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Dunelm sale shoppers race to buy 'gorgeous' storage solution with 'plenty of space' before reducion ends tomorrow

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“Gorgeous ottoman, looks great at the end of the bed. Plenty of storage inside”

Dunelm shoppers don’t have long left to save money on stylish and practical homeware additions which are currently reduced. The high-street retailer is offering up to 50% off more than 1,200 items in its clearance sale until midnight on Wednesday, May 20.

Among the reduced offerings is the Murray Storage Ottoman Sherpa. Those who have already got their hands on the piece insist it offers ‘plenty of storage inside’ while boasting a ‘modern’ look, perfect for homes with both contemporary and more traditional interiors.

Dunelm’s Murray Storage Ottoman usually costs £149 but is currently available with a decent saving. This brings the price down to a modest £119.20, offering a reduction of 20%, or £29.80.

READ MORE: Luxury £55 bedding set reduced to £22 that ‘looks better without ironing’ is a ‘winner’

READ MORE: Dunelm shoppers rush to buy ‘gorgeous’ £20 retro bedding ‘seen on BBC Traitors’

The Murray Storage Ottoman combines comfort with functionality, offering a plush seating surface and ample storage space in one stylish package. Upholstered in soft sherpa fabric in a soothing ivory hue, it adds warmth and texture to any room.

The generous storage compartment provides the perfect solution for tidying away blankets, pillows, or other household items, helping you maintain a clutter-free. The ottoman comes ready assembled and measures H 46cm x W 107cm x D 44cm.

Elsewhere, Dusk has reduced the Didsbury Boucle Curved Storage Bench to £143 down from £179, offering a saving of £36. The concealed storage compartment provides space for blankets, pillows, books, clothing, and anything else you want to keep tidy.

This versatile piece can be used as extra seating in your living room, a statement piece in your bedroom, and even a resting place in your hallway. Its minimalist contemporary design complements a wide range of interior styles.

Alternatively, Sainsbury’s Habitat’s Leo Fabric Storage Ottoman comes in at £55. It is designed to give you somewhere to sit, somewhere to store, and somewhere to rest your feet, all in one compact piece.

Pop the lid on and it’s a comfy padded stool for perching when you need an extra seat. Lift it off and there’s a fully lined compartment inside that’ll hold 30L of clutter, from magazines and remotes to throws and toys.

Back at Dunelm, the Murray Storage Ottoman Sherpa has racked up an overall star-rating of 4.6 out of five based on 10 reviews. One satisfied shopper said: “Lovely ottoman, good storage space. We’ve got the matching stool too.”

A second wrote: “Lovely storage ottoman. Very sturdy and well made and lovely material. Fits perfectly and matches the smaller storage stools in the same range.”

“Very happy with my purchase,” a third penned. “Lovely ottoman perfect for my bedroom. Nice neutral colour matches everywhere.”

One shopper, however, wasn’t as impressed with the Murray Storage Ottoman Sherpa and gave it a four-star review. It reads: “Funky ottoman, great storage, lightweight, simple colour. Pity it does not have a hinged lid.”

“Colour not as shown,” a three-star review mentions. “Disappointed with the colour, it is not what was shown, it is a greyish white.”

But another loved their latest Dunelm purchase, adding: “I have been looking for an ottoman for storage in the bedroom for ages but many of them are rather blah. I was struck by the modern design of this ottoman and the colour was a perfect match for the carpet.

“It is a bit narrow but was enough for my needs.” Another five-star review reads: “Gorgeous ottoman, looks great at the end of the bed. Plenty of storage inside.”

How to make sure your business bounces back after a cybersecurity attack

You’ll rarely see a cyber breach coming. In a matter of moments, everything you’ve
built could be put at risk, leaving you to pick up the pieces.

But while the damage might seem insurmountable, there are clear steps you can take to recover and even come out stronger on the other side. Here’s how you can minimise the fallout and get back on track.

Contain the damage and understand your legal obligations

The first thing to do when an attack hits is to contain the damage. Disconnect any compromised systems from the network to prevent further spread. If you suspect personal data has been breached, you’ll need to act quickly.

