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Be Cool Refrigeration Achieves 100 AC Installations in 2024

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Be Cool Refrigeration Achieves 100 AC Installations in 2024

Be Cool Refrigeration, a leading air conditioning installation, maintenance, and repair service provider, has successfully installed 100 air conditioning units in 2024. The company’s recent market study highlights important consumer trends, revealing the distinct needs and preferences of homeowners and businesses in the UK.

Key Insights on Consumer Trends in Air Conditioning Installations

As the demand for air conditioning solutions continues to rise, Be Cool Refrigeration’s recent findings shed light on the changing landscape of the industry. The company analysed 100 installations completed in 2024, providing a snapshot of the evolving trends in air conditioning preferences.

Domestic vs. Commercial Installations

Of the 100 air conditioning units installed by Be Cool Refrigeration, 31.66% were for domestic clients, while the remaining 68.34% were for commercial customers. This clear division highlights the growing commercial demand for air conditioning systems across various business sectors, from office spaces to retail outlets.

Domestic Consumer Preferences

Domestic customers showed a strong preference for split system air conditioners, with 74% opting for this type of installation. Known for their affordability and ease of installation, split systems remain the go-to choice for homeowners seeking cost-effective cooling solutions. However, 26% of domestic customers selected ducted air conditioning, which offers a more discreet and whole-home cooling solution.

An emerging trend among domestic buyers was a focus on affordability. Many consumers prioritised the upfront cost of their air conditioning systems rather than considering the long-term energy efficiency of their purchases. While this cost-conscious approach is understandable, it often overlooks the potential savings that more energy-efficient systems can offer over time.

Commercial Consumer Preferences

Commercial clients demonstrated a clear preference for ceiling cassette air conditioning systems, with 83.33% of all commercial installations opting for this solution. Ceiling cassette units, ideal for offices, restaurants, and retail environments, provide powerful cooling while maintaining a sleek, unobtrusive design. The remaining 16.67% of commercial clients selected a range of alternative systems, including ducted, floor-mounted, and VRF/VRV units, depending on their specific business needs.

This preference for ceiling cassette units in commercial spaces aligns with the growing trend towards high-efficiency, space-saving designs in modern office and retail environments. These systems provide businesses with reliable, consistent cooling while helping to minimise disruption to the aesthetics of their spaces.

The Future of Air Conditioning Installations in the UK

Looking ahead to 2025, Be Cool Refrigeration predicts a shift in consumer behaviour, particularly within the domestic market. With rising energy costs and increasing awareness of sustainability, more consumers are expected to prioritise long-term energy efficiency over short-term cost savings. This shift may lead to greater demand for more energy-efficient air conditioning systems that provide higher performance at a lower lifetime cost.

“Our data shows that domestic buyers often opt for lower-cost solutions upfront, whereas commercial clients prioritise functionality and efficiency,” said Ali Elm, Managing Director of Be Cool Refrigeration. “We encourage homeowners to consider energy efficiency and total lifetime cost savings when investing in air conditioning.”

As the air conditioning market continues to grow, Be Cool Refrigeration remains committed to providing high-quality installations, expert guidance, and ongoing maintenance support to both residential and commercial clients. The company’s dedication to sustainability and customer satisfaction ensures that all clients receive the most efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for their cooling needs.

About Be Cool Refrigeration

Be Cool Refrigeration is a trusted provider of air conditioning and refrigeration solutions across London and beyond. Specialising in installation, servicing, and maintenance, the company delivers energy-efficient cooling solutions tailored to both residential and commercial clients. With a commitment to high-quality service and expert advice, Be Cool Refrigeration continues to lead the industry with reliable, sustainable air conditioning solutions.

Reflect Clinic Highlights Upper Blepharoplasty as a Popular Anti-Ageing Solution

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Reflect Clinic Highlights Upper Blepharoplasty as a Popular Anti-Ageing Solution

Reflect Clinic, a trusted name in cosmetic surgery across Manchester, Cheshire, and the North West, continues to offer Upper Blepharoplasty as a highly requested procedure. This treatment is ideal for rejuvenating the eye area and can also benefit those with obstructed vision due to sagging eyelids.

