News
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Chamber wants business views on Black Country skills gaps in new survey
Black Country businesses struggling to recruit staff with the right skills are being urged to take part in a key survey that helps shape the future of the region’s economy. As well as providing an overview of the business landscape, the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from the Black Country…
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Charity ‘Roving Chefs’ Inspire Thousands Across the UK
Vegetarian for Life (VfL) is celebrating the incredible impact of its ‘Roving Chefs’ initiative, which has reached over 61,000 individuals in the last 3 years alone. Working with a diverse range of groups – including care homes, community centres, stroke survivor groups, food banks, and older…
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Why August is peak pest season – expert explains why infestations suddenly explode
If it feels like your garden has suddenly become overrun with pests, you’re not imagining it. August can be one of the busiest times of year for garden pests, with weeks of warm weather allowing populations to build before gardeners begin noticing the damage they leave behind. By late summer, many…
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Porcelain Superstore’s Salcombe Cotto Brings Rustic Character Without the Fitting Fuss
With its grounding earthy tones, subtle pattern and budget-friendly price point, Porcelain Superstore’s latest tile is a true triple threat. Suitable for both walls and floors, Salcombe Cotto brings rustic warmth and timeless charm wherever it is used. Boasting a subtle gently-worn pattern that…
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FORESTIS NAMED NO.68 IN THE WORLD’S 50 BEST HOTELS 2026 EXTENDED LIST
FORESTIS NAMED NO.68 IN THE WORLD’S 50 BEST HOTELS 2026 EXTENDED LIST The list celebrates an additional fifty of the world’s most exceptional hotels 1 September 2026 – FORESTIS in South Tyrol, Italy has been named No.68 in the extended 51-100 list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026…
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Black Country Chamber of Commerce names new Chief Executive
The Black Country Chamber of Commerce today announced Raj Kandola as its new chief executive to take the organisation into its next stage of growth. Currently deputy chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, he brings more than a decade of experience working with the chamber…
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elho launches trend-led dune collection and ripple floor protector
As consumers continue to seek design-led home accessories that balance style, sustainability and affordability, elho is expanding its indoor offering with the launch of dune – a contemporary planter collection designed to help retailers capitalise on the growing demand for elevated plant styling.
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Bring effortless texture home with elho's new dune collection
Warm neutrals, tactile finishes and layers of natural texture are set to define interiors in the seasons ahead, and elho's new dune collection embraces the trend beautifully. Designed to let both your home and your houseplants shine, the contemporary range offers an effortless way to create a calm…
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Academics, entrepreneurs and a ‘pearly king’ among Dyslexia Award nominees
Inspirational people from across the UK including a ‘pearly king’ and a circus performer are among the nominees for this year’s prestigious Dyslexia Awards. In what is the organisation’s tenth anniversary year, the award ceremony will return in October, shining a spotlight on remarkable…
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New £9m Telford 6th opens doors to students for first time
A-level students have been given a taste of Telford College’s new £9m sixth form – as the new town centre campus officially opened its doors for the first time today (Sep 1). Staff at the newly transformed Telford 6th campus, which includes science labs, a drama studio and arts studio, welcomed…
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High street businesses benefit from £100,000 boost thanks to NEZ funding
Businesses in Newhaven town centre have benefited from nearly £100,000 of investment for shopfront makeovers since the launch of Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s (NEZ) Town Centre Revitalisation Fund. Grants have been awarded to 17 town centre businesses to help them transform the outside of their…
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The weeds you’ll regret ignoring: Town & Country reveals the garden invaders to tackle before they take over
As summer gardens reach peak growth, weeds can quickly go from a minor nuisance to a much bigger problem. Persistent varieties such as bindweed, horsetail, nettles and brambles are best tackled early, before they have a chance to establish and spread. With more than 50 years of expertise in hand…
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Golfer takes on unique charity bike challenge for men’s mental health cause
