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The North’s most anticipated craft and design event is now open 

Visitors to the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair are in for a proper treat over the next three days.

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After a buzzing preview event last night set in the spectacular surrounds of Victoria Baths, the doors are now open for those eager to get some early Christmas presents or a real treat for themselves.

It’s the 18th time the event has been held, making it the largest and more prestigious showcase of contemporary craft in the North.

An incredibly enjoyable event, it’s a great chance to meet the makers and designers, and buy direct from more than 200 of them!

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And of course, we went along to see what it was all about. Well, we know, as some of us spent a bomb last year…

From bold ceramics and sculptural glass to handwoven cushions and scarves, 3D and fine jewellery, statement furniture, ornaments, crazy handmade toys and gorgeous clothes, this really is not to be missed.

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Although we could have spent an absolute fortune, some of our favourite stallholders included: DesignsbyMia (we bought beautiful earrings from her), Cruan – gorgeous enamelled bowls from Cornwall, Pottery West – all made by hand in Sheffield, Polished Grey Jewellery (we bought more earrings), and the fabulously talented illustrator and maker of monsters, Emma O’Brien.

 Don’t miss it! Book your advance tickets now and save on the door! 

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Opening Times: TODAY: 10am – 5.30pm, Saturday, October 18: 10am – 5.30pm, Sunday, October 19: 10am – 4pm

#GNCCFMCR25

Fire festival returns to light up Rochdale with displays, ice rink and Christmas market

The countdown to Christmas begins in Rochdale next month with the return of the spectacular Ignite Fire Festival and magical family entertainment leading up to the festive lights switch-on.

Ignite Fire Festival, which was staged for the first time in 2023, will again be transforming the square and gardens around Rochdale Town Hall. The event has now been extended to include beautifully restored pathways and parkland on Broadfield Slopes plus more dazzling displays and activities for all the family including an ice rink and Christmas market.

The event, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK, opens from Friday 21 to Sunday, November 23, with three free night-time spectacular shows from 5pm to 8pm delivering a magical trail of fire and lights.  Thousands of people are expected to attend the event and this year’s will be the biggest yet, say organisers Rochdale Borough Council.

Fiery displays, blazing sculptures and illuminated installations created by artists and pyro technicians from multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank will be open to walk through each evening, with the Christmas lights switch-on taking place on the Sunday.

A free immersive experience for all ages, Ignite will feature the world premiere of ‘Bubbles of Love, a new kinetic sculpture by Felix Rowberry and the mesmerising animatronics of Paka’s Fire Dragon, both part of Walk the Plank’s Fire Garden. Lotus flowers will erupt with flame and strange birds will rotate slowly or burst into life.  Sounds will be heard as cogs turn and flaming sculptures hiss as the gardens become a magical landscape of light and fire. On the Friday evening there will be a torchlight procession to launch the new Broadfield Slopes.

Liz Pugh, creative producer at Walk The Plank, said they are delighted to be returning to Rochdale with more fiery magic: She said: “I’m particularly excited this year about the torchlight procession which will highlight new paths and planting around the Broadfield Slopes when they open the festival on the Friday.”

Each evening, a fire drawing designed and made by residents will be ignited, alongside flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent. Back again for 2025 is ‘Drum Machine’ – the 20 strong drumming collective who will be bringing their techno infused beats to the event.

Every evening ‘Fireflies’ will be delivered, as part of the Culture Co-op programme with  Rochdale’s Skylight Circus Arts and interactive arts group Travelling Light Circus alongside local residents trained up especially for the festival performing mesmerising fire spinning feats.

Rochdale’s Ice Rink by Santa’s Village, opens for the first time at the festival, located on Rochdale Town Hall Square, promising a magical experience for all ages and skill levels, running until 4 January, although advance booking is advised.

There will also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.

Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Janet Emsley officially switch-on the lights at 5.30pm on Sunday 23 November in front of the town hall after the traditional countdown, whilst Ignite Fire Festival continues until 8pm.

Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Walk the Plank and Culture Co-op, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by the council.

The festival’s main sponsor is The Trade Centre UK with support also from The Casey Group – the contractor responsible for the restoration of the Broadfield Slopes and BRSK – the full fibre broadband provider, who will have a presence at the event.

Councillor Sue Smith said: “Our Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Light’s Switch On is a fantastic event and has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester. This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail around our beautifully restored slopes area, the ice rink and the return of a Christmas Market it really will be the perfect build up to our big switch-on and the ultimate winter experience, providing lots of family entertainment across the weekend.”

Mike Doyle, brand ambassador at The Trade Centre UK said they were pleased to be supporting the festival for the second year in a row: “We know what a fabulous event this is and it’s going to be bigger than ever this year. We’re keen to strengthen our connection with the community and by sponsoring such a well-loved weekend, we’re hoping to bring some festive fire to Rochdale during its special year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.”

Find out more about Ignite and plan your visit at www.rochdale.gov.uk/ignite

 

How different indexes reflect the balance between growth and stability

When people talk about “the market,” they often reference one of the major stock indexes — but not all indexes are created equal. Each one represents a different slice of the economy and a different way to measure performance.

For investors, understanding the differences between these indexes is more than just trivia. It’s a window into the trade-off between growth potential and financial stability.

The NASDAQ Composite and the Dow Jones Industrial Average are two of the most well-known and widely tracked indexes. But they behave very differently, especially in times of market uncertainty or technological shifts.

This article explores what makes each index unique and how investors can use them to build portfolios that balance innovation and reliability.

What is a stock market index, and why does it matter?

A stock market index tracks the performance of a group of companies to give investors a snapshot of a specific part of the market. It might represent an entire economy, a sector like technology or energy, or companies of a certain size.

That’s why comparing Nasdaq vs Dow is so revealing—it shows how investors weigh high-growth technology and innovation against the stability of established blue-chip companies.

Indexes are used by:

  • Fund managers to build ETFs and mutual funds
  • Retail investors to track market trends
  • Economists to measure financial health
  • Media to summarize market performance in a headline

Indexes are used by fund managers to build ETFs and mutual funds, retail investors to follow market trends, economists to measure financial health, and media outlets to summarise performance in a headline. But no single index gives the complete picture. Each index is built with different rules, weightings, and sector exposures. 

The NASDAQ: Innovation, Tech, and Fast Growth

The NASDAQ Composite Index includes more than 3,000 companies listed on the NASDAQ exchange. It is known for its high concentration of technology, biotech, and internet-based businesses. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, and Meta dominate the index by market capitalisation.

Characteristics of the NASDAQ:

  • Heavily weighted toward tech and growth stocks
  • Market-cap weighted, so the biggest companies influence performance the most
  • Includes small, mid, and large-cap companies
  • Higher volatility, especially during rate hikes or economic uncertainty

Investors who favour the NASDAQ are often seeking high growth potential. They are comfortable with larger price swings in exchange for the possibility of higher long-term returns. When new technologies emerge or digital adoption accelerates, the NASDAQ tends to lead.

The Dow: Blue-chip stability and long-term value

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, often simply called “the Dow,” tracks 30 large, established companies across different sectors. These are often referred to as “blue-chip” stocks — businesses with long operating histories, steady earnings, and strong reputations.

Characteristics of the Dow:

  • Price-weighted, meaning companies with higher share prices have more influence
  • Focused on stability, dividends, and financial durability
  • Includes industrials, financials, healthcare, and consumer goods
  • Lower exposure to tech and high-growth sectors

The Dow is seen as a benchmark for the broader economy. While it does not include as many fast-growing companies as the NASDAQ, it reflects sectors that are foundational to everyday life — manufacturing, energy, banking, and healthcare.

Example: In 2022, the Dow outperformed the NASDAQ during interest rate hikes and inflation fears, thanks to its exposure to oil, pharmaceuticals, and defensive sectors.

