Around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines were called to tackle a major Forest Hill fire that broke out at Finches Emporium, a well-known skiing and snowboarding store in south-east London.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that the blaze affected a mixed-use property on Perry Vale, with a shop on the ground floor and flats above.
The first of 49 calls was received at 18:27 BST on Thursday (October 16), prompting a large-scale response from crews based in Forest Hill, Lewisham, Beckenham, West Norwood, and surrounding stations. By the time firefighters brought the flames under control, the incident had become one of the most significant in the capital this week.
According to the London Fire Brigade, the Forest Hill fire spread rapidly through the basement, ground, first, and second floors of the building. A single-storey workshop to the rear of the property was also partially alight.
Firefighters worked for more than three hours to contain the blaze, finally bringing it under control at 11:44pm. However, parts of the structure continued to smoulder into the early hours of Friday morning, with crews remaining on site overnight to extinguish remaining hotspots.
Images posted by the LFB on social media showed firefighters outside Finches Emporium, while videos shared by eyewitnesses captured intense flames and thick black smoke rising from the building. Around 15 people were evacuated from nearby properties and taken to a rest centre for safety, and fortunately there have been no reports of injuries.
Station Commander Anthony Lewis, who is leading the response, described it as a “protracted incident” and confirmed that crews would be working through the night. He urged residents to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke, and a 25-metre safety cordon remains in place around the site. Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area while firefighting and investigation efforts continue.
To bring the Forest Hill fire under control, firefighters used advanced equipment including two 32-metre turntable ladders operating as water towers to douse the flames from above. A drone was also deployed to provide an aerial view of the scene, helping commanders coordinate the complex response.
Station Commander Lewis warned of “significant traffic disruption” across Forest Hill, particularly along the A205 South Circular Road, which remains partially closed. Rail services via Forest Hill station were also affected, with temporary closures implemented for safety reasons.
By Friday morning, parts of the ground floor shop and rear workshop were still alight, with fire crews continuing to damp down hotspots and assess structural damage.
The cause of the Forest Hill fire is currently unknown, and a full investigation will be carried out by the London Fire Brigade’s fire investigation team. Residents have been urged to stay clear of the cordoned area and to follow official updates, with authorities expected to provide further information today (October 17).
As the community wakes to the aftermath of this major blaze, Finches Emporium and surrounding properties face a challenging recovery. The swift and coordinated response from firefighters prevented further spread. This ensured that, despite the scale of the fire, no lives were lost.
London has recorded its lowest number of homicides since monthly records began more than two decades ago, marking a significant milestone in the capital’s long fight against violent crime.
Between January and September 2025, there were 70 homicides across London — a 16% drop compared to the same period last year and nearly 60% lower than in 2003, according to data from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).
The figures suggest London’s homicide rate is now lower than in major European cities such as Paris, Berlin, Brussels, and Madrid. Knife crime has also fallen, with 1,154 fewer recorded offences in the 12 months to August 2025 — a seven percent decline. Hospital admissions for under-25s injured in knife assaults are down by ten percent over the same period.
Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the progress but said there was still more to do. “There are some politicians and commentators who continue to talk our great city down,” he said. “But the facts tell a very different story. The number of homicides in London in the first nine months of 2025 was lower than in any year since monthly records began. That’s thanks to record investment in the Met, intelligence-led policing, and the prevention work of our Violence Reduction Unit.”
London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), established in 2019 as England’s first of its kind, has played a central role in tackling the root causes of violent crime. The VRU focuses on early intervention, supporting youth mentoring, after-school programmes, and access to youth clubs in communities where young people are most at risk. So far, more than 450,000 young Londoners have taken part in diversionary activities backed by the unit.
According to City Hall, youth workers placed in police custody suites have helped ensure that almost 80% of young people detained do not go on to reoffend within a year. The Mayor said these results show prevention, not just punishment, is key to long-term safety.
At the same time, record funding for the Metropolitan Police has enabled a more targeted approach to enforcement. The Mayor’s office said police funding has more than doubled compared to the previous administration, allowing for increased patrols, hotspot operations, and the creation of new town centre policing teams. The West End alone has seen a 50% boost in officers on the beat.
