Latest news with #Halfords
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Jamie Laing's Candy Kittens brand launches in-car fragrance experience
Jamie Laing's Candy Kittens brand has jumped behind the wheel and entered the automotive world with the launch of a new range of car air fresheners. The collection brings the brand's delicious sweet-smelling flavours from your taste buds to your dashboard, all while maintaining Candy Kittens' iconic chic and playful aesthetic. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ideal for adding a burst of indulgent scent to your car, home or office, the Candy Kittens Car Air Fresheners will initially be launched exclusively in Halfords stores nationwide, including the store in Seafield, as well as on the motoring specialist's website. The car air fresheners are available in four gourmet scents – Sour Watermelon, Wild Strawberry, Eton Mess & Very Cherry – and come in three different formats: The hanging air freshener - Ideal for hanging from a rearview mirror, the hanging air freshener is effortless to use and delivers a subtle burst of fragrance that lasts for up to 45 days. Air vent air freshener - Delivering an unrivalled fragrance experience, the air vent air freshener is easy-to-use and fits most vehicle vents. Spill-proof can air freshener - The perfect fusion of fragrance and functionality, the can air freshener slots seamlessly into most vehicle cup holders, delivering bursts of enduring, delicious fragrance. Prices for the Candy Kittens Car Air Fresheners will start from £3.49 for the hanging air freshener to £4.99 for the spill-proof can air freshener. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Candy Kittens Sour Watermelon spill proof can car air freshener The new range will continue Candy Kittens' commitment to limiting its impact on the environment with the hanging air fresheners and the air vent air fresheners being 100 percent recyclable. Customers simply send their old car fresheners back to the Candy Kittens team, who will then use them to make new car air fresheners. In addition, the car air fresheners' packaging is made from FSC certified cardboard. Podcast host and Radio 1 presenter Jamie and business partner Ed Williams founded the Candy Kittens brand in 2012, and have been shaking up the sweet industry ever since with their range of plant-powered sweets. Now, the dynamic duo is bringing the same passion and energy to in-car fragrance. To purchase the new Candy Kittens Car Air Fresheners range directly from Halfords please visit The new collection will be rolled out into Halford stores nationwide from 31st May.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Huge blow as drivers' go-to garage with 200 branches to shut another site after motoring retailer ‘reviews estate'
A POPULAR garage with 200 branches will shut another one of its sites in a huge blow to drivers. National Tyres and Autocare in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has been a go-to for locals for years. 1 Motorists will have to find alternative locations following the closure Credit: Google But the garage on Oxford Street will shut down following what the company calls a "review of our estate". National Tyres and Autocare is a national brand of fast fit specialists and is part of the Halfords chain. Halfords say they are supporting the staff affected by the closure and is offering them alternative roles at nearby locations. But it has not been confirmed how many jobs will be affected or whether the site will be closed on a permanent basis. Read more Motors news A spokesman for Halfords told the Northants Telegraph: "We can confirm our National Tyres and Autocare garage on Oxford Street in Wellingborough will close following a review of our estate in the area. "We are committed to supporting impacted colleagues and are offering alternative roles at nearby Halford locations where possible. "We'd like to thank our customers for their continued support and hope to welcome them at our Halfords Autocare garage on Turnells Mill Lane, Victoria Trade Park, which is just a six minute drive away. "Customers can also use Halfords Mobile Expert service for tyre fittings, battery replacements, and other essentials right at their doorstep." Most read in Motors The Wellingborough garage has a 4.3 out of 5 star rating from 225 reviews on Google and was a trusted spot for locals. With many five-star reviews, customers cited the garage's "brilliant service" and praised their "super friendly and helpful team." Another added: "Great old fashion service that hardly exists these days". Halfords has more than 200 National Tyres and Autocare garages across the UK. They specialise in vehicle maintenance and repair, including tyres, exhausts, brakes, batteries, MOT testing, vehicle safety inspections and car servicing. But this isn't the only site they've been forced to close in recent weeks due to a "review" of their estate. The chain also announced the The Broughty Ferry location is already up for sale or lease and surveyors believe the site to have potential for commercial use or redevelopment. Halfords is also set to close one of its main garages in Tweedmouth on June 5, with the company again citing a review of their estate as the reason. The news comes as the motoring industry faces wider challenges, such as the imminent closure of a huge car dealership with over 91,000 vehicles currently on sale, putting over 100 jobs at risk. The German online used car marketplace Heycar has suffered heavy losses since its launch in the UK in 2019, when it set out to rival Auto Trader and Motors. Now, its majority shareholder, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), has decided to pull the plug, leaving more than 126 employees across the UK, Germany, and France facing the risk of losing their jobs. A large proportion of A VWFS spokesperson confirmed, 'We expect we will have to let go of a large portion of Heycar's employees.' Despite the closure, VWFS is planning to carry forward Heycar's innovations. In a statement, VWFS UK said: 'Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) UK is pleased to announce the launch of a new subsidiary that will integrate the technology and expertise developed by Heycar. 