What drives performance in each index?

The NASDAQ tends to respond quickly to:

  • Interest rate expectations: Rising rates often reduce the present value of future earnings, affecting growth stocks more
  • Technological shifts: Trends like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, or biotech innovation move the NASDAQ faster
  • Investor risk appetite: When investors feel optimistic, they rotate into higher-growth tech names

The Dow, on the other hand, is driven by:

  • Earnings resilience: Companies in the Dow often have strong cash flow and pricing power, especially during downturns
  • Consumer demand and infrastructure: Sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, and manufacturing support its foundation
  • Dividend income: Many Dow stocks offer consistent dividends, which cushion performance during volatile periods

In bull markets driven by innovation, the NASDAQ often leads. In defensive phases or recessions, the Dow tends to hold its ground better.

How to use both indexes in a balanced portfolio

You don’t need to pick one index over the other. In fact, using both can create a more balanced approach to investing.

If you prioritise growth:

  • Lean toward NASDAQ exposure through ETFs like QQQ or sector-specific funds
  • Understand the volatility and consider dollar-cost averaging to manage entry points

If you prioritize stability:

  • Use Dow-linked ETFs like DIA or dividend-focused funds
  • Focus on companies with strong earnings and predictable cash flow

Many investors blend both:

  • 60 % in growth-oriented funds (tech, innovation, emerging markets)
  • 40 % in dividend, value, or blue-chip funds (Dow-related sectors)

This allows you to benefit from long-term growth potential while maintaining exposure to income-generating and lower-volatility assets.

What to watch in 2025

In 2025, several themes are shaping the balance between NASDAQ and Dow performance.

  1. AI expansion continues to benefit tech-heavy indexes like the NASDAQ, but also raises questions about regulation and overvaluation.
  2. Elevated interest rates are still weighing on unprofitable tech startups, while companies in the Dow with strong balance sheets remain attractive.
  3. Global demand for energy, healthcare, and infrastructure is boosting traditional industries, favoring the Dow’s sector mix.
  4. Retail investor behavior is becoming more sophisticated, with younger investors diversifying across both indexes using ETFs and fractional shares.

As of Q2 2025, the NASDAQ is up 9.6 % year to date, while the Dow has gained 6.4 %. The gap reflects renewed investor appetite for growth, but also lingering caution around volatility.

Final thoughts: Know what you’re tracking

Indexes are more than charts. They represent different views of the market and different investment philosophies. The NASDAQ rewards boldness and innovation. The Dow rewards discipline and resilience. Together, they help investors see both the possibilities and the limits of any market cycle.

When you invest in an index — directly or through a fund — you are buying into a story. Make sure you know which one you’re telling with your money.

RentX Launch Poised to Change Private Transport Booking in the US

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A new platform has arrived with the ambition to transform the way Americans organise private transport.

From stylish wedding cars and sleek limousines to party buses, charter coaches, and supercars — plus helicopter hire coming soon — RentX.com blends innovation, transparency, and dependability to bring a new standard to the private hire industry.

Reimagining the Booking Experience

By partnering with hundreds of verified operators nationwide, RentX allows customers to easily browse, compare, and reserve transport options for weddings, corporate events, leisure travel, and VIP occasions — all from one trustworthy online source.

Gareth Brookman, Interim Head of Sales at RentX, said, “Customers want transparent pricing, fast quotes, and trusted operators. Traditional processes make that hard. RentX brings it all together in one place with clear pricing, verified partners, and a booking experience people can rely on.”

From the UK to the US, A Proven Formula for Innovation

Although RentX has quickly become a rising name in the US, its foundation is backed by nearly two decades of industry experience. The team behind RentX has spent years developing technology-driven platforms within transportation, events, and vehicle logistics, experience that has shaped a system built for high performance and reliability.

