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Iconic prints and products to mark 70 years of Laura Ashley

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Top home furnishings brand Laura Ashley is celebrating 70 years with a limited-time mini exhibition this month.

Fans of the brand will be able to saunter down London’s Floral Street and enjoy a showcase of iconic prints and products from its long history.

This treasure trove is usually closed to the public for a limited time, people will be able to enjoy a sneak peak of past designs used to inspire today’s collections.

As part of the exhibition, a classic British phone box has been transformed with a floral Laura Ashley pattern.

The tulips design is being relaunched for the anniversary and will be seen on a range of bedlinen, curtains, wallpaper and much more.

Those who venture down can also get an exclusive look at how Laura Ashley, who hailed from Wales, influenced ladies’ fashion.

Photos will bring to life the history of the designer through different materials including magazines whilst kitchen home decor, including the much-loved tea sets of the sixties, will also be on show to be admired.

Many of these iconic designs are still found in British homes, and they continue to inspire interior trends in 2023.

Helen Ashmore, head of design at Laura Ashley, says: “The ‘mini exhibition’ aims to spotlight the iconic designs that transformed interiors and wardrobes from the textiles that boldly paved a way for print to the ceramics that became staples in British homes.

“The original archive is packed with 100,000 pieces of unique artwork, textiles and treasures, preserved in a Cheshire salt mine so it has been wonderful to curate a mini exhibition so people can view a small piece of the Laura Ashley story.”

Energy Bill Relief Scheme set to be ditched

Thousands of businesses will be forced to raise prices if the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) scheme is not extended next week.

Under existing support, the government caps gas and electricity bills for companies meaning that if prices rise above a ceiling, the state covers the cost.

But chancellor Jeremy Hunt told industry leaders that the existing support is unsustainably expensive at £18 billion over six months.

He is expected to launch a new scheme next Monday but businesses are expected to take up the slack over ceiling costs.

The current Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) offers businesses a discount on their gas and electricity costs, introduced for an initial period of six months from October 2022 to March 2023.

Eligible businesses don’t need to apply for the discounts but should check if they believe it has been applied incorrectly by their supplier.

The energy support scheme is mainly used by businesses, but is also for charities, and public sector organisations such as schools and hospitals.

Sober-Curious? Coco Grill & Lounge are Making Dry January Delicious

An infamously evocative Redemption Menu offering the city’s most striking collection of non-alcoholic cocktails, wine and champagnes, has made Coco Grill & Lounge the most delectable way to keep your New Year resolutions in check.


With inimitable Tower Bridge views and a sumptuous Anatolian menu, the restaurant has become a favourite for those wishing to enjoy a completely alcohol-free experience. Expertly prepared cocktails including their Coco Martini, made with fresh coffee, cane spirit and vanilla, or their Royal Spirit Daquiri, sharp with lime and Butterfly Pea, compliment their sublime dishes, all rich with a host of Mediterranean flavours for an unforgettable meal.


Carefully crafted red and white wines are available, each paired exquisitely with the meat, fish, or vegan options, along with a sparkling rosé, bursting with red berries and muscat grapes. Their champagne, a wildly popular Espora 24K, at once floral and creamy with natural bubbles and 24 karat gold flakes, brings the finest in alcohol-free indulgence.


With their Cartel Suite for private dining and a Shisha Terrace boasting breath-taking city views, Coco Grill & Lounge invite you inside to begin 2023 hangover-free.

To find out more visit their website: Grill and Lounge Restaurant in Shad Thames – Coco Grill & Lounge (coco-restaurants.com)

London boasts lowest Covid infection rate in England

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New stats show that numbers of Covid infections in the capital declined in the last week of 2022.

Pillar 2 tests showed that London saw its Covid case rate drop to 24.1 per 100,000 in the week up to January 1. This was a decline of 7.2 on the week before, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The city now boasts the lowest infection rate in England.

But health officials have advised that there could be reporting delays due to the festive break.

London hospitals have faced a tough winter with staff sicknesses, and of course industrial action by nurses as well as paramedics and ambulance staff.

Two million people in the UK have developed long Covid and have been left to endure debilitating symptoms and, in some cases, permanent disability.

Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Covid-19 continues to circulate at high levels and anyone eligible for a booster who has yet to take it up should come forward.”

Meanwhile admissions of people with flu has risen dramatically throughout the country.

Londoners encouraged to “get down the pub” despite Dry January

Pubs are encouraging people to support their local boozer this month despite the dry January trend.

The industry is battling back from an economic downturn and rocketing energy bills, and publicans say they desperately need people to go and have a drink -even if it’s non-alcoholic.

Those who hoped to encourage some Christmas shoppers were dashed by rail and TfL strikes preventing them from getting there.

And recent figures from real estate adviser Altus group, revealed that more than 32 pubs in England and Wales had shut for the final time in 2022 due to mounting pressures.

Fight to survive

The Night Time Industries Association previously reported that trade over Christmas was substantially down compared to 2019.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said the group was encouraging people to seek out their community hubs and visit with friends and family at their local.

“Not only will you be greeted with warmth and friendly faces, but you’ll be supporting much-loved businesses that urgently need help to survive,” she added.

Weathering the storm in 2023

Pubs and restaurants face challenges this year as cash-strapped consumers slash spending and the government reduces its energy bills support – forcing many to cut their opening hours.

The industry has battled food inflation, soaring energy bills and major staffing shortages – and it goes on into this year.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said businesses were concerned going into the first few months of the year, already a quieter time for pubs and restaurants, with many opting to cut capacity by a fifth.

“The fear is that people will tighten their belts quite considerably. That’s when the cost of living will bite. And you’ll see customers not going out as frequently.”

