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The best Christmas booze for 2023

Blog

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01/12/2023

We all love to unwrap a pair of new PJs, a bar of Toblerone and some jazzy socks on December 25.

But sometimes, a bottle of booze just does the trick. So welcome to our slightly funkier suggestions for alcohol gifts for Christmas.

And even if you don’t plan to gift alcohol, it’s great to have a fine stock in your Christmas locker, ready for Santa. Oh, and your other guests of course.

Pod Pea Vodka

Manchester-based Pod Pea Vodka is the perfect gift for spirit lovers looking for something unique this Christmas. And if you’re not sure you read that right in the first place, you did.

This is the first British vodka made from 100% British peas and yep, even tastes like peas. It’s super silky, with citrus notes, very fresh and with a subtle savoury note for spicing up that Christmas drinks cabinet. So whether you want to sip it or create your own Sex on the Pea-ch cocktail, the choice is yours.

Other than being Northern, the other great thing about this versatile drink is that steam heat is used during production resulting in a lower release of CO² emissions AND for every bottle sold in December, Pod Pea Vodka will donate £1 to Eat Well, a charity that supports people in poverty, providing up to 1,000 meals every week to those in need.

Buy from: Master of Malt, Selfridges, Amazon, from £37.45

Blood Monkey Irish Craft Gin

Yeah, yeah, everyone’s a gin drinker these days. It’s definitely getting more pretentious but Blood Monkey is here to cut the bull when everyone else is full of it.

This one is much more smoky than a traditional gin and very distinctive – a perfect warming tonic for darker nights. It starts off with a pang of lime but almost has a gunpowder feel to it with some pangs of caramel thrown in for good measure.

Bold and versatile, and lovely with a decent tonic but we say it’s best straight up without a cucumber in sight. Blood Monkey Irish Craft Gin is definitely a great gift for December 25.

Buy from: Master of Malt £37.50

Sea Change wine

What better gift to give than one that keeps giving? Sea Change is an award-winning ethically sourced, eco-friendly wine that directly supports global ocean conservation projects.

If you look carefully at the beautifully-illustrated labels you’ll spy the plastic hidden inside the creatures, illustrating the dangers of pollution.

And this year, the brand is offering up an array of special Christmas packs perfect as a gift or to accompany celebrations. With a wine for every taste, you could opt for the Merlot, crammed with summer berries and hints of green pepper for a full-bodied flavour that is easy to sup. We recommend the Christmas Day Pack featuring Sauvignon Blanc, Prosecco and Malbec.

Buy from: seachangewine.com, prices from £13.49

Bladnoch Whisky

If you need a gift for someone who’s a fan of a great single malt, consider Bladnoch Whisky – The Tasting Pack. In this pack, you’ll find the best of the Lowlands with three x 200ml bottles of the Samsara, Vinaya and Liora whiskies.

Distillery favourite Samsara is a full-bodied and fragrant blend of malts matured in ex Bourbon and ex Californian red wine casks. Matured in a unique combination of 1st fill Bourbon and 1st fill Sherry casks, expect notes of fresh apple, sweet floral grass and hints of chocolate for the Vinaya. And the Liora is golden yellow with aroma of oak and marshmallow, with a woody taste but sweet initially.

It’s a limited edition set and a fantastic way to sample a taste of three different single malts at incredible value.

Buy from: Bladnoch Distillery, £80

Personalised Champagne

Champagne Neveux-Rousseau is located in Jonquery, an area recognised for the quality of its Pinot Meunier, in the heart of the Marne Valley. Now a seventh generation family business, the purest traditions have been respected to ensure that your Champagne gift is produced to the highest standards.

This refreshing and lively Champagne, which has apple and lemon notes, comes with the added bonus of being vegan friendly and Say It With Champers can even offer a personalised Champagne label for that special someone. You can also upgrade to the Premium champagne.

Buy from: sayitwithchampers.co.uk, from £42.99

Salford Rum

The Salford Rum Company has launched this fruity number in time for the holiday season and it’s reminiscent of the northern childhood classic, hot Vimto.

A strictly limited edition, fusing locally-sourced blackcurrants with Salford’s celebrated and well-honed rum, the gorgeous new bottle is a must have for fans of the brand. So however you like to drink it – although in this case, can we suggest warmed in a winter cocktail… you’ll want to make sure if you’re not buying it as a gift, that’s it on your own list.

