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Half of adults want more effort from partners on Valentine’s Day

Helen Greaney
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Half of adults want more effort from partners on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has been dubbed a waste of money with novelty mugs and cheap underwear amongst the worst presents.

More than half of the 2,015 adults polled, said their partner should make more effort, rather than splurge on presents they don’t even want.

Respondents reported the rubbish gifts they had received included ‘wrong’ perfume, socks, candles and even, a car mat.

But while most said the day of lovers is a waste of time, one in three said they’d be gutted if their better half did nothing to celebrate.

Travel together

The research by Railcard.co.uk, found that one in five said a trip away would be the best romantic gesture with the Lake District top destination in the UK.

Relationship expert and coach, Sarah Louise Ryan, said: “Couples who travel together often end up more fulfilled and happier in their relationship.

“There are many reasons for this; inclusive of the fact it encourages communication and can deepen feelings of commitment as they plan their trips ahead of time, looking towards the future.

“Travel allows more opportunities for romance and time outside of the day-to-day routine, meaning romantic sparks can be reignited.

“Where flowers and chocolates can play a part, this Valentine’s Day I’d encourage all couples to carve out some time to book and experience a romantic getaway, whether for a day trip or a long weekend.”

The study also found 36% had considered a trip together as a way to rekindle a floundering relationship.

Algarve’s Iconic Vilalara Grand Hotel Marks 60 Years of Timeless Luxury

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Algarve’s Iconic Vilalara Grand Hotel Marks 60 Years of Timeless Luxury

PORCHES, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL, 20 July 2026 – Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve is celebrating six decades of welcoming guests to Portugal’s southern coastline, marking 60 years since the resort first opened in 1966. Recognised as one of Southern Europe’s pioneering luxury retreats, the clifftop property continues to honour its heritage while investing in its future through thoughtful renovations, enhanced wellness experiences and a year-long programme of anniversary celebrations.

Established across eleven hectares of landscaped gardens overlooking one of the Algarve’s most picturesque beaches, Vilalara shares its origins with a select group of legendary European resorts, including Marbella Club, Reid’s Palace, Cala di Volpe, Le Sirenuse and Il Pellicano. While much has changed over the past sixty years, the resort has remained committed to offering tranquillity, privacy and a close connection to the sea.

The story of Vilalara began with founder George Ansley, whose vision was brought to life by his son-in-law, sculptor, painter and photographer José Harry de Almeida Araújo. Inspired by the Aga Khan’s pioneering Costa Smeralda development in Sardinia, the resort was designed around the concept of a hidden utopia that blended naturally into its surroundings.

The property took its name in 1967 from Ansley’s newborn granddaughter, Lara. A year later, Swiss businessman Leon Levy acquired the resort and developed it into one of Europe’s most exclusive and discreet private destinations. From the beginning, the philosophy was that luxury should complement the landscape rather than dominate it, with low-rise buildings finished in natural cliff-inspired tones that merge seamlessly with the coastline.

Vilalara’s reputation attracted an international clientele during its early years, with its golden era immortalised through the photography of Slim Aarons. Actress Eva Gabor owned a villa at the resort from 1970 before selling it to Winston Spencer Churchill, grandson of Sir Winston Churchill. Archive records also document visits by figures including Gunter Sachs, Princess Diana, President Jimmy Carter and Princess Caroline of Monaco. Correspondence preserved by the resort also reveals that Gabor frequently spoke about Portugal during appearances on The Merv Griffin Show, introducing the destination to millions of American viewers.

In 1990, Vilalara became home to Portugal’s first thalassotherapy centre, covering 2,800 square metres and inspired by the renowned marine therapy institutions of Biarritz and Quiberon in France. Influenced by the pioneering work of former cycling champion Louison Bobet, the centre laid the foundations for today’s Wellness Club, which continues to use Atlantic seawater rich in magnesium and calcium as part of its longevity and restorative wellness programmes.

To mark its 60th anniversary, the resort has completed an extensive renovation inspired by the surrounding cliffs and natural landscape. The refreshed interiors feature warm ochre and honey tones, soft limestone whites and enduring materials including natural stone, dark timber, linen and esparto fibre.

