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Royal Warrant Holder Introduces – NEW! Sandringham Wool Collection of Mattresses

The ‘Sandringham Wool Collection’ of deluxe handcrafted mattresses, created by Royal Warrant holders Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co., will bring new relevance to hyperlocal sourcing. Fully traceable wool is used in its bedding and mattresses from Aberfield sheep that graze on the Royal Estate.

Pre-industrial revolution, hyper-local sourcing was the only way for consumers and cottage industries to source their goods and raw materials- for director Amanda Oldfield when establishing Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. nearly twenty years ago- this was a key aspiration for the business.

Handmade to order in their workshop, all Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. bed frames are sculpted by hand from 100% British iron sourced from steel merchants within a 50-mile radius. “When we founded Wrought Iron, my philosophy was- look after your local business economy, and it will look after you”, Amanda adds. But hyperlocal sourcing also makes good business practice “being close to our suppliers and having them source the raw materials from within the British Isles, and we can hold a key focus on quality and ensure the miles travelled are kept to a minimum.” Amanda’s philosophy of hyperlocal sourcing exceeds all expectations in this new collaboration using wool from the flock on The Sandringham Estate. 

Although there’s no defined industry standard for the classification of ‘hyper-local’ sourcing, less than 100 meters from your front door certainly lives up to the expectations of this term. 

“For many years, I have been puzzled by mattress manufacturers looking overseas to source their wool when this country has an abundance of fleece. In the past, I’ve asked about wool being traceable back to the farm, and I have often been told- we don’t have the facility for that in this country!” Amanda adds, “Rubbish, I thought. Walking to work one day and surrounded by the organic pastures in North Norfolk, I thought to myself – surely there’s a way.” 

Working closely with The Sandringham Estate, the Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. have developed a limited collection of wool mattresses that are traceable back to the farms at Sandringham and, more so- traceable back to the individual bale of wool. 

“Authenticity and transparency are essential to our family company. The new collection, named ‘The Sandringham Wool Collection’, will use only fleece from the Estate within these mattresses,” adds Amanda. “This means once we have used the full yield, there will be a natural wait until next year’s yield before we start production adding to the collection again.” 

The benefits of using wool as a natural fibre for clothing and upholstery have been known for decades- a natural fibre that once formed the backbone of the British Isles dating back to the Elizabethan era. Naturally hypoallergenic and heat regulating, each mattress is handcrafted using traditional techniques that date back to the origins of the first pocket spring mattress. The new Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. collection is upholstered with 100% Aberfield Wool from the Estate and other sustainable, organic and natural fibres with a 30-year guarantee.

Visit www.wroughtironandbrassbed.co.uk for more details on their new Sandringham Wool collection. 

Virtual Press Event

To celebrate the launch of their new collection of Sandringham Wool Mattresses- Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. shall be hosting a virtual press event on Thursday, 20th April, with guest speakers from Made in Britain, British Wool and Sandringham Estate.

To register attendance for this virtual event – click here

SANDSIV and CX Touchpoints Group Join Together to Drive CX Transformation in Africa

Partnership Empowers Innovative Technology and Best-in-Class Approaches for Cameroon and Beyond

SANDSIV, the global leader in Customer Experience Management (CXM) and Voice of the Customer (VoC) enterprise solutions, today revealed the launch of a partnership with CX Touchpoints Group,  a pioneering organization in the realm of Customer Experience innovation and transformation throughout Cameroon and the wider African continent.

The partnership will position both organizations to enhance and expand their customer experience offerings, delivering market-disrupting technology innovation with sandsiv+ CXM software solution and mission-critical support and competencies to enable African-based and international companies operating in the African market to provide differentiated customer experiences at every stage of the customer life cycle.

The announcement comes at a crucial time, as African organizations in different industries – telecommunications, financial services, retail, hospitality, security, and government – look to elevate their customer experience maturity level while adopting a continuous learning approach. By prioritizing customer local needs and offering tailor-made technology solutions that align with a long-term strategy, the partnership between SANDSIV and CX Touchpoints Group is committed to revolutionizing the customer experience landscape in Africa, enabling businesses to provide differentiated customer experiences and fostering long-lasting customer loyalty.

“We welcome CX Touchpoints Group to the SANDSIV family and are looking forward to an exciting new partnership. With their deep expertise in CX strategy and design, we believe we can help our customers deliver outstanding experiences that differentiate them from their competitors and drive sustainable growth”, said Mirko Buonerba, Strategic Alliances Manager of SANDSIV.

