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Story of the Day:
Lilley – Abokado is ‘exitable’ this year: Mark Lilley, co-founder of Abokado, the London-based, healthy eating chain, has told Propel he believes the 24-strong company will be in a position to seek an exit for backer Kings Park Capital this year. Lilley said: “I think the business is exitable this year. There’s a strong chance we will get to the right profit number in this calendar year for that to be the case. Is there a market for deals? Perhaps not in the first half.” Lilley said Kings Park Capital was still extremely supportive of the business. He said: “They have been in eight years now, which is probably three years more than they planned. They will exit well when it happens. They are under no time pressure to do that but it needs to be at the right price and to the right buyer. They understand there are pressures in the market place at present, which we are performing well against, producing decent results. I am proud of the fact the relationship is still as strong as when we started, despite some natural challenging bumps in the road all businesses go through.” The company produced like-for-likes for the year to the end of March that were up by about 3% to 4%. Lilley said: “What sits behind that and what is going to drive profitability this year is how we are looking at the model differently, restoring margin, reshaping our central cost base, which is 20% below last year. Turnover is running at about £13.5m. Forecast run rate from April will be the highest profit numbers we have ever shown for the business so the hard decisions we’ve taken have paid off. We have been so disciplined and rigorous in terms of managing the cost base and, in the background, we are optimistic about sales. We are going into what will be a very unsettled 12 months, knowing rock solidly if sales don’t move by even 0.1% we are still going to have a great year. That’s a great position to be in.” The company opened its latest site, in Hammersmith, at the end of last year with the site taking the central London-based group into a new trading environment and highlighting an evolved design format. Lilley still firmly believes the company can double its existing 24-strong estate in central London. He said: “We believe there’s no reason there can’t be an Abokado sat next to every Pret in central London. Nothing has happened in the past couple of years to change that thinking. Hammersmith felt like the right time to evolve the concept. It allowed us to demonstrate to the market we could do that style of format and, if it was successful, it could take us into other areas such as Wimbledon, Ealing and Putney, adding another possible ten to 15 sites in those type of locations.” In terms of upcoming new stores, the company is currently in legals on a further site in central London. Read the full interview with Lilley in the latest Propel Quarterly, which will be available at the beginning of June
Full speaker schedule revealed for Propel summer conference and party, two free places for operators:
The full speaker schedule for the Propel Multi Club summer conference and party has been revealed. The event takes place on Thursday, 27 June at the Oxford Belfry, which is just off the M40. The speaker line-up is The NPD Group insights director Dominic Allport; Farmer J founder Jonathan Recanati; Ted Kennedy, owner of Pebble Hotels and veteran operator of pub assets; Three Joes co-founder Tim Hall; Las Iguanas chief executive Mos Shamel; Remarkable Pubs managing director Elton Mouna; Think Hospitality founder James Hacon; Mario C Bauer, AmRest brand ambassador, Curtice Brothers co-founder and WhiteSpace partner; The Glee Club founder Mark Tughan; Graffiti Spirits Group founder Matt Farrell
and Crepeaffaire founder Daniel Spinath
. The conference will be followed by the summer party, with an evening barbecue, the Big Fat Quiz and the legendary sounds of DJ Big Lee. Operators can claim up to two free places by emailing Anne Steele at email@example.com. Rooms (bed and breakfast) are also available at £125 plus VAT and can be booked by emailing Anne
Other upcoming conferences:
The Finance and Investment Conference
is on Friday, 24 May. Click here
for details. The Coffee Conference
takes place on Tuesday, 11 June. Click here
Hotels eye opportunities amid increasing demand for co-working space: Increasing demand from remote workers for co-working space provides an opportunity for hotel operators, according to a new report by property management solution provider Guestline. The survey of more than 2,000 people revealed almost half (46%) prefer to co-work in a hotel as they are “quieter than coffee shops”. Respondents said the most important factors when choosing a co-working space were internet speed (43%), lack of noise (38%), comfort (35%) and facilities (28%). Respondents scored hotels higher than coffee shops for the top three factors as they were “quieter and more comfortable”. One-quarter of respondents felt there weren’t enough hotels offering the facility. Guestline marketing manager Kate Fuller said: “Hotels could be a new solution for people who work remotely. Traditionally, coffee shops are one of the go-to destinations but we’re seeing a huge shift in co-working behaviour with people desiring spaces that are quieter but still have all the facilities they need to work efficiently and conduct meetings. It’s time for hoteliers to get ahead of the game and create a designated co-working offering.”
Industry leaders secure debut site for quick service chicken brand Chiktopia: Chiktopia, the better chicken concept led by former Ole & Steen UK operations director Alastair Gordon and backed by a group of senior industry figures, has secured its debut site. The concept will open at the new multimillion-pound leisure extension at Intu Lakeside, Essex, in July. The 120-cover site will serve fried and grilled chicken burgers and tenders, skinny fries, salads, wraps, vegan and vegetarian options and thick dairy shakes. Gordon told Propel the team would be concentrating on the Lakeside site this year to make sure the offer was "absolutely right" before looking at potential expansion. He said: "We think we have a compelling offer with an excellent price point that I think will surprise a lot of people, but the rest of this year will be about spending the time working out what works and what doesn't. We've been in this game long enough to know we can't just start a mass roll-out. When you look at our competitors – Nando’s, KFC and McDonald's – they are flourishing in the current market, so we think this is a great time to be launching.” Chiktopia’s advisers include Dan Einzig, founder of Mystery Design; Mark Lilley, chief executive of healthy eating chain Abokado; and Richard Morris, managing director of Tortilla, the Quilvest-backed restaurant group. A Chiktopia spokeswoman said the team was delighted to have been chosen by Intu Lakeside to launch in the flagship leisure scheme, with its bosses impressed by the number of senior restaurant figures who had personally invested or were advising the company. Gordon said: “We are so excited Chiktopia will open soon. A huge amount of work has gone in over the past few months, all focused on giving British consumers the best possible chicken experience imaginable. Intu Lakeside, with its mix of couples and families and driven by state-of-the-art leisure experiences and a well-established retail destination, is the perfect platform on which to demonstrate the broad appeal of our brand and our philosophy of fast food to feel good about.” Rebecca Ryman, regional managing director for Intu, added: “Competition for space within our new leisure development has been high. This has allowed us to select the brands we believe will offer the best possible experience to our customers and thrive at Intu Lakeside as a result.”
Leelex secured creditor facing funding shortfall of more than £750,000: The secured creditor of London and Leeds bar operator Leelex, which went into administration last year, is facing a shortfall of more than £750,000 in its lending, a new report has revealed. HSBC was owed circa £1,196m when David Costley-Wood and Owen Jeffery, of KPMG, were appointed joint administrators in October. In their progress report the administrators said that based on current estimates they currently anticipate a shortfall on HSBC’s lending of about £757,310. Preferential creditor claims of £6,444 are expected to be paid in full. As previously reported, unsecured creditors are owed £750,407 and it is uncertain whether a dividend will be paid. Leelex operated Leeds venues Neon Cactus, Jake’s Bar and Cielo Blanco along with The Distillery in London. In their latest report, the administrators said a sale of the stock, fixtures and fittings of Cielo Blanco raised a total consideration of £7,228. There was no value in the leasehold premises so the lease has been surrendered and handed back to the landlord of the Trinity Centre. Prior to the administrators’ appointment a sale of The Distillery to Good Harbour Trading was completed for £400,000 and a separate sale of Neon Cactus, Jake’s Bar and Oporto was completed to Akito. Leelex went into administration after a “slowdown in the casual dining sector resulted in the company finding it increasingly difficult to service its current debt levels, leading to cash flow issues for the company as a whole”.
Bleecker set for Westfield London’s new food court: Bleecker, the burger concept founded by Zan Kaufman in 2012, is to join the line-up at Westfield London’s new food court. Propel understands the three-strong concept has exchanged on a deal to open at The Café Court. Bleecker is set to open at the scheme alongside Pizza Pilgrims, which will launch a slimmed-down version of its concept; Laura Sheffield-led Corazon, which will open Tacos Corazon; Master Bao, a concept by the team behind Daddy Bao in Peckham; and Pascal Aussignac’s fish restaurant Catch Me. The Café Court will also house units from operators currently based at Westfield London such as Vietnamese street food restaurant group Pho; Tortilla, the Quilvest-backed restaurant group; Comptoir Libanais, the Lebanese canteen specialising in fresh Middle Eastern dishes; and Indian street food brand Indigo. Bleecker is named after the street in New York that connects East Village to West Village. The brand launched its first permanent site in Old Spitalfields Market in 2014 followed by a second outlet, in Victoria, and a third at Bloomberg Arcade in the City of London, its biggest site to date. DCL is understood to be acting for Westfield on The Café Court.
Incipio secures approval for The Palmhouse in Putney: Incipio Group, which received £5m from entertainment and leisure investor Edition Capital earlier this year to open six sites in the next 18 months, is to open The Palmhouse in Putney town centre later this year after a planning application for the development was approved. The site will be on the rooftop of Putney Exchange. The Putney Exchange website states: “The Palmhouse will operate from midday to 11pm catering to customers meeting for brunch, lunch and afternoon tea as well as evening dining. A family friendly element and menu is a key part of this new concept and its aim is to be green and environmentally conscious, recycling all materials where possible. This includes living plants to create a green space in a previously underused area of the car park.” Incipio is also believed to be working on a site at Brixton Market. Launched in 2015, the group aims to transform dead spaces into large, social venues concentrated around food and drink. So far it has launched Pergola Olympia London, Pergola Paddington, The Prince in West Brompton Crossing, Feast in Hammersmith and W12 Studios in White City. The funding secured from Edition Capital, which values the business at £20.5m, will also be used for large-scale sites in Wimbledon and Brixton, with venues also planned for Mayfair and Fulham. Later this year, Incipio Group will open its first outside London, in Birmingham.
JW Lees appoints new director of operations for hotel and inns division: North west brewer and retailer JW Lees has appointed David Grosfils to succeed Tony Spencer as director of operations – hotels and inns. Grosfils has extensive experience in the hospitality sector at senior level, most recently as managing director of Hallmark Hotels. Before that he was chief operating officer of GLH Hotels (formerly Thistle Hotels) after starting his career as a graduate trainee at Whitbread. He has also held a number of senior operations roles at TGI Friday’s and David Lloyd Leisure. Spencer will retire from JW Lees at its annual general meeting in July after four years with the company. The JW Lees hotels and inns division was created in 2018 following the acquisition of The Stanneylands hotel in Wilmslow and the Bluebird Inn in Samlesbury. The division currently comprises 14 hotels and inns, totalling 291 bedrooms, and is in 31% year-on-year growth, with turnover of £20m and unit Ebitda of £5m. JW Lees managing director William Lees-Jones said: “We are sad to see Tony retire but delighted to welcome David as we embark on the next chapter of JW Lees’ 191-year history, with our hotels and inns division forming an important and growing part of our wider business interests. We anticipate the acquisition of more hotels and inns of an AA four-star standard with 20-plus bedrooms and substantial food and beverage businesses.”
Charles Wells to open first Pizza, Pots & Pints in East Midlands next week: Bedford-based brewer and retailer Charles Wells is to open its first Pizza, Pots & Pints site in the East Midlands, next week. The company will bring the concept to Nottingham by opening The Playwright in Shakespeare Street on Thursday, 23 May. It will be the first of three openings Charles Wells plans for Pizza, Pots & Pints having acquired sites in Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham from independent pub group The Orange Tree last year. The Orange Tree pub in Nottingham has undergone a major refurbishment to become The Playwright, which will feature a bar and dining area with 100 covers, two adaptable events spaces and a beer garden. Charles Wells operations director Benjamin Smith said: “The acquisition of The Orange Tree pubs last year gave us an opportunity to accelerate the growth of our managed estate, making the launch of The Playwright a real milestone. We’re looking forward to introducing Nottingham locals to the Charles Wells family ethos and continuing our expansion into the East Midlands throughout 2019.” The Playwright will be the seventh Pizza, Pots & Pints site, with the portfolio reaching nine when the two other Orange Tree sites relaunch before the end of the year. Charles Wells previously revealed an ambition to expand Pizza, Pots & Pints, which launched in Cambridge in 2015, to 25 sites in the next two to three years.
McDonald’s eyes Rutland for final frontier: McDonald’s is eyeing a site in Rutland – the only county in Britain that doesn’t feature one of its restaurants. The company has earmarked land on the corner of Lands End Way and Hackamore Way in the county town of Oakham to build the restaurant, which would create 65 jobs. McDonald’s will submit an application to Rutland County Council with a public exhibition of its plans held at Victoria Hall in Oakham on Wednesday, 22 May, reports Insider Media.
Secret Pub Company takes on second site with Star Pubs & Bars: Nottingham-based operator The Secret Pub Company has taken on its second site with Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars. David Hage and Mark Osborne founded The Secret Pub Company in 2016 to “breathe new life into village pubs”. The company opened The Railway in Lowdham in 2017 following a £400,000 refurbishment with Star Pubs & Bars. The companies have joined forces again with a £450,000 refurbishment of The New Trent in Radcliffe-on-Trent under way that will see it reopen as The Radcliffe at the end of July with a new bar and two dining spaces totalling 80 covers. There will also be an outside bar for private parties and two terraces seating 80 in total. Hage said: “The success of The Railway surpassed even our expectations. We’ve done what we set out to do which is build a brand and business famous for offering consistent, great-quality service, food and drinks, and an exciting calendar of events. It was always our intention to open three pubs in the area in four years. We’ve bided our time waiting for the right opportunity.” Star Pubs & Bars regional operations director Alun Johnson added: “David and Mark have an excellent track record at The Railway and a passion for excellence. They know how to make a village pub a success.”