Under UK GDPR, you must report certain types of breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours. Use the ICO’s self-assessment tool to determine whether the breach requires formal notification. If it’s a case of fraud or cybercrime, report the incident to Action Fraud or the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Ignoring these obligations can result in hefty fines, so make sure to act fast. At this stage, it’s also worth consulting a solicitor. Having legal guidance can make sure your internal investigation remains protected from potential litigation down the line.

Recover systems and data

Once you’ve contained the attack, it’s time to focus on recovery. Before you begin restoring systems, verify the integrity of your backups. If attackers encrypted or corrupted your backups, restoring them could bring the threat back into your environment.

After that, apply any necessary patches to address vulnerabilities that may have allowed the breach in the first place. Only then should you reconnect your systems. When you do restore your network, don’t forget about security protocols like a company-wide password reset.

Consider enforcing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across your organisation as a first step towards strengthening your defences.

Communicate with stakeholders

Cyberattacks have a ripple effect. Beyond your systems, your business relationships and reputation are at stake. Transparency is key. Keep employees in the loop to prevent rumours from spreading. Use a script for customer-facing staff to ensure consistency in messaging.

For customers, explain the incident in clear, non-technical terms, stating what data was affected and how you’re addressing the issue. For suppliers, inform them if your compromised systems could potentially expose their networks to risk.

Managing communication with stakeholders effectively can help restore trust, which is harder to rebuild than the systems themselves.

Conduct a post-incident review

Once you’ve recovered, it’s important to review the incident thoroughly. What went wrong? Was the breach due to a human error, like a phishing email, or a technical issue, like outdated software? By answering these questions, you can update your risk register and identify weaknesses in your security posture.

This is also the time to consider Cyber Essentials, a UK government-backed scheme to help businesses protect themselves from common cyber threats. If you haven’t already, applying for this certification can signal to your customers that you’ve bolstered your defences.

Bolster your defences going forward

It’s tempting to view a cyberattack as something that’s behind you, but the reality is that it could happen again. To avoid falling victim to the same attack twice, invest in long-term cybersecurity measures. Managed firewall services could be key to this strategy, providing round-the-clock monitoring to stop threats before they even reach your systems.

Along with these tools, make cybersecurity a part of your business culture. Instead of treating it as an annual tick-box exercise, provide your team with ongoing security training. A workforce that’s aware of the latest threats is your first line of defence.

In the aftermath of an attack, it’s crucial to act fast and stay informed. By following
the steps above, you’ll not only bounce back but also improve your cybersecurity
resilience for the future.

Why Regular Compressor Servicing Is Essential for Business Operations

Compressed air systems play a critical role across many industries, powering machinery, tools, production equipment, and automated systems. From manufacturing facilities to automotive workshops, reliable compressor performance is essential for maintaining efficiency and avoiding costly downtime.

Regular compressor servicing helps businesses keep equipment operating safely, efficiently, and reliably while extending the lifespan of valuable machinery.

Why Compressor Maintenance Matters

Air compressors operate under demanding conditions and are often used continuously throughout the working day. Over time, components naturally experience wear and tear, which can affect performance and energy efficiency.

Without proper servicing, businesses may encounter problems such as:

  • Reduced air pressure
  • Increased energy consumption
  • System leaks
  • Unexpected breakdowns
  • Higher repair costs
  • Reduced equipment lifespan

Routine maintenance helps identify small issues before they become major operational problems.

The Benefits of Regular Compressor Servicing

Preventative servicing offers several important advantages for businesses that rely on compressed air systems.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Compressed air systems can account for a significant portion of industrial energy usage. Even minor faults, such as air leaks or clogged filters, can increase operating costs substantially.

Regular servicing helps maintain:

  • Efficient airflow
  • Correct pressure levels
  • Optimal system performance
  • Lower energy consumption

Efficient systems not only reduce costs but also support sustainability goals.

Reduced Downtime

Unexpected equipment failure can disrupt production schedules and impact profitability.

Routine servicing allows engineers to identify worn components and potential faults before they cause breakdowns. This proactive approach helps minimise costly downtime and maintain operational continuity.

Extended Equipment Lifespan

Air compressors represent a significant investment for many businesses. Regular maintenance helps protect that investment by reducing unnecessary strain on internal components.