Buy from: salfordrum.com, £40

Leading the charge: Pioneers unite to shake up UK electric vehicle market

News Desk

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01/12/2023

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Leading the charge: Pioneers unite to shake up UK electric vehicle market

A major partnership that will significantly accelerate the rollout of the UK’s public and private
Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure has just been announced.

London-based tech-first utility company and the UK’s largest independent energy supplier, Pozitive
Energy, and leading Swiss energy management solutions provider, Landis+Gyr, have joined forces to
deliver the country’s most substantial gear shift in EV charging.

The partnership will see a unique delivery model rolled out across the country, with businesses able
to access the complete end-to-end EV charging infrastructure, including full installation and
management of Landis+Gyr’s premium EV charging solutions, fixed national pricing, ‘tap and go’
payment processes, and the ability to earn revenues or offset energy bills from chargepoint use.

Infrastructure expansion

Not only will this make EV charging as accessible and easy as possible for both businesses deploying
it and their customers who use it, but it will also help expedite the expansion of the UK’s EV
infrastructure, which continues to lag behind other European countries.

Nathan Daniels, head of electric vehicles at Canary Wharf-based Pozitive Energy, said: “Our
partnership with Landis+Gyr represents the largest advancement in the UK’s EV market in decades, and will see us together, driving forward Britain’s ability to reach its Net Zero and low carbon targets.

“For too long, the country’s EV charging infrastructure has presented a barrier to consumer
adoption. Working with Landis+Gyr to develop this unique approach to EV charging will see UK
businesses gain access to revenue generating charge points, while also offering drivers access to a
much more robust and easier to use charging network thus benefitting us all in an expanding EV
infrastructure.

“As a tech-first energy supplier to businesses, we are in a unique position to deliver a future-proof
EV charging solution, that ensures all regulatory and legislative changes are accounted for while
providing unrivalled automation and ease of use.

Largest network

Once deployment has been completed, the partnership will see Pozitive Energy provide the largest
network of EV chargers in the UK.

Rob Harper, director of sales, UK & Ireland, Landis+Gyr, said: “This partnership provides
business customers with a unique no-regrets decision to boost the growth of a much-needed EV
charging infrastructure.

“The installation of Landis+Gyr chargers and all supporting contactless payment terminals means that drivers can pay without the need for a mobile application. The deployment of the EV chargers is being managed by both company’s advanced IT capabilities.

“We are looking forward to watching the growth of the network as we look to manage energy better.”

Over the next five years, Pozitive Energy expects to install 30,000 of Landis+Gyr’s electric vehicle
charging units across the UK, which will make it one of the UK’s largest Charge Point Operators
(CPOs).

Genie AI Innovates Faster Legal Document Negotiation with New Feature

AI

News Desk

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01/12/2023

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Genie AI Innovates Faster Legal Document Negotiation with New Feature

Genie AI, a pioneering AI legal tech firm based in London, has debuted an innovative method for negotiating legal documents, focusing on individual clauses.

The new system enables users to quickly and visually gauge the progress of document reviews by selecting from three icons: “Agree, disagree or unsure”. This feature modernises the traditionally slow process of legal document negotiation.

The conventional practice of waiting for complete document reviews from each party often led to extensive delays. This process, unchanged for three decades, involved multiple emails, various document versions, and significant time wastage. Genie AI’s solution allows for real-time, asynchronous document review, with parties able to approve or reject different sections and clauses simultaneously. This approach breaks down documents into more manageable parts, leading to quicker and more precise outcomes.

Genie AI’s platform has made negotiating clauses more efficient, though users also have the option of private document review. The system is particularly helpful for managing the review of lengthy documents over several sessions.

Rafie Faruq, CEO of Genie AI, remarked: “The end goal is to create a whole new mode of negotiation, reduce back and forth and save hours of time for every business deal. We want to not just help businesses reduce their costs and get their legals done faster, but create a whole new way of working that improves the structure of legal deals from the ground up.”

Genie AI’s “Review” feature for its 40,000+ users also identifies and annotates high-risk clauses, ensuring users are cautious before agreeing. The “Ask” feature further allows users to revise clauses they disagree with, without incurring legal fees.

