The public can now cast their votes in the 2026 Smiley Charity Film Awards, the world’s biggest campaign dedicated to showcasing the power of charity-led filmmaking. More than 500 charities have entered this year’s competition, widely recognised as the “Oscars of the charity world”.
Entrants include organisations of all sizes, from community groups like Bristol Animal Rescue Centre to major national names such as Dementia UK. Each is encouraging people to support their film by submitting a vote online.
According to organisers, voting takes less than two minutes — “quicker than eating a mince pie” — but could play a decisive role in determining whether a film progresses to the next round or “fades into the background”. The awards ceremony will be held in March 2026.
Since its launch eight years ago, the Charity Film Awards have worked with more than 5,000 charities, attracted close to 1 million participants in public voting and produced over 350 million film impressions. Last year’s online awards event drew 181,000 viewers, reflecting its expanding influence.
This year’s submissions represent a broad range of charitable missions, including disability advocacy, youth services, mental health support, animal rescue, homelessness charities and international aid groups. Films are judged by category based on annual income to ensure fair competition between large and small organisations.
Public voting results will be used to create the shortlist of finalists, which will be announced in February 2026. An expert jury will then select the winners.
Past judges and supporters have included representatives from the BBC, BFI National Archive, Meta, LinkedIn, HSBC and Airbnb, alongside celebrity presenters such as Tamzin Outhwaite, Scarlette Douglas, Patrick Grant, Jeff Brazier, Patsy Palmer, Una Healy and Patsy Kensit.
Speaking about the launch of public voting, Nicolas Loufrani, Founder of the Smiley Movement(the CIC powering the Awards), said: “The Charity Film Awards show what happens when creativity meets compassion. These films don’t just tell stories they change lives by sparking awareness, funding, and action. Every vote helps amplify a cause that might otherwise go unheard. With over 500 powerful films this year, the public has a real opportunity to shape which stories get national attention.”
Members of the public can watch and vote for charity films online by:
Searching by charity name
Browsing by UN Sustainable Development Goal
Filtering by charity size or category
Or exploring all films
Voters can support as many films as they wish (one vote per film).
Bikanervala’s newest UK branch in Southall is now fully open, offering the brand’s renowned vegetarian dishes prepared with the support of modern kitchen systems focused on safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
The well-known Indian vegetarian food brand, Bikanervala, has officially opened its second UK restaurant, following a successful launch at its new King Street location in Southall.
The site began welcoming diners in late November and has now moved into full service.
Developed to uphold Bikanervala’s century-old recipes, the Southall location also features contemporary kitchen technology intended to enhance consistency, traceability, and food-handling standards.
Manoj, Operations Director at Bikanervala UK, described the new branch as a careful step in the company’s international growth.
“Our Southall kitchen represents the pinnacle of what’s possible when you respect heritage while embracing innovation. Every piece of equipment, every process, every system has been designed with one goal: to deliver the exact same taste that has made Bikanervala legendary, but with the consistency, safety, and efficiency that modern diners expect and deserve.”
Founded in 1905, Bikanervala continues to operate as a fully vegetarian brand. The Southall restaurant follows the same established approach, meaning no eggs, meat, or fish are stored or prepared anywhere on the premises.
Products are sourced through trusted suppliers, with certain specialist items imported to ensure flavour consistency across international kitchens.
The layout and workflow of the kitchen have been planned around monitored cooking processes, allergen-control procedures, and detailed documentation of food-handling practices.
The business confirms that all staff received full operational and compliance training before launch, supported by digital systems used across ordering, traceability, and reporting.
“Our team undergoes over 200 hours of training before they serve their first customer. We don’t just teach recipes — we instill a philosophy. Every team member understands that they’re not just making food; they’re continuing a 119-year legacy.
“That responsibility drives everything we do. When a guest takes their first bite at Bikanervala Southall, they should taste five generations of expertise in every morsel. That’s not just our goal — it’s our guarantee.” Manoj added.
The Southall restaurant opening forms part of Bikanervala’s ongoing international expansion. No further UK location announcements have been made at this stage.
About Bikanervala
What began as a sweet shop in Bikaner, Rajasthan in 1905, the enterprise has grown into one of India’s most beloved culinary institutions. Bikanervala is more than a brand; it is a guardian of tradition and a keeper of recipes that have been refined over five generations.
From the bustling streets of Delhi to the heart of London, Bikanervala has established its standing as the definitive gold standard in vegetarian dining, famous for its sweets, chaats, and authentic North Indian cuisine.