“We were not guided by the anniversary itself, nor by changing trends,” said Daniel Albarran, General Manager. “As one of Southern Europe’s great founding resorts, we have a responsibility to protect what makes Vilalara special. This renovation is an investment in the future and a promise to the guests who will discover Vilalara for decades to come.”

Approximately half of the resort’s guests return on a regular basis, while around five per cent have been visiting for more than thirty years.

“Many resorts have reinvented themselves over time,” Albarran added. “Vilalara has endured by remaining true to its identity.”

The anniversary programme, themed Six Decades Preserving the Algarve’s Eden, includes the opening of the new Racquet Club, a series of Chronicle Dinners celebrating key moments from the resort’s history and a special anniversary event in August that coincides with the solar eclipse visible across the Iberian Peninsula.

The celebrations also coincide with continued culinary recognition. Coral, the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant, is recommended in the Michelin Guide Portugal 2026, while Raízes showcases farm-to-table cuisine using produce grown in the resort’s own kitchen garden and cooked over an open flame to celebrate the connection between the Algarve’s landscape and its culinary traditions.

To find out more, visit vilalara.com.

Award-Winning Accessible Events Show Returns to London this October 

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Award-Winning Accessible Events Show Returns to London this October 

LONDON, UK. July 20th, 2026 – The Accessible Events Show, the UK’s only dedicated event bringing together professionals committed to making events accessible and inclusive for everyone, has confirmed its return to The Drum, Wembley on 29 October 2026. 

Building on a landmark debut year that earned two major industry awards, the 2026 show is the most ambitious yet, with a full day of programming, a world-class headline sponsor, and a growing international footprint for the UK’s only dedicated event for accessibility and inclusion in the events industry.

The show’s 2025 launch left an immediate mark on the industry, winning the EN Awards Diversity and Inclusion Award and a Silver at the Cool Event Awards for Disruptor Attitude.

The 2026 show has been designed to offer something genuinely useful from the moment doors open to the moment they close.

The morning session brings together leading voices from across the events industry for a series of expert panels. Speakers will explore the practical, strategic and cultural challenges of building accessibility into events of every scale, from corporate conferences and live music to exhibitions and public festivals. The sessions are built around the real decisions that event professionals face every day, led by the people best placed to help them make those decisions well.

In the afternoon, the Accessible Events Show will run a dedicated workshop programme for the first time, giving attendees the opportunity to go deeper, ask harder questions, and leave with tools and techniques they can apply immediately. Whether attendees are new to accessibility planning or looking to sharpen an existing approach, the workshops are designed to be practical, participatory, and genuinely transformative.

Dr Shani Dhanda, Accessibility Consultant and Broadcaster who is one of the organiser of the event, said: “Winning two awards in our first year told us something important: the events industry is ready for this. People want to do better, and they want the knowledge and the community to help them get there. 

“The 2026 show is bigger, more practical and more ambitious than anything we have done before. Morning panels with the people who are leading the way, afternoon workshops where you actually get to work. This is a show built around what event professionals told us they needed. We cannot wait to bring everyone together at Wembley in October.”

HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations, joins the Accessible Events Show as headline sponsor for the second year in a row. HSBC has made accessibility central to how it thinks about its customers, its products and its people, and in 2026 was included on the Forbes Accessibility 200 list for the first time.

Mali Fernando MBE, Group Head of Digital Experience and Accessibility at HSBC, is a leading figure in the global accessibility movement and a driving force behind HSBC’s award-winning programme. He said: “Accessibility is not a compliance exercise. It is a commitment to making sure that everyone, regardless of disability or need, can fully participate in the world around them. 

“At HSBC we have seen what happens when you take that commitment seriously: better products, better customer experiences, and a stronger organisation. The events industry has a real opportunity to lead here, and the Accessible Events Show is exactly the kind of platform that makes that possible. We are proud to support it as headline sponsor and to be part of a community that is genuinely driving change.”

The Accessible Events Show is also expanding internationally, with a US event planned for later in the year.

The event is organised by Catherine Grinyer of Attendable and Orla Pearson, co-founder and Director of both MyClearText and AccessLOOP, and Dr Shani Dhanda, Accessibility Consultant and Broadcaster. The show is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, with all proceeds going back into advancing accessibility across the events industry.

