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

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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.

Property investors could be missing out on more than £1m in finance leverage by failing to compare lenders, Brickflow finds

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LONDON, UK. September 11th, 2026 – New research from Brickflow, the UK’s leading specialist property finance comparison platform, suggests that investors and developers may be tying up substantial amounts of capital unnecessarily when they source property finance without comparing the wider lending market.

The report, titled “The UK’s Most Expensive Mistakes“, highlights the significant differences in lending terms available across the market and shows how relying on manual loan sourcing can constrain cash flow and limit the ability to pursue further property acquisitions and development projects.

Brickflow analysed 300 simulated finance searches covering bridging loans, commercial mortgages, and development finance, comparing lender responses to identical borrowing scenarios.

The research found that on a £1.4m purchase, there was an average £250,000 difference in net lending between manually sourcing finance and using a comparison platform. For a £1.5m commercial mortgage purchase, the difference increased to £306,000, while development finance showed a gap of £842,000 on a £3.7m project with a £5.2m GDV.

The findings were consistent across all products and asset classes examined. Within bridging finance, the smallest gap recorded across the dataset was £55,000, while pure residential purchases showed an average difference of more than £251,000.

For bridging finance on a £1.4m residential purchase in London, the strongest net loan offer reached £979,265, compared with £646,106 from the least competitive lender. The £333,159 difference means one lender was willing to advance 52% more than another against the same property.

For commercial mortgages, based on a £1.5m retail purchase in the North West, net loan offers varied from £1,125,000 to £750,000. This £375,000 gap equates to a 50% reduction in the deposit required from the borrower who secured the more competitive finance.

In development finance, for a £3.7m residential project with a £5.2m GDV in Wales, the most competitive lender offered £3,371,262, compared with £2,340,936 from the least competitive lender. The resulting £1,030,326 difference was recorded against an identical development scheme and equates to 94% higher ROCE for the investor who obtained the stronger terms.

The report also examines the impact of these differences over time. In the £3.7m development scenario, the lowest deposit required was £450,000, while the highest was £1.4m for the same deal. With £1.4m of equity available, an investor securing the most competitive terms could allocate that capital across three projects, while one accepting the least competitive terms would use the entire amount on a single project. Repeated over a career, this could represent the difference between completing 30 projects and 10.

Ian Humphreys, CEO of Brickflow, said: “Looking at a single lender or a handful of lenders is the industry standard for many borrowers and brokers not using technology. The reality is that this manual approach is costly. Borrowers can tie up hundreds of thousands of pounds in unnecessary equity on every deal by sourcing finance manually.

“If that capital were freed up and reinvested, the additional property transactions completed each year could be substantial. Manual loan sourcing is holding brokers and their clients back. We built Brickflow to help brokers close more deals for their clients, with less capital tied up in each one.”

The full report, including methodology and detailed data breakdowns, is available here.

European organic products take centre stage at Natural & Organic Food Show 2026

LONDON, UK. September 10th, 2026 – Visitors to the Natural & Organic Food Show will have the opportunity to explore an extensive collection of organic food and drink from across the European Union when the event returns to ExCeL London on 16–17 September 2026.

The EU’s More Than Only Food & Drink campaign will host a dedicated stand (NF151), bringing together 40 products representing all 27 EU Member States. The collection includes wine and spirits, fruit and vegetables, bakery, confectionery, meat and dairy, with 37 products certified organic and several carrying Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.

Recognised as a leading UK trade event for the natural, organic and sustainable products sector, the show brings together retailers, buyers, distributors, wholesalers and food industry professionals. The campaign stand will give visitors the opportunity to taste products from across the European Union while discovering more about their origins, production methods and commercial potential.

A packed programme of tastings

Each day will feature three general sampling sessions alongside two category-specific, advisor-led tastings. These will include a cheese tasting with pairings led by cheese expert Patrick McGuigan, as well as a fruit and vegetable session hosted by fresh produce consultant Kelly Shields.

