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Family-Run Estate Agency Emoov Celebrates UK-Wide Growth One Year After Rebrand

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Twelve months after rebranding from Griffin Property Co to Emoov, the independent estate agency is celebrating nationwide expansion, strengthened customer relationships, and a renewed commitment to its family-first ethos.

Established by Nick Neale, a property professional with 25 years’ experience, Emoov has achieved consistent growth since the rebrand, maintaining its independence while focusing on putting customers at the heart of every decision.

Unlike many rivals, Emoov has successfully scaled its operations without relying on outside investment, ensuring that its values, priorities, and processes remain firmly under family control.

“We’ve proven that you don’t need outside investors or call centres to build a successful nationwide business,” said Nick Neale, Founder of Emoov. “By keeping control within the family, we make every decision with our customers in mind.”

Over the last year, the agency has expanded across key UK property markets, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and Glasgow, strengthening its ability to meet the needs of a growing client base while maintaining affordable and transparent pricing.

The family-led approach is at the heart of Emoov’s success. Jacob leads onboarding and marketing, Jessica manages customer service, buyer verification, and memorandums of sale, while Sophie focuses on property administration and sales progression. Together, they ensure Emoov delivers a personalised, direct, and supportive service to all clients.

“This is a true family company with everyone involved,” added Nick. “Jacob, Jessica, and Sophie each play a vital role in ensuring our clients feel supported at every step. That family ethos is what sets Emoov apart.”

Emoov also champions affordability through a clear and competitive fee structure, starting from £395 upfront for property sales and £59.50 upfront for lettings, giving customers a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional estate agencies while maintaining professional nationwide coverage.

With no call centres involved, clients work directly with dedicated in-house teams, ensuring a more personal and tailored experience.

Looking ahead, Emoov plans to continue investing in digital innovation and customer support enhancements, while preserving its independent ownership and family-driven culture. The company operates under the trading name Griffin Residential Limited and remains focused on sustainable growth, trusted service, and long-term client relationships.

VISION 1500 Published to Commemorate the 1500th Birth Anniversary of Prophet Muhammad

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On 5 September 2025, equivalent to 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 in the Hijri calendar, the global Islamic think tank Ihsanic Intelligence announced the release of ‘VISION 1500’, the flagship book published to mark the 1500th Birth Anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.

Published on 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 AH, exactly 1500 lunar years after the birth of Prophet Muhammad in Makkah on the Arabian Peninsula, the book commemorates his life and legacy. Prophet Muhammad was born 53 lunar years before the Hijra — his historic migration from Makkah to Madinah, the world’s first Islamic city-state, an event that marked the start of the Islamic Hijri lunar calendar.

“As with its predecessor, MILLENNIUM ISLAM’, 25 years ago, ‘VISION 1500’ is a unique contemporary guidebook to Islam, as it showcases all spheres of life within its 745 pages,” said Ihsanic Intelligence in a statement.

“We can confirm that all revenue from the book will be donated to the children, women and men who are the victims of the genocide in Palestine, in Gaza and the West Bank, as per the book’s purpose which is to help promote justice and equity across the world, and in particular, return the governance of Palestine to men with the fear of God like Prophet-King David/Dawud, Prophet-King Solomon/Sulayman, Caliph/Khalifa Umar ibn al-Khattab and Sultan Saladin/Salahuddin al-Ayyubi.”

‘VISION 1500’ follows ‘MILLENNIUM ISLAM’, officially published on 1 July 2001 CE, a landmark book that influenced global thought over the last quarter of a century.

The release also acknowledges the passing of 1,400 solar years since Prophet Muhammad’s arrival in Madinah from Makkah in 622 CE, an event celebrated in 2022 and regarded as the foundation of the Islamic Hijri calendar and the beginning of Islamic civilisation.

The announcement highlights that Muslims and Christians together comprise 57% of the global population. Both faiths honour Jesus, the Son of Mary (Prophet Isa ibn Maryam) as the Messiah, and regard his mother, the Virgin Mary (Sayyida Maryam bint Imran), as the most revered woman in human history.

‘Who is the Trinity?’

Prophet Muhammad was born at 04:20 am Makkah time at the Fajr Dawn Prayer in Makkah on the Arabian Peninsula on 12 Rabi al-Awwal -53 AH. He passed away and is buried in Madinah, the first city-state of Islam , on the Arabian Peninsula, with ‘VISION 1500’ launched from Madinah on 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 AH, equivalent to 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 AH.

