Month: July 2022

A decade on, the farming industry still has the poorest safety record

Ten years after the first Farm Safety Week campaign, the charity behind it makes a plea for those living and working in the industry to do more to improve the poor safety record …

  • On its 10th anniversary Farm Safety Week 2022 aims to reduce the number of incidents which continue to give farming the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK & Ireland
  • New figures released today show that fatal injuries on GB farms have shown a significant improvement – from 41 recorded in 2020/21 to 25 in 2021/22
  • According to the Farm Safety Foundation, the charity behind the annual campaign, while there is an encouraging improvement on the ten-year average of 36, it is important to continue driving safety messages to avoid a rebound
  • 3 members of the public lost their lives in 2021/22 – 2 adults and a 9-year old child.

Figures released today from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Fatal Injuries in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing in GB Report 2021/22, show that a decade after the first Farm Safety Week campaign, agriculture continues to have the poorest safety record in the UK and Ireland.

Over the last year, 25 people have lost their lives on farms in Great Britain– an encouraging improvement on last year’s total of 41, but one life lost is one too many according to UK-wide charity the Farm Safety Foundation (or Yellow Wellies as they are own).

Of the 25 people killed in England, Scotland and Wales in the past year, 22 were farm workers and 3 were members of the public including a 9-year old child. For an industry that still has between 1 and 2 children being killed through its activities each year, this simply MUST improve.

The picture is similar in Northern Ireland where farming accounted for 6 of the 18 (33%) reported workplace fatalities in 2021/2022 (HSENI). In the Republic of Ireland, farming which accounts for 4% of the workforce (according to CSO’s Labour Force Survey) has 26% of all workplace fatal incidents.

Farming has changed so much over the past decade so why hasn’t its safety record?

From the 18th – 22nd July, the Farm Safety Foundation will hold their tenth annual Farm Safety Week, a campaign which brings together five countries* over five days with ONE simple goal – to encourage farmers to make our farms safer places to live and to work.

This week, the Farm Safety Foundation will highlight some of the key issues facing the farming community, spotlight the work being done to drive a change in attitudes and behaviours and introduce ten inspirational farm safety heroes who have worked tirelessly over the past decade to reduce the injury risk for farmers and farming families across the UK and Ireland.

Agriculture is different from many industries in that it can present hazards to people not actively involved in the industry, such as children and family members living on the farm and visitors, in addition to farm workers. Hazards can also exist for vets, delivery workers and even the emergency medical services personnel, as they provide assistance and care to victims of farm incidents.

According to Stephanie Berkeley, Farm Safety Foundation manager: “Despite an encouraging improvement in the HSE figures over the past year, these are very sobering statistics.

We must remember that these are not just statistics – behind every fatal notification is a worker, a visitor or a child. We cannot become immune to the impact that each and every death has on farming families and communities across the UK and Ireland. Ten years after our first campaign, we cannot continue to accept that risk-taking is part and parcel of farming – we have to work harder to make it safer.

“Awareness of farm safety is at an all-time high with 66% of farmers in the UK (80% of under 40s) aware of Farm Safety Week according to NFU Mutual’s Voice of the Farmer 2022 survey – but the fact remains that, over the past year, 25 people lost their lives on GB farms so, awareness may be one thing but the time has come for action.

“This is why, a decade on, a focus like Farm Safety Week is still important. When many voices join together to drive a change, this is when it can happen. We should be farming safely every day of the year not just during Farm Safety Week.”

Sue Thompson, Head of Agriculture, Health & Safety Executive, said: “I congratulate the Farm Safety Foundation for the great work they’ve done over the last 10 years to raise the profile of farm incidents and their consequences.

“However, there are farming families left devasted every year when their loved ones are badly injured or killed while doing their jobs. We are starting to see safety improvements in some areas, but the pace of change is slow, and the rates of workplace injury and ill health in agriculture remain the highest of any major sector.

“Awareness of the hazards and risk have never been higher, and Farm Safety Week has played its part in this. But it’s regrettable that we’re not yet seeing the widespread changes in attitude towards safety, and the improvements in behaviour that will reduce the numbers of people hurt or made ill.

“Far too many farmers and farm workers suffer life-changing injury and lifelong chronic illness resulting from poor health and safety management”

“Everyone in agriculture has a role to play in making the changes we all want to see. Together, we can make farming safer.”

Stephanie added: “As a small charity that has delivered training sessions to over 18,000 young farmers in land-based colleges and universities across the UK and through the young farmers clubs network, the Foundation knows – and our research supports this – that the next generation of farmers are cultivating a better attitude to risk-taking and are starting to drive better safety behaviours in the workplace.

“Farming is an industry where people do not retire at 65 so, with the oldest farm worker killed over the past year being 85 years of age, we need to look after our older workers so they can continue to support the farm business and carry out tasks are appropriate for their mobility, agility and health conditions.