'Heycar has been a pioneer in the online used car marketplace and, despite the decision to wind down their operations, the valuable insights and digital solutions developed so far will play a crucial role in the future of VWFS UK, as we continue to explore new ways to drive growth and innovation in the automotive e-commerce space. 'We are anticipating that specialists and resources from Heycar will be joining the new subsidiary, ensuring we have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilise and develop the technology we're acquiring.' Volkswagen Financial Services was the company's largest shareholder, holding a 78 percent stake, followed by Volkswagen at 13 percent and Renault at 9 percent. Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Huge blow as drivers' go-to garage with 200 branches to shut another site after motoring retailer ‘reviews estate'
A POPULAR garage with 200 branches will shut another one of its sites in a huge blow to drivers. National Tyres and Autocare in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has been a go-to for locals for years. 1 But the garage on Oxford Street will shut down following what the company calls a "review of our estate". National Tyres and Autocare is a national brand of fast fit specialists and is part of the Halfords chain. Halfords say they are supporting the staff affected by the closure and is offering them alternative roles at nearby locations. But it has not been confirmed how many jobs will be affected or whether the site will be closed on a permanent basis. A spokesman for Halfords told the Northants Telegraph: "We can confirm our National Tyres and Autocare garage on Oxford Street in Wellingborough will close following a review of our estate in the area. "We are committed to supporting impacted colleagues and are offering alternative roles at nearby Halford locations where possible. "We'd like to thank our customers for their continued support and hope to welcome them at our Halfords Autocare garage on Turnells Mill Lane, Victoria Trade Park, which is just a six minute drive away. "Customers can also use Halfords Mobile Expert service for tyre fittings, battery replacements, and other essentials right at their doorstep." The Wellingborough garage has a 4.3 out of 5 star rating from 225 reviews on Google and was a trusted spot for locals. With many five-star reviews, customers cited the garage's "brilliant service" and praised their "super friendly and helpful team." Another added: "Great old fashion service that hardly exists these days". Halfords has more than 200 National Tyres and Autocare garages across the UK. They specialise in vehicle maintenance and repair, including tyres, exhausts, brakes, batteries, MOT testing, vehicle safety inspections and car servicing. But this isn't the only site they've been forced to close in recent weeks due to a "review" of their estate. The chain also announced the closure of its Broughty Ferry site in Dundee earlier this month for the same reason. The Broughty Ferry location is already up for sale or lease and surveyors believe the site to have potential for commercial use or redevelopment. Halfords is also set to close one of its main garages in Tweedmouth on June 5, with the company again citing a review of their estate as the reason. The news comes as the motoring industry faces wider challenges, such as the imminent closure of a huge car dealership with over 91,000 vehicles currently on sale, putting over 100 jobs at risk. The German online used car marketplace Heycar has suffered heavy losses since its launch in the UK in 2019, when it set out to rival Auto Trader and Motors. Now, its majority shareholder, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), has decided to pull the plug, leaving more than 126 employees across the UK, Germany, and France facing the risk of losing their jobs. A large proportion of Heycar's employees are based in the UK, and the company is expected to wind down its UK operations shortly after its closure in Germany, which was expected in mid-May. A VWFS spokesperson confirmed, 'We expect we will have to let go of a large portion of Heycar's employees.' Despite the closure, VWFS is planning to carry forward Heycar's innovations. In a statement, VWFS UK said: 'Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) UK is pleased to announce the launch of a new subsidiary that will integrate the technology and expertise developed by Heycar. 'Heycar has been a pioneer in the online used car marketplace and, despite the decision to wind down their operations, the valuable insights and digital solutions developed so far will play a crucial role in the future of VWFS UK, as we continue to explore new ways to drive growth and innovation in the automotive e-commerce space. 'We are anticipating that specialists and resources from Heycar will be joining the new subsidiary, ensuring we have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilise and develop the technology we're acquiring.' Volkswagen Financial Services was the company's largest shareholder, holding a 78 percent stake, followed by Volkswagen at 13 percent and Renault at 9 percent. Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Cabin crew tells Irish holidaymakers to attach 'genius' €1 item to suitcase