‘VISION 1500’ will soon be available for retail purchase globally, with extremely-limited first day editions available currently upon request through email and social media, to be dispatched via global postal services and courier.

Websites on which it should be available include:

Waterstones

https://www.waterstones.com/book/vision-1500/latif-abdul-malik/ihsanic-intelligence-i-i/9781919181325

Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/VISION-1500-Latif-Abdul-Malik/dp/1919181377/

Ihsanic Intelligence (I-I) is an influential global Islamic think tank, launched two decades in 2005. Its inaugural public policy report two decades ago launch condemning suicide bombings in the name of Islam, a day after the 7 July 2025 suicide bomb attacks in London, UK, was praised by G20 Governments as ‘constituting the best Islamic legal minds’ in the world, and was featured in Oxford University’s primer book, ‘Martyrdom,’ and Harvard University’s ‘Encyclopedia of Islam in the United States,’ resulting in a global rejection of suicide bombings by Muslims as part of their life-faith religion. Subsequent public policy reports have been about the first decade after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the Arab Revolt 2.0 in 2011 and the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020. (http:/www.ihsanic-intelligence.com)

For more information, contact

Ihsanic Intelligence (I-I)

[email protected]

Vision 1500

[email protected]

http://www.Ihsanic-Intelligence.com

X: https://x.com/Ihsanic

PureJewels Launches UK’s First Hallmarking 2.0 Jewellery with Blockchain-Powered Digital Product Passports

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PureJewels has unveiled the UK launch of its Lotus Collection featuring Digital Product Passports (DPPs), making it the first luxury jeweller to introduce Hallmarking 2.0 in collaboration with the Edinburgh Assay Office and powered by Everledger’s blockchain technology.

For the first time in the UK jewellery market, each piece in the Lotus Collection comes with a secure Digital Product Passport created during the hallmarking stage, providing customers with verified digital records linked directly to the product.

This digital document captures essential details including hallmarking, provenance, and the entire supply chain journey. Known as a “digital jewellery passport,” the innovation blends centuries of hallmarking tradition with modern technology, empowering consumers with enhanced transparency, authenticity, and sustainability credentials.

Chosen to represent this innovation, the Lotus Collection is crafted in 18-carat yellow gold, platinum, and PureJewels’ signature 22-carat Sunrise Gold. Symbolising the journey of love from bud to blossom to bloom, the collection embodies PureJewels’ philosophy of Celebrating Journeys and highlights its dedication to heritage craftsmanship for future generations.

Available now, the Lotus Collection can be purchased at the PureJewels showroom in London, via purejewels.com, and through authorised retail partners nationwide. The first UK stockist will be Ainsworth Jewellers, an independent retailer based in Blackburn.

Jayant Raniga, CEO of PureJewels, said: “Hallmarking has always been the ultimate guarantee of trust in fine jewellery.

“By launching the Lotus Collection with Hallmarking 2.0 Digital Product Passports, we are proving how heritage and technology can come together for today’s luxury consumer. This is not just a pilot. It is the beginning of a new era of responsible jewellery retail.”

Phil Ainsworth, Managing Director, Ainsworth Jewellers, said: “As a 155-year-old family business, we are proud to be the first retailer to partner with PureJewels to showcase their Lotus Collection; and we look forward to stocking their signature 22 carat Sunrise Gold in store.

“Our customers value both tradition and innovation along with responsible sourcing, transparency and the process of sustainability throughout the products journey and having digital passports provides all of this. It’s a meaningful way to connect a customer to their jewellery purchase.”

Scott Walter, Assay Master and Chief Executive, Edinburgh Assay Office, said: “Hallmarking has safeguarded consumer confidence in jewellery for over 700 years. With Hallmarking 2.0, Edinburgh Assay Office is proud to carry this trust into the digital age.

“Working with PureJewels as the first luxury brand to adopt Digital Product Passports, incorporating Hallmarking 2.0, demonstrates how heritage and innovation can come together to set new standards for responsibility and transparency in our industry.”

Leanne Kemp, Founder of Everledger, added: “Digital Product Passports are transforming industries worldwide by making supply chains more transparent and accountable.