“But the truth is, farmers of ALL ages need to start challenging and changing their attitudes so we can make our farms safer places to work and to live.”

For more information on Farm Safety Week visit www.yellowwellies.org or follow @yellowwelliesUK on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook using the hashtag #FarmSafetyWeek

Low-cost hot weather hacks to beat the summer heat


Boiling hot Brits are being given tips and tricks to keep themselves cool without splashing the cash.

As the weather begins to warm up, the penny pinching pro’s from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have researched and revealed hot weather hacks to help Briton’s cope with warm temperatures.

Among the advice is freezing sheets and wearing wet socks at night to help you fall asleep in the hot weather.

Other tips include creating a homemade sprinkler using a plastic bottle and freezing aloe vera in an ice cube tray to help soothe sunburn.

John Stirzaker from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Nothing beats sunny days and warm evenings, but that doesn’t stop us Brits from complaining about how uncomfortable the heat can be.

“Luckily there are a number of low-cost hot weather hacks we can use to make the heat more bearable.

“From making homemade cooling mists to applying deodorant to your feet, these tips will help alleviate several common summer gripes.”

Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s top tips for keeping cool this summer:

  1. Homemade cooling mist

Add a few drops of peppermint extract to a spray bottle of water, and when you’re feeling hot, mist yourself with it. The mint will make you feel extra cool as the water evaporates.

  1. DIY sprinkler

If you don’t have a sprinkler attachment for your hose, attach an empty two litre plastic bottle to the end and poke some holes it in.

  1. Create your own fan

Simply take a piece sheet of paper or a thick piece of card and fold it into a hand fan to keep you cool.

  1. Freeze a bottle of water

Freezing your water bottle gives you the ideal constant stream of ice cold water that’ll keep you cool throughout the day, not to mention it also makes a great ice pack. 

  1. Aloe ice cubes

Aloe vera is great for soothing sunburn. You can go one step further by freezing aloe vera gel in an ice cube tray.

  1. Deodorant… for your feet

When your feet get hot, they tend to slip around in your shoes. Prevent blisters by applying a thin layer of roll-on deodorant to reduce slippage.

  1. Sun cream storage

Keep your SPF lotion in the fridge to feel refreshed and cool each time you apply it throughout the day. You can do this with day-to-day moisturisers and creams too.

  1. Wet socks

When the heat really cranks up and nights become unbearable, place a towel at the bottom of your bed and slip on a pair of socks that you’ve soaked in cold water. Then, point a fan at your feet. This will help keep your body cool.

  1. Freeze your sheets

Another tip to help you fall asleep on those humid nights: pop a few pillowcases in a sealed bag in the freezer and put them on your pillows ten minutes before you go to bed.

  1. Shut out the sun

Keep blinds and curtains closed through hot days to shut out the sun and stop rooms from overheating.

  1. Avoid the oven

Turning on your oven or stove during a sweltering day is asking for trouble, as the last thing you need is more heat in the house. Try preparing foods from the fridge to keep cool, like salads or sandwiches.

  1. Homemade ice lollies

Easy, fun and a great way to keep your kids occupied, creating different flavoured ice pops is a terrific way to provide a quick burst of coolness on a hot day.

  1. Take a warm shower

Taking a mildly warm shower gradually lowers your bodies’ temperature, making you feel cooler for longer.

  1. Rinse your wrists

Run cool water on your wrists or ankles for an immediate cool down.

More than one million chickens die in misery every week for cheap meat

A new report from Open Cages has found that in order to meet demand for the UK’s favourite meat, 61 million chickens died before slaughter last year as a result of major welfare issues.

The authors blame supermarkets like Morrisons for continuing to source meat from genetically engineered “Frankenchickens” whilst M&S, Waitrose, KFC and retailers all over Europe move rapidly towards the Better Chicken Commitment.

Today – animal welfare charity Open Cages has published a scathing report:

The Price of British Chicken: How Supermarkets Are Failing on Animal Welfare

  • Chicken is Britain’s most popular meat, with consumption far outstripping beef, lamb or pork. Nearly 1.2 billion chickens were killed last year to meet demand, with most meat coming from ultra fast-growing Frankenchickens raised in conditions so crowded that in their last weeks an individual bird would have more room in the oven.
     
  • Citing figures from DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), the authors claim 61 million chickens died before reaching the slaughterhouse last year as a result of these practices. Around 1.2 million chickens are dying every week.
  • The intensive conditions routinely cause debilitating welfare issues. The authors estimate that last year nearly 5 million chickens may have suffered heart attacks, 15 million may have had their necks broken by farmers due to severe lameness and over 24 million may have died from infection.
  • The authors argue that shoppers are manipulated by supermarkets dishing out “deceptive” labels and marketing campaigns which give the false impression that chickens are well cared for. Another recent report accused supermarkets of bombarding consumers with deals and offers on “unsustainable” meat from intensive farms.
     
