Home Blog Page 342

Jackson, the Boy Who Vowed to Punch Santa, Apologizes in New TUI Video

0

Jackson, the spirited child from Chelmsford, Essex, who went viral for threatening Santa, has resurfaced in a new video by TUI, apologizing and turning over a new leaf. The video, shot by TUI, features Jackson as the ‘Chief Good List Officer,’ giving kids the chance to win a trip to Lapland.

Reflecting on his past, ten-year-old Jackson recounts, “When I was five, I told Santa I’d punch his beard off if he put me on the bad list,” and jests about still wanting to “punch his beard off” even if he’s on the good list, showcasing his playful nature.

Towards the end, Jackson responds to his dad’s query about being banned from Lapland, saying, “Dad!, I was never on the bad list, this is a myth you made up!”

The release of this video aligns with a TUI study that highlights the amusing efforts children make to be on Santa’s good list, such as finishing dinners, including greens, and helping with household chores. The study reveals that 35% of UK children begin writing their Christmas wish lists in November, with many hoping for a holiday or experience, especially a visit to Santa in Lapland.

Commenting on the initiative, Phillip Iveson, commercial director of TUI UK & Ireland, said, “At TUI we’re all about making lasting memories that stay with families for the rest of their lives, and what better place to do that than in the most magical place of all at Christmas time?”

The winner of the TUI competition will embark on a Lapland adventure in 2024, enjoying a meeting with Santa and various festive experiences. Entries for the competition are accepted from 20 November to 6 December 2023.

Behaviour guaranteed to get a child on Santa’s Good List:

  • Being good at school
  • Tidying your bedroom
  • Going to bed on time
  • Doing all your homework
  • Eating all your dinner
  • Helping to make dinner
  • Helping with the vacuuming
  • Brushing your teeth
  • Avoiding arguments with your siblings
  • Putting down the iPad when asked

Pizza Hut® Partners with Beyond Meat® to Launch Groundbreaking Beyond Pepperoni® in the UK

Pizza Hut, in collaboration with plant-based meat pioneer Beyond Meat, Inc., is thrilled to announce the UK launch of their new Beyond Pepperoni® range. This plant-based pepperoni topping, designed to tantalize the taste buds of meat-lovers, flexitarians, and vegetarians, adds a new twist to pizza indulgence. The innovative topping graces the Big New Yorker and Beyond Pepperoni® Feast pizzas, as well as the Beyond Pepperoni® Melt. Currently available at all Pizza Hut Delivery locations nationwide, it will also make its way to Pizza Hut dine-in restaurants from January 2024, for a limited time.

This collaboration aims to excite the UK’s pepperoni aficionados, especially Gen Z, with 80%* expressing interest in a plant-based variant. Beyond Pepperoni® promises the familiar taste, texture, and savory flavors of traditional meat toppings, offering a meaty, crispy-edged experience with the added benefits of plant-based protein.

The new Beyond Pepperoni® menu features:

  • Big New Yorker: A 16” pizza masterpiece topped with Beyond Pepperoni and cheese, served in six extra-large, foldable slices.
  • Beyond Pepperoni Feast: A delightful blend of Beyond Pepperoni, mixed peppers, and mozzarella, available in various sizes and crusts.
  • Beyond Pepperoni Melt: A scrumptious Melt loaded with Beyond Pepperoni, mixed peppers & mozzarella, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping, priced at £6.99.

Hazell White, Head of Brand & Innovation at Pizza Hut UK & Europe, commented, “We’re so proud to be partnering with Beyond Meat again for the launch of our Beyond Pepperoni range. We’ve launched this in November so everyone can enjoy our great tasting pizza over the festive period, whether that’s in our Melts or on our Big New Yorker.”

Hameed Jagani, Vice President, Global Strategic Partnerships at Beyond Meat, added, “With so many different tastes and dietary preferences, it can be difficult to find a satisfying and tasty pizza that suits everyone. With more and more British consumers looking to reduce their animal meat consumption, we’re thrilled to offer a delicious, innovative plant-based pizza topping that will delight meat lovers, flexitarians and vegetarians alike. Our Beyond Pepperoni helps people continue to Eat What They Love™, without compromising on taste, a balanced lifestyle or the environment.”

