A major alteration to Airbnb’s fee model has raised commission charges for property managers from 3% to 15.5%, leading to increased concerns among operators of large holiday homes.
Sallie Hendrick, Bookings Manager at Landed Houses, which represents a collection of large properties for group stays across the UK, believes this change will reinforce the growing trend towards cutting out third-party booking platforms.
“When platform fees reach 15.5%, someone has to absorb that cost,” says Hendrick. “Either owners of large holiday homes see their margins slashed, or guests booking for big groups pay inflated rates. Neither scenario serves families and groups looking for large holiday homes, where personal service and value are paramount.”
The updated fee structure, effective from 27 October 2025, applies to hosts who connect via property management systems, shifting the entire service charge to the host side. Industry observers estimate that rates will need to rise by about 18% to maintain previous income levels.
For the types of large properties managed by Landed Houses – often accommodating 10 to 30 guests and used for weddings, retreats, or milestone celebrations – these costs quickly add up, sometimes amounting to several thousand pounds per reservation.
“Direct booking eliminates these platform fees entirely,” Hendrick explains. “For guests searching for large holiday homes for weddings, family reunions, or celebrations, booking direct means better rates and fairer returns for property owners, while maintaining the personalised concierge service that groups expect.”
The large group holiday market already favours bespoke guidance and personal contact, making direct booking channels particularly well suited. Landed Houses provides tailored support and transparent pricing without the 15.5% markup.
With commission-based travel platforms trending towards higher fees, direct booking is expected to become an even more appealing choice for group travel and event bookings.
TutorExtra has outlined its comprehensive alignment of more than 1,000 tutoring subjects with the UK National Curriculum, covering GCSEs, A-levels and Scottish qualification frameworks, to help families find tutors that match school specifications accurately.
The platform categorises subjects ranging from core disciplines such as English and Mathematics to broader areas like History, Geography and the Arts, linking them to Key Stages 1–5 and Scottish National Qualifications.
This means parents and students can search for tutors with experience teaching specific exam boards, such as AQA GCSE Biology or SQA Higher Physics. In England, the National Curriculum spans 12 required subjects at primary level and nine at secondary, with the Department for Education continuing to shape learning priorities including critical thinking.
TutorExtra provides academic tutoring as well as extracurricular options, including computing, music and sports, all organised to correspond to curriculum stages. For example, searching for a “KS3 Science tutor” presents profiles of tutors with PGCE credentials and hands-on practical science experience.
This level of syllabus matching supports parents who are concerned about gaps in learning, especially ahead of the 2025 curriculum updates that further emphasise digital capability and environmental themes within core subjects. TutorExtra’s tutor-friendly, fee-free model also allows subject specialists in areas such as BTEC or Cambridge IGCSE to offer their services without platform charges.
“By linking our subjects directly to the National Curriculum, we’re making it easier for parents to bridge any learning hurdles with targeted support,” said a TutorExtra spokesperson.
Parents and students can explore the mapped subjects through TutorExtra’s dedicated subjects page, filtering by level or qualification. Since launching in 2018, the platform has continued expanding its tutor network across the UK for both online and in-person learning.
Qu Money has been introduced as the new identity of IMS FX, UKFX Holdings Group confirmed today, reflecting a renewed focus on providing clear, practical support in foreign exchange and risk management to companies and private clients across the UK and beyond.
The firm was launched in 2008 by Graham Tennant and Damian George with the aim of offering a more personal, supportive and transparent alternative to major banks. With the move to Qu Money, the organisation highlights its dedication to fair pricing, tailored strategies and technology that supports everyday decision-making.
“At Qu Money, we believe businesses and individuals alike deserve clarity and control in how they manage currency exposure,” said co-founder Graham Tennant. “The rebrand reflects our commitment to trusted relationships, transparent pricing, and technology that puts clients firmly in control.”
Qu Money combines dedicated dealer expertise with digital tools that allow clients to monitor positions, track transactions, and manage risk in real time. Its services include:
Competitive exchange rates – pricing designed to cut costs compared to traditional bank spreads.
Bespoke risk management strategies – tailored to the unique needs of businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
Streamlined international payments – cost-effective, friction-free cross-border transactions.
Technology with a human touch – real-time tracking paired with access to a dedicated dealer.