The results appear to be spreading beyond homicide figures. In the first quarter of the 2025–26 financial year, residential burglary fell by ten percent, theft from the person by thirteen percent, and personal robbery by thirteen percent compared to the previous year. These reductions coincide with a 5-percentage-point drop in proven reoffending rates since Sadiq Khan took office — a figure now four points lower than the national average.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward of the Metropolitan Police credited the improvements to coordinated policing and community partnerships. “Thanks to the work of our dedicated officers and staff, we’re bearing down on violence and seeing a sustained reduction in homicide,” he said. “We’re dismantling organised crime groups and working with partners to steer people away from criminality. But we know every life lost is one too many.”
Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said the focus on prevention was beginning to pay off. “Prevention is at the heart of our approach and is playing an important role in the progress made,” she said. “We must double down on what works — investing in young people, tackling school exclusions, and expanding youth work. That’s how we keep driving these numbers down.”
Despite the progress, City Hall insists the fight against violence is far from over. The Mayor reaffirmed his commitment to making London a safer city through continued investment, collaboration, and community-led prevention. “We’re making good progress,” he said, “but there will be no let-up in our mission to reduce serious violence and protect more Londoners.”
The most wonderful time of year is fast approaching, and it seems as though everyone is already preparing for the big c-word… CHRISTMAS!
Shop shelves are quickly filling up with festive treats, wintry decorations and soft, christmassy undertones can be heard throughout our favourite spots. Although some may argue that it is far too early, it’s clear that we are all getting excited.
However, it is also true that a lot of stress comes with the season – from what presents am I going to get? When is too early to buy a turkey? How will I keep everyone entertained? And, arguably most important… How am I going to host the perfect party?
Well, what if we told you that we have just the thing to help with that one?
Bring the finest cocktail bar experience to your own home, with a variety of batch Christmas-inspired cocktails, that can all be made with the world’s most award-winning, Swedish gin, Hernö.
From aromatic pear, to a candy cane twist, we have five different and delicious cocktails that you can prepare and freeze in advance to your event, to make it an unforgettable night.
Hernö is recognised as a leading gin producer, having only just received the prestigious title of Gin Producer of the Year for the second year in a row – at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2025. Founder and Master Distiller at Hernö Gin, Jon Hilligren, has said: “To be named Gin Producer of the Year for the second year in a row is truly remarkable. I am floored and utterly out of both voice and words.”
Winning this celebrates the brands’ consistent excellence across an entire portfolio of gins and showcases their clean, smooth and versatile base – which holds notes of black pepper, lemon peel, lingonberries and more.
So, what next? Here are the all important recipes to impress your guests…
Up first: The Candy Cane Martini
This playful martini uses Hernö Gin to establish a taste of a naughty, childhood nostalgia. The gin’s crisp, juniper-led character offsets the sweetness of crushed candy canes and is balanced with a touch of lemon juice to keep it fresh. Infusing the gin with candy canes overnight gives it a soft pink hue and subtle peppermint edge to fully form festivity, without the fuss.
Batching Instructions (Serves 8)
Ingredients:
560ml Hernö Gin
400ml Fresh lemon juice
8 dashes of The Bitter Truth Old Fashioned Bitters (or about 1 dash per cocktail)
11 candy canes (3 for rimming + 8 for the mix)
Extra candy canes to garnish
Ice
How To:
Crush your candy canes:
Finely crush 3 candy canes in a bowl (for rimming).
Separately, crush 8 candy canes (1 per drink) to mix into the batch.
Rim your glasses:
Wet the rim of each coupe or martini glass with lemon juice.
Dip into the crushed candy cane to coat.
Chill the glasses in the fridge or freezer until serving.
Make the base mix:
In a large jug or bottle, combine:
560ml gin
The 8 crushed candy canes
Stir or shake well until the candy cane dissolves into the gin (or mostly – some texture is okay).
Just before serving:
Add the 400ml lemon juice, 8 dashes of bitters, and plenty of ice to the mix.
Shake or stir well to chill and dilute slightly.
Serve:
Double strain into your pre-rimmed glasses.
Garnish with a whole candy cane.