  • Supermarkets like Tesco, Morrisons and Co-op are blamed for “refusing” to sign the RSPCA & Defra-backed Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) – a policy of improved welfare standards that prohibits the use of ultra fast-growing Frankenchickens and overcrowded conditions. Currently, the vast majority of supermarket chicken comes from the fastest growing breeds available which suffer the highest rates of premature death.
     
  • 300 companies across the UK and Europe have signed the BCC, including KFC, Nestle and Subway. It is estimated that 27% of the UK’s chickens are covered by the commitment, along with large supermarkets in France, Germany, Denmark, Spain and Poland. M&S and Waitrose are so far the only UK supermarkets to pledge.

Open Cages CEO & Co-Founder Connor Jackson comments: “The scale of suffering behind cheap chicken may be shocking to consumers, but to our major supermarkets it’s business as usual.

“They know full well that 1 in 3 Frankenchickens can barely walk, that millions die of heart attack, and that millions more die of horrendous diseases. And still, not only do even the self proclaimed “high welfare” and “ethical” retailers like Morrisons and Co-op continue to sell Frankenchickens, to package their meat as “welfare assured”, and to tell us Brits that they care deeply about animal welfare … they do all this knowing that alternatives are available.

“Hundreds of companies like M&S, Waitrose and even KFC have signed the Better Chicken Commitment, taking the lead in improving animal welfare. Instead of following, supermarkets like Morrisons ignore and bury the issue behind feel good marketing campaigns and PR spin. But these findings prove once and for all that it is all just a story to keep us coming back to the checkout: animals pay the ultimate price for cheap chicken.”

Chris Packham’s petition calling on UK supermarkets to sign the BCC has gained nearly a quarter of a million signatures. A recent YouGov poll found that a majority of Brits strongly oppose these types of farming practices even when taking cost savings to themselves into account.

The BBC’s Chris Packham comments: “I think consumers would be utterly disgusted to know that a million of these intelligent, sensitive birds are dying every week to get cheap chicken onto their plates.

“The misery these animals face on a daily basis is unnecessary and would outrage even the most ardent meat eaters, because it serves no purpose but to satisfy the profits of our major supermarkets who refuse to help them.

“Fortunately there are many things shoppers can do to help.

“As well as eating less meat to reduce demand, we can dramatically improve their lives in a matter of years simply by showing these large supermarkets that we want them to sign the Better Chicken Commitment.

“There must be a shift towards a middle ground of better, but affordable choices that will help us all take part in improving animal welfare without breaking the bank. It’s not fair for that opportunity to be reserved for only the well off.”

REPORT-_-The-Price-of-British-Chicken_-How-Supermarkets-Are-Failing-on-Animal-Welfare-Open-CagesDownload

Scorching Scotland: extreme heat Amber warning extended

The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) remains in operation as the Met Office Amber warning of extreme heat extends to more parts of Scotland this week.

The warning has been extended further northeast to Dundee.

This means that all of Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Perth, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and eastern parts of Lanarkshire are all now included in the warning, as well as the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

The warning is valid from 00.00 on Monday 18 July to 23.59 on Tue 19 July. Red warnings are in place for other areas of the UK.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown, lead Minister for resilience, attended a Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR) meeting chaired by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Mr Malthouse, on the extreme heat warning, on Saturday (16 July).  

Mr Brown said: “We are aware of the extension to the weather warnings currently in place and are receiving regular updates from partners including the Met Office and emergency services. Our resilience arrangements have been activated and stand ready at all times to coordinate a response to severe weather issues where required. We will continue to closely monitor developments.  

“When temperatures increase, it’s important to monitor forecasts and follow public health advice, including staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol.

“I would also urge people to look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, as older people, those with underlying conditions and those living alone may struggle to keep cool and hydrated.

“Water safety incidents and drownings increase in hot weather and people should be aware of the dangers and use supervised beaches and pools when possible – follow the Water Safety Code and in an emergency call 999.

“If you are planning on travelling to the areas covered by the Red warning, you should be prepared for significant disruption, and may want to consider delaying your travel. If you decide to travel, you should prepare appropriately, and keep-up to date with travel alerts.”

The Met Office warning covers Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Perth, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, and eastern parts of Lanarkshire as well as the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

While these areas will see more extreme temperatures, it is important to note that there will be high temperatures across much of the country, especially up the east coast to the Moray Firth. 

The Met Office has warned that some people are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses.

