Search Result

Home
Search Result

[directorist_search_result]

Nine romantic Valentine’s getaways you can fly to from London Stansted

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, London Stansted is highlighting nine short‑haul European escapes perfect for a spontaneous romantic break.

Thanks to the airport’s extensive route network, offering more scheduled European connections than any other UK airport, couples can easily reach culture‑filled cities, relaxed coastal retreats, and historic towns.

From iconic Italian cities to a storybook French fortress town, these spots offer plenty of inspiration for an unforgettable Valentine’s break.

Venice, Italy – Romance on the water

For many, Venice is the world’s most romantic city, and it’s hard to argue. Gondola rides along the peaceful canals, sunset views from the Rialto Bridge and evenings wandering the narrow alleyways make it a dream destination for partners looking for a fairytale setting. Panoramic views from St Mark’s Campanile offer an unforgettable perspective of the city.

Milan, Italy – For couples who love style

Milan brings a buzzier energy, ideal for couples who want a mix of glamour and culture. Highlights include the world-famous La Scala opera house, rooftop views from the Duomo Cathedral and relaxing afternoons at Parco Sempione. With chic cafés, fashion houses and art galleries around every corner, it’s a sophisticated choice for a Valentine’s break.

Genoa, Italy – Italy’s best-kept secret

For something more off the beaten track, Genoa is a colourful coastal city known for its winding lanes, grand piazzas and rich history. Couples can enjoy the lively atmosphere around Piazza delle Erbe, take a guided tour of the impressive Staglieno Cemetery or make a day trip to the picturesque seaside village of Portofino for peaceful walks and stunning views.

Carcassonne, France – A real-life fairytale

A short flight from Stansted brings travellers to Carcassonne, one of France’s most enchanting medieval towns. Its fortified walls and castle create a storybook backdrop perfect for a romantic weekend. Visitors can wander across the historic Pont Vieux, explore the cobbled lower town or relax by the lakeside at Plage de Carcassonne. The area is also known for its excellent restaurants, including several with Michelin stars.

Barcelona, Spain – Sunshine, sea views and unforgettable evenings

Barcelona blends beachside relaxation with rich Catalan culture. Couples can stroll hand‑in‑hand through the Gothic Quarter, enjoy tapas in atmospheric squares or take in sweeping city views from Park Güell. With its mild February climate and romantic waterfront sunsets, it’s perfect for a warmer Valentine’s escape.

Budapest, Hungary – Thermal baths and riverside romance

Budapest’s charm lies in its dramatic architecture and soothing thermal spas. A dip in the Széchenyi Baths, a cruise along the Danube or a walk across the illuminated Chain Bridge all set the mood for a memorable Valentine’s break. The city’s cosy cafés and historic castle district are ideal for slower paced exploring.

Istanbul, Türkiye – East meets West

A city unlike any other, Istanbul offers an atmospheric blend of ancient history and vibrant modern culture. Couples can wander through the Grand Bazaar, explore the stunning Hagia Sophia or relax on a Bosphorus boat trip at sunset. Its rich flavours, iconic skyline and unique ambiance make for an extraordinary romantic getaway.

Prague, Czech Republic – Storybook charm in the heart of Europe

Prague’s fairytale spires and cobbled streets create an effortlessly romantic setting. A stroll along Charles Bridge at dawn, a visit to the magnificent Prague Castle or a cosy evening in one of the city’s traditional beer halls makes it ideal for couples who love history, architecture and old‑world charm.

Vienna, Austria – Elegant, musical and magical

Vienna exudes timeless elegance with its grand boulevards, imperial palaces and world‑renowned coffee houses. Couples can enjoy classical concerts, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic centre or indulge in pastries at a traditional café. For a sophisticated Valentine’s break, Austria’s capital is hard to beat.

Mortgage Advice Bureau says rate hold leaves borrowers waiting for clearer direction

Mortgage Advice Bureau has said the Bank of England’s decision to hold the base rate at 3.75% shows policymakers remain cautious, despite inflation continuing to ease.

The Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep rates unchanged at today’s meeting, opting against further cuts for now.

Ben Thompson, director of home moving strategy at Mortgage Advice Bureau, said the decision suggested the Bank was unwilling to move too quickly.

“The Bank of England has opted for the safety of the sidelines with today’s rate hold,” he said. “Despite inflation moving in the right direction, the MPC clearly isn’t ready to hit the accelerator on further rate cuts yet.”

Thompson said he still expected some easing later in the year. “That said, we still hope for a couple more cuts this year before we get close to some sort of new equilibrium,” he added.

He said the market had already factored in the decision, meaning mortgage pricing was unlikely to improve in the short term.

“Since lenders will have already priced in this latest hold, the deals you see on the shelves today are likely as good as they’re going to get for a little while,” he said. “Arguably, the smart move right now isn’t trying to wait out the market for a perfect moment that might not come: it’s about finding a deal that actually fits your life and your budget.”

Thompson said professional advice remained important for borrowers navigating the current market.

“This is where an expert adviser really comes into their own,” he said. “They do all the heavy lifting for you, looking past the headline rates to find a deal that matches your specific needs.”

Act now. 864,000 sole traders and landlords face new tax rules in two months

Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 from self-employment and property are being urged to act now with two months left to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.

From 6 April 2026, those eligible will need to use recognised software to keep digital records and send HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) light-touch quarterly updates of their income and expenses. These are not extra tax returns.

HMRC is providing a range of free support to help people prepare, including online guidance, webinars and videos. Those who genuinely cannot use digital tools can apply for an exemption. Further information and guidance are available on GOV.UK

Free software options are available and once income and expenses are recorded, the software generates a simple summary to send to HMRC.

At the end of a tax year, those within MTD for Income Tax will still need to file a tax return by the following 31 January – but the software will already hold the information from the quarterly updates, meaning no last-minute hunt for records or receipts.

Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said:

“With two months to go until MTD for Income Tax launches, now is the time to act. A range of software is available and the system is straightforward and helps reduce errors. Thousands of volunteers have already used it successfully.

“This will make it easier for sole traders and landlords to stay on top of their tax affairs and help ensure everyone pays the right amount of tax.

“Spreading your tax admin throughout the year means avoiding that last minute scramble to complete a tax return every January. Go to GOV.UK and start preparing today.”

Thousands of sole traders and landlords have already signed up for MTD for Income Tax, with more than 12,000 quarterly updates successfully submitted through a voluntary testing programme.

Those joining MTD in April 2026 will still file their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year in the usual way by 31 January 2027, as this covers the period before MTD begins. The first MTD tax return, covering the 2026 to 2027 tax year, will be due by 31 January 2028.

To support the transition, the government has announced that customers joining MTD for Income Tax in April 2026 will not receive penalty points for late quarterly updates, for the first 12 months.

Under the new system, penalty points will be given for each late submission, with a £200 penalty only applied once four points are reached. This means occasional slip-ups won’t result in immediate fines.

Select Committee to hear “strong case” for new special schools

Proposed new special schools in Great Yarmouth and Downham Market have the strong backing of parents and the schools, according to a Norfolk County Council report.

Members of the council’s Children, Families and Community Select Committee will meet on 10 February to discuss the rationale for the schools and the alternative funding option offered by Government.

Back in December, the council was given the option to proceed with the schools – which will cost in the region of £40m – or take a lower sum of £13.7m from the Government to fund specialist places in existing mainstream schools.

The council successfully bid for the new schools back in 2023 but has spent the last two years waiting for confirmation that the funding would be released, following a review of Government policy.

The funding announcement, in December, did not confirm if Government would meet the full cost of the two schools, or if the council could deliver the buildings itself. This has now been confirmed.