Event partners for 2026 are Attendable, Swagable, MyClearText and AccessLOOP, with The Drum Wembley as venue partner, Crowd Comms as platform partner, Performedia and Silent Seminars as event partners, and Mash Media as media partner.

Registrations are now open at accessibleeventsshow.com/aes26

10 Must-Have Accessories for Your Office Desk

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10 Must-Have Accessories for Your Office Desk

A well-organised desk can make a noticeable difference to your productivity, comfort and focus. Whether you work from home or in a busy office, having the right accessories within easy reach helps you stay organised, reduce distractions and create a workspace you actually enjoy using.

If you’re looking to upgrade your desk setup, here are 10 office accessories that are well worth investing in.


1. Notebook and pens

Even in a digital workplace, nothing beats quickly writing down ideas, meeting notes or a to-do list.

Keeping a notebook nearby helps you capture thoughts before they’re forgotten, while reliable pens mean you’re never searching around the office when inspiration strikes.

Usually, offices already provide such stationery, however having a personal notebook that suits your style can make all the difference. Because notepads come in various sizes, paper types, and bindings, having one of your own lets you pick one to match your needs and preferences.

There’s lots of great brands out there to choose from for notebooks and pads like Oxford, Silvine and Cambridge.

2. Desk organisers

Paperwork, stationery and miscellaneous items quickly pile up without proper storage.

Desk organisers help keep frequently used items in one place, reducing clutter and making it easier to stay focused throughout the day.

Popular organisers include:

  • Pen pots
  • Letter trays
  • Drawer inserts
  • Small storage boxes

A tidy desk often makes it easier to find what you need without interrupting your workflow.


3. Cable management accessories

Few things make a workspace feel untidy faster than tangled cables.

Cable clips, sleeves and organisers keep charging leads, monitor cables and power cords neatly routed behind your desk.

Not only does this improve appearance, but it also reduces trip hazards and makes cleaning much easier.

4. A wireless charging pad

If your phone supports wireless charging, a charging pad keeps your device powered throughout the working day without constantly plugging and unplugging cables.

It’s particularly useful if you regularly use your phone for calls, authentication apps or video meetings. They’re also handy for hybrid workers who regularly move between the office and home.

5. Office desk lamps

Good lighting is one of the most overlooked parts of a productive workspace. Poor lighting can contribute to eye strain, headaches and fatigue, particularly during darker mornings, evenings or winter months.

Desk lamps are frequently recommended as a practical workspace essential because they provide focused task lighting exactly where you need it.

A quality office desk lamp allows you to:

  • Reduce glare on your screen
  • Improve visibility when reading paperwork
  • Create a more comfortable working environment
  • Avoid relying solely on harsh overhead lighting

6. Monitor stand or laptop riser

Looking down at a screen all day can cause a few problems. For starters it can lead to neck and shoulder discomfort.

Having a monitor stand or laptop riser raises your screen closer to eye level. This can encourage better posture while also creating valuable storage space underneath for your other items like notebooks, keyboards or office supplies.

7. Reusable water bottle or desk mug

Staying hydrated helps keep your concentration and energy levels throughout the day. So keeping a reusable bottle or insulated mug on your desk makes it more likely you’ll drink regularly and without making constant trips to the kitchen.

If you’re often working around important documents or electronics, you may want to choose a spill-resistant option, just to be safe.

8. Noise-cancelling headphones

Modern offices can be busy places, while home working often comes with its own distractions.

Noise-cancelling headphones can help you:

  • Focus during deep work
  • Block out background conversations
  • Improve video call quality
  • Create a quieter working environment

They’re especially useful for hybrid workers who regularly move between home and the office.

9. Sticky notes and page markers

Quick reminders still have their place.

Sticky notes are ideal for temporary reminders, important deadlines or highlighting documents without permanently marking them.

Colour-coded page markers also make it easier to navigate reports, contracts or project folders.

10. A small desk plant

Not every desk accessory needs to be practical.

A small plant can make your workspace feel more welcoming while adding colour and personality to your desk. Even low-maintenance plants such as succulents or snake plants can help brighten up an otherwise plain workspace.