Co-founder Damian George added: “Managing FX risk can be daunting, whether you’re running a business or safeguarding personal wealth. Our role is to simplify the process, provide full transparency, and empower clients with the tools and expertise they need to succeed. Qu Money is the evolution of that mission.”
With advances already in the pipeline, Qu Money is positioning itself as the trusted partner for SMEs, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals seeking smarter ways to manage their international exposure.
After attracting acclaim at Odyssey 2025 earlier this year, the Hong Kong documentary Four Trails is now launching in cinemas across the UK from 6 November, with over 100 screenings booked across Everyman, Picturehouse, ODEON and The Light venues. The scale of the release marks a significant moment for Hong Kong independent filmmaking within the UK cinema landscape.
A major box office success in Asia and a film driven strongly by community enthusiasm, Four Trails reveals a different side of Hong Kong — one shaped not by neon skylines, but by steep mountain paths, quiet forests, and sheer human resilience.
The documentary follows ultra-distance runners attempting a near-impossible challenge: 298 kilometres across four of Hong Kong’s most iconic long-distance trails, climbing more than 14,500 metres in under 72 hours. With only 6% of participants ever completing the full route, successful finishers are regarded as part of a living folklore.
Directed by Hong Kong-born British filmmaker Robin Lee in his feature debut, Four Trails earned him the Best New Director Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards. The film moves far beyond the scope of traditional sporting documentaries, reflecting on belonging, identity, and what it means to test the limits of body and will.
Building on its international festival momentum through the Hong Kong International Film Festival’s Making Waves world showcase, Four Trails continues to gain critical recognition. It will soon be featured at both the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and the Golden Rooster International Film Festival in Xiamen.
The UK release is being coordinated by Hiu Man Chan of De Montfort University, whose UKRI-funded research and social enterprise initiative supports creative exchange and emerging voices in film.
Four Trails offers a portrait of Hong Kong where the city’s true heart lies along its highest ridges — in effort, endurance, and the landscapes that shape those who journey across them.
Struggling to find the perfect gift for Gran this Christmas?
Whether she’s the sentimental sort who treasures keepsakes, the queen of comfort who loves a cosy night in, or the gran who insists she doesn’t need anything (but secretly does), we’ve got you covered.
From heart warming treats to little luxuries she’ll adore, here’s our go-to guide for making her Christmas extra special… because she deserves nothing less.
For the one who’s always cold: A gift that warms the heart (and toes!)
What better way to spread some festive cheer this year than with Cancer Research UK’s wide range of beautiful and affordable gifts?
We love this cozy heated blanket – perfect for her couch or bed as the winter sets in! Snuggle up on the sofa or add an extra warming layer to her bed with this super-soft heated over blanket. Mains powered, the grey blanket offers 10 heat settings and an auto shut-off feature.
For the star baker: A stylish way to wrap her loaf
If gran sees herself as a Mary Berry, how about this fabulous Sourhouse bread blanket? It’s a beautifully soft 100% cotton muslin for wrapping and carrying her freshly made loaf. Simply tie each corner to create a charming ‘bundle bag’.
Unlike bread bags, these large cotton muslins will fit any size of loaf. Plus, she can use them as a crumb catcher when she slices her loaf. Simply place completely flat beneath the bread board to catch crumbs.
For the one who loves a top up: Perfect bubbles for a wonderful day
For this perfect Christmas tipple, Prosecco should be up there on the list. Sea Change’s crisp Prosecco hails from north-eastern Italy. Very easy to drink the elegant pear and peach flavours with gentle spritz makes this a gold medal winner.
A delightfully light-bodied wine with a refreshing and delicious lingering finish, it’s a sure winner for throughout the day on December 25.
For one who loves a flutter: Buy a share in a racehorse this Christmas
Treat her to the unforgettable thrill of becoming a racehorse owner with Racingclub.com! For as little as £25, she’ll receive a share in a horse and step into the glamorous world of racing. From the moment she opens her welcome pack, she’ll enjoy regular updates on her horse’s training, progress, and race days — and even get a share of any prize money won.
Owners can also apply for exclusive race day badges, enjoy luxury hospitality at iconic venues like Newbury Racecourse and meet likeminded shareholders, as well as enter ballots for stable visits to meet trainers, jockeys, and their horse.
Each share comes with full syndicate benefits, and Racingclub.com merchandise or gift cards make it easy for her to celebrate – or pick her own horse to back.
