Latest news with #Cornwall-based
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
A Covid boom propelled the luxury yacht industry, but higher taxes hit demand for more affordable boats
Despite economic headwinds in Britain, the luxury yacht market remains buoyant, with wealthy buyers undeterred by higher taxes and tariffs. While larger yacht makers like Princess and Sanlorenzo report strong sales, demand for smaller, more affordable boats has softened. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads ( Originally published on May 21, 2025 ) Britons are feeling the pinch from higher taxes, weak economic growth and now US tariffs adding to the uncertainty. But one industry's customers appear to be sailing through relatively unscathed: luxury yacht buyers."Large yachts are still selling strongly," Joe Hill, sales director of motor yachts at British maker Princess, said at last week's British Motor Yacht Show at Swanwick Marina on England's south coast. Pointing to a model costing 4.3 million ($5.7 million) before value-added tax, he said: "If you have that as disposable income you're probably riding over the peaks and troughs of the economy anyway."Wealthy buyers are still splashing the cash on high-end yachts decked out with their own trim and other personalised features, contributing to an industry worth an estimated 1.4 billion. But less wealthy consumers aren't immune to the slowdown. They've been reining in spending, with a drop in demand for smaller and slightly more affordable yachts "There are still plenty of people spending money at the top end, but at the lower end it's quieter," said Dave Cockwell, founder of Cockwells, a Cornwall-based boutique builder that makes classic-style boats with upgraded technology. There were "more inquiries than ever" for bigger boats, but smaller ones struggled to attract buyers, he sales boomed during the Covid-19 pandemic as wealthy people sought ways to spend their money, with overseas travel limited and restrictions tight. Since then, sales have larger yachtmakers continue to enjoy strong demand. Sanlorenzo SpA, an Italian manufacturer listed in Milan, reported an 11% increase in net revenue for new yachts to ₹930 million last year, powered by its superyacht yacht show in Swanwick - which featured 45 boatmakers - pulled out all the stops to reel in the roughly 1,500 potential buyers. A lobster stall served hungry customers, while those ready to make an offer could step into luxurious lounges put on by the major yacht companies with free food and show also talked up how buying a yacht is free of stamp duty. That's become a bigger selling point after the Labour government last year raised the surcharge on second-home purchases to 5% from 3%.Sanlorenzo, which makes boats starting at 6.5 million, lured wealthy buyers with its two luxury vessels on display. The SX76 sleeps eight guests and two crew with a large saloon, dining room and full-size kitchen as well as extensive outdoor space, while its SL96A was custom-built for a client with a dark wood interior and several modern art boatmakers had less luck securing deals for their smaller vessels. People at that end of the market, who are potentially testing their financial limits, might buy a boat on finance, said Princess's Hill, and high interest rates might make them hold off purchasing for and cheaper boats - like Princess' V40 which starts at 700,000 - have seen weaker sales over the last few years, Hill said. The Plymouth-based company, which employs around 2,400 people, makes boats ranging from 40 feet to 95 feet a similar story for Rib-X, which makes speedy craft that can be used for sports, and tenders, which are smaller boats used as lifeboats or support vessels for large yachts. Sales of its smaller vessels have slumped around 40% in the past year, estimates Ross Collingwood, chief executive officer of Rib-X owner Vortec Group.
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- Science
- The Herald Scotland
POTR: World's first plant pot made from marine plastic waste launches
This initiative comes amid growing concerns over marine pollution in Scotland. A study by the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) found that Scotland generates significantly more plastic waste from the fishing and aquaculture industry than England – an estimated 4,897 tonnes annually compared to 1,108 tonnes. The Ocean Pot, made from recycled marine plastic, is manufactured through a UK-wide supply chain. Fishing nets are recovered,sorted and shredded by Cornwall-based marine waste specialists Waterhaul – with POTR being the first adopters of Waterhaul's recently launched Traceable Marine Plastic material. It is then pelletised in Dumfries, transformed into recycled sheets in Middlesbrough, and finally die-cut and assembled in Edinburgh. Andrew Flynn and Eilidh Cunningham of POTR (Image: The Picture Agency) Andrew Flynn, POTR's founder and a lecturer at Glasgow School of Art, was inspired to create the Ocean Pot after witnessing the extent of marine waste on Scotland's west coast. He said: 'I was in Skye recently, and while it's one of the most beautiful places in the world, the amount of marine waste on the west coast is staggering. Waste is choking our shoreline – Surely there is something that can be done to make it useful. 'We're huge admirers of Waterhaul and the work they do, and to partner with them is a major step forward. Traceability makes it real for people. The more transparent the journey, the more it sparks conversations and makes people realise they can be part of the solution.' Read more: Plant pot that can be sent as letter breaks funding target The Ocean Pot's origami-inspired design allows it to be shipped flat-packed, reducing transport emissions by up to 100 times compared to traditional ceramic or plastic pots. Once unfolded, a self-watering system using cotton cord helps plants regulate hydration with minimal waste. POTR's initial Ocean Pot release in 2022 sold out quickly, but scaling production proved challenging due to fragmented supply chains. The new partnership with Waterhaul, specialists in recovering, recycling and manufacturing adventure products from marine plastic in the UK, enables POTR to meet growing demand. Harry Dennis, co-founder of social enterprise Waterhaul, said: 'Ghost gear is the most damaging form of plastic in the sea. Working with POTR means we can take that material and turn it into something useful, something beautiful, something people want in their homes. POTR Pots are flat packed, self-watering plant pots made from recycled materials. (Image: The Picture Agency) 'They care about the process as much as the product. These pots are traceable back to the beach the net came from. That level of transparency matters. It shows what's possible 'This could easily be one of the most efficient recycling-to-product models in UK consumer manufacturing.' Customers can scan their Ocean Pot to view when and where the net was collected, the volume of waste in that batch, and who sorted it. The data is stored on Waterhaul's live tracking platform, and every pot contributes 4% of profits to ongoing clean-up efforts. Each tonne of beach waste now yields approximately 5,500 Ocean Pots. Since its founding in 2019, POTR has shipped to over 50 countries and secured retail partnerships with Uncommon Goods, John Lewis, and Bloom & Wild. The new Ocean Pot, its most advanced product to date, will be showcased at this year's Chelsea Flower Show and at V&A Dundee as part of the new Garden Futures exhibition, which opens to the public from Saturday 17th May. The Ocean Pot will be available for purchase from Friday 16 May priced from £22, exclusively via