For guidance people should:

  • stay indoors or shaded when the sun is at its hottest (11am – 3pm)
  • drink plenty of cool fluids throughout the day
  • eat cold foods with high water content such as salads and fruit
  • take a cool shower, bath or body wash
  • sprinkle water over skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
  • avoid alcohol – which can leave you dehydrated
  • avoid extreme physical exertion

If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion – headache, feeling confused or dizzy, rapid pulse or fast breathing, body cramps (particularly in the arms, legs and stomach), feeling sick or vomiting – they need to be shaded from the sun and cooled down. Heat exhaustion is not normally serious if the person is treated within 30 minutes and symptoms begin to improve.

Ensure that babies, children or older people are not left alone in stationary cars or other closed spaces. Animals should not be transported in extreme temperatures.

The Met Office is also warning of an increased risk of risk of wildfires and disruption to transport.

EDINBURGH

Today:

Hot and Sunny.

A few early mist patches across Dumfries and Galloway soon clearing to a fine day with very warm or hot sunshine and mainly light winds. Maximum temperature 30 °C.

Tonight:

A warm sunny start to the evening but increasing amounts of high cloud later. Mainly dry and very mild overnight with a mixture of high cloud and clear spells. Minimum temperature 19 °C.

Tomorrow (Tuesday):

Hot again with sunshine and periods of high cloud. This may allow for an isolated shower, though majority staying dry, sunny. Occasional gusty breeze by coasts. Chance of thunder overnight. Maximum temperature 34 °C.

Further information is available online:

Summer health | NHS inform

Experts reveal how to dress for work during a heatwave

The summer season is in full swing, and with temperatures set to reach new highs, it is important to know how to dress appropriately for the heat, but with many of us deciding to head into the office, knowing how to stay comfortable and cool on these warm days can be tricky.  

Fashion experts at Karen Millen have revealed the best workwear items to have in your wardrobe that not only keep you cool during the summer months whilst also staying stylish in the office.  

Shirt Dress 

A shirt dress is one of the most simple but effective ways to incorporate comfort into your wardrobe whilst also being work appropriate. There are many types of shirt dresses available and make for a solid wardrobe staple with very little effort. 

Collared shirt dresses are the clear-cut way to look smart while keeping cool, they look most professional when styled with a light tailored jacket, and they are complimentary to every body type. 

Similarly, if a collar is too much for you to handle on a hot day and your dress code allows for a slightly more casual approach, it might be better to opt for a basic t-shirt dress. To spice up a basic t-shirt dress for work, you can pair it with a lightweight blazer which will elevate the piece for more formal work occasions such as meetings, or you can smarten it up by pairing it with a high-quality cardigan and some heels.  

If you are afraid a shirt dress would be unflattering for your body shape, or you just want to accessorise the look, incorporating a belt is the most flattering way to define your waist and create a more fitted look. Belts are also a great way to add more of a dimension to your look and create a more put-together feel on the most casual dresses.  

Lightweight Trench Coat 

A lightweight trench coat is a perfect way to add a longer element to any outfit and can be a great way of transitioning from cooler mornings to warm afternoons. There are many trench coats on the market currently, and they are available in many fabrics. The most popular lightweight-style trench is typically conditioned with cotton, which allows for wear even on hot summer days meaning you don’t have to worry about carrying it around all day or feeling too hot in it. 

An excellent tip for styling a trench coat is to ensure the hemline of your outfit underneath is shorter than the hemline of the trench; this allows for a more youthful and natural look. 

If you are not sure what shoes to opt for when pairing a trench with your outfit, there are many options to choose from depending on your style preference: 

  • Trainers/Sneakers: If you prioritise comfort and want to ensure you can be more active at any point during your day, this is your safest bet. The right trainers can be breathable and more pleasant for comfort, especially when working long hours. 
  • Sandals: Despite many dress codes having a no open-toe policy, if you’re lucky enough to wear sandals, they can be a chic and enjoyable way to add that holiday feel to your workday. Not only will sandals keep your lower half cool, but they are also the perfect way to add colour to your look. 

Linen  

One of this summer’s most popular style materials is linen, so why not try incorporating it into your workwear? Linen is one of the most cooling fabrics available in every piece of clothing you need to stay breezy while working. 

  • Shirt: A linen shirt is the perfect staple and is easy to pair with your favourite tailored trousers or tucked into a flowing skirt. You also have the option to wear it unbuttoned over a blouse or as a cover-up for your arms or shoulders when leaving for work in the morning or when popping out for after-work drinks later in the evening.
  •  
  • Trousers: Linen trousers are the easiest way to keep your lower half cool and comfortable during the summer. They are also available in many colours, so if the classic cream is too casual for your work, opt for a darker, more understated colour such as black or brown without having to compromise on comfort. 
  •  
  • Dress: Linen dresses are the ultimate pieces when it comes to staying cool and looking put together. The breathable fabric will keep you cool all day and can be the perfect way to incorporate layers, even in the summer. Try styling a linen dress with a blazer to heighten the professional feel. 