Serviced compressors often operate more reliably for longer periods, delaying the need for expensive replacements.

What Is Included in Compressor Servicing?

The exact servicing requirements depend on the type and size of the compressor system, but routine maintenance often includes:

  • Inspecting filters and separators
  • Checking oil levels and quality
  • Testing pressure settings
  • Inspecting belts and hoses
  • Identifying air leaks
  • Cleaning cooling systems
  • Monitoring overall system performance

Comprehensive servicing ensures the compressor continues operating safely and efficiently.

Common Signs a Compressor Needs Servicing

Ignoring early warning signs can lead to larger and more expensive problems later.

Increased Noise Levels

Unusual noises may indicate worn bearings, loose components, or internal damage.

Reduced Air Pressure

A drop in pressure can affect tool performance and production efficiency, often pointing to leaks or internal wear.

Excessive Heat

Overheating may result from blocked filters, poor ventilation, or lubrication issues.

Higher Energy Bills

Rising energy costs without increased production output may suggest the compressor is working inefficiently.

Industries That Rely on Compressor Systems

Compressed air systems are used across a wide range of sectors.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers use compressors to power machinery, automation systems, and production equipment.

Automotive Workshops

Compressed air is essential for spray painting, tyre inflation, pneumatic tools, and lifting systems.

Construction

Construction businesses rely on portable compressors for powering tools and equipment on-site.

Food and Beverage Production

Many food production facilities use compressed air systems for packaging, processing, and automation.

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance Plans

Many businesses choose ongoing maintenance agreements to ensure compressors receive servicing at appropriate intervals.

Preventative maintenance plans can help businesses:

  • Reduce emergency repair costs
  • Improve equipment reliability
  • Maintain warranty compliance
  • Schedule servicing around operations
  • Ensure regulatory compliance

Planned servicing also provides greater peace of mind for operational teams.

How Professional Servicing Improves Safety

Compressed air systems operate under high pressure, making proper maintenance important for workplace safety.

Professional servicing helps identify risks such as:

  • Pressure leaks
  • Damaged hoses
  • Faulty safety valves
  • Electrical issues
  • Overheating components

Regular inspections support safer working environments and reduce the risk of equipment-related incidents.

FAQ

How often should compressors be serviced?

Servicing frequency depends on compressor type, usage levels, and manufacturer recommendations. Many systems require servicing every few months or after a set number of operating hours.

Why is compressor servicing important?

Regular servicing helps improve efficiency, reduce breakdowns, extend equipment lifespan, and lower operating costs.

Can poor maintenance increase energy consumption?

Yes. Air leaks, clogged filters, and worn components can significantly increase energy usage.

What are the signs a compressor needs servicing?

Common signs include unusual noises, overheating, pressure drops, oil leaks, and rising energy bills.

Is preventative maintenance better than emergency repairs?

Yes. Preventative maintenance helps identify issues early, reducing the likelihood of costly breakdowns and production downtime.

Conclusion

Compressed air systems are essential for many industrial and commercial operations, making reliability and efficiency extremely important. Regular compressor servicing helps businesses reduce operational costs, minimise downtime, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of critical equipment.

By investing in preventative maintenance and professional servicing, organisations can ensure their compressed air systems continue supporting productivity and long-term operational performance.

 

Funeral celebrant register introduced amid concerns over industry standards

A newly launched national register of approved funeral celebrants and officiants aims to improve transparency and professionalism within the funeral sector, where concerns over standards and safeguarding have continued to grow.

The Funeral Officiant Authority (FOA), founded by experienced celebrants Sacha Mulligan and Michelle Harvey, aims to introduce clearer professional standards for those conducting funeral ceremonies across the UK.

The organisation is launching an initial pilot scheme in the South-East of England and plans to expand nationally, with the longer-term goal of establishing a recognised benchmark for funeral officiants nationwide.

Currently, there is no formal regulation preventing individuals from conducting funeral ceremonies without recognised training, vetting or accountability processes.

The launch follows wider industry concerns surrounding safeguarding, transparency and professional oversight within the sector.