“Jewellery has a unique story to tell, and through Hallmarking 2.0 we are making that story visible and verifiable for every customer. We are delighted to support Edinburgh Assay Office and PureJewels in pioneering this milestone for ethical and traceable luxury.”

PureJewels has announced plans to expand the Lotus Collection’s availability through a national network of 10 authorised stockists.

“We invite leading retailers who share our commitment to transparency, responsibility, and heritage craftsmanship to partner with us in bringing the Lotus Collection, with Hallmarking 2.0 Digital Product Passports, to customers nationwide,” Jayant Raniga said.

Jeollanamdo K-Food Companies to Exhibit at London’s Specialty & Fine Food Fair 2025

Korean food continues to gain international acclaim, with K-Food now recognised as a driving force behind innovative culinary trends and consumer demand worldwide.

Recognising this opportunity, Jeollanam-do (Governor Young-rok Kim) and the Gwangju Jeonnam Branch of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA, Director Dong-won Lee) are spearheading a delegation of six prominent K-Food companies to participate in the 2025 Specialty & Fine Food Fair (SFFF), one of the UK’s most influential B2B food and drink events, now in its 26th year.

Taking place from 9–10 September, the exhibition will enable these brands to explore new growth opportunities in the UK while strengthening their presence across Europe.

Celebrated as “The UK’s Leading Showcase of Artisanal Food & Drink,” the SFFF brings together decision-makers from retail, hospitality, and international trade. Each Korean participant will host an individual booth, presenting a wide assortment of premium K-Food products.

The six companies which are representing Jeollanam-do Branch of the Korea — Bohyang Tea Co., Cookia Co., Ltd, Daedaero Farm Association, Gangjin Rice Cooperative Corporation, Good F&B, and PBW Cooperative —will feature a variety of innovative and traditional Korean items, including:

  • Traditional Liquors: Highlighting Korea’s rich heritage in alcoholic beverages.
  • Healthy & Tasty Snacks: Offering a modern twist on Korean culinary delights.
  • Herb and Blended Teas: Showcasing aromatic and health-conscious beverage options.
  • Fruit and Vegetable Beverages: Presenting refreshing and nutritious drinks.
  • Healthy Organic Citron Juice: A natural and revitalizing fruit juice.
  • Premium Rice: Emphasizing the quality and versatility of Korean rice.

The delegation’s primary goal is to foster direct relationships with local buyers. The companies have planned a series of pre-arranged one-on-one export consultations to discuss potential partnerships. Additionally, they will engage with walk-in buyers to maximize their networking opportunities.

For buyers and industry professionals seeking the next big trend in global food and drink, this is a unique opportunity to discover and sample authentic Korean specialties. We invite you to visit our booths to explore these exceptional products and connect directly with the producers.

This participation marks a strategic effort by KITA to support Jeollanamdo-based exporters in their quest to enter new global markets. The fair is expected to be a significant step toward establishing a stronger foothold for these K-Food brands not only in the UK but throughout Europe.

Coots & Boots Appointed to Oversee Liquidation of Iconic Windmill Theatre

Coots & Boots, a leading insolvency and restructuring specialist, has been appointed as joint liquidators for Big Country, the entertainment business behind Soho’s legendary Windmill Theatre.

The appointment follows Big Country’s entry into compulsory liquidation after facing an extended period of operational, legal, and property-related challenges that proved unsustainable for the business.

The Windmill Theatre became a cultural institution during the Second World War, famously adopting the motto “We Never Closed” and continuing to operate throughout the Blitz. Its enduring spirit made it a symbol of resilience for Londoners, but sadly, its remarkable legacy has now come to an end.

Originally placed under the supervision of the Official Receiver, the case was subsequently transferred to Coots & Boots after most creditors voted in favour of their appointment, acknowledging the firm’s extensive experience in managing high-profile, complex insolvencies across the entertainment and hospitality industries.

Joint liquidator Duncan Coutts comments:

“The Windmill’s liquidation follows a prolonged period of operational and legal challenges that left the Company unable to trade. Our priority is to ensure that creditors are treated fairly and that the process is conducted transparently. While this chapter has closed, the Windmill’s legacy as a cultural landmark remains a defining part of Soho’s story.”

A Landmark with a Storied Past

The Windmill Theatre’s history stretches back to 1931, when it was transformed from a former cinema into a live performance venue. Quickly gaining notoriety for its tableaux vivants—motionless nude performances, The Windmill navigated around strict censorship laws, making it a cultural sensation.