The sampling sessions will showcase products from a wide range of countries and categories, including meat, dairy, beer, wines and spirits, bakery and confectionery. The specialist tastings will present selections chosen to reflect each advisor’s expertise. Visitors will be guided through the tasting counter while learning more about provenance, production and quality.

Among the products available to discover will be:

  • Organic cheeses, including Comté PDO from France, Parmigiano Reggiano PDO from Italy, Halloumi PDO from Cyprus and Queso Manchego PDO from Spain.
  • Organic wines and spirits, including Melnik PDO wine from Bulgaria, Douro PDO red wine from Portugal, single-vineyard Xynisteri PDO from Cyprus and Polish Vodka PGI.
  • Organic Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil PGI from Austria, highlighting a distinctive regional ingredient with a protected link to its place of production.
  • Organic traditional European charcuterie, including Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Spanish chorizo, alongside Greek apaki and Croatian kulen.
  • Organic bakery products, including Swedish sourdough rye bread, German pumpernickel and Dutch Gouda cheese biscuits.
  • Distinctive fruit, vegetable and store-cupboard products, such as Estonian wild blueberry powder, Hungarian sweet paprika, Romanian pear juice and Slovakian rosehip and sea buckthorn tea.

Explore European cheese with Patrick McGuigan

Award-winning cheese writer and educator Patrick McGuigan will join the stand to host guided cheese tastings and discuss the different cheesemaking traditions represented across Europe.

Speaking about the show, he said: “The most exciting thing about European cheese is that there is always a story behind the flavour. Comté PDO, Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, Halloumi PDO and Queso Manchego PDO are all shaped by their local landscapes, raw materials and generations of cheesemaking expertise, yet each offers a completely different tasting experience.

“The guided tastings will give visitors the chance to explore these differences firsthand and understand what organic production and protected status mean in practice. For buyers, that combination of distinctive flavour, authentic provenance and a story that can be clearly communicated is particularly compelling.”

Expert insights into EU Fresh Produce with Kelly Shields

Kelly Shields, fresh produce policy expert and industry consultant, will offer specialist insight into the EU fruit and vegetable sector. She said: “Europe’s fruit and vegetable sector is incredibly diverse, shaped by different climates, landscapes and growing traditions. The tasting will give visitors the opportunity to discover products from across the EU and explore how provenance, organic production and thoughtful processing can create distinctive flavours and formats.

“For buyers, products such as Estonian wild blueberry powder, Hungarian sweet paprika, Romanian pear juice and Slovakian rosehip and sea buckthorn tea demonstrate the potential of fruit and vegetables far beyond the fresh produce aisle. They offer interesting opportunities across retail, foodservice and product development, while giving businesses strong stories to tell around origin, quality and production.”

Alongside the tastings, the stand will showcase the EU’s approach to organic agriculture, food quality, traceability and sustainable production. Visitors will also be able to discover more about the regions represented and the producers combining established traditions with innovation and new approaches to responsible production.

For more information visit enjoy-its-from-europe.campaign.europa.eu.

ENDS

Teresa Fogarty Looks Back on Seven Decades of Change in New Memoir

NORTH KERRY, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. September 10th, 2026 – More than 70 years after leaving her childhood home in North Kerry, Teresa Fogarty is now sharing the story of a life that unfolded across education, religious service, marriage and international travel. Her new book recalls the experiences that shaped her after she departed Ireland as a teenager and ultimately brought her back to the place where she was born.

Teresa Fogarty’s book, Teresa “No Little Flower”, charts a journey that began in rural North Kerry during a time of poverty and limited opportunity before taking her to England, a career in education, years of religious life, marriage and adventures around the world.

Now back in the community where she was born, Teresa has reflected on the very different Ireland she left behind more than seven decades ago.

Teresa said: “This story is a reflection on a generation for whom emigration was often unavoidable, compared with the opportunities available to young people in Ireland today.”

The book explores themes including faith, courage, resilience, friendship, love and loss, while reflecting on the unexpected turns that can alter the course of a person’s life.

Teresa was one of 11 children and grew up in an Ireland where financial hardship affected many families and access to further education was limited.