Shirt and Trouser Co-ord 

It might seem like an obvious option, but a shirt and trouser co-ord can be greatly overlooked. The easiest way to stop the hassle of a what-to-wear breakdown before work is to opt for a co-ord as the outfit. 

Many types of matching sets can be worn all year round, but in the summertime, it is a great option to try out lighter fabrics such as silk-blend fabrics, cotton and linen. A popular trend is to pair a matching shirt and trouser set with trainers for a casual, effortless look, so to elevate this for workwear, try adding some chunky jewellery and a pair of heels.   

Although it might not be to everyone’s taste and can be seen to resemble sleepwear, many celebrities have been seen rocking this look and stepping out in these sets. For example, in 2018, Chrissy Teigen made headlines when stepping out in New York City in a red silk floral set which made fans lust over the bold statement causing many to follow suit. Four years later, this trend is still very much in fashion, so if a patterned pyjama set might cause too much chatter in the office, try a tailored co-ord set in a subtle colour or a structured set in a simple pattern and style up with heels. 

Maxi Dress 

A maxi dress is a staple in many workwear summer wardrobes as it is one of the most accessible and lightweight options to go for. There are many styles of the maxi dress, so the likelihood of finding a suitable one to follow any dress code is very easy. 

A patterned maxi dress is a great way to introduce colours into your workwear, and a lot of the time doesn’t need a lot of styling or accessorising as the dress does all the talking. Shirt-style maxi dresses are also a fabulous way of smartening up the long dress and can be paired with trainers or sandals, depending on your style choice.  

Another way to make your maxi dress more appropriate for a slightly stricter dress code is to pair it with a solid colour blazer; this will tie everything in and keep any casual maxi looking more professional and sophisticated for the office. 

For One Night Only: Fascinating Aida’s Liza Pulman Brings Her New Solo Show To Edinburgh Fringe

On a rare night off from her four-week Festival run with Fascinating Aida alongside fellow cabaret queens Dillie Keane and Adele Anderson, Liza Pulman will bring songs from her new album The Heart Of It with her brilliant six-piece band led by Musical Director Joseph Atkins.

The show will also feature songs from Liza Pulman Sings Streisand her 2019 show which played to sell out audiences and rave reviews at London’s The Other Palace and The Lyric, Shaftesbury Avenue.

The Heart of It sees Liza perform timeless classics and unearth lost gems, rediscovering and reimagining them for new audiences. Her funny, intelligent and emotional connection to a lyric and a melody goes straight to the heart of every song.

The acclaimed singer will take centre stage at the Assembly George Square for one night only on Sunday 14 August at 6pm.

Liza says: “I love performing at Edinburgh. There is nothing quite like the buzz of the festival and we have missed it!! So, it’s particularly exciting to be back this year with Fascinating Aida and also to be able to play my own show, The Heart of It, at the festival.

“It’ll be one, crazy night of great music, laughter, and heartbreak. With a song list including Irving Berlin, Laura Nyro, Fats Waller and Randy Newman and a bag of new arrangements by me and Joe Atkins, this is classic me; eclectic, anarchic and romantic and is a joyous celebration of music that breaks your heart and makes your heart sing.“

Liza Pulman’s varied career has encompassed music, theatre and comedy. The daughter of celebrated screenwriter Jack Pulman (I Claudius, War and Peace) and actress Barbara Young (Last of the Summer Wine, Coronation Street), Liza’s upbringing gave her a huge appreciation of classic theatre and film, as well as a deep affection for music of the 20s, 30s and 40s which so inspires her own music and writing.

As a solo artist, Liza’s impressive connection to her audience is well remarked upon in her myriad five-star reviews; flawless vocals accompanied by her easy wit and natural storytelling make Liza one of the most compelling performers of her day.

In 2004, Liza joined the award-winning comedy trio Fascinating Aida with whom she has toured globally and who continue to sell out theatres throughout the UK and abroad. With their viral YouTube hits Cheap Flights, We’re So Sorry Scotland, and now infamous Christmas Song, they continue to attract new audiences with material that is sharper and funnier than ever.