A keen golfer from Telford has taken on a unique charity challenge with a twist – involving three courses and his bike to raise money for a men’s mental health charity. Joe Harris from Ketley, who works for award winning civil engineering and construction firm McPhillips, wanted to take on a…
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Mitchell & Brown Brings Roku Simplicity to New 32in Smart TV
New JB-32R1811 combines the intuitive Roku TV experience, Freely, extensive streaming choice and Mitchell & Brown’s seven-year warranty in a versatile 32in package for the first time. Bolton, September 2026: British TV brand Mitchell & Brown is expanding its Smart TV range with the launch of the…
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Back to School – But not for all: Why more parents are looking beyond the classroom
As millions of children return to the classroom, a growing number of parents are looking for alternatives after seeing their children struggle in traditional school environments. 1 September 2026: Thousands of families across the UK are turning their backs on ‘normal’ schools with 126,00…
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TARDIS project is out of this world for Moulton College students
Two Moulton College construction students have brought a piece of Doctor Who history to life by building a full-scale replica of the iconic 1983 TARDIS console room. Carpentry and joinery students Graham Bawden and Josh Smith worked alongside their lecturer and former BBC set builder Simon Nash to…
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More than a hundred children build open-water swimming confidence with free lessons this summer
28 August 2026, Kent: Over the past three weeks, over a hundred children aged seven and over across Kent have built up their confidence in the water and developed vital swimming skills thanks to a new free summer swimming lesson programme from Hangloose Adventure, Bluewater Shopping Centre and
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Seedball joins National Garden Scheme Centenary Collection with new limited-edition tube range launching at Glee
Limited-edition Seedball collection gives garden retailers a new way to bring wildflowers and charitable giving together. Seedball is launching a limited-edition tube range, created in partnership with the National Garden Scheme (NGS) at Glee this September, giving garden retailers a new product…
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Serendipity Underpins Presentation of Head Gardener’s Snuff Box
Levens Hall and Gardens’ head gardener of 40 years, Chris Crowder, has been presented with an extraordinary leaving gift ahead of his official retirement on September 1. Thanks to a fair degree of serendipity, he has been gifted a stunning George IV silver hunting snuff box by the property’s…
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The outdoor storage mistakes ruining your garden
From leaving cushions outside to letting garden tools rust, Charles Bentley reveals the common outdoor storage mistakes that could be shortening the life of your garden essentials – and how to avoid them. As summer draws to a close, Charles Bentley is highlighting the importance of storing outdoor…
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Woodlands.co.uk to return to Belmont Woodfest and Country Fair
Woodlands.co.uk will be returning to the Belmont Woodfest and Country Fair in Faversham, Kent, on 12th and 13th September 2026. Visitors can meet the Woodlands.co.uk team at the show to discover more about small woodland ownership, meet existing woodland owners and look at details of woods currently…
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HENTON & CHATTELL CELEBRATES 95TH ANNIVERSARY AT GROUNDSFEST 2026
Leading garden machinery distributor Henton & Chattell will return to GroundsFest 2026 in a landmark year for the business, as it celebrates 95 years since it was founded. The company will unveil one of the biggest collections of new Cobra machinery in the brand's history, with major launches…
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Wide-Plank Flooring Taps Into the Shift Towards Warmer, More Grounded Interiors
Wide-plank flooring is set to become one of the defining interior trends of AW26, as homeowners look to create spaces that feel warmer, calmer and more considered. According to independent flooring retailer Stories Flooring, planks measuring 180mm and wider are surging in popularity. The move…
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Pinterest Data Reveals Growing Demand for Green-Led Decorating Schemes
Grounding shades of green are emerging as one of the defining interiors trends of the moment, according to independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore. Analysis of Pinterest search data by the family-run tile specialist reveals growing interest in green-led decorating schemes, with searches for…
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Newly Highlighted Medieval Witch Marks Add to Langley Castle’s Appeal
The authentic medieval nature of Langley Castle Hotel, near Hexham, has been unexpectedly amplified following a stay enjoyed by a folklore influencer, who discovered witch marks in a castle corridor and room. Lauren Moss, known on social media to thousands of followers as Folkloriclauren, stayed at…