Cosmo Tip:
Batch the gin and candy cane mix the night before and store it sealed in the fridge – the candy will infuse beautifully. Add lemon and bitters just before serving to keep it bright and zesty.
Figgy Fizz
If something more rich is your preferred choice of festive tipple, this light, sparkling serve draws on the flavours of traditional fig pudding but is reimagined with a modern touch. Decadent fig jam and bright citrus flavours of Cointreau pair neatly with Hernö Gin’s clean botanicals, and the gentle prosecco bubble and soda fizz keeps the beverage very refreshing. This is an elegant, balanced, and easy cocktail to batch make – ideal for a Christmas brunch or early evening toast.
Batching Instructions (Serves 8)
Ingredients:
320ml Hernö Gin
160ml Cointreau
160ml Fresh lemon juice
8 tbsp fig jam (approx. 1 standard jar – 200–250g)
160ml Soda water
480ml Prosecco (about ⅔ of a standard 750ml bottle)
Ice, for serving
Orange peels or wheels, to garnish
How to:
Prep the base:
In a large jug or pitcher, whisk together the gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, and fig jam until the jam is fully dissolved.
(You can do this 1-2 hours ahead and chill in the fridge)
Just before serving:
Add the soda and prosecco to the mix. Give it a gentle stir to combine without losing the bubbles.
To serve:
Fill wine glasses with ice. Pour approximately 130ml-150ml of the mixture into each glass.
Garnish with a twist or wheel of orange peel.
Top Tip:
If you want a stronger fizz, increase the prosecco to 600ml and reduce the soda to 100ml.
Rosemary Gimlet
This is a simple update on a classic – which has depth! Using a homemade rosemary syrup, the herb’s piney edge complements the gin’s Nordic profile, and the addition of lime juice adds sharpness and lift to the drink. It is aromatic and refreshing – a sophisticated choice for a dinner party – yet straightforward enough to make a quick batch before guests arrive.
Batch Ingredients (Serves 8):
400ml Hernö Gin
400ml Rosemary Syrup (see below)
480ml Fresh lime juice (juice of approx. 18 limes)
Ice, to shake per serve
Optional garnish: Sprig of rosemary or lime wheel
Rosemary Syrup (Makes enough for 8 servings + extra):
250g granulated sugar
250ml water
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Method:
Bring the water, sugar, and rosemary to a simmer in a small saucepan. Stir until sugar dissolves fully.
Remove from heat and let steep for 20–30 minutes. Strain and chill in a sealed jar or bottle.
Shelf life: Keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week.
To Batch the Cocktail:
In a large jug or bottle, mix the gin, lime juice, and rosemary syrup.
Chill until ready to serve (up to 24 hours ahead).
Shake 100–120ml per serve with ice for 15 seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
Garnish with a rosemary sprig or lime wheel.
Tips
Lime juice starts to go flat after about 24 hours — so if you’re batching more than a day ahead, prep everything except the lime juice and add it fresh before shaking.
Yuletide Sour
This is a bold cocktail which combines spice, citrus and juniper to give a nod to Christmas flavours without leaning on sugar or syrup. Campari adds colour and bitterness to the drink, where hints of lemon and ginger bring a fresh and subtle heating balance. Aquafaba also provides a smooth, velvety foam, without the need for egg white.
Batching Instructions (Serves 8)
Ingredients:
240ml Hernö Gin
160ml Campari
200ml Fresh lemon juice
120ml Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
24 cubes fresh ginger (approx. 2cm x 2cm each – or 120g peeled ginger)
160ml Aquafaba (chickpea water – from 2 tins)
Ice, for shaking
Garnish: Thin slices of ginger
Method:
Muddle the ginger: In a large jug or mixing bowl, muddle the ginger cubes thoroughly.
Add the liquids: Pour in the gin, Campari, lemon juice, simple syrup, and aquafaba. Stir or whisk to combine.
Strain and chill: Strain the mixture to remove the ginger pulp. Transfer the strained batch to a bottle or jug and refrigerate until ready to serve (up to a few hours in advance).
To serve: Shake 120–130ml per drink with ice in a cocktail shaker to froth it up. Fine strain into a rocks glass.