The FOA will operate as a voluntary national register of vetted officiants and celebrants and will be overseen by a board including experienced officiants, funeral directors, legal professionals and sector specialists.

Alongside the register, the organisation is also launching a public awareness campaign, “Let’s Talk About Death”, aimed at encouraging greater openness, professionalism and public confidence around funeral services.

Under the proposed standards, all officiants listed on the register will be required to:

  •  Hold DBS checks
  • Meet minimum training and competency standards
  • Maintain appropriate insurance
  •  Adhere to a formal complaints and accountability process
  • Commit to ongoing professional development and compliance monitoring

The FOA is also calling on government, political parties, funeral providers and insurers to support the introduction of clearer professional standards across the sector.

Sacha Mulligan, co-founder of the Funeral Officiant Authority, said: “We co-founded the Funeral Officiant Authority after more than six years of work to create real protection, accountability, and meaningful support for both the families we serve and the celebrants who support them.

“Every benefit, standard, and safeguard has been built to ensure families, celebrants and funeral directors have somewhere trusted to turn to, and somewhere concerns can be properly raised and addressed.”

Michelle Harvey, co-founder of the FOA, added: “The Funeral Officiant Authority (FOA) is dedicated to helping families find trusted, professional officiants to deliver meaningful and personal funeral services.

“The FOA provides access to approved officiants who are experienced, compassionate, and fully DBS certified for complete peace of mind. Through its carefully maintained database, the FOA is committed to supporting families with dignity, care, and professionalism during life’s most difficult moments.”

Thousands still dying from asbestos exposure decades after UK ban, research warns

More than 25 years after asbestos was banned in the UK, the material continues to cause around 5,000 deaths annually, according to new findings from Shield Services Group. Experts say the ongoing dangers linked to asbestos exposure are still not fully recognised.

  • 5,000 UK deaths every year are linked to asbestos. More than road traffic fatalities
  • 1.5 million buildings still contain asbestos, including around 80% of schools
  • The Health and Safety Executive reports 20+ tradespeople die each week from past exposure
With around 5,000 deaths annually, asbestos remains the leading cause of work-related fatalities in Great Britain, surpassing many other widely publicised health and safety risks. Despite this, the material remains widespread, embedded in an estimated 1.5 million buildings nationwide.

The danger is not confined to ageing industrial sites or large demolition projects. In reality, the greatest risk often lies in everyday environments – schools, offices, homes and in routine maintenance work where asbestos-containing materials are unknowingly disturbed.
Schools present one of the starkest examples. Around 80% of UK schools are believed to contain asbestos, raising ongoing concerns about long-term exposure risks for staff, contractors, and pupils.

Meanwhile, tradespeople continue to pay the price. According to the Health and Safety Executive, more than 20 workers every week die from diseases caused by past exposure.

For Shield Services Group, the data points to a critical issue: inconsistent standards across the industry, particularly when it comes to smaller-scale work.

Luke House, Chairman of Shield Services Group, said: “The numbers should be a wake-up call. Five thousand deaths a year isn’t a legacy issue as it’s happening right now.

“What’s most concerning is where the risk still exists. It’s not just on major demolition sites, it’s in everyday buildings and smaller jobs where asbestos is often overlooked or underestimated. That’s where people are being exposed.
“If the industry is serious about reducing these figures, we need to treat every job, no matter how small, with the same level of care, control, and accountability.”

Shield Services Group delivers asbestos removal across projects of all sizes, from single-property works to complex commercial sites, reflecting the reality that exposure risk does not discriminate by project scale.

Alongside this, the company is embedding social value into its operations, ensuring that asbestos removal also contributes to local employment, training, and community outcomes.

How to ensure successful transitions into new international markets

International expansion still appeals to ambitious businesses, but many companies
underestimate how quickly unfamiliar markets expose weak planning. A strategy that works
well in the UK may struggle overseas because customer expectations, regulations and
buying habits often differ more than leadership teams expect.

At the same time, global growth offers genuine opportunities when you approach it with strong research and realistic targets. Businesses that prepare properly often gain more stable revenue streams, stronger supplier networks and access to larger customer bases.