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The hidden lawn pest threatening your garden this autumn and how to stop it
After a record-breaking summer of heatwaves and reduced rainfall, many lawns have been left in survival mode. Brown patches, stressed grass and compacted soil have become a familiar sight across the UK. But as temperatures begin to cool and rainfall becomes more reliable, lawns have an opportunity…
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The change in weather that could trigger a late summer mosquito surge
After weeks of hot, dry weather, the return of rain might be good news for our gardens. Unfortunately, it could also be good news for mosquitoes. As showers return while temperatures remain relatively warm, conditions could become increasingly favourable for mosquitoes, with rainfall creating the…
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Top regional law firm invests in landmark Maidenhead office to meet future growth
25 August 2026, Maidenhead, UK: Leading regional law firm Gardner Leader has reinforced its long-term commitment to Maidenhead with a significant investment in new landmark offices in The Pearce Building to support its future growth in the Thames Valley and across the south of England. With a…
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The five late summer gardening jobs that can help prevent pest problems this autumn
As summer draws to a close, gardeners might be turning their attention towards autumn planting and tidying the garden, but there are still some important pest-control jobs to tackle. Late August and early September can be an important window for dealing with pests before cooler weather changes their…
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Eclipse Power partners with Power Engineering Services to unlock faster grid connections
Pioneering partnership seeks to shorten equipment lead times and provide superior value and support London, UK, 24 August 2026: Eclipse Power, independent distribution network operator (IDNO), has formed a partnership with Power Engineering Services (PES) to give customers faster access to
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Telford College opening shopping centre ‘shop’ to boost skills
Telford College is to open a ‘shop’ in the heart of the town’s main retail centre aimed at improving skills and boosting job prospects of people across the borough. The Skills Shop, based in a unit at the Telford Centre, will offer training and education opportunities to people of all ages…
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Mitchell & Brown's New 32in Smart Travel TV Offers Everything, Anywhere
Tizen Smart TV with all your favourite streaming services, Freeview, satellite TV, DVD, multiple inputs and 12V power make the new JB-32DVD1811TZ a small TV with a large bag of tricks. Bolton, August 25, 2026: The UK favourite domestic TV brand Mitchell & Brown is set to prove you don’t have…
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Mitchell & Brown Takes Tizen on Tour with New 12V Smart DVD Travel TV
New JB-32DVD1811TZ combines Tizen Smart TV, 12-volt operation, built-in DVD, terrestrial and satellite TV reception in one highly versatile 32in Travel package Bolton, UK – Mitchell & Brown has expanded its compact TV range with the launch of the JB-32DVD1811TZ. This feature packed 32in Smart…
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Pilbeam creates safer maintenance access at Frimley Park Hospital
Maintenance teams at Frimley Park Hospital near Camberley now have a clever lightweight access solution to a RAAC affected roof after specialist contractor Pilbeam Construction installed a new walkway. The Sussex contractor which specialises in healthcare settings, worked closely with Frimley Health…
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Report exposes postcode lottery in head and neck cancer care, says Get A-Head
Head and neck cancer patients face a postcode lottery in care across England with major inequalities in the time taken to diagnose disease, a leading national charity says. Get A-Head, which helped fund research into cases of the disease across the country, says a landmark feasibility study shows…
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Matching dog and their owner coats from TOG24
Twin with your dog this autumn-winter with these stylish human and pup matching coats from TOG24. From waterproof coats to cosy fleeces, you're guaranteed to stop traffic on your daily walks. Ortega Women's Checked Waterproof Coat - Chocolate Brown RRP £110 & Bark Checked Padded Dog Coat …
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Christmas gifts for her from TOG24 under £50
Whether you're shopping for mum, grandma, sister, or a partner, TOG24 has the perfect Christmas gifts for the women in your life. From blanket scarves, chunky knit hats and gloves to cosy fleeces and even matching owner-and-dog gear, these gifts are warm, functional and stylish. We guarantee she'll…
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The reason your secateurs are making gardening harder than it needs to be