This range is now available for order at Pizza Hut Delivery and will hit Pizza Hut dine-in restaurants across the UK from January 2024 for a limited period. While featuring dairy-based cheese, the pizzas can be customised with plant-based cheese at no extra cost.

Penstripe’s Commitment to Service Excellence Reflected in 2023 Customer Feedback

0

In the education sector, where efficiency is paramount, Penstripe has emerged as a key provider of student planners, earning substantial praise for their service in 2023.

Delving Into Penstripe’s Customer Appreciation:

Reliable and Friendly Service:

A significant aspect of the feedback focuses on Penstripe’s unwavering quality of service. A customer shares, “The usual good service we are used to from Penstripe. We get quick responses to any queries and staff are always very friendly and helpful.” This illustrates the company’s dedication to consistently delivering dependable and approachable customer service.

Outstanding Team Support:

The exceptional support from Penstripe’s staff is frequently mentioned, especially for first-time customers. One testimonial states, “Brilliant! This is down to the staff support more than anything. George in sales, Georgia my Account Manager and the very helpful guy who talked me through the artwork checking on MyPenstripe all went above and beyond to help me as a first-time customer.” This personal and thorough support is a hallmark of Penstripe’s customer care.

Adaptability and Patience:

Acknowledging that not everyone may prioritise teacher planner design, one customer appreciates the patience displayed by Penstripe’s team. “Great – thank you – you were all very patient when planner design wasn’t at the top of my list!” reflects the company’s understanding of its customers’ diverse needs and their willingness to accommodate accordingly.

Prompt and Efficient Process:

The promptness and efficiency of Penstripe, particularly in quick-turnaround situations, are commended. “Very efficient, even though we were producing the final draft within a short space of time. They arrived in good time for the start of term, and everyone was always very helpful in answering any questions I had.” Timely delivery and responsiveness are essential in the education sector, and Penstripe excels in these areas.

Guidance for First-Timers:

New customers appreciate Penstripe’s assistance in navigating the planner creation process. “Really helpful to me as a first time involved with this process.” This shows Penstripe’s commitment to making the process user-friendly for everyone.

To summarise, the positive feedback garnered by Penstripe in 2023 is a testament to their commitment to excellence in customer service, efficiency in operations, and the provision of high-quality student planners.

Penstripe stands out as a reliable partner for educational institutions worldwide, consistently surpassing customer expectations.

For outstanding student planners or teaching diaries services, contact Penstripe at 0113 2310995 or email [email protected].

Wales miss out on Euro 2024 automatic qualification after home draw with Turkey

Wales will have to go through the play-offs if they are to reach Euro 2024 as they were held to a home draw by Turkey on Tuesday to miss out on the automatic qualification spots in Group D.

Rob Page’s men needed to beat Turkey at the Cardiff City Stadium and hope for a Croatia slip-up at home to Armenia, but neither ended up happening and Wales will have to go through the play-offs in March if they are to make the tournament in Germany next year.

Things were going well for Wales for much of the first half, taking the lead after just seven minutes through Neco Williams while the news from Croatia was positive as Armenia managed to keep out their hosts.

Check out our other sports stories here

However, Ante Budimir put Croatia ahead just before half-time, and things went from bad to worse for Wales after the break as a soft penalty decision allowed Yusuf Yazici to level in Cardiff.

Brennan Johnson saw a late goal ruled out as Wales desperately hunted a winner, though it would not have mattered anyway as Croatia saw out the remaining minutes to seal their place at Euro 2024 and condemn the Dragons to the play-offs.


Wales will be left to rue picking up just one point from their two games with Armenia as they finish third in Group D, four points behind Croatia, though Page’s men will take confidence from their successful play-off meeting with Ukraine that helped them reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Wales fans will now await the draw in Switzerland on Thursday to find out who will stand between them and the tournament in Germany next year, with potential opponents including Finland and Iceland.

England’s Curry ruled out of Six Nations with hip injury

Tom Curry has been ruled out of England’s Six Nations campaign with a hip injury, with fears his entire season could be over.