Choose markets based on evidence

Many businesses choose expansion markets based on assumptions rather than commercial
data. Strong demand in one country does not automatically translate into profitable growth
elsewhere.

You need clear evidence that customers will buy your product at a sustainable price and that local competition leaves room for your business to operate effectively.

Market research should cover customer behaviour, competitor pricing, distribution challenges and economic stability. Having access to that insight helps you set realistic sales
forecasts and staffing requirements before launch.

Financial analysis also plays a key role. Investors involved in mid-market private equity often assess expansion opportunities by comparing labour costs, tax structures and long-term market growth rather than focusing only on headline revenue potential. That approach helps businesses avoid entering markets where operational costs quickly erode margins.

Adapt propositions to local expectations

Customers rarely respond well to a direct copy of a domestic offering. Language, pricing
structures and service expectations vary between regions, even within similar economies.

Businesses that adapt carefully usually build trust more quickly because customers feel the
company understands local needs. Likewise, payment preferences differ significantly across
countries. Some markets rely heavily on digital wallets, while others still prefer invoice-based
transactions or bank transfers.

Local partnerships can help you refine your proposition. Regional distributors, consultants
and country managers often spot cultural issues or buying habits that internal teams
overlook during early planning.

Focus on compliance and risk management

Regulatory problems can slow expansion faster than poor marketing. Employment law,
product standards, tax obligations and data protection rules all vary across jurisdictions. A
business that ignores those differences risks fines and reputational damage.

You reduce those risks when legal, finance and operational teams work together before launch. Data handling rules may also affect how your systems process customer information across borders. External advisers often provide practical value because they understand local
regulations and reporting requirements in detail.

Create a global operating model

International growth works more effectively when your business operates with consistent
systems and clear accountability. Companies often struggle when overseas teams use
disconnected processes or rely too heavily on headquarters for routine decisions.

A strong operating model balances central control with local flexibility. Finance, reporting,
and brand standards usually benefit from consistency, while sales and customer service
teams may need more freedom to respond to regional conditions.

Shared technology platforms also improve visibility across the business because leadership teams can track performance, staffing and operational costs in real time.

Viral streamer GymSkin receives special plaque at Manchester fight night

Connor Newson, a boxing promoter based in Swindon, awarded GymSkin with a unique Madonna plaque backstage at the Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley event at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

The presentation celebrates a viral online moment that has attracted more than 15 million views.

The custom plaque was created to commemorate GymSkin, whose real name is Jack, single-handedly bringing Madonna’s iconic 1985 hit ‘Into The Groove’ back into the UK Official Chart Top 20 for the first time since its original release — a feat achieved through his viral shoulder bop dance trend which spread across TikTok and Kick.

The presentation moment has since surpassed 15 million views across social media platforms and has been covered by LadBible, the Daily Mail, ImJustBait and the Swindon Advertiser.

The plaque was funded and presented by Global Next Trade, the official sponsors of the fight night event.

GymSkin reacted to the gift saying: “Oh my days. That’s sick bro. I really appreciate that — this is going straight in my new place.”

Rochdale’s promotion heroes celebrate in style

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More than 4,000 fans gathered on Rochdale Town Hall Square last night (12 May) to celebrate with Rochdale AFC’s promotion-winning team, after they attended a civic reception at the town hall.

The event marked the culmination of the most dramatic season, which saw the squad’s promotion back to League Two following Jimmy McNulty’s side’s thrilling Wembley win, secured via a penalty shootout following yet another injury time equaliser for The Dale.

The victorious team, co-chairman Cameron Ogden, management and coaching staff appeared on stage to a greet a big, excited crowd of all ages to toast their success and lift the trophy.

Mayor of Rochdale and longstanding Dale fan, Janet Emsley, who was at Wembley last week opened the event and said: “This is an extremely proud moment for me, the football club, the town and the borough. It’s sure been a rollercoaster ride, with weeks of drama, late goals, dramatic moments and incredible highs.

“The club really is at the heart of the community, it unites people, a place where generations of families come together every week to cheer on the team. The football club is shining brightly again and putting a smile back on people’s faces. For that I want to particularly thanks Cameron Ogden, Simon Gauge and everyone connected with the club. They brought hope back, gave the club a timely lift and got the Dale back on the path to football league status.”