She eventually emigrated in search of greater opportunities and continued her studies at a convent boarding school in England. Two of her sisters worked as teachers at the school, and one helped pay for Teresa’s education after having previously contributed towards the education of two other siblings.

At 20, Teresa followed a different path when she entered the convent and began training as a primary school teacher.

By the age of 30, she had been given responsibility for establishing and leading St Thomas More Catholic Primary School. She remained at the school for 16 years, developing her career while also contributing to the wider community.

Teresa subsequently returned to Ireland and took on the role of Director at a retreat centre in Navan, Co. Meath.

As she neared her 60th birthday, another chapter began when she left the convent and retired.

Six years later, Teresa reconnected with Owen Fogarty, the architect behind the design of St Thomas More School. Their renewed friendship eventually led to marriage, and they shared 20 years together.

The couple also developed a love of travel, visiting destinations such as the United States, China, South Africa and Peru. Teresa’s two widowed sisters often accompanied them, adding a family dimension to their overseas adventures.

Following Owen’s death in 2018, Teresa made the decision to return to North Kerry, 74 years after leaving her birthplace.

Coming home allowed her to reflect on the extraordinary changes Ireland had experienced during her lifetime and the contrast between the country of her childhood and the Ireland of today.

Teresa remains positive about the path her life took, despite the difficulties along the way.

She added: “The little girl who left rural Ireland could never have imagined the life that awaited her, from teaching and religious service to marriage, international travel and eventually returning home.

“The title No Little Flower reflects my belief that humble beginnings never limited what my life could become.

“Ultimately, I hope the book will remind readers that extraordinary lives do not always begin in extraordinary circumstances.”

White Magic Studios designed the book, providing professional book cover design and book layout services to support the project. Maple Publishers, a UK-based publishing company focused on promoting compelling literary works, published the release.

National Entrepreneur Awards honour Structural Repairs as Best Large Business

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Structural Repairs has secured the Best Large Business title at the National Entrepreneur Awards 2026, underlining the company’s progress and its growing reputation for delivering specialist structural repair and asset rehabilitation projects.

The award was presented to Structural Repairs CEO Roger Line by Alex Horne at the Entrepreneurs’ Circle National Convention, held at the ICC Birmingham.

The Best Large Business category recognises established companies with annual turnover of more than £1 million that demonstrate strong and consistent growth, operational performance, clear competitive positioning and a defined strategy for the future.

Roger said the award reflects the work of the company’s wider team as Structural Repairs continues to expand its capabilities and the scale of projects it undertakes.

He said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive the Best Large Business award. It is recognition of how far Structural Repairs has come and, importantly, of the people behind that progress.

“We have worked hard to build a business that can take on increasingly complex structural challenges while maintaining the technical standards and practical approach that our clients expect.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Structural Repairs for their contribution, as well as Entrepreneurs’ Circle and its CEO, Nigel Botterill, for the recognition and for putting on a fantastic event.”

Structural Repairs operates across the UK and further afield, delivering specialist structural investigation, repair, strengthening and rehabilitation services across infrastructure, industrial facilities, buildings and other critical assets.

Its work includes technically demanding environments such as highways, marine and coastal infrastructure, industrial sites and the wider built environment.

Roger said the company’s growth has been accompanied by continued investment in specialist engineering capabilities.

He said: “The market is changing and the structures we work on are becoming increasingly complex. Ageing infrastructure, asset deterioration and the need to extend the life of existing structures all require a very different level of technical expertise.

“Our focus has been on building those capabilities while keeping the business practical, responsive and focused on delivering solutions that work in the real world.

“Winning this award gives us confidence that we are heading in the right direction, but we see it as a milestone rather than a finishing point. There is a lot more we want to achieve.”

The national award comes during a significant period of development for the business, which is also a finalist in the Doncaster Business Awards 2026.

The company has been expanding its technical capabilities and developing a new facility in Doncaster, supporting its continued growth and the delivery of increasingly complex structural repair and rehabilitation projects.

Roger said the combination of national and regional recognition was particularly significant for the business.

“It is particularly pleasing to see the business recognised at both a national and local level.

“Doncaster is an important part of our story and our new development and manufacturing facility represents a major investment in the future of Structural Repairs.