Kpunsa F. Mbinkar, Founder of CX Touchpoints Group, added: “We are excited to team up with SANDSIV to offer our clients a comprehensive and powerful CX solution that combines data, analytics, and design. We are confident that this alliance will enable us to help our customers achieve their CX goals and aspirations, and make a positive impact on their business and society.”

Discover how SANDSIV and its partners are revolutionizing CX worldwide by visiting https://sandsiv.com/partners/.

Raam Shankar appointed as co-chair of TiE Global’s sustainability arm

Equitus World founder will help magnify the message around sustainability on a worldwide stage

Equitus World founder Raam Shankar has been named co-chair of TiE Global’s Sustainability and Impact Special Interest Group (SIG). 

TiE Global, one of the world’s largest entrepreneurs networks, has chapters in numerous cities and regions across the world and has been fostering entrepreneurship for over 30 years.

Raam will help magnify the message around sustainability on a worldwide stage. 

It comes after the leader of Equitus, which has bases in Manchester, London and Bangalore, became President of TiE UK North earlier in 2023. 

He said: “Sustainability is a key component of innovation in this day and age. 

“This SIG aims to promote sustainability, sustainable practices while creating a positive impact across the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems it operates in. 

“For a business leader in the north west to be invited to be a co-chair on a sustainability initiative at a global scale is a pleasure and a privilege.”

TiE Global is a nonprofit venture devoted to the entrepreneurial life cycle in all industries and was founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley by a group of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals with roots in the Indus region. 

The heart of TiE efforts lie in its five foundational programs – mentoring, networking, education, funding, and incubation.

Other TiE Global’s Special Interest Groups centre on education, manufacturing, healthcare, fintech, cybersecurity, hospitality and tourism and gaming media and entertainment.

Sahiba Patni and Armaan Bhatti; Co-Founders of WeDeliver ‘want to make ethnic groceries available for everyone in London who is living away from their home country’

WeDeliver, London’s first Ethnic and Grocery Delivery App, launched on March 14, 2023, with a mission to make ethnic groceries easily accessible to individuals living away from their native country. They differentiate themselves by procuring products directly from renowned grocery stores in London, offering a hyperlocal marketplace with a wide assortment of products, and providing detailed sales analysis to vendors. WeDeliver also focuses on accessibility, saving time for customers with prompt delivery and offering pick-and-drop services. Affordability, sustainability, and contribution to the local economy are also key aspects of their value proposition.

WeDeliver, founded by Sahiba Patni and Armaan Bhatti, is a London-based ethnic grocery delivery brand that aims to bridge the gap for individuals who crave the taste of home. By procuring products directly from renowned grocery stores in London, WeDeliver ensures freshness and quality without maintaining its own warehouse. This unique approach creates more opportunities for vendors by providing logistics supplies and generating more sales.

One of WeDeliver’s pioneering features is the establishment of an open network for direct commerce in the UK. This allows any brand, merchant, or SME to establish virtual dark stores and offer online delivery, going beyond traditional delivery models. In addition, WeDeliver provides detailed sales analysis to each store at the end of each month, helping vendors increase their sales more effectively and better understand customer preferences.

WeDeliver focuses on providing easy access to a wide range of ethnic groceries such as Aaashirvaad Atta, Dabur, Godrej, Parachute, Patanjali, Amul, and spices, eliminating the need to wait for packages from abroad. Vendors and customers both benefit from WeDeliver’s dynamic app, which is powered by AI and algorithms that offer competitive prices for products in the buyer’s vicinity. The app also stands out by offering a wide variety of organic, locally-sourced, gluten-free, and vegan options, catering to different dietary requirements and preferences. With over 13000+ product listings from different vendors, including ingredients from various ethnicities such as Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, European, British, Jamaican, Turkish, and Pakistani, WeDeliver is committed to expanding its service areas and product offerings as it grows further. The app also allows customers to filter products by ethnicity preferences, making it easier for them to find the products they need.

Accessibility is a key focus for WeDeliver, as they aim to make ethnic groceries readily available to all individuals in London, regardless of their location. They offer prompt delivery of products within 2 hours, helping customers save valuable time on their weekends that would otherwise be spent shopping. WeDeliver also offers pick-and-drop services, allowing customers to conveniently send off forgotten items, such as chargers, documents, or laundry, saving time and energy. In addition, WeDeliver provides 24/7 customer support, going above and beyond to offer a seamless experience.

