Latest news with #EastMidlands
The Independent
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Business confidence in Scotland ‘higher than UK average' in May
Business confidence in Scotland rose to higher than the UK national average in May, at 52%. Overall UK business confidence rose 11 points in May to 50% – the highest level in nine months. Confidence in Scotland rose 12 points during May to 52%, according to the Bank of Scotland's Business Barometer, compared to 40% in April. While companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down four points at 57%, optimism in the economy rose 29 points to 48%, which analysts said 'gives a headline confidence reading of 52%'. The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. Overall, UK business confidence increased 11 points in May to 50% – its highest level since August 2024. Firms' optimism in their own trading prospects strengthened six points to 56%, while confidence in the wider economy also climbed 16 points to 44%. In a six-month forecast, Scottish businesses identified target areas for growth as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (56%), investing in their team, for example through training (48%) and introducing new technology, for example AI and automation (36%). The East Midlands was the most confident region in May (66%), followed closely by the north-east of England (65%). Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: 'Scottish business confidence has not only continued to rise, but has now remained above the UK national average for a sixth month in a row. 'Our country's businesses are setting out clear plans for growth, with more firms planning to take steps such as launching new products and services than anywhere else in the UK. 'This reflects a business community that has innovation and ambition in its DNA. We'll continue to support local businesses as they turn their plans into action.' Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist at Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: 'The rebound in business confidence suggests that firms might be in a stronger position for the next quarter. 'The rise in confidence is driven by a sharp increase in economic optimism, reflecting the recovery in financial markets amid more promising prospects for potential global trade agreements. 'Equally as encouraging is the fact that trading prospects, wage expectations and hiring intentions also saw improvements this month. The positive trends in these metrics are important signals for potential growth and resilience in the business community and the wider economy. 'While we know that fluctuations do occur month on month and the global economic outlook remains uncertain, this month's increase in confidence is an encouraging sign.' Paul Kempster, managing director for commercial banking coverage at Lloyds Business and Commercial, said: 'The jump in business confidence for our regions and nations is encouraging. 'It's great to see that across many metrics, businesses are more hopeful for the future and are backing themselves for success in 2025. 'The East Midlands in particular saw the highest confidence levels at 66%, the highest the region has seen since 2018. 'As business confidence regains, we are committed to support businesses with a range of financial services to help them to seize opportunities and achieve their growth ambitions.'
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Dan Cole retires a titan who will be remembered for resilience over highlights
When looking back on the rugby life and times of Dan Cole, what is most striking is that, after almost two decades at the front-row coal face, after the triumphs, trophies and truculence, it was something entirely intangible which stands tall above all else. It is the 38-year-old's resilience; or, to borrow a sporting cliché, his bouncebackability. The veteran Leicester and England tighthead will retire at the end of the season, but, when recalling his career, it is not necessarily the highs that immediately spring to mind. It is often overlooked, given his Leicester debut came in 2007, that he burst onto the scene as English rugby's most dynamic, rounded prop. It was his mauling of then England loosehead Tim Payne against Wasps which led to a first Test cap in 2010, at the age of 23 – tender for an international tighthead. But it is easy to forget how, at one time or another, he jackalled as effectively as England's back row, too. DRC in numbers. 🐻❄️ — Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) May 27, 2025 Another 339 appearances – with, probably, a few more to come this season – for the Tigers ensued, as well as four Premiership titles. Cole wore those renowned East Midlands stripes having grown up a dyed-in-the-wool Tiger, playing his junior rugby – mostly in the back row – for the neighbouring grass-roots club, South Leicester. From those muddy pitches, a brilliant career for both England and the Lions followed; Cole made 118 appearances for England and won three Test caps for the British and Irish Lions. And yet, it was arguably the nadir of Cole's playing career which is most vividly remembered by English rugby fans. Cole was known as a destructive scrummager – ask Tom Court and the rest of the Irish front row who featured in the 2012 Six Nations – but in Yokohama, as Cole trotted off the bench early in the 2019 World Cup final, the tighthead was chewed up and spat out by a South African juggernaut hell-bent on global hegemony. Cole did not feature for his country again under then head coach Eddie Jones, believing his international career to be