Marmalade Renaming Due to Starmer EU Food Deal
Paddington Bear's beloved marmalade may be renamed 'citrus marmalade' as part of Labour's plan to re-adopt EU food laws to boost trade, sparking political backlash.
Category : Business
Car Insurance Soars £158 for Drivers with Penalty Points
New research reveals drivers with penalty points face up to 26% higher car insurance premiums, adding £158 annually to average costs. Birmingham ranks as England's second most road rage inducing area.
M&S Richmond Closes for Foodhall and Gym Transformation
Marks & Spencer's Richmond department store closes today after 70 years, transforming into a foodhall and gym. The George Street location will reopen later this year with new features.
Skoda Fabia 130 Review: Warm Hatch with Everyday Appeal
The Skoda Fabia 130 offers 174bhp, a comfortable ride, and practical features at £30,000, making it a smart choice in today's market.
Iceland Boss Wants Guards Armed with Truncheons Against Crime
Lord Walker of Broxton, Iceland's executive chairman, urges security guards to carry pepper spray and truncheons following violent incidents against retail staff, citing Spain's approach as a model.
Supermarket Easter Opening Times: Sunday and Monday
Major supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Lidl, and Waitrose will close on Easter Sunday with varied hours on Bank Holiday Monday.
Asda Pay Rise for Birmingham Staff: £12.71 in April, £13.10 in July
Asda has confirmed a significant pay increase for its 110,000 retail colleagues, with hourly rates rising to £12.71 from April 1 and £13.10 from July 5, 2026. This represents a 4% above-inflation rise and a total investment of £575 million since 2021.
High Earners Over £100K Warned of Tax Traps
A study reveals 67% of six-figure earners lose money due to tax traps, with many baffled by complex rules. Experts urge proactive planning to avoid financial pitfalls.
Lidl's £50 Easter Giveaway Ends Today: Claim Now
Lidl shoppers have mere hours left to tap virtual Easter eggs in the Lidl Plus app for a chance to win £50 off coupons, with smaller £5 discounts also available. The promotion concludes when stores close on April 4, 2026.
Boots Advantage Card Changes: Personalized Offers Coming
Boots announces a major update to its Advantage Card loyalty scheme, shifting from a flat 10% discount to personalized offers based on shopping habits for 17 million customers starting next month.
M&S £38 Wide Leg Chinos Called 'Really Classy' by Buyers
Marks & Spencer's new Cotton Rich Turn Up Wide Leg Chinos, priced at £38, are receiving rave reviews from shoppers who describe them as versatile and stylish.
Consumer Rights: High Street vs Online Shopping Rules
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects shoppers, but rules differ between physical stores and online purchases. Learn about refunds, returns, and your legal protections.
Royal-Favored Punjabi Restaurant Opens New Birmingham Branch
The Indian Streatery, a beloved independent restaurant visited by the Prince and Princess of Wales, is opening a second location at Resorts World Birmingham, offering authentic Punjabi street food and exclusive new dishes.
Aqua Park Reopens with 8 New Obstacles Near Birmingham
AquaVenture Park at Cotswold Country Park has been completely redesigned for 2026 with eight brand new obstacles including Ninja Warrior courses and giant slides.
Reeves' Car Tax Change to Hit Businesses with £260M Cost
Labour's new pay-per-mile car tax rules will impose £260 million in costs on businesses by 2028, with fleet operators facing significant administrative burdens as electric vehicle adoption grows.
Halifax Urgent ISA Deadline Warning for Birmingham Savers
Halifax has sent an urgent 24-hour warning to customers in Birmingham about the tax year ending on April 5, 2026, highlighting a £1,200 cashback offer for ISA transfers.
Primark's New £13 Minimum Wage Now in Effect UK-Wide
Primark has introduced a new minimum hourly wage of £13 for retail assistants across England, Scotland, and Wales, with London staff receiving £13.71. The change includes existing benefits like a 15% discount.
HMRC Tax Change to Cost Directors £1,400 from April
Freelancers and company directors face significant tax increases as dividend rates rise from April 2026, with higher earners potentially paying £1,400 more annually.
M&S Closing 14 In-Store Cafés in 2026 Shake-Up
Marks & Spencer announces the closure of 14 in-store cafeterias across the UK in 2026, impacting branches in Staffordshire, Cheshire, Yorkshire, and more, as part of a strategic shift to expand food offerings.
New Statutory Pay Rates Effective Tomorrow: Full Details
Labour government introduces updated statutory pay rates for maternity, paternity, adoption, and sick leave from April 5, 2026, including key changes to qualifying periods and daily rates.
NEC Gets Go-Ahead for Outdoor Cinema and Play Area
The National Exhibition Centre has received planning approval for a temporary summer installation featuring an outdoor cinema and children's play equipment on landscaped lawns near Pendigo Lake.
New Zero-Hours Contract Rules for UK Workers from April 7
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes to zero-hours contracts, including guaranteed hours after regular work and compensation for cancelled shifts.
Midland Pub Bans Influencer, Urges Others to Do Same
The Piston Club in Stratford-upon-Avon has permanently banned an influencer for alleged bullying and derogatory comments, encouraging other establishments to implement similar measures.
Cash ISA 'Final Chance' Alert: New Rules from Rachel Reeves
Households under 65 are warned that the 2026/27 tax year is the last opportunity to use the full £20,000 ISA allowance before it's reduced to £12,000. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has protected pensioners from the cut.
House Prices Up but Middle East Conflict Threatens Market
UK house prices increased by 0.9% in March, with annual growth reaching 2.2%. However, economists warn the Middle East conflict could lead to higher mortgage rates and a cooling housing market.
Birmingham House of Fraser Store to Close in June
The historic House of Fraser department store in Birmingham city centre, formerly known as Rackhams, is set to close in late June, with job impacts still unclear.
Shoppers Rush for Discounted Throw at Dusk
A popular chenille throw at Dusk is discounted to £18, saving nearly 30%. Shoppers praise its softness and quality, while other retailers offer alternatives like Dunelm and M&S throws.
Six Simple Swaps Save UK Households £800 Annually
New research shows UK households can save up to £800 per year by implementing six straightforward financial changes, with designated 'bills bosses' leading the way.
Lidl's Plug-in Solar Panels Could Save £110 on Energy Bills
Lidl is launching affordable plug-and-play solar panels in partnership with government initiatives, potentially saving UK households £110 per year on energy bills while supporting net-zero goals.
Mortgage Rates Climb, Adding £430 to Annual Costs
UK households face increased mortgage costs as average rates rise sharply, with a 0.25% hike potentially adding £430 annually to repayments on a typical £250,000 loan.
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