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Candy’s Cupcakes announces £900,000 turnover for 2023

Helen Greaney
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Candy’s Cupcakes announces £900,000 turnover for 2023

Candy’s Cupcakes has announced a £900,000 turnover in 2023 – up a whopping 31% on the previous year.

Candice Bannister (pictured) began making cakes as a hobby from home in 2011 and grew a local loyal customer base via social media.

Manchester-based Candy’s Cupcakes offers nationwide delivery of its cupcakes, cakes in jars, brownies and cookies.

According to new data by Forbes, cupcake brands are going to be one of the most profitable businesses in 2024, with an estimated industry value of £33.7 billion.

Demand at record high

Demand is at a record high and – October alone, the cupcake businesses baked and dispatched a record breaking 31,000 cupcakes.

The husband and wife duo, Oliver and Candice, who run the business together, hired eight new members of staff and are currently looking to hire one full-time admin and two part-time TikTok presenters, as the business continues to expand exponentially.

Candy’s Cupcakes has grown the TikTok shop into a highly-profitable sales channel. With more than £30,000 in turnover since September on TikTok alone, the online bakery plans to expand further on the app in 2024 to help reach the 1.5 million pound target.

With the cake industry predicted to grow even more throughout the next year, this is just the tip of the icing for Candy’s Cupcakes.

This year, the business has already expanded and recently launched the first subscription box service.

Candice said: “I’d put our success down to a perfect combination of passion and unfaltering ambition. This business was born out of my genuine love for baking, and it’s what makes our cakes, cupcakes, and more so delicious. We’ve invested a lot of time into our social channels and this is really paying off so we’re very excited to see where this can go over the next year. It’s a real ‘pinch me’ moment to see those figures and has made the whole team even more ambitious for 2024!”

Praise for hero cop who saved a vulnerable woman

Helen Greaney
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Praise for hero cop who saved a vulnerable woman

A Stockport police officer has been praised for the composed way she dealt with a vulnerable woman.

PC Rebekah Marsden attended an incident in December, at junction one of the M60, when a woman was on the wrong side of the motorway bridge.

Rebekah spent almost three hours talking to her, working alongside other emergency services and GMP officers, until she was brought down to safety.

PC Marsden said: “When I arrived, there were already officers at the scene, but the female would not engage with them.

“It was a difficult situation because I’d never dealt with anything like this before and I didn’t know if I was going to say the right thing, but I felt like I had to do something.

“I kept a distance to give the woman some space and asked her why she was there.

“She slowly started to engage but got upset – I was scared for her, but remembered it wasn’t about me and how I felt.

“A female paramedic came to help and we worked together to get her on the right side of the bridge. I then helped her down and into the back of an ambulance.”

Chief inspector John Picton praised PC Marsden’s actions, saying: “She found herself in a challenging and potentially dangerous situation, but she remained calm and composed.

“Stockport police officers provide an outstanding service to our community, responding to incidents 24 hours a day, frequently facing challenging and dangerous situations.

“I am extremely proud of our team, the professionalism, dedication and resilience they show shift-by-shift, day-by-day.

“They play a significant role in making Stockport a fantastic, safe place to live, work and socialise.”

Australian Open 2024: Day nine round-up – Alcaraz and Medvedev advance but Azarenka and Svitolina go out

Jon Fisher
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Australian Open 2024: Day nine round-up – Alcaraz and Medvedev advance but Azarenka and Svitolina go out

Carlos Alcaraz cruised into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday with a performance he felt was “almost perfect”.

The second seed hammered Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4 6-4 6-0 in just an hour and 50 minutes to advance to the last eight at Melbourne Park for the first time.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Australian Open 2024: Day 10 – preview and predictions
United set to appoint Berrada as CEO
Kohli to miss first two Tests against England

Alcaraz will take on Alexander Zverev next, the German coming through in a fifth-set, match tie-break against Cameron Norrie.

Zverev will have to be at his absolute best to trouble Alcaraz with the Spaniard admitting he was close to his top level against Kecmanovic.

He said on Eurosport: “I did almost everything perfectly. I hit the ball really well. I moved really well as well. I’m really proud of my performance today, the level that I played.

“From the first ball to the last, it wasn’t up and down, and that’s something that I’m working on. I’m really happy to do it and I hope to keep going like that.”

Third seed Daniil Medvedev is also into the quarter-finals after seeing off Nuno Borges 6-3 7-6 (7/4) 5-7 6-1.