Dr Max Grell, CEO of Blakbear, said: “When reviewing long documents – and whilst collaborating with team members – it’s hard to keep track of which clauses have been approved or agreed and which still need review. Being able to tick, cross or have an icon to say we’re unsure on a clause level makes me want to use Genie instead of Microsoft Word for legal agreements.”

Furthermore, this feature sets the stage for future AI negotiation tools, as it provides the foundational infrastructure for Genie’s AI to engage in negotiations.

Genie AI’s SuperDrafter toolkit, currently in its Beta phase, is being offered for free. In-house lawyers, business managers, and freelancers can sign up for their free account at https://app.genieai.co/signup.

JPS secures £1m contract with Housing Solutions

Construction

News Desk

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30/11/2023

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Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has secured a new three-year contract worth £1m with Housing Solutions, a leading provider of affordable homes in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Delivering on the supply and storage of the building materials required to develop and maintain Housing Solutions’ portfolio, JPS will be supporting residents in properties ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to three-bedroom family homes across the seven local authorities in and around the Maidenhead area.

Offering a managed service solution, JPS has developed a dedicated centre for Housing Solutions’ operatives within its Jewson branch in Maidenhead.

Scott Cooper, managing director of JPS, said: “We’re very proud of our new partnership with Housing Solutions, which we know is going to have a significant impact on a community that need it.

“Housing Solutions are focusing relentlessly on delivering high-quality housing and maintenance services. The service we’re providing will help support their commitment to provide housing stock of the highest possible quality. We look forward to working closely with Housing Solutions, supporting them in creating communities where residents are proud to live.”

Steven Brookfield, director of property and development at Housing Solutions, said: “One of our key priorities is to keep our residents’ homes in good condition and resolve any issues that arise quickly. Our new partnership with Jewson means that we can continue to deliver rapid, high-quality repairs, ensuring that residents live in a safe, comfortable, and secure environment.”

The Met launches Christmas Tree Appeal

Community

News Desk

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29/11/2023

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The Met Police has launched its annual Christmas Tree Appeal to ensure thousands of children in London don’t go without a gift on December 25.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley was joined by 11-year-old Alicja Mglej to switch on the lights of the Christmas Tree outside New Scotland Yard, to officially kick off the campaign.

Alicja was the chosen winner of a competition to design the poster for this year’s campaign, from hundreds of entries by pupils across London primary schools.

In 2022, the appeal bought presents for more than 16,000 children in London.

Since the launch of the campaign in 2011, generous donations from members of the public has meant that more than 150,000 children woke up to a gift under their tree.

Those who want to help to ensure disadvantaged children in London wake up to a Christmas present this year, can visit the online shop to make a purchase. If you prefer, you can also make a donation of cash here.

New CEO appointed at CILT (UK)

Business

News Desk

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29/11/2023

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The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK – CILT(UK) is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Adams as its new chief executive officer.

With more than 20 years of global experience in senior leadership roles, Paul joins CILT(UK) from the Institute of Directors (IoD) where he held the role of national director / chief operating officer for two years.

Prior to this, Paul (pictured) held various CEO roles within the charity sector, including CEO of the Civil Mediation Council from 2018 to 2021 and CEO of the Clive Richards Foundation. He also served for 17 years in the military, including front line service in several conflict zones.

Keeping the country moving

He said: “I am delighted to be joining CILT(UK) as its new chief executive. The profile and significance of logistics, transport and supply chain as a sector has been made ever more prominent since its important role in keeping the country moving during the pandemic and I look forward to building on this momentum in my role as CEO.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to represent such a vital area of the UK economy and look forward to connecting with members and the profession during my tenure.”

Vikram Singla FCILT, chair of the board at CILT(UK) said: “After a comprehensive and thorough search for a suitable CEO, the Board has found a strong and passionate leader in Paul. His extensive experience in membership organisations, charities and education will help guide the Institute through an important period of growth as we move into the next phase of our journey into becoming the Institute of choice for all those working in the many facets of logistics, transport and the supply chain.

“I also thank Andrew Weatherill, director of finance and company secretary at CILT(UK) for leading the organisation over the past few months as Interim CEO.”

Paul will start his new role on Friday, and will be based at CILT(UK)’s head office in Corby, Northamptonshire.