Affordability is another important aspect of WeDeliver’s value proposition. They aim to make fresh fruits and vegetables accessible to the people of London without putting a strain on their wallets. By offering competitive prices, WeDeliver ensures that customers can get their favourite groceries without breaking the bank.

WeDeliver also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. They hire delivery partners from the local community and use gear cycles for delivery to reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to the local economy. Additionally, WeDeliver sources products from local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions, and they are committed to expanding their service areas and product offerings as they grow further.

WeDeliver is excited to serve customers throughout London as the city’s first ethnic grocery delivery app. They believe everyone should have access to the ingredients for the foods they love, regardless of their cultural background. With their unique approach, focus on accessibility, affordability, sustainability, and contribution to the local economy, WeDeliver is determined to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds in London.

WeDeliver’s innovative approach to ethnic grocery delivery in London is commendable, as they strive to make ethnic groceries easily accessible to all individuals. Their unique features, such as the open network for direct commerce and detailed sales analysis for vendors, set them apart from traditional delivery models. Overall, WeDeliver’s mission to bring the flavours of home to individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds in London is admirable, and its commitment to customer convenience and sustainability is noteworthy.

Brits Lost Almost £4 Billion To Fraud In The Last 12 Months

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According to data presented by Atlas VPN, United Kingdom residents lost a shocking £3.9 billion to fraudsters in the last 12 months, which averages out to about £10.7 million per day. During this period, there were 345,228 reported fraud cases. 

However, the reported figures on fraud may only reflect a small portion of the actual occurrences since numerous instances of fraudulent activities go unreported.

These figures were calculated based on the NFIB Fraud and Cyber Crime Dashboard data. The data encompasses the period between April 2022 and March 2023. 

London recorded the highest number of reported fraud cases, with 59,449 instances resulting in a massive £1.8 billion loss, constituting nearly half (46%) of the total losses. 

East England followed with 41,871 cases and £268 million in losses, while the North West had 38,627 cases and £171.9 million in losses. Although the South East region had fewer fraud cases (37,799) than East England and the North West, it incurred higher losses amounting to £390.4 million, making it one of the regions worst hit by fraud.

Online shopping and auction scams were the most common

Fraudsters employed various tactics to lure out funds from unsuspecting victims. However, certain types of fraud were more widespread than others.

Online shopping and auction scams were the most frequent types of fraud, with 67,460 cases reported in the past year, costing victims £103.2 million, or approximately £1,530 per scam.

Advance fee frauds came in second, with 27,536 reported cases in the last 12 months, robbing consumers of £53.8 million, or £1,954 per fraud case.

Cheque, plastic card, and online bank account fraud took the third spot on the list, with 24,746 cases reported, collectively costing consumers a staggering £823.5 million — more than any other type of fraud. This equates to around £33,278 per fraud instance.

To read the full article, head over to: 

https://atlasvpn.com/blog/brits-lost-nearly-4-billion-pounds-to-fraud

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The Top 10 Free Parks to Visit with Kids this Easter Holiday

Brits are being told the most picturesque parks to visit for free during the Easter holidays with the weather brightening up this week.  

Schools have already started breaking up for Easter, so photography experts at ParrotPrint.com have handpicked the best spots to explore the outdoors and enjoy the lighter, longer days as a family. 

Amid the cost-of-living crisis, parents are looking for cheap days out to keep their kids entertained as the school holidays approach.

And there are plenty of amazing spots up and down the country that will not cost a penny to visit.

With more than 27,000 public parks and green spaces across the UK, parents are spoilt for choice when it comes to taking their kids on a fun and easy day out.

From Heaton Park in Manchester to Figgate Park in Edinburgh, there isn’t a shortage of options and no better time to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and blue skies.

Matt Dahan from ParrotPrint.com said: “A trip to the park is a tried and tested way to enjoy a great day out as a family, especially as the weather is getting warmer.

“As the Easter holidays approach, parents will be wanting to keep their kids entertained on a budget. 

“Taking a day trip to some of these beautiful parks is a great way for children to let off steam. 

“Adults can enjoy the scenic views with attractive walks and wildlife too.

