Day: October 19, 2021

Morrisons is crowned Best Supermarket Mince Pie in Good Housekeeping’s Christmas Awards

Morrisons The Best Deep Filled All-Butter Mince Pies have been crowned the Best Supermarket Mince Pie in Good Housekeeping’s annual Christmas food review. 

Morrisons scored more points than any other supermarket – including M&S – to take the coveted title of Best Supermarket Mince Pie and was placed higher than luxury offerings from Harvey Nichols and Prestat as well as brand-favourite Mr Kipling.

Morrisons also saw off competition from Abel & Cole mince pies, priced at £6.15 for six – more than three times the price of the Morrisons treat. 

The Morrisons pies cost £2 for a pack of six – less than 35p per pie. Customers can also buy two packs for £3 resulting in an even better bargain of 25p per pie.

All the mince pies were blind tasted by a panel of experts at Good Housekeeping. The judges scored the Morrisons pies 77/100, the highest of any supermarket tested and commented that:

“The chunky filling is made up of apple, vanilla, mixed spice and orange oil, which creates a marmalade-esque appeal. Add to that a warming touch of alcohol, sweet pastry and festive star-shaped lid, and we can see why Morrisons scored so highly with our testers.”

From the Morrisons test kitchen, to zoom meetings and back to the test kitchen, Morrisons team of expert foodmakers have spent months developing the recipe to create the perfect product customers will love this Christmas.

Gareth Colling, Mince Pie Developer at Morrisons, said: “We know our customers love a classic mince pie and this year we’ve developed our recipe to include just the right balance of tangy mincemeat versus sweet shortcrust pastry.

“We’re thrilled to have been named the Best Supermarket Mince Pie by Good Housekeeping and look forward to our customers enjoying them throughout the festive season.”

Morrisons also topped the flavoured smoked salmon category with The Best Smoked Salmon with Orange Oil (scoring 79/100) and was named a runner up for Meat-Free Mains with its The Best Vegan Vegetable Wellington (scoring 78/100).

Morrisons The Best Deep Filled All-Butter Mince Pies are available in stores nationwide and online now for £2.00, or 2 packs for £3.00. 

To buy online please visit:

https://groceries.morrisons.com/products/morrisons-the-best-deep-filled-mince-pies-427212011

Scottish Building Society announced as Building Society of the Year for third year in a row

Scottish Building Society (SBS) has scooped up Building Society of the Year for the third year in a row at the annual Mortgage Introducer Scottish Mortgage Awards, while its CEO Paul Denton was awarded Business Leader of the Year.

The awards ceremony took place at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh on Friday 8th October, celebrating the best of the Scottish property finance market and bringing together some of the most senior operators in the industry.

Scottish Building Society is the oldest remaining building society in the world, offering a range of saving accounts and mortgages for every stage in life.

As a member-based mutual, Scottish Building Society’s focus and purpose is to serve its local communities.

Paul Denton, SBS Chief Executive, said: “The team at Scottish Building Society consistently go above and beyond.  Following the trials brought upon by pandemic, it is good to see the hard work and dedication of our people being recognised through these awards.

“To receive Building Society of the Year for the third year in a row is a testament to their hard work, especially when up against such a high calibre of nominees.

“After 173 years customers remain at the heart of our business, and we strive every day to do better. These awards highlight the Society’s enduring success which is founded upon a robust business model, skilled people and a reputation built on trust, confidence and exceptional customer service.”

Robyn Hall, Publishing Director at Mortgage Introducer, said: “Mortgage Introducer is delighted to announce that at this year’s Scottish Mortgage Awards, Scottish Building Society were awarded Building Society of the Year, and Paul Denton was named Business Leader of the Year. Congratulations from everyone at Mortgage Introducer on your well-deserved wins.”

Paul Denton brings a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years, having worked with RBS and the Co-op before joining SBS.

Young drivers thrown a silver lining at last as premiums fall

Car insurance premiums for young drivers aged 17 to 29  are falling, according to new figures from Quotezone.co.uk. 

The car insurance comparison website recorded the largest decrease for the 17-21 age group with a drop of 14% in average premiums from 2020 to 2021 – from an average of £1,173 to £1,008 this year. 

Quotezone.co.uk found that drivers aged 22-25 were now paying an average of 6% less for their cover – falling from £833 in 2020 to £783 this year.

The firm says its research, based on a sample of over 50,000 car insurance policies, shows that 17 to 21 year olds still pay an average of 38% more than other young drivers, and that new drivers across the 17 to 29 age group pay on average 53% more than experienced motorists.

Quotezone.co.uk’s research reveals that newly qualified motorists can expect to see their car insurance premiums drop by an average of 29% after they’ve been driving for two years with no insurance claims.

The insurance specialists say that there was a 12.6% fall in new younger drivers in 2020, and for motorists aged from 17-21 the drop was 42%. 

Quotezone.co.uk’s Founder Greg Wilson comments: “Young drivers, particularly those aged 17 to 21, have had a tough year with driving lessons and testing on hold, and now delayed. 