Last week, Cllr Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council, said she was “strongly minded” to push ahead with the schools. However, because of the size of investment, the proposal needs to follow the correct democratic process.

The Select Committee report is one stage of that process, with members asked to make recommendations to Cabinet.

Despite Norfolk County Council work to create 1,325 specialist places over the last five years, the report makes it clear that there is still significant pressure for places in both Great Yarmouth and Downham Market.

The two new schools would create a further 270 places and, alongside other plans, would bring the number of additional specialist places in the county (including specialist places in mainstream schools) to 2,475.

Cllr Brian Long, Chairman of the Children, Families and Community Committee, said: “As members of this committee we have been pushing for the Government to release this funding and wrote to the DfE last year to highlight the impact of the delays on Norfolk’s children.

“It is encouraging that we now have this funding confirmed and this report makes a strong case to push ahead. However, do need to consider the alternative proposed by Government, so it is important that committee has a chance to ask questions and consider all of the evidence available.”

Both schools already had Academy Trusts appointed – Unity for Great Yarmouth and Eastern Learning Alliance for Downham Market. The Great Yarmouth school will support 170 children with learning disabilities, whilst the Downham Market school will cater for 100 children with complex communication and interaction difficulties.

Norfolk County Council had asked the Government if it could self-deliver the schemes, following its successful delivery of Bure Park and the Duke of Lancaster. The Government has said this may be possible, and Cabinet will also need to consider this option.

Cllr Carpenter added: “As a council we remain committed to ensuring children with SEND get the education they deserve, as close to home as possible. These schools will support children with the highest needs and reduce the time they have to travel to school.

“At the same we are wrapping support around mainstream schools so that they can meet the needs of more children with SEND in their local communities.

“I remain strongly minded to approve the plans and I am grateful to our officers who have worked so hard to get us to this point. I look forward to hearing the views of Select Committee, which will help shape the decision made by Cabinet later this month.”

Female-founded seed brand She Grows Veg set to hit £1m in year three

A Suffolk-based heirloom seed brand is preparing to cross the £1m sales mark just two years after planting its first idea.

She Grows Veg, founded in November 2023, has quickly become one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent gardening brands. The business, which specialises in heritage vegetable seeds, is on track to reach £1m in revenue this year – a milestone achieved by fewer than 2% of female-run businesses nationwide.

The company was founded by Kate Cotterill, a former marketeer, and Lucy Hutchings, previously a jewellery designer. Their aim was simple but ambitious: to make growing heritage vegetables feel accessible, beautiful and rewarding, whether for first-time growers or seasoned gardeners.

What began as a two-person start-up has since grown into a team of 17 – all women – and a brand now firmly on the radar of both the horticulture industry and major retailers. In just over two years, She Grows Veg has more than doubled its revenue year-on-year and secured its first major online retail listing with Ocado.

The brand’s rise has been fuelled by both commercial momentum and critical acclaim. She Grows Veg has won gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for two consecutive years, praised for immersive and innovative exhibits that reimagined how seeds are presented and sold. It has also attracted widespread national media coverage across television, radio and print.

Most recently, the business has been accepted into Buy Women Built, the network championing female-founded brands, and Super Scalers – a global community for underrepresented founders with revenues exceeding £1m.

“It is truly amazing how far we’ve come in such a short space of time,” said Kate Cotterill. “I can’t believe we’re heading to £1m sales this year and more than doubling revenue every year!”

The journey, however, has not been without obstacles. Like many female founders, Cotterill and Hutchings faced structural barriers in the early stages of building the business.

“Getting She Grows Veg off the ground wasn’t easy. Securing our first bank account was really hard and we also faced discrimination whilst trying to get a business loan, with a broker admitting it was harder to secure a loan as a female founder,” Cotterill said.

According to the Invest in Women Taskforce, female founders receive less than 2% of all UK equity investment.

