Author: Karen Contrino

As we step into the new year, we embrace the dawn of an exciting new era of culinary trends. This year, fast casual food trends faced a transformative shift, bidding farewell to the familiar and welcoming a bold reimagination of flavours, techniques and dining experiences. In 2025, these trends are set to become even more influential. In this article, Laura Bruce and Sanj Sanghera, founders of Doner Shack, share their predictions on the future of fast casual dining, offering advice on navigating current entrepreneurial challenges and capitalising on existing trends. It’s getting personal In 2025, the fast casual food sector…

As 2024 draws to a close, Petpals, the UK’s longest-established pet care franchise, is celebrating a year of growth, innovation and community impact. From spreading festive joy in Sefton to scooping prestigious awards in Milton Keynes, the Petpals network has shown the strength of its franchise model and the dedication of its franchisees. Suzie Mossman, who took over Petpals Sefton earlier this year, has been making waves in her local community with a heartwarming Christmas initiative. Partnering with Freshfields Animal Rescue, Suzie has invited her clients to donate gifts to support the charity’s vital work. Her efforts have been met…

Foodinjoy, a leading innovator in ConsumerTech, is proud to announce its recent triumph at the prestigious UK Business Awards, commonly known as The Dons. The company was awarded Gold in the Best Use of Technology category and Silver in the Best Customer Experience (Micro Business) category. The UK Business Awards, a hallmark of excellence in the business world, recognizes companies that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and customer focus. This year’s awards saw fierce competition from top-tier businesses across the UK, making Foodinjoy’s achievement even more significant. Dr. Joydeep Pal, Founder and CEO, Foodinjoy expressed his excitement about the award, stating,…

Earlier this week, it was reported that 999 services were under extreme pressure and callers for even heart attacks and strokes were being asked to make their own way to hospital. Local entrepreneur and healthcare professional Dave Hawkins, founder of MET Medical, states the company’s Urgent Care at Your Door service is the solution for many. The service launched earlier this year is designed to address the growing crisis in emergency response times; the service offers rapid, expert care directly to patients’ homes. From advanced diagnostics to immediate treatment, the initiative ensures that those seeking urgent medical assistance can access…

Disability advocate and former Royal Navy Commander and barrister Penny Melville-Brown, has achieved another milestone in a life of incredible accomplishment having been recently elected as chair of her local beekeeping branch in Hampshire. Penny was still serving in the Navy when her sight started to fail, a health challenge that she refused to let hinder her ambition. She went on to launch a new career running her own business, as well as holding a wide range of public appointments and roles in voluntary organisations. She has since won an international prize for blind people, cooking around the world and…

Learning to play a musical instrument is an outlet for self-expressions and connecting with other musicians. It teaches patience, discipline, and collaboration, but most importantly, it is an exciting and rewarding experience. Starting out in music is thrilling, but for beginners, the number of musical instruments to choose from can feel overwhelming. However, there are plenty of instruments designed with beginners in mind and there is something for everyone. “It’s never too late to start learning something new. Playing a musical instrument is a fun way to learn a new skill” says Simon Bennett, Managing Director of musicGuard. Wanting to…

A new survey has revealed that a quarter of residents in Britain are struggling with the effects of mould in their homes, after one of the wettest years on record for the UK. According to new data from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, 24 per cent of people living in Britain admit to seeing higher levels of mould than in previous years. Interestingly, the problem seems worse among younger households, with 33 per cent of 18-34s admitting to the issue, compared to just 14 per cent of over 55s. There is also a geographic variation for the problem, with…

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed the digital landscape, revolutionizing industries such as video content creation, cybersecurity, and blockchain. From boosting cyber resilience to reshaping the social shopping experience, AI is paving the way for innovation. Businesses, content creators, and marketers are increasingly turning to these tools to enhance their strategies, especially in the ever-competitive domain of digital marketing. Among these innovations, AI voice cloning stands out as a game-changing technology. This powerful tool has found its niche in content creation, podcasting, and business communication, offering endless opportunities for marketers to connect with their audience in personalized and impactful…

Dubai is a destination synonymous with luxury, attracting UK travelers eager to experience its world-class attractions, luxurious lifestyle, and vibrant culture. For many, the mode of transportation plays an important role in ensuring a seamless and memorable visit. Luxury chauffeur services are a popular choice, offering a blend of comfort, exclusivity, and convenience that enhances the overall travel experience. These services cater to the unique needs of UK travelers, whether they’re exploring the city for leisure, attending business meetings, or celebrating special occasions. By combining premium vehicles with professional drivers, chauffeur services provide an elevated way to navigate Dubai’s iconic…

Earlier this month, Open Road Access hosted a groundbreaking webinar in collaboration with the Rights on Flights campaign, which brought together industry leaders, experts, and the disabled community to address pressing accessibility challenges in air travel. The virtual event explored opportunities for the aviation industry, with a particular focus on making air travel safer, more dignified, and accessible for all. The webinar led by industry experts, including Christopher Wood MBE, Martyn Sibley, and David Dew-Veal, highlighted the urgent need for change, as current practices in assisting disabled air passengers often lead to unsafe and undignified experiences. Key issues discussed included…