Latest news with #Bath-based
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Medieval shop on Butcher Row acquired by commercial property firm
A 15th-century shop on Butcher Row has been acquired by a commercial property firm. Bath-based company HPH has made its first purchase in Salisbury, buying the medieval building on Butcher Row, located in the heart of the city centre, surrounded by popular brands including Marks & Spencer, White Stuff, and L'Occitane. The timber-framed shop is currently let to Watches of Switzerland, which has traded there under the Goldsmiths brand since 1997. The firm recently renewed its long-term lease. Katie Holdoway, executive director of HPH, said: "We have looked for opportunities in Salisbury for a while, but this is our first acquisition in the city. "It's an exciting opportunity for us to extend further into Wiltshire, while remaining within our core catchment area. "It's also the first purchase we've made since I joined the company. "I have been asked if this is a sign of new directions to come – not necessarily, but as a company with largely industrial and office holdings we are currently seeing opportunities in certain town and city centres." The shop lies on a pedestrianised street between Market Square and the High Street.
Business Mayor
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
What it Really Takes to be a Tech Founder
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Tech founders in the UK often face tough challenges, from working long hours to sacrificing personal time and financial stability in the pursuit of success. A new study conducted by London based Antler, the most active early-stage VC firm in the world, reveals what it really takes to be a tech founder. More than 120 founders in Antler's European portfolio – 25% of which were based in the UK – shared insights into what it really takes to be a tech founder. More than half of UK founders (54%) said this was the hardest thing they've ever done. Interestingly, this was the lowest figure in Europe, where 72% said being a founder was the biggest challenge they had faced. Danyal Oezdeuzenciler, co-founder of Capsa AI, reflects on his journey: 'I've definitely traded a fair bit of personal time and stability – early on, I skipped friends' get-togethers, and my savings took a hit. It's a juggling act between chasing a dream and trying not to lose yourself in the process.' The Sacrifices of Founding Salary (38%), work-life balance (29%), and time for themselves (19%) were identified as the biggest sacrifices founders have made to dedicate themselves to their startups. Georgina Robinson, co-founder of Gladys, a Bath-based platform to connect families with trusted carers in their local area, shares her own experience: 'Switching from a successful career as a barrister to launching a tech startup was a bold move, and it certainly came with its challenges. Stepping away from a career with established milestones, status, and financial security was a tough decision. My family, particularly my parents, initially thought it was a terrible decision to leave a stable and reputable career. But the beauty of the journey is that eventually, people start to see the vision and believe in it when they see it come to fruition.' 77% of the founders involved in the study reported working 60+ hours a week, with 10% routinely clocking more than 80 hours a week. This is in direct contrast to the debate about European founders not working as hard as their American counterparts. 'Founders pour so much into an idea—financially, emotionally, mentally—and the resilience it takes is pretty extraordinary,' says Oezdeuzenciler. 'People often see the headlines but not the sleepless nights or personal risks behind them.' Not executing quickly enough (32%), not attracting and retaining customers (32%), and financial runway (29%) were the biggest worries that keep UK founders up at night. 'I love seeing how AI can shake up the old-school way of doing things—especially in industries like private equity that still rely on clunky manual tasks,' says Oezdeuzenciler, highlighting the passion that drives him. 'Waking up each day knowing I get to push those boundaries and work with an incredible team is what keeps me going.' In fact, 52% of British founders said their families had expressed concern and confusion about their decision to leave successful careers to build their own companies – more than anywhere else in Europe. However, despite these challenges and the impact on their lives, a staggering 100% of founders said they love doing what they do and felt rewarded by their career choice. What Drives UK Founders Giving an insight into the 'outlier mindset' required to build category-defining tech companies, only 6% of founders building in the UK said they were motivated by financial reward. Instead, creating real innovation (32%) and proving they can do something challenging (26%) were the biggest drivers and motivators for UK founders. 'Life is too short not to live with purpose,' says Robinson. 'Every day, I am driven by the desire to make a positive impact on the world. The two biggest challenges facing society – how we care for vulnerable people, and how we create meaningful work in an increasingly automated world – are ones I'm passionate about tackling.' Having a positive impact on the world was a strong motivating factor for founders across Europe, but only 10% of UK founders said it was a priority for them. 'I'm constantly learning and evolving in this work, and that's the fuel that keeps me motivated. What could be more energizing than knowing that my work could change lives for the better?' adds Robinson. In the US, tech founders are celebrated in Hollywood films and invited into the White House. In contrast, 81% of UK founders feel their dedication goes unrecognised – significantly above the European average. 'Founders wear many hats—they need to be experts in their field and generalists in everything else,' says Robinson. 'As a barrister, I was extremely specialised in my work. It takes a lot of hard work, persistence, and sometimes even doing things you don't love at first. But a little understanding, like being given some space when I miss a social event, is always appreciated!' Optimising Performance and Staying Energised When asked what they have learned about optimising performance, both Danyal and Georgina emphasise the importance of boundaries, energy management, and support networks. 'Ignoring burnout doesn't make you tougher—it just makes you less effective,' says Oezdeuzenciler. 'Setting real boundaries, staying active, and talking with mentors or peers who've walked this path has been crucial for keeping my energy and perspective in check.' Robinson adds, 'One of the key lessons I've learned is the importance of tolerance and patience, especially when it comes to balancing the intense dynamics of a co-founding relationship. It requires trust, understanding, and flexibility. I've also learned how crucial it is to bring positive energy to the team—confidence and optimism are contagious, and they help keep everyone motivated and focused on the bigger picture.' As they continue to innovate and drive forward, these UK founders, despite their immense sacrifices, remain unwavering in their passion for their work and their belief in its potential to change the world. According to Robnson, 'knowing when to pause, recharge, and come back with the right mindset is key to staying productive and leading the team with clarity and enthusiasm.'
