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Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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Two men jailed for knifepoint robbery in Bury

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Two men jailed for knifepoint robbery in Bury

Two men who were involved in a knifepoint robbery in Bury, have been jailed.

Rian Hitchman (20) of no fixed abode was sentenced to two years and Owen Parkes (22) of Hanson Street, Bury, three years and six months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday, after pleading guilty to robbery at a previous hearing.

The pair were involved in a violent knifepoint robbery in Bury town centre at around 5am on  Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The victim was befriended by Parkes (pictured right) and Hitchman (pictured left) and was targeted due to his intoxication, which made him particularly vulnerable. The victim left a club just after 4am and walked down Silver Street, stopping outside a bar which Parkes and Hitchman were in.

Both men left the bar and walked straight to the victim. The victim agreed to get in a taxi with Hitchman and Parkes, dropping them off near an underpass, where the victim was then robbed.

One of the men made demands for the victim to hand over personal items, while the other produced a knife and pointed it towards the victim’s throat.

Around two minutes later Parkes and Hitchman emerged from the underpass, but the victim was nowhere to be seen. He managed to flag down a passing ambulance and told them of his ordeal and he received treatment.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, police were informed of another incident involving two men in Bury town centre. Upon reviewing the CCTV, officers believed them to be the same men involved in the first robbery.

PC Hubbard said: “This is an excellent result with two dangerous offenders locked up and away from harming vulnerable victims.

“The pair targeted a victim who had been out drinking and was therefore vulnerable, subjecting them to a terrifying ordeal by threatening them with a knife.

“I must thank the victim for the bravery shown in reporting this to us and helping us with our investigation. If you have any concerns about crime come and speak to officers or alternatively report through 101 or via LiveChat on gmp.police.uk. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

Top 10 Cars for Ski Holidays Revealed by Turo

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Top 10 Cars for Ski Holidays Revealed by Turo
  • Nearly 27% of British skiers plan to drive to European ski resorts this winter.
  • Turo offers ideal vehicles for ski trips, from £52 a day,* including luxury SUVs such as Porsche, Mercedes, and Range Rover models.

Car-sharing service Turo has revealed its top 10 car picks for Ski and Snow adventures, helping travellers prepare for the half-term rush to the slopes.

An estimated 27%** of UK skiers will be hitting the road this winter to drive to European ski resorts. Many will be in search of short-term car rentals or upgrades to ensure their journey is as safe and comfortable as possible. According to Turo, “All-wheel drive” has become a leading search term on its platform, underlining this demand.

To create its recommendations, Turo assessed vehicles using five criteria: all-wheel or four-wheel drive capability, ground clearance, heating efficiency, advanced safety technology, and generous boot space.

Based on these requirements, Turo has identified some of the best vehicles for hire in the UK, ranging from affordable options starting at £52 per day* to high-end models like the Land Rover Defender. These cars are ideal for long drives to the mountains this winter. Before setting off, travellers driving in France are reminded to check regulations****, including the requirement to carry snow chains for use on snowy mountain roads.