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Singer-songwriter to perform in Blaenau Gwent as part of UK tour
A singer-songwriter is set to perform in Blaenau Gwent as part of her UK and Ireland tour. Sarah McQuaid will perform at The Met in Abertillery on June 5. The Cornwall-based musician has released a live video of a new song ahead of her seven-week tour. The song, titled "I'm Slowing Down As I Get Older (And That's Good)," will likely become the title track of her next album. Sarah McQuaid said: "I'm in the process of renovating my garage into a home studio where I can record all my future albums. "The place is still very much a construction site, and there was a fierce cold wind blowing in through the broken windows, so I was playing with my hat on and a scarf wrapped around my neck, but the video came out really well and has already been getting some great comments on YouTube." The song carries an upbeat message about living in the present, with a bluesy flavour that evokes Sarah's roots in Chicago. It's performed on the Ibanez Artist electric guitar that formerly belonged to her late friend and mentor Michael Chapman. Sarah McQuaid said: "The plan is to record the new album this summer — hopefully in my new home studio — and release it early next year. "It's a massive project to undertake, but I'm confident that between touring and crowdfunding I can make it happen." Tickets for the Abertillery show on June 5 are available on The Met's website.
Sunday World
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
English football club pulls out of partnership with controversial adult star Bonnie Blue
The Cornwall-based football club Calstock FC backed out of the deal whereby their kit was sponsored by the OnlyFans star and insisted they did not want to 'offend' anyone The small English football club that had partnered with the controversial adult star Bonnie Blue has pulled out of the collaboration. The Cornwall-based football club Calstock FC backed out of the deal whereby their kit was sponsored by the OnlyFans star and insisted they did not want to 'offend' anyone. The tiny club had unveiled the new blue strip that featured a 'BB' logo and included the phrase 'Up The Bonnie Blue Bees' on the back. Bonnie, whose real name is Tia Emma Billinger, has claimed to have slept with 1,057 men in 12 hours. The adult star from Nottinghamshire, also caused controversy after sleeping with 'barely-legal' boys at Freshers' Week for content on her OnlyFans channel. She also recently travelled to the US to have sex with teenage college students for Spring Break. She had announced the sponsorship deal on her Instagram story which prompted the club to repost it while offering a 'massive thank you', along with a blue love heart and a bee emoji. Bonnie Blue Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 3rd The clip soon racked up a whopping 880,000 views on Instagram with hundreds of people offering their comments on the announcement. 'So as I am sure you are aware Calstock FC secured a generous sponsorship deal with social media influencer Bonnie Blue with which we acquired a new away kit (just to be clear this was not to replace our home kit of yellow/black & it is an adult team/club),' the club wrote in a Facebook post. However, with widespread criticism spreading across social media, Calstock, which describes itself as 'a drinking team with a football problem', released a statement insisting: 'We did not do this to offend'. One critic wrote: 'This isn't a flex, it's actually embarrassing as f*** for you. Calstock FC replied: 'Each to their own opinion and you're entitled to that but as a small local club, we are proud to be sponsored by her and we very much appreciate the sponsorships as we do all our sponsors. If you have nothing nice to say, just scroll on by. Another added: 'Possibly one of the worst sponsorships ever.' A third said: 'If my man was on that soccer team, I'd break up immediately.' In the statement released on Friday, Calstock FC said the English Football Association's 'interpretation of the regulations' prohibited them from wearing a kit funded by the 25-year-old. 'Due to the FA's interpretation of the regulations we are retracting the kit bearing the BB logo,' they posted. 'We did not do this to offend. We, as an adult club & collective, categorically do not advocate or support oppression of women.' They have now set up a GoFundMe page to replace the strip. 'It was great to see that so many people took an interest in our adult club & offered support so to this end we have set up a Go Fund Me page on which we would be delighted to receive your donations as we now need to replace this kit & need to secure the future financial viability of the club.' This latest offside for Bonnie follows the permanent ban she was handed down by Nottingham Forest and after she was 'escorted off the premises' having turned up at their stadium after offering to pleasure fans. The Premier League club issued the ban after she planned to give the crowd 'a good time'. They apparently banned the pornographic actress from its home stadium The City Ground which she appeared to confirm on the Only Stans podcast. The controversial strip 'I recently went to a Nottingham Forest game. Well, I attempted to,' she explained. 'I put on my socials, 'Hey boys, I'm going to be at the game, I'd like to film with you afterwards' 'I turn up at the football game and the gate security was like, 'You are permanently banned from the ground'. 'I thought when they asked me to go to the side, maybe they're upgrading my tickets, maybe they want to escort me to my seat. this is quite nice, it's a good service. 'They asked to see my tickets, I showed them and they took them off me, saying, 'we're escorting you off the premises'.' Blue said she was attending the match to 'encourage' the footballers and give the crowd a 'good time'. 'I also think if I'm entertaining the supporters it's less people drinking, so I'm actually doing something good for their health,' she insisted. For Bonnie, the next on her list to claim the record for 'first woman to have sex in space'.