He has led both small and large teams in the not-for-profit, membership, training and commercial sector. Paul has a BSC Hons from Reading University, a PGCE from the University of Cardiff and MBA from University of York.

New Study Links Childhood Pets to Adult Career Success, According to Jollyes

Business

News Desk

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29/11/2023

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New Study Links Childhood Pets to Adult Career Success, According to Jollyes

Jollyes has conducted a groundbreaking survey that highlights the impact of having a childhood pet on an individual’s career success in adulthood.

This study reveals that nearly 80% of the UK’s top earners attribute their professional achievements to the influence of their childhood pets. The survey by Jollyes uncovered several critical findings:

A notable 86% of top earners in the UK feel that their childhood pet was instrumental in developing a deeper appreciation for life.
Approximately 78% of the UK’s most successful individuals agree that their childhood pet helped them develop career-aiding traits such as adaptability.
Over 75% of Senior Managers and 70% of Directors believe their ability to engage in conversation is partly due to having a pet during their childhood.
73% of top earners concurred that pets in childhood strengthened their family bonds.
84% of senior professionals and 75% of Directors reported that experiences with childhood pets taught them resilience, helping them overcome career setbacks and challenges.
68% of high earners in the UK acknowledge that their childhood pet had a direct positive impact on their work approach.

The results of this study offer a fresh understanding of how pets in childhood can contribute to future success, reinforcing the idea that ‘Dogs are for life, not just for Christmas.’

A Knight, Adultery, Double Murder, and Devil’s Boiling – The Birth of Cognac

Food & Drink

News Desk

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29/11/2023

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A Knight, Adultery, Double Murder, and Devil’s Boiling – The Birth of Cognac

The creation of Cognac, a globally cherished spirit, is steeped in a tale involving a French knight, a devilish encounter, and a crime of passion.

According to legend, the Chevalier de la Croix Maron, also known as the Lord of Segonzac and Knight of the Maron Cross, returned from war only to find his wife with another man. In a fit of rage, he committed a double murder. Haunted by nightmares where the devil boiled him twice to extract his soul, the knight believed these visions were punishment for his sins.

Seeking to escape his tormented dreams, he turned to brandewijn, a Dutch spirit. But not even this could alleviate his nightly sufferings. One night, staring into his glass, a revelation struck him: perhaps, like his soul, the brandewijn needed a second ‘roasting’. Following this epiphany, he instructed his servants to distill the liquor again, resulting in a revolutionary, smoother, and sweeter drink: cognac.

While the actual evolution of cognac is thought to involve the French refining the art of double distillation, the tale of the Lord of Segonzac adds a mythical layer to its history, captivating the imagination of many over the centuries.

In a tribute to this extraordinary story, Mark Littler Ltd has unveiled a rare 29-year-old Grande Champagne Cognac, available in a limited edition of 247 bottles, each priced at £150. Acclaimed critic Angus MacRaild of Whisky Fun lauded the cognac as “excellent and very enjoyable!”, highlighting its “distinctly chocolatey” nature and a “rustic and autumnal” profile.

Grande Champagne, at the core of the Cognac region, is celebrated for its chalky soil, conducive to growing grapes for top-tier cognac production. This region is behind some of the world’s most exclusive cognacs, including Remy Martin Louis XIII. The 29-year-old Grande Champagne Cognac by Mark Littler Ltd, reflecting this esteemed tradition, is now available for enthusiasts.

For details about this exceptional cognac or to secure a bottle, click here.

Natural Baby Shower grows sales by 75% to £28 million as more parents seek eco-friendly nursery goods

News Desk

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28/11/2023

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Natural Baby Shower grows sales by 75% to £28 million as more parents seek eco-friendly nursery goods

Clifton Vaughan and his partner Victoria Hampson at the opening of their Natural Baby Shower shop in Bagshot, Surrey

Natural Baby Shower has grown sales by 75% to £28 million as more parents seek eco-friendly nursery goods.

Business is booming for the Surrey-based family firm founded by Clifton Vaughan and his partner Victoria Hampson who have three children together.

The couple set up Natural Baby Shower 18 years ago because they could not source the sustainable natural baby products they wanted for their children in the UK.

Staff numbers have more than doubled from 35 to 75 at their Bracknell headquarters to cope with the sales rush.

Turn-over has shot up from £16 million in 2020 to £28 million last year and it is expected to exceed £30 million this year.