Durham-based Lebanese restaurant to open fourth site, in Yarm: Durham-based Lebanese restaurant Lebaneat is to start expansion outside the city with a fourth site, in Yarm. The company, which specialises in authentic Lebanese cuisine, will open a site this month in a former Lloyds Bank branch in High Street. Lebaneat operates a restaurant in Durham as well as the newly opened Lebaneat Wrap House and an express takeaway in the city, reports Gazette Live.
Brixton-based The Wine Parlour starts expansion with second site: Brixton-based wine bar and shop The Wine Parlour has started expansion by opening a second site. The venue has launched in Brixton Village arcade with customers able to drink wine on-site or take away. Encouraging a “try before you buy” culture, the bottle shop’s focus is on sustainable wine and lesser known grapes from small, family-run vineyards, many of which exclusively supply The Wine Parlour. It also offers craft beer and spirits to buy. The venue offers eight bar seats inside with a further 15 outside, set around barrels. Chix Chandaria, a former dancer who spent years travelling across Europe, launched the debut Wine Parlour in nearby Atlantic Road in 2012. She said: “We love the vibrancy of Brixton Village, the variety of cultures and the open-minded people who are willing to try anything. We’re looking forward to sharing some incredible wine and continuing to add to the community spirit.” Alistair Maddox, director of Hondo Enterprises, the landlord of Brixton Village and Market Row, added: “The Wine Parlour opening its second business with us embodies our commitment to work with local business and the community.”
Kerb extends inKERBator to St Katherine Docks: Street food business Kerb is extending its inKERBator initiative to London’s St Katherine Docks. The company will launch weekly market Kerb St Kats on Thursday (16 May) showcasing up-and-coming talent nurtured by its street food accelerator and incubator programme. Gourmet hotdog concept Dapper Dogs, Afghan-inspired 2 Lads Kitchen, Mexican concept Dos Mas and Pakistani-focused Baba Dhaba will be among the initial 11 street food traders to showcase their offer every Thursday and Friday. Each trader is embarking on the three-month inKERBator programme, which aims to provide aspiring street food entrepreneurs with the training and tools needed to kick-start their business.
Black and White Hospitality to bring Mr White’s English Chophouse to Samlesbury: Black and White Hospitality, which owns the rights to eight restaurant brands belonging to Marco Pierre White, is to open a Mr White’s English Chophouse at the Mercure Preston Samlesbury Hotel in Lancashire. The restaurant will open at the end of June and follows a deal between KRO Hospitality, which bought the hotel out of administration in February, and Black and White Hospitality, which also operates a Chophouse at KRO’s Velvet Hotel in Manchester. The brand focuses on steak, chops and grilled meat, combining “English classics with French flair”. Black and White Hospitality managing director Brandie Deignan said: “We are delighted to work again with KRO Hospitality. This clearly demonstrates how Black and White Hospitality looks to develop long-term relationships with its partners and franchisees.” KRO Hospitality owner Kim Eivind Krohn said: “Guests will be able to dine alfresco and enjoy a new terrace menu. The hotel has built an enviable reputation as being a first-class venue for celebrations, weddings, events and conferences. The arrival of Marco will reinforce this position.” Pierre White said: “Chophouses go back centuries so it’s not about inventing something new, more refining something good.”
Former Novikov development chef to open gourmet fish bun restaurant: Former Novikov Group development chef Giacomo Uzzo is to open a restaurant specialising in gourmet fish buns. Uzzo, who worked for Novikov Group for seven years, has partnered with Federico Ciampolini to launch Molo, which will open on Saturday (18 May) in Netil Market in London Fields. Using sustainable seafood with a mix of Mediterranean and Asian flavours, the menu will centre on three fish buns – soy butter-poached king crab; salmon with gravlax, fried zucchini, roasted aubergine and feta cream; and a “vegano” featuring a rice-and-nori patty with shredded carrot and Chinese cabbage salad dressing. There will also be rotating specials such as Galician octopus and roasted padrón pepper with homemade houmous and pimenton mayonnaise, reports Hot Dinners.
Operators sought for development located between Harvey Nichols and Harrods: Operators are being sought for ground floor and rooftop restaurant and bar spaces at the K1 development, between Harvey Nichols and Harrods in the Knightsbridge estate. Property advisor Distrkt has been appointed sole restaurant advisor for Chelsfield and The Olayan Group on the 340,000 square foot, mixed-use development that fronts Brompton Road and Sloane Street. K1 will comprise retail, office and residential space as well as a major upgrade and transformation of Knightsbridge tube station. The ground floor and rooftop restaurant/bar opportunities are being brought to the market for an opening in 2021.
Island Poké opens seventh London site, in Victoria: Island Poké, the White Rabbit Fund-backed concept, has continued expansion by opening its seventh London site, in Victoria. The venue has launched in Victoria Street at a site formerly occupied by Doughnut Time and offers the brand’s signature poké bowls, fresh fast food and takeaway options. It also has space for 12 diners to eat in, with swing seating, wooden benches, stools and tables. Founded in 2015 by James Porter, the other Island Poké sites are in Bank, Broadgate Circle, Kingly Street, Canary Wharf, Great Titchfield Street and Shoreditch. The company also plans to launch its biggest site to date, in Waterloo, in July. In March, Island Poké geared up for growth by strengthening its management team. Propel revealed it had appointed Georgina Stevens, previously of Benito’s Hat, as finance director and Richard Zivkovic, formerly of Abokado, Costa and Pret A Manger, as operations director.
Fishworks opens new-look flagship site, in Covent Garden: Boparan Restaurant Group-owned brand Fishworks has returned to the expansion trail with an opening in Covent Garden. The venue has launched a new-look flagship site at the former Loch Fyne restaurant in Catherine Street. As part of a wider rebrand, the 110-cover restaurant features a 30-cover private dining room and the group’s first dedicated oyster bar, allowing guests to “pop in for oysters and a glass of fizz or a light bite”. The oyster bar is also bookable for larger parties. Fishworks chief executive Tom Crowley said: “Catherine Street is perfect because of its prime location for tourists and theatre-goers as well as Covent Garden residents who want to dine out on the freshest fish, sometimes taking some home. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved with the design and hope our guests enjoy the new look and feel.” Fishworks currently has sites in Swallow Street and Marylebone, down from a peak of 12 in 2006 when it was listed on the AIM stock exchange. Founded by Rockfish operator Mitch Tonks, the fishmonger and restaurant concept was bought out of administration by Boparan in 2009, with five sites continuing to trade at the time. Earlier this year, Boparan promoted Caroline Hoyle to head of operations for the brand.
Sushi brand Maido opens debut site, in Tottenham Court Road: Sushi brand Maido has opened its debut site, in Tottenham Court Road, London. Maido Sushi has partnered with the Planet Organic store to create London’s “first sushi bar that uses only sustainably sourced fish and organic ingredients, free from preservatives, MSG and artificial additives”. All fresh fish comes from organic farms or Marine Stewardship Council-certificated sustainable fisheries. All tuna has been caught using short fishing lines to protect dolphin populations. All vegetables, rice and condiments, including soy sauce, are organic, while chefs at Maido and Planet Organic have created a range of all-natural sauces. Plastic-free packaging is sustainable and 100% compostable. Orders are created in front of customers at the sushi bar, with sets also available from the fridge. Maido was established in 2016 by founding members of Atari-Ya, which distributes sushi-grade fish to Michelin-starred restaurants in London. Maido sushi is also available at select grocers in the capital.
Douglas Jack – Ei Group moving into Ebitda growth: Peel Hunt leisure analyst Douglas Jack has said Ei Group is moving into Ebitda growth thanks to managed conversions and a slowdown in disposals. Issuing an ‘Add’ note on the shares with a target price of 230p following the company’s first-half results, Jack said: “Pub partnership’s like-for-like net income grew 1.9% in the first half versus a 0.6% comparable. The first quarter benefited from good trading conditions over the festive trading period, while the second quarter has had favourable year-on-year weather. Like-for-like rent growth was up £1m, with no worsening in the impact of Market Rent Only (MRO) regulation. To date, there have been 1,415 MRO trigger events, from which only 34 have resulted in new mutually agreed free-of-tie terms. Like-for-like net income in pubs that have had a MRO trigger event is up 1.1% versus 1.9% for the total estate, reflecting the former boosting lessees’ negotiating position. Profit from product sales was also up £1m, reflecting price, with volumes flat. In the managed estate, like-for-like sales grew 6.0% (outpacing the pubs constituent of the Coffer Peach Business Tracker’s up 1.6%; wet-led up 1.8%; food-led up 0.5%), helped by a strong Christmas period and uplifts from the conversion programme. A total of 64 pubs were converted to managed in the first half, hence the company is on track for 105 to 115 sites to convert over the full year, of which 70 to 75 should be Craft Union. The company achieved an average return on investment of 18% (2018: 17%) on growth-oriented capex on schemes delivered in the year to 31 March 2019. We are holding our 2019E profit before tax forecast (£115.7m versus consensus’ £113.7m), which assumes 3.5% growth in average tenanted/leased pub profitability after tail-end disposals, versus a 2.7% increase in the first half. Disposal proceeds were £22m in the first half (excluding commercial lease deals) versus £34m the previous year. Over the full year, there should be circa £45m of disposal proceeds versus last year’s £66m. In the first half, tail-end disposals were sold on an average multiple of circa ten times Ebitda. The pace of tail-end disposal activity should slow further to £35m to £40m of annual proceeds from 2020E. The company has announced an extra £30m of share buy-backs, bringing this year’s total to £85m. Excluding the commercial lease disposal, Ebitda is moving into growth, helped by managed conversions and a slowdown in the disposal rate. With the EV/Ebitda at 9.5 times September 2019, we believe the benefit of this year’s debt reduction is reflected in the company’s equity value but our ‘Add’ recommendation reflects Ebitda growth now becoming part of the story.”
Shutov opens Bob Bob Ricard sister site, in the Cheesegrater: Leonid Shutov has opened a much-delayed sister site for his renowned restaurant Bob Bob Ricard. Located on level eight of the Leadenhall building – also known as the Cheesegrater – Bob Bob Cité “breaks new ground” in design and menu, with the latter overseen by Michelin-starred chef Eric Chavot. The 190-cover restaurant is accompanied by a collection of private rooms for a further 50 diners, seating four to 18 guests, with Bob Bob Ricard’s “press for champagne” buttons also an integral part of the new site. Chavot’s menu will feature “French country-cooking classics in London’s most urban, all-booth luxury dining room”. Reputed to have cost £25m, the restaurant offers 50 Armagnac vintages by the glass and stock 200 methuselahs of Champagne in the wine cellar. Shutov told Harden’s: “Good things come to those who wait. One concierge service told us they’ve had more than 5,000 reservation requests for Bob Bob Cité since it has been delayed. I am thrilled we will be able to welcome everyone to enjoy Eric’s outstanding food in a restaurant I hope will become as much a City of London landmark as the Cheesegrater itself.”
Henry McGovern invests in Curtice Brothers: Entrepreneur and AmRest founder Henry McGovern has invested in Curtice Brothers. The investment will help Curtice Brothers support its growth plans. Co-founder and chief executive Mario C. Bauer said: “We are proud and honoured Henry believes so strongly in the Curtice Brothers. His entrepreneurial spirit, positive energy and network will help us continue to grow the company.” McGovern added: “I am pleased to be a part of the Curtice Brothers. The company has everything I have always believed in, which is great food and a great culture. I’m simply honoured to become a brother. The quality and taste of the products are extraordinary.” Simeon and Edgar Curtice founded Curtice Brothers in 1868 in Rochester, New York, but the name was abandoned in the 1940s. Bauer revived the brand in early 2014 and it has since launched an organic ketchup and mayonnaise.
Marston’s to open new-build Clacton pub and hotel this month: Marston’s is to open a new-build pub and 38-bedroom hotel in Clacton, Essex, this month. The company will open the site at Brook Retail Park West on Tuesday, 28 May, creating more than 70 jobs. The pub, which can seat 180 customers, will also feature an outdoor play area, reports the Daily Gazette. The pub will offer a daily carvery alongside its main menu. The hotel and pub is the latest addition to Brook Retail Part West, a £75m retail, leisure and housing complex approved in 2017. The plans include up to 200 homes and a Lidl supermarket.
Sector tech provider Korubu sets out growth plans, hires non-executives: Korubu, the Manchester-based specialist provider of IT infrastructure, energy technology and software for hospitality venues, has outlined ambitious global expansion plans. Founded in 2016 by managing director Chris Xavier, the company has built a client base of 150 sites across the north west in the past three years and said it was now well placed to accelerate growth with ambitions to grow to 1,500 sites in the next two years. Korubu has established a new partnership with London-headquartered JT Global Enterprise, the business-to-business division of JT, which delivers managed data, voice, unified communications, smart retail and contact centre solutions. This will provide Korubu with the large-scale support and infrastructure to facilitate growth targeting national pub groups and international operators. The company said the appointment of non-executive directors Thom Hetherington and Daniel Cornwell and headline sponsorship at this year’s Northern Restaurant & Bar Show would enable the business to continue to expand its network in the north. Xavier said: “Our partnership with JT Global Enterprise provides us with the necessary infrastructure for those rapid, large-scale roll-outs and to go for opportunities that were previously out of reach. Having Thom and Daniel on board provides us with invaluable insight and connections within the industry.” Hetherington said: “We get a lot of approaches from startups and fast-growth businesses looking for advice, advocacy and investment, but Korubu was the one that caught our eye. It’s an elegant, agile system in a sector that will see a huge amount of change and scale. We see a major opportunity to work with Chris and his team to bring our knowledge and contacts to bear.”