Garnish: Garnish with a thinly sliced piece of ginger.
Tips:
If you want to make a few days in advance, mix everything up but leave out the aquafaba. You can add this to the mixture last minute then give it a good shake up before you pour. This will keep the froth rich and foamy.
And finally… Spiced Pear Cocktail
The perfect final addition. This is a quietly luxurious drink built around the soft sweetness of pear and warming winter spices. This cocktail combines all our favourite Christmas flavours with floral notes, homemade pear syrup – infused with cinnamon and star anise – lemon and aquafaba. This is an elegant and understated choice to really set off your night in style.
Batched Cocktail Ingredients (Serves 8):
400ml Hernö gin
160ml fresh lemon juice
240ml homemade pear syrup (recipe below)
160ml aquafaba
Star anise, to garnish
Pear Syrup:
4 ripe pears, sliced
1 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
250g granulated sugar
250ml water
Method:
Add pears, sugar, spices, and water to a pan.
Simmer gently for 20 mins.
Let cool completely, then strain into a clean bottle or jar. Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Batch Method:
In a large jug or bottle, combine:
Gin
Lemon juice
Pear syrup
You can stop here and refregerate this mix for up to 2–3 days.
When ready to serve:
Pour 75ml–100ml per serve into a cocktail shaker
Add 20ml aquafaba per serve
Dry shake (no ice), then add ice and shake again
Strain into a coupe
Garnish with a star anise
Make-Ahead Tips:
DO batch the gin, syrup, and lemon juice in advance.
DON’T add aquafaba to the full batch ahead of time – it won’t hold the foam and may spoil.
Keep aquafaba in a separate container, measured and chilled, ready for shaking fresh per round.
Festive drinks don’t need to be complicated or mean that you miss your entire event in the kitchen. Simply a little prep, a good gin, and a combination of thoughtful flavours go a long way towards a more relaxed, stress-free Christmas.
So grab your bottle of Hernö from Amazon here, and be ready to blow your guests away… without all the fuss.
A University of Oxford student has been arrested after allegedly leading a chant at a pro-Palestinian march calling for Gaza to “put the Zios in the ground”.
The Metropolitan Police said a 20-year-old man was detained on suspicion of inciting racial hatred following a demonstration by the Palestine Coalition in central London on Saturday 11th October.
Footage circulating online appeared to show a man addressing demonstrators, saying the chant had been “workshopped” in Oxford before leading it.
The man was arrested at an address in Oxford in the early hours of Wednesday and remains in custody, police confirmed.
The University of Oxford said it was aware a student had been arrested but had not yet been informed of the reasons. It is understood the student has been suspended.
In the footage, the man is heard telling the crowd: “A steadfast and noble resistance in Palestine and in Gaza to look to, to be inspired by… a chant that we’ve been workshopping in Oxford that maybe you guys want to join in. It goes, ‘Gaza, Gaza make us proud, put the Zios in the ground.’”
A university spokesperson said: “An Oxford University student was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, 15 October. The precise basis for the arrest has not yet been disclosed to the university.
“While the university cannot comment on individual student cases, it has the power to take immediate and proportionate action, including suspending a student whenever serious concerns are raised. Oxford University is unequivocal: there is no place for hatred, antisemitism or discrimination within our community, and we will always act to protect the safety and dignity of our students.”
The incident comes amid heightened tensions around protests linked to the war between Israel and Hamas.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said last week the government could consider tightening protest laws, including restrictions on chants used at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
The case has drawn comparisons to previous controversies involving protest slogans, including the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
The slogan, which refers to the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, has been used by groups with differing intentions since the 1960s. Some view it as a call for a democratic state for both Israelis and Palestinians, while others interpret it as denying Israel’s right to exist.
In 2023, Labour MP Andy McDonald was suspended from the party after saying: “We won’t rest until we have justice, until all people, Israelis and Palestinians, between the river and the sea can live in peaceful liberty.”
Supporters of McDonald said his remarks were inclusive, but critics, including then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman, said such language was “widely understood as a demand for the destruction of Israel.”