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Non-league club sponsored by Bonnie Blue forced to RETRACT kit and crowdfund for a new one over FA rule
A NON-LEAGUE football club is looking for a new shirt sponsor after being forced to RETRACT the deal it had with Bonnie Blue. The controversial adult star 4 Calstock FC were sponsored by OnlyFans star Bonnie Blue Credit: SWNS 4 The sponsorship was paid for by the controversial adult star Credit: Instagram The Cornwall-based side shared a kit which featured a "BB" logo that was funded by the 25-year-old. The logo featured on a new blue away kit rather than the club's established yellow and black home shirt. However, the club has now revealed that they are prohibited from wearing the kit due to the FA's "interpretation of the regulations". A statement read: "Due to the FA's interpretation of the regulations, we are retracting the kit bearing the BB logo. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL "We did not do this to offend. "We, as an adult club and collective, categorically do not advocate or support the oppression of women." The club was hit with criticism on social media but it appears that this has not factored into the decision. The shirt also featured the phrase, "Up The Bonnie Blue Bees" printed along the back of the shirt. Most read in Football A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help the club replace the banned shirt. Blue, whose real name is Tia Emma Billinger, hails from Stapleford, Nottinghamshire. Bonnie Blue sparks outrage AGAIN with foul-mouthed ad that saw her paid five-figure sum by 'family friendly' tech giant 4 The shirt featured Blue's logo on the front Credit: Alamy 4 It also said 'Up The Bonnie Blue Bees' on the back Credit: Alamy She rose to fame claiming to sleep with over 1,000 men in just 12 hours. The infamous OnlyFans model was She had tried to pull a viral stunt when she advertised an offer to "entertain" fans before the visit. Speaking on the Only Stans podcast: "I thought when they asked me to go to the side, 'maybe they're upgrading my tickets, maybe they want to escort me to my seat, this is quite nice, it's a good service'. "They asked to see my tickets, I showed them and they took them off me, saying, 'we're escorting you off the premises'. "Apparently, they don't discriminate against sex workers, but I was banned because I was a sex worker. "I was going to encourage them (the players), give them a good time. "I also think if I'm entertaining the supporters it's less people drinking so I'm actually doing something good for their health." Who is Bonnie Blue? Born in May 1999, Bonnie - whose real name is Tia Billinger - grew up in a small She has two half-siblings - a sister and a brother - who have always remained out of the public eye. She never knew her biological father, and considers stepfather Nicholas Elliott her dad. Bonnie also became something of a dance star in her local area, and competed in the British Street Dance Championships alongside her sister back in 2015. She also had a part-time job at Poundstretcher as a teenager. After school, she began working in recruitment. In October 2022, Bonnie married Oliver Davidson, who she had started dating when she was just 15. Once they were married, they moved to Australia, where Bonnie continued working in recruitment. However, it was in Australia that she decided to pursue a different line of work, and tried her luck as a 'cam girl' - crediting Oliver for giving her the confidence to enter the adult entertainment world. She quickly made a name for herself in the industry, and was soon making £5,000 a week. But while her work life was going from strength to strength, her relationship was crumbling, and she and Oliver split after almost a decade together. She moved over to OnlyFans following her cam girl success, and once again found fame on there. She quickly became a favourite on the site, especially thanks to her "niche" of sleeping with young male students - such as when she bedded 158 students during Nottingham Trent University's freshers week in September 2024. Bonnie is now estimated to be worth £3 million, and makes around £600,000 a month on OnlyFans. Her family are also supportive of her work, with mum Sarah Billinger even claiming she's her daughter's PA, and helps clean up after Bonnie's events - as well as handing out condoms to young clients. In January 2025, Bonnie claimed to have