The brand’s expansion into the US began in California and quickly spread nationwide. RentX’s intelligent search system uses data-driven tools to match users with trusted local operators, offering transparent pricing and multiple vehicle categories in seconds.

“Our goal is to make booking transportation as easy and dependable as reserving a hotel room,” Gareth Brookman added. “Customers deserve to know exactly who they’re booking with, what’s included, and what to expect, all in one place.”

Building Trust Through Technology

RentX works with a vast network of independent operators across the country. Every partner is verified to ensure quality, safety, and reliability, giving customers access to trusted professionals with full transparency throughout the process.

The company’s growth reflects a wider trend. The U.S. ground transportation sector is estimated to be worth over $157 billion annually, yet much of the industry remains only partially digitized. According to a 2024 analysis published by Forbes Technology Council, the sector is now at a “tech-enabled tipping point,” as consumers increasingly expect instant booking, transparent pricing, and verified operators. Where once customers relied on phone calls or unverified listings, RentX brings everything together into a single, seamless interface.

Each booking is supported by smart technology that calculates travel time, regional pricing, and availability, streamlining the process for both customers and transportation providers. For operators, RentX offers the opportunity to reach new clients and manage requests efficiently while maintaining control over their services.

A Brand Built on Transparency and Experience

Transparency is the hallmark of the RentX brand. By ensuring consistent pricing, clear terms, and reliable communication, RentX is transforming how private transportation is perceived, shifting it from uncertainty to confidence.

With more than 20 years of combined expertise in technology and transportation, the RentX team is focused on creating a better booking experience for both customers and operators. The brand’s commitment to service, innovation, and integrity has quickly earned it recognition as one of the most trusted names in US private transportation.

RentX continues to expand its US network, enhancing its platform with new AI-driven matching tools, smarter pricing algorithms, and advanced data systems designed to improve accuracy, speed, and overall user experience. This ongoing investment in technology reinforces the brand’s mission to become the most comprehensive and trusted name in America’s private transportation sector.

Driving Positive Economic Impact

From its headquarters in Roseville, California, RentX’s influence extends far beyond its own operations and the jobs it creates internally, driving wider economic opportunity across the U.S. transportation sector. Each booking made through the platform creates tangible economic value for transportation operators across the United States, from chauffeurs and mechanics to dispatch teams and event planners. By giving small and mid-sized businesses access to advanced technology, national visibility, and AI-powered pricing tools, RentX is helping to raise industry standards and create fairer opportunities nationwide.

The company is also developing an affiliate program that will allow individuals such as event planners, travel influencers, and digital marketers to earn income by driving bookings to RentX. This forward-thinking approach spreads value across multiple industries and reinforces RentX’s position as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in the US economy.

Looking Ahead

As demand grows for seamless digital booking experiences, RentX stands ready to lead a new era of convenience and reliability. Whether it’s a wedding in California, a corporate event in New York, or a group trip to Las Vegas, RentX is setting a new benchmark for premium ground and air transportation services.

For customers, the promise is simple: premium travel experiences should be easy to find, fairly priced, and backed by trust. For operators, RentX represents the opportunity to work within a transparent, tech-forward network that values quality and consistency.

Learn more at rentx.com and discover how RentX is changing the way America books private transportation.

Eight Engines Shortlisted for Prestigious GMCC Small Business of the Year Award

Manchester’s own video marketing specialists, Eight Engines, have been shortlisted for the Small Business of the Year Award by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC).

The annual award highlights small enterprises across the region that demonstrate outstanding growth, creativity, and positive community contribution.

Commenting on the nomination, Jack Leigh, Managing Director of Eight Engines, said: “To see the team recognised with this nomination makes me incredibly proud. It shows what can happen when you stick together, trust each other and keep moving forward. Our crew have faced challenges head-on and turned them into opportunities, and this recognition is proof of that.”

The nomination reflects a turning point for Eight Engines after navigating a difficult period for the commercial video industry. The agency reinvented its business model, focusing on long-term partnerships with clients and investing in a stable in-house team rather than freelance support.