“We expect the volume of young drivers to surge, once the queue for testing settles down, as people have had more time at home practicing their driving skills with friends and family.

“In terms of car insurance costs, it’s welcome news that premiums for this age range have fallen – it can often be expensive given their inexperience.  Average premiums start to fall by nearly a third as drivers gain more time behind the wheel – especially if they have two years driving safely with no claims made. 

“There are things brand new drivers can do to help them find the most competitive quotes though, such as choosing a car with a smaller engine, avoiding modifications, parking in a garage or on a private driveway, and opting for a telematics product which allows them to showcase their safe driving right from the get-go. 

“Drivers can compare all these options on our comparison site, so they can see which providers are offering the best extras and the lowest cost.”

Quotezone.co.uk offers specialist cover for learner drivers, temporary learner insurance and for young driver insurance.

It helps around 3 million users every year find better deals on their insurance, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products and is recommended by 97% of reviewers on Reviews.co.uk. 

Seaweed in the City at Granton:Hub

There are a few free spaces still available for this artist-led workshop at granton:hub aimed at youngsters: making art with seaweed.

Sunday 7 November, 1.30 – 3pm.

Book here on eventbrite:

https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/seaweed-in-the-city-seaweed-art-workshop-tickets-189230001027?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

SEAWEED IN THE CITY ACTIVITIES

Scotland lights up in support of climate action ahead of COP26

Scottish Government campaign shines a light on positive action being taken across society

As Scotland prepares for the arrival of COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference, businesses, organisations and individuals from all across Scotland are coming together to shine a light on the climate action and nature conservation being taken in their local communities and call on others to join them in making the changes needed for the country to reach net zero by 2045.

The COP26 summit is the most urgent ever held and the best chance of securing global action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. The twin crises of climate change and nature loss are the greatest threats facing people and the planet and are already impacting communities throughout Scotland.

As all eyes will be on Scotland, a new national poll has revealed that many people across the country now recognise the need to play their part and that improving climate awareness and understanding the support available, remains vital for helping people to make changes. 

The YouGov poll, commissioned by the Scottish Government, asked adults living in Scotland if they were planning to make future changes to their lifestyle to help tackle climate change.

Almost half (46%) of the Scottish public said they were already planning to make changes and the poll also highlighted that 20% said they were unsure on how to make changes. A third (34%) of adults surveyed said that they have no plans to make any future lifestyle changes.

The Scottish Government’s Let Do Net Zero campaign aims to provide the necessary information and support to help more people make the changes needed across all levels of society and showcases inspiring examples of businesses, enterprises, community groups and individuals leading the way.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said, “Scotland was one of the first countries to declare a climate emergency, and as a nation we have already made great progress in tackling climate change. We have halved Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions, and we are determined to reach net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.

“Ending our contribution to the climate emergency within a generation will require transformational change across all parts of the economy and society. This campaign seeks to shine a light on the positive action taking place right across the country to inspire greater action and the Scottish Government will play its part to support people in Scotland to make these changes.”

To demonstrate the role that individuals and communities can play in reaching net zero, a sustainable, glowing zero artwork will be touring Scotland’s cities and shining a light on projects across Scotland that are already bringing people together to create change and support their communities.

The glowing zero landed at its first stop with Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop and shone a light on the community tool-sharing hub, Edinburgh Tool Library. The Library supplies a service that allows members to borrow tools as and when they need them, without spending money on seldom-used tools that have a large carbon footprint.

Environmental Scientist and climate activist Laura Young (Less Waste Laura) is an advocate for encouraging people to adopt a more environmentally conscious lifestyle and will be taking part in the blue zone at COP26.

Joining the Edinburgh Tool Library in the glowing zero today, she said: “There is so much good work happening and momentum has really grown in recent years, and this is hugely encouraging. But everyone needs to keep playing their part to drive real change and help Scotland reach net zero.

“We are already used to doing some things that help combat climate change, such as food waste recycling, but there may be things that people have not even considered such as making sure their gardens help biodiversity or repairing and reusing their clothes and homewares rather than throwing them away. Every ounce of carbon that we save adds up to help get us to net zero.”

Chris Hellawell, founder & director at Edinburgh Tool Library, said, “COP26 represents our last chance as a planet to legislate on a scale that can minimise the harm we have already caused, and plan a way forward that allows people to prosper without increasing the burden we put on nature.

“This is why the work Edinburgh Tool Library does is so important. We already have many of the things we “need” in our community, we just don’t have access to them. Sharing libraries open up these resources to the whole community and give us all access to more items without an associated impact on the environment. The bonus is we also save money. We all share a planet, let’s start sharing what’s on it.”

To find information on how to take action, make changes and the support available visit, www.netzeronation.scot

Olympic medallist Neah Evans urges Scots to move for meals

Team GB silver medal winner Neah Evans is encouraging people to get active to help feed hungry children in school. Please find out more below.