To find out more visit www.lizapulman.com

Facebook @lizapulmanofficial

Twitter @liza_pulman

Instagram @pulmanliza

REVIEWS – WHAT THE CRITICS SAY ABOUT LIZA PULMAN

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“QUITE SIMPLY SUPERB…LIZA PULMAN IS A FORCE OF NATURE”

British Theatre

★ ★ ★ ★

“A BEGUILING EVENING DELIVERED WITH UNDENIABLE LOVE AND PASSION”

Whats On Stage

★ ★ ★ ★

“A DELIGHTFUL EVENING OF SONGS AND STORYTELLING FROM A VIRTUOSTIC PERFORMER”

London Theatre Reviews

★★★★

“PULMAN MAY LOOK BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL AND DEMURE, BUT SHE KNOWS HOW TO WIELD A FLICK-KNIFE”

The Times

LISTING INFORMATION

LIZA PULMAN: THE HEART OF IT

ASSEMBLY GEORGE SQUARE – GORDON AIKMAN THEATRE

George Square

Edinburgh

EH8 9LK

https://assemblyfestival.com

0131 623 3030

Date: Sunday, 14 August 2022

Time: 6pm

Tickets: £16/Concessions £15

Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s best-selling new car in the first half of 2022

  • Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s best-selling new car in the first six months of 2022
  • More than 22,200 units sold in the first half of the year
  • All-electric Corsa-e is the UK’s best selling electric supermini, with 2,677 sold in the first six months
  • Vauxhall’s private car and van market share grew from 4.9% to 6.1% compared to the first six months of 2021

The award-winning Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s best-selling new car for the first six months of the year, according to the latest new car registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

With 5,014 sold in June, and 22,212 in total for the first half of 2022, the Corsa is also the best-selling B-segment vehicle so far this year. The all-electric Corsa-e has been named the best-selling electric supermini for the first half of the year, with 2,677 registrations so far in 2022.

The performance of the Corsa range, alongside Vauxhall’s other new models including the new Mokka, helped the brand grow its private car market share from 4.7% to 5.8% compared to last year.  In June, Vauxhall was the second-best-selling car manufacturer overall, with 9,966 registrations across all car models.

Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “The Vauxhall Corsa was the UK’s best-selling car last year, and we’re on track for another stellar year. The first six months have been difficult for the whole industry, but Vauxhall remains a firm favourite with UK buyers.

“The second half of the year will see the roll-out of our All-New Astra and Astra Sports Tourer – two new models that showcase our new design language, innovative technologies, and our commitment to electrification.”

The Vauxhall Corsa is available with efficient petrol engines as well as with a fully electric powertrain. The Corsa-e is powered by a 50kWh battery and a 136PS (100kW) electric motor and is capable of up to 222 miles (WLTP test cycle) from a single charge. Capable of supporting up to 100kW rapid charging, an 80% charge takes just 30 minutes to complete.

The entire Vauxhall passenger car range can be ordered entirely online via the Vauxhall Online Store. The Vauxhall Online Store brings the brand’s showroom experience straight into the comfort of buyers’ homes.

Customers can arrange a live video viewing of their vehicle via the Vauxhall Virtual Showroom and proceed to the Online Store to configure their vehicle, personalise finance payments, and place an order, all from the comfort of their home.

Twelve ideas for cheap or free days out with the kids this summer

With the summer holidays here and the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite, job booking portal redwigwam has pulled together a list of some cheap or free ideas that anyone can do with their children over the summer holidays.

Claire of redwigwam says: “We know how hard it is to keep the kids entertained without spending an absolute fortune while they are off school, so hopefully these ideas will help.”

1. Go to a farmers’ market

Always fun to have a walk around, and often with animals to have a look at while you’re there, and you can always make a small purchase if you feel like it. We know items can be expensive at farmers markets, but you might fancy treating yourself to a nice jar of honey. There’s no pressure to buy though.

2. Go for a walk

Completely free and it gets you out of the house and into nature. If it’s raining, pop the waterproofs on and jump in some puddles. You’ll be doing wonders for your health both mentally and physically – and then feel less guilty about spending the rest of the day doing very little.

If you’re feeling inspired before you set off, you could even make some lists of things for the children to find while they are out – a stone, a flower, a feather etc. If not, my children always like a spot of healthy competition, so counting steps, and seeing if we can beat the total we did on our last walk is always a winner – and helps tired legs complete the last bit home.

3. Have a water fight

The weather doesn’t have to be roasting, but a water fight is always a winner on a hot day. If you’re feeling brave, get the kids to invite their friends round to add to the fun! You can invest a small amount in water guns if you don’t already have any – but we always find Calpol syringes (or similar) work really well (and let’s face it, we all have kitchen drawers full of them!)

4. Take a picnic to the park

Don’t know about you, but one of the worst things about the summer holidays is the never-ending demand for snacks and trying to figure out what you can make for lunch which is a) different and b) they will eat.

For a cheap lunch out – and lots of fresh air – take a picnic to the park. Even the same sandwiches you’ve eaten every other day taste different in new surroundings.

You can even take your own ice lollies in a freezer bag for a real treat.

5. Go to the beach

If you’re close enough, a day trip to the beach can feel like you’ve been on holiday. Pack the buckets and spades, a ball, and the swimming stuff (and a picnic of course)

One of our favourite days out last summer was an evening trip to the beach after work – nothing like vitamin sea to cleanse the soul.