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Senator Schatz, Representatives Boyle and Meehan Introduce Bipartisan American Export Promotion Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-Penn.), and Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Penn.) introduced the American Export Promotion Act to help small- and medium-sized firms grow their export capacity, and better access and compete in global markets through grant and technical assistance. As Congress debates global trade policy and the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, set to expire at the end of June, Schatz, Boyle, and Meehan are fighting to empower American businesses to export their products across the globe.
“Small businesses in Hawai‘i and across America are creating jobs and supporting middle class families, and we need to be doing everything we can to help them grow,” said Senator Schatz. “Our legislation gives businesses the tools and resources to boost exports and compete in the global economy.”
“We should be laser focused on supporting cost-effective, job-creating programs like this,” said Congressman Boyle. “Our top priority must be creating American jobs and empowering U.S. manufacturers to access and compete in foreign markets. I am proud of the manufacturing base in my district, and understand the challenges presented by global competition. We need to access growing consumer markets abroad in a way that also empowers American businesses and workers. We need to do all we can to empower them in that fight. This legislation does just that. I am proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Schatz and my Southeast Pennsylvania colleague Congressman Meehan, and I thank Whip Hoyer for his support and leadership on these issues.”
“This bill is a smart investment that will pay big dividends for American workers,” said Congressman Meehan. “It will spur manufacturing and exports and help middle-class American workers compete and win on the global stage. I’m pleased to work with my colleagues and I’m grateful for their leadership on this issue on behalf of the middle class.”
“This bill will enable the International Trade Administration to assist companies looking to export their products overseas,” said Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. “It would help businesses expand and hire more workers for good jobs in Pennsylvania and across the nation. I thank Rep. Boyle for his leadership on this issue, and look forward to working with him to advance this bill in the House.”
The American Export Promotion Act authorizes the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP). The program awards grants of financial and technical assistance to support trade association or local chamber of commerce projects that enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. industries. Successful grantees pay a minimum of two-thirds of the project cost and agree to sustain the project after the MDCP award period ends. On average from 1997 through 2012, projects generated $258 in exports for every $1 in MDCP awards made by ITA.
The Export-Import Bank is set to expire on June 30, 2015 absent congressional reauthorization. The Ex-Im Bank supports tens of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses throughout the country; in fact, nearly 90% of Ex-Im’s transactions are with small businesses. The Bank enjoys broad bipartisan support and supports thousands of American jobs by providing critical financing and helping small and medium-sized businesses across the country access foreign markets on a level playing field. All the while, the Bank adds nothing to the national deficit. In fact, it generated $675 million for American taxpayers last year.
Schatz, Boyle, Meehan and Hoyer continue to call for the Bank’s reauthorization, and an end to the political games standing in the way.
More than 70 percent of the world’s purchasing power is located outside of the United States. Yet, less than one percent of America’s 30 million companies export – a percentage that is significantly lower than all other developed countries.