“There is no shortage of beautiful green spaces in the UK, which all have unique attractions and boast gorgeous scenery and a host of local wildlife.

“We’ve handpicked the top 10 best parks to visit for free this Easter.”

ParrotPrint.com’s , top 10  parks to visit this Easter , all with free admission:

1.    Sheffield – Endcliffe Park

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This public park in Sheffield is known for its enchanting spectacles, including a waterfall and the Porter Brook River. It has lush vast green spaces, blossoming trees, and water ponds, making it a charming spot for walks and picnics. Sheffield is known for its unique nature, and Endcliffe park, with its playground, space for ball games and even a parkour facility, makes the perfect park for all the family.

2.    London- St James Park

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Making for a break from the grey of the city, this picturesque park is just a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square and is dubbed the prettiest park in London. It has a huge lake full of swans, geese and pelicans and is full of charming flower beds. As the weather gets warmer, the lawns of the park are full of deck chairs, making for the perfect spot to relax or have a picnic while the kids explore.

3.    Manchester- Heaton Park

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This park is a historic area on the edge of Manchester and offers more than just a walk in the park with plenty of attractions like an animal centre, playgrounds, a boating lake and football pitches. The beautiful park also includes the grounds of a stunning 18th-century country house and is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.

4.    Bristol- Brandon Hill Park

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Brandon Hill Park is a famous picnic spot because its hilly location offers stunning panoramic views of the city and spectacular sunsets. It is a haven for people who love wildlife, as it is a nature reserve and a station for migrating birds. The green oasis is full of cowslips, daisies, butterflies, and bees, and come Spring the wildlife pond is full of frogspawn and toads. Foxes and bats can also be spotted in the early evening time.

5.    Birmingham – Cannon Hill Park

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Made up of 80 acres of parkland, Cannon Hill Park is a premier location in Birmingham which has beautiful flowerbeds, pools, and a stunning collection of trees. This park is a must for wildlife enthusiasts with walkways and cycle routes alongside the River Rea, historic gardens, wildflower meadows, and a 5-acre woodland. This is a great place for families, with children’s play areas and boats to hire.

6.    Suffolk- Christchurch Park

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This historical area hosts various facilities great for kids, including a play area, tennis courts and bowling greens. The horticultural gem is known for its tranquil setting, with formal gardens and bedding displays blossoming with the likes of roses and shrubs. Christchurch Park is also a wildlife hotspot, home to over 100 bird varieties and a large selection of ducks, geese and swans which inhabit the ponds in the park.

7.    Edinburgh- Figgate Park

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Edinburgh has a reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and Figgate Park is integral to this. The peaceful oasis is a perfect escape from city life, full of wildlife and beauty. It has a pond with otters and swans, and it also has lots of accessible wooden walkways. The play area at the park was transformed last year, bringing an array of new features for kids to enjoy.

8.    Cardiff- Bute Park

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Located just a short walk from Cardiff Castle, Bute Park is nicknamed the city’s green heart. The park is a popular spot with a superb tree collection, natural play features, and a variety of horticulture and wildlife. It has acres of green space and multiple events throughout the year, and it offers a range of attractions and trails for families to explore and enjoy.

9.    Liverpool- Calderstones park

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This stunning 94-acre family park boasts an array of woodland, fields and beautiful Japanese, botanical and old English gardens. For history lovers, it is also home to ancient megaliths that are rumoured to be older than Stonehenge. The park has many facilities to keep the kids entertained, including a lake where kids can feed the ducks and play areas.

10. Nottingham- Rushcliffe Country Park

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Known for its wildflower meadows and grasslands, this park is ideal for kids because of its many attractions, including a maze, skate park, mini outdoor gym and huge play park. The site also contains a lake, ponds and 8km of managed footpaths and is known for providing a rich habitat for a huge range of wildlife. Parents can go here to relax in the peaceful surroundings while the kids burn some energy.

For more tips on free activities with kids this Easter, head over to https://parrotprint.com/

London Debt Collection Experts Urge Small Businesses To Act On Late Payment

Top London Debt Collection Agency urges Businesses to act against late payments

Businesses in London are being advised to act promptly on late payments. This comes as late payment issues continue to rise in the UK, with small businesses facing worrying statistics. 

Frontline Collections has urged London Business owners of all sizes to act swiftly in the face of late payment or they may face never getting paid at all.