This people-centred approach has strengthened creative continuity and job security, enabling the company to grow its workforce and achieve its most successful year yet in 2024 — momentum that has carried through into 2025.

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Eight Engines’ work now spans international film marketing projects, including campaigns filmed in Las Vegas, Poland, Italy, Texas, and Mexico. The company’s recent expansion includes an impressive roster of new clients, while locally it continues to support charities through complimentary film production and leadership opportunities for junior team members.

At the centre of the company’s success story is founder Jack Leigh. Starting his career as a runner on large-scale film and TV productions, he experienced first-hand the pressures and instability that many creatives face. These experiences inspired his vision for a company built around trust, teamwork, and stability.

His lifelong collaboration with creative partner Rupert Grimshaw brings a distinctive spark to their work. The pair have been friends since they were two years old — a bond that still shapes their creative chemistry. Jack jokes that working with his childhood friend means he can occasionally “fire” him for giving him the nickname ‘Hobnob’ back in school. That humour and closeness form the backbone of the company’s culture and the authenticity behind its storytelling.

While the video production world faces disruption from AI and fluctuating freelance markets, Eight Engines has taken a steady path forward. The agency maintains a permanent, in-house crew while embracing technology only where it enhances creativity.

“AI is improving but often lacks soul,” Jack said. “We blend innovation with real human storytelling that connects and endures.”

Avensure CEO Chris Garner Recognised Among the UK’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders

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LDC and The Times honour Chris Garner for driving Avensure’s ambitious plan to triple its growth and expand its HR software worldwide.

Chris Garner, Founder and CEO of Avensure, has been named one of the UK’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025, as part of the prestigious annual programme by LDC (the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group) in partnership with The Times.

Now in its eighth year, the LDC Top 50 celebrates the nation’s most dynamic and forward-thinking entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the UK economy. Out of nearly 700 nominations received, Chris Garner was chosen among the select group of 50 leaders recognised for their determination, innovation, and measurable impact within their industries.

The honour follows a period of rapid growth for Avensure, which is pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy, aiming to triple its size while scaling its award-winning HR technology platform for international markets.

Chris Garner’s journey to the Top 50 was shaped by persistence and lessons learned from adversity. Reflecting on a pivotal chapter in his entrepreneurial story, he told LDC: “I’m ambitious and always think I can trade myself out of a problem. In my business, it’s all small monthly fees, so you need thousands of clients to make it work. For the first six years, I was in debt. That’s when I learned about overtrading, and what happens when you sell too much, too quick. I had to slow down sales and restructure the company. We came out of that time healthier, leaner and sharper and grew faster as a result. It was a proud moment when I paid off the debts. I remember making that last payment and thinking, ‘I’m free’.”

Today, Avensure stands as a thriving multi-million-pound HR, employment law, and health & safety consultancy, supporting more than 7,000 clients nationwide with a team of over 150 experts.

Looking ahead, Chris Garner’s ambitions remain as bold as ever: “We could triple in size in the UK alone, and our software is designed to go global. We invest £1 million a year into our online service, which we’re pushing hard. It’s been costly and complex, but our clients love it and it supports our retention rates. 90 per cent of this year’s turnover is already baked in – these are recurring, uplifting contracts. We have built an HR platform that we can tailor to different territories. I just want to keep growing and building great products and services.”

This ambitious vision is backed by:
  • £1 million annual investment in Avensure PeopleCloud, the company’s cutting-edge HR platform
  • 90% recurring revenue from long-term client contracts, providing stability for expansion
  • Global scalability built into the technology platform
  • Record retention rates driven by exceptional client service and innovative software

Chris Garner’s entrepreneurial drive runs in the family, as he explained to LDC: “There’s a natural ability within my family. My father had his own business and my siblings run businesses too. I’ve always been independent: I was a handful when I was young, often pushing boundaries at school. Since leaving school at 18, I’ve never worked for anyone else. I’ve always done my own thing and built successful businesses.”