Over the decades, The Windmill adapted to changing tastes and social climates, shifting from revue theatre to adult cinema, then into table-dancing clubs and private cabarets. Ownership and operators included such notable figures as Paul Raymond, ensuring its reputation as Soho’s most glamorous and risqué nightlife destination endured.

Following a £10 million refurbishment in 2021, Big Country sought to revive The Windmill’s theatrical heritage with a contemporary cabaret and burlesque programme, blending immersive dining experiences with performance art that echoed its storied past.

However, by late 2022 the venue became embroiled in a three-year dispute over its control, compounded by regulatory delays and a severe basement leak that rendered parts of the building unusable. 

Matters escalated with legal action from a subleasing arrangement involving Soho Estates, and Spearmint Rhino, who secured a sublease through its UK subsidiary RKW Ltd, following legal action against the company leading to the repossession of the company’s sole trading premises in November 2024. With no viable path to recovery, Big Country entered Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVA) in April 2025, followed by a compulsory liquidation order in May 2025.

Coots & Boots – Steering the Process Forward

Coots & Boots is now leading the liquidation process, overseeing asset realisation, creditor engagement, and statutory compliance. The firm’s role is not only to manage the winding-up in accordance with UK insolvency law, but also to ensure transparency in a case that has attracted considerable media and public interest due to the venue’s cultural significance. With a proven record in navigating financially and legally intricate cases, the appointment of Coots & Boots reflects the confidence creditors have in the firm’s ability to deliver a fair and efficient resolution.

About Coots & Boots

Coots & Boots is a leading UK-based practice, specialising in insolvency, advisory and restructuring, with extensive experience in corporate liquidations, administrations, and turnarounds. Known for its rigorous approach and clear communication, the firm works across a diverse range of sectors, from hospitality and entertainment to manufacturing and professional services.

Employee Christmas gifts: What do workers actually want?

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As the festive season rolls around, many employers may be shopping around for employee Christmas gifts, but stop to ask themselves: What do my employees really value in a Christmas gift? 

Research consistently shows that the most appreciated gifts are those that offer choice, meaning, or recognition – rather than flashy branding, junk/joke items, or particularly unthoughtful gifts.

1. Flexibility trumps all

Employees love feeling recognised, and overwhelmingly prefer gifts that allow choice:

  • A Blackhawk Network study found that 86% of employees feel valued when given gifts or rewards during the holidays – especially when they can choose something meaningful themselves.
  • Similarly, BHN Rewards research shows 83% of employees would prefer a gift card or prepaid reward, yet only a quarter actually receive one.

2. The value sweet spot

Gift value matters but not extravagance:

3. Meaningful recognition drives loyalty

The impact of a thoughtful gift goes beyond its material value:

  • Snappy’s 2024 Holiday Gifting Report finds 74% of workers look forward to a gift, while 71% say receiving one improves their view of their employer.
  • Gifts also help retention: 54% say they’d be more likely to stay if their company regularly shows appreciation via holiday gift-giving.
  • FruitGuys research cites that 57% of workers interpret holiday gifts as genuine signs of appreciation, and 78% feel more satisfied afterward.

4. Personalisation adds emotional depth

Though not always critical, personalisation enhances impact:

  • According to research from the University of Bath, personalised gifts create stronger emotional bonds, making recipients feel more cherished and likely to value the gift.
  • That said, personalisation needn’t be overcomplicated; in Tremendous’s study, a simple “thank-you” note alongside a standard gift satisfied 85% of employees.

5. Avoid the gifting pitfalls

Some types of gifts consistently miss the mark:

  • Generic swag, novelty mugs, or unwanted tokens often backfire. HR Future highlights that 60% prefer a bonus, while branded items frequently fall flat.
  • A poll of British adults ranked novelty socks (81%), mugs (68%), and shower gel (76%) among the most disliked work Christmas gifts.

Gifts that resonate

WellBox has been identified as the leading employee gift company in the UK and specialises in thoughtful, flexible gifting solutions. From festive hampers and wellbeing gifts to branded, sustainable options, or flexible gift cards. Their Christmas Collection includes:

  • E-gift cards spanning retail, experiences, food & drink, and wellbeing – all offer the flexibility employees appreciate.
  • Themed hampers, wellbeing boxes, and sustainable gifts, enabling personalisation according to employee preferences.
  • Branded yet meaningful gifts, striking a balance between recognition and emotional value.