About The Montana Global Group
The Montana Global Group is a UK-based multinational organisation operating across a range of sectors, including hospitality, retail and franchising. The company oversees the UK expansion of Bikanervala as its exclusive franchise partner and is responsible for developing the brand’s long-term growth strategy across the country.
“Everybody has the power to shape their own destiny. I think it just comes down to who wants it the most.”
Northumberland-born entrepreneur and former personal protection specialist Ian Rutherford has published his first autobiography, titled ‘Mission Accomplished: A Boy from Blyth.’
Charting a path from modest beginnings to international success, the memoir shines a light on Ian Rutherford’s remarkable rise from council estate life to building a multimillion-pound business empire.
Now available in paperback via Amazon, this independently published work documents Ian’s personal and professional evolution, highlighting an unshakeable mindset built on endurance, ambition, and a refusal to accept limits.
His story details how persistence and hard-won discipline led him into the world of elite personal protection, where he eventually safeguarded high-profile individuals, including former U.S. President George W. Bush.
“I have faced my fair share of challenges over the years but that’s just part of life’s journey,” said Ian. “You take the hits when they come your way. You keep pushing forward and eventually through all the trials you discover your true purpose.”
Ian Rutherford, Close Personal Protection Officer and Former U.S. President George W. Bush
In his autobiography, Ian shares his incredible rags-to-riches story and the personal stories that shaped who he is today, from his humble beginnings as an unemployed man in a small town to navigating the high-stakes world of international security.
He offers insights into the demands of his profession, the rigorous training he undertook, and the invaluable lessons he learned throughout his career.
Following his time in protective services, Ian successfully established a multimillion-pound security organisation, earning respect in the industry for its innovative practices and exceptional commitment to safety.
His unique path led him to collaborate with a former president of the United States, an experience that not only broadened his horizons but also provided him with invaluable insights into leadership and service on a global scale.
Moreover, his career took him into the critical realm of counter-terrorism training, where he operated in diverse locations around the world.
This multifaceted background underscores the impressive breadth and depth of his professional endeavours, highlighting not only his adaptability but also his commitment to making a significant impact on global security.
Among the deeply personal recollections included in the biography is a moving account of the 1989 Kegworth air disaster.
Rutherford’s then-girlfriend was due to be on the ill-fated flight, which tragically crashed and claimed 47 lives.
The event profoundly shaped his outlook, instilling a deep appreciation for resilience and purpose that would later guide his life and work.
By the mid-1990s, he had established one of London’s largest security companies. Yet, success was not without hardship, including being falsely implicated in a serious firearms case that nearly derailed his life. His eventual vindication became a turning point, reinforcing his determination.
In the years that followed, Ian’s work took him to some of the world’s most high-profile environments.
In 1999, he served as a bodyguard during U.S. President George W. Bush’s four-day visit to Monaco, an experience that included moments of high tension, such as being detained at gunpoint and managing security during critical diplomatic movements.
Bagley’s, King’s Cross, known as ‘London’s rave temple’, operated between the 1990s and 2000s.
After early stints in London’s security industry, Ian’s career took a defining turn when he joined Walkabout Inns under the mentorship of Michael, the organisation’s chairman.
Recognised for his discipline and leadership, Ian’s company quickly rose through the ranks, eventually managing security operations across the UK for nearly two decades.
At London’s legendary Bagleys Nightclub in King’s Cross, Rutherford oversaw operations at Britain’s largest dance venue, managing crowds of up to 5,000 people over each weekend for nearly a decade. The tragic murder of a team member underscored the dangers and gravity of his profession.
From a young man searching for his place in the world to becoming a globally recognised figure in counter-terrorism and intelligence training, his remarkable journey underscores the power of perseverance and courage.
Starting from modest beginnings, he faced numerous obstacles but refused to give in to adversity. His determination led him to acquire critical skills that would ultimately shape his career.
Later, Ian took on pivotal roles in major international security projects. During the London 2012 Olympic Games, his company delivered counter-terrorism training programmes to thousands of security personnel at the Olympics, and in Rio 2016, he worked with a Brazilian security contractor to deliver operational counter terrorism programmes.
He was widely esteemed for his profound expertise, particularly following his extensive endeavours in the Middle East region.
There, he adeptly collaborated with a diverse array of government agencies, forging partnerships that led to significant advancements in security protocols.
Over the course of his illustrious 30-year career in the security sector, his remarkable contributions have not only transformed his own career but have also positively impacted countless other individual careers, leaving a lasting imprint.
“Everybody has the power to shape their own destiny. I think it just comes down to who wants it the most.” Added Ian.
Adepteq, a London-based expert in Microsoft 365 migration and governance solutions, has been awarded Elite Partner status under the ShareGate Partner Programme.