Having helped England to a third-placed finish at the World Cup in France, Curry’s recent visit to a specialist to establish the best solution for his hip problem concluded that surgery will be needed.

The flanker will undergo that operation in early December, meaning he will definitely miss the Six Nations, which gets underway in February, while his Sale season could also be over.

Alex Sanderson, the club’s director of rugby, said: “Tom has been back down to London to have further extensive X-rays under movement with a different consultant and this is the best thing for him in the short term.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A POST SHARED BY ENGLAND RUGBY (@ENGLANDRUGBY)


Curry missed the 2023 Six Nations after suffering a hamstring injury, as well as the build-up to the World Cup with ankle ligament damage.

Sanderson is confident Curry can get over his recent fitness problems, stating: “He’s still a young lad and it’s the best thing for him in the short-term to ensure he’s able to be more robust moving forward and to train and progress his game the way he wants to.

“I’m sure there will be ebbs and flows over the next four or five months and I hope to be part of that journey with him as we get him back to where he needs to be.”

Premier League clubs vote against imposing loan ban on associated clubs

Premier League clubs have voted against a ban on associated clubs loaning players to each other during the January transfer window.

The temporary ban only narrowly missed out on being approved, with the 13 votes to approve the embargo falling just short of the two-thirds majority of 14 that would have seen it passed.

The news will be greatly appreciated by Newcastle United, who will now be able to loan players from clubs that are also under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Check out our other sports news stories here

One of those clubs is Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, and Newcastle have been closely linked with a move for their midfielder Ruben Neves, who was with Wolves between 2017 and 2023 before making the move to Saudi prior to this season.


The ban was intended to be a temporary solution, introduced as a short-term fix before it could be revisited ahead of next season.

The PIF also owns other Saudi Pro League clubs, such as Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane play, as well as Roberto Firmino’s Al Ahli.

Eddie Howe’s side have been hit by a brutal injury crisis, as well as the suspension of midfielder Sandro Tonali because of betting offences, though this vote means they may have found a solution to their problems.

The failed ban could also benefit other Premier League sides, with Manchester City under the same ownership as LaLiga leaders Girona, while Chelsea’s owners took over Strasbourg earlier this year.

‘Messi and Ronaldo never took a season off’ – Manchester United legend Cole exasperated by Rashford form

Manchester United great Andy Cole is lost for words regarding Marcus Rashford’s huge dip in form this season, warning the forward that elite players are not allowed a season off.

Rashford was one of the brightest sparks of a promising first campaign at the helm for Erik ten Hag in 2022-23, scoring 30 goals as United finished third in the Premier League and won the EFL Cup.

However, with United enduring an underwhelming start to 2023-24, Rashford has only hit the net once in 16 appearances across all competitions at club level, embarking a 12-game goal drought since scoring in September’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.

Rashford also endured a poor campaign in 2021-22, only starting 18 matches and scoring five times as the Red Devils toiled under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

Cole, who scored 93 Premier League goals for United between 1995 and 2001, says Rashford cannot afford fallow seasons if he wants to be considered as one of the world’s best forwards.

Asked what has been missing from Rashford’s displays this campaign, Cole told Betfred: “I don’t know. I really, really don’t know.

“His form was phenomenal last season, but if you look at his form from two years before that, it was similar to what it’s like now.

“The freaks such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo never took a season off.

“Around 20 years at the highest level and they never took a season off. That’s what you’ve got to be like to play at that elite level.

“Only Marcus knows what’s going on in his head at the moment. His form over the last four or five years has been inconsistent and I don’t know what he can or can’t do to get himself back on track.

“He starts week in, week out and that’s something that every player wants.

“If I had one goal to my name in 16 appearances, then I’d go right back to basics on how I train, how I finish or whatever it may be. I’d do whatever it took to get me back into form.”

Check out our other sports news stories here

United resume their Premier League campaign with a trip to crisis club Everton on Sunday, having eased the pressure on Ten Hag somewhat with four wins in their last five league matches.