domain: news


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Would you pay $285 for a skimpy blue bikini with multicolored elastic threaded through multicolored crochet trim?
How about $176?
Or better yet, $38?
These are the options available to crochet-bikini lovers now that Target has jumped into one of the messiest swimsuit tales ever to unravel.
The big-box retailer this spring began to offer its Xhiliration-brand version of a bathing suit first sold on a beach in 1998 by a Brazilian crochet artist. That bikini was later remade and marketed to great success by a New York entrepreneur as the perfect suit for high-end luxury buyers with tiny bodies and huge Instagram followings.
By making the swimsuit available to the mass market — or a look-alike of a copy of the original — Target has reinvigorated one of the bikini industry’s wildest intellectual property disputes in memory; one that involves lawsuits and federal court, and evokes questions about art, commerce, the trickling down of trends and the internet’s role in it all.
In an industry built on creative inspiration, can any one person own a design? Is infringement litigation a waste of time and money that would be better spent on new products and ideas? If one internet-savvy person manages to create a market for a product that would have otherwise existed mostly in obscurity, does the marketer deserve any creative credit?
And that’s before addressing any issues of cultural appropriation.
Accusations of creative theft by big brands against small, unresourced designers have involved all sorts of luxury names, including Chanel, Versace and Michael Kors. (All deny wrongdoing.)
This is the sort of fray in which Target is now ensnarled. But while most such cases tend to be tried solely in the court of public opinion, the crocheted bikini is different.
The lawsuit involves a bikini sold by Kiini, a brand that was brought to market in June 2013 by Ipek Irgit. Her initial $285 bikini is nearly identical to a bikini created and first sold in 1998 by Maria Solange Ferrarini, a beach vendor and artist in Trancoso, in the Brazilian state of Bahia.
Ms. Ferrarini first sold the swimsuit more than 20 years ago for about $2.50. She now charges beach buyers about $75 for a handmade original. (A licensed version made by a San Diego swimwear company sells for $176 in the United States.)
Last year, Ms. Ferrarini, 62, filed suit against Ms. Irgit, who started her own company after visiting Trancoso in 2012, using one of Ms. Ferrarini’s bikinis as a model for a prototype. The lawsuit says Ms. Irgit, 41, has passed off Ms. Ferrarini’s design as her own, even submitting to the United States Copyright Office a photo of the Kiini bathing suit and receiving a copyright.
In an interview with The New York Times last summer, Ms. Irgit denied copying the swimsuit. Her lawyer, Mark A. Berman, did not respond to more recent requests seeking comment.
The case has pulled into its vortex companies including Victoria’s Secret and Neiman Marcus, amid complex issues of intellectual property rights. It got more complicated in January when, in the wake of publicity surrounding the situation, the copyright office also granted Ms. Ferrarini a copyright.
Now, a federal court in the Southern District of New York is digging through those implications.
And the bikinis — all the versions — continue to sell.
Some fans of the Kiini bikini were surprised to learn of the details of its origin, and the controversy it has engendered.
The model Reka Ebergenyi wore a Kiini bikini in a 2014 photo shoot for Condé Nast Traveller. Ms. Ebergenyi knew Ms. Irgit through a mutual friend who was helping with Kiini’s production, and had asked the editor on the shoot if she could wear the bikini.
The resulting photo — Ms. Ebergenyi wearing a Kiini while standing by a pool — appeared on the December cover of the magazine and was a big moment for the swimwear brand.
“I didn’t know I was a part of a fraud,” Ms. Ebergenyi said in an interview this spring.
Some people took to Instagram to register criticism of Kiini after the lawsuit drew attention. Both Ms. Irgit’s personal Instagram account and the Kiini brand account now have restrictions on commenting.
As for the Target version of the bikini, a company spokeswoman declined to make an executive available for an interview on how the bathing suit design was created.
In an emailed statement, the spokeswoman said, “Target offers a wide range of swimwear styles and designs that feature the current trends of the season. This year, one of the trends we saw across the marketplace is crochet trim, which we incorporated into swimwear and other products.”
Ms. Ferrarini’s lawyer, Jack M. Rutherford, shared with The Times a letter he sent to Target on June 25 asking it to “cease and desist” from selling the bikini. “Continuing violation of Ms. Ferrarini’s intellectual property rights, or any known past violation of those rights,” Mr. Rutherford wrote, may subject Target “to heightened liability for willful copyright infringement.”
(The lawyer was part of The Times’s earlier article as well. “While I filed this case under my previous legal name,” he said now, referring to his previous given name, Michelle, “I am a transgender man, and I now go by Jack M. Rutherford and am in the process of a legal name and gender transition.”)
The Target spokeswoman said that “neither Target nor the vendor who designed this swimsuit have received a claim, so we’re unable to comment on it at this time.”
Last summer, Ms. Irgit said she felt compelled to sue companies that she believes have been benefiting from Kiini’s success. “If your rights are being taken, and everything you’ve worked so hard for is, like, being wiped away, wouldn’t you do something about it? Are we all supposed to be afraid and run away?”
Her lawyer didn’t comment on whether Ms. Irgit plans to sue Target.
Katherine Rosman is a features reporter. She covers media, social media and celebrity — and the way in which they intersect and collide. She joined The Times in 2014. @katierosman
Source: Read Full Article


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Karlie Kloss and Christy Turlington Burns Front Extraordinary Women Campaign
New York Fashion Week just kicked off, and while designers are showcasing their Spring 2018 collections, Cole Haan just unveiled an inspiring campaign for its Fall 2017 lineup of clothing, shoes, and bags. Titled Extraordinary Women, Extraordinary Stories, the images and videos feature fashion icons and mentor/mentee duo Christy Turlington Burns and Karlie Kloss.
The campaign, shot by Cass Bird and styled by Karla Welch, gives customers an inside look at Burns’ and Kloss’s relationship (spoiler alert: It’s seemingly just as playful and supportive as you’d imagine) and what inspired them to change women’s lives — and the world — in ways that go far beyond fashion. “When someone is extraordinary, they are being genuine to their unique passions and chasing their dreams,” says Kloss in one of the videos, who founded Kode With Klossy which helps set the stage for girls and young women to lead the charge in tech fields.
Adds Burns, who founded Every Mother Counts, a non-profit that gives mothers access to maternity care all over the world, “What any of us do on any daily basis is very ordinary, very routine. Extraordinary is really born from being your best possible self in any of those given moments.”
Check out the campaign and shop the collection here.
What do you think of Extraordinary Women, Extraordinary Stories? Tell us @BritandCo!
(Photos via Cole Haan)


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Microsoft, just like many other major brands, will hold its own Black Friday sale this year. To prepare customers for what’s to come, Microsoft announced some of the deals it will run starting next week.The Redmond giant will offer deep discounts on notebooks, gaming laptops, smartphones, speakers, gaming accessories, and much more. What you see below is just a fraction of what Microsoft will have on sale on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but we’ll make sure to have them all listed inside our Black Friday 2020 deals page.
It’s important to mention that Microsoft will kick off its Black Friday sale as early as November 16. Also, the company announced that customers who purchase from Microsoft Store will receive the so-called “Microsoft Store Promise,” with free 2-3 days shipping, extended free holiday returns until January 31, 2021, as well as financing options.