Debate over protest language has intensified since the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023, which killed around 1,400 people in Israel. The subsequent conflict in Gaza has led to tens of thousands of deaths, with protests and counter-protests taking place across the UK.
Campaigners argue that limiting speech at demonstrations risks curbing legitimate political expression, while others say inflammatory or violent rhetoric can fuel division and antisemitism.
Police have faced increasing scrutiny over their handling of protests, particularly around chants and slogans considered hateful. The Metropolitan Police have said they are working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to assess potential hate crime offences.
As the Oxford investigation continues, both the university and police say they are monitoring safety concerns and rising tensions linked to the conflict overseas.
The communities secretary has condemned a Muslim charity run in London that excluded women from taking part, calling it “absolutely unacceptable”.
The 5km event, held in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, was organised by East London Mosque and the London Muslim Centre. It was billed online as an “inclusive” run open to “men, boys of all ages and girls under 12”. The listing did not mention women or older girls among those eligible to participate.
Speaking to LBC, communities secretary Steve Reed said he was “appalled” by the decision to exclude women and suggested the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) could investigate whether any laws or regulations had been breached.
“I saw these reports … and I was as horrified as anybody else,” Reed said. “It’s absolutely unacceptable that women should be blocked from going on a fun run in a public space when the men are allowed to go out there and do that. Now, we have an equalities watchdog, I’m sure that they will be aware of this case. It’s getting a lot of publicity, and quite rightly so, and they will determine whether there has been any breach of the law or regulations and then I’m sure sanctions will follow as appropriate. But speaking for myself, I was appalled.”
He added: “We do not want a situation in this country where men are allowed to do things that women are then barred from. We cannot tolerate that.”
The event, which took place on Sunday, was the 12th annual Muslim Charity Run organised by East London Mosque and the London Muslim Centre. The organisers said hundreds of runners and supporters gathered in the park for the occasion.
According to the mosque’s website, the run is “a highlight in the east London Muslim calendar”, raising thousands of pounds for charitable causes in the UK and overseas, including food banks, refugee support, youth projects, and international relief efforts.
Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman appeared on the mosque’s website congratulating those who took part. “Well done to each and every one of you, especially to the youngsters and the elders and the community at large for participating today,” he said.
However, Tower Hamlets Council said to other press outlets that it had sought “urgent clarification” from East London Mosque after learning of the reported age and gender restrictions.
A council spokesperson said: “This was an independent event held in Victoria Park, not organised by the council. Like many local charitable events, it made use of the park space. Following the reports about age and gender restrictions, the council has contacted East London Mosque to seek urgent clarification. We are firmly committed to ensuring leisure and sporting activities in Tower Hamlets are inclusive and accessible.”
The EHRC confirmed it was looking into the matter. A spokesperson said: “The EHRC receives complaints each week about allegations of unlawful activity contrary to the Equality Act 2010. We consider each complaint carefully and take action where appropriate.”
Under equality law, certain exceptions can apply to charities and religious organisations, including the ability to restrict events to one sex in some circumstances. It remains unclear whether such an exemption could apply in this case.
In a statement, East London Mosque said its “goal remains the same: to nurture faith, wellbeing, and social good for everyone in our community”.
It added: “The Muslim Charity Run is one of many initiatives that promote health, wellbeing, and charitable giving across our community. ELM encourages women to take part in sporting activities. There are many Muslim women from our community who have taken part in sporting events including boat races, cycling, hiking and marathons as well as various sporting challenges to raise funds for charity. We remain committed to listening to the needs of our community and ensuring our programmes serve everyone.”
The incident has sparked wider debate about gender segregation and participation in public religious events.
In Islamic tradition, the Qur’an includes verses addressing modesty and social conduct between men and women. Sura 24 (An-Nur), ayat 30–31 instructs “believing men to lower their gaze and to be mindful of their chastity” and likewise tells “believing women to lower their gaze and to be mindful of their chastity” and not to display adornments except in private or family settings.
However, the Prophet Muhammad is also recorded as opposing restrictions that would prevent women from attending religious gatherings. “Do not prevent the maid-servants of God from going to the mosque,” he said, according to Hadith collections in Muslim and Bukhari.