After her whirlwind rise to becoming a British Olympic cycling medallist, Neah Evans has taken time out to encourage people across Scotland to get moving in support of Mary’s Meals.

Neah, who won a silver medal at the Olympics in Tokyo as part of the women’s team pursuit squad, is encouraging locals to take part in the charity’s Move For Meals challenge.

She says: “Move For Meals encourages physical activity while helping Mary’s Meals to feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries.

“It doesn’t matter how you move – you can choose any activity, from cycling to dancing. So, everyone can take part!”

Mary’s Meals recently announced that it is reaching more than two million hungry children in 19 countries with a nutritious daily meal. The promise of food attracts impoverished children to the classroom, where they can gain an education that will one day be their ladder out of poverty.

Gillian McMahon, director of supporter engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “Many of us were inspired to get moving by athletes like Neah during the Tokyo Olympics.

“Now, people can turn their moves into meals by setting themselves an active challenge to raise funds to help reach the next million children waiting for Mary’s Meals.”

It costs just £15.90 for Mary’s Meals to feed a child at school for a whole year, with 93p from every £1 going directly to the charity’s feeding programmes.

By taking part in Move For Meals, fundraisers are helping to transform the lives of children like eight-year-old Joseph, who attends Tanambao Primary School in Madagascar.

Joseph, whose favourite subject is science, says: “The first time I heard that we will start to eat at school, I was not able to imagine how it can be possible to feed all the children every lunch time, every day, but now it is happening, it’s amazing! I hope that this school feeding programme will continue forever!”

To find out more about organising your own Move For Meals fundraiser, visit marysmeals.org.uk/move

Dream Fuel: INEOS launches green hydrogen campaign

·            INEOS, Europe’s biggest operator of electrolysis needed to produce clean, low carbon hydrogen, has doubled down on more than €2 billion investment in green hydrogen with the launch of a hydrogen campaign.

·            The campaign kicked off with the publication of a cornerstone editorial in the Sunday Telegraph on the hydrogen economy written by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS’s founder and Chairman.

·            Today sees this followed by a national multi-media campaign that includes substantial billboard and digital advertising as well as a hydrogen innovation bus tour and presence in Glasgow at COP26.    

·            Sir Jim says: “Hydrogen is the dream fuel.   You can heat your home with it.  You can drive your car on it.  Burn it and all it produces is energy and the only by product is water.   We can all live with that. The world has committed to hugely reducing its carbon emissions and hydrogen is unquestionably going to play a large part in accomplishing this goal.”

·            INEOS Automotive is also exploring new opportunities in the hydrogen economy, with a hydrogen fuel cell demonstrator of its Grenadier 4×4 now in development

Hydrogen is a fabulous, clean source of energy that can be used as both a raw material for industry and as a power source for transport and the home. It has a massive role to play in lowering the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions and INEOS is committed to playing a leading role in the hydrogen revolution.

INEOS through its subsidiary INOVYN is Europe’s largest existing operator of electrolysis, the critical technology which uses renewable energy to produce hydrogen for power generation, transportation & industrial use.

INEOS already produces and uses 400,000 tonnes of low carbon hydrogen every year, the equivalent of replacing up to 2 billion litres of diesel. It knows how to make, transport, store and use hydrogen.

Being a user and producer of hydrogen puts INEOS in a unique position at the heart of green hydrogen development. And the company has announced that it intends to invest more than €2 billion in new production of green hydrogen across Europe.

It is also launching a major hydrogen advocacy campaign to draw attention to both the benefits and applications of hydrogen. The campaign will include significant billboard and digital advertising in London and Glasgow, a UK hydrogen bus tour and the exhibiting of a hydrogen powered car at COP 26.

Sir Jim says: “Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes etc. have many demonstration hydrogen engines happily driving around.   We will have a hydrogen INEOS Grenadier on test next year (alongside an electric version).  This piece of the jigsaw is the most advanced.”

The company’s INEOS Automotive division is backing hydrogen fuel cells as the clean powertrain solution for future versions of its upcoming 4X4 vehicle. Thanks to a partnership agreement signed in November 2020, the Grenadier hydrogen fuel cell concept will use fuel cell technology from Hyundai Motor Company, with testing to begin by the end of 2022.

In the longer term, hydrogen’s other massive contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases will be in the home heating space where natural gas can be replaced by hydrogen which could cut greenhouses gases by up to a third on its own.

Wherever possible, INEOS will continue to prioritise the production of green hydrogen which is made from water using electrolysis powered by renewable energy, but it is also investing in the production of blue hydrogen when the carbon produced can be safely captured and stored underground.

Sir Jim, also has a message for Government: “The infrastructure, clearly critical, needs government push on legislation and investment.   The German government is well advanced with nine billion Euros committed and over 200 filling stations operational. 

“The UK government has yet to get out of the blocks but hopefully soon will.  The UK has only a handful of hydrogen pumps today.”

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