10. Kia Sorento 
At just £57 per day*, the Kia Sorento, with its all-wheel drive, heated seats and snow tires is a fantastic option for those not looking to break the bank before their holiday has begun. This model also features a high quality sound system and multiple ways to connect your devices to help those motorway miles fly by.
9. Audi S4 Avant
The Audi S4 Avant is an ideal grand tourer, and will eat up the miles on the way to the slopes with ease, all while keeping you and your passengers comfortable. At prices from £94 per day*, this model boasts plenty of boot space, as well as the potential for a roof rack for extra space for all your gear.
8. MG HS
Another option at the lower end of the price spectrum, the MG HS more than holds its own against other models at a price from just £55 per day*. All-wheel drive and heated seats are crucial features, but many may be pleased to see that this model is also pet-friendly, potentially saving you the hassle of finding a dogsitter during your trip.
7. Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
This snow white Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a great option for any trip and at a price from just £52 per day*, it is another great value car. It includes heated seats, all-wheel drive and a backup camera for that tricky Alpine parking.
6. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a strong option for long drives, with a roof-rack, all wheel drive, backup camera and large boot. At prices from £61 per day*, this model would be a contender for the top spots if it had heated seats.
5. Porsche Cayenne
From £84 per day*, the Porsche Cayenne is a great option for those looking for a comfortable drive and to look good doing it. This stylish model offers all-wheel drive, heated seats, plenty of space and a panoramic sunroof for those mountain views.
4. Range Rover Sport
The first 7-seater in this list is a high scorer for a number of reasons, not least because it will get the whole group to the slopes in style. This Range Rover Sport, available from £109 per day*, becomes great value if you are splitting the cost between all seven available seats and also boasts all-wheel drive, heated seats and a range of other mod-cons.
3. Mitsubishi Outlander
Another 7-seater, this time from just £81 per day*, the Mitsubishi Outlander features oodles of boot space, snow tires and in-car entertainment systems to make that long drive more palatable. This is on top of all the features you’d expect including all-wheel drive and parking assist, a top option for any trip.
2. Land Rover 110 Defender
The Land Rover 110 Defender is among the highest spec models you could want for a winter road trip to the Alps. With heated seats, steering wheel, and height control, as well as plenty of space and comfortable driving, it is only the higher price, from £173 per day* that keeps this off top spot.
1. Volvo XC90 
Even after nine great options, this Volvo XC90 stands out as the perfect vehicle for any trip to, and around, the Alps this winter. This model has it all with seven heated seats, 455 brake horsepower, and plenty of room for all your gear. From just £128 per day*, you’d be hard pressed to find a more ideal car to rent for the journey to the slopes.
Rory Brimmer, Director at car sharing marketplace Turo, commented:
“For anyone hitting the slopes this winter and wanting to avoid flights, or just give yourself the freedom to get around easily while you’re in the chalet, renting one of these cars is a great option to increase your levels of comfort or practicality. Each of these options has its own positives and would be a great option, at a range of price points.
Car sharing is a fantastic way for the owners of cars such as these to top up their income and share the cars they love with other enthusiasts when they aren’t using them. There is a wide range of options on the Turo platform, from the exclusive to the accessible, from the sensible to the showstopping. Best of all there’s no need to wait around at a rental desk or trek all the way out to an airport to pick up your car.”

To learn more about Turo, please visit www.turo.com

Almost Famous to close its Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds branches

Helen Greaney
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Almost Famous to close its Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds branches

Popular burger chain Almost Famous is to close all of its branches in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.

The owner Beau Myers, was disappointed to made the announcement this morning, citing the current economic crisis and lingering debt for the closures.

When the original Northern Quarter site opened in 2012, there were queues round the block for customers wanting to sample its ‘dirty burgers’.

But despite expanding to Leeds and Liverpool, the Withington branch was forced to close after the owner posted on social media, that it was struggling.

Now the branches in the Great Northern and in the Northern Quarter, will also go.

Beau said: “It is with broken hearts that today, 27th January 2025, we announce the closure of all Almost Famous venues across Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.

“The current economic climate has proven too challenging for us to overcome, with lingering debt from Covid and rising costs across every aspect of the business. Despite our best efforts, we are no longer able to continue.

“For over 13 years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented and passionate people in hospitality. We will do everything we can to support you during this transition.

“If anyone in the hospitality industry has job opportunities, we kindly ask you to reach out to us at [email protected] – helping our team find new roles is our top priority right now.”

Teenagers arrested in connection with Facebook Marketplace robberies

Helen Greaney
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Teenagers arrested in connection with Facebook Marketplace robberies

Police are investigating a series of reported robberies linked with bikes for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

Two 17-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of robbery and public order offences, in early morning warrants in Longsight and Levenshulme on Sunday.

Officers have been investigating reports of three separate incidents in the South Manchester area between Friday, December 20, 2024 and Tuesday, January 21, 2025, where members of the public had arranged to meet up with online sellers claiming to have a bicycle for sale.

