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National News

Recession threat means UK firms surviving rather than innovating survey

UK firms are failing to innovate as they are focused on survival amid a bleak economic outlook and recession fears, a survey has suggested. Half of company bosses said the threat of economic volatility has caused them to stop innovating, according to a poll of more than 300 chief executives and top bosses across the country by consultancy Magnetic. Some 56% of firms are prioritising the survival of their business above all else. Business leaders are choosing to “batten downRead More

today 6

National News

Government announces 16 million funding for Forest Research programme

The Government has announced £16 million of funding for the Forest Research programme looking into climate and pest resilient woodlands. A competition for a new national forest will also be launched this week, alongside the unveiling of two new community forests. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the increased risk of tree disease and pests, such as ips beetles and ash dieback, alongside the impacts of climate change meant the habitats for thousands of species ofRead More

today 7

National News

Bill to ban creation of new leasehold houses to be introduced to Parliament

Long-awaited legislation that would ban the creation of new leasehold houses in England and Wales will be introduced to Parliament later. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill will mark its first step on the path to become legislation, hailed by Housing Secretary Michael Gove as a “landmark moment for millions”. Other than in exceptional circumstances, new houses in England and Wales will be freehold from the outset, under the planned reforms. But campaigners have expressed concern that the sale andRead More

today 7

National News

Fall in GP vacancies linked to funding for other roles survey suggests

A scheme introduced to enhance access to general practice by bringing in staff such as pharmacists and physician associates could be driving down GP vacancies, a new survey suggests. Some 44% of family doctors told GP publication Pulse they had seen a reduction in the number of vacancies advertised in the last year, with 23% noting a reduction in the last six months. The 612 respondents reported 619 vacancies in November 2022, which fell to 449 in May 2023 andRead More

today 2

National News

Laura Kenny sets her sights on a fourth Olympics

Five-time gold medal winner Laura Kenny is targeting her fourth Olympics next year after the birth of her second child this summer. Kenny, who has topped the podium in London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, has her eyes set on Paris as she is keen to prove motherhood is no reason to end her career after the arrival of their second son Monty in July. “I obviously want to compete at the next Olympics. I know everyone thinks I’m absolutelyRead More

today 11

Local News

Operation Wonderland will crack down on shoplifting over festive period

It’s a time of the year when more people are out and about in town centres looking for festive bargains.But this time of year also sees a spike in people attempting to steal from shops – which Operation Wonderland is looking to crack down on in Lynn, with the aim of protecting businesses.The scheme means more dedicated patrols will be around the shopping area in town – in a bid to deter criminals and have officers close at hand ifRead More

today 12

National News

Ninth celebrity really gutted to depart Strictly Come Dancing

The ninth celebrity has said they are “really gutted” to depart Strictly Come Dancing. Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon has missed out on dancing in the quarter-finals for the BBC One show’s musicals special as she went home during Sunday’s results show episode. The 39-year-old faced Bad Education star Layton Williams, 29, in the dance-off after they both landed in the bottom following the judges scores and a public vote. Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du BekeRead More

today 4

National News

Tens of thousands gather for rally against antisemitism amid Gaza truce

Tens of thousands have attended a march against antisemitism in London, as the crowd heard that the Jewish community will “not be intimidated”. Former prime minister Boris Johnson was among the high-profile figures joining the demonstration, a day after crowds also gathered in the capital to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. Those who addressed the marchers included Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and immigration minister Robert Jenrick, as organisers claimed the pro-Palestinian rallies in recent weeks had madeRead More

today 2

National News

Layton Williams Why shouldnt we be swinging around a pole on Strictly

The 29 year old has defended a pole-based routine on last week's show following criticism from former Strictly professionals Layton Williams has said he is living his best life by “pushing the boundaries” on Strictly Come Dancing. The West End and Bad Education star, 29, was asked about criticism from former Strictly professionals Brendan Cole and James Jordan over a pole-based routine on last week’s episode of the BBC One show at Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Williams said: “I feel likeRead More

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