, owner of Dorset Cottage Holidays, said: “The opening of the King Charles III England Coast Path has put a well-deserved spotlight on the English coastline. As an independent, family-run agency set up over 25 years ago, we have watched this county quietly establish itself as one of England’s finest destinations, and I genuinely believe it is on the cusp of becoming the place to visit.”

Leanne believes Dorset holds a unique appeal for the growing number of travellers seeking beauty, character and quality closer to home.

“People who love the Cotswolds, the beauty, the charm, the sense of stepping into somewhere that feels almost impossibly picturesque, will fall completely in love with Dorset. It has all of that, and then it has the coastline and the seaside attractions.”

Corfe Castle – A storybook village with a thousand years of history

Built by William the Conqueror following the Norman conquest of 1066 on the site of a Saxon stronghold with roots stretching back over a thousand years, Corfe Castle’s dramatic ruins rise from a natural hill commanding the gap in the Purbeck Hills; a strategic position that has made it one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the country.

The village below is built almost entirely from local grey Purbeck limestone, its two main streets meeting at a square that has barely changed in centuries. It is the kind of place that draws comparisons with the most celebrated Cotswolds villages – a picture-perfect, deeply historic settlement that feels entirely untouched by time.

“Visitors arrive at Corfe Castle and can’t quite believe what they’re seeing,” said Leanne. “It looks like something straight out of a storybook, sitting up on the hill with the village clustered around it. You can even hop on the Swanage steam railway right from the village. It’s completely magical.”

Silverlake: Dorset’s best-kept luxury secret

For those seeking a more elevated escape, Silverlake is a name that is fast becoming known among discerning travellers. Set within hundreds of acres of nature reserve in the heart of rural Dorset, just ten minutes from the coast, the private estate offers over 50 award-winning lakeside holiday homes ranging from cosy two-bedroom cottages to contemporary six-bedroom lodges sleeping up to 12 guests.

Designed with sustainability and luxury in mind, the properties sit around a series of freshwater lakes surrounded by heathland and ancient woodland. On-site facilities include the Hurricane Spa – a tranquil wellness retreat set on the edge of Beaumont Lake, featuring a heated infinity pool, sauna, gym and treatment rooms – alongside a rooftop bar and restaurant, private beach, watersports, tennis courts and forest playgrounds. It is, in short, a destination in its own right.

“Silverlake is the kind of place that genuinely surprises people,” says Leanne. “They arrive expecting a nice lodge and leave talking about it for years. Award-winning architecture, stunning lakes, a spa, a rooftop restaurant, all set within acres of unspoilt Dorset countryside and just minutes from the Jurassic Coast. It is a home from home, designed at the highest possible level.”

Accessibility is another Dorset plus point. The county sits within two hours of London, with 95 miles of UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast on the doorstep and beaches including Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Studland and Chesil Beach consistently rated among the finest in the country. The new coastal path now ties those landscapes together in a way that has never been possible before.

Leanne adds: “The Cotswolds will always be special. But if you love what it offers, Dorset is ready to show you something just as beautiful, just as charming, and with the added magic of the sea.”

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