On each of these occasions, instead, the victims reported being assaulted. One of these victims received serious injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Police are advising those buying items online from strangers, to be vigilant and take steps to ensure their safety, such as meeting in public places or taking someone with them.

Sergeant Jonathan Lobley said: “The arrests this morning are a positive step forward in our investigations into these incidents.

“Facebook Marketplace and other online reselling platforms are used extremely regularly with no incident. It is concerning to hear that in these cases, men trying to legitimately purchase bikes have been preyed upon, assaulted and robbed for no reason.

“Despite progress being made in our investigation, I would still encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim or witnessed something similar, or knows of anyone putting up fake ads online with the purpose of committing offences against innocent members of the public, to contact us on 101.”

Photography exhibition launched at Manchester Victoria

Helen Greaney
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Photography exhibition launched at Manchester Victoria
A new photography exhibition has launched at Manchester Victoria, to celebrate the diversity of the team behind TransPennine Express (TPE) during this year’s 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway.
The installation features portraits of fifteen members of staff from different backgrounds, who represent an ever-growing, diverse and inclusive workforce.

The individuals are being celebrated as part of TPE’s second annual Week of Inclusion, and each have their own unique stories, from living with endometriosis to being autistic, having ADHD, or being part of the LGBTQ+ community.

The exhibition, which runs until Sunday, February 2, also serves as an open invitation to anyone considering a career in the rail industry, regardless of their background, to apply.

The photographs feature workers such as Shannon Cassidy, a trainee driver from Liverpool, who has seen first-hand how the company is committed to fostering equality in roles that have traditionally been male-dominated.

Shannon has detailed how TPE’s dedication to becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Employer has been a significant step forward in acknowledging and accommodating the needs of women like her.

Ben McGowan, a conductor instructor based at Liverpool, who is autistic and has ADHD is also featured. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Ben has shared how inclusion is not merely a concept but a deeply meaningful part of his everyday life, and at TPE, he has discovered a workplace where he truly feels a sense of belonging.

Nicola Buckley, people director for TPE, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be making progress in making our business more inclusive, and we will continue to strive to make sure everyone that works here feels sense of belonging and that every individual, of every background and culture, feels heard and celebrated.

“The launch of this new installation is not only a celebration of our diverse workforce, but a call out to anyone who is considering a role in the rail industry to apply, whatever background they may have.

“It took the majority of the past 200 years to create change, but there’s still more work to be done, at both TPE and within the industry to inspire more women and more people from diverse backgrounds to join the rail sector.”

Since TPE’s first Week of Inclusion in January last year, the rail provider has made significant progress, applicants from ethnic groups has risen to 30%%, LGBTQ+ colleagues now comprise of 10%, exceeding the census figure of 3.2%.

Since April of last year, 26% of hires and 33% of international promotions have been women, highlighting that progress is beginning to accelerate.

Five employee networking groups have also been introduced in the last 18 months, groups include the LGBTQ+ Networking Group, the Neurodiversity Network, Women at TPE, Military Veterans, and Young Rail Professionals at TPE, providing dedicated spaces for colleagues to connect, share experiences, and drive positive change within the organisation.

To experience the exhibition, visit Manchester Victoria Station, near Victoria Tap.

Those interested in joining TPE should visit the vacancies page, or try TPE’s new virtual work experience scheme.

Be Proud Awards: Nominations now open

Helen Greaney
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Be Proud Awards: Nominations now open

Manchester residents have the chance to give their community’s unsung heroes some deserved recognition as nominations open for the annual Be Proud Awards.

Each year Manchester City Council hosts an awards ceremony to celebrate the local individuals, community groups, organisations, and businesses that make a difference to the lives of others in the city.

The Be Proud Awards are a chance for extraordinary everyday people to have their work recognised during a night of glitz and glamour.

All the finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony and gala dinner at The Hilton, Manchester, in June 2025.