“We are proud of what we have achieved so far, but our focus remains firmly on what comes next, continuing to grow the team, develop our technical expertise and help clients extend the life and performance of some of the UK’s most important structures and infrastructure.”

Roger was also shortlisted for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2026 at the National Entrepreneur Awards.

He said the recognition provided further encouragement as the business enters its next phase of growth.

“Being shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year alongside winning Best Large Business makes it a particularly memorable year.

“Ultimately, awards are a reflection of the people and the work behind a business. For me, the biggest satisfaction is seeing Structural Repairs continue to develop and knowing that we are building something with long-term value for our clients, our people and the wider industry.”

Author Tracey Bergsma Introduces Readers to Her First Romantic Fantasy Novel

MILTON KEYNES, UK. September 9th, 2026 – Author Tracey Bergsma is bringing her debut novel to readers with Through Emily’s Eyes, an emotional romantic fantasy that draws on themes of grief, love, identity and finding a sense of belonging. Inspired in part by personal experience and her lifelong passion for storytelling and imagination, the novel takes readers into a world where dreams and reality begin to collide.

Through Emily’s Eyes follows Emily, a young woman struggling with loss, anxiety and a feeling that she does not quite belong in the world around her.

Seeking an escape from the pressures of everyday life, Emily retreats into her dreams, where she encounters a mysterious guardian who is powerful, fiercely loyal and deeply protective, giving her the feeling of finally being truly seen, loved and protected from the monsters created by her fears. But as the story develops, the distinction between Emily’s dreams and her waking life begins to disappear.

The novel sees Emily forced to confront secrets about herself and discover abilities she never knew she possessed. Her journey ultimately becomes one of learning to accept the parts of herself that once made her feel different and finding the strength to face what lies ahead.

Written as a blend of romance, fantasy and mystery, Through Emily’s Eyes also explores themes of grief, healing, resilience and the search for belonging.

For Tracey, the book has its roots in a difficult period of her own life.

Raised on a farm surrounded by horses and other animals, she developed a strong connection with nature and an active imagination from an early age. Although she had always been interested in writing, it was the experience of losing someone close to her that prompted her to begin turning her ideas into stories.

Writing became a way of processing difficult emotions and provided an escape during a challenging time.

Her influences include romantic films and stories as well as fantasy, combining the emotional aspects of relationships with imagined worlds.

Tracey said: “I wanted to write a story about love, but also about finding strength within yourself. Emily has to learn that the things she sees as weaknesses can actually become the things that help her move forward. She dreamed of her guardian, but destiny made him real.”

The resulting story centres on the idea that dreams can sometimes reveal more about a person than they initially realise, while questioning what happens when those dreams begin to influence reality.

Through Emily’s Eyes is intended for readers of romantic fantasy and stories centred on love, imagination and personal transformation.

The book has been designed by White Magic Studios, known for supporting imaginative and engaging works in literature through professional book cover design and book layout services. The release is published by Maple Publishers, a UK-based publishing company dedicated to promoting compelling literary works.

Deck Tales Sets Sail for Season Four with More Untold Stories from Life at Sea

LONDON, UK. September 9th, 2026 – Maritime podcast Deck Tales is returning for a fourth season, bringing listeners more candid and often unexpected stories from the people who live and work at sea across the cruise, shipping, naval and wider maritime sectors.

Hosted by former cruise ship entertainer and author Sam Catling, Deck Tales explores the side of maritime life that passengers and those on land rarely see. Episodes cover everything from onboard emergencies and dramatic incidents to unusual characters, workplace pressures and the challenges of spending months away from home. Since launching in 2024, the podcast has reached listeners in more than 100 countries.

Previous seasons have featured guests sharing first-hand accounts of passenger-overboard incidents, experiences during the pandemic lockdowns, environmental controversies, paranormal encounters and organised criminal activity onboard. Past conversations have also included crew experiences of working on a nudist cruise, as well as how a comedian dealt with the death of a passenger sitting in the front row during his performance.

