Author: Lucy Contrino

Derek Bruce, Health and Safety Expert at SMSTS Course, Explains How Indoor Plants Could Be an Early Warning System In an unexpected twist, your houseplants might not just be good for air quality and aesthetics—they could also help detect gas leaks in your home. Derek Bruce, a health and safety expert at SMSTS Course, explains: “Most people don’t realise that their plants can serve as an early warning system for potential gas leaks. Natural gas is odourless, but suppliers add mercaptan to give it that distinctive ‘rotten egg’ smell. However, in some cases, you might not notice the scent straight away—especially if…

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With UK energy costs still biting, many households have already switched to LED bulbs and turned down their boiler temperature. Heating experts at Fischer Future Heat tell us the less obvious tricks that could save up to £500 a year without costly upgrades. Heating Hacks That Make a Difference Bubble wrap isn’t just for packaging, it can act like double glazing when stuck to windows, reducing heat loss by 50% and saving around £75 per year. A desk fan behind a radiator pushes warm air into the room rather than letting it rise, cutting heating bills by up to £50 annually. Many…

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Higgins Partnerships, in collaboration with A2Dominion, is proud to announce the successful completion of Hanwell Square, a vibrant mixed-use development in Hanwell, West London. This joint venture partnership has delivered a transformative project that enhances the local area, providing much-needed new homes, community amenities, and a sustainable living environment. Hanwell Square comprises 360 high-quality new homes, offering a mixture of market sale and affordable housing, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of residents. Built to a high specification, the development emphasises sustainability, community living, and contemporary design, blending seamlessly with the character of the surrounding area. In addition to its…

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A new force in fast-casual dining has arrived in London as Barbs launches via Deliveroo Editions, introducing the UK to a fresh, modern, and scalable take on Bajan cuisine. Founded by entrepreneur Nicc Wright, Barbs is set to redefine Caribbean food in the UK, leveraging a delivery-first model as the foundation for national expansion into bricks-and-mortar locations and retail partnerships. Barbs’ menu showcases the culinary diversity of Barbados, known as the “foodie capital of the Caribbean” yet its cuisine is not well known in the UK. Barbados has given the world more than incredible food—it’s the birthplace of global icons like Rihanna,…

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Expert warns of potential electrical hazards in UK homesFlickering light bulbs are often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, but according to health and safety expert Derek Bruce from SMSTS Course, they could indicate a serious electrical issue that poses a fire risk.While a loose bulb or an aging light fixture may be the cause, persistent flickering can signal deeper electrical faults such as overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or deteriorating connections. These issues can lead to overheating, sparking, and in extreme cases, electrical fires.Derek Bruce explains: “Many homeowners ignore a flickering light, assuming it is a simple bulb issue, but in reality,…

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The award-winning Phat Pasty Company is today announced as the first pasty company to get products accredited with the Vegetarian Society’s Plant-Based Trademark. With quality and provenance at its core, Phat Pasty has built a reputation for authentic products that celebrate British ingredients. As the first pasty company to launch a vegan, plant-based pasty over six years ago, Phat has paved the way for plant-based innovation, with vegetarian and vegan options now comprising 50% of its range. Their award-winning selection includes the Peppered Steak-Less Pasty, which was the first-ever vegan pasty to win ‘Best Savoury Pasty’ at the 2022 World Pasty Championships.…

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Leading multi-utility and low carbon heat solutions provider, Power On, is delighted to announce that its work at the Beechmoor Retirement Village in Chester has now been completed, with a bespoke substation powering 155 flats on a development worth approximately £36million. The development, for which the main contractor was Elliott Group, consists of a mix of one- and two-bedroom retirement homes, split across six villas, with a restaurant, café and wellness area. Power On’s role was to provide electrical landlord supplies to each of the six villas, as well as an electrical supply to the main Pavillion and a bulk…

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An eye-catching purple furry taxi – complete with ears and a tail – has wrapped up its tour of feline fun across the UK. The Cat Cab started in London, then on to Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester, where enthusiastic cat-lovers snapped selfies, belted out karaoke classics, and showed their support for the Cats Protection National Cat Awards. Unfortunately, disaster struck before it could reach Glasgow city centre for the planned grand finale on Sunday 6 July when engine trouble put the brakes on its final leg. The tour was joined by some familiar faces including Radio Presenter Adam Brown and recipient of the…

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Today, as part of her new partnership with the UK’s largest dedicated online retailer Ocado, rising culinary star Poppy O’Toole (@poppycooks) unveils a brand new recipe with a unique spin on everyone’s favourite summer treat.  The ‘Potato Queen’ has taken her passion for the UK’s most versatile and culturally beloved vegetable – the humble potato – to new heights and evolved it into an entirely new form. Introducing Maris Piper Potato Ice Cream: the ultimate dessert where sweet meets savoury with a low-cost, no-churn ice cream method. While the thought of using potatoes in ice cream might seem bizarre, Ocado and…

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Home security begins at the front door, yet many homeowners are unaware that the type of lock they have could be making them an easy target for burglars. According to Master Locksmith Craig Andres from The Perspicacity Life, the difference between a 1-star and 3-star euro profile cylinder lock isn’t just about security, it could also impact home insurance claims and leave tenants and homebuyers vulnerable. “Most people assume that all locks provide the same level of protection, but that’s simply not the case,” says Craig. “A 1-star rated lock may meet basic standards, but it lacks the anti-snap, anti-bump, and anti-pick…

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