From sticky blades to the wrong cutting action, experts at Wilkinson Sword reveal the simple secateur mistakes that could be making pruning more of a chore. For many gardeners, secateurs are one of the most-used tools in the shed. But if pruning is starting to feel like hard work, the problem…
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Young fan's plea sparks sale of day tickets for Hobbit-themed Brandywine Festival
The organisers of a major new Tolkien-inspired festival in the UK are to release up to 1,200 day tickets – after a heartfelt plea from a ten-year-old girl. The youngster, from Dudley, wrote to the organisers of the five-day Brandywine Festival at Weston Park, telling them of her love for the world…
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UK's first official Brandywine hobbit festival heads to Tolkien's homeland
The UK’s first official hobbit festival will arrive in Shropshire later this year – bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional ‘Shire’ to life in the very land that is said to have inspired it. Weston Park confirmed it is set to play host to the five-day Brandywine Festival this September using…
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Could your car park become your next revenue stream? Why destination EV charging could be the next evolution of garden retail
For years, garden centres have found new ways to make their physical space work harder. Restaurants, farm shops, concessions, home and lifestyle departments, events and leisure experiences have all helped turn the traditional garden centre into something far broader: a destination where customers…
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ElectRoad to make garden retail debut at Glee 2026
Destination EV charging specialist ElectRoad will make its garden retail debut at Glee 2026, bringing a clear commercial message to the sector: your car park could be one of your most underused revenue-generating assets. Exhibiting on stand 17J53, ElectRoad will show garden retailers how EV…
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TVC Creates 26m² LED Centrepiece for Genting Casino Resorts World Birmingham
Genting Casino Resorts World Birmingham gets a striking new digital centrepiece as TVC delivers a 26m² large-format LED display combining live entertainment, sport and promotional content. Bolton & Birmingham, 20th August 2026: Hospitality and entertainment AV integrator TVC Technology Solutions…
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Women's waterproof coats combining function with style from TOG24 for Autumn Winter '26
As the seasons turn and the weather grows unpredictable, TOG24 is ready with its latest women's waterpoof coat collection, designed to keep you dry and looking your best from the first autumn rain through to the depths of winter. Building on TOG24's reputation for reliable, good-looking coats at…
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Keep dry in style: best men's waterproof coats and jackets for Autumn 26
From 3-in-1to smart, stylish coats, TOG24's range of men's waterproof jackets has all bases covered. Whether it's for daily wear or a day of hiking, there is a waterproof jacket that will keep you dry, no matter how heavy the downpour is. The 3-layer jacket: Glenton Long Waterproof Jacket - Moss…
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False Autumn: Don't Write Off Britain's Trees Just Yet
Early leaf fall may look alarming, but Britain's trees are deploying a remarkable survival mechanism to cope with summer drought, says woodland expert Anton Baskerville. With golden leaves already crunching underfoot and woodland floors resembling October rather than August, many people are asking…
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Whistler to make UK debut at Glee as new name in premium wild bird care
Whistler will make its official UK debut at Glee 2026, 8th - 10th September at the NEC Birmingham, introducing garden retailers to a new premium wild bird care proposition from Hall 20, stand H56. Built around the concept of Avian Intelligence and a simple ambition to feed British birds better…
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“Contrast therapy existed long before makeshift ice plunge tubs,” wellness travel specialists reveal
Google searches for “contrast therapy” have jumped 450% in the UK over the past year, while “nervous system reset” is up 400% in the last three months alone - proof that the hot–cold ritual has moved well beyond a fitness fad and is now influencing the way people travel. Home ice baths…
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Valpak research helps councils understand the flexible plastics challenge
Newly published research by Valpak by Reconomy, commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA), gives local authorities detailed evidence on the volumes, costs and practical challenges associated with household flexible plastics collections. The research was carried out while councils in…
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FORESTIS Integrates the Celtic Calendar into Its Nature-Led Seasonal Programme
FORESTIS Integrates the Celtic Calendar into Its Nature-Led Seasonal Programme The five-star Dolomites retreat responds to rising demand for alpine travel with a seasonal programme rooted in Celtic tradition and the rhythms of the mountains High-res signature imagery here August 2026 - As UK