Historians note that the practice of strict gender segregation developed over time, and cannot necessarily be said to have been a founding principle to the nature of Islam.
Leor Halevi, a historical scholar of Islamic law, wrote that a “novel and unprecedented concern with the segregation of the sexes” came about in what is now modern day Iraq during the eighth century. This later became a normative practice in many Muslim societies, including the creation of domestic female-only spaces known as harems during the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties.
The modern conception of harems as historically being places of sexual subjugation is based on a set of euro-centric historical misunderstandings.
The controversy surrounding the London event has highlighted the ongoing tension between religious customs, community traditions, and equality laws in modern Britain. While East London Mosque insists it promotes inclusivity and community wellbeing, critics argue that public events in shared spaces should not exclude women from participation.
The EHRC has yet to announce whether a formal investigation will take place.
As the UK prepares for the upcoming Autumn Budget, Manx Financial Group CEO Douglas Grant has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves with a clear and urgent message: the Government must place small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of its economic strategy. His open letter, published ahead of the November Autumn Statement, highlights the mounting challenges facing SMEs—and the opportunities that could be unlocked with the right policy support.
In the letter, Grant makes a compelling case for renewed focus on SME growth, investment, and resilience. He warns that despite optimism about expansion, many small businesses face an uphill battle due to tight credit markets, high borrowing costs, and policy uncertainty. Recent research, he notes, shows that nearly a third of SMEs have had to pause operations because of funding shortages, while one in ten have been unable to access external finance at all. Yet, expectations for growth have actually risen—from 25% last year to 38% this year—with SMEs indicating that with proper financial support, they could expand by as much as 13% in the next 12 months.
For Grant and the Manx Financial Group, this represents both a risk and a moment of potential transformation. “Supporting SME growth is critical to the nation’s economic recovery,” he writes. But with the Bank of England reporting the fastest pace of job losses in four years, and borrowing costs at their highest since 1998, the path forward demands decisive action.
Five priorities for SME resilience
In his letter, Grant outlines five practical policy priorities designed to bolster confidence and unlock growth among UK SMEs—priorities deeply aligned with the Manx Financial Group’s SME growth mission.
1. Diversify markets and manage currency risks Grant calls for expanded government-backed trade missions and export finance to help SMEs reach new markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He emphasises the need for Treasury and banking partners to support forward contracts, multi-currency banking, and hedging tools that can help businesses stabilise margins against volatile exchange rates.
2. Strengthen supply chains and digital scalability As global tensions disrupt trade, SMEs have the opportunity to become agile alternative suppliers. Investment in AI-enabled logistics, real-time tracking, and near-shoring could help stabilise the UK’s supply networks. Digital exports, supported by strong cybersecurity and cloud-based infrastructure, could drive sustainable SME growth in the UK-India corridor and beyond.
3. Unlock finance and capital investment With borrowing costs still high, Grant urges reforms to government-backed loan schemes and expansion of alternative lending models. He also advocates for an extension of full expensing to include green technologies, AI, and digital infrastructure—measures that would empower SMEs to invest in productivity-boosting innovation.
4. Modernise taxation and pension frameworks Grant points to business rates reform as key to enabling decarbonisation and regeneration. Mobilising pension capital into domestic innovation and infrastructure could also generate stronger returns while supporting UK enterprise. Enhanced R&D credits and a Green Innovation Tax Credit modelled on the US would further encourage investment in high-growth sectors such as biotech and clean tech.
5. Launch a national digital skills accelerator With skills shortages weighing on productivity, Grant recommends a UK-wide digital and technical skills programme focused on AI, green technology, and engineering. Employer-led and aligned with industrial strategy, such an initiative could create a workforce ready to power the next wave of SME expansion.
A pivotal moment for the UK economy
Grant warns that speculation over new taxes and fiscal tightening—despite the Chancellor’s pledge not to raise income tax, VAT, or National Insurance—has already begun to dampen business confidence. For many SMEs, he says, the next few months could define whether they scale or stagnate. The Autumn Statement therefore represents a crucial opportunity to reset the nation’s approach to SME support, unlocking finance, encouraging investment, and fostering innovation.