This blend aligns well with research-backed best practices: giving employees choice, conveying appreciation, and offering recognisable yet meaningful tokens.

What’s more, WellBox takes ethical gifting to a whole new level, donating a proportion of each gift to local charities and causes. This means that even the most Grinch-like gift recipient couldn’t help but feel thankful.


Quick reference table: What employees actually want

What employees valueWhy it matters
Flexible gift options (e.g., gift cards, e-gifts). Or hamper type gifts that contain a range or goodies.Provides choice and reduces waste
Value in the £35-£75 rangeStrikes the right balance of appreciation and practicality
Recognition-focused messagingBoosts morale, loyalty, and perceived value
Simple personal touches (notes, custom branding)Deepens emotional impact without cost blowups
Avoid generic or novelty itemsPrevents disappointment and disengagement

In summary

Employees want Christmas gifts that feel thoughtful, offer freedom to choose, and communicate genuine appreciation. Value-based incentives (especially around the £50+ range), paired with a simple personal touch, go much further than branded merchandise or one-size-fits-all gestures.

If you’re aiming to find gifts that employees will actually enjoy, consider solutions like WellBox’s Christmas Collection, which offers flexible e-gifts, curated hampers, wellbeing items, and sustainable choices – all designed to align with what research suggests is most meaningful.

Chocolate Dino celebrates Great Taste Success and 500 five-star London reviews

Chocolate Dino, an independent bakery based in London, is marking an exceptional year with two 2-star Great Taste Awards 2025 for its standout Speculoos & White Chocolate New York–Style Cheesecake and Pecan Caramel Chocolate Cookie. Adding to its success, the bakery has now achieved over 500 five-star Google reviews, maintaining an outstanding 4.9 average rating.

Launched in May 2020 at the height of lockdown by hospitality experts Rafal Smaszcz and Marcin Matykiewicz, Chocolate Dino started life as a passion project, selling gooey brownies online and at local markets.

The journey began modestly, with the founders baking in home kitchens and hand-delivering treats to customers seeking comfort during challenging times. As word spread, their indulgent brownies and generously sized cookies quickly gained popularity. Within months, they were appearing at well-known London markets, including Brick Lane, before expanding to major events such as Comic Con and Formula-E.

In just five years, Chocolate Dino has grown from a small home operation into a bustling café, recognised by its bright yellow frontage on Kennington Road, near Waterloo.

Its distinctive dinosaur branding and cosy, welcoming atmosphere have helped cement its reputation as a go-to destination for sweet lovers. Today, the bakery serves hundreds of visitors each week, catering to locals, office workers, and international tourists alike.

Award-Winning Treats with a Creative Edge

While the bakery is best known for its award-winning brownies and giant New York–style cookies, its latest wins at the Great Taste Awards 2025 demonstrate how far the team has come in developing creative new recipes.

The Speculoos & White Chocolate New York–Style Cheesecake impressed judges with its balance of spiced biscuit flavours and creamy white chocolate, while the Pecan Caramel Chocolate Cookie earned recognition for its rich flavour and indulgent texture. Both products achieved the coveted 2-star rating, an honour awarded to fewer than 10% of entries worldwide.

Alongside these award-winning creations, Chocolate Dino’s menu now includes inventive brunch dishes such as burrata croffles, buttermilk waffles, and shakshuka straight from the oven. Guests can enjoy sweet treats with speciality coffee from Volcano Coffee Works, as well as indulgent hot chocolates made from real melted chocolate.

“When we started, we never imagined our bakes would go from lockdown comfort food to products recognised with multiple 2★ Great Taste Awards,” says co-founder Rafal Smaszcz. “What makes us proudest isn’t just the awards, though — it’s that so many people keep coming back, leaving hundreds of kind reviews. That tells us we’ve created something special.”

Building a Cult Following in London

Chocolate Dino’s reputation has spread quickly, with more than 500 Google reviews praising its cookies, brownies, and welcoming atmosphere. Customers regularly highlight the café’s friendly staff and playful personality, which stands in sharp contrast to the corporate feel of many high-street chains.