According to a report by the UK’s Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), 52% of small businesses in the country have experienced late payment in the last quarter. In addition, 25% of small businesses have reported an increase in late payments, with the construction, education, administrative, scientific, logistics, and IT sectors most affected.

London Small Businesses need to act

London has around one million small businesses and experts predict that millions of jobs could be at risk if no action is taken against this issue. Expert Debt collection agencies are helping to mitigate the problem, with millions of pounds being recovered in the process.

Award winning Debt Collection experts  Frontline Collections are at the forefront in the battle against small business late payment. 

Tony Meadows, New Business Manager at Frontline Collections has called on business owners to act quickly when dealing with unpaid debts, stating that “At Frontline Collections, we speak to small business owners every day that have issues with non-paying customers. Whilst we can help most recover what they’re owed, unfortunately for some, they leave it too long to act.”

“We have seen a sharp rise in public facing businesses experiencing issues. Dentists, Vets, Nurseries and Private Schools are amongst the sectors suffering non-payment in the current climate”

Late payment causing mental health issues

In addition to the late payment problem, a recent survey highlighted the mental health cost to business owners caused by late payments. Unpaid invoices not only have emotional consequences but they also drain resources and cash-flow. Despite various initiatives by the British government, many businesses are still facing payment-related issues daily.

Rising energy costs have only worsened the situation, with thousands of businesses being forced to close over the winter months due to the energy cost price cap not including them. The FSB has recommended a multitude of suggestions for the government to take action on this matter. A call has been made for large firms to publicly commit to maximum payment terms to small business suppliers in law by 2027.

Thousands of SMEs could go bankrupt

The severity of the issue has led some to estimate that hundreds of thousands of businesses could go bankrupt by 2023. With 37% of SMEs applying for credit to manage their cash flow, and 62% of the public believing that business payments should be made within a week, there is a growing demand for more controls in this area.

In their recent report titled “Time is Money,” the UK’s Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) revealed concerning statistics about late payments in the small business community. Shockingly, 52% of small businesses in the UK experienced late payment in the past year’s quarter. 

Furthermore, 25% of these small businesses reported an increase in late payments. This issue is felt most acutely in sectors such as construction, education, administrative, scientific, logistics and IT.

With approximately five million SMEs in the UK, experts predict that millions of jobs could be at risk if the problem of late payment is not addressed urgently. Debt collection agencies have emerged as a valuable resource for businesses grappling with late payments.

Debt Collection Agency assistance

While many small businesses can recover what they’re owed with small business debt collection agency assistance, others leave it too long to act, putting their businesses in jeopardy.

According to the FSB report, 37% of SMEs applied for credit to manage their cash flow, while 62% of the public believes that businesses should be paid within a week. The report outlines recommendations for the UK government to take action on the issue, including calls for large firms to publicly commit to maximum payment terms to small business suppliers in law by 2027.

UK businesses are seeking assistance from professional debt collection specialists in order to avoid the tiring and costly task of chasing unpaid invoices. Pursuing overdue accounts can consume valuable time that could be better spent on more profitable tasks, such as focusing on paying customers.

As a result, many small businesses are turning to professional debt collection agencies for help. The UK debt collection industry has been instrumental in supporting enterprises of all sizes in combating late payments and unpaid debts.

Collaborating with a professional debt collection agency in London can provide significant benefits for businesses, including efficient solutions for both nationwide and international debt collection.

SolidusX Trading Platform 2023 Review: Reinventing online trading

Started its operations in January 2021, SolidusX continues to make investor access to global financial markets with a safe, secure and legit platform. In 2023 it is simpler and more accessible with its upgraded interface. Helping investors gain an edge in profiting from global market trends, SolidusX now offers a new referral system.

London — SolidusX, an innovative trading platform developed by London-based Solidus Capital, will provide investors, both novice and professional, with easy access to global markets by positioning them to profit from market trends in crypto currencies, FX, corporate stocks and other asset classes.

SolidusX Investment Director David Ginsburg commented, “We help investors gain an edge whether markets are going down or up. Investors can trade popular crypto currencies, hedge positions or take profit on market rallies by positioning themselves accordingly.”