Awards are available in the following categories:

  • Neighbourhood action on climate change
  • Supporting those affected by poverty
  • Increasing skills, education and employability
  • Making our neighbourhoods safer
  • Supporting health and wellbeing
  • Promoting equality and diversity
  • Making our neighbourhoods cleaner and greener
  • Creative communities
  • Businesses supporting the community

The Pride of Manchester award is then given to the overall winner across all the categories.

Last year’s Pride of Manchester was Shakar Hussain, chair of Rainbow Surprise in north Manchester.

After running his charity for 13 years, alongside his wife Shabnam, Shakar has been instrumental in ensuring his community continues to thrive amid the cost-of-living crisis. He provides regular food drives, community fridges and a local shop for everyone to access, while also going the extra mile to collect people himself to attend events organised by Rainbow Surprise.

Since experiencing a period of homelessness himself, Shakar knows firsthand what it means to be in need and how the small, everyday contributions of a few can be life changing. The charity provides barbers to cut children’s hair for free at the beginning of term and helps families to buy new school uniforms for local pupils.

You can nominate here: www.manchester.gov.uk/beproud

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon said: “These awards are our opportunity to bring people from across our great city together to celebrate the incredible contributions our local heroes and community champions make to Manchester.

“These individuals and local community groups are the background of our neighbourhoods. They give back to Manchester in spades and the Be Proud awards shine a light on those that go above and beyond to help their community thrive.

“This is your chance to celebrate that inspirational person or group that deserves to be recognised for what they do for their neighbours. If you know someone who that gives their all for their local area, please celebrate them with a nomination for the Be Proud Awards – and let them know that their hard work is seen and appreciated.”

India v England, 3rd T20I: Preview, line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Jon Fisher
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India v England, 3rd T20I: Preview, line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

England have dug themselves a hole and there is no room for error when they look to start a momentous comeback in their five-match T20I series against India in Rajkot tomorrow.

Jos Buttler’s men are 2-0 down despite a much-improved performance in Chennai on Saturday that saw them come close to levelling the series.

The T20 world champions held on to secure a two-wicket win, thanks largely to a brilliant 72 not out from Tilak Varma, who took a shine to the pace of Jofra Archer to help his side home.

England’s pace battery had a mixed evening. Archer was expensive – going for 60 from his four overs – but Brydon Carse backed up his 31 with the bat with three for 29 in an excellent all-round display.

The Durham man continues to gain prominence within the England set-up and he is confident the series is not yet lost.

Speaking after the defeat on Saturday, Carse said: “Hundred per cent, yeah [we can win the series]. Inside that changing room there, obviously the guys are a little bit down, but I think ultimately as a whole, I think it’s pretty evident that the performance tonight was a lot better than the other night. 

“But again, we haven’t put a full, complete performance in, so it’s exciting to see. Hopefully next game, we can put everything together.”

For England to flourish, however, they will need to find a way to combat India’s flexible middle-order that was led so impressively by Tilak at the weekend.

It was a coming-of-age performance from the 22-year-old, who displayed the same levels of confidence when speaking to the media afterwards that he did when flailing the England pacemen around the ground.

“If you see, I want to target [England’s] best bowlers,” Tilak said. ‘If you take on their best bowlers, other bowlers will be under pressure. So, [even] when the wickets are falling, I want to take on their best bowler. 

“It’s easier for the [batter] at the other end also. So I backed myself and I took chances against him [Archer]. And also whatever shots I have scored for Archer, I have worked in the nets. Mentally I was ready for that. So, it has given me a good result.”

Team News

England have already announced they will play the same XI that competed so well in Chennai.

That means Archer will get a shot at redemption and sees Jamie Overton get another chance despite the temptation to play a second specialist spinner alongside Adil Rashid.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh have been ruled out with Shivam Dube and Ramandeep Singh coming into the squad.

Ramandeep is set to play in Rajkot with Dhruv Jurel potentially the man to make way.

Veteran paceman Mohammed Shami is likely to miss out again.