over while attempting to convalesce the deepest of emotional wounds and scars. But it is a measure of Cole's durability and work ethic that he returned to his club and continued to give his all for a boyhood cause. When Steve Borthwick replaced the sacked Jones as England head coach at the end of 2022, Cole sniffed a second chance. It was Cole, after all, who had been the cornerstone of the Leicester pack which, under Borthwick, had lifted the Premiership title a season earlier. With Borthwick from Leicester went Richard Wigglesworth, Kevin Sinfield and Aled Walters, the fitness guru – all of whom knew Cole well. When the inevitable England recall came, it was Walters who convinced Cole to take on the role of Stone Cold in England training, with the veteran re-enacting Steve Austin's famous wrestling entrance (replacing beer with water) to his team-mate's delight and social media acclaim. STONE COLD DAN COLE. Elite content via @JoeMarler on Instagram! #RWC2023 — Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) September 21, 2023 Whether Cole yearned for personal retribution after 2019 is not fully known; he is a unique, droll character who often kept his cards close to his chest, instead opting for wise-cracks. Regardless, there was symbolic retribution four years on. The image of him trotting off in the 56th minute of the 2023 World Cup semi-final alongside Joe Marler, his great mate, having held resolutely in the face of his demons from four years previous, a Springbok scrummaging onslaught, will stay with all those who were in the Stade de France that evening for a long time. England went on to lose, but Cole must surely have slept easy that night, after a standing ovation from the England fans in Paris, knowing he could have given no more to the cause. Cole retires as a tighthead titan and a Leicester legend alongside a cabal of his former England team-mates, in a season that has become a curtain call of sorts for English rugby. Cole, Marler, Ben Youngs – alongside whom Cole has established the successful For the Love of Rugby podcast – Mike Brown, Anthony Watson, Danny Care and Alex Goode are all now hanging up their boots. The final chapter 📖 — Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) May 27, 2025 'Overall, I have loved my career but I haven't loved every minute,' Cole said. 'That has allowed me to appreciate the good times even more. However, when I do look back on it properly at the end, I know I won't want to change anything about it.' Those words from the man himself are telling. Tuesday was a poignant day for Cole, as well as those close to him, yet, as ever with this great Midlands yeoman, we can be sure that, whatever the next move, brightness lies ahead. History can reassure us of that.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Bonnie Blue one of three high-profile names banned from Nottingham Forest stadium this season
THREE high-profile names were banned from Nottingham Forest's stadium this season - including Bonnie Blue. The City Ground witnessed a superb season as the East Midlanders launched a surprise Champions League challenge. 6 6 Ultimately, Nuno Espirito Santo's side fell just short of securing a spot at Europe's top table. Forest lost 1-0 at home to Chelsea on the final day of the season. But neither Bonnie Blue nor Gary Neville were able to see the conclusion of the campaign - due to their City Ground bans. Bonnie was slapped with a permanent stadium suspension by Forest in April after trying to enter the ground and pull off a viral stunt. But the adult content creator - who shot to fame by allegedly bedding 1,057 men in 24 hours - then sneaked into the Chelsea away end in disguise with a cap, wig and glasses. She said: "I am playing hide and seek with Nottingham Forest's security. The first security officer that finds me, gets to boink me." Bonnie was eventually found and escorted out - with footage circulating online capturing the moment. She then made a lewd gesture behind one of the security guards. Bonnie - real name Tia Billinger - previously said of her initial City Ground ban: "I recently went to a Nottingham Forest game. Well, I attempted to. "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.' "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." However, Bonnie was not the only person to miss the Chelsea game. That is because Forest rejected Sky Sports' media accreditation application for Neville. Who is Bonnie Blue? Born in May 1999, Bonnie - whose real name is Tia Billinger - grew up in a small Derbyshire village, and attended the Friesland School in the village of Sandiacre. 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 broken the world record for the most amount of sex in 12 hours, after apparently sleeping with 1,057 men from 1pm to 1am at a secret London event. The ex-Manchester United man was due to be on co-commentary at the City Ground for the crunch clash. However, Forest blocked Sky's plans - forcing them into a late reshuffle - because Neville had been critical of Evangelos Marinakis' on-pitch row with Santo following the 2-2 draw with Leicester. over the incident - and Forest retaliated with the shock suspension. That prompted a series of X-rated chants and even masks mocking Neville from Forest fans at the Chelsea game. But as well as Bonnie and Neville, Marinakis himself was banned from his own club's home stadium this season, too. The Greek businessman launched a furious outburst at the referees after a 1-0 defeat to Fulham in September as he had a meltdown in the tunnel and spat on the floor in a "disgusting display of contempt". And The FA's punishment was a five-match stadium ban - which included being barred from entering the City Ground for the home fixtures against Crystal Palace, West Ham and Newcastle. 6 6 6 6