As time passes, the skin around the eyes naturally loses elasticity, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and excess skin that can create a tired or aged look. Upper Blepharoplasty effectively restores a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Upper Blepharoplasty also referred to as an Upper Eyelid Lift, or an Upper Eyelift, removes excess skin and, in some cases, small fat deposits to enhance the natural contours of the eyes.

The result is a smoother, more youthful appearance that restores confidence without altering unique facial expressions.

Consultant plastic surgeon Mr Gerard Lambe explains why this procedure remains a popular choice among patients, stating,

“Upper Blepharoplasty can have a life-changing impact. Many patients report feeling more youthful and re-energised, and for those with drooping eyelids obstructing their vision, the functional improvements can be significant.”

Anti-Ageing and Functional Benefits 

Upper blepharoplasty stands out for its anti-ageing advantages. By tightening and lifting the upper eyelid, the procedure effectively reduces the appearance of drooping skin and fine lines, giving patients a refreshed, vibrant look.

Learn more about the anti-ageing benefits of upper blepharoplasty from Reflect Clinic.

The procedure also provides functional improvements for individuals experiencing restricted sight from sagging eyelids. Removing excess skin helps expand the field of vision, making daily activities such as reading or driving safer and more comfortable.

Performed as a minimally invasive day case under local anaesthesia, Upper Blepharoplasty typically takes around 45 minutes.

With stitches removed within a week and most individuals returning to normal routines within two weeks, the recovery process is quick and straightforward.

About Reflect Clinic 

Reflect Clinic is a trusted name in cosmetic surgery, known for its patient-focused approach and personalised care.

Under the leadership of consultant plastic surgeon Mr Gerard Lambe, the Clinic has established a strong reputation for delivering natural-looking results in Manchester, Cheshire, and the North West.

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Ben Miller
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India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play

India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Trophy 2025 on Tuesday.

With two titles each, the most successful sides in the history of the trophy meet in Dubai after India’s spinners took nine wickets for the first time in 14 years to complete a perfect group stage with a 44-run win over New Zealand.

Rohit Sharma, who was part of a top-three dismissed in only 6.4 overs alongside Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, called momentum “very, very critical” ahead of the semi-finals.

“You try and possibly win every game that is in front of you and try and do everything right,” said the only captain to win three out of three games.

 

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“It is going to be a good game and we know Australia have a rich history of playing ICC tournaments well. We do understand that.

“It’s about what we want to do against the opposition and trying to do that right. We’re all looking forward to the contest and hopefully we can stitch one [more win]”.

Australia finished behind South Africa, signing off with their second group match to be abandoned by rain against Afghanistan in Lahore on Friday.

Ben Dwarshuis belied his One-Day International experience to take 3-47, with Spencer Johnson and leg-spinner Adam Zampa each collecting two wickets and Travis Head posting an unbeaten 59 off 40 deliveries.

India vs Australia team news

Matt Short sustained a quad injury against Afghanistan, so Australia have called up all-rounder Cooper Connolly.

Jake Fraser-McGurk is the obvious option to come in at the top of the order. If the 22-year-old is not used, Josh Inglis could move up the order.

Mitchell Starc opted out of the tournament for Australia for personal reasons, while Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh have all missed out through injury.

All-rounders Sean Abbott and Aaron Hardie and spinner Tanveer Sangha could be options if Andrew McDonald’s team selection is to spring surprises, while Ben Dwarshuis’s total of six wickets is bettered only by New Zealand’s Matt Henry, of the players still involved in the tournament.

 

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Sharma says Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul against New Zealand has given him a “good headache to have”.

“He’s got something different about him, there’s no doubt about it,” he added. “Varun was class. If he gets it right, it’s very difficult to read him. We’ve got to think about what we want to do.”