When combined with an organised desk and good lighting, small personal touches can make spending eight hours at your desk far more enjoyable.

Create a desk that works for you

The best desk setups aren’t necessarily filled with gadgets. But they are equipped with a few handy accessories that make your working day that bit easier.

From keeping paperwork organised to improving posture and reducing eye strain, each accessory plays a small role in creating a workspace that’s comfortable, efficient and productive.

There’s plenty of great office suppliers out there, so you’ll have no trouble finding the items you need. Many even offer bulk discounts so why not get the whole office in on the action?

UK and Global First as Centre for Sight Introduces Revolutionary Laser Glaucoma Treatment

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UK and Global First as Centre for Sight Introduces Revolutionary Laser Glaucoma Treatment

Centre for Sight has become the first clinic in both the UK and worldwide to carry out a pioneering incision-free laser procedure for glaucoma. The innovative treatment takes around five minutes to perform and could provide a new option for thousands of people living with the potentially blinding eye disease.

The pioneering procedure, known as FLIGHT, uses the ViaLuxe® Laser System to deliver an incision-free, image-guided femtosecond laser treatment for patients with open-angle glaucoma. Unlike traditional glaucoma surgery, no blade or surgical incision is required. Instead, advanced OCT imaging combined with highly precise laser technology creates microscopic channels in the eye’s drainage tissue. This helps restore the eye’s natural fluid flow and lowers internal eye pressure. Existing techniques require an incision into the eye and must be carried out in an operating theatre, whereas FLIGHT can be performed in an outpatient setting.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of permanent blindness worldwide. Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight”, the disease can develop without noticeable symptoms until irreversible vision loss has occurred. Treatment usually begins with medicated eye drops before progressing to laser procedures, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery or more complex filtration surgery.

The new five-minute procedure could represent a significant advance in glaucoma care by providing an earlier, non-incisional treatment designed to lower eye pressure and slow disease progression.

The first UK treatment was carried out at Centre for Sight in London by Mr Sheraz Daya, Founder and Medical Director of Centre for Sight, who is internationally recognised for pioneering developments in ophthalmic surgery. The patient was 25-year-old Jestina Jah.

Mr Daya said: “Centre for Sight has always been committed to bringing meaningful innovation to patients through technologies that advance precision, safety and the overall treatment experience. We are proud to be among the first centres globally and the first in the United Kingdom to introduce the FLIGHT procedure, marking a redefinition of glaucoma care.”

He added: “The best part of it is we are accomplishing something that previously required an incision and entry into the eye. Incision free, convenient and may dispense with the requirement for eye drops in the majority of cases.”

ViaLase, the medical technology company behind the procedure, says FLIGHT represents a new era in glaucoma treatment by combining image guidance with femtosecond laser precision in a completely non-invasive approach.

Pete England, Chief Commercial Officer of ViaLase, said: “This marks an important milestone for ViaLase as we begin the commercial introduction of FLIGHT in Europe. We believe this treatment will revolutionise interventional glaucoma by enabling surgeons to more safely intervene to reach target pressures and prevent glaucoma progression. ViaLase is proud to partner with globally respected physicians to expand patient access to FLIGHT.”

Glaucoma affects an estimated 76 million people worldwide, with that figure expected to rise to 112 million by 2040. If left undiagnosed or untreated, the disease can result in irreversible sight loss. Reducing intraocular pressure remains the only proven way to slow visual field deterioration.

Founded in 1996 by Mr Daya, Centre for Sight is one of the UK’s longest-established specialist eye clinics. It is recognised for introducing advanced technologies and treating complex eye conditions that are often unsuitable for treatment elsewhere.

Mr Daya has performed more than 35,000 cataract operations and a similar number of laser eye procedures. Centre for Sight has state-of-the-art facilities in London’s Harley Street Medical Area, East Grinstead and Surrey.

Mr Daya added: “Our purpose is to provide innovative treatments that transform lives. Glaucoma can be devastating because sight loss is irreversible, so advances that allow earlier intervention with greater precision and a better patient experience are incredibly important.”