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“Breeding” might be a thing in Pokemon Go
During the San Diego Comic Con panel for Pokemon Go, Niantic Labs CEO John Hanke told attendees that the company has considered adding “breeding” to the game. Unfortunately, the feature has not been approved or yet to be developed.
Hanke also acknowledged that there are many different bugs, glitches, and even issues of poaching at gyms immediately after a gym has been taken over. Hanke says that the company are looking into player complaints.


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Buzzfeed has partnered with Haven Global to launch a Tasty cookware line, available in Big W.
BuzzFeed and Haven Global Launch Line of Tasty Cookware Available In Big W Today
BuzzFeed’s Tasty and Haven Global today announce the launch of their line of cookware and kitchenware available at Big W stores today.
The line of kitchen products that will bring the fun, ease and accessibility of Tasty’s signature recipe videos to consumers across Australia. The Tasty-branded cookware line includes 28 products ranging from non-stick cookware to high-quality bakeware to kitchen gadgets, accessories and more, ranging in price from $8 to $59.
Matt Drinkwater, Head of International at BuzzFeed said “There is no better way for Tasty fans to prepare delicious recipes at home than with our bright and beautiful cookware range. We’re so proud to partner with Big W to bring the line to a broad audience of beginner and more experienced cooks alike. Together we’re making cooking more fun.”
The Tasty cookware line features bright colours that pop in the kitchen, and includes all the tools necessary to prepare Tasty’s recipes. The line features non-stick forged aluminium cookware, non-stick metal bakeware with silicone handle inserts, emoji cookie cutters, silicone head utensils and soft grip gadgets. The Tasty Kitchen line is used in Tasty videos and was designed and developed with the Tasty fan in mind, as BuzzFeed research shows that 2 out of 3 Tasty fans have made a Tasty recipe.
Tom Punch, Managing Director of Haven Global, who facilitated, said “We are delighted we are to be working with BuzzFeed to bring the iconic Tasty brand to the Australian market. This launch reflects the huge shift in how millennials are consuming media along with the brand recognition that online content can offer for consumer products. There is so much potential for many more partnerships and categories to come – keep an eye out for this fabulous brand as we further expand into food aisles and more in the coming months.”
The Tasty line of kitchen products is licensed and manufactured by Fackelmann. CEO of Fackelmann Housewares Australia, Mark Batson said “We are thrilled to be the product partner for the launch of Tasty into the Australian market. The new range of millennial focused kitchenware products includes solutions for all stages of meal preparation from knives to bakeware to frying pans. All, of course, have been designed to be insta-friendly with bold colours across the range and perfect for recreating the Tasty recipes we see online.”
Tasty reaches over 325 million people globally and can be viewed across social platforms including Facebook, YouTube and TikTok; through Tasty.co and the Tasty app. The growing Tasty portfolio includes additional brands Proper Tasty, Tasty Demais, Tasty Miam, Einfach Tasty, Tasty Japan, Bien Tasty, Tasty Vegetarian, Tasty Grill, and Tasty Jr.
Source: Buzzfeed media release


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SALEM — From seed providers to a company offering mechanized bud trimmers, those involved in the once-illicit marijuana industry in the Pacific Northwest got ready on Friday for the first-ever Oregon Cannabis Growers' Fair.
Reggae music thumped from Savant Plant Technologies' display as owner James Knox, 38, of Corvallis, set up his do-it-yourself grow package, including peat and microorganisms to stimulate plant growth, among more than 80 exhibitors registered for the two-day fair that starts Saturday.
Oregon is one of four states to have legalized marijuana, along with Washington, D.C.
"It's nice for us to be stepping across the line and say, 'here we are, and we're ready to do business,'" he said. "For those of us who have been doing this a long time, this is a breath of fresh air because we're able to work openly and in the light."
Winning entries of a pot-plant competition at the fair will be displayed in two weeks at the Oregon State Fair, the first time cannabis will be exhibited at a state fair anywhere in the United States, organizers said.
"It is an historic event. It's a great opportunity to meet these growers that typically were underground," said fair organizer Mary Lou Burton. "We're trying to get people connected up and networking."
Nine winners of the pot-plant competition will showcase their plants at the Oregon State Fair, along more traditional items like tomatoes, hogs and horses, in two weeks. They will be under display in a small greenhouse amid tight security, she said.


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October 6, 2021
October 6, 2021
Repeatedly over the past few months, Terry McAuliffe has released false attack ads against Glenn Youngkin that have since been debunked by fact checkers. The Washington Post gave McAuliffe four pinocchios for his most recent ad, calling it “flat-out false” and saying “there is no excuse for such flimflammery.”
How many times will McAuliffe get called out for spreading misinformation? According to our records, at least five.
Here’s a look at McAuliffe’s false ads and the less-than-rave reviews they earned from the Washington Post and PolitiFact.
“This ad slices and dices Youngkin’s comments to misleadingly claim that Youngkin praised McAuliffe’s tenure as governor. But instead, Youngkin was merely a moderator at a business panel, making benign comments and offering no indication he was a ‘big fan’ of McAuliffe.”
“In raw dollars, McAuliffe did sign budgets during his last two years that set state records for overall education spending and per-student outlays. But for historical spending comparisons to have meaning, inflation must be considered. When it is, McAuliffe’s claim comes up short.
“We rate McAuliffe’s statement Mostly False.”
“But McAuliffe skips important information. Youngkin also said, before the ad aired, that he supports popular aspects of the law that gave $1,400 checks to many people, increased tax deductions for children and sent aid to small businesses.
“McAuliffe takes liberty with Youngkin’s statement and his position on COVID relief. We rate his ad statement Mostly False.”
“But McAuliffe is twisting Youngkin’s secretly recorded comments into something Youngkin did not say — and it’s especially a stretch to claim he has repeatedly said he would ban abortion in Virginia.”
“On just about every level, this campaign ad is flat-out false. It claims that Youngkin ‘took over’ the dental clinics. Not only was he not part of the original transaction, but Carlyle did not own or manage the clinics; it merely helped fund the deal with loans.”
Bottom line: Terry McAuliffe has to resort to spreading lies about Glenn Youngkin to make up for his out-of-touch policies and lackluster enthusiasm among Virginia voters.


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New Delhi, 12th February 2024: In a thrilling development for car enthusiasts across India, Honda has unveiled its latest offering – the 2024 Honda City Hatchback – in Thailand. Boasting powerful performance and a sleek design, this car has already captured hearts in its home country and is set to make waves in the Indian market soon.
The 2024 Honda City Hatchback comes packed with impressive features and a stylish exterior that is sure to turn heads on the road. With a starting price of 599,000 baht in Thailand, anticipation is high regarding its pricing in India. While Honda has not yet disclosed the Indian pricing, media reports suggest it could range from ₹14 lakh to ₹18 lakh.
Although the 2024 Honda City Hatchback has yet to be officially launched in India, reports indicate it could hit the Indian roads by the end of 2024. The car’s attractive and sporty design, featuring a new grille, LED headlights and taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a sunroof, promises to make it a standout choice for Indian consumers.
Inside, the car boasts a premium and stylish interior, complete with a digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Under the hood, buyers can expect two engine options: a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder VTEC turbo petrol engine delivering 122 PS power and 173 Nm torque, or a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle i-VTEC hybrid engine offering 98 PS power and 127 Nm torque.
The 2024 Honda City Hatchback has advanced features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, cruise control, rear parking camera, sunroof, push-start button, and keyless entry.
Safety is also a top priority, with the Honda City Hatchback 2024 equipped with a range of safety features such as six airbags, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and a 360° camera.
With its blend of style, performance, and advanced features, the 2024 Honda City Hatchback is poised to significantly impact the Indian automotive market, offering consumers an exciting new option in the compact hatchback segment. Stay tuned for further updates on its launch date and pricing in India!