India vs Australia expected line-ups

India: Sharma (c), Gill, Kohli, Iyer, Patel, Rahul (wk), Pandya, Jadeja, Rana, Yadav, Chakravarthy

Australia: Head, Smith (c), Inglis (wk), Labuschagne, Carey, Maxwell, Connolly, Dwarshuis, Ellis, Zampa, Johnson

How to watch India vs Australia: TV channel, live stream

The ICC Champions Trophy can be watched in the UK on Sky Sports. Tuesday’s coverage starts on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket at 0830.

In India, it is being shown on the JioStar network with JioHotstar providing live streaming. On television, in addition to the English feed, coverage will also be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada across Star Sports and Sports18 channels.

 

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India vs Australia prediction

India have played all of their matches in Dubai and it would be a significant surprise if they do not advance a game from repeating their 2013 triumph with another win there.

Australia’s absentees do not help their cause as they try to hold off a formidable set of spinners. Fast-bowler Mohammed Shami also claimed five against Bangladesh during the group stage.

“Australia have been such a great team over the years, so we will expect some fightback and some nervy times in the middle as well,” predicted Sharma.

“We are talking about a semi-final. There will be pressure on both teams to win.”

Police seek dashcam footage following fatal collision on M62

Helen Greaney
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Police seek dashcam footage following fatal collision on M62

Police are searching for witnesses or dashcam footage of a fatal collision on the M62 last night.

At around 11.30pm, officers and other emergency services responded to the fatal road traffic collision between junction 19 and 18 (Middleton) of the M62.

An Audi A5 S line car was travelling on the M62 before it came off the carriageway and collided with a bridge. It is believed that no other vehicles were involved.

The 24-year-old male driver died from his injuries at the scene.

This section of the motorway is still closed whilst enquiries continue, and delays are expected to continue into today.

Motorists are advised to find alternative routes and plan if they can.

Detective constable Rachael Stafford from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) said; “Since we became aware of the incident last night, we deployed officers to the scene and are now in a position to appeal to any members of the public who were on that stretch of road last night and can help with our enquiries, this could include those who have access to dashcam footage.

“At the heart of this is a man that has sadly lost his life in tragic circumstances and family and friends who are now having to come to terms with losing a loved one this morning.”

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to call 0161 856 4741 or 101 quoting incident 3219 of 02/02/2025. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Image cred: Google maps – M62

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Ben Miller
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New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play

Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final Group A matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

India beat Bangladesh by six wickets in their opener and proceeded to win by the same margin against Pakistan in Dubai last Sunday.

New Zealand saw off Pakistan by 60 runs before recording a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday.

“It could be a contest of spin,” India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate says, observing one of the strengths these sides share.

“Coming into the competition, we weren’t expecting such an over-reliance on spin. But the guys have bowled nicely and the pitch has helped a little bit, so I’m sure it’s going to be the same for the next game.”

Glenn Phillips believes the variety of pitches in Pakistan has prepared New Zealand well to play in Dubai, where the all-rounder expects the surface to be “different again”.

“We’ve had a lot of different situations,” reflected Phillips. “We’ve had balls that have spun, we’ve had surfaces that have been flat and fast, and boundaries that are small.

“This ground presents us with a different challenge of being potentially a little bit slower, more void of grass and maybe having slightly slower outfields. We pride ourselves on trying to be as adaptable as possible.”

New Zealand vs India team news

Changes could be on the way with both teams through to the semi-finals, with India potentially giving Rishabh Pant a start in place of KL Rahul, among the big names who could be rested.

Ten Doeschate played down an injury concern for captain Rohit Sharma against Pakistan, saying: “He’s all right. It’s an injury he’s had before, so he knows how to manage it really well.”

Daryl Mitchell is likely to return for New Zealand after missing their encounter with Bangladesh through illness, and Phillips says top spot would give them a “great deal of confidence”.

“In a tournament like this, we always go out to win every game possible,” he added. Momentum is a strange thing – in cricket, especially.”