Eight arrested in capital as revellers force way into sold-out fireworks event

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Eight people were held by police in the city as people ventured out for the first unrestricted London New Year’s Eve event in three years.

There were six restricted zones on either side of the Thames that were designated for more than 100,000 holders of £15 tickets to see the annual fireworks display, which went on sale in October.

Thousands bought tickets but trouble started at around 11.15pm when a group without any, forced entry past hoardings and fences.

Police had supported stewards as they tried to prevent crowds getting into the ticketed area, to keep those already inside safe. The Met said some offices had to draw batons when a determined group became aggressive.

In addition to trouble at the fireworks, there were eight arrests in central London.

These included two for being drunk and disorderly, and one each for drink driving, possession of an offensive weapon, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and possession of cannabis, and assault on an emergency worker and handling stolen goods.

The force reported an arrest for sexual assault, with the suspect being a 31-year-old who was wanted for five alleged indecent assaults against women. 

Fireworks included tributes to Queen Elizabeth who passed away in 2022 and to England’s Lionesses.

Driving examiners the latest to strike as industrial action escalates

Driving examiners walk out for five days today over escalating disagreements over pay, jobs and pensions.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) in 71 test centres in eastern England and the Midlands will be taking industrial action which is set to continue until January 16.

The action will affect those taking car, motorbike, lorry, bus, coach, minibus or tractor tests but will not affect those taking theory tests.

Rebooking tests

DVSA will automatically rebook driving tests that cannot go ahead because of the strike action.

Those people will be sent the new details within five to 10 working days and will not need to contact DVSA.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Our members have been offered a pay rise of just 2% at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is above 10%. We know our action will cause widespread disruption and inconvenience to people in eastern England and the Midlands – hundreds of driving tests have been cancelled already in other parts of the country – but the government is to blame. These strikes could be called off tomorrow if Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt put some money on the table.”

A government spokesperson said: “We greatly value the work of civil servants across the country, but the PCS Union’s demands would cost an unaffordable £2.4 billion at a time when our focus must be on bringing down inflation to ease the pressure on households across the country, protect the vulnerable and rebuild our economy.

“Discussions will continue, but we can provide reassurance that we have comprehensive plans in place to keep essential services running and to minimise disruption if these PCS strikes do go ahead.”

2022 has been one of the most disruptive years for travel, delayed deliveries and medical upheaval in the UK with rail, postal and nurses unions all embroiled in disputes.

London Christmas footfall down as strikes take impact

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Christmas Eve footfall was down 15 per cent on the week previous as rail strikes stung shopping plans in the city.

December 24 usually sees crowds pack into London to grab last minute gifts before setting off home on trains whilst some people travel in to enjoy some festive fare.

But with industrial action affecting travel, fewer people were making their way in to the city to complete their Christmas shopping.

Complaints

Some central London businesses have complained about the impact of the walk-outs on their profits, with many shortening staff hours or having to shut early for the festive period.

Hospitality businesses in particular have felt the true throttle of the strikes as the Christmas period is usually the busiest time of the year, but some have reported a 50 per cent downturn in trade.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) estimated that industries operating at night time had lost revenue of around £2 billion.

Bars had been hoping to make up for festive periods failed by Covid restrictions. 

Entrepreneur of the Year award for allergy-free brand owner

The CEO of allergy-free brand Creative Nature has been hailed Entrepreneur of the Year at this year’s Women of the Future Awards.

Julianne Ponan has enjoyed a successful year including winning the Food and Drink Business of the Year accolade at the West London Business Awards.

In its 17th year, The Women of the Future Awards brings together the most creative and talented women in the UK from a range of diverse ventures.

And this year was a star-studded event attended by the Women of the Future programme’s global ambassador HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO, patron of the awards Cherie Blair CBE KC and chair of the awards judging panel Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award celebrates women who have already started to build a business and have shown that they have the ambition to scale new heights.

Greatest achievement

Julianne said the latest award was one of her “greatest achievements” as the competition was so strong with very impressive candidates.

Creative Nature’s products are low in sugar and free from the top 14 allergens, using superfood ingredients to improve their nutrient value.

The awards are hosted as part of the Women of the Future (WOF) Programme, a platform to aspires to unlock a culture of kindness and collaboration among leaders that aims to connect, inspire and support a new generation of female leaders. 

A talented shortlist

WOF founder and chair, Pinky Lilani CBE, said: “This year we received an unprecedented number of nominations and we have been blown away by our remarkably talented shortlist, not just because you have already achieved so much but because you share a generosity of spirit.

“Every candidate has a burning desire to succeed, not for themselves, but for the benefit of others. Every leader is determined to mentor, to build community, and to extend a hand of kindness to those in need. I am so proud of our 2022 finalists and winners, huge congratulations to you all.”

The Women of the Future Awards are open to all women aged 35 or under with the exception of three special award categories.

Londoners evacuated after gas main rupture

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More than 1,300 shoppers and workers were evacuated in London when a gas main ruptured this afternoon.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said that its firefighters were attending a rupture on Seething Lane, in the heart of the Square Mile.

The service said around 1,300 people in nearby shops and offices had been told to leave the area.

The LFB followed this with an update shortly afterwards, that read: “Around 1,300 people have been evacuated due to the 24 inch gas main that has ruptured on Seething Lane junction of Crutched Friars. Fenchurch Street station is not affected. Please avoid the area if possible.

Seething Lane in the City of London is located the west of the bustling Tower Hill area and just south of the busy Fenchurch train station. It connects All Hallows-by-the-Tower, Byward Street, with St Olave’s Church, Hart Street.