That independent spirit and boundary-pushing mentality has driven Avensure to become:

The business leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 for 2025 collectively generate £1.2 billion in turnover, £140 million in pre-tax profit, and employ almost 10,000 people. Most are expecting to at least double in size within three years.

Avensure is contributing to this economic impact through:

  • Job creation across Manchester and the UK
  • Supporting SME growth by removing HR and compliance barriers
  • Technology innovation that helps businesses scale efficiently
  • Saving businesses millions in tribunal costs and legal penalties

John Garner, Managing Partner at LDC, said: “In the eight years since we launched The LDC Top 50 we’ve had the honour of meeting some exceptional business leaders. This year’s cohort has shown drive and ambition in their growth journeys, proven remarkable resilience, and together they are making a real difference to their employees, the communities they work in and society at large. I’d like to congratulate them on everything they’ve achieved so far. Their success stories are only just beginning, and we’re excited to see where their journey takes them next.”

Chris Garner’s inclusion in The LDC Top 50 adds to Avensure’s recent accolades:

  •  Named among 7 Best HR Consulting Firms for UK Startups & SMEs (Startups.co.uk, October 2025)
  • Over 14 years protecting UK businesses
  • 7,000+ clients and growing
  • 60+ highly qualified consultants delivering 24/7 support
  • Millions saved for clients in tribunal costs and penalties

For the thousands of startups and SMEs that Avensure supports, Chris Garner receiving this recognition validates what they already know: they’re partnered with a business leader who’s committed to continuous growth, innovation and excellence.

Chris Garner commented: “This recognition from LDC and The Times is an honour, but it’s also a responsibility. It validates our mission to protect businesses and empower them to make confident decisions about their people. We’re not resting on our laurels – we’re investing heavily in technology, expanding our team, and preparing to take our model global. Our clients deserve nothing less than the best, and that’s exactly what we’re building.”

About The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders

The LDC Top 50, supported by The Times, showcases the UK’s best business leaders from medium-sized companies. Created by LDC (part of Lloyds Banking Group), the programme celebrates the founders, CEOs and managing directors who demonstrate remarkable ambition and drive the UK economy forward.
The full list of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025 can be viewed at: https://www.ldc.co.uk/top-50/2025/.

About Avensure

Avensure is a UK leader in employment law for employers, HR outsourcing support, and health and safety consulting. Founded by Chris Garner over 14 years ago, Avensure has grown to serve over 7,000 UK businesses with a team of 60+ highly qualified HR, H&S, and legal consultants.

Through its 360º legal shield solution and designated advisor approach, Avensure provides complete peace of mind that businesses remain fully protected and always compliant with UK law. The company invests £1 million annually in its Avensure PeopleCloud platform, a cutting-edge HR technology solution designed for global expansion.

Services include 24/7 HR support, employment law advice, tribunal representation, health & safety consulting, business immigration services, and the Avensure PeopleCloud platform.

More than half of Brits feel overworked in their jobs, new data reveals

New statistics released this week show that millions of Brits feel overworked in their job, struggling to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

According to a new employee wellness study from Jukebox Marketing, an international PR agency, 53 per cent of British workers complain of being overworked.

This is not only damaging to the health of a worker, but also affects performance in their roles. Managing their working day effectively will help reduce physical and mental health risks, alongside boosting productivity levels.

For any professional, a healthy work-life balance is vital. Whether that’s completing a daily walking target, or spending time with their families, workers must find time to switch off from their job tasks. Failure to separate their home life from the office can result in an inability to maintain a balanced diet, struggle with an unhealthy sleep pattern, and keep a consistent exercise routine. This can lead to serious physical health issues down the line, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

An unhealthy work-life balance can also lead to higher levels of stress, which may result in forced time off work – a recent study found that a fifth of Brits in the past year have needed time off work due to high stress levels. This only leads to a decline in work performance, alongside growth levels for your business. Concerningly, 38 per cent of workers have also admitted to feeling less productive at work due to lack of sleep.