India are more likely to “share out” the bowling to “get the balance right” rather than make wholesale changes, according to Ten Doeschate. “It’s important that we keep that momentum going and top the group,” he said.

India icon Virat Kohli is set to play his 300th One-Day International, making the 36-year-old the 22nd player and seventh from India to do so.

“That’s a lot of ODI games and a lot of international games,” said Rahul. “Words fall short to express how good a player and what a great servant of Indian cricket he’s been.”

New Zealand vs India expected line-ups

New Zealand: Conway, Ravindra, Williamson, Mitchell, Latham (wk), Phillips, Bracewell, Santner (c), Jamieson, Henry, O’Rourke

India: Sharma (c), Gill, Kohli, Iyer, Pant (wk), Pandya, Jadeja, Sundar, Rana, Yadav, Shami

How to watch New Zealand vs India: TV channel, live stream

The ICC Champions Trophy can be watched in the UK on Sky Sports. Sunday’s coverage starts on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket at 0830.

In India, it is being shown on the JioStar network with JioHotstar providing live streaming. On television, in addition to the English feed, coverage will also be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada across Star Sports and Sports18 channels.

New Zealand vs India prediction

India’s status as warm odds-on favourites is perhaps a little short given the unpredictability of the teams and the reduced stakes for each team, but expect the side with 60 wins from their 118 matches against New Zealand – their opponents have 50 victories – to mark Kohli’s 300th game in style.

This is a storied fixture, including a 70-run win for India in the 2023 World Cup semi-finals, and the likes of New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell and Will O’Rourke and India’s Mohammad Shami and Harshit Rana could shine in attack, with that quartet taking a combined 19 wickets so far.

New Zealand start the day above India on net run rate, with the group winners facing Australia and the second-placed team taking on South Africa.

We review: Med-inspired ‘Mélange’ comes to Ramsbottom

Helen Greaney
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We review: Med-inspired ‘Mélange’ comes to Ramsbottom

When we were offered the chance to sample the fusion of flavoursome food at Bury’s newest restaurant, we found it hard to turn down.

Mélange – which translates as ‘mixture’ – offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu, drawing from memories and unforgettable holidays, bringing with it a medley of flavours and colours.

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The 80-seat bar and restaurant has recently opened inside the Red Hall Hotel on Manchester Road, near junction 1 of the M66, and replaces the former eatery, Oscar’s.

Overlooking picturesque Ramsbottom, it was easy to find with plenty of free parking available.

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Stepping inside we were greeted by both the friendly receptionist and bar tender, before being taken to our seats in a booth, by waiter, James.

The newly renovated bar and restaurant was bright and airy, with a modern feel. With plenty of soft lighting and candles, cream walls and green plants,  it made for a welcoming, relaxed ambience.

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There were plenty of areas to eat, including cosy pockets away from the general room for smaller groups or those going solo.

With everything from signature bread, to small plates, sharing experiences, pizzas and steaks, and a very well-stocked wine list on offer, there were major decisions to be made.

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Our waiter welcomed us to the restaurant, brought some soft drinks over and recommended my friend and I had the nibbles to start. So, we picked the olives in herbs, which were perfectly plump and juicy. The patatas bravas was sensational – an incredible spicy tomato sauce with perfectly soft potato, was a satisfying start for us both.

For mains, my partner opted for the maple-baked salmon served with potato puree, which was a really decent portion, well cooked and complemented well by the broccoli and carrot, with a decorative tuile.

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As a gluten and dairy-free eater (groan) I’m often dismayed by the food choices on offer, but the chef went out of his way to cater to my needs, so I was able to have the king prawn linguine. Huge – and I mean bigger than king-looking – prawns were served in a velvety tomato sauce with a fair amount of heat. Delicious and cooked to perfection.

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For dessert across the table, it was the chocolate cheesecake, which was perfect. Not too rich – as they often are – and with a deliciously crunchy base. I was happy with the gluten and dairy-free brownie, which came topped with walnuts and a dairy-free vanilla ice cream to cut through the sweetness.

