Alton Towers Pirate Takeover: A Family Treasure Hunt
Alton Towers launches a pirate-themed half-term event with interactive treasure hunts, character encounters, and family-friendly rides, offering a unique day out for children under ten.
Category : Business
Birmingham's Hidden Gems: 26 Must-Visit Unique Places
Explore the West Midlands' lesser-known wonders, from historic catacombs to cultural landmarks, that showcase the region's creative spirit and deep-rooted character.
Spudman Teams Up with Rail Firm for Free Potato Giveaway
TikTok sensation Spudman, Ben Newman, will distribute 730 free loaded jacket potatoes at three Trent Valley Line locations in a promotional collaboration with London Northwestern Railway.
PZ Cussons: TikTok Shop as Vital as Tesco
Manchester-based consumer goods giant PZ Cussons, maker of Imperial Leather, says competing on TikTok Shop is as essential as traditional retail like Tesco, as it battles social media-savvy brands.
AI Digital Frame Turns Photos Into Paintings
SwitchBot's AI Art Frame uses e-ink technology to transform photos into artwork, offering long battery life and a cable-free design, though it comes with a high price tag and brightness limitations.
Newcastle Skin Firm Shares Drop 70% After CEO Investigation
Skinbiotherapeutics Plc sees shares tumble nearly 70% as board investigates former CEO's conduct, leading to revised revenue forecasts and a £770,000 accounting adjustment.
New Savings Account Offers £778 Annual Interest Bonus
Yorkshire Building Society introduces the Four Access eSaver with a 4.05% interest rate, potentially yielding £778 extra annually for average savers, while experts advise ditching accounts below 2%.
Co-op Announces Store Closures, Staff Relocation Efforts
Major UK supermarket Co-op confirms permanent closure of stores in Blandford, Dorset and Wokingham, citing market changes and cost pressures. The company pledges to relocate staff where possible.
Welsh Business Confidence Tops UK Average for 2026
Nearly 90% of Welsh business owners express optimism about growth this year, driven by demand, tech investment, and diversification plans, outpacing UK confidence levels.
Quiz Fashion Chain Collapses Into Administration, Birmingham Stores Hit
Quiz, a major UK fashion retailer with Birmingham branches, has entered administration, resulting in over 100 job losses and clearance sales across its 40 stores. The company is unable to honor gift cards and credit notes.
Glynn Purnell's The Mount Pub to Close in March
The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley in Arden will shut on March 15 due to rising costs. Voucher holders can redeem them, and staff and suppliers will be taken care of.
Pension Savers Warned Over Major NIC Change Impact
Millions of pension savers face potential wage squeezes and reduced benefits as a major National Insurance change looms, affecting salary sacrifice arrangements from 2029.
ISA Mistake Stops Brits Maximising Allowances, Experts Warn
Financial experts caution that a widespread misunderstanding about ISA rules is causing many Brits to miss out on maximizing their annual savings allowances, with Lifetime ISAs highlighted as a key option for first-time home buyers.
Ecology Building Society Opens First Branch in Porth
Ecology Building Society launches its inaugural high street branch in Porth, Wales, creating jobs and offering banking services to a community abandoned by major banks.
West Midlands Zoo Embraces Muddy Fun Amid Rain
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford launches 'The Great Hoo Zoo Mudventure' during half-term, celebrating muddy habitats with animal talks and family activities.
Sainsbury's Rule Change Results in £50 Fines for Pensioners
An 80-year-old woman from the south coast has spoken out after receiving a £50 fine due to a Sainsbury's car park validation system change, highlighting concerns over inadequate signage and communication.
Leon Fast Food Chain Collapses, 11 Restaurants Shut
Leon, the UK natural fast food chain, has entered administration, closing 11 restaurants and cutting 244 jobs. Co-founder cites unsustainable taxes and straying from core values as key factors in the collapse.
UK First-Time Buyers Hit with £5,000+ Stamp Duty Bills
New data reveals nearly 37,000 first-time buyers paid stamp duty in 2024/25, with over 13,500 facing bills of £5,000 or more. Experts warn rising house prices will increase tax burdens further.
Lloyds Announces 95 More UK Branch Closures
Lloyds Banking Group plans to shut 95 additional branches, with over 230 closures scheduled for 2026-2027. The shift towards banking hubs continues as communities adapt to digital banking trends.
11 UK Towns With Most Bank Branch Closures in 2026
Over 240 bank branch closures are scheduled across the UK for 2026-2027, with 11 towns identified as the worst hotspots. Lloyds, Santander, and NatWest lead the shutdowns.
Victoria's Secret Bullring Return Date Announced with Gifts
Victoria's Secret confirms March 6 opening at Birmingham's Bullring in former Next unit, featuring launch celebrations with free gifts, DJ sets, and surprise performances for shoppers.
Glynn Purnell's Pub The Mount Closes Due to Financial Strain
Glynn Purnell's pub, The Mount in Henley-in-Arden, will shut on March 15, 2026, citing unsustainable running costs. Customers must redeem vouchers by then, with staff supported through the closure.
UK House Prices Dip £12 in February After January Surge
Average asking prices fell slightly to £368,019 in February, following a near £10,000 jump in January, as sellers adopt a cautious approach in a competitive market.
HMRC's Digital Tax Change for Self-Employed and Landlords
From April 6, self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000 must use authorised software for digital record-keeping and quarterly updates to HMRC, sparking concerns about awareness and disruption.
Amazon Cuts Electric Standing Desk to £50 with 54% Off
A Devoko electric standing desk with memory presets and white finish has dropped to just £50.57 on Amazon, offering an affordable home office upgrade with health benefits.
Bullring Claire's Store Closing After 23 Years
Claire's Accessories in Birmingham's Bullring is shutting down after 23 years, part of wider closures affecting over 2,500 jobs across the UK and Ireland.
Greene King Job Cuts and Expansion Plans in Birmingham
Greene King is considering cutting around 100 jobs in a second restructure in two years, while simultaneously planning to open 30 new franchise pubs across the UK, including expansion into Wales.
Nationwide Pays £175 Switch Bonus to 41,000 Customers
Nationwide Building Society has paid £175 switching bonuses to 41,000 customers in the last quarter of 2025, with Birmingham branches seeing significant gains. The Current Account Switch Service reports record activity as consumers seek better banking opt
Pensioners Warned of Tax Bills from Bad Advice
HMRC warns pension savers that schemes promising tax relief or extra income may be tax avoidance, leading to unauthorised payment charges of up to 55% plus penalties.
Bullring's Claire's Accessories to Close After 23 Years
Claire's Accessories, an original Bullring shop from 2003, announces closure with a 'closing down' sale, following AllSaints' shutdown, as retail changes sweep Birmingham.
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