Cole, however, still sees plenty of reasons for concern, saying: “If Manchester United were playing attacking, galvanising football and the results weren’t going their way, then we’d all say it was unlucky, but I think we can all see that hasn’t been the case.

“No disrespect to Luton, but 10 years ago if they travelled to Old Trafford, they would have been expecting a hiding and being on the end of five or six goals.

“For Manchester United to only win 1-0 at home, the victory was masking their struggles.

“Against Fulham they won with a late goal, so people may think that they’ve got a couple of wins and they’re back on track, but I wouldn’t assume that’s the case.”

10 Money Saving Tips for Your Business

0

As a business owner, you know that every penny counts. Even small savings can add up over time and make a big difference in your bottom line. If you’re looking for ways to save money on your business expenses, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Review your expenses

The first step to saving money is to understand where your money is going. Take some time to review your business expenses and identify any areas where you can cut back. This may involve looking at your rent, utilities, insurance, and other overhead costs.

2. Negotiate with your suppliers

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with your suppliers for better rates. Many suppliers are willing to offer discounts to businesses that are willing to negotiate. You can also try to bundle your services with other suppliers to save even more money.

3. Shop around for insurance

Your business insurance costs can vary significantly depending on your industry, risk profile, and location. It’s important to shop around for the best rates and coverages. You may be able to save money by switching to a different insurance company or by increasing your deductible.

4. Use fuel cards

If you have a fleet of vehicles, you can save money on fuel by using fuel cards. A business fuel card will allow you to track your fuel spending and control where your employees can fill up. You can also get discounts on fuel at participating stations.

5. Implement energy-saving measures

There are a number of things you can do to save energy in your office, such as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, installing programmable thermostats, and turning off lights and electronics when they’re not in use.

6. Reduce your paper usage

Paper is a surprisingly expensive cost for many businesses. You can save money by reducing your paper usage by printing only what you need and using digital documents whenever possible.

7. Encourage teleworking

Teleworking can save your business money on rent, utilities, and other overhead costs. It can also improve employee morale and productivity.

8. Take advantage of government programs

There are a number of government programs that can help businesses save money. These programs may offer tax breaks, grants, or other incentives.

9. Use technology to your advantage

There are a number of technology tools that can help you save money on your business expenses. These tools can help you track your expenses, manage your inventory, and automate tasks.

10. Get creative

There are many other ways to save money on your business expenses. Be creative and think outside the box. You may be surprised at how much you can save.

Karaca, Türkiye’s Premier Home and Lifestyle Brand, Bolsters UK Footprint

0

Karaca, boasting a respected 50-year legacy, has unveiled its second UK store at Westfield London, the continent’s largest shopping mall, following the successful launch of its initial store in Islington Square, a renowned shopping destination in the UK’s capital.

Karaca, a leading figure in Türkiye’s home and lifestyle industry for half a century, is proud to announce the opening of its second store in the UK, located in Westfield London, Europe’s grandest shopping centre. This development is a critical juncture in Karaca’s worldwide expansion ambitions, building on the achievements of its debut London store in Islington Square.

Established in 1973, Karaca has risen to prominence in Türkiye, celebrated for its extensive range of over 28,000 products. The brand has been a transformative force in the home and lifestyle sector, offering innovative, high-quality products that span from kitchenware and tableware to compact household appliances and sophisticated home decor. Notably, its Fine Pearl Collection, the only dinner set in the world crafted from real pearls, stands as a testament to Karaca’s dedication to superior design and artistry.

Strategic UK Investment Marks Global Expansion Inception

Karaca’s global footprint, spanning 48 countries with 305 stores and over 2,000 sales points, bears witness to its lasting heritage and acclaim. Its venture into the UK market is a strategic endeavour to reinforce its stature as a global industry leader.

Cihangir Çetintırnak, Karaca UK’s Country Director, stated, “After a solid history of 50 years, our vision is to establish ourselves as one of the top three brands in our category not just in Europe and America, but across the world. The opening of our second store in Westfield London, is a crucial milestone in achieving our 2030 vision. Following the success of our Islington Square store and our growing presence in the UK e-commerce market, we are enthusiastic about using the UK market as a springboard for expanding our global presence.”