SolidusX offers a fully customized trading experience thanks to its intuitive interface showcasing multiple screen support. SolidusX is easy to use even for novice traders, featuring a simple design, whilst providing professional traders with the tools and options such as creating different types of graphics and executing transactions using graphics. SolidusX beats its competitors with low transaction fees in fast, reliable and budget-friendly trading.

Allowing investors to transact in all asset classes on a 24/7 basis, SolidusX is focused on taking advantage of global market trends to maximize profit. The platform resembles the trading pages investors are used to, and it houses all the requisite tools traders need. An Order Book supported by graphics makes it possible to see current trends as well as exchange rates easily and traders are able to customize their main screen.

In 2023, SolidusX is adding new features to maximise user experience, including its new referral system. Anyone is welcome to become a SolidusX affiliate and begin promoting their unique referral link. Ginsburg concluded by making a review, “Its trading engine has been designed to meet the highest online-trading industry standards. All systems have been uniquely coded to minimise latency and increase execution speed. System automatically monitors all risks and executes full risk check after every order placement. With its enhanced 2FA and fingerprint access control, SolidusX is safe and secure. When we combine this with advanced trading tools on a legit platform, it means SolidusX continues to reinvent the concept of online trading.”

Contact: David Ginsburg, [email protected]

Côte restaurants launch creative new Spring Menu designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef Steve Allen

Special focus on fresh seasonal ingredients highlighting the best of French cuisine 

Côte restaurants have launched their most creative Spring menu designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef Steve Allen.

The highly respected chef who has worked at Michelin starred restaurants joined Cote last year and has focused on fresh seasonal ingredients to showcase classic French cuisine.

Steve’s new menu additions celebrate La Saison Délicieuse with a collection of timeless dishes, sharing plates, seasonal spritzers and French classics with a Côte twist. 

The result is a beautiful and innovative new menu which says Au revoir to winter and officially welcomes Spring with the fresh selection of seasonal delights. 

Côte believes the best way to feast is with friends and family which is the basis for the Spring menu. Steve has elevated La Cuisine Française at Côte with the new dishes, created with produce from trusted British and French producers. 

To celebrate the French tradition of sharing enjoy the varied tastes of the new ‘For the Table’ dishes. Begin with Cote’s classic Charcuterie Board, a satisfying selection of Bayonne ham, truffle saucisson and coppa ham, served with sharp cornichons, Brittany salt butter and a crusty sourdough baguette. 

Try the perfectly baked Camembert, which comes with a herb and lemon breadcrumb crust, honey marinated cherry tomatoes and Cote’s freshly baked sourdough baguette. The Cheese Gougères are not to be missed, perfect flaky, golden baked choux buns and Emmental cheese served with tangy Dijon mustard mayonnaise. 

Oh, and the Smoked Salmon and Potato Croquettes are made with yellow peppers, dill and red onions, coated in golden breadcrumbs. Pour le table, toute suite!

The hero of the Starters is the cheese Soufflé which Steve designed for a little extra luxury. No dish says indulgence à la française like a classic Cheese Soufflé and while most soufflés are made with Comté, Steve has given this elegant Normandy classic an indulgent twist. Cote’s is made with rich, creamy Camembert, topped with a golden cheese crust and paired with a punchy mustard and chive cream sauce for that extra je ne sais quoi. 

For the new Mains try the Roasted Lamb Rump. Springtime and lamb going hand in hand. This perfectly tender, blushing pink free-range grass fed lamb rump is an all-time classic hailing from Nice and served with ratatouille. This moreish vegetable stew gets its name from ‘rata’, which means large chunks, and ‘touille’, which means ‘to toss’. Steve has kept Cote’s traditional, combining aubergine, courgette, peppers, onions and perfectly sweet tomatoes. And to top off the whole soirée, a salty black olive tapenade and fragrant basil.

And a highlight of the new desserts is the Elderflower & Strawberry Crème Brûlée. Steve created a springtime twist on a traditional Crème Brûlée. Literally translating to ‘burnt cream’, this is perhaps France’s most celebrated dessert, and has been satisfying sweet tooths since 1691. Cote’s has all the trappings of a classic – creamy, smooth texture, the perfect golden brown, sugary crust – but is made with smooth vanilla and the delicate taste of elderflower. Topped with a juicy strawberry, elderflower and basil salad. Could there be a better way to say ‘bonjour spring’?

These are just a few of the new dishes, the full spring menu can be found below.