The bakery has already attracted attention from the media, with features in ForbesCondé Nast Traveller, and HELLO! Magazine. Its “skip the chain, taste the difference” philosophy has resonated strongly with customers seeking authentic, high-quality food experiences in London.

Chocolate Dino is now preparing to expand with a new site in the Waterloo area and plans to relaunch nationwide cookie and brownie delivery, making its award-winning products accessible across the UK. The founders aim to grow carefully while staying true to the independent spirit and personal touch that has defined the brand since its earliest days.

With its mix of artisan quality, playful branding, and neighbourhood warmth, Chocolate Dino is proving that independents still have the recipe for success in London’s café scene.

Felix & Spear Announces John Lyons Exhibition ‘The Language of Painting’

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Felix & Spear is delighted to present John Lyons: The Language of Painting, an exhibition celebrating the work of the renowned painter and poet John Lyons (b. 1933).

Born in Trinidad and based in the United Kingdom since the 1950s, Lyons has built a career that bridges the worlds of visual art and literature. Deeply influenced by Caribbean folklore and mythology, his paintings are infused with narrative depth, memory, and imagination. As both a poet and painter, Lyons offers a unique artistic voice, creating works where visual imagery and written language harmoniously intersect.

The exhibition brings together works from across Lyons’ extensive career, showcasing the diversity and richness of his artistic expression. His pieces, defined by bold use of colour, symbolic imagery, and lyrical undertones, reveal a poetic understanding of the visual arts that has remained consistent throughout his practice.

Every work demonstrates Lyons’ rare ability to translate the rhythms and cadences of poetry into painting, providing audiences with an intimate glimpse into the imaginative landscapes that have shaped his creativity for more than six decades.

Lyons’ art has been exhibited widely in both the UK and internationally, with his work held in numerous public and private collections. John Lyons: The Language of Painting offers visitors an opportunity to engage with the vision of an artist whose influence on British and Caribbean cultural life is profound and whose creativity continues to inspire with remarkable clarity and inventiveness.

The exhibition runs at Felix & Spear from 11 September to 2 November 2025.

About John Lyons

John Lyons (b. 1933, Port of Spain, Trinidad), lives and works in Cambridgeshire, England. Lyons moved to England in 1959 to study at Goldsmiths College, later earning an Art Teachers’ Diploma from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Over a 27-year teaching career, he maintained a prolific artistic and literary practice, exhibiting widely and publishing seven poetry collections. His work has featured in major exhibitions including Life Between Islands: British Caribbean Art 1950s- Now (Tate Britain, 2021–22) and No Colour Bar: Black British Art in Action (Guildhall Gallery, 2016). Solo exhibitions include Carnivalesque (2024-25, The Whitworth and The Box), Mythopoeia (1997) and Behind the Carnival (1992–94). Lyons has served on national arts panels, adjudicated major awards, and co-founded the Hourglass Studio Gallery and HEADS to promote community arts. In 2003 he received the Windrush Arts Achievement Award. His children’s poetry collection Dancing in the Rain was shortlisted for the 2016 CLiPPA Award and in 2025 won the Cholmondeley Award from The Society of Authors.

Best air conditioning demand soars in UK during heatwaves, says Debonair Cooling

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Debonair Cooling, a top UK air conditioning provider, has confirmed ‘unprecedented demand’ for the best air conditioning systems as soaring summer temperatures prompt a rush for cooling solutions.

With sales climbing rapidly, suppliers and distributors are under growing pressure to meet the increased demand for high-quality air conditioning products across the country.

Best air conditioning for UK heatwaves

According to the owners, Debonair Cooling achieved sales of £150,000 in a single month during the summer heatwave, reflecting the wider trend of increased air conditioning usage across the UK. 

In normal trading periods, the company generates between £100,000 and £150,000 in monthly revenue, serving both residential and commercial clients across London.

Top London air conditioning installers 

Suppliers have reported a year-on-year rise in unit demand, driven by record-breaking summer temperatures.

“Heatwaves in the UK are no longer a rare occurrence.” said Debonair Cooling founder Aria Toupchi.

“This has created a shift in how people and businesses view air conditioning. Demand is increasing faster than suppliers can stock, and our team is working tirelessly to ensure customers continue to receive the reliable service and top-quality systems they expect.”

Founded by Aria Toupchi and his father during the 2020 lockdown, Debonair Cooling began as a small family business.