Jukebox has released a report on employee wellbeing and how workers are able to balance their work-life schedule. Here are the findings of the report:

  • 72% say their first morning drink is coffee or tea

  • 44% regularly eat lunch whilst working, as they feel they do not have time to have a full lunch break

  • 41% do not have time to keep fit with the stresses of work and life

  • 47% say their current job role makes it difficult to achieve 10,000 steps a day

  • 60% now make their lunch at home more than ever before due to rising food costs

  • 52% regularly read work messages, emails, or take work calls outside of their contracted hours

  • 38% say their workload pressures limit their daily quality time with their family

Many UK employees are relying on caffeinated drinks to cope with tiredness at work. However, while a morning tea or coffee may initially wake you up, this can lead to an energy crash in the afternoon, meaning that workers will have even less time to complete job tasks, leading to higher stress levels.

It’s also not just work that is affecting the wellbeing of employees. The cost-of-living crisis has seen bills rise further this year. As a result, more than half of workers are making lunch at home more than ever before.

Stephen Jury, Managing Director of Jukebox Marketing, said: “Brits appear to be feeling the pressures of work, and, with further issues such as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, managing stress levels is now more difficult than ever before.

“An unhealthy work-life balance not only leads to physical and mental health risks for your employees, but also growth risks for your business – workers are taking time off due to stress, resulting in absences.

“If you want your business to be as strong as possible, ensure that your employees have enough time to complete basic exercise and spend time with their families. A healthier employee means a healthier business.”

Employee Wellness Report at https://jukebox.marketing/employee-wellbeing/

Bury’s Emm Bee Motorhomes to Showcase Northern Innovation at the UK’s Biggest Leisure Vehicle Event

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Bury dealership joins national line-up at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2025 in Birmingham

One of Greater Manchester’s best-known motorhome dealers, Emm Bee Motorhomes, is set to represent the Northwest this autumn at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2025, taking place from 14–19 October at the NEC Birmingham.

The much-anticipated show, organised by NCC Events Ltd, is the UK’s largest leisure vehicle exhibition, spanning eleven halls and attracting tens of thousands of visitors. It remains the only event where the full range of 2026 motorhome, campervan, and caravan models can be viewed side by side.

Leading Brands and Northern Expertise

Based in Bury, Emm Bee Motorhomes has built a reputation as one of the country’s most trusted dealerships, known for its expertise, personal service, and strong after-sales support.

At this year’s event, the family-run company will represent some of Europe’s most respected manufacturers, including HymerChaussonBailey, and Burstner. Visitors can expect a wide range of models that reflect growing demand for sustainable design, off-grid freedom, and luxury comfort.

Phillip Barker, Managing Director at Emm Bee Motorhomes, said:

“There’s a real buzz about this year’s show. Manufacturers are introducing incredible innovations for 2026, and it’s exciting to share these with customers face-to-face. The event gives people the chance to find a motorhome that truly fits how they want to travel.”

Beyond the Vehicles: A Lifestyle Experience

The Motorhome and Caravan Show has grown into a celebration of outdoor living and travel. Alongside the huge vehicle displays, visitors can enjoy live talks, demonstrations, and hands-on driving experiences.

TV favourites Ben Fogle and Susan Calman will take to the main stage, sharing their passion for adventure and offering inspiration for holidaymakers planning their next trip.

Elsewhere, the holiday and campsite zone will feature top UK and European destinations. At the same time, hundreds of exhibitors will offer accessories, tech upgrades, and travel essentials, many with exclusive show-only offers.

Emm Bee’s Legacy of Customer Care

With over 30 years in the industry, Emm Bee Motorhomes has become a cornerstone of the UK motorhome community, offering a curated selection of new and pre-owned vehicles alongside expert advice and servicing.

“What makes the NEC show special is the chance to have real conversations,” Barker added. “We love helping people discover how motor homing can give them the freedom and flexibility they’re looking for.”