6. Go camping

While you will need some equipment for this, it’s a cost-effective way to get away from it all for a couple of nights. If you don’t have a tent, see if you can borrow one – or have a look on Facebook marketplace to see if someone is selling one second hand.

And if you really can’t get away, put it up in the garden – the children can use it as a den, and maybe even have a sleepover at home.

7. Plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs in your garden

Seeds are readily available, and cheap. This is a great project for kids as they can watch how the plants grow over the summer. You can even encourage them do some research into how to look after various plants.

If you do end up with fully grown vegetables or herbs, you can harvest them and have them for dinner. Win-win.

8. Go to the library

Anything that encourages them to read over the summer. Most local libraries have a summer reading scheme for children, when they’ll receive a reward for reading a certain number of books.

Libraries often have events you can join in over the summer months – often an opportunity to do some crafts (with the bonus of keeping the mess out of the house)

If you have time, it’s always pleasant to choose some books and stay at the library to read for a while for a change of scenery. (Our local one has a café attached, so even the option of a cuppa for me too)

9. Swimming

Always a winning activity. Find out how much pools near you charge for entry and choose a cheap one. As with the library, see if your local pools offer fun sessions with inflatables, or even canoeing to try out. Fun and exercise in one go.

10. Visit a museum

Wherever you live, there’s usually a museum to visit. In many towns and cities, these are free (although do often charge for special exhibitions). Here in Liverpool, we are spoilt for choice – my own children love the World Museum – dinosaurs and an aquarium in one building.

Make a list of as many museums and art galleries with free entry which are within traveling distance and try and visit as many as possible over the summer holidays.

11. Have a games night

Board games are always a huge hit in our house. And even better if we ask friends round and they bring games we don’t already own.

A few snacks and drinks and we’re set up for the evening. You could even add a competitive element by creating a tournament with a small inexpensive prize for the overall winner.    

12. Try cooking new recipes

Have a look through the cookbooks you already have or get one from the library. Or you can even research recipes online.

Try to choose a few recipes with similar ingredients so you can keep costs down when you’re doing your food shopping.

Get the children involved with planning, preparing and cooking the meal – they’ll get a great sense of satisfaction and may even be more likely to eat the meal!

If you’re feeling the pinch this summer and are looking for a way to top up your income and help pay for your summer plans, why not join redwigwam and work with us flexibly. There’s a huge choice of jobs, with hundreds added every week.

Because our jobs are completely flexible, adding extra hours around existing work commitments or childcare is no problem. You simply book the jobs and shifts to suit you.

We have all sorts of jobs in all sorts of industries including: bar work, baristas, mystery shoppers, hotel receptionists, retail assistants and waiters.

Find out more at www.redwigwam.com

Prime Day 2022 was biggest event ever

This year was the biggest Prime Day event for Amazon’s selling partners, most of whom are small and medium-sized businesses, whose sales growth in Amazon’s store outpaced Amazon’s retail business

Since Prime Day shopping began on July 12, select Fire TV, Echo, and Ring devices were some of the best-selling items on Amazon in the UK

Some of the best-selling products in the U.K., excluding Amazon devices, this Prime Day were Garnier Vitamin C Serum for Face , Finish Powerball Power All in 1, 110 Tablets, Rimmel Extra 3D Lash Volumising Mascara, Purina ONE Adult Dry Cat Food Chicken and Wholegrains, and  Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

AMAZON Prime members purchased more than 300 million items worldwide during Prime Day 2022, making this year’s event the biggest Prime Day event in Amazon’s history.

Topping the list in the UK, the Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, HD streaming device was the most popular item purchased on Prime Day. And, more shopping means more donations through AmazonSmile. This year, during Prime Day, Amazon doubled donations on all eligible purchases in the UK, making this also one of the biggest days for UK charities on AmazonSmile. 

This year was the biggest Prime Day event for Amazon’s selling partners, most of whom are small and medium-sized businesses, whose sales growth in Amazon’s store outpaced Amazon’s retail business. Customers spent over $3 billion on more than 100 million small business items included in the Support Small Businesses to Win Big sweepstakes. 

John Boumphrey, Country Manager, Amazon UK said: “UK Prime members participated in Prime Day at record levels, saving on everything from everyday basic to devices seasonal purchases for the summer.

“Prime Day delivered something for everyone – great savings for Prime customers, critical sales for the 65,000 UK small businesses that sell on Amazon, and increasing donations for more than 45,000 UK charities that customers can choose to support through AmazonSmile.

“Thank you to all of the brilliant selling partners who participated in Prime Day this year, and a huge thanks to all of the Amazon employees across the UK who made this event possible for customers.”

“And, by way of reminder for all customers, you can continue to shop using the Small Business badge to find products from small businesses in the UK, and at the same time, continue using AmazonSmile all year long so that while you shop, we donate to your chosen charity.”