Telegraph
16-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Five high-cholesterol foods you should eat (and what to avoid)
Thankfully, having high cholesterol doesn't necessarily mean you should avoid all cholesterol-rich foods. Recent research has found that specific cholesterol-rich foods, such as full-fat milk, yogurt and aged cheese, might actually improve blood lipid (fat) profiles, and therefore cholesterol levels. First, you must understand why your cholesterol levels are raised in the first place, as Dr Ali Khavandi, a Bath-based consultant interventional cardiologist, explains. 'If you have a genetic predisposition to high blood cholesterol levels, diet has very little influence so medication, such as statins, is usually required,' he says. 'Even for an 'average' person with raised cholesterol who is otherwise healthy, eating low-cholesterol foods is likely to have a limited effect. 'But if you are overweight and have some level of insulin resistance or other associated conditions, you can absolutely impact your cholesterol through dietary intervention, but usually, it comes down to adopting a healthy dietary pattern rather than avoiding certain high cholesterol foods.' Let's break it down. Which high cholesterol foods should you include in your diet – and which are best avoided? Five foods high in dietary cholesterol to include in your diet 1. Cheese Dr Khavandi is clear on this one: 'Everyone thinks that cheese is a disaster. I often hear people say 'my cholesterol is high, so I shouldn't eat cheese', but there's good data that long-fermented cheeses [such as aged cheddar] are beneficial'. While cheese is high in cholesterol, it is also a rich source of vitamins (A, K, B12), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium), and gut-friendly probiotics. Indeed, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that participants with metabolic syndrome who followed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that included 200g of cheese per day had improved blood lipid profiles after four weeks. 2. Eggs Good news for egg lovers: if you have high cholesterol, there's no need to order the egg white omelette. A review of the evidence by Harvard Medical School found that rates of heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular diseases were no higher in people who ate up to one egg per day. The effects of any cholesterol that eggs contain may also be mitigated by the other heart-healthy nutrients, such as selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, they contain, as Dr Khavandi explains: 'I think if you ate lots of eggs then your total cholesterol would probably go up but whether or not that would result in any prognostic problems further down the line is arguable. If you're otherwise healthy then it's unlikely to be an issue.' 3. Red meat This is a slightly more contentious one because red meat is high in saturated fat, which has been shown to increase LDL cholesterol (the 'bad' kind) in the blood, but Dr Khavandi believes this is over-simplifying the issue. 'The received wisdom is that LDL cholesterol is bad, there's a linear relationship with cardiovascular disease and the best thing you can do is reduce it by cutting out saturated fats from your diet, but that model is now outdated,' he says. 'If your cholesterol is high because you are part of that 'metabolic' group, then changing your dietary pattern from high sugar/high carbohydrate to eating minimally processed, satiating foods is far more beneficial. 'Eating a good-quality steak, which is high in protein, improves appetite regulation, which can help bring metabolic disorders under control. It's very similar to what the GLP-1 medications like Ozempic do; they shut off your hunger.' 4. Shellfish Although historically shellfish were a 'watch' food because of their relatively high cholesterol levels, where they differ from most other cholesterol-rich foods is their low fat content. Specifically, the fat they do have is of the heart-healthy omega-3 variety, which is known to protect against the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association has reversed their advice and now says they can be eaten as part of a heart-friendly diet that is 'more plant-based, including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables'. 