The distinction represents the highest achievable level within ShareGate’s international partner ecosystem and acknowledges Adepteq’s proven capability in delivering digital transformation initiatives across regions including South East England, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Plymouth, and Portsmouth.
The Elite Partner award is given to organisations that demonstrate advanced technical proficiency using ShareGate’s migration and governance platform, coupled with a strong record of operational success for clients. ShareGate is widely used by IT teams around the world to support Microsoft 365 migration, configuration, and long-term governance.
“Achieving Elite Partner status reflects our team’s commitment to excellence in Microsoft 365 migrations and governance,” says Phil Cave, Technical Director of Adepteq. “This recognition enables us to provide our clients with enhanced support, cutting-edge tools, and streamlined solutions that keep them ahead in an increasingly complex digital landscape.”
Through its Elite credentials, Adepteq will receive increased access to ShareGate’s specialist support services, partner-only certifications, early-release product capabilities, and comprehensive assessment tools for governance and migration planning. This will strengthen the company’s ability to deliver high-level Microsoft 365 transformation support with improved speed and precision.
The ShareGate Partner Programme includes over 1,800 organisations worldwide, offering a framework of shared expertise, resources, and market opportunities. Adepteq’s new designation elevates it into a select group of partners recognised for advanced performance and delivery quality.
“Our clients benefit directly from this partnership through access to the latest migration technologies and proven governance frameworks,” adds Ian Loman, Sales Director of Adepteq. “With ShareGate’s tools and our expertise, businesses can confidently navigate their digital transformation journeys whilst maintaining security, compliance, and operational efficiency.”
About Adepteq
Adepteq is a Microsoft 365 migration and governance specialist headquartered in London, serving businesses across South East England, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Plymouth, and Portsmouth. The company provides expert guidance on SharePoint, Teams, and Microsoft 365 implementations, with a focus on streamlined migrations and robust governance frameworks. With over 1,000 successful migrations completed, Adepteq helps organisations transform their digital workplaces whilst maintaining security and compliance standards.
Jewson Woking has pledged to donate a truckload of gifts to the children’s ward at St Peter’s Hospital this Christmas and is calling on its customers, suppliers and the local community to help reach its goal.
Colleagues have created a Christmas gift zone within the branch at Jewson Woking on Monument Way East, where bulk bags have been transformed into Santa’s sacks ready to receive donations of gifts for children who’ll be in the hospital during and in the run up to the festive season.
The team has already received almost £1,500 worth of donations, helping them to purchase several items from the hospital’s Christmas wish list, including a 6ft air hockey table to replace one of the ward’s most popular toys in its playroom.
Steven Ross, Branch Manager at Jewson Woking, said: “We know that being in hospital, especially at this time of year, can be difficult for families, so we wanted to provide some happy memories even during a difficult time. We have a long wish list of items from the hospital and we want to tick off as many of these presents as possible. It’s a wonderful cause and we know Jewson’s generous customers and partners will dig deep this festive season.
“We’re collecting and wrapping toys which we will load onto a lorry and deliver directly to the ward on 19th December. Anyone wishing to donate toys should pop into the branch before then and speak to the team about what items are still on the list.”
Kathryn Moore, Head of Charity at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals’ Charity, said: “We are thrilled and so grateful that Jewson has decided to support us and our youngest patients with its Christmas toy appeal. The NHS budget prioritises the latest equipment and our dedicated hardworking staff so we rely on donors and businesses like Jewson to create a little Christmas magic each year.
“Our air hockey table has seen better days and it’s one of the most popular toys in the playroom, so it’s amazing to hear that Jewson has already been able to purchase a new one. Our wish list includes craft supplies, colouring books, cuddly toys, technology and games – all items we use daily to keep the children busy and active so they can have fun, even during a difficult time.”
To donate to the toy appeal, visit Jewson Woking on the corner of Monument Road and Albert Drive, down from the Lion Retail Park (postcode GU21 5LZ).
ThermoPest, the London-headquartered nationwide pest management provider, has observed a notable escalation in bed bug treatment costs across the UK. The trend is affecting a range of accommodation operators, including councils, hotels, student residences, HMOs and assisted living environments, where infestations often trigger operational disruption and regulatory scrutiny.
Evidence collected from ThermoPest’s remediation response work indicates a strong shift toward comprehensive heat-based treatment solutions. Compared with traditional chemical-only approaches, whole-room heat intervention is being increasingly adopted due to its higher likelihood of achieving complete eradication and reducing the need for repeat visits.