A trusted voice for SMEs
As Group CEO of Manx Financial Group (LSE:MFX), Douglas Grant speaks from the vantage point of a company deeply engaged in SME finance. Through subsidiaries such as Conister Bank, Blue Star, The Business Lending Exchange, and Payment Assist, the Group has long championed access to funding for small and medium-sized businesses across the Isle of Man and the UK.
Founded in 1935, Manx Financial Group is a diversified banking and financial services organisation headquartered in Douglas, Isle of Man. It operates under dual banking licences in the Isle of Man and the UK, giving it the ability to provide flexible funding solutions across both jurisdictions. Its businesses offer a comprehensive suite of financial services, from lending and leasing to wealth management, insurance, and foreign exchange.
Conister Bank—one of the Group’s core subsidiaries—focuses heavily on providing asset finance and credit facilities to SMEs, while Edgewater Associates stands as the Isle of Man’s largest independent financial advice firm. Other subsidiaries, including Manx Ventures, Ninkasi, and Manx Collections, each contribute to the Group’s mission of supporting individuals, businesses, and communities in building secure financial futures.
Manx Financial Group’s latest results demonstrate both stability and ambition: a 2024 profit before tax of £9.9 million, total balance sheet value of £497.8 million, and £91.1 million in cash. These figures underscore the Group’s ability to deliver sustainable growth while supporting its clients’ evolving needs.
Turning fiscal uncertainty into opportunity
In his closing remarks, Grant’s letter captures the spirit of the Manx Financial Group’s SME growth philosophy: partnership, resilience, and innovation. “The Autumn Budget presents a pivotal moment to reset the SMEs’ trajectory,” he writes, calling on the Chancellor to “transform fiscal uncertainty from a barrier into a fulcrum for renewed prosperity.”
As the UK enters a new fiscal cycle, Grant’s message is clear: empowering SMEs is not just good economics—it is the foundation for a more resilient and dynamic Britain.
Anti-Bullying Week 2025 will take place in November this year, empowering children to speak out, support others and build a world where kindness wins.
Officially organised by Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and respectme in Scotland, the week will run from Monday 10th to Friday 14th November, following a great 2024 event.
The campaign was enormously successful last year, where over 80% of schools marked the week – reaching over 7.5 million children and young people.
This year, the theme is Power for Good.
This was chosen after ABA held a consultation with teachers and pupils which found that they wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive, in order to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes. They will use their own Power, for Good!
The Anti-Bullying Alliance is coalition of organisations, which are part of the National Children’s Bureau, working to create safer environments for children to thrive. Therefore, as co-ordiantors of Anti-Bullying Week, they use the event to highlight the impact of bullying and promote effective prevention strategies.
Millions of children across the country will get involved throughout the week, using the free resources provided – to celebrate the power of positivity.
The call for action is as follows: “Every year, bullying impacts the lives of countless young people and silence helps it grow. “That’s why, this Anti-Bullying Week, we’re empowering young people to use their Power for Good to safely speak up and raise awareness when they see bullying, face to face or online. “Lasting change needs all of us. From playgrounds to parliament, our homes to our phones — we all have a part to play. “Together, we can use our Power for Good to end bullying — for good.”
Kicking off the event, Monday marks Odd Socks Day, where adults and children are being encouraged to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique. ABA patron, CBBC and CBeebies star Andy Day will also lead celebrity support for the campaign with the help of his band – Andy and the Odd Socks.
On Monday, the band will release a toe-tapping song to mark the start of the week and support the message that although everyone is unique and different, everyone deserves equal kindness and respect.
For older children getting involved, the buzz on social media is an important aspect of the campaign – giving them the opportunity to share how they have embraced the anti-bullying message using the hashtags #AntiBullyingWeek and #PowerforGood on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (X) and Bluesky.
There are a wide range of free materials available to download on the ABA website, with a variety of teaching resources and themed assemblies to be found. These focus on how people can actively use their Power for Good and what they can do to stop bullying.
The media, social media and community-based campaign will bring Anti-Bullying Week to life for everyone – whether they are at home, work or in school – and is an incredible opportunity to combat a prevalent issue for young people.