5. Liver For most, avoiding liver is no great hardship, but it is a cheap, nutrient-dense source of protein and several key micronutrients providing a wide range of health benefits, including vitamins A, B12, D, E, K, iron, and copper. In a similar vein to shellfish, even though liver is high in cholesterol, it is low in fat. Heart UK, the cholesterol charity, advises that most people don't need to cut down on the cholesterol that's found in these foods if they're eaten as part of an overall healthy, balanced diet. Three foods to avoid 1. Sugar Excessive sugar consumption, particularly added sugars in ultra-processed foods, is recognised as a major driver of metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes. Metabolic patients often have high cholesterol due to factors such as insulin resistance, high blood sugar, and excess abdominal fat, which lead to increased levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol and decreased levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol. Unfortunately, hidden sugars are everywhere, and unless you are a food label sleuth, they are hard to avoid, Dr Khavandi urges vigilance: 'A lot of my patients, even with the best motivation, are being tricked by the food industry. They might have a low-fat fruit yogurt as a snack, thinking they are being healthy, but when you look at it, it has four teaspoons of sugar per serving. Moving to a predominantly whole food diet, like the Mediterranean diet, to include plenty of fruit, vegetables, olive oil, oily fish, nuts and seeds, is the best way to improve your lipid profile.' 2. UPFs The unfortunate fallout of the standard NHS advice to avoid saturated fat if you have high cholesterol is that people switch to ultra-processed, low-fat alternatives. Dr Khavandi is not a fan, 'Anything that says light, lighter or low-fat at the supermarket is often a catastrophe for health. If you take the example of low-fat mayonnaise, it will have a whole host of ingredients, including emulsifiers, starch and sugar, and very little in the way of oil or eggs.' Reducing your reliance on UPFs is key to a more integrated approach to health, which focusses on improving overall dietary pattern to combat a whole range of health risks, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and dementia. 3. Alcohol Not strictly a food group, but heavy drinking is consistently linked to raised blood lipid levels. Even moderate drinking can disrupt the body's normal metabolic processes, leading to increased fat production and storage and interfering with how the body processes sugar and fats. This contributes not only to elevated cholesterol levels but also to central obesity and high blood pressure, also risk factors for heart disease. Other ways to lower your cholesterol Stop smoking: There is a proven link between quitting smoking and increased beneficial HDL cholesterol levels. Indeed, it's estimated that within a year of quitting, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker. Exercise. A study funded by the British Heart Foundation in 2024 found that the more active you are, the more saturated fat your muscles use for energy. This means less is circulating in the body, which lowers your non-HDL cholesterol levels. Manage stress: A large Spanish study of 90,000 workers found that those with job stress were more likely to suffer from abnormally high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol. Whilst quitting your job may not be an option, practising yoga and doing regular breathing exercises are two excellent ways to reduce stress. FAQs What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fat (or lipid) found in all cells. It's a key component of cell membranes, is used to make hormones, helps the body make vitamin D and is essential in the production of bile acids, which help digest dietary fats. Most of our cholesterol does not come from nutritional sources, it's produced by the liver, which also tightly regulates the types and amounts of cholesterol in the blood. What are the different types of cholesterol, and which ones are unhealthy? There is, in fact, only one type of cholesterol, but there are various types of cholesterol 'carriers', called lipoproteins, that transport it through the body. VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) are two carriers that can potentially deposit cholesterol in the arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is the 'good' type of lipoprotein as it collects up excess cholesterol and transports it back to the liver for conversion to bile acids or to be excreted. Am I at risk of health issues if my blood cholesterol is raised? High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is diagnosed via a blood test. If your lipid profile is deemed high risk, statin medication would usually be recommended, but Dr Khavandi says that it's now possible to offer a more personalised approach using modern screening and imaging, 'I'll often see patients with high cholesterol but when we scan them their arteries are perfect, so for that group I probably wouldn't recommend statins.'