Cote’s Executive chef Steve Allen has worked at Michelin starred restaurants, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Petrus and he opened Gordon Ramsay at Claridges which won a Michelin star within its first year.

During Steve’s time at Claridges, where he went from Junior Sous Chef to Head Chef and then Executive Chef, he worked on all of Gordon Ramsay’s books From “Secret’s” to “World Kitchen”.

Steve said of Cote’s new menu: “I have been cooking French cuisine since the age of 13 and this menu is a reflection of everything I love about French food in the Spring.  Our main focus is and always will be about the  taste of our food at Cote.  Simple, yet complex and delicious.”

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Roasted Lamb Rump

FOR THE TABLE

Cheese Gougères V

Baked choux buns with Dijon mustard

Smoked Salmon Croquettes

Red pepper aioli

Baked Camembert V

Honey tomatoes, toasted sourdough baguette

Charcuterie Board

Bayonne ham, truffle saucisson, Coppa ham, cornichons, toasted sourdough baguette

STARTERS

Cheese Soufflé V

A twice-baked Camembert soufflé with a chive & mustard sauce

Tomato Tarte Fine V

Puff pastry, tapenade, caramelised red onion, goat’s cheese cream

Salade Rachel VG

Artichokes, fennel, mangetout, French beans, truffle mayonnaise, sourdough croutes

MAINS

Sea Bream Nantais

Roasted chicken velouté, samphire, courgettes, new potatoes

Confit Duck Bigarade

Glazed golden beetroot, fennel, mangetout, bitter orange sauce

Roasted Lamb Rump

With ratatouille, tapenade & basil. Recommended medium

Quiche aux Champignons V

Mushroom & thyme quiche, watercress, tomato & courgette salad, frites

Tomato Tarte Fine V

Puff pastry, tapenade, caramelised red onion, goat’s cheese cream. Served with salad & frites

SIDES

Sautéed Garlic Greens VG

French beans, mangetout & fennel

Ratatouille VG

Peas à la Française VG

Peas with Gem lettuce & baby onions

DESSERTS

Almond Financier V

Warm almond butter cake with sour cherry compote & vanilla ice cream

Strawberry & Elderflower Crème Brûlée V

An elderflower infused custard with a strawberry & basil salad

NEW FUNDING FACILITY HELPS MONDO BREWERY CRAFT THE PERFECT CASHFLOW SOLUTION

The co-founder and Director of one of London’s most successful craft brewing enterprises is looking to expand, launch new craft beers, open new tap rooms, and forge new partnerships thanks to atailored Invoice Finance facility from Optimum Finance.

Todd Matteson of Battersea-based Mondo Brewery Company decided to look beyond ‘traditional’ lending and overdraft solutions to a cashflow funding tool better suited to his company’s needs.

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Invoice Finance uses receivables (invoices) as the principal asset against which money can be raised. Optimum Finance pays Mondo an agreed percentage of the invoice value as soon as it is submitted, driving access to liquidity at the point of invoice as opposed to needing to wait. In this case, Mondo also retains the management of its sales ledger and therefore its customer relationships: 

“Mondo is crucially centred around the customer experience and Optimum Finance gives us the freedom and control to chase late payments, rather than leaving it to somebody our customer doesn’t know,” Todd explains. 

“Optimum advances 85% of the invoice value, with access to up to £250,000 at any one time, and this is a tremendous benefit in paying our own suppliers and giving us greater flexibility in our purchasing decisions.” 

Mondo buys hundreds of kilograms of hops and many tons of malt weekly, along with the chemicals necessary to the brewing process. It creates something in the order of 45,000 litres of craft beers every month to a total of approximately 5,000  hectolitres a year. Its beers can not only be found in London, but also across mainland Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, and the East Coast of America.

Having navigated the pandemic, business volumes have recovered and Mondo’s performance in 2022 was 60% up on the previous year. With a supportive finance provider in place, Todd is excited about the future.

“We have plans to open a number of additional tap rooms around London,” Todd continues, “​​to add to the partnership we’ve had in place since 2015 with London’s Dishoom Indian Restaurant to supply their beers. We’re also partnering with Joe Public pizzas in Clapham and most recently opened a food stand in Borough Market to offer Mondo beer and pizza so there is plenty on the horizon. 

“The end goal is for Mondo to open a bigger retail unit in the coming years, and with Optimum Finance’s continued support, anything is possible.”