Expected line-ups

India: Samson (wk), Sharma, Varma, Yadav (c), Pandya, Patel, Sundar, R Singh, A Singh, Bishnoi, Chakravarthy

England (confirmed): Salt (wk), Duckett, Buttler (c), Brook, Livingstone, Smith, Overton, Carse, Archer, Rashid, Wood

How to Watch

In the UK, you can watch this series on TNT Sports and Discovery+. The third T20I is being screened on TNT Sports 1 from 1pm.

In India, it can be viewed on the Disney Plus Hotstar app and website.

Prediction

It would be a shame for the series if India were to clinch it in just three games, not that their fanatical supporters would agree.

England were much better in the second game and we think Buttler’s men will get it right here.

Much depends on whether the England attack can keep the ball in the park with Archer, in particular, needing a much-improved display.

But we’re going for England to halve the deficit with a victory in Rajkot.

Witnesses sought for Oldham assault on teenager

Helen Greaney
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Witnesses sought for Oldham assault on teenager

Officers are appealing for information following an assault outside Spindles Shopping Centre in Oldham.

At around 12.15pm on Wednesday, January 15, it was reported that a 17-year-old boy was approached by an unknown man who attacked him, leading to visible injuries on his face and a concussion.

Through first enquiries, police believe that the suspect was wearing a black jacket with grey jeans, and was possibly with another man.

Officers investigating this incident have followed up with several lines of enquiry and are now asking for the public’s assistance.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious outside Spindles Shopping Centre at around 12.15pm, is encouraged to call 101 quoting log 1339 of 15/01/2025.

Alternatively, you can remain anonymous by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

New Cryptocurrency Features of Qardun Token Designed to Align with Amazon’s Innovative and User-Centric Approach

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New Cryptocurrency Features of Qardun Token Designed to Align with Amazon’s Innovative and User-Centric Approach

Qardun Token, a leader in the cryptocurrency platform space, proudly announces the release of its latest suite of features, inspired by Amazon’s dedication to customer-centric innovation and operational excellence.

To address the latest record, Qardun Token announces new features inspired by Amazon’s commitment to innovation and user experience. With a focus on delivering seamless functionality and unmatched user experience, Qardun Token is revolutionizing how traders and investors interact with the cryptocurrency market.

Amazon’s rise to become one of the most influential companies in the world is built on its relentless focus on customer satisfaction, streamlined operations, and cutting-edge innovation. Qardun Token has adopted these principles to redefine its platform offerings, ensuring that cryptocurrency traders and investors benefit from a user-first approach that simplifies and enhances their experience.

Qardun Token’s new updates are designed to reflect the operational precision and customer-centric values that define Amazon’s success. These enhancements include:

Optimized User Interface for Seamless Navigation: Drawing inspiration from Amazon’s intuitive interface, Qardun Token has revamped its platform design to ensure that users can easily navigate and access the tools and insights they need. This improved interface streamlines the trading process, making it efficient and user-friendly.
Personalized Recommendations for Investments: Similar to Amazon’s personalized shopping recommendations, Qardun Token now offers tailored investment suggestions based on a user’s trading history, preferences, and market trends. This feature enables traders to discover opportunities that align with their financial goals.

Efficient Trade Execution Systems: To emulate Amazon’s commitment to speed and efficiency, Qardun Token has upgraded its trade execution system, ensuring faster transaction processing and reducing delays in market orders. This enhancement supports users in taking advantage of real-time market opportunities.
Comprehensive Market Analytics: Qardun Token introduces advanced analytics tools to provide users with detailed insights into market trends, token performance, and emerging opportunities. This data-driven feature allows users to make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market.
Enhanced Security Measures: Inspired by Amazon’s robust security infrastructure, Qardun Token has implemented advanced security protocols to protect user data and transactions. These measures ensure a safe and secure trading environment for all users.