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
West-country drug dealer jailed for 19 years
A west-country drug dealer who went on the run has been jailed for 19 years for his role in a large drug operation in the south west. Christopher Barbosa, 32, formerly of Sea Mills in Bristol, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today, Friday April 4. Barbosa was arrested in May 2020 after officers from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) identified him as 'Kilo-chris', a key associate of Romaine Hyman, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison in 2022. He then went on the run, travelling across mainland Europe before being arrested in Paris while trying to continue his journey from Dubai to Barcelona. He spent a year in custody in France, having contested every stage of the extradition process, before being returned to the UK last December. Evidence from Barbosa's encrypted phone, where he used the handle 'Kilo-chris', showed he purchased at least 46 kilograms of cocaine from Bath-based Hyman at a cost of over £1.5 million in just two months. He also bought at least 20kg of cocaine from the Wiltshire-based Allison brothers, who were jailed in February as part of a separate £7m drugs conspiracy investigation, and 3kg from North Somerset man Alex Male, who was jailed last December for 18 years and who also went on the run. Barbosa used Robert Dent's home in Knowle West as a safe house, with James Hele as a courier. Dent and Hele were jailed in 2023 for 12 years and 11 years respectively. DCI Adam Smith from SWROCU said: 'Barbosa was very well connected to other serious criminals who were collectively making huge profits out of supplying class A drugs onto our streets. 'We've already seen others, including his suppliers and those who worked for him, receive significant jail time. Now it's his turn. 'Barbosa kept a low profile, letting others run the risk of storing and distributing drugs and money under his instruction. He'll have seen the sentences they've received while on the run. 'We all know the huge harm caused by the business they're in and the youth violence and exploitation it fuels. Cases like this show the absolute determination of our unit, together with our regional forces, to target those causing the most harm.' Ruona Iguyovwe, Senior Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Barbosa had a significant role in a sophisticated operation which supplied Class A drugs across the South West, handling over 66 kilograms of cocaine worth millions of pounds. "Despite his attempts to evade justice by hiding behind encrypted technology and fleeing abroad, the Crown Prosecution Service, including our International Unit, worked closely with law enforcement and international partners to secure his extradition, build a strong case and bring him to justice. 'This case sends a clear message that we will pursue criminals wherever they go – there is nowhere to hide. Organised crime and illegal drugs bring misery and harm to our communities, and we will work tirelessly to help dismantle these criminal networks. 'We will be pursuing confiscation proceedings against Barbosa to recover the proceeds of his crimes.' Barbosa pleaded guilty on 25 January this year to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A (cocaine, heroin and crack cocaine); conspiracy to conceal, disguise, transfer or remove criminal property; and acquiring criminal property.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Drug dealer 'Kilo Chris' jailed for 19 years
A drug dealer from Bristol who was known as "Kilo Chris" has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for his part in a large drug operation in the south west. Christopher Barbosa, 32, formerly of Sea Mills in Bristol, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court earlier. He was affiliated with other high-profile drug dealers such as Bath-based Romaine Hyman, the Wiltshire-based Allison brothers and Alex Male from North Somerset. Police said Barbosa bought at least 46kg of cocaine from Hyman at a cost of more than £1.5m in just two months. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol Barbosa was arrested after officers from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) identified him as "Kilo-Chris", a key associate of Bath-based drug dealer Hyman, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison in 2022. Barbosa went on the run, travelling across mainland Europe before being arrested in Paris while trying to continue his journey from Dubai to Barcelona. He spent a year in custody in France, during which time he contested every stage of the extradition process. He was eventually returned to the UK in December last year. Evidence from Barbosa's encrypted phone, where he used the handle 'Kilo-Chris', showed he purchased at least 46kg of cocaine from Hyman at a cost of £1.5m in just two months. He also bought at least 20kg of cocaine from the Wiltshire-based Allison brothers, who were jailed in February as part of a separate £7m drugs conspiracy investigation, and 3kg from Male, who was jailed in December 2024 for 18 years. Barbosa pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, conspiracy to conceal, disguise, transfer or remove criminal property and acquiring criminal property. Barbosa used Robert Dent's home in Knowle West as a safe house, with James Hele acting as a courier. Dent and Hele were jailed in 2023 for 12 years and 11 years respectively. Det Ch Insp Adam Smith from SWROCU said: "Barbosa was very well connected to other serious criminals who were collectively making huge profits out of supplying class A drugs onto our streets. "We've already seen others, including his suppliers and those who worked for him, receive significant jail time. Now it's his turn. "Barbosa kept a low profile, letting others run the risk of storing and distributing drugs and money under his instruction. "He'll have seen the sentences they've received while on the run. "We all know the huge harm caused by the business they're in and the youth violence and exploitation it fuels." Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. 'Most wanted man' jailed for role in £4.5m drug gang Trio jailed over £3m cocaine-running plot Six jailed after £2.4m of drugs found in car boot HM Courts & Tribunals Service Avon and Somerset Police
