Bentley CEO reveals secrets of EV plans
Driving in the Flying Spare 2024, the latest edition with the plug-in hybrid, the pair discussed Bentley's switch to EV with the 2026 release of the urban SUV.
The CEO hopes the company's existing customers will be willing to make the jump and purchase one of Bentley's new vehicles, hoping the 'excitement' that comes with a new car will be a temptation.
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The Independent
6 minutes ago
- The Independent
Why are Tesco and Sainsbury's calling on Rachel Reeves to make a fresh U-turn on tax?
R achel Reeves is facing a fresh rebellion, but this time, the opposition is coming from Britain's biggest supermarkets, not the Labour back benches. Tesco and Sainsbury's have joined forces with pubs, restaurants and other hospitality businesses to warn the chancellor against a planned £1.7bn tax raid on the industry. The Independent looks at what the businesses are worried about, and whether their warnings are likely to be heeded. What is the tax raid? The grocery giants' intervention focuses on the chancellor's plans to overhaul the business rates system. Changes outlined by Ms Reeves in her Budget last October will lead to higher payments for department stores, big supermarkets and other businesses with larger sites. At the time, the chancellor said she was creating a 'fairer business rates system' by permanently lowering payments for high street retail, hospitality and leisure properties. To fund lower rates for businesses worth less than £500,000, Ms Reeves outlined plans for those worth more than £500,000 to pay a higher rate. The government is also scrapping a relief enjoyed by the companies, granting them 40 per cent off their business rates bills up to £110,000, which currently costs the Treasury £1.7bn a year. 'This measure will provide certainty and support for the high street,' the government said at the time. What do critics say? Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy told The Telegraph that the changes will threaten 'investments in customers, colleagues and communities'. 'Increasing the burden on large shops would hinder rather than help our town centres. Many of these shops are anchor stores in their local communities,' the retail chief added. And Sainsbury's boss Simon Roberts said big retailers, already struggling with higher national insurance contributions and the minimum wage hike, would 'pull away from our high streets'. He told the paper: 'The changes being proposed will further increase the negative impact of business rates and won't stimulate the growth or investment into our high streets and jobs that we all want to see.' The British Retail Consortium (BRC) estimates that around 4,000 large retailers will be hit by the changes. It argues that these 'anchor stores' drive footfall and help sustain surrounding businesses and communities. What do they want changed? The BRC wants the government to exclude shops from the higher rate payment, the level of which is set to be unveiled in the autumn Budget and take effect from next April. Funding the exemption of shops would require smaller retail, leisure and hospitality firms to pay slightly more. Will the government listen? It is rare for the likes of Sainsbury's and Tesco to publicly speak out against government policy, and the intervention is a sign of the growing frustration among retail and hospitality bosses at Ms Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer. The industry has already been hit with national insurance hikes, a minimum wage increase and is bracing for the imposition of Angela Rayner's employment rights shake-up. Pub bosses have warned they are already seeing record closures and the business rates reforms will cause more to shut down. Labour came to power with a promise to govern as a party of business, and the Treasury will certainly take note of the retailers' calls. However, with the chancellor already under pressure to raise as much cash as possible in her next Budget, any move that critics could paint as a bung to big business will prove politically difficult.