Prime Day Continues to Fuel Small Business Success

“As a games business we usually see our busiest sales period in the run up to Christmas but Prime Day has offered a fantastic boost in sales for us at a quieter time of year – just in time for families to play our games on their summer holidays! Sales were up more than 500% compared to a typical equivalent day, which makes a big difference to a small business like ours. At Gamely we’re passionate about getting people playing our games as a way to spend more quality time laughing with their family and friends, and Prime Day 2022 has helped make that a reality!” Hazel Reynolds, Founder of Gamely Games

“Prime Day has been a well needed boost of our sales in a difficult economic climate. We increased our turnover by 30% over the last few days. Funky Soap has worked very hard to keep popular items in stock and we have been preparing for the last few weeks. Of course we also benefit from the Amazon advertising campaigns and the increased traffic to our store. Furthermore the “Small Business” Badge on our listings has helped to improve sales as customers know they can trust and support us as a small company. Overall we are very happy with the Prime Day Event and it has been a success and a rewarding experience.” Anni Kriesche, Founder of Funky Soap Shop LTD

“The whole lead up to Prime day has been incredible for us – to have something to really shout about and get involved in as a small business. We’re grateful to Amazon for doing so much to promote ethical, small businesses, and we’ve learned a lot along the way too. Prime Day itself is going super well – we’re watching all the orders fly in, and we are excited to build on this positivity over the next 12 months.” Ky Wright, Founder of Human Food. 

“Thanks to Amazon for shining a spotlight on small businesses. It was great to take part in the recent ‘Small Business, Big Dreams’ panel to explore the impact of social media on growing companies. We’re excited to carry on the momentum with Amazon Prime Day and thrilled to be able to offer such a great deal to our new and existing customers alike: 20% off Supplement and Collagen Serum, 15% off Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner.” Darcy Laceby, Absolute Collagen

Worldwide and U.S. shopping trends around Amazon’s Prime Day event include:

Worldwide Prime Day Trends

Shopping

·         Prime members worldwide purchased more than 100,000 items per minute during this year’s Prime Day event.

·         Some of the best-selling categories worldwide this Prime Day were Amazon Devices, Consumer Electronics, and Home.

·         Prime members worldwide did the most shopping from 9am – 10am PT on Tuesday, 7/12 during the entire Prime Day event.

·         Since Prime Day shopping began on July 12, select Fire TV, Echo, and Blink devices were some of the best-selling items on Amazon worldwide.

U.K. Prime Day Trends 

UK Best Sellers by Category

Some of the top selling products in the UK in the below categories included:

Beauty: Garnier Vitamin C Serum for Face,Rimmel Extra 3D Lash Volumising Mascara, CeraVe – SA Smoothing Cleanser and, Bed Head by TIGI Resurrection Shampoo and Conditioner

Beer, Wine and Spirits: Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Aviation American Gin, and 19 Crimes Red Wine

Electronics: Anker Power Bank, 325 Portable Charger, Duracell Plus AA Alkaline Batteries , Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, Anker Soundcore mini, Super-Portable Bluetooth Speaker, and JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Fashion: BOSS Men’s T-Shirt, KANASTAL High Protection 100% Polarised Driving Sunglasses, BOSS Men’s Boxer Shorts, Swarovski Symbolic pendant, and Havaianas Women’s Slim Crystal Glamour Swarovski

Home: Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, COSORI Air Fryer with 100 Recipes Cookbook, George Foreman 25820 Large Fit Grill, Philips Hue White Ambiance Smart Light Bulb 2 Pack, and SodaStream Spirit Sparkling Water Maker Machine

Toys: Barbie Color Reveal Mermaid Doll, LEGO 31058 Creator Mighty Dinosaurs Toy, Melissa & Doug Wooden Ice Cream Set, and Hasbro Gaming Boggle

Use AmazonSmile Every Day

AmazonSmile is the company’s charity initiative which allows customers to support their chosen UK charity while shopping. Whether shopping online or by turning on AmazonSmile in the Amazon app, eligible purchases made with AmazonSmile generate 0.5% to a customer’s chosen charity. Customers can learn how easy it is to shop with the Amazon app at smile.amazon.co.uk.

Two Ways to Use AmazonSmile
In any web browser:

  1. Visit smile.amazon.co.uk and sign in with your Amazon.co.uk details
  2. Select your chosen charitable organisation to receive donations
  3. Start generating donations every time you shop eligible items at smile.amazon.co.uk
  4. Add a bookmark for smile.amazon.co.uk

In the App:

  1. Download or update to the latest version of the Amazon Shopping App for iOS or Android
  2. Open the app and find “AmazonSmile” in the main menu (☰) under “Settings”
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose your charity and turn on AmazonSmile in the Amazon Shopping App
  4. Start generating donations automatically when you shop eligible items in the app!