For the sweet-toothed gran: A box of pure indulgence
Who doesn’t love a box of choccies to unwrap on Christmas Day? The limited-edition Christmas Desserts Collection from Lily O’Brien’s comes with a choice of 22 incredible chocolate treats and the addition of some festive delights, including Spiced Latte, Zesty Orange, Triple Chocolate Shot and Berry Eton Mess.
This is the ultimate gift for those nans who are a little bit extra – in the best possible way.
Available: From £15, Morrisons
For the style-savvy snuggler: Chic comfort from FitFlop
Cosy meets chic with FitFlop’s Shuv clogs, lined with plush curly shearling for warmth that doesn’t compromise on style. These fabulous slippers are available in a range of cosy colours including ivory, ruby and taupe and in sizes 3-9.
Wear them as slippers or plush clogs around the house – with full rubber outsoles so stepping outside is no problem. They’re engineered with legendary Microwobbleboard™ midsoles, so she’ll look like she’s walking on clouds – and will feel like it too.
For the lover of warming delights – Baxters’ Festive Treats
You can’t go wrong with Baxters Festive Treats for Grandma this year. It’s a ten-item gift box filled with a gourmet selection of indulgent, warming delights- the perfect way to get cosy this Christmas.
From hearty soups to spiced chutney, sweet fig jam and zesty lemon curd, this is perfect for a touch of festive indulgence.
Tommie Courier Services has reached a major milestone, announcing that over 500 people have now launched independent courier businesses through its “Become a Courier” training programme.
The company was founded to make entering the courier sector more accessible, offering clear guidance on business startup requirements, route operations, and acquiring clients. The programme focuses on giving new business owners the structure and confidence needed to run their services successfully.
Tommie Cotterell, Founder of Tommie Courier Services, said: “We are delighted that our training program has passed the milestone of helping over 500 individuals turn their dreams into thriving courier businesses. Our mission has always been to create pathways for others to succeed.
“Business isn’t about working less, it’s about working for yourself. When you’re in control of your time, your money, and your direction, that’s when you start living.”
With increasing numbers of people seeking flexible self-employment opportunities in the UK, many of the programme’s graduates are now operating independently, winning delivery contracts and developing their own teams.
Beloved New York musical theatre artist Joe Iconis will appear in London for a rare, mostly solo piano performance at the Phoenix Arts Club on 11 November 2025, beginning at 8.30pm.
A Tony®-nominated writer, performer and noted presence in the New York cabaret world, Iconis is best known for Be More Chill, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, and the Smash hit “Broadway, Here I Come!”. He returns to London for a brief visit from his creative base in Manhattan.
This special performance marks his Phoenix Arts Club debut and will feature an up-close, spirited evening of original songs, new material from forthcoming stage works, audience singalongs, and Iconis’s signature energetic piano approach.
Joining Joe for the event are Miracle Chance (Heathers), Jenny Donoghue (The Free Association), Scott Folan (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Grace Mouat (Six), and writer Alexander Sage Oyen (Roam).
Come knock back a stiff one, have a good old-fashioned cry, share a laugh with a stranger, and shake off your dust with contemporary musical theater’s favorite maverick writer.
Iconis’s Be More Chill is playing two-sold out 5-Year Anniversary concerts at The Arts Theatre on November 10th & 17th starring the original West End cast.
ABOUT JOE ICONIS
Joe Iconis is a Tony-nominated musical theater writer and performer. His musical Be More Chill has played Broadway, London, and Tokyo and his new show The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical has played La Jolla Playhouse and Washington D.C.’s Signature Theatre. Joe is the author of Love in Hate Nation, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Bloodsong of Love, The Black Suits, Punk Rock Girl!, and more.
His albums include Album (Joe Iconis & Family), the original cast recordings of Love in Hate Nation, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Things To Ruin, and Be More Chill (both OCR and OBCR, which have been streamed over 750 million times); Two-Player Game (with George Salazar), and The Joe Iconis Rock & Roll Jamboree all available on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records. Joe is hugely inspired by Robert Altman, Dolly Parton, The Muppets, and the Family of artists he frequently surrounds himself with.
The Electric Car Scheme outlines how much employees could save
EV salary sacrifice can reduce costs by 20–50% compared to other purchasing options
Savings could be redirected towards holidays, home upgrades or leisure items
Scheme remains secure until at least 2030, easing concerns about future changes
The Electric Car Scheme is highlighting the personal benefits many UK households could enjoy if they take advantage of electric vehicle salary sacrifice arrangements, particularly as the scheme becomes increasingly popular ahead of the autumn budget.