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It’s safe to say we will be back. The prices were fair, the service was excellent, the food was fabulous. Overall, it was a great dining experience with plenty on offer for all, even the more awkward among us.

Perfectly located, it’s a great option for a special evening meal or a casual lunch date. And of course, you could just take advantage of the beautiful bar for a vast range of spirits, wines and non-alcoholic drinks.

To book your table at Mélange, visit: red-hall.co.uk/melange/

British Heart Foundation’s Centre of Research Excellence launches at The University of Manchester

Helen Greaney
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British Heart Foundation’s Centre of Research Excellence launches at The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester has launched the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Manchester Centre of Research Excellence following an award of £4 million to support world-class cardiovascular disease from the leading charity.

The award from the BHF is part of a £35 million boost to UK cardiovascular disease research, with the funding stemming from the charity’s highly competitive Research Excellence Awards funding scheme.

President and vice-chancellor, professor Duncan Ivison and professor Tony Heagerty, head of School of Medical Sciences in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health delivered opening remarks.

Professor Maciej Tomaszewski, deputy director of the BHF Manchester Centre of Research Excellence and professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at The University of Manchester, said: “The launch of the BHF Manchester Centre of Research Excellence marks a key turning point for cardiovascular research in Greater Manchester.

“Built out of a need for collaboration, inclusion and innovation in this space, the Centre will serve as a world-class research environment. Over the coming years, we will strive forward to find answers to some of the biggest questions in our field, in the hopes that our research efforts will lead to positive health changes for people in the North West, the UK and beyond.”

Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the BHF said: “Manchester produced an outstanding bid in a very tough national funding competition. BHF was delighted to fund their bid because the Manchester research team and their research plan are outstanding, with a focus on tackling important aspects of heart disease with leading edge innovation, and a desire to make a real difference for patients.”

The BHF Manchester Centre of Research Excellence will focus on key cardiovascular diseases, including:

  • Discover the reasons why some babies are born with heart problems (congenital heart disease) and find ways in which these problems could be better predicted, potentially avoided, and treated when they occur in families.
  • Better understand the genetic drivers of high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions.
  • Provide new insights into the causes and consequences of heart failure and identify new potential treatment strategies.
  • Uncover the links between inflammation and inflammatory diseases (such as certain types of arthritis) and the higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke these patients carry and find ways to break these links.
  • Use Artificial Intelligence on largescale datasets to identify how we can better identify and prevent disease in patients with cardiovascular diseases, including those suffering from other conditions such as cancer.

Heart health is a key research priority for the University’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. Policy@Manchester, The University of Manchester’s dedicated unit for influencing and challenging policymakers with research-informed evidence and ideas, is also focused on cardiovascular health through its Healthy Hearts initiative.

It is hoped the funding will help to break down siloes that have traditionally existed in research and encourage collaboration between experts from diverse fields, cross-discipline, to help answer some of the biggest questions in heart and circulatory disease research.

The BHF’s investment for Manchester, announced in 2024, was followed by matched funding from the University – bringing the total investment into cardiovascular disease research at Manchester to £8 million.

Image: (From left) Professor Bryan Williams, professor Tony Heagerty, professor Maciej Tomaszewski, professor Bernard Clarke and Miss Toli Onon.

ICC Champions Trophy – England v South Africa: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch on TV and prediction

Jon Fisher
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ICC Champions Trophy – England v South Africa: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch on TV and prediction

State of Play

England’s sorry white-ball stint under Jos Buttler will come to an end tomorrow after he leads the side against South Africa in Karachi in their final game at the ICC Champions Trophy.

England’s defeat by Afghanistan on Wednesday meant another early elimination for a team that held both the ODI and T20 World Cups as recently as 2022.

It has been a swift and alarming descent and Buttler, who has overseen 22 defeats from 34 ODIs since replacing Eoin Morgan, admitted it is time for change.