Vaughan said: “We got the idea for the business after we had our first child Dylan and could not find the natural, sustainable baby products in the UK which were readily available in New Zealand where we had been living before when Dylan was born.

“We wanted to house the very best products for parents, babies and the planet all under one roof.

“We have grown from just the two of us at the kitchen table at home to a team of over 75 employees and have just moved into a new warehouse in Bracknell that is big enough for us to triple our sales and still not move.

“We carefully choose the very best products from more than 130+ brands and pride ourselves on the very best customer service.

“We understand that running a business can have an impact on the natural environment so we ship in as few deliveries as possible, only use sustainable materials and source products with lifespans that go the distance.”

As well as their successful website which generates 95% of their sales, the couple also run a babycare shop in Bagshot.

They live in Ottershaw, Surrey, with children Dylan, 19, who has just started university, Marley, 17, and Lola 12.

They strive to create work patterns that are as family-friendly as possible for the majority of their staff, with most employees working three days in the office and two days from home.

Customer service is open to 8pm each night because they found they got a glut of calls between 6.30pm and 8pm after the baby has gone to bed.

A key part of their success has been bringing in software automation for their ordering and stock control from specialists Brightpearl and Inventory Planner.

Vaughan explained: “We have a pick-and-pack warehouse which uses Brightpearl software to handle all our orders. It is so efficient that we can deliver most items the next day if they are ordered by up to 4pm.

“I am really pleased with our warehouse and distribution – it is top notch and we have lots of capability.

“I have been with Brightpearl for ten years and it is right in the middle of my tech stack giving me accurate figures on my orders, financials and stock.

“We then push all that data into the Inventory Planner software so that we can generate accurate information on the stock we require in future.

“It means our whole sales process is automated through these two key pieces of software.

“Prior to this kind of automation we would be selling products which we hadn’t yet ordered, so customers were waiting longer than we would have liked for their orders.

“Our purchasing team works really closely with Inventory Planner and it is crucial to running an efficient and accurate stock forecasting operation.

“That is where you can quickly come stuck as a business – by over ordering and not having close control on stock.

“We feel we have our fingers on the pulse on our inventory that improved forecasting has really added to our efficiency.”

Running a business and bringing up three children has been a struggle at times.

Vaughan said: “Our journey into parenthood not only led us to discover some of the best products, but also having our kids at home kept our energy levels high!”

Combining Technology and Tradition: Muslim Marriage Services’ Unique Approach to Matrimony

News Desk

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28/11/2023

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Combining Technology and Tradition: Muslim Marriage Services’ Unique Approach to Matrimony

In London, Hajji Laird Mostafa has launched Muslim Marriage Services (MMS), a platform addressing the modern challenges of Muslim matrimony with a blend of technology and traditional values. Utilising secure Digital ID technology, MMS aims to facilitate trustworthy matrimonial connections for Muslims globally.

Highlighting the platform’s mission, Hajji Mostafa said, “Worldwide, there are two billion Muslims, and around 300-400 million are single and keen to marry. We want to make it easier for them.” This statement underscores the need for innovative solutions in the face of rising divorce rates and online fraud within the Muslim community.

Some challenges are universal, such as online fraud. That and a 42% divorce rate for Muslims in the UK and 31% amongst North American Muslim communities contribute to added shame and stigma for many individuals involved – and often their families. Finding another partner after a failed marriage can also be contentious.

MMS focuses on students and young professionals, offering a secure online community unique in its use of Extended Validation Site Security Certification. “We are here to help Muslims find love built on trust and digital security. That’s why MMS is the only matrimonial service on the planet to use Extended Validation Site Security Certification,” explained Hajji Mostafa.

The platform handles necessary background checks and integrates traditional elements like chaperones and guardians, maintaining cultural integrity. MMS currently operates in the UK, North America, Europe, and the Middle East, with 50% of profits aiding underprivileged communities.

Looking ahead, MMS plans to organise live events for potential couples and has formed a partnership with Insightology (UK) to provide emotional support to its premium members, further enhancing its comprehensive matrimonial service.

Pod Pea Vodka

Blood Monkey Irish Craft Gin

Sea Change wine

Bladnoch Whisky

Personalised Champagne

Salford Rum

Infrastructure expansion

Largest network

Keeping the country moving

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