“Hotels, care providers, councils and HMO landlords are facing pressures that go beyond routine maintenance,” said James Rhoades, founder of ThermoPest Pest Control. “For hotels, the economics are immediate — an out-of-service room can quickly impact revenue. For assisted living facilities and council-managed housing, safeguarding requirements mean infestations must be resolved thoroughly. In HMOs and student accommodation, interconnected layouts allow bed bugs to spread rapidly if treatments are inconsistent.”
ThermoPest notes a growing expectation from organisations for comprehensive documentation, treatment planning and post-treatment monitoring. This shift reflects wider adoption of structured bed bug strategies rather than reactive responses.
Cross-contamination between units remains a leading cost factor, especially in older buildings with shared utilities or frequent turnover of occupants. As a result, many providers are developing clearer procedures for escalation, early identification and proactive monitoring systems.
“Bed bug control is becoming a risk-management priority for UK accommodation providers,” Rhoades added. “The organisations adopting consistent treatment standards and evidence-based approaches are seeing more predictable outcomes and lower long-term costs.”
With increasing mobility, tourism and density of living arrangements, ThermoPest forecasts continued demand growth among councils, hotels and multi-occupancy housing operators throughout 2026.
Shopping for him can be tricky… especially when he insists he “doesn’t need anything”. Whether you’re buying for a foodie, a tech-lover, a serial snacker or the man who already owns three of the same jumper, this gift guide has you covered.
From genuinely useful finds to conversation-starting treats, these are presents he’ll actually love (and possibly brag about). No socks required.
Microplane container grater
Perfect for everyday prep or stylish table-side serving, the Microplane Container Grater keeps things clean and effortless as ingredients collect neatly in the container. A non-slip base ensures stability on any surface.
It features a coarse, ultra-sharp stainless-steel blade, a 532ml container with an airtight lid, and a wooden lid that doubles as a mini cheese board and protective cover.
Available in Anthracite Grey with a walnut lid or Cashmere Beige with a bamboo lid.
The Pickle Jar by Nick Vadasz is a must-have for food lovers and fermentation fans alike. It’s packed with bold flavours, gut-friendly goodness and vibrant plant-based condiments.
From the founder of the UK’s leading pickles brand, this beautifully accessible book guides you through the art of making your own ferments, with clear, confidence-boosting techniques and plenty of inspiration. Alongside the pickling know-how, you’ll find a collection of delicious recipes showing exactly how to use your homemade ferments in everyday cooking.
A carefully sourced blend of unaged and aged rums from the Dominican Republic, aged rum from Barbados and unaged pot still rum from Jamaica. With some of the aged rums up to five years old, this special golden rum is complex yet classy.
Tasting notes include rich dried fruits, butterscotch, burnt sugar and caramel with a hint of vanilla and orange.
Treat him to the unforgettable thrill of becoming a racehorse owner with Racing Club!
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, and enter ballots for stable visits to meet trainers, jockeys, and their horse.
Each share comes with full syndicate benefits, and Racing Club merchandise or gift cards make it easy for her to celebrate — or pick her own horse to back.
Make this Christmas stress-free for the dad, partner, or friend who’s always sitting on their glasses. The SnapIt Screw Eyeglass Repair Kit is a compact, pocket-sized solution that fixes eyeglasses in seconds, making it a practical and surprisingly thoughtful festive gift.
Featuring patented SnapIt Screws with extra-long feeder tips, repairs are quick, clean, and frustration-free – no special tools required. The kit includes a double-ended screwdriver and screws compatible with most frames, including prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses, whether metal or plastic.
The Homark Mini Massage Gun. Perfect for on the go, it is compact, low noise, light and easy to use. Customise your massage with four interchangeable attachment heads and six massage speeds to target specific problem areas.
The deep tissue percussion targets stress and tension – and is great for neck, shoulders, spine, hamstrings, calves and feet. This is a fab gift for those who need help to relieve muscle stiffness and pain and improve blood circulation.
The European Union has presented A Taste of Excellence, a new trade-focused book created to help UK retailers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, chefs and foodservice specialists explore Europe’s extraordinary food and drink landscape, including a range of “hidden hero” products that deserve greater recognition in the UK.
Produced by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) as part of the “More Than Only Food & Drink” campaign, the guide is designed as a practical tool for professionals seeking high-quality, traceable and authentic products to expand their European ranges.
The publication contains market guidance and detailed spotlight features on numerous items—from Romania’s Telemea de Ibăneşti PDO cheese to Austria’s Steirischer Kren PGI horseradish. It also includes vivid producer case studies, highlighting traditions such as the original recipe for Estonian vodka PGI and the unique heritage behind Sweden’s Skedvi Bröd PGI bread, along with commentary from UK experts connected to the “More Than Only Food and Drink” programme. Collectively, these insights demonstrate how EU products can support menu innovation, broadening of product categories, and premium range development.