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The discussion around where our clothes come from is a popular one. People are beginning to understand and prioritize ethically made clothing. But what about when it comes to technology? Well, to start, we don’t buy as many phones and laptops as we do t-shirts and pants, and we don’t have as many options when it comes to buying them. However, that doesn’t mean giant tech companies should get off scot-free for using sweatshops for their production.
Apple and Samsung are the two most popular smartphone brands in the world, but their factories are anything but smart. Here’s what you need to know about how your Samsung and Apple technology is made.
In 2017, a report on a large Samsung factory in Vietnam exposed the company for treating its mostly female employees terribly. The women dealt with neurological and reproductive problems and suffered severe health issues linked to exposure and overwork. The raw materials required to make fancy smartphones are literally taking lives. Miscarriages are incredibly common and often expected. The endless hours of standing, exposure to toxic materials, and physically and emotionally draining work have meant that many women have suffered miscarriages.
A South Korean Samsung factory was no better. Like other smartphone factories, workers suffered from leukemia, lupus, lymphoma, and multiple sclerosis. There have been over 200 documented cases of terminal illness in Samsung factory workers. South Korean authorities have helped the factories cover up the deadly issues related to exposure at Samsung chip and display factories. This has stopped sick employees from receiving the compensation they deserve. A supreme court ruling denied any financial compensation to Samsung plant worker Lee Yoon-Jung’s family. She died at 32 from a brain tumor.
We can’t talk about Apple without mentioning Foxconn, which manufactures a lot of its technology. At one point, Foxconn’s 1.4 square-mile flagship plant in Longhua employed about 450,000 workers. In 2010, assembly-line workers began killing themselves. The factory had 18 reported suicide attempts and 14 documented deaths that year alone. One worker confided that “It wouldn’t be Foxconn without people dying. Every year people kill themselves. They take it as a normal thing.”
When it came to how workers felt about being there, he said, “They call Foxconn a fox trap because it tricks a lot of people.” They were originally promised free housing, but once they moved in, they were charged extremely high rates for electricity and water. The dorms sleep eight, although there was a time when they used to sleep twelve.
Workers at Foxconn will be fined if they try to quit before the first three months. They are trapped in an environment that does not care enough about them to treat them right but will not let them leave, either.
We think of Apple as the modern, sleek tech brand. When we get a new iPhone, everything about it seems perfect. After all, we’ve paid enough money for it to be as close to perfection as possible. In reality, 1,700 iPhones pass through a single assembly-line worker’s hands every day. That same worker then goes to sleep in an overcrowded dorm and regularly has co-workers commit suicide around her. Nothing about that is modern or impressive.
These Are Not Isolated Instances
Samsung and Apple are not special. Google has been accused of wage theft and called a “white-collar sweatshop”. Microsoft, Sony, Nokia, and several other tech companies have been accused of using forced labor camps in China. Whenever a piece comes out about one of these tech giants using sweatshops, they release a statement expressing their concern and that they’re launching an investigation. As far as we can tell, nothing has changed. When will giant corporations stop encouraging and inflicting suffering on laborers? And who’s going to hold them legally responsible for these lives?
- 8 Times the Textile Industry Got Busted for Human Rights Violations
- U.S. Restricts Apparel and Tech Products Made by Chinese Producers in Xinjiang Suspected to Use Forced Labor
- How the Chinese Government is Abusing its Muslim Minority Group, Uighurs
For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!


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North Olmsted, Ohio… Once upon a time, wedding registries were created so newlyweds joining their lives together would have all the basic essentials to establish their first home. But as technology has evolved, so too has the wedding registry. Gone are the days where registries only include dishware and candlesticks. Couples can now incorporate modern must-haves, like the latest home tech. Think connected lightbulbs and front door locks, voice assistants and smart showers that will take a house to the next level.
Leading faucet manufacturer, Moen, commissioned a survey conducted online by Harris Poll in March 2018, which investigated what smart products would top the list when it comes to millennial (ages 18-34) wedding registries and how this tech-savvy generation may be reinventing the process of registering.
The Gift of Technology
In the past, it may have been a no-no to ask for anything except traditional household goods. But young nearly-weds are modernizing bridal registries by embracing the gift of technology:
- More than two in five millennials (42 percent) would want to include smart home products on their registry if they were registering today, with digital voice assistants (66 percent), such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home, topping the list of desired smart products among those who would want to register for them.
- Would-be grooms in particular seem to love the tech – nearly half (48 percent) of male millennials who would want smart home products on their wedding registry would add smart lightbulbs/light switches to their wedding registries, as well as smart thermostats (42 percent) and a digital shower (32 percent).
“Tech is trending when it comes to wedding wish lists,” says Andrea Maher, senior marketing communications specialist, Moen. “Our survey found that just as many millennial would-be brides would put smart home products on their registries (43 percent) as glassware (44 percent), with products like a robot vacuum cleaner (65 percent) and a hands-free faucet (39 percent) being some of the most wanted items among those who would want smart home products on their wedding registry.”
“After all, with the great gear available today, why would you limit yourself to towels and serving trays?” adds Maher.
Across the country, 20- and 30-something couples aren’t just bending the nuptial gift list rules, they’re rewriting them. With the emergence of technology, it’s not just the presents that are being techified, the registries themselves are too.
Moen’s survey found that of millennials who have ever had a registry, over two in five (43 percent) registered at online-only retailers, such as Amazon or Jet.com, while 23 percent used a honeymoon registry, (which allows couples to request donations to help pay for unforgettable honeymoon experiences) and 18 percent used a universal registry, where newlyweds-to-be can seamlessly link gifts from multiple retailers. In fact:
- Over 500,000 couples have used Zola, a universal registry resource, since the site launched in 2013.
- A recent Pinterest report found searches for “Honeymoon funds” have recently increased by as much as 200 percent year-over-year.
- Of millennials who have ever had a registry, only one in five (21 percent) registered at a brick and mortar store without an online option.
“Many young people are getting married later and live with partners before tying the knot, meaning they already have classic household goods like glassware, blenders and toasters,” says Maher. “As a result, gifts like a hands-free faucet for the kitchen or money toward a honeymoon excursion are more in line with what couples really want and need.”
Online tools like Zola and Honeyfund, a popular honeymoon registry, have made creating a modernized registry easy. Plus, these resources can help ease the minds of traditionally-minded guests, as they’re able to see exactly where their money is going.
“From requesting high-tech wedding presents to asking for donations for snorkeling excursions, millennials are bucking many age-old gifting customs,” says Maher. “Though traditionalists may find these new registry customs strange, at the end of the day, couples shouldn’t be afraid to craft a list full of things they’ll be excited about receiving – even if they are a little unconventional by your grandmother’s standards.”
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Moen from March 01 - 05, 2018 among 569 U.S. adults ages 18-34 (223 ever had a wedding registry). This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Alexis Christlieb at email@example.com.


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WSJ writes how companies are “using inexpensive, standardized parts from South Korea and the US..to challenge the heavyweights.”
From China to Eastern Europe to Central America, companies with limited technical skills, resources and experience are reshaping the consumer-electronics business. Instead of spending millions of dollars to design chips and software to power their gadgets, they’re simply buying those components from other manufacturers and then heavily undercutting the industry leaders’ prices.
This sea change resembles the upheaval in the computer industry 20 years ago — and is driven by the same technological force. As more consumer gadgets are based on digital chips and software, standard designs are emerging, just as the personal computer took shape around Intel Corp. microchips and Microsoft Corp. software. Now, new players are using those designs to shake up the older order and push down prices. While it took three years for DVD players to go from $1,000 to under $300, the same drop took just two years for DVD recorders.
The result: Today’s consumer-electronics industry leaders, chiefly Japan-based multinationals such as Sony and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., are threatened the way computer leader International Business Machines Corp. was threatened by the rise of the PC clone.
With so many competitors making components for such a diverse array of gadgets, it’s unlikely that a few companies will come to control the consumer-electronics market the way Intel and Microsoft dominate PCs. But established manufacturers can no longer assume, as they used to, that it will be years before rivals can match their products.
No surprise then that the various computer companies are headed into the consumer electronics space – working with standardised components is what they’ve been doing for a long time.