With summer holiday season just around the corner, many of us in Ireland are starting to dust off our passports, browse for cheap flights and think about finally taking that long-awaited sun break. With some airlines clamping down on oversized luggage, travellers are more aware than ever of how and what they pack. Social media is full of people sharing tips on how to make the most of limited space and avoid fees. But there's one part of packing that often gets overlooked - the hygiene of your luggage itself. After being dragged across footpaths, airport toilets, train platforms and grimy car parks, suitcase wheels often end up on a bed, ready to be packed or unpacked. It's something most of us never think twice about, but one former flight attendant has gone viral for sharing a clever and surprisingly simple hack to help keep that travel dirt from coming into your home. It'll set you back less than €1 and takes just seconds to do. Usually used to insulate wires or mark equipment, black electric tape is something many households already have lying around in a drawer or toolbox. Black electrical tape is easy to find in most supermarkets, hardware shops or online. On Amazon's newly-launched Irish website, this Faithfull FAITAPEPVCBK Black PVC Electrical Tape 19 mm x 20 m is listed as a '#1 Best Seller' and costs just 91 cents. Alternatively, Halfords sell Insulation Tape Black 19mmx20m for €1. In a short 14-second TikTok clip, user SANA Motherhood demonstrates how simply wrapping tape around your suitcase wheels before travelling can keep them from tracking dirt onto your sheets, carpets or floors. She captioned the video: "I learned this genius trick from a flight attendant! Tired of your suitcase wheels dragging airport dirt into your home? This one simple thing will change everything after your trip!" The post has racked up over 10 million views and over 170,000 likes - and sparked a lively debate in the comments. One person said: "Smart hack for luggage", with a second one explaining: "For those who don't know, it helps protect your bag tyres from puncture, hence saving you the cost of replacing new bag tires, including wheel alignment every now and then." A third commented: "Is it not easier to give the wheels a quick disinfecting wipe than to have to put tape on and then peel the dirty tape off with your fingers?" A former flight attendant joked: "Former flight attendant here, do not do this unless you want to collect hair from around the world." For those looking for a quick and simple fix - especially if you tend to unpack in hotel rooms or on freshly made beds - it might be worth trying. No tools or expertise are required, and it could even prolong the life of your luggage by giving the wheels a bit of extra protection. And while you're giving your suitcase a hygiene upgrade, it might also be the perfect time to rethink your luggage altogether - especially with cabin bag rules getting stricter by the day. One budget-friendly cabin bag that's earning rave reviews for fitting up to four days' worth of clothes has just dropped in price on Amazon. The Xkdoai Cabin Bag, originally priced at an already reasonable €25.01, is now down to just €20.50. With over 200 sales in the past month and a glowing 4.7 out of 5 star rating from hundreds of reviews, this deal is expected to sell out fast. The bag, which measures a Ryanair compliant 40 x 20 x 25 cm, is available in five different colours, each priced slightly differently, so there's an option to suit every traveller's style. One reviewer shared that this bag was able to hold everything they needed for a four-day holiday in Spain, saying: "Excellent, used it on a 4 day break to Spain and couldn't believe how much I fitted in to it." For more information or to buy, click here.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Expert says one used car job will 'keep vehicles alive' and 'save money'
Former F1 mechanic turned TV motoring host Marc Priestley has shared a simple hack that can extend the life of your petrol or diesel car and save drivers money in a few years Marc Priestley, the 'Wheeler Dealers' TV star, has explained a nifty trick for extending the lifespan of second-hand petrol and diesel vehicles. On the show, the telly host emphasised the importance of oil changes and maintaining fluid levels, which could yield significant hidden advantages over time. Priestley, who swapped the Formula 1 pits for the small screen, pointed out that regular maintenance could lead to substantial savings by avoiding costly garage visits. The revelation comes as fans eagerly tune in to watch him on the latest World Tour series, broadcasted every Monday. Marc stressed: "Look after your car. It's the simple things like oil, keeping your oil topped up but also regular oil changes." READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman-loved brand launches Bank holiday sale including 'holy grail' spray He also mentioned: "The really basic stuff, which is really dull and boring for many people, is really important. It's going to keep the car alive and save you from going to a garage, which is going to cost you money." Adding their voice to the conversation, motoring experts at Halfords advocate routine oil changes as essential to an engine's health and reliability. They warn that fresh oil is crucial for lubricating parts effectively and ensures a vehicle maintains its performance between services, reports the Express. Halfords additionally highlighted that old or contaminated oil can negatively impact fuel economy and the overall car efficiency. KwikFit specialists also advise that those who frequently drive should make sure to change their oil often to prevent issues. Manufacturers used to recommend a full oil change after 3,000 miles, but with modern synthetic fuels, this is likely too soon. Companies now often set their own targets for oil changes, with Toyota recommending an update every 5,000 miles for a Yaris. On the other hand, Ford has stated that an oil change is only necessary every 10,000 miles on one of their popular Fiesta models. ClickMechanic suggests the oil should be changed every 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. The group also estimates the average cost of an oil change in the UK to be around £90, although prices can vary significantly depending on various factors. They emphasise that costs can range from £60 to £190, with location and vehicle type likely influencing fees.