With an average electric car retailing at around £46,000, salary sacrifice users could save around £10,000 thanks to lower tax and NI payments. This amount could comfortably fund a family break to Disneyland or other big-ticket treats.
What £10,000 in savings could buy:
A magical driving family trip to Walt Disney World Florida
Two weeks in Bali for a family of four
A hot tub for the garden
Two season tickets at most Premier League clubs
A full home cinema setup
Summer music festival tickets for the whole family for three years
A significant boost to a mortgage deposit
Home solar panels and battery storage to bring down energy bills
Home upgrades such as double glazing or heat pumps
And of course, with the range improvements in the latest models, new EV drivers could celebrate with a non-stop trip to Disneyland Paris.
EV salary sacrifice schemes are secured until 2030 and are expected to be extended to at least 2035 as the government works to meet its EV targets.
Whilst pension-related salary sacrifice could be cut in the upcoming budget, EV salary sacrifice was recently confirmed by the government as locked in until 2030 under current legislation – confirmed through updated Benefit-in-Kind rates. The Electric Car Scheme CEO and Co-Founder Thom Groot commented:
“More and more employees are discovering what they can do with the money they save through EV salary sacrifice. With savings of up to £10,000 on an average electric vehicle, we’re talking about family trips to Disneyland, home improvements, or simply having significantly more money in your pocket each month.
“There’s still some confusion between pension salary sacrifice and EV salary sacrifice, but the reality is straightforward: EV salary sacrifice isn’t going anywhere – low BiK rates are government policy until 2030. It’s secure, it’s simple to set up, and it means employees can afford those extras that make life more enjoyable.” How salary sacrifice works:
Salary sacrifice allows employees to lease an electric car through their employer, with payments taken from their gross salary before tax and National Insurance. This means employees pay significantly less than buying outright or using traditional car finance, whilst employers benefit from offering an attractive, cost-neutral employee benefit. How EV salary sacrifice delivers these savings:
Simple setup: Employers handle the admin
Genuine savings: 20-50% lower costs are standard across the industry
Long-term security: Government policy confirmed until 2030
No cost: Salary sacrifice providers make this possible at no cost to the business to set up and run
Complete risk protection: No risk from employees leaving thanks to The Electric Car Scheme’s risk protection
Separate from pensions: EV schemes operate under different legislation – only pension-related schemes are under review
We all know dads can be notoriously hard to buy for – they either have everything or want nothing! But this year, we’ve rounded up a list that’s sure to surprise even the trickiest of dads.
From cosy comforts and clever gadgets to alcoholic treats and thoughtful keepsakes, these gifts are guaranteed to bring a smile to his face (and maybe a few proud dad jokes too).
After all, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without him… so let’s make sure his gifts are just as special.
An exclusive gift for a racing enthusiast
Surprise someone special with the unforgettable gift of racehorse ownership through Racingclub.com.
He’ll receive a share in a horse and experience the excitement of the racing world firsthand. From the moment his welcome pack arrives, he’ll enjoy regular updates on his horse’s training, progress, and upcoming races – and even earn a share of any prize money won.
Owners can also apply for exclusive race day badges, enjoy luxury hospitality at top venues like Newbury Racecourse, and enter ballots for stable visits to meet other shareholders, trainers, jockeys, and their horse.
Each share includes full syndicate benefits, while Racingclub.com merchandise and gift cards offer extra ways to celebrate their unique new status.
Give the foodie in your life the gift of precision with the Tormek T-1 Morakniv 1891 Kitchen Knife Sharpener. Crafted in Sweden with over 50 years of sharpening expertise, this sleek, Scandinavian-designed tool combines function and beauty – featuring a diamond grinding wheel, composite honing wheel, and a powder-coated zinc body in elegant Linen White.
The Swedish birch handle, finished in the signature Morakniv red, adds a striking touch of craftsmanship. More than just a sharpener, it’s a design piece that elevates any kitchen.
Perfect if he loves to cook – sharper knives mean faster prep, safer slicing, and flawless presentation for every festive feast.
This is the ultimate early Christmas gift that keeps on giving! Laithwaites BEST EVER advent calendar is beautifully designed, with each door revealing one of 23 unique miniature bottles, including bestselling Cabalié red and Mussel Pot New Zealand Sauvignon.