Plan Your Visit

Tickets for the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2025 are £14 for early bird bookings before 13 October, and £18 thereafter, with free parking included.
Children aged 16 and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The event runs from Tuesday 14 to Sunday 19 October 2025 at the NEC Birmingham (Halls 6–12 & 17–20).

For full details, visit www.mcshow.co.uk.

Learn more about Emm Bee Motorhomes at www.emm-bee.co.uk.

Transform Femme Launch Marks Major Step Forward in Women’s Health Services

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Transform, the UK’s foremost clinic for cosmetic and elective healthcare, has launched Transform Femme, an ambitious new initiative designed to deliver exceptional care for women experiencing a range of gynaecological concerns.

Debuting in October 2025, Transform Femme will operate from Transform’s Electiva Hospitals located in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Newcastle, and through select clinics nationwide including Birmingham and Nottingham.

This new service will give women access to outstanding GMC-registered surgeons and specialists who provide surgical and non-surgical procedures in a supportive and confidential environment. The approach unites advanced medical techniques with empathy-driven care to improve physical wellbeing and emotional empowerment.

Leading the new programme is Dr Hisham Abouzeid, a respected consultant whose dedication to patient care has earned national recognition. His work is guided by compassion, expertise, and the conviction that confidence and health are deeply intertwined.

Dr Abouzeid, Transform Femme said: “So many women suffer in silence with gynaecological issues that affect their confidence, health and everyday lives. At Transform Femme our mission is to provide a safe and supportive space where women feel truly heard. We combine medical expertise with empathy and professionalism, helping patients regain their comfort and most importantly their confidence. This is about giving women the freedom to live authentically and proudly.”

Core treatments provided by Transform Femme include: Pelvic Floor Repair; Hysterectomy; labiaplasty; and vaginal tightening amongst others.

With thousands of five-star patient reviews and a reputation for specialist-led care, Transform continues to set the standard in UK healthcare. Transform Femme is an extension of this commitment, reflecting the organisation’s patient-first ethos: “Transform treats you like a person not a procedure.”

Patients accessing Transform Femme will benefit from:

  • An exceptional clinical team of internationally recognised experts
  • Luxurious CQC registered hospitals across the UK
  • Homecare+, providing pre and post operative care in the comfort of patients’ homes
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Manchester Female Entrepreneur Secures Major Research Project for Local Transport

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A Manchester entrepreneur committed to making public sector spending more effective has won a significant research contract with West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Dr Felicity Heathcote-Marcz, 34, is known in the industry for her role as guest lecturer at Alliance Manchester Business School and for leading the Manchester Ethnography Network for over three years. She joins Steer Consultancy to provide key insights for the region’s new Local Transport Plan.

Founder of research consultancy Bare Analysis, Dr Heathcote-Marcz brings extensive expertise in human-centred research. Her work ensures that transport strategies reflect the lived experiences of residents, going beyond mere data to capture what communities genuinely need.

Dr Felicity said: “Bare Analysis is delighted to be supporting WYCA and Steer with this work, and we are well on the way with focus groups and ethnographic interviews to understand the priorities of West Yorkshire residents and their responses to the policies that underpin these principles. We are working really hard to help residents, across all communities, including those who are traditionally hard to reach to have their say on the future of transport services in their area.”

Dr Felicity founded Bare Analysis in 2023 on an essentialist approach – delivering simple, essential truths which help inform decisions that lead to win-win solutions, both for the user of the services, and from the organisation too. The name ‘Bare Analysis’ was inspired by this essentialist philosophy, along with a trip to the stunning wild Beara Peninsula in Ireland, where the bare beauty of the views sparked reflection on what is essential and important in life.

She has worked with clients across a broad variety of contexts to create positive change. Her work has informed strategy and design change for local and central government, transport providers, NHS and healthcare companies, banking and ecommerce clients and asset management companies / developers.