Other episodes have examined the realities of life aboard ships where thousands of people can live and work together for months at a time, often thousands of miles from family, friends and home.

Although entertainment is central to Deck Tales, the podcast also tackles serious issues affecting people who work at sea. These include mental health, workplace pressures, safety, inappropriate behaviour and the difficulties crew members can face while spending extended periods away from their families.

Sam, who is also the author of the comedic memoir Seems Like Smooth Sailing, created the podcast to give people working across the maritime industry a safe environment in which to share their experiences.

Sam said: “People see the cruise ships with their waterslides, roller coasters, poolside selfies and beautiful destinations, but that’s only half the story.

“The people working at sea across the entire shipping sector experience hardships we just can’t imagine on land. I wanted to create a safe space for crew from all types of ships, backgrounds and careers to come forward and share their stories, so others can learn about some of the realities and be better prepared if they’re about to go to sea for the first time.”

The fourth season will continue to bring together guests from cruise ships, merchant vessels, naval service and the wider maritime community.

Listeners can expect a mix of humour, drama, unexpected turns, disasters and memorable characters, alongside a closer look at an industry that remains largely out of sight for the travelling public.

For Sam, the podcast is ultimately about making sure the experiences of seafarers are heard.

“People who work at sea have some of the best stories in the world,” he added. “Sadly, most of them never make it ashore. Deck Tales intends to change that.

“We dive deep into a range of topics, from shipboard jobs and career paths to sustainability in the maritime industry. Whether you’re dreaming of a career at sea, an experienced maritime professional, or simply fascinated by life on the water, this podcast offers an inside look at what it really means to work on a ship.”

The first episode of the new season of Deck Tales will be released in December. For more information, visit www.decktales.co.uk.

ENDS

How Plumbers and Local Trades Can Turn Online Searches Into More Leads

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Being highly skilled at your trade is no longer enough to guarantee a steady flow of enquiries. A plumber may deliver outstanding workmanship, a drainage specialist may offer rapid call-outs, and a heating engineer may have years of industry experience, but those advantages only matter if potential customers can find the business when they need it.

The way consumers find local tradespeople has changed. Personal recommendations remain valuable, but when faced with a leaking pipe, blocked drain or overflowing toilet, many people now turn to Google first.

For plumbers, drainage specialists and other local trades, successful lead generation relies on three key areas: appearing in front of people at the right moment, establishing credibility quickly and giving potential customers an effortless way to make contact.

Make your website work harder for your business

One common mistake among local service businesses is to view their website simply as a digital brochure.

Most people arriving on a plumber’s website are not browsing out of curiosity. They have a problem that needs fixing and want to establish quickly whether the company can help.

Within moments, visitors should be able to understand:

  • What services the company provides
  • Which locations it covers
  • Whether the business appears trustworthy
  • How quickly it can respond
  • How to make contact

That is why effective web design for tradespeople involves much more than choosing attractive images and colours.

Telephone numbers should be prominent. Mobile visitors should be able to call with a single tap. Contact and quote forms should not be unnecessarily complicated, while reviews, guarantees and accreditations should be clearly displayed across the site.

Individual service pages can also make a major difference.

Rather than relying on one broad page covering “plumbing and drainage”, a company could create dedicated pages for emergency plumbing, blocked drains, CCTV drain surveys, drain repairs and high-pressure water jetting.

This gives customers clearer information and helps search engines understand the services being offered.

Appear when customers are actively looking

There is a major difference between someone coming across a plumbing business on social media and someone searching for “emergency plumber near me”.

The latter is already looking for a solution and may be ready to make contact immediately.

These high-intent searches can be particularly valuable to plumbing and drainage businesses because many of the problems they deal with cannot wait.

Local SEO can help businesses appear for these searches through their website and Google Business Profile.

Instead of trying to make a single homepage rank for every service and location, businesses can develop dedicated pages for the services they provide and the areas they genuinely serve.

For example, a drainage company operating across Kent could create separate pages covering drain unblocking, CCTV inspections and repairs, supported by relevant local area pages.