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Farage declares Reform is ‘party of the workers' as he vows to trash Starmer's legacy
Nigel Farage has made his most direct pitch to Labour voters yet, as he vowed to tear up Sir Keir Starmer's deals from the last fortnight if he wins power, declaring Reform UK as the true 'party of the workers'. In a wide-ranging speech in central London, the Reform UK leader turned his guns on Labour as he tacked to the left, vowing to reverse the cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners and end the two-child benefit cap. While Mr Farage held on to his traditional rightwing causes of slashing taxes, ending net immigration and scrapping diversity officers and policies, his message was aimed at disaffected Labour voters who polls suggest are abandoning Sir Keir. He also challenged the prime minister to a debate in a pub in Labour heartlands after the Labour leader said he was ready to face off with Mr Farage. It comes as the recent Techne UK poll for The Independent put Reform eight points ahead of Labour on 30 per cent to 22 per cent. Mocking a favourite catchphrase of the prime minister, Mr Farage declared that Reform UK "really are now the party of working people". And he claimed that Labour are "terrified" of his party, and declared the Conservative Party "finished". Mr Farage said Labour 'are absolutely terrified of Reform" and claimed they "did even worse" than the Conservatives in the local elections earlier this month. "We completely wiped them out in County Durham, in many other parts of the East Midlands and elsewhere." He said the government are "collapsing in terms of support", and later added: "Reform really are now the party of working people" while describing Sir Keir as heading the least popular government taking office 'since the Suez crisis' in 1956. He claimed that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is 'woefully over her head' and aimed deals made in the last fortnight on the Brexit reset with the EU and handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. He also tore into Sir Keir's controversial speech on immigration. He said: 'This prime minister has no connection with working people. No connection with what we used to call working-class communities. "He doesn't understand what it's like to get up at 5 o'clock in the morning and go out and work physically hard for the time, he doesn't seem to understand that the tax burden, the cost of living, energy bills have meant that people genuinely have had a lower standard of living, quite consistently, over the course of the last 10 years." Mr Farage added: "His leadership frankly is dismal, it is uninspiring, it is disconnected from real life, it is in my view, unpatriotic, and now even opinion polling today suggests that over half the country thinks his leadership, frankly, is pointless." The Reform UK leader said he did not want to wait until the next general election for a potential debate, and would want to face him before then. He said: "I don't really want to wait for four more years, you and your deputy and others are saying, no no no no, it's Labour that are the party of working people not Reform. "Why don't we test it out? I've got a great idea, why don't the prime minister and I go to a working man's club somewhere in the red wall and we'll sit there and let them ask us questions, and you can all come along and cover it live. "That's my open invitation to the prime minister. Let's go to one of the former mining communities, let's go somewhere that Labour have held the seat pretty much consistently since 1918. Whether the Prime Minister will enjoy a few beers with the lads and do the Channel 4 racing that afternoon, I'm not sure, but I am very, very happy to do so."
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Beloved BBC radio star dies aged 75 after five decades on air as devastated colleagues pay tribute to ‘giant'
TRIBUTES have been paid to beloved BBC radio star, John Peters, who has died aged 75 after five decades on air. The legendary broadcaster worked in commercial radio for 50 years and died this week following an illness. 1 Originally from Middlesex, the presenter first entered the world of radio in 1974 for United Biscuits factories. He was the first voice to be heard at Nottingham-based Radio Trent after the station was launched in 1975. Peters spent decades at the station hosting shows such as Trent Top 30. Over the years, he has broadcast on several other East Midlands commercial stations and spent time at the BBC. He hosted Boom Radio's weekly Vintage Charts show most recently, presenting three shows overall. A tribute from Boom Radio confirmed the news and said: "John was the king of chart shows, hosting our weekly Vintage Charts programme since Boom Radio launched - alongside 'John's Jukebox' and his Friday evening show. "Only at Boom have his rare gifts been heard across the UK – and he was enormously touched by the enthusiasm you showed for his programmes. "John was a radio man through and through, with an enviable command of the sound of the medium, weaving voice and music together into a rich audio tapestry. "With his somehow relaxed energy, few have the gift he had for making a chart show an unmissable drama." The station paid their condolences to Peter's wife Chrissie and his family and said they would pay their own tributes to 'celebrate his fine work' in the coming days.