The Russian squandered two match points in the third set but came through to set up a last-eight clash with Hubert Hurkacz, a straight-sets winner over French wildcard Arthur Cazaux.

There were two high-profile exits on the women’s side with two-time champion Victoria Azarenka and Ukrainian 19th seed Elina Svitolina both going out.

Azarenka was stunned 7-6 (8/6) 6-4 by qualifier Dayana Yastremska who advanced to her first grand slam quarter-final.

Yastremska said: “I played pretty aggressive, I think.

“In some moments I felt like I was too nervous and too emotional, but then I just relaxed and I said, like, ‘It’s going to be like it’s going to be. Just try to play each ball.’”

Svitolina could only manage three games against Linda Noskova, who beat world number one Iga Swiatek in the previous round, before having to retire hurt.

Qinwen Zheng is the only seed remaining in the top half of the draw, the number 12 seeing off France’s Oceane Dodin 6-0 6-3 in under an hour.

Her quarter-final opponent will be world number 75 Anna Kalinskaya, who beat 26th seed Jasmine Paolini 6-4 6-2.

Exploring 6 great aspects of the Australian entertainment experience

Helen Greaney
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Exploring 6 great aspects of the Australian entertainment experience

Australia is popular for its lively culture and stunning landscapes. It offers plenty of fun for both locals and tourists. If you’re into water fun or attending major sports events, Australia definitely has something for you. In order to give you a better idea, this article is going to walk you through some of the best things to do for fun in Australia.

Classic and modern theatre shows and plays

Besides its famous kangaroos and adorable koalas, Australia also has an enchanting history in theatre. In 1789, the country witnessed its first play, George Farquhar’s The Recruiting Officer.

Australia is famous for the Sydney Opera House. Its structure features an incredible arrangement of shining white shells shaped like sails.

And remember to check out Hobart’s Theatre Royal. It holds the distinction of being the oldest live theatre in the city. Since 1837, it has been a cherished place for a variety of shows, such as plays, musicals, ballets, operas and concerts.

Casino tourism in Australia

Australians have a strong passion for trying their luck at casinos, which are highly sought-after attractions for tourists in the country. People from all corners of the world travel to Australia with the sole purpose of experiencing its casinos, as they are allowed to keep all the money they win.

There are plenty of legal gambling venues in the country, but online casinos have also become popular for a few good reasons. People enjoy modern technology, safe payment methods, the option to play with live dealers and the convenience of playing on their mobile devices.

Though it’s still new, Dailyspins casino has become quite popular since it started. With so many games available, you can always find something you enjoy and pass the time while playing. Just like other online casinos, it gives you exciting bonuses and promotions, such as the Dailyspins Level Up program and DailyLotto.

Exploring cities through tour and dine options

There are many interesting options available to tourists visiting Australia for ‘tour and dine’ excursions. These fantastic activities allow you to eat delicious meals and tour intriguing locations. It’s truly a great way to enjoy yourself and satisfy your food cravings while exploring the land Down Under.

Feel the charm of Hunter Valley’s beautiful vineyards through wine-tasting tours. Once you’ve explored the Sydney Opera House with a guided tour, spoil yourself with a delightful dinner at either the new House Canteen or Opera Bar, and enjoy the magnificent views of Sydney Harbour.

Take Whitsundays island hopping tours

The Whitsundays, or Whitsunday Islands, are a bunch of islands in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Featuring stunning beaches, clear waters and lively marine life, it’s a real dream spot for people who appreciate nature.

Considering island hopping when you visit the Whitsundays is a great plan. You have two choices – you could go on a yacht cruise for a few days, or you can just take the ferry. After exploring the lovely islands, you can relax on the sandy shores and try snorkelling in the colourful coral reefs.

Riding the City Circle tourist tram

Taking the City Circle tram is a simple way to see central Melbourne and the Docklands. You’ll find famous spots like Federation Square and Queen Victoria Market this way. On the tram, you’ll hear interesting facts about the city’s history and important places, such as the City Museum and Parliament House.

The City Circle tram is free, so you can get on and off whenever you want. It’s available for everyone – families, tourists, shoppers and office workers – to use for reaching popular attractions, shops and city events. Just be aware that the tram doesn’t have wheelchair access.

Amazing wildlife and habitats up-close encounter

Australia boasts a wide array of incredible and unique wildlife, from cute koalas and kangaroos to special animals like emus and Tasmanian devils. Though visiting zoos, sanctuaries and parks provides a chance to see these creatures, nothing compares to seeing them in their natural homes.