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AB InBev’s shares slid 1% to 75.71 euros at 3:48 p.m. in Brussels trading, giving the company a market value of about 122 billion euros. MillerCoors co-owner SABMiller’s shares slid 1.6% to 2,991 pence in London, and Molson Coors Brewing’s shares fell 1% in New York to $54.75.
As the popularity of these beers cuts into sales of the biggest brands, it’s fostering a new crop of mid-sized labels, according to Trevor Stirling, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein. Moreover, craft brews are wooing drinkers back from wine and spirits. While craft beer currently has only about 6% of the market, that share could more than triple in the next five years, Canadean predicts.
“There’s a new generation choosing a much broader repertoire of drinks,” Stirling said. “It’s virtually inevitable that the larger brands will lose market share to craft.”
That’s not to say that the big brands are going to give up on their mass market brews anytime soon. With about 21% of the beer market by volume, Bud Light alone is about triple the size of the entire craft sector, Symphony IRI data show.
“I don’t see the era of big brands being over, but more that there’ll be a bigger mix of beers,” said Lawrence Hutter, who heads the European corporate solutions unit at consultant Alvarez & Marsal. “Don’t forget people still like those lighter, lager-style beers; They’re very drinkable”
The U.S. Brewers Association defines “craft” as beers with annual sales below 6 million barrels and ownership by a big player of no more than 25%. Despite the industry’s homespun image, 60% of drinkers don’t give much thought to what company owns the brand of beer they drink, according to a survey by AB InBev.
“It’s kind of a disconnect for me that being bigger is necessarily bad,” said Paul Chibe, head of U.S. marketing at AB InBev. “What’s important is that if a beer gets bigger, it has to stay true to what it is.”
Even as the giant brewers lose share with their leading brands, the shift could shore up their profits since their craft-like beers enjoy higher margins, analysts and the companies say. Goose Island retails for an average of about $33.10 per case versus $20.17 for Bud Light, according to Symphony IRI. Some offshoots can be far pricier. Goose Island sells a brew called Bourbon County Stout one day a year, the Friday after Thanksgiving, at about $25 for a four-pack of 12-ounce bottles.
The higher prices help offset the added costs the industry’s giants face in producing more small brands. They are typically more labor-intensive, use a wider range of ingredients, and have more elaborate packaging and marketing.
The big companies also gain an edge over smaller rivals by producing the craft-like brands in their industrial-scale breweries. Blue Moon is brewed at MillerCoors’ facilities across the U.S. And some Goose Island beers are made by AB InBev in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Baldwinsville, New York, in addition to the brand’s original brewery in Chicago.
“We’ve been a great home for craft brands like Goose Island,” helping out with additional production capacity as their popularity grows, said AB InBev marketing boss Chibe, who plans to leave his job in February. “They have their own leadership team, their own innovation group, the brewers do their own things. We primarily behave as the rich uncle. When they need resources, we give it to them.”
Copyright 2014 Bloomberg. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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in this issue
Chemical Week Magazine :: Top of the Week
Margin Growth Helps Diversified Firms Beat Estimates
8:42 AM MDT | October 29, 2010 | â€”NANCY SEEWALD
Basic and diversified chemical companies posted big profit gains in the quarter ended September 30, and most beat the consensus of analystsâ€™ estimates as reported by Thomson One (New York). Companies cite margin expansion and volume growth as top drivers of earnings improvement. Higher selling prices are also helping to offset increases in raw material costs. Dow Chemical says its Ebitda reached a level â€śnot seen since before the economic crisis.â€ť Dowâ€™s third-quarter net income soared 97%, to $705 million, on higher volumes and selling prices. Excluding...
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Weavr, a UK-based technology provider that offers businesses plug-and-play embedded finance solutions, expands into South-East Asia with launch in Singapore.
After bagging a $40million Series A round, led by US investment firm Tiger Global, Weavr’s arrival in Singapore is part of the embedded finance firm’s continued global expansion.
According to a report by Bain & Co and Bain Capital, the embedded finance market is also predicted to more than double to $51billion by 2026.
Alex Mifsud, Weavr’s CEO and co-founder, announced its Singapore launch at the Web Summit in Lisbon earlier this week.
“Further to our European expansion, we will now enable businesses in Singapore and the region to seamlessly and efficiently integrate financial services wherever their customers need them,” said Mifsud.
“We see few better opportunities for deploying a significant portion of the $40million of capital we raised earlier this year to bring the benefits of embedded finance to digital innovators and ultimately to their customers in the region.
“Having raised a total capital of $55million and onboarded 1000+ clients since our inception in 2019, Weavr is on an upward trajectory to help businesses unlock their full potential.”
Weavr’s next steps
Singapore is well-positioned as a hub for digital and financial innovation in the region, says Weavr. It also described it as a “natural first stop” on Weavr’s mission to help online businesses and SMEs innovate through the simplicity of their embedded financial solution.
It believes the move will also help it contribute to meaningful advances in financial inclusion, green tech and more, as part of Weavr’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing.
The British High Commissioner to Singapore, Kara Owen, said: “It is fantastic to see Weavr expanding into Singapore. Their presence here will help more Singaporean businesses – and those in South East Asia, as it expands – to seamlessly integrate financial services for their customers. Our financial services trade with Singapore was £1.7billion in 2020.
“This value is only set to grow as our countries grasp the opportunities of digital trade and technology innovation. The UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement, which entered into force in June this year, will support more companies to embark upon journeys like Weavr’s. We are delighted to celebrate Weavr’s success.”
The company’s Plug-and-Play solutions are designed to help digital businesses launch and monetise financial services quickly and efficiently. This includes:
– Pre-defined solutions for a range of use cases that reduce time to market to five weeks. They also take care of compliance, data security and regulation
– A low-code offering that allows brands to embed services quickly and seamlessly without compromising on quality and security
– Extensible solutions that enable customers to add new financial services in new markets as they grow


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APPLE will unveil the latest iPhone in just over a week, and it appears fans will have an eye-catching new colourway to choose from.
An unverified video posted to social media shows what looks like an iPhone 14 “dummy unit” with a shimmering finish.
As someone holding the device turns it in their hand, the casing appears to change colour as it catches the light.
It quickly swaps from what looks like a navy blue hue to purple, glimmering in the sun.
The video was posted to Twitter by @DuanRui after it went viral on Chinese social media platform Weibo last week.
They said that the purple colour only appears when you hold the smartphone at certain angles.
It’s not clear how the person in the video got hold of the device, which remains closely under wraps ahead of its launch.
Apple hasn’t confirmed that it is releasing an iPhone 14 but has announced that its annual September event will take place on the 7.
The tech giant typically unveils the latest iPhone during the event, which is held at its sprawling Cupertino campus.
En total, four new models are expected to be announced. They will likely hit shelves in late September.
Lo más leído en tecnología
Ahead of the event, leaks have been ramping up in quantity and quality – including the appearance of iPhone “dummy units”.
These are sent out to third-party manufacturers to help them build screen protectors, cases and more in time for launch.
They have the same casing as the final product without any of the guts. Photos and videos of dummy units frequently leak in the lead-up to a phone’s launch.
It’s unclear how or where the person in the video got hold of the stripped-back device in the video.
It’s impossible to verify whether the dummy unit is real or a clever fake.
If it is real, this wouldn’t be the first time a smartphone maker has employed a colour-changing design.
Honor’s View 20, por ejemplo, boasted a vibrant, V-shaped gradient that caught the light at different angles.
Huawei, China’s biggest smartphone maker, has brought out a number of eye-catching, shimmering devices of its own.
Rival tech giant Vivo, por otra parte, has confirmed that it is working on a phone that can change colour on demand.
The gadget will come with “electrochromic glass” on the back that alters the hue of its casing with the push of a button.
Rumours have circled for months that Apple is working on a purple version of the next iPhone.
The company is also expected to release the device in more traditional black and white shades.
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Blockchain for Europe welcomes Electroneum as its 10th member
Electroneum is now the tenth member of Blockchain for Europe, an industry organization that focuses on blockchain promotion and education to help the EU remain at the global forefront of blockchain innovation.
The award-winning crypto project now shares a privileged place amongst the membership — one of the most respected in Europe — along with Blockseed, Binance, Fetch.ai, Ripple, and Block.one.
Maria Minaricova, Blockchain For Europe’s Board chairperson, congratulated Electroneum.
“We have high expectations for Electroneum as a member given its record as a well-established company led by a highly professional team with a goal of financial inclusion that has caught the attention of many crypto and blockchain experts around the world,” Minaricova said.
“We are very pleased that they will join our other dedicated members in seeking to advance blockchain technology applications in Europe,” she added.
As a trade association, Blockchain for Europe ensures that blockchain companies can speak with a unified voice to effectively and positively influence policymaking at the EU level. “We proactively contribute to the regulatory debate by supporting European decision-makers in their goal to make Blockchain technology a success,” the association states on their website.
“It’s a great honor to join such an important group of blockchain firms in their mission to ensure that new rules and regulations do not stifle innovation in the space,” said Electroneum CEO Richard Ells.
“We look forward to playing our part in helping European authorities and lawmakers better understand the important technological advances blockchain enables,” he stated.
The group is currently contributing to ongoing discussions about a digital Euro and the proposed EU framework for markets in crypto-assets as well as on other relevant regulatory issues.
As the association grows, it intends to expand into areas such as self-sovereign identity, digital taxation, IoT, and governance.
About Blockchain for Europe
The group proactively contributes to the regulatory debate by supporting European decision-makers to make blockchain technology a success.
Blockchain for Europe closely collaborates with national, regional, and global players — both at the policy as well as industry level — to support the promotion of and education about blockchain technology.


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The UK Department for International Trade launches its Tech Rocketship Awards in Australia and New Zealand for the first time, offering tech scale-ups the platform for global expansion…
The inaugural ANZ-UK Tech Rocketship Awards are open to established Australian and New Zealand scale-ups who provide innovative, technology-led solutions across a range of industries and are ready to internationalise.
Supported by partners, the Australian British Chamber of Commerce and Grant Thornton, over 40 companies have participated in the programme. This is the first time the awards have been open to Australian and New Zealand scale-ups.
With a variety of award categories including Digital Economy and Security, the awards will help 8 winners gain exposure, expand their international networks and establish their UK operations through a paid-for, curated trip to the UK in early 2019.
Technology and Software Sector Specialist at the UK Department for International Trade (DIT), Jeff Peel, told Startup News that, “The Tech Rocketship Awards are a fantastic opportunity for ambitious Australian tech companies to experience the tech eco-system in the UK first-hand.”
“The UK is the world’s 5th largest economy and has a highly developed digital ecosystem with massive opportunities for growth companies and innovators.
“Winners will get the chance to meet and network with potential mentors, investors, accelerators and buyers, as well as Australian companies who have found success in the UK. They will also get face time with experts who can provide practical advice on tax, finance, incentives, visas, setting up a company and insights into the various tech hubs across the UK to determine the right location.”
The Perfect Place to Expand
The DIT has been running workshops across Australian cities including Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne this month to provide potential applicants with updates on the thriving UK tech ecosystem, insights from companies who have successfully expanded in the UK and information on the awards.
“With the tech sector worth 184 billion pounds and London being the 2nd most connected tech eco-system in the world, the UK is an excellent option for WA tech companies looking to expand internationally. “The UK is unrivalled in the benefits it offers companies looking to grow internationally,” Jeff said.
“We offer an established, business-friendly environment, access to capital, economic stability and commercial security, all of which continues to attract the very best talent from around the world. The government is investing heavily in innovation in every sector…
“Most importantly, the DIT has Investment Advisers across Australia and New Zealand to help Western Australian companies navigate and make the best of the UK opportunity. So, if you are ready to make the leap, don’t delay and apply.”
Calling All Scale-Ups
The Tech Rocketship Awards are open for submissions until 26 November at 23:59 AEDT. Jeff told Startup News that all ambitious Australian tech scale-ups are encouraged to apply.
“Any established, ambitious Australian technology company looking to grow and expand internationally in the next couple of years [should apply]. It really does not matter which market you are targeting, as there are eight categories covering most areas, and if you don’t fit neatly into one of the category boxes, we’d still encourage you to apply.”
Judging will take place in November and December, with the winners announced in December. Winners will travel to the UK in February 2019.
To apply for the Tech Rocketship Awards or find out more
FEATURE IMAGE: Tech Rocketship Awards Banner