He said “This is the right decision for me and it’s the right decision for the team. Hopefully someone else can come in and work closely alongside Baz (McCullum) to take the team back to where it needs to be.

“It was quite clear that this tournament was going to be important, results-wise for my captaincy. Two losses and being out of the tournament with a bit of a hangover from tournaments before, I think I just probably reached the end of the road for my captaincy, which is a shame. I am sad about that.

“With Brendon coming in only recently, I was really excited to work alongside him and to hope for a very quick turnaround and to take the team forward. It has not quite turned out that way. It just feels like it’s the right time for me and the team to have a change.

“My over-riding emotions are sadness and disappointment. I’m sure in time that will pass and I can get back to enjoying my cricket. I’ll be able to reflect on what an immense honour that it is to captain your country and the things that come with that.”

Yorkshire’s Harry Brook, the current vice-captain, is favourite to step up.

None of this will be of any interest to South Africa, who have their own issues to deal with as they look to secure one of the top two positions in Group B and a semi-final spot.

The Proteas crushed Afghanistan in their opener, winning by 107 runs, before their clash with Australia was washed out without a ball being bowled.

That has left the group wide open with three teams fighting for two spots.

There are a multitude of scenarios but the bottom line for South Africa is they will be through with a win.

Veteran batter Rassie van der Dussen says the team had earmarked this game as a must-win from the outset and they won’t be taking England lightly despite their poor form.

He said: “We were always coming into this match saying that it will possibly be a quarter-final type of situation. Whoever wins that will go through. 

“A little bit changes for them because they can’t go through anymore but for us, it’s a match against England. We don’t need any extra motivation to play England.”

Team News

England could hand opportunities to several squad players with qualification no longer possible.

Their plan to blow teams away with all-out pace has backfired spectacularly and Jofra Archer and Mark Wood could be left out with Gus Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed drafted in.

Heinrich Klaasen could return for South Africa, bolstering their middle-order.

Expected line-ups

England: Salt, Duckett, Smith (wk), Root, Brook, Buttler (c), Livingstone, Overton, Atkinson, Rashid, Ahmed

South Africa: Rickelton (wk), Bavuma (c), Van der Dussen, Markram, Klaasen, Miller, Mulder, Jansen, Maharaj, Rabada, Ngidi

How to Watch

The ICC Champions Trophy can be watched in the UK on Sky Sports. Saturday’s coverage starts on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket at 0830.

In India, it is being shown on the JioStar network with JioHotstar providing live streaming. On television, in addition to the English feed, coverage will also be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada across Star Sports and Sports18 channels.

Prediction

England are a demoralised mess and it’s hard not to see South Africa taking full advantage, especially as they have so much to play for.

The Proteas have an abundance of big-hitters in the middle-order and a nice mix in their bowling attack with the pace of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi complemented by the spin of Keshav Maharaj.

We think they’ll have too much for England.

Getting Married in 2025? A Leading Family Lawyer Explains Why You Should Consider a Prenup

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Getting Married in 2025? A Leading Family Lawyer Explains Why You Should Consider a Prenup

Couples preparing for their wedding this year are being encouraged by a leading family lawyer to consider a prenuptial agreement, which can help protect their financial future.

Claire Chisnall, Senior Associate at Consilia Legal, has observed a notable increase in prenup enquiries over the past 12 months, as more couples seek financial security before their big day.

According to independent research from the Marriage Foundation, one in five marriages now includes a prenuptial agreement, a figure that has steadily risen over the past 50 years.

While some may be surprised by the growing popularity of prenups, it is perhaps less shocking that 44% of these agreements are signed by higher-income couples.

A prenuptial agreement is a legal document signed before marriage that sets out how a couple’s finances, assets, and liabilities will be handled in the event of a separation. Although nuptial agreements are not currently legally binding in the UK, courts are increasingly recognising them—provided they meet key requirements, including fairness, full financial disclosure, and independent legal representation for both parties. Additionally, the Law Commission has proposed changes that could further reinforce the legal standing of prenups in the future.