Qardun Token mission to empower traders and investors aligns closely with Amazon’s philosophy of prioritizing user needs. By combining cutting-edge technology with a focus on accessibility and efficiency, Qardun Token is setting new standards for cryptocurrency platforms. These enhancements enable users to navigate the complexities of the crypto market with confidence and ease.

Whether you are a seasoned investor or a newcomer to the cryptocurrency world, Qardun Token’s latest features cater to users at all levels of expertise. The platform’s personalized recommendations, advanced analytics, and intuitive design ensure that everyone can benefit from its robust capabilities. As the cryptocurrency market continues to expand, Qardun Token remains committed to delivering innovative solutions inspired by the best practices of industry leaders like Amazon. The latest updates reflect Qardun Token’s dedication to providing an unparalleled trading experience for its users.

About Qardun Token:

Qardun Token is a cutting-edge cryptocurrency platform that provides advanced tools and insights for traders and investors. Dedicated to innovation and user satisfaction, Qardun Token simplifies cryptocurrency trading while empowering users to achieve their financial goals in a secure and efficient environment.

Extracted to Launch Eight Supplements and Open Flagship Store in Bath

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Extracted to Launch Eight Supplements and Open Flagship Store in Bath

Extracted, a rapidly growing supplement brand from the UK, is making waves in the wellness sector with its latest announcement. Born from a personal quest for better sleep, the brand is preparing to release eight new supplement formulas designed to target a range of health concerns, alongside opening its first flagship store in Bath. This milestone reflects the brand’s impressive growth under the leadership of founders Toni and Dan.

The idea for Extracted originated from a personal health challenge: poor sleep. Toni, like one in three adults, struggled with chronic insomnia. Unimpressed by the lack of results from over-the-counter solutions and discouraged by the side effects of prescription medication, she and her husband Dan set out to find a natural alternative. Their efforts revealed a significant gap in the supplement industry, where products often contained low dosages, limited ingredient profiles, or excessive fillers.

“I was spending a fortune stacking different single supplements because nothing out there had everything I needed in the right amounts,” Toni recalls.

Rather than settle, the couple decided to act. Drawing on Dan’s entrepreneurial experience, they collaborated with nutritionists, doctors and industry experts to formulate Sleepee – a premium sleep supplement featuring 11 powerful, clinically backed ingredients at optimal dosages. What started as a small production run quickly gained traction as family, friends and eventually customers raved about the results.

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“We were overwhelmed by the response,” Toni says. “Before we knew it, we had a thriving business, and I made the leap to leave my marketing career after 11 years to focus on Extracted full-time.”

The success of Sleepee was just the beginning. Next came Flexee, a joint health supplement featuring Eggshell Membrane, an innovative ingredient renowned for its ability to support joint comfort and mobility. Flexee quickly became a customer favourite, rivalling the popularity of Sleepee. Other additions to the range include Reeplay, a vegetarian collagen supplement, and Multee, a comprehensive multivitamin with added supergreens.

Now, Extracted is gearing up for its most ambitious chapter yet. Eight new formulas are set to launch, addressing targeted health goals such as bladder strength, dry eye relief, immunity support and stress reduction. Each product is meticulously crafted with the same commitment to quality and efficacy that has defined the brand from the start.

Extracted is also preparing to open its flagship shop in the heart of Bath. More than just a retail space, the store will serve as a wellness hub, hosting expert-led workshops on topics like sleep, nutrition and menopause.

“We’re so excited to create a space where people can learn, connect and find solutions tailored to their health needs,” Toni shares.

With their innovative products and customer-first approach, Toni and Dan are transforming Extracted into a wellness empire. Their vision goes beyond supplements, aiming to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge to live healthier, more vibrant lives.

As the wellness industry continues to grow, Extracted stands out as a brand that delivers on its promise: high-quality, science-backed solutions for real people. From its humble beginnings to its current expansion, Extracted’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, passion and a relentless commitment to making a difference.

Stay tuned for the official launch of their new product lines and the opening of their flagship store in Bath – a new chapter in Extracted’s mission to revolutionise wellness.

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