Heading to the beach? You could come across seals and sea lions having a good time on the sand. Fraser Island is home to dingoes that stroll around its beaches. At the same time, kangaroos can be seen enjoying the sun on Pebbly Beach.

In conclusion: Australia offers the best entertainment experiences

Australia is a great country to discover, with its beautiful natural scenery, interesting history and culture, unique animals and a variety of entertainment options. It can be very exciting yet educational. It’s no wonder that travellers worldwide pick Australia as their top destination. When planning your next vacation, make sure to consider Australia as one of your potential places to visit.

Australian Open 2024, Day 10: Preview, how to watch, order of play and predictions

Jon Fisher
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Australian Open 2024, Day 10: Preview, how to watch, order of play and predictions

The Headliners

There is always a sense of inevitability with Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open; no matter the strength of the opposition, the occasionally oppressive heat, the off-court controversies that often surround him, the Serbian always comes through to lift the trophy.

This year is no different. Even though the 10-time champion at Melbourne Park didn’t sparkle in his opening two rounds, requiring four sets to beat qualifier Dino Prizmic and home favourite Alexei Popyrin, his last two performances suggest he is starting to find his best form.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Van Gerwen pledges to get Littler back after teenager wins first senior PDC title
United set to appoint Berrada as CEO
Kohli to miss first two Tests against England

A straight-sets win over Andy Murray’s conqueror Tomas Martin Etcheverry was a forward step into a fourth-round demolition of experienced Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, a match in which Djokovic dropped just three games.

Next up is 12th seed Taylor Fritz, who enjoyed a four-set win against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last round, but who holds an 0-8 record against the world number one.

Djokovic will go into the clash in expectant mood, a position Fritz understands.

The American said: “If I beat someone eight times in a row, I’d be pretty confident playing them, too, I’d have to say. I can’t really fault him for that.

“I think the conditions here are definitely better for me than maybe US Open or Cincinnati. I mean, to be honest, the only decent match I’ve played against him in our last couple of meetings was in Turin at the end of ’22.

“In that match I served for the second set. It was pretty close. Since then when I’ve played him, I’ve played pretty poorly.

“It’s been one-sided with Novak. I feel like he’s played me pretty much the same every time.”

One minor factor which will irritate the always tetchy Djokovic heading into the match is the fact he’s been relegated to the day session for the second successive round with Jannik Sinner versus Andrey Rublev taking centre stage on Rod Laver Arena.

The subplots

Fourth seed Sinner has looked imperious in his run to the last eight. He’s yet to drop a set and his win over the ever-dangerous Karen Khachenov in the fourth round oozed self-belief.

He will have to play well again to see off Rublev, although fatigue could be a factor with the Russian requiring five gruelling sets to beat Alex De Minaur last time out.

There are also two women’s quarter-finals on Tuesday, headlined by second seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka’s clash with Barbora Krejcikova.

Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion, has been taken to three sets in three of her four outings so far. Sabalenka has lost just 11 games in reaching the quarter-finals.

Fourth seed Coco Gauff is also in action, opening the singles action on Laver against Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk.

Order of Play – selected matches

Day session (from 01:00 UK time)

Coco Gauff v Marta Kostyuk

Novak Djokovic v Taylor Fritz

Night session (from 08:00 UK time)

Barbora Krejcikova v Aryna Sabalenka

Jannik Sinner v Andrey Rublev

When and how to watch

The Australian Open is available to watch live on Discovery+ and Eurosport in the United Kingdom, with the day’s singles action getting under way from 02:00 UK time on Tuesday morning. The night session is scheduled to take place from 08:00.

Predictions

It’s impossible to think Djokovic won’t maintain his 100 per cent record against Fritz while it would also be a major surprise if Gauff and Sabalenka did not both win to set up a mouthwatering semi-final.

The intriguing match of the day comes last between Sinner and Rublev. Expect plenty of long rallies between two of the cleanest ball-strikers on tour but we predict the Italian will come through in four.

Kohli to miss first two Tests against England

Jon Fisher
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Kohli to miss first two Tests against England

India batter Virat Kohli will miss the first two Test matches against England after withdrawing from the squad for personal reasons.

The former Test captain’s absence comes as a major blow for India ahead of the series opener that gets underway in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Van Gerwen pledges to get Littler back after teenager wins first senior PDC title
United set to appoint Berrada as CEO
Laporte: Many big-name players unhappy in Saudi Pro League

A BCCI statement read: “Virat has spoken to captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasised that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention.”