The Sun
6 minutes ago
- The Sun
Top UK supermarket chain introduces new loyalty scheme – and it has a major delivery perk
WAITROSE has launched a new subscription service aimed at online grocery shoppers, giving customers the chance to save money on delivery fees. The scheme, called the Waitrose Delivery Pass, is now available across the UK after a successful trial. 3 3 It allows shoppers to pay a fixed amount upfront for deliveries, either monthly, six-monthly, or annually, through the Waitrose website or app. Without a pass, delivery slots cost between £2 and £4 each. But with the new scheme, a one-month pass will cost £8, a six-month pass is £45, and a 12-month pass comes in at £85. Waitrose says the annual plan could save customers up to £123 a year if they order once a week using a £4 slot. Customers who sign up will also get early access to Christmas delivery slots – which become available in September – giving them a head start on booking during the busy festive season. Laura Burbedge, Waitrose director of online, said: 'We're investing in our online business to continuously improve it, giving our customers even greater value and the best possible experience. 'Thousands of customers signed up for Delivery Passes through our trial, so we expect to see strong demand across the UK as we roll it out.' The move comes as supermarkets compete to offer better value and convenience to customers who increasingly rely on home delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted shopping habits, and while many people have returned to stores, online grocery shopping remains popular, particularly among busy families and older shoppers. Waitrose said the pass is part of wider investment in its digital offering, including improved website functionality, app updates, and more delivery slots. It's also increasing capacity in some areas to meet demand, particularly in urban locations. Subscriptions have become a growing trend in the grocery world, helping shoppers save while locking in customer loyalty. Tesco's Delivery Saver lets customers choose from midweek or anytime plans starting from £2.49 a month. Sainsbury's offers its Delivery Pass from as little as £10 for three months, covering unlimited deliveries for orders over £40. Other retailers outside traditional supermarkets have joined in too. Iceland introduced a Bonus Card Savings scheme offering exclusive delivery slots and offers to regular shoppers. Meanwhile, Amazon Fresh continues to offer free grocery deliveries to Prime members in selected postcodes, with no extra charge beyond the Prime membership fee. Waitrose says more updates to its online shopping experience will be announced in the coming months. 3
The Sun
6 minutes ago
- The Sun
I tracked down my grandfather's Mini after it'd been lost for DECADES – I restored & now it's worth over £12,000
A CLASSIC car enthusiast has shared the heartwarming story of his Morris Mini, a cherished family heirloom that has been passed down through four generations. Jamie Garrett, from Oxfordshire, was recently named a runner-up in Lancaster Insurance 's prestigious Pride of Ownership award for 2025, after showcasing his beautifully restored and much-loved classic car. 5 5 5 5 5 Speaking to the classic car experts at Lancaster Insurance, Jamie revealed the iconic little motor was originally purchased by his grandfather in 1965 and became an integral part of the family's life. Indeed, it was used for everything from summer holidays in France and Italy to teaching multiple family members, including Jamie's father, how to drive. The car later served as Jamie's father's work vehicle - before rust claimed it in 1977, rendering it undrivable and leaving it off the road for decades. In 1996, an attempt was made to restore the Mini but the project stalled and the car was eventually given away. For years, it was thought to be lost forever - until Jamie tracked it down in 2019. Against all odds, he bought the car back and embarked on the ambitious task of restoring it to its former glory - despite having no prior experience in car restoration. As expected, Jamie faced numerous challenges, including a failed initial attempt, but his determination never wavered and by working with specialists, including a skilled panel expert from the Real Mini Company, the Mini's shell was brought back to life. Better yet, Jamie decided to keep the restoration project a secret from his father until 2023, when he unveiled the fully restored Mini as a surprise - leaving his father overwhelmed with emotion. Together, they worked on the final touches before taking the car for its first drive to visit Jamie's grandfather, who apparently, when he first saw it, said: 'It was never this good!' Speaking to Lancaster Insurance, Jamie said: 'As a family we are immensely proud of the car, and the story that goes with it makes it even more special and brings joy to everyone that meets her. 'She will live on as a lasting memory of my grandparents who are now no longer with us.' The motor now serves as both a functional car and a showpiece - regularly appearing at various events. Lancaster's Pride of Ownership award, as voted for by classic car enthusiasts, recognises not only craftsmanship and dedication. Yvonne Gosney, the firm's Senior Trading Manager, said: 'The work Jamie has completed on this Mini is nothing short of exceptional, and we congratulate him on his deserving podium position in this year's Pride of Ownership. 'Jamie's Mini is a powerful reminder of how classic car restoration can be about more than just metal - it can bring a family's history back to life.' The Morris Mini has become a favourite among classic car enthusiasts and has risen in price in recent years - with the median price, according to the Classic Valuer, being £13,616.