Rather than stall, the founders adapted. The business launched with a £25,000 crowdfunding campaign, followed by further funding secured through Biz Britain. Angel investment in March 2025 provided the capital needed to accelerate growth and scale operations.

Beyond its commercial success, She Grows Veg has built its business around a deliberately different workplace model.

“We are a company that supports women who want to have a career and be there for their children,” Cotterill said. “Our employees all work flexible hours so they can do both; working around school runs, sport’s days and school holidays.”

As the business enters its third year, the founders say their focus is on building sustainably while expanding their reach to a wider community of growers.

“As we start year three, we have so many plans that just continue to build on our success over the last two years, whilst also allowing us to reach an even broader range of potential growers,” Cotterill added.

From heirloom seeds to modern scale-up, She Grows Veg’s growth story is rooted in persistence – and shows no sign of slowing.

DPD UK confirms Justin Pegg as new CEO as Elaine Kerr becomes Chairwoman

Parcel delivery firm DPD has confirmed the appointment of Justin Pegg as CEO of DPD UK, with former CEO Elaine Kerr becoming Chairwoman.

As Chairwoman, Elaine will continue to help guide and shape DPD UK’s overall strategic direction, working closely with the UK’s Exec Board.

Currently COO, Justin Pegg has over 35 years of service at DPD and has been a member of the Senior Leadership Team since 2016 and an Executive Director since 2020. In his new role, Justin will be CEO of DPD UK, and Head of cluster UK/Ireland.

The new organisation will be effective from Monday 2 February.

Yves Delmas, Chief Executive Officer, Geopost, commented, “Justin is a proven leader with a strong record of leading teams, driving performance, and delivering sustainable growth. His unique level of knowledge and understanding of our business will ensure DPD UK continues to lead the market and achieve ever higher levels of success.

“We wish Justin the very best of luck as CEO and offer him our full support as we move forward.”

“I would like to warmly thank Elaine for her outstanding leadership and dedication over the past four and a half years. Under her guidance, the business has achieved remarkable success and followed a strong, positive trajectory. Elaine leaves a lasting legacy, and we wish her the very best in her new role.”

Hemisphere returns to Port of Ipswich with new engineering and packing facility

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, is pleased to welcome Hemisphere Freight Services back to the Port of Ipswich, where the company has taken up occupation in a newly refurbished warehouse facility. The move marks a strategic expansion for Hemisphere, whose engineering and packing teams will now be based at the port, supporting its growing international logistics operations.

ABP has invested £250,000 in the site to deliver a high-quality operational space, including resurfacing, cladding and demolition works to prepare the facility for Hemisphere’s specialist requirements.

The Port of Ipswich offers Hemisphere a prime location with excellent connectivity to the UK road network and proximity to major shipping routes, making it an ideal base for the company’s bespoke packing and export services. Hemisphere handles a wide range of complex cargo, including industrial machinery, automotive components, and equipment destined for markets across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Commenting on the move, Craig Perrin at Hemisphere Freight Services, said:

“We’re delighted to be back at the Port of Ipswich, which offers us the flexibility and strategic location we need to support our expanding engineering and packing operations. ABP has been a fantastic partner throughout the process and the investment in the site has created a facility that meets our exacting standards.”

Kevin Fosbury, Property Asset Manager at Associated British Ports, said:

“We’re proud to support Hemisphere’s continued growth and to welcome them back to Ipswich. This investment reflects ABP’s commitment to delivering high-quality property solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Tracy Brooker, Lead Estates Manager at Associated British Ports, said:

“Seeing Hemisphere return to Ipswich is positive for the port and the region. The upgraded facility gives their teams the operational space they need and shows the value of working closely with customers to deliver practical solutions.”

ABP’s property portfolio spans nearly 1,000 hectares across 21 ports, offering a diverse range of warehousing, open storage, logistics and development opportunities. The Port of Ipswich continues to attract businesses seeking efficient access to global markets, supported by ABP’s ongoing investment in infrastructure and customer service.