Mr Gus Gazzard, Director of Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital and a user of the laser at Centre for Sight, will perform the second operation this week. He said: “The ability to deliver a precise, image-guided femtosecond laser treatment without opening the eye represents a compelling advancement in glaucoma therapy. The level of visualisation and procedural precision offered by the platform is particularly impressive.”

For more information, visit: https://www.centreforsight.com/

New Survey Reveals Stigma Is Delaying People from Getting Help for Addiction, Sometimes by Years 

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New Survey Reveals Stigma Is Delaying People from Getting Help for Addiction, Sometimes by Years 

WESTON-SUPER-MARE, UK. July 17th, 2026 – A new survey of 130 people with lived experience of addiction has found that stigma is one of the most significant barriers to people seeking help – with nearly half of respondents reporting that it delayed their recovery by years. 

The findings, published by Broadway Lodge, one of the UK’s leading residential addiction treatment centres, paint a picture of the human cost of social stigma around addiction.

The survey, titled Breaking the Stigma: Your Insights on Addiction, found that 93.8% of respondents believe stigma around addiction persists in society, and 53.1% said it prevented them from seeking help sooner. Of those, 42.3% said the delay lasted years.

The data also reveals respondents aged 41 and above were nearly twice as likely as those aged 18–30 to report that stigma delayed their recovery by years, suggesting that for older generations, the barriers to seeking help may run even deeper.

96.2% of respondents feel that addiction is treated worse than other health conditions such as diabetes or cancer, and 43.8% reported experiencing judgement or discrimination directly from healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, 84.6% identified the public’s failure to view addiction as a disease rather than a personal choice as a primary driver of stigma.

The survey also found a strong sense of solidarity and empathy among those with lived experience. When asked what advice they would give to someone who feels ashamed to seek help, respondents offered words that speak to the resilience of the recovery community such as “You are not alone, and asking for help is an act of courage, not weakness” and “There is a whole community of people in recovery just like you waiting to help”.

Charlotte Thorpe, Marketing Officer at Broadway Lodge said: “These findings are a powerful reminder that stigma is not just a social issue – it has real consequences for people’s health, wellbeing and, ultimately, their lives. 

“When more than half of people tell us stigma prevented them from seeking help, and many say that delay lasted years, it should concern all of us. Addiction is a treatable health condition, yet too many people still fear judgement from society and even from the professionals they turn to for support. 

“We hope this research encourages more open conversations, challenges outdated attitudes and reassures anyone struggling that they deserve compassion, understanding and access to effective treatment.”

Broadway Lodge’s full whitepaper, which includes a detailed analysis of the survey results, is available to download at broadwaylodge.org.uk/stigma or alternatively there is a video presenting the key findings here. 

ENDS

Wimbledon student’s achievement adds up to maths success

Helen Greaney
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Wimbledon student’s achievement adds up to maths success

A Wimbledon student who once struggled with maths confidence has made remarkable progress after receiving personalised support from Mathnasium Wimbledon.

Mathnasium, a leader in maths-only education with learning centres across the UK, including in Wimbledon, has helped 11-year-old Agatha develop her confidence and attainment in maths over the past two years.

Eden Watling, assistant centre manager at Mathnasium Wimbledon, said: “Agatha joined Mathnasium Wimbledon in 2024. Since starting middle school, like many pupils, she had begun to find maths increasingly difficult, particularly fractions, pie charts and percentages.

“When she started with us, Agatha was working at a Year 3 Level; in only two years, she has now progressed to working at a Year 7 Level which is an incredible achievement.

“We worked with Agatha to create a tailored learning plan designed to identify and close gaps in her knowledge. Agatha then attended flexible sessions and received personalised tuition to suit her individual needs.”

Agatha’s mum Kit, explained: “We chose Mathnasium as the timings are flexible around school and clubs at weekends. They ran an 11+ power hour programme ahead of secondary school exams. It’s 121 tutoring but at a time that works for you from week to week and the ability to either stop in the holidays or have an intensive blitz.

“Agatha has really enjoyed Mathnasium. She’s grown in confidence in her ability to tackle difficult questions using a more robust foundation of mathematical knowledge. It’s reinforced her learning at school and has given her a place where she can ask if she doesn’t understand and there are tutors who help until she’s mastered the skill. Her arithmetic is excellent too. Above all, she enjoys going to Mathnasium, both to learn and see her friends.