Claire states: “With the wedding season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to have an open and honest discussion about financial expectations and protections. We’ve seen an increase in couples opting to sign prenuptial agreements, because of the security they bring. Not only can couples protect personal and family assets, but prenups allow parties to clarify their financial expectations, protect an individual from their partners’ debt liability, as well as ensure any inheritance intended for children from a previous relationship is protected.”

Prenuptial agreements offer numerous benefits, including peace of mind and an opportunity to discuss finances openly before marriage—helping to build trust and mutual understanding.

Historically, prenups were associated with the wealthy elite, but perspectives are shifting. A recent YouGov poll found that 55% of Britons now support prenuptial agreements, an increase from 42% in previous years. Younger couples, in particular, are more accepting, with 49% of 25–34-year-olds in favour of prenups, compared to just 26% of those over 55.

While many couples spend significant time planning their wedding day, it is equally important to consider the years ahead. A prenuptial agreement is not about anticipating divorce but ensuring that both partners enter marriage with financial clarity.

Claire continues: “When couples say “I do” they want to start out this new chapter with openness and honesty, and whilst prenups have been considered a taboo subject in the past, there’s nothing more honest and open than discussing finances and how you both want to protect your assets in the future.

“It might feel like it’s going against the grain to be thinking about what might happen if your marriage breaks down, so we want to dispel the stereotype and show couples that a prenup isn’t about planning for failure, but about sensible and prudent consideration for your future that is based on trust and transparency.”

With evolving attitudes towards marriage, younger generations are embracing prenuptial agreements, moving towards a more practical and forward-thinking approach to financial planning in relationships.

For those getting married this year, now is the ideal time to explore prenups. Consulting a family law expert can provide clarity on financial options and ensure both partners feel secure as they embark on this new chapter together.

Consilia Legal, which recently marked its 10th anniversary, has a highly experienced family law team that can help draft tailored prenuptial agreements to suit individual needs.

For more information or to book a free, no-obligation consultation, visit www.consilialegal.co.uk or call 0113 322 9222.

ProDataStack strengthens athlete engagement through Data Talks collaboration

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ProDataStack strengthens athlete engagement through Data Talks collaboration

ProDataStack has announced a major development in its strategic roadmap by entering into a transformative partnership with leading sports customer data platform, Data Talks.

Through this alliance, Data Talks’ technology will be embedded into ProDataStack, providing professional athletes with a powerful tool to enhance their personal branding by leveraging first-party data across multiple digital channels, including websites, email, and social media.

This latest move reinforces ProDataStack’s commitment to helping athletes create, maintain, and control their direct engagement with fans throughout their careers, regardless of team affiliations, events, or ventures beyond active competition.

Fiona Green, founder of ProDataStack, remarked: “One of our key messages is to encourage athletes to start building their first-party databases. In Data Talks, we’ve found the ideal partner to turn data insights into the kind of incredibly valuable personal brand comms that can help to secure an athlete’s long-term future.

“We’re providing an opportunity for our clients to talk directly to their fans. As ProDataStack adds marketing technology functionality to the core software, our clients can now own those relationships and take them with them as they move from club to club, event to event, through their on- and off-field activities, and into their post-playing careers.”

She added: “Combining the functionality the data ProDataStack produces with the functionality of Data Talks’ platform is a perfect next step for any athlete serious about extending their brand influence.”

Data Talks, which already collaborates with organisations such as the Swedish Golf Federation, Austrian Ice Hockey Association, Collingwood Football Club, and IFK Goteborg, will also see substantial growth opportunities through this partnership.

Stefan Lavén, founder & CEO of Data Talks, commented: “We believe owning and activating fan relationships is the key to long-term success in sports. By partnering with ProDataStack, we are giving professional athletes the same opportunity that clubs and organisations have had – to harness their data for strategic engagement.”

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