Refuge exposes alarming new patterns of abuse involving wearable technology

As Valentine’s Day and Safer Internet Day approach, Refuge is warning that emerging forms of abuse involving AI and wearable technology – including smart glasses and watches – are increasingly being misused by abusers to stalk, surveil and control survivors.

To raise awareness of these trends and others, the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse charity is hosting a four-part webinar series that will explore how digital tools and devices are being used to perpetrate abuse – from the weaponisation of smart accessories and AI companions to romance scams and cyberflashing.

For years, Refuge has led efforts to raise awareness of tech-facilitated abuse and reform laws to better protect survivors. Yet the problem is growing.

Referrals to the charity’s specialist Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment team rose by more than 62% in 2025 compared to 2024, with the final three months of the year the highest on record for a single quarter, reflecting the increasing complexity of tech-facilitated abuse cases presenting to frontline services.

Refuge has also seen a 24% increase in referrals involving survivors under the age of 30, highlighting the worrying prevalence of digital control and surveillance in younger people’s relationships.

As technology evolves and becomes increasingly accessible, new forms of tech-facilitated abuse are proliferating. Refuge’s tech team is seeing a rise in the weaponisation of smart accessories, including glasses used to secretly record survivors The team is also aware of health trackers such as rings or watches being misused to monitor step counts, track a survivor’s location, or even access and exploit a survivor’s fertility data.

Emma Pickering, Head of the Tech-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment Team at Refuge, said:

“Refuge supports countless survivors subjected to tech-facilitated abuse every single day. Time and again, we see what happens when devices go to market without proper consideration of how they might be used to harm women and girls. It is currently far too easy for perpetrators to access and weaponise smart accessories, and our frontline teams are seeing the devastating consequences of this abuse.

“Enough is enough. As wearable technology becomes embedded in our lives, protections for survivors must keep pace. It is unacceptable for the safety and wellbeing of women and girls to be treated as an afterthought once a technology has been developed and distributed. Their safety must be a foundational principle shaping both the design of wearable technology and the regulatory frameworks that surround it.”

Mina’s story

The case of Mina, a survivor of tech-facilitated abuse, illustrates the real-world impact of these trends and how wearable devices can be weaponised.

In her rush to flee her abuser, Mina left behind her smartwatch – and was tracked. Her perpetrator located her at the emergency accommodation she had fled to after accessing linked cloud accounts. Police later recovered the device and returned it to Mina, who immediately deactivated and disposed of it, terrified of being stalked again.

Despite this, Mina was located at her next refuge by a private investigator hired by her perpetrator, using suspected tracking via technology.

She reported the breaches to police but was told that no crime had been committed because she had “not come to any harm.” Mina said Refuge’s support gave her “peace in her heart” and praised the charity for demonstrating a stronger understanding of tech-facilitated abuse than police and legal professionals.

Reflecting on the abuse, Mina said:

“Realising I was being stalked through cloud accounts linked to my smart watch was deeply shocking and frightening. I felt suddenly exposed and unsafe, knowing that my location was being tracked without my consent. It created a constant sense of paranoia; I couldn’t relax, sleep properly, or feel settled anywhere because I knew my movements weren’t private.

“Overall, the experience left me feeling unsafe, unheard, and responsible for managing a situation that was completely out of my control. It showed me how tech abuse can quietly and powerfully extend coercive control, and how easily survivors can be left to carry the emotional and practical burden when systems don’t fully understand or respond to it.”

Webinar details

Refuge’s webinar series: Digital Control: Tech-Facilitated Abuse in Modern Relationships, comprises four hour-long sessions with short Q&As, offering practical guidance for survivors, practitioners and the public.

Emma Pickering, said:

“Safer Internet Day and Valentine’s Day offer a timely opportunity to spotlight emerging forms of tech-facilitated abuse and the vital work of Refuge’s tech team. Through the webinars, we will highlight how digital worlds and devices are being misused to stalk, control and exploit survivors, exploring how people can recognise and respond to these risks.”