Fortifying UK-Türkiye Trade Relations for a New Economic Alliance

Karaca’s UK expansion resonates with the evolving trade dynamics between the UK and Türkiye. The UK government has recently sought contributions to establish an updated, modernised free trade agreement (FTA) with Türkiye. This FTA intends to replace the previous agreement, rooted in 1990s’ protocols and limited to goods trading.

The proposed FTA aims for broader coverage, including sectors like technology and digital services, aligning with the needs of today’s economy. The trade volume, reaching £26 billion in the year up to June 2023, underscores Türkiye’s significance as a top 20 trade partner for the UK.

Karaca’s advancement in the UK mirrors this flourishing economic bond. The revamped FTA is anticipated to create further opportunities for Turkish enterprises in London and throughout the UK, fostering a vibrant business landscape and enriching cultural exchanges.

Contact: Yasin Erdurmuş, [email protected]

About Karaca:
The Karaca Group, encompassing 11 brands such as Karaca Home and Emsan, operates on a global scale with a team of nearly 3,500. It unites a diverse spectrum of over 140 product categories, ranging from state-of-the-art dinnerware to cutting-edge home appliances, under its flagship brand.

Brazil v Argentina: can Messi inspire world champions at the Maracana? Preview, expected line-ups and prediction

The State of Play

It’s arguably the most glamourous game in international football – two global heavyweights slugging it out for the right to call themselves top dogs in South America. The 69,000 tickets were sold out in hours.

Yet, both teams come into this encounter on the back of defeats. Brazil were beaten by two Luis Diaz goals for Colombia on an emotional night in Barranquilla while Argentina suffered their first defeat since winning the World Cup in going down at home to Uruguay.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina still top the qualifying section with 12 points from five games but the situation does look a little more perilous for fifth-placed Brazil, even though six teams go through automatically into the expanded, 48-team World Cup in 2026.

The five-time champions are in a relative crisis. They have taken one point from their last three games – they’ve lost four of the eight matches they’ve played in 2023 – and are without a raft of key players for the visit of Lionel Messi and Co to the Maracana, a ground on which the visitors won the 2021 Copa America title.

Check out our other sports stories:
Southgate happy despite England draw
Davis Cup Finals preview
When is the next international break?

Team News

Brazil are without five key players – Neymar, Vinicius Jnr, Casemiro, Danilo and Richarlison. Coach Fernando Diniz will likely stick with the bulk of the team that played well against Colombia until Diaz struck twice late on. Gabriel Jesus trained fully over the weekend and could start.

Scaloni has stressed no changes will be made to his team due to poor performances against Uruguay but he is likely to freshen up his attacking options with experienced duo Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez expected to come in to replace Julian Alvarez and Nico Gonzalez.

Expected line-ups

Brazil: Alisson; Emerson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Renan Lodi; Bruno Guimaraes, Andre; Raphinha, Rodrygo, Martinelli; Gabriel Jesus

Argentina: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez; Mac Allister, Messi, Di Maria; L Martinez

What They Said

Diniz on facing Lionel Messi
“You can’t help but worry about a player of his stature. But we have to play him. We can’t escape his characteristics but at the same time [we have to] try to contain him and the creative capacity he has.
“I expect a great game. They are a quality team and have one of the greatest players in history. We have prepared a lot for the game and hope to play a great match.”

Scaloni on the chance to bounce back from the Uruguay defeat
“We have analysed why the defeat happened, we have our ideas and the important thing is to digest it quickly. We are lucky that we have another game right away. It would be harder to not see each other for a while. Now we have to bounce back, that is the most important thing.
“If you watch Brazil’s game against Colombia, you can say they were beaten but they played a good game until the 76th minute. The result was misleading. Brazil are a good team.”

When and how to watch

The game kicks off at 0030 UK time, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. It is not being screened live in the UK.

Prediction

Brazil will be desperate to get out of their recent slump, and who better to do it against than their eternal rivals? But Argentina are a tough nut to crack and it’s unlikely they will lose two on the bounce. Expect a score draw that will satisfy both teams.