Laura Thomas, chief executive of Rochdale AFC, added: “The trophy lift was a truly special moment, not just for the club, but for the whole town. This is exactly the kind of moment that reminds us all why football and community go hand in hand. We are so proud to be part of Rochdale, and events like this make that pride even greater. We hope this is the first of many celebrations to come!”

LockerQuest and Northern launch YEEP! parcel lockers across rail network

Passengers travelling on Northern services can now benefit from easy-to-use self-service parcel lockers following a new partnership between rail operator Northern and site commercialisation specialists LockerQuest.

The rollout of YEEP! parcel lockers will provide customers with a convenient way to collect and send parcels while on the move.

To date, 50 solar-powered YEEP! lockers have been installed across train operator Northern’s stations in the north of England, allowing customers to pick up and drop off packages to fit in with their travel plans.
Stations where you can find a YEEP! locker include; Rochdale, St Helen’s Central, Chorley, Wakefield Kirkgate and Crewe. Further stations are currently being reviewed with a view to see additional YEEP! lockers being installed across the network.
Northern is the UK’s second-largest train operator, running 2,650 daily services connecting over 500 stations throughout the North of England.
The strategic partnership between the rail operator and parcel locker location experts LockerQuest aims to transform station facilities into multi-purpose community hubs.
LockerQuest helps property owners generate additional revenue by bringing lockers to unused or underutilised space to increase customer footfall, managing the process from surveys through to installation and ongoing management.
Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said: “Northern stations serve local communities and are perfect places to offer the popular services which people require.
“Thanks to our partnership with LockerQuest we can offer customers the convenience of combining travelling with collecting or dropping off their parcels.
“LockerQuest have been great partners so we are pleased to offer lockers to the thousands of customers who visit these stations every day, forming a basis for the development of our  partnership in the future.”
Jonathan White, LockerQuest CEO, said: “Rail networks such as Northern’s serve as vital connection points for communities so installing smart lockers extends that connectivity into the world of commerce and logistics.
“By positioning secure lockers at Northern stations, customers benefit from the convenience of accessible and automated facilities on their travel routes so passengers can expect to see many more facilities installed throughout 2026.
“With Northern’s impressive network serving approximately 100 million passenger journeys annually, our developing partnership enhances our service footprint for retail and carrier partners across the North of England.”
LockerQuest’s mission is to unlock the value of underused space by delivering end-to-end solutions that create guaranteed income for partners, support locker network growth and improve everyday convenience for communities.
To find out more about LockerQuest and to see the full list of YEEP! lockers installed on Northern stations go to https://lockerquest.com/

Teenager arrested after proactive drug dealing operation in Chorlton

A teenage boy was arrested by South Manchester police following a proactive plain clothes operation to combat drug dealing in the area.

Officers headed to Redgates Walk in Chorlton, and within an hour, spotted a boy acting suspiciously on an electric bike.

As officers approached, the boy made off but was detained a short time later, after being found hiding in bushes within Chorlton Park.

The boy was searched and found to have £100 cash and empty cannabis bags in his possession.

He was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs and further searched upon his arrival into custody.

Following the search, officers found approximately 16 wraps of Class A drugs and was further arrested on suspicion of Possession with Intent to Supply Class A drugs.

The teenage boy was bailed pending further investigations.

PC Billingham said: “This arrest demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling drug dealing in our communities and acting on concerns raised by residents in the Chorlton area.

“We acted swiftly and proactively to set up a plain clothes operation, and almost immediately, we arrested a suspect and took a significant amount of Class A and B drugs off the streets.

“Arrests like this wouldn’t have been possible without the work and dedication shown by the Neighbourhood Policing Team working together as a team.

“The supply of drugs has a damaging impact on our neighbourhoods, and we will continue to carry out targeted operations to disrupt those involved.

“Neighbourhood crime is down 15 percent across Greater Manchester, and we are determined to keep it that way, during 2025, arrests were up 25 per cent from the year before, underlining our commitment to keep the public safe.

“We encourage anyone with information about drug dealing in their area to report it to us, every submission will be investigated.”

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