Webinar sessions:

Fashioning Consent: Rethinking Smart Accessories – 3 February, 10–11:15am
Swiping Safely: Navigating Dating Apps After Abuse – 11 February, 10–11:15am
Behind the Screen: Romance Scams and Domestic Abuse – 17 February, 11am–12:15pm
Artificial Intimacy: Exploring the Risks of AI Companions – 25 February, 11am–12:15pm

Book tickets, here

County funding gives West Anglia nursing students a clinical-grade upgrade

The College for West Anglia’s School of Nursing Studies is scaling up its training offer after securing nearly £190,000 in funding from Norfolk County Council – an investment set to benefit more than 1,300 students preparing for careers in health and social care.

The £188,930 grant has paid for specialist clinical equipment at the college’s King’s Lynn campus, including professional-grade storage systems, interactive training mannequins and resources designed to support vocational courses, technical qualifications and apprenticeships.

The funding lands alongside the completion of a major expansion of the School of Nursing Studies. A newly built second storey – part of a £1.4 million development funded by the University of Suffolk’s Centre of Excellence for Health Apprenticeships project, with additional support from the college – has added advanced teaching rooms, clinical skills labs and simulation spaces. Together, the investment increases capacity and brings the learning environment closer to real-world healthcare settings.

The new facilities integrate VR and AI-driven learning tools alongside hyper-realistic robotic mannequins that reflect a range of ages, genders and ethnicities. Combined with authentic clinical equipment aligned to local healthcare needs, the upgrades are designed to ensure training remains responsive to the demands of a fast-changing sector.

For students, the impact is immediate.

Sophie Wareham, 24, who is studying Access to Medicine, said: “While I have found the course to be demanding, the support from the tutors at the School of Nursing Studies has helped me to progress, build confidence in my academic ability and prepared me for higher education. This is also a result of the facilities provided in the building, which have made a huge contribution to everyone’s achievement in their individual courses and benefit the whole cohort.

“Having access to equipment like this has not only enhanced our learning environment but increased our motivation and ambition too.”

Wayne Pereira, 21, also studying Access to Medicine, added: “The School of Nursing Studies is an amazing facility and, with the support it is receiving from Norfolk County Council, it will continue to grow into one of the best in the country. The facilities provide a great opportunity to develop essential skills, but it is the tutors who make the course truly engaging and enjoyable.”

Around 90% of the school’s 1,320 students are expected to secure employment locally, helping to strengthen the regional workforce at a time of growing demand – particularly with the development of the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.

David Pomfret, Principal of the College for West Anglia, said: “The healthcare sector is a priority for the local economy, and one which affects us all. The School of Nursing Studies is one of the best equipped healthcare skills development centres in the region. The recent expansion, and investment in additional resources from Norfolk County Council, will enable us to train more local people for careers across a wider range of health and social care settings, including dentistry.”

Cllr Fabian Eagle, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Employment and Skills, said: “I am delighted that the county council has been able to help fund the specialist equipment for this vital teaching facility. Health and social care, dentistry included, is one of the sectors where we have a shortage of skills so these additional facilities at the College of West Anglia will deliver lasting benefits for people living in our region.”

Local councillors echoed that view.
Cllr Rob Colwell, member for Gaywood North Bank, said: “The state-of-the-art facility is growing, and this can only be a good thing for students and West Norfolk. This vital new grant ensures high-quality specialist equipment is available and strengthens the collaboration with local health centres like the QEH, supporting the local workforce needs.”

Cllr Lesley Bainbridge, member for King’s Lynn North and Central, added: “I have long been impressed with what the College of West Anglia offers, particularly the School of Nursing Studies and courses like Access to Medicine, which open up many opportunities in healthcare where there is high demand for skilled people. This grant will enhance that learning and give students hands-on training for the many career paths available in this sector.”