“Over two years, Mathnasium helped Agatha to build confidence and skill in Maths, giving her a firm foundation for secondary school. The reward system was an excellent motivator, the centre made the sessions fun, achievable and accessible, and she’s made lovely friends along the way.”

Eden Watling continued: “Agatha’s story is a wonderful example of what can happen when a child begins to truly understand maths. We often see that confidence grows alongside ability, and that can have a positive impact across all areas of school life.

“When students understand maths, they gain more than skills, they gain confidence. The summer is the perfect time to get ahead and set the stage for September’s new term and a successful year.”

Mathnasium is a leader in maths only education with learning centres across the UK and provides personalised maths tuition for children of all abilities. Programmes are built around the Mathnasium Method™, a proven approach that focuses on developing deep understanding rather than memorisation, helping students strengthen core skills and build long-term confidence in maths.

For further information, contact: [email protected] or call: 02032817310.

New platform RentVault to support UK self-managing landlords with compliance

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New platform RentVault to support UK self-managing landlords with compliance

A new property management platform aimed at UK self-managing landlords has launched publicly.

RentVault is designed to help landlords manage certificate renewals, possession notices, tenant documentation and income records without switching between multiple tools or services.

It offers compliance tracking, Making Tax Digital exports and legal document generation in a single system at a time when landlords face simultaneous obligations under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, HMRC’s new quarterly digital tax filing requirements and the forthcoming Private Rented Sector Database.

New legislation means 864,000 landlords and sole traders are now subject to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, with the first quarterly update deadline falling on 7 August 2026. Landlords in scope are required to maintain digital records and submit income and expense summaries to HMRC on a quarterly basis using compatible software.

Alongside the tax changes, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 — which came into force on 1 May 2026 — has abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions, requiring landlords to rely on specific legal grounds under Section 8 for possession proceedings. Courts have reported significant pressure as landlords with outstanding Section 21 notices face a 31 July 2026 deadline to issue proceedings under transitional arrangements.

RentVault covers both areas from a single account. The platform tracks Gas Safety, EICR and EPC certificate expiry dates with advance alerts, generates Section 8 possession notices across all 17 grounds introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act with a timestamped audit trail, and produces quarterly income and expense exports formatted for submission to accountants or accounting software including Xero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent.

The platform also connects to landlords’ bank accounts via Open Banking, automatically matching rent payments and flagging missed payments, and includes 36 legal document templates covering tenancy agreements, Right to Rent checklists, deposit documentation and check-out reports.

John Greenan, Co-Founder and CEO at RentVault said: “Landlords are being asked to adapt to some of the biggest regulatory changes the private rented sector has seen in years.

“Between the introduction of quarterly digital tax reporting, the end of Section 21 and new compliance requirements, many self-managing landlords are juggling multiple systems and spreadsheets just to stay organised. We built RentVault to bring those essential tasks together in one place, helping landlords spend less time on administration and more time managing their properties.” 

RentVault supports five property types from a single account — single lets, Houses in Multiple Occupation, short-term Airbnb and VRBO lets, overseas holiday properties, and properties held in limited company or SPV structures.

A built-in AI assistant called Iain answers landlord questions in plain English around the clock.

The platform is available free for a single property, with paid plans starting at £9.99 per month. A 14-day free trial is available on all paid plans without requiring a credit card. 

Further information is available at rentvault.co.uk

Football Card Collectors Set for Live Chase of Mbappé, Messi and Ronaldo Treasures on eBay

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Football Card Collectors Set for Live Chase of Mbappé, Messi and Ronaldo Treasures on eBay

ANDOVER, UK, July 15, 2026 – A high-value sealed case of 2018 Panini National Treasures FIFA World Cup Soccer will be opened live this Sunday by Mania Sports in collaboration with eBay, creating the possibility of uncovering some of football’s most valuable trading cards. The sealed case is currently valued at approximately £20,000 to £25,000.

The live event starts at 12:00pm on the Mania Sports eBay Live channel, where collectors can join the break from only £1 by selecting individual teams or countries before the packs are opened.