And when you get to Christmas Eve, there’s a full-sized bottle of Prosecco ready to pop open. Plus, if you look in the roof, you’ll discover a free gift that (spoiler alert) might be perfect for your fizz on the 24th.
We absolutely love BLD BRO’s Ultimate Skincare Trio. It’s the perfect gift for bald or balding dads – smart, practical, and refreshingly thoughtful.
Designed specifically for exposed scalps, it includes Daily SPF 30, high-protection SPF 50, and a restorative Night moisturiser. It goes on like a dream, absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy at all.
This really is quality skincare that protects against sun damage, dryness and irritation. Any dad would be lucky to find this in his stocking!
For the gardener in your life how about this fabulous shovel from Adler? Holly will help him to take care of his plants everywhere. The short handle is perfect for potted plants, but also performs great in gardens or raised beds.
As one of the last tool manufacturers in Europe, Adler combine wood processing and forging under one roof. In doing so, they highly value sustainability: They exclusively use FSC®-certified European ash wood or original US hickory and water-based paints. Their entire company is heated by wood chips that are a by-product of their own production.
For gadget dad, he’ll love the 5-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Station – a versatile solution for charging multiple devices at once.
This versatile charging hub is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhone 8 and later models (including Plus/Pro), Samsung Galaxy S9 and newer (including Ultra/Plus), AirPods 2 and newer, Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 and up, and any other QI-enabled phones, earphones and Apple Watches.
It’s the ultimate all-in-one solution for keeping your devices powered at home or in the office.
For the sports enthusiast who’d rather be out running than unwrapping novelty socks, the Neo G Active Knee Support is a practical gift that will actually get used. Lightweight, breathable, and designed to stay in place, it provides reliable compression and stability for workouts, hiking, runs or recovery.
With multi-zone support for weak, arthritic, or injury-prone knees, it helps reduce strain, prevent re-injury, and keeps muscles warm while controlling moisture. The anti-slip band ensures it stays put, making it the perfect addition to any active dad or fitness fan’s gym bag this Christmas.
Elevate his bath or shower with this exclusive trio of indulgent Marseille soaps. Each 250g bar is enriched with organic shea butter to soften the skin and fragranced with natural ingredients blended in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world.
The set includes three distinctive scents: Marine (a fresh, everyday fragrance); Nag Champa( think warm and oriental) and Herbs de Provence – a heady mix of aromatic herbs. Perfect for the eco-conscious, this range is plastic wrap free, making it as kind to the planet as it is to his skin.
People Insight has released a new whitepaper, The future of employee listening in HE, outlining how universities can shift from slow, infrequent staff surveys to a more responsive listening approach where feedback translates into meaningful action within weeks.
The publication summarises current listening practices across the higher education sector and sets out how leaders and managers can strengthen trust by demonstrating tangible follow-up on staff input.
Drawing on survey evidence from over 75 Higher Education Institutions, including several Russell Group universities, the report highlights clear trends in employee expectations and organisational response.
A key finding is that confidence in follow-through remains low. Only 40% of higher education employees believe action will be taken as a result of staff feedback, with levels even lower among academic staff at 36%, and 42% among professional services colleagues.
Jane Tidswell, HE Director at People Insight, said: “When only 40% of your employees believe action will be taken, the priority is closing the loop. This guide helps HE leaders move from comment overload to two or three clear steps per team, so employees see change and action, rather than just another survey.”
The report also showed that leader visibility matters to staff, as 46% feel senior leaders make an effort to listen. The results suggest managers are the primary listeners and where managers are supported, institutions see quicker progress. One London university lifted response rates by 11 points and engagement by 5 points with stronger manager involvement in action planning.
The findings suggested that a broader mix of listening methods works best. Universities are combining check-in surveys, one-to-ones, focus groups, anonymous routes, town halls and digital Q&A to reach different roles across faculties and services.
Results also showed that AI can turn comments into clarity. The paper explains how AI and natural language processing group themes and sentiment so issues like workload or burnout risk are easier to spot and address.
The report sets out employee listening trends that are making a real difference to universities and highlights the shifts that will shape 2026 and beyond. It includes advice on strengthening listening strategies to drive meaningful organisational change and improve employee engagement and motivation, with case studies and client examples throughout.