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News, Telecommunications - Written by Renai LeMay on Friday, October 5, 2012 13:48 - 7 Comments
Exetel launches 4G mobile plans
news Tier two national broadband provider Exetel has launched a range of 4G mobile broadband plans with monthly download quota ranging up to 20GB, based on Optus’ new 4G infrastructure located in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Newcastle.
The company will offer customers three plans, at $39.95, $59.95 and $79.95 monthly price points and with 10GB, 15GB and 20GB of data quota included. The company is planning to count both uploads and downloads towards the quota, and it is offering free activation (which normally costs $20) when customers pre-order the service before 15 October. The plans were first spotted by Computerworld.
The company will provide customers with a Huawei USB modem to access the services, which offers theoretical download speeds of up to 150Mbps. It also supports the DC-HSPA+ standard which customers can connect to on Optus’ network when outside 4G zones. Exetel will lock customers into a 12 month contract with break fees to connect to the service.
Exetel is only the latest retail telco to launch 4G mobile broadband services off the back of Optus’ 4G network. Rival iiNet also announced recently that it had signed a deal with Optus to start reselling access to the SingTel subsidiary’s 4G mobile broadband network, with services to start “in the coming months”.
Optus recently opened its new 4G network to consumers in Sydney, Perth and Newcastle, with Melbourne launching late last week. The company has some 600 4G towers located around Australia, and has also started selling 4G mobile broadband USB dongles and prepaid devices, along with a popular 4G version of Samsung’s Galaxy S III handset. The network allows theoretical speeds up to 60Mbps, but testing has shown in practice it usually delivers download speeds similar to ADSL2+ broadband, with very good latency.
Other Optus resellers have also reportedly confirmed they will shortly be launching 4G mobile services on the SingTel subsidiary’s new platform. Computerworld reported recently that Virgin Mobile, Amaysim and Boost Mobile were also planning to launch 4G mobile services on the back of the Optus network. Any launch of 4G services by Internode is also likely to be accompanied by a similar launch across the other brands owned by its parent iiNet – Netspace, Westnet, TransACT and so on.
Reselling 4G services through companies such as iiNet, Internode, Exetel, Boost, Amaysim and Virgin may allow Optus to rapidly ramp up the number of customers using its infrastructure. However, even with this number of resellers using its infrastructure, it may prove hard for Optus to catch up to Telstra in terms of pure customer numbers, with Telstra already known to have some 200,000 4G connections signed up and analyst firm Morgan Stanley reportedly believing the company will shortly announce it has half a million 4G subscribers already. It is believed that Telstra does not provide wholesale access to its 4G network, although it has started allowing wholesale access to its 3G network.
It is interesting to see retail ISPs such as Exetel launch 4G mobile broadband services on the back of Optus’ network, but I don’t really think they’re doing so in a very intelligent way so far. Why, for example, didn’t Exetel launch a bundled offer with ADSL2+ broadband and fixed-line telephony? This would seem to be a logical way to lock its customers into its services – if they change one aspect of their bundle, they would need to consider the whole lot etc. I don’t see a lot of people signing up to Exetel’s 4G plans unless it does launch this kind of bundle, even if they are on the cheap side. And so far this kind of limited thinking has also plagued other retail ISPs like iiNet.
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|Ziggy Switkowski's first substantial public appearance since being appointed NBN Co chief executive has starkly demonstrated just how different he is from his predecessor, Mike Quigley, and just how strictly he will adhere to the guidelines which his patron, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull, has set for him.|
|Australian technology companies have been virtually absent from the the nation’s public stockmarket over the past decade as the stigma of the dot com bust took its toll on investor confidence. But a clutch of new listings planned for the closing months of 2013 shows renewed interest in the sector and that local entrepreneurs are smelling money in the air once again.|
|NBN Co’s Strategic Review process gives the company an unmissable opportunity to re-evaluate the early decision to deploy its FTTP network primarily through Telstra’s underground ducts. The company and its new Coalition masters must now seriously consider deploying more fibre aerially on power poles in an effort to speed up its rollout substantially.|
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|The rapid replacement of respected NBN Co chief operating officer Ralph Steffens with a Telstra executive who appears less experienced with fibre rollouts but better politically connected represents a key signal that NBN Co’s senior executive hiring process has now become completely politicised and is no longer independent from the Federal Government.|
Enterprise IT, Featured, News - Dec 5, 2013 13:41 - 0 Comments
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Apple to issue iPhone 12 software fix in France to address radiation concerns
Apple just announced that it will roll out a software update for iPhone 12 users in France to address purported radiation concerns.
The three-year-old Apple iPhone 12 has become the subject of concern among European countries after French watchdog group Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) claimed the device exceeds legal radiation exposure limits.
The French government believes a software update should fix the radiation issues, and was initially “prepared to order a recall of all iPhone 12 models in circulation” if Apple did not comply with its demand. Nonetheless, the French government will continue its review of the iPhone 12 and other models.
Earlier this week, ANFR requested Apple to stop the sales of the iPhone 12 in France after tests revealed the device’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) – a gauge of the rate of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body from an equipment – breaches EU rules. Apple still rejects ANFR’s claims and states that the iPhone 12 was certified by different international agencies as compliant with global radiation standards.
Industry experts told Reuters that there is no cause of concern as the SAR regulatory limits are already set well beyond the level at which scientists found evidence of harm. In fact, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) – which sets global guidelines on SAR limits, say it is not putting anyone at risk “from a health and safety point of view”.
Despite the ICNIRP’s assurances, more European countries have joined France in expressing their concerns over the iPhone 12. Belgium says it is reviewing potential health risks linked to the iPhone 12 while German regulators are reportedly investigating the matter. A Spanish consumer group is pushing for a sales ban of the iPhone 12 in the country.
While testing methods may differ from country to country, it is important to note that the World Health Organisation states that no adverse health effects have been linked to mobile phone usage.
Source: Reuters (1) (2) (3)


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NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Intel announced Tuesday that is investing up to $8 billion in microchip manufacturing plants that could create up to 1,000 permanent high-tech jobs in Arizona and Oregon.
Intel said it will spend between $6 billion and $8 billion to fund a new development fabrication plants in Oregon and to upgrade four existing plants in Oregon and Arizona. The plants will manufacture "next-generation" 22-nanometer microprocessors, or chips, the company said.
The company said this will support the creation of 800 to 1,000 permanent high-tech jobs as well as 6,000 to 8,000 construction jobs.
Intel also said the investment will allow it "to maintain its current manufacturing employment at these U.S. sites."
Intel spokeswoman Lisa Malloy said the new plant will be built in Hillsboro, Ore., near Portland, where the company already has a significant presence. Of the four plants slated for upgrade, two are in Hillsboro and two are in the greater Phoenix area.
Malloy said this is the first factory built by Intel since 2007, when it completed construction on a plant in Arizona. She said that the Arizona plant is one of the factories slated for upgrade to produce smaller chips.
Intel, based in Santa Clara, Calif., said it generates three quarters of its revenue from overseas markets, but employs three quarters of its chip-making employees in the United States.
"It does cost a bit more to build one of these factories from scratch in the U.S.," Intel chief executive Paul Otellini told CNN's Ali Velshi in a live interview.
But he said labor costs are not the main problem -- grants from foreign countries are the biggest incentives for U.S. companies to build factories overseas. He said the U.S. government should offer more incentives to build plants in America.
"Right now, I see the U.S. out of the worst in terms of the recession," he said. "I see slow growth for the next year or two. [But] I see a regulatory environment that is still very difficult to build factories, to get permits."
Ashok Kumar, technology analyst for Rodman & Renshaw, agreed that this is a serious impediment to high-tech manufacturing in the U.S.
"If you put a factory in a place like China, you're likely to get a significant tax holiday, and probably the land and bricks at close to gratis," he said. "So that puts the U.S. at a significant disadvantage as being the domicile of choice for high tech manufacturing."
Kumar said the U.S. government should provide more incentives for U.S. manufacturing "to make the playing field level."
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Hi: 21° Lo:9°
By Connie Osborne Friday 10 January 2014 Updated: 10/01 10:07
CHARITY shop bosses are calling on Alcester residents to have a New Year clear out and donate their unwanted items.
The Shakespeare Hospice is appealing for clothing, bric-a-brac and books to stock their High Street shop in the town and raise funds for the organisation.
The independent charity provides specialist care for families affected by life-limiting illness in South Warwickshire and the North Cotswolds.
Adrienne Rostron, head of retail for the charity, said whether it was unwanted Christmas presents or a clear out, the shops across South Warwickshire would gladly accept donations.
“Having a post-Christmas clear out doesn’t have to mean a lot of waste going to landfill,” she said.
“By donating items to our shops you will not only be recycling but also helping us provide care and support to families in your local community.”
The Alcester shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am until 4.30pm.
For more information or to volunteer call 01789 7636.
MORE than £1,000 worth of items were taken
A WYTHALL teenager is due at Leeds Youth
BRAVE neighbours helped rescue a Riverside family after
JUST one burial a day will be carried
A TOTAL of 26 power tools worth more than £7,000 ...
IT was olé and away as staff at Morrisons Stratford ...