It is the second time in recent weeks that Kohli has been forced to pull back from India selection having missed the first T20I against Afghanistan citing the same reason.

India have yet to name a replacement but there are plenty of candidates in form.

Cheteshwar Pujara played in last year’s World Test Championship final and has been in the runs in the Ranji Trophy, including a double hundred against Jharkhand.

Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan both impressed for India A against England Lions while Abhimanyu Easwaran was reserve opener for the recent tour to South Arica.

Shopify and Manhattan Associates Forge Partnership for Comprehensive Commerce Solution

News Desk
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Shopify and Manhattan Associates Forge Partnership for Comprehensive Commerce Solution

Manhattan Associates (NASDAQ: MANH), a global frontrunner in supply chain commerce, and Shopify (NYSE, TSX: SHOP), a leading global commerce company, have today announced a groundbreaking partnership. This collaboration aims to aid retailers in crafting superior unified omnichannel shopping experiences. Shopify’s robust commerce platform will be integrated with Manhattan’s leading omnichannel order management solution, enabling enterprises to deliver exceptional customer experiences throughout the entire sales journey.

Brian Kinsella, senior vice president of Product Management for Manhattan, stated, “Manhattan’s commitment to swift, easy, reliable, and transparent shopping empowers our enterprise retail customers to diminish sales friction and boost purchase confidence. This is the driving force behind our proud association with Shopify in our shared quest to enhance digital commerce experiences. We are enthusiastic about the heightened consumer experience and the potential increase in revenue and margin for our merchants due to this combined offering.”

This joint solution will also incorporate Manhattan’s post-purchase customer service tools, including advanced digital self-service options, offering the visibility, flexibility, and convenience today’s consumers demand.

Nautica, a SPARC Group brand, is set to be the inaugural joint customer. Mike Dupuis, chief digital officer for SPARC Group, commented, “Leveraging Shopify’s swift and dependable commerce platform in tandem with Manhattan’s robust order promising and post-purchase solutions, we offer our customers unmatched visibility and the industry’s leading comprehensive online shopping experience. For SPARC, we anticipate that this combined solution will lead to increased sales, lower shipping costs, fewer returns, and overall improved margins and profitability.”

Shopify, which currently powers millions of businesses globally and accounts for 10% of U.S. ecommerce, will expand consumer access to precise product location and delivery information through this integration with Manhattan Active® Omni. Moreover, brands utilising Shopify will gain worldwide inventory visibility across their entire network, including items in transit, stores, warehouses, suppliers, and other locations.

Bobby Morrison, chief revenue officer at Shopify, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “Teaming up with Manhattan marks a significant advancement in revolutionising supply chain operations for enterprise commerce. This collaboration represents a pivotal change in today’s highly competitive market, and we are eager to offer commerce solutions that will greatly enhance unified shopping experiences for consumers.”

Just Group and Timeline Collaborate to Enhance Retirement Portfolios with Guaranteed Income Asset

News Desk
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Just Group and Timeline Collaborate to Enhance Retirement Portfolios with Guaranteed Income Asset

Just Group (“Just”) and Timeline have unveiled a groundbreaking partnership, enabling financial advisers to utilise Timeline’s state-of-the-art planning technology. This collaboration focuses on demonstrating the advantages of incorporating guaranteed income into clients’ retirement portfolios through Just’s Secure Lifetime Income (“SLI”) solution, an innovative approach in financial planning.

SLI, when integrated into a SIPP drawdown portfolio, has the potential to bolster client outcomes by offering sustainable income and increasing portfolio values for legacy planning. Timeline’s planning software empowers advisers to include SLI in their client strategies, allowing them to assess and compare various options through sophisticated modelling and stress tests.

This partnership introduces a novel Guaranteed Income producing asset, enhancing client outcomes with the aid of advanced planning software.

Kavi Myladoor, Retirement Income Director at Just, stated, “By employing Timeline software, advisers can show their SIPP clients how SLI can contribute to an overall enhanced investment performance while mitigating retirement risks. We are thrilled to have partnered with Timeline to collectively address the industry’s decumulation challenges.”