The company has since expanded into one of London’s best air conditioning companies, hiring additional engineers, and has achieved more than £2.5 million in total sales.

Best air conditioning for heating and cooling

Despite supply chain pressures, Debonair Cooling has continued to provide installations using leading global brands such as Daikin, Carrier, Lennox, and Trane, reinforcing its reputation for high-quality service. 

The company also maintains one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the sector, with 245 verified five-star reviews on Google.

As temperatures continue to rise, both homeowners and businesses are beginning to invest in long-term cooling solutions. 

“The challenge now is not whether people want air conditioning, but whether the industry can keep up with the speed of demand.” added Aria.

Best air conditioning services in London

“The demand we are experiencing during heatwaves shows how much the market has changed. While supply pressures exist across the industry, we have built strong partnerships with leading manufacturers that allow us to keep delivering systems on time and at the highest quality.”

Debonair Cooling’s continued growth highlights the success of its services and the increasing demand for reliable cooling systems across the UK.

Term-time plans and uniform costs lead co-parenting disputes, study finds

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A recent study has revealed the top co-parenting disputes faced by separated parents as children return to school, with term-time schedules and uniform costs ranking highest among concerns.

The research, conducted by family mediation specialists Mediate UK, analysed anonymised enquiries and open cases across England and Wales during the back-to-school period. The findings show a shift in focus as parents move from resolving summer holiday plans to discussing new term-time routines.

The study reports that 41% of school-related enquiries made in August 2024 and August 2025 focused on disagreements over contact schedules and handovers linked to updated school timetables. In addition, 23% of disputes centred on expenses for uniforms, sports kits, and devices, while 15% were related to after-school clubs and wraparound childcare, including collection arrangements and related costs.

Researchers noted that these disputes often surface soon after parents have settled summer plans, adding strain to families already managing complex co-parenting dynamics.

“By late August, many parents tell us they have only just settled summer holiday plans, and suddenly the conversation switches to new timetables, school runs, uniform costs and clubs,” said Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy at Mediate UK. “What we are seeing is a consistent annual pattern where families who thought they had everything sorted suddenly find themselves facing a completely new set of challenges. The emotional and financial strain of back-to-school preparations can quickly escalate minor disagreements into major conflicts.”

Knauf added: “Mediation gives families a safe space to sort out the practical detail, such as who is doing which pick-up, how to share the cost of school uniform or electronic devices, and how handovers work if a child is starting a new school. It helps children start a new school year with clear, workable arrangements. The earlier families address these issues, the less disruptive they become for everyone involved, especially the children.”

The study’s findings are particularly significant given that approximately 4 million children in Great Britain live in separated family households, according to recent Office for National Statistics data. Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) estimates that the minimum annual cost of sending a child to state school in the UK is around £1,000 for primary and nearly £2,300 for secondary. This can cause tension between parents deciding who is responsible for covering these costs and whether they can afford additional expenses such as after school clubs and school trips. 

The top 10 list of back-to-school co-parenting disputes includes*:

  1. Term-time child arrangements and handovers (41% of cases)
  2. School pick-ups, drop-offs and travel logistics (25% of cases)
  3. School uniform, PE kit and device costs (23% of cases)
  4. After-school clubs and wraparound care times and fees (15% of cases)
  5. Homework routines and communication between homes (13% of cases)
  6. Holiday handover points for October half-term (6% of cases)
  7. Parents’ evenings and school events attendance (4% of cases)
  8. Address for school records and emergency contacts (2% of cases)
  9. Bedtimes and weekday screen-time rules (2% of cases)
  10. How new partners fit around established school routines (1% of cases)

*Enquiries or mediation sessions where an element of back-to-school issues were involved. 

The research methodology involved analysis of over 350 enquiries and 113 active mediation cases handled by Mediate UK’s network of qualified mediators during August 2024 and 2025. 

To support families going through these challenges, Mediate UK has published its comprehensive Back-to-School Co-Parenting Report, with practical checklists for parents preparing for the new school year.

Parents considering mediation should note that those arranging discussions about children may be eligible for the Government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which offers up to £500 towards the cost of joint mediation sessions. The scheme, which has been extended to March 2026, aims to make family mediation more accessible and reduce pressure on the Family Court system.

For families unsure whether they need a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before making any court application, a free calculator is available to help determine the most appropriate next steps for their situation.