Released alongside the 2018 FIFA World Cup, National Treasures is recognised as one of football’s flagship trading card products, containing only serial-numbered cards, premium memorabilia pieces and on-card autographs from elite players.

Among the cards collectors will be hoping to see emerge are:

  • Kylian Mbappé’s breakout-era base card, limited to just 50 copies, produced during the tournament that established him as one of world football’s brightest stars.
  • Lionel Messi autograph and memorabilia cards, including low-numbered signatures and ultra-rare one-of-one inserts.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo low-numbered autograph cards from one of the hobby’s most desirable football releases.
  • Rare Diego Maradona signatures, including one-of-one cards and dual-autograph booklets featuring football legends.
  • Additional stars including Neymar, Luka Modrić, Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne, Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suárez.

Every card in the product is serial numbered, with the rarest existing as unique one-of-one editions, helping cement National Treasures as one of the most sought-after football card releases ever produced.

Unlike traditional box openings, live breaking allows multiple collectors to participate by purchasing individual countries or teams rather than the entire case. Cards pulled for each participant’s allocated spot are shipped to them after the event, opening high-end products to a much wider audience.

“National Treasures is one of those products every football card collector knows,” said James Barber, CEO and Founder of Mania Sports.

“Opening a full sealed case live is exciting because you never know what’s inside. Whether it’s a one-of-one, a Messi autograph or a rare Mbappé card, those moments are what make live breaking such a unique experience.”


The break will stream live on the Mania Sports eBay Live channel at 12:00pm on Sunday. Full participation details and the complete checklist are available at maniahobby.com.

Slowing decline in workplace deaths highlights need for ‘smarter safety management’

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Slowing decline in workplace deaths highlights need for ‘smarter safety management’

15 July 2026, Devon – Following the latest provisional workplace fatality figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Devon software developer measure2improve is encouraging organisations in construction, housebuilding and utilities to modernise their approach to health and safety. The company says businesses should move beyond traditional compliance methods and adopt digital tools that help identify and manage risks before incidents occur.

The HSE’s provisional statistics for 2025/26, published on 1 July 2026, show that 126 workers lost their lives in work-related incidents during the year, while a further 104 members of the public were killed. Although workplace fatalities have fallen significantly over the longer term, the pace of improvement has slowed in recent years, prompting concerns that conventional safety practices alone may no longer deliver further reductions.

measure2improve, the developer of the m2i.SHEQ integrated safety, health, environment and quality management platform, believes the latest figures should encourage organisations to reassess how they manage workplace risk.

Richard Howard, Managing Director of measure2improve, said: “Every workplace fatality is a tragedy, and behind every statistic is a family and a community affected. While it’s encouraging that long-term trends have moved in the right direction, the fact that progress is stalling should be a wake-up call for every organisation.

“Too many businesses still rely on spreadsheets, paper forms and disconnected systems to manage safety. That approach makes it harder to spot emerging risks, follow through on actions, and learn from incidents and near misses. If we want to continue driving fatalities down, we need to embrace technology that makes proactive safety management not just possible, but sustainable.”

He continued: “A modern SHEQ platform gives organisations the visibility, consistency and accountability they need to move beyond compliance and genuinely protect their people. The data is telling us that doing more of the same isn’t enough. It’s time for a smarter approach.

“The ONS reports that only 69% of UK firms use cloud-based systems, and HSE is increasingly highlighting the role of data and analytics in improving workplace safety. The question is no longer whether organisations should digitise. It’s whether their SHEQ processes are fit for purpose, because businesses can now benefit from real-time visibility and accountability, yet many are still too slow to embrace these capabilities.

“The technology is available, and organisations have every opportunity to use it.”

measure2improve is encouraging organisations across every sector to review their existing health and safety processes and evaluate whether current systems provide the visibility and oversight needed to reduce risk. With the long-term decline in workplace fatalities beginning to level off, the company believes digital safety management and data-led decision making will play an increasingly important role in improving outcomes.