Ed Carey, Chief Commercial Officer at Timeline, commented, “Our partnership with Just Group exemplifies how Timeline’s planning technology can adapt to market innovations, ensuring financial planners have the tools to explore a spectrum of options for their clients. We are committed to helping millions retire confidently and are excited that Just Group is utilising our technology to highlight the benefits of this innovative retirement portfolio option.”

Timeline recently announced a significant growth heading into 2024, with client Assets Under Management (AUM) reaching an impressive £4 billion. This marks a substantial increase, more than doubling its adviser firm collaborations and AUM in 2023.

Manchester United set to appoint City Football Group’s Berrada as new CEO

Harry Carr
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Manchester United set to appoint City Football Group’s Berrada as new CEO

Manchester United are set to appoint the City Football Group’s Omar Berrada as their new chief executive, after Richard Arnold left the club last year.

United announced Arnold’s departure last November ahead of INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe purchasing a 25 per cent stake in the club, in a deal which was confirmed by the Red Devils on Christmas Eve.

With Ratcliffe set to assume full control of United’s football operations, the club appointed general counsel Patrick Stewart as interim chief executive as the search for Arnold’s successor began.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Van Gerwen pledges to get Littler back after teenager wins first senior PDC title
Australian Open: Day seven round-up – Swiatek stunned by teenager Noskova
Laporte: Many big-name players unhappy in Saudi Pro League

On Saturday, The Athletic reported United were set to pull off a surprise move by appointing Berrada, who will take executive leadership of both the football and business sides of the club as well as sitting on the board of directors.

It was initially thought that INEOS representative and former Juventus chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc was a leading candidate for the role, but Berrada’s arrival will be viewed as a major coup for United.

He worked as Barcelona’s head of sponsorship before joining City in a commercial role in 2011, then was promoted to the position of chief operating officer in 2016.

Berrada has since worked closely with City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain on transfers and contracts, playing an influential role in the deal to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

A widely reported statement issued by Manchester City said: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as chief football operations officer at City Football Group.

“The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”

Reports said Berrada will officially begin his new role at the end of the season, with Ratcliffe still awaiting regulatory approval from the Premier League for his part-takeover to be completed.

Laporte: Many big-name players unhappy in Saudi Pro League

Harry Carr
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Laporte: Many big-name players unhappy in Saudi Pro League

Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte says many players who moved to the Saudi Pro League last year are already unhappy at their new clubs, suggesting he may leave Al-Nassr if things don’t improve.

Laporte teamed up with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Marcelo Brozovic when he joined Al-Nassr in a £23.6million deal last August, with the nine-time Pro League champions one of four Saudi clubs to embark on significant transfer sprees after being taken over by the country’s Public Investment Fund.

However, reports have suggested some big-name players have struggled to settle in the Gulf, and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq to join Eredivisie giants Ajax on Thursday.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Van Gerwen pledges to get Littler back after teenager wins first senior title
Australian Open: Day seven round-up – Swiatek stunned by teenager Noskova
Australian Open 2024, Day eight: Preview, how to watch, order of play and predictions

In an extraordinary interview with Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Laporte revealed he and other players in the league harbour concerns over working conditions, broken promises and life away from the pitch.

“It’s a big change compared to Europe, but in the end it’s all about adaptation,” Laporte said. “They haven’t made it easy for us. In fact, there are many players that are dissatisfied.

“They do look after us but not enough for my liking. That is to say, in Europe they pay you a good salary, but they also take better care of you.

“I speak from my own experience and I don’t know what the experience of others is like. For my part, what I have seen is that they try to bring you in, but then there is day-to-day life and that is different.

“You negotiate something and then they don’t accept it after you have signed it. It’s a bit of a bummer and I don’t know if it would happen in Europe.”

While Laporte accepts most players moved to Saudi Arabia primarily for the money, he says many of his colleagues have concerns about the general quality of life in the country.

“Let’s be honest, many of us have come here not only for football,” the centre-back said. “Many are happy with that, but I am also looking for something beyond that, which is not economic.

“In terms of quality of life, I expected something different because in the end, here you spend three hours a day in the car. In Riyadh, you spend a lot of time in the car because of the traffic.

“We are working on it every day, let’s just say negotiating, to see if it improves a little because this is something new for them too. Having European players that have already had long careers… Maybe they are not used to this and have to adapt to have a little more seriousness.”

Asked whether he had considered following Henderson back to Europe, Laporte said: “At the moment, I haven’t thought about it.

“But if I’m disappointed in such a short time, you do wonder what to do. That moment has not yet arrived, but in the future it could if this dynamic continues.”

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