Central to the book is its mission to promote Europe’s lesser-known regional gems—foods and drinks with authentic origins, distinctive flavours and strong commercial opportunities that have not yet gained substantial exposure in the UK. Throughout, readers encounter producers representing these “hidden heroes”, many of whom carry official EU authenticity labels including Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
Among these is Ġbejna tan-nagħaġ PDO, a traditional Maltese sheep’s-milk cheese produced using time-honoured methods such as drying, peppering and pickling, offering UK delis, cheesemongers, and Mediterranean-inspired restaurants a unique and versatile addition to their ranges. From Hungary, Gyulai kolbász PGI showcases Central Europe’s rich charcuterie heritage; this lightly smoked, paprika-seasoned sausage adds depth to small plates, sharing boards, and slow-cooked dishes, yet remains largely undiscovered in the UK despite its strong fit with emerging consumer tastes.
The confectionery category is represented by Turrón de Alicante PGI from Spain. With origins dating back to the 15th century, this traditional Mediterranean nougat from south-eastern Spain is made using artisanal methods passed down through generations. Produced with locally sourced toasted almonds, honey, sugar and egg whites, the mixture is slowly cooked until crisp and breakable before being combined with whole almonds, which preserve the nougat’s distinctive crunchy texture and rich, nutty sweetness. For drinks, Kaimiškas Jovarų alus PGI, a traditional Lithuanian farmhouse ale brewed with unique local yeast and a rare no-boil technique, highlights the kind of heritage-led, craft-driven beer tradition that resonates strongly with UK specialist retailers, bottle shops and the on-trade.
By combining compelling storytelling with practical trade intelligence, A Taste of Excellence offers UK buyers a fresh perspective on European food and drink. Aligning with UK consumer trends and the growing demand for authentic and sustainable products, it is an invaluable resource to help them discover hidden gems, expand their sourcing horizons, and unlock new opportunities for growth – including seasonal opportunities offered by EU food and drink.
The book is available for digital download via the “More Than Only Food & Drink” campaign website, and copies will also be distributed at UK campaign events from early 2026. Visit the website for more details about the upcoming events in 2026.
Plates4Less has introduced its Christmas Gift Guide to help shoppers move away from disposable festive gifts in favour of thoughtful and enduring alternatives. The guide highlights the increasing popularity of personalised number plates, which now account for about 40 per cent of the company’s annual sales.
The guide walks buyers through choosing the ideal private registration, offering tips on everything from design preferences to affordability. It also explains how a private number plate can be gifted without knowing the recipient’s full vehicle details, making it an excellent option for surprises and last-minute buyers.
For those wanting to present their gift in style, the guide includes a variety of packaging options, from free printable certificates to premium certificates ready for wrapping. Buyers can also order physical plates and may choose the Done For You Transfer Service to ensure the transfer is completed smoothly once the recipient decides to assign the plate.
With over twenty-five thousand five-star reviews, Plates4Less continues to stand as the UK’s most trusted registration specialist. The new guide aims to help customers pick a heartfelt gift that feels personal and may appreciate in value in the years ahead.
Second Ring has launched a budget-friendly landline service designed to free customers from the need to bundle home phone and broadband.
A new telecoms provider, Second Ring, has entered the UK market with a standalone digital landline service that lets customers keep their home phone number without being linked to a specific broadband package.
Across most major broadband suppliers, line rental is now merged into broadband deals, with typical monthly costs ranging from the mid-£20s to around £30 depending on plan and discounts.
Second Ring’s approach is aimed at people who value having a landline but want the ability to secure a cheaper broadband deal separately.
Customers can move their existing landline number over to Second Ring, and once the number is transferred, they are free to select any broadband provider they choose — including low-cost fibre packages or mobile broadband services — without losing access to their landline.
The company is also launching what it calls the UK’s first consumer-focused pay-as-you-go digital landline. With access fees from £2.50 per month, users pay a small ongoing charge to keep their number active and then pay only for the calls they make, rather than committing to high fixed line-rental fees.
Second Ring says the model is suited to households that still need a landline number for practical purposes — such as older relatives, home alarms or security systems — but make very few outbound calls. It also targets customers wanting to avoid broadband bundles and small businesses that require a geographical landline without broadband restrictions.
The digital service works through VoIP technology and is compatible with analogue phones using an adapter, IP phones, or softphone apps on laptops and mobile devices.
The launch comes at a time when the UK is approaching full migration from traditional analogue phone lines to digital voice services delivered over broadband, a nationwide upgrade managed by Ofcom and Openreach.