Any Drains Direct Ltd. offers an example of this approach. Operating across Kent, the company highlights practical benefits that are particularly relevant during drainage emergencies, including 24-hour response, guaranteed work and no hidden fees.

Specific information like this is more meaningful to someone who needs urgent assistance than a general claim about delivering “excellent service”.

Give customers reasons to trust you

Generating website traffic is only part of the process.

When several drainage companies appear in search results, customers still need to decide which business deserves their call.

Trust can make that decision much easier.

Useful credibility signals for trades businesses include genuine customer reviews, photographs showing completed work, images of the team, guarantees, industry experience, recognised accreditations and straightforward information about prices or call-out fees.

People also want confidence that the business will actually arrive when promised.

Take BDS Drainage as an example. The company covers London, Essex, Kent and Surrey and prominently promotes a 24-hour service, a target 90-minute response time and a 100-day written guarantee. Its website also contains dedicated pages covering services such as blocked drains, plumbing, CCTV drain surveys, repairs and high-pressure water jetting.

Those details answer several concerns a potential customer may have before picking up the phone: Can the company solve the problem? How quickly can someone attend? Is there protection if the issue returns?

Local businesses should apply the same thinking to their own websites.

The important question is not simply whether a website looks professional. It is whether the site gives visitors enough confidence to take action.

Make better use of Google Business Profile

For many local trades, visibility in Google Maps can be just as valuable as organic website rankings.

A Google Business Profile should be kept up to date with correct contact details, relevant services, fresh photographs and a regular flow of genuine customer reviews.

Reviews do more than improve a company’s reputation.

Someone searching for an emergency plumber late at night could be comparing several businesses in a matter of minutes. A profile with recent reviews and thoughtful responses is likely to create greater confidence than one that appears neglected.

For this reason, requesting reviews should become part of the normal customer journey.

A natural opportunity is soon after a job has been completed successfully, when the customer’s experience is still recent.

Use paid search where it makes sense

SEO can become a valuable long-term source of enquiries, while Google Ads can provide much faster exposure to people actively searching.

Paid search can work especially well for urgent services including:

  • Emergency plumbing
  • Drain unblocking
  • Burst pipes
  • Blocked toilets
  • Boiler breakdowns

However, buying clicks alone will not produce results.

If an advert sends someone to a slow or confusing homepage where the telephone number is difficult to find, the business may be paying for traffic that never becomes an enquiry.

The advert, landing page and enquiry process should therefore be considered as one journey.

For instance, an advert focused on blocked drains should ideally direct users to a dedicated drain unblocking page instead of a general homepage containing information about numerous unrelated services.

Make speed part of your lead strategy

Lead generation does not stop when someone submits a form or calls the business.

A customer dealing with a blocked drain may contact several companies at once.

The business that answers first or responds quickly can have a significant advantage.

Trades businesses can use missed-call text responses, automated acknowledgement messages, call tracking and straightforward customer management systems to reduce the number of enquiries that go unanswered.

These tools are not intended to replace personal service. Their role is to ensure potential customers are not lost simply because the team was working on another job when the phone rang.

Build more than one route to new business

Recommendations remain valuable, as do SEO, Google Ads, directories and social media.

The problem arises when a business becomes dependent on one particular source of enquiries.

A more resilient marketing strategy brings several channels together.

Your website turns visitors into enquiries. SEO and Google Maps increase visibility. Reviews establish credibility. Paid search can generate quicker exposure. Follow-up systems help convert enquiries into booked work.

At One Base Media, this joined-up approach forms the basis of much of our work with plumbers, drainage contractors and other UK trades businesses. Rather than creating websites simply for visual appeal, the focus is on websites and local marketing campaigns built around how customers search for and select tradespeople. One Base Media says it has created more than 1,000 websites across local service industries, with its trades offering focused on visibility, trust and conversion.

There is no single marketing tactic that will instantly keep a tradesperson’s diary full of profitable jobs.

Businesses that generate enquiries consistently tend to focus on the fundamentals. They are visible when customers search, explain their services clearly, demonstrate credibility and remove friction from the contact process.

For plumbers, drainage specialists and similar local businesses, those fundamentals can transform a basic online presence into a reliable source of new enquiries.