For more information on m2i.SHEQ, visit https://measure2improve.com

London Businesses Invest in Smarter Alarm Systems as Crime Hits Record Levels

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London Businesses Invest in Smarter Alarm Systems as Crime Hits Record Levels

Retail and hospitality crime in the UK is at its highest level on record, and London businesses are absorbing a disproportionate share of it. The British Retail Consortium’s 2025 Crime Survey recorded more than 20 million theft incidents nationally last year, alongside a sharp rise in violence and abuse against staff. Against that backdrop, an increasing number of London businesses are reassessing whether their existing intruder alarm actually does what they think it does, because for a lot of premises, the honest answer is no.

An alarm that simply makes noise when triggered is only part of the picture. What actually determines whether an incident gets a meaningful response, police attendance, a keyholder alerted, evidence captured, comes down to how the system is specified, monitored and registered, not just whether it’s fitted.

The Standard Most Businesses Don’t Know Exists

Since June 2019, any monitored alarm system installed with the aim of securing a police response has needed to conform to BS 8243, the British Standard covering how alarm systems generate and confirm genuine alarm conditions before police are asked to attend. Without meeting this standard and being registered for a Police Unique Reference Number, a system simply won’t trigger a police response at all, regardless of how loud the siren is or how quickly the alarm actually goes off.

Qualifying for a URN also means the system must be installed by an NSI or SSAIB approved installer and connected to a properly listed Alarm Receiving Centre. A lot of London businesses, particularly those operating from older premises or relying on a system installed years ago, are unknowingly running alarms that don’t meet this standard, and would find that out only at the worst possible moment, when police response actually matters.

Why Older Systems Are Becoming a Bigger Problem

There’s also a practical deadline affecting a large number of existing systems. Legacy alarm connections relying on older telecoms infrastructure are being phased out, with providers increasing prices and switching off legacy services entirely. Businesses still running these older connections risk losing both police response eligibility and, in some cases, valid insurance cover, unless they upgrade to a modern, dual-path digital connection installed by an accredited provider.

For a London business that hasn’t reviewed its alarm system in several years, this combination, ageing infrastructure being withdrawn alongside record crime levels, makes now a particularly important time to check exactly what’s actually installed and whether it still qualifies for the level of response the business is assuming it has.

What a Properly Specified System Actually Provides

A genuinely effective business alarm system goes well beyond a siren on the wall. It should be monitored around the clock by a listed Alarm Receiving Centre, registered for police response where eligible, installed and maintained by an accredited installer to current British Standards, and integrated sensibly with other building security, CCTV and access control, so an incident triggers a coordinated response rather than an isolated alert that someone has to notice and act on manually.

London businesses reviewing their current setup, particularly those operating from premises with valuable stock, cash handling, or a history of previous incidents, should look into professional security alarm systems for business to establish whether their existing provision genuinely meets current standards or needs upgrading.

The Insurance Angle Businesses Often Miss

Beyond the direct security benefit, insurers are increasingly specific about what they expect from a commercial alarm system before offering competitive terms, or in some cases, before offering cover at all. A system that’s compliant, properly monitored and installed by an accredited provider isn’t just more effective at deterring and responding to crime, it can directly affect the cost and availability of a business’s insurance. A business relying on an outdated or non-compliant system may find this out only when a claim is challenged or a renewal comes back with unexpected conditions attached.

Don’t Wait for a Renewal or an Incident to Find Out

Reviewing an alarm system tends to fall down the priority list precisely because it’s working, in the narrow sense that it makes noise and hasn’t caused an obvious problem. That’s a low bar given what’s actually at stake. A system that’s quietly non-compliant, running on infrastructure being withdrawn, or missing police response eligibility altogether looks identical to a properly specified one right up until the moment it’s actually needed, and by then it’s too late to fix.

What London Businesses Should Do Next

Given how significantly retail and hospitality crime has escalated, reviewing an alarm system that hasn’t been assessed in years isn’t an unnecessary precaution, it’s a reasonable response to a genuinely changed risk environment. A few questions are worth answering honestly: is the current system registered for a Police URN? Is it connected through modern, accredited infrastructure rather than a legacy connection facing withdrawal? And was it installed and is it maintained by a properly accredited provider? Full details of the services available can be found at Yee Group.

If the answer to any of those is uncertain, that uncertainty is worth resolving now, while it’s a planning decision rather than something discovered in the middle of an actual incident.

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