It’s World Pasta Day this week and Bella Italia is celebrating with an initiative that goes beyond the restaurant table and into the heart of local communities.
On Wednesday 15th October, guests are invited to take part in Bring Your Own Pasta Day, where they will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a free main pasta dish while helping stock the shelves of food banks across the UK.
So how does it work?
Guests simply need to bring an unopened packet of dried pasta when they dine in at participating Bella Italia restaurants, and in return they will receive a main pasta dish for free (which average value £15). All of the donated packets will be collected and delivered to nearby food banks to support families in need.
This simple gesture will turn one plate of warming, tasty and comforting pasta into so many more – for people who really need it.
Pasta has always been the hero of Bella Italia’s menu, so by linking its best-loved dishes with an act of giving, Bella Italia is showing how food has the power to unite people, spark joy, and make a tangible difference in the wider community.
A spokesperson has commented: “Bella Italia has always been about more than just great food it’s about family, connection, and community. Pasta is at the heart of what we do, and we know how much comfort and happiness it brings to our guests.”
“With Bring Your Own Pasta, we want to use that same comfort to reach further, supporting local food banks that are a lifeline for so many families right now. By joining us for a meal and bringing along a simple packet of pasta, our guests can help us spread a little more kindness across the country.”
T&Cs:
The offer is valid on Wednesday 15th October 2025 and is for dine-in guests only at participating stores.
The promotion is running nationwide, but will not be available at Center Parcs, Edinburgh Northbridge, London Paddington, Leicester Wigston, or Dover.
Tables of up to six people are welcome to take part in the initiative and can redeem the offer by making at least one purchase. The free pasta will apply to the cheapest eligible main course.
The offer is not available for takeaway, delivery, or click-and-collect, and cannot be combined with other discounts, set menus, or vouchers. Menu items are subject to availability. Bella Italia reserves the right to amend or withdraw the promotion at any time.
With over 70 restaurants nationwide, Bella Italia is a favourite for Italian-inspired food that celebrates pasta in all its forms. From comforting family favourites to vibrant new dishes, Bella brings people together around the table and with Bring Your Own Pasta Day, that table extends out into the community, where it’s needed most.
Forest Hill Pools and Glass Mill Leisure Centre have just launched a pioneering new swimming programme that is set to benefit local Lewisham families.
Provided by a partnership between Level Water and ‘Better’, this innovative scheme is designed to break down barriers to sport for young disabled people by placing an Inclusion Specialist into these leisure centres.
Matthew Houghton, Better’s Community Sports Manager for the borough, says, “This is a fantastic partnership that helps those who need this additional support in the water get access to swimming lessons. It has allowed us to offer many more children in the London Borough of Lewisham the opportunity to learn to swim.
“By teaching children of all backgrounds this vital, lifesaving skill of being able to swim, is so important and working with Level Water allows us to do this.”
This specially-trained teacher will provide adapted swimming lessons that meet individual needs along with communication support in Makaton, BSL, and neurodiversity-aware practices.
9.3% of the child population in Lewisham have a disability, so this programme will ensure that these individuals have the same opportunities as their peers to learn an essential life skill and experience the joy of swimming in an environment that is safe, fun and affordable.
David Pope, the new Inclusive Swim Teacher for Lewisham, comments, “I really do believe that this role is providing such fun and rewarding opportunities to kids and families in Lewisham.
“Seeing the strong progress made by children that may not have had access to such focused and adaptive swim teaching, truly shows the benefit of this programme. I am very happy for Glass Mill Leisure Centre and Forest Hill Pools to be the centres for this initiative as they are both great hubs for families in the local area with great facilities that make them perfect for this programme.”
Families involved in similar programmes elsewhere have described the impact as transformative. One parent explains, “I’ve never seen him so proud as when he got his swimming certificate. He had never had that feeling of achieving and progressing in sport before. By the end of the week, he was going underwater himself. It was such a difference.”
Leisure centres in Lewisham are run by charitable social enterprise GLL under the ‘Better’ brand in partnership with the local council. To find out more, click here.
Level Water is a charity that supports and promotes swimming for children with disabilities. Visit their website here.