Eternity Technologies delivers airport-wide GSE charging network for AENA across Spain

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BARCELONA, SPAIN. September 9th, 2026 Eternity Technologies has completed a major charging infrastructure programme for AENA, covering 41 airports across Spain and providing charging management for 2,080 ground support vehicles through a network of more than 1,100 DC chargers.

The project has now reached final acceptance and certification, marking the completion of a large-scale deployment designed to support the growing electrification of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) operations across the AENA airport network.

The project involved the supply, installation, commissioning and subsequent certification of an extensive charging infrastructure developed to meet the operational requirements of ground handling equipment across multiple airport locations.

Delivered across a range of airports and ground handling operations, the project encompasses:

  • 41 airports
  • 58 ground handling operators
  • 2,080 GSE vehicles managed
  • 1,106 DC chargers
  • 451 dual charging stations
  • 66 single charging stations
  • 136 DC charger replacements

The scale of the deployment highlights Eternity Technologies’ ability to deliver complex charging infrastructure across multiple sites while meeting the operational and technical requirements of demanding airport environments.

The project also includes a web-based charging control and reporting platform, giving operators greater visibility over charging activity and energy use across the network.

The platform provides GSE identification and charging control, energy consumption monitoring, operator and user management, charging session reporting and SAP ERP data integration. As of August 2026, more than 2026 GWh of energy had been managed through the platform.

Installation and commissioning were carried out between September 2023 and March 2024, involving extensive coordination between multiple airports, customers and operational teams.

Final acceptance and certification was completed in July 2026, bringing a project spanning almost three years from its initial stages through to final approval to a close.

Mark Stevenson, CEO of Eternity Technologies, said: “The successful completion of this project demonstrates the scale and complexity of the solutions Eternity Technologies is capable of delivering.

“Supporting charging infrastructure across 41 airports and more than 2,000 GSE vehicles required significant coordination, technical expertise and collaboration across our teams.

“As airports and ground handling operators continue their transition towards electrified fleets, reliable charging infrastructure and effective energy management will become increasingly important. We are proud to have supported AENA with a solution designed around the demands of real-world GSE operations.”

The completion of the AENA project comes ahead of Eternity Technologies’ participation at GSE Expo Europe 2026, taking place from 15 to 17 September at FIL, Lisbon, Portugal. The event brings together GSE manufacturers, suppliers, airports, airlines and ground handling professionals from across the global aviation industry.

Eternity Technologies will showcase its energy and charging solutions for Ground Support Equipment and discuss how its technologies can support the transition towards more efficient and electrified ground operations.

The event will take place from 15 to 17 September 2026 at FIL, Feira Internacional de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. Eternity Technologies will be located at Stand F00.

Visitors attending the exhibition are invited to meet the Eternity Technologies team to discuss GSE battery, charging and energy solutions. For more information about the event, visit GSE Expo Europe 2026.

PRFRM 1 Brings Five At-Home Recovery and Wellness Devices to the UK Market

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SURREY, UK. September 9th, 2026 – Surrey-based recovery technology brand PRFRM 1 has launched a new five-device range aimed at helping athletes, active individuals and wellness-focused consumers build red light therapy, compression and LED skincare into their regular routines at home.

Developed in Surrey, the collection combines full and targeted red light therapy devices with wireless pneumatic compression boots and a wearable LED face mask, offering a range of options for both recovery and everyday wellness.

The collection was created after the founders found that premium recovery experiences often required travel to specialist facilities, expensive individual sessions or equipment that was difficult to use consistently at home.

“Recovery is often the part of performance that gets squeezed out when training, work and life get busy,” said Craig Storey, Co-Founder of PRFRM 1.

“We wanted recovery technology that could fit into real routines at home without relying on expensive specialist spaces. PRFRM 1 grew from finding research-informed tools we would genuinely want to use ourselves and making them easier for other active people to access.”

The five-device PRFRM 1 launch collection includes:

  • CORE, £1,299: A half-body red and near-infrared light panel with eight wavelengths, 300 x 5W LEDs and a maximum coverage area of 119 x 61cm.
  • BEAM, £799: A targeted red light recovery lamp with four wavelengths, 60 x 5W LEDs and adjustable positioning.
  • DESK, £599: A compact red and near-infrared light panel designed for workspaces, bedside setups and home recovery areas.
  • FLOW, £699: Wireless full-leg recovery boots combining six-chamber sequential pneumatic compression with 80 integrated red and near-infrared LEDs, five pressure levels and three recovery modes.
  • SKIN, £349: A rechargeable wearable LED face mask using four wavelengths across an 84-LED configuration for structured cosmetic skincare routines.

PRFRM 1 translates research-informed recovery formats into premium consumer devices designed around controlled sessions, straightforward operation and consistent everyday use.

The collection is available from the PRFRM 1 website.

PRFRM 1 products are wellness devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Product-specific results may vary.

John Pemberton explores an extraordinary spiritual connection in new book about Dusty Springfield

A personal journey through music, memory, spirituality and an experience that challenges conventional understanding

MILTON KEYNES, UK. September 8th, 2026 – Independent author John Pemberton has announced the release of Dusty Springfield, Beyond the Grave and Me, a personal account inspired by his fascination with the enduring influence of one of Britain’s most recognisable musical artists and an experience he believes points to a spiritual connection beyond the boundaries of physical life.

Combining memoir, personal reflection and spiritual exploration, the book gives readers an intimate perspective on Dusty Springfield, her music and the lasting effect of her artistic legacy. Drawing on his own experiences and unusual encounters, Pemberton considers a connection that he says has remained meaningful long after Springfield’s death.

Rather than offering a traditional biography of the singer, Dusty Springfield, Beyond the Grave and Me explores themes of spirituality, memory and the possibility that certain connections can continue beyond the physical world. The book considers what may occur when the influence of an individual appears to remain powerful long after their lifetime.

Central to the story is Pemberton’s own experience. He describes a powerful spiritual connection with Dusty Springfield as the inspiration behind the book. That experience prompted him to explore the mysterious and unseen relationships that some people believe may exist between the living and those who have passed away.

For admirers of Springfield’s music, the book offers an opportunity to view her legacy from an alternative perspective. Her influence has continued across generations, and Pemberton examines how that influence may affect people emotionally as well as spiritually.

The book also extends beyond music fandom. Through experiences that are not easily explained by conventional reasoning, Pemberton explores wider questions surrounding consciousness, spirituality and whether significant connections can continue after physical existence. His approach brings together personal storytelling and an open investigation of experiences that can be difficult to describe.

John Pemberton said: “I hope the book will appeal not only to Dusty Springfield fans and music lovers, but also to readers fascinated by spirituality, unexplained experiences and the possibility of connections that transcend time and space. At its core, the book is both a tribute to Springfield’s enduring legacy and an account of an experience that profoundly influenced me.”

For Pemberton, writing the book was also a way of honouring Springfield and recording a story he felt compelled to tell. His experience demonstrates how creative inspiration can arise from unexpected and deeply personal circumstances, turning an extraordinary encounter into an opportunity for reflection and investigation.

As an independent author, Pemberton’s work is influenced by personal and spiritual experiences. He has a particular interest in stories that encourage readers to question established assumptions and consider possibilities beyond conventional wisdom. Through his writing, he aims to share experiences that stimulate curiosity, encourage discussion and introduce readers to perspectives they may not otherwise encounter.

When he is not writing, Pemberton enjoys sharing compelling stories that challenge conventional thinking and encourage people to remain open to the unexplained.

With Dusty Springfield, Beyond the Grave and Me, John Pemberton brings together music, memoir and spirituality in an unconventional examination of an enduring artistic legacy and a remarkable personal experience. For readers willing to consider what may exist beyond familiar explanations, the book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the unexplained and a personal tribute to Dusty Springfield.

The book has been designed by White Magic Studios, known for supporting imaginative and engaging works in literature through professional book cover design and book layout services. The release is published by Maple Publishers, a UK-based publishing company dedicated to promoting compelling literary works.