Latest news with #Which?'
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sports Direct pricing could be misleading shoppers, consumer group claims
UK consumer agency 'Which?' has reported Sports Direct to the competition watchdog following tip offs over the retail giant's use of 'Recommended Retail Prices' ©Press Association Sports Direct's pricing could be misleading shoppers into thinking they are getting a better deal than they really are, consumer group Which? has said. The watchdog has reported Sports Direct to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) following tip-offs over the retail giant's use of Recommended Retail Prices (RRPs).
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Old car model rated most reliable by UK drivers and it's not a Ford Fiesta
Long considered a steady staple of British roads, the Ford Fiesta doesn't even feature in Which?'s list of the top 10 most reliable cars When it comes to buying used cars, many drivers believe older models will ultimately lead to persistent problems and massive mechanical bills. But the latest survey from consumer champions Which? has blown this myth out of the water, revealing some more than decade-old cars are not just surviving, they're thriving — boasting reliability records putting numerous newer models to shame. Topping Which?'s comprehensive survey of over 60,000 UK drivers, the Lexus CT Hatchback Hybrid (2011–2020) has been crowned the most reliable car in the 10–15-year-old category. This full hybrid hatchback, which quietly went off sale in 2020, has proven itself to be the definition of dependability. In the 12 months leading up to the survey, not a single respondent reported a breakdown in their Lexus CT, with only 13% experiencing any kind of fault at all — a staggeringly low figure for a car of this age. And when issues did arise, owners reported their cars spent just over a day off the road for repairs, compared to the 4.5-day average for cars in this age group. The Lexus CT's reliability isn't just a fluke. Toyota 's luxury arm has long been known for its commitment to hybrid technology and robust engineering. Owners also benefit from Lexus ' generous 10-year warranty (as long as the car is serviced at an official dealership), which encourages regular maintenance and helps nip potential issues in the bud. The CT scored four out of five stars for satisfaction in the Which? survey, with a third specifically praising its reliability, and further third lauding its comfort. 'The finest car I have ever crowned' While some found the rear legroom and boot space lacking, most of the feedback for the model was glowing. As Graham Elliott from Scarborough put it, the CT is 'the finest car that I have ever owned'. The Which? survey also highlights other reliable models, including the Mazda MX-5 Convertible (2005–2015) and the Lexus RX Hybrid (2009–2015), both of which also reported zero breakdowns in the year leading up to the survey. The Honda Jazz (2008–2015), Skoda Citigo (2012–2019) and BMW X1 (2009–2015) all performed admirably, but none could quite match the Lexus CT's dependability. So if you're in the market for a used car and want peace of mind, the data is clear — the Lexus CT Hatchback Hybrid is the second-hand motor most likely to keep you one the road and out of the repair shop.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Major UK airport's £1.3bn mega upgrade will transform 'hated' terminal
As part of an epic 10-year programme to transform its hub, one major UK airport has revealed its latest multi-million pound investment plan to turn around a controversial terminal One of the UK's busiest airports has finally revealed plans to transform its terminal which Brits have branded 'truly abysmal'. Handling around 30 million passengers every year, Manchester Airport is the largest of its kind in the north of England - with around 261 flights leaving the hub daily. However, last year the airport came bottom in Which?'s league tables, after the consumer brand analysed responses from almost 7,000 members. Manchester Airport's Terminal 3 received a measly 37 per cent approval rate - with travellers giving it just two stars for queues at the checkin-desk, bag drop, and passport control. The tiny terminal, which mainly deals with low-cost airlines like Ryanair, only managed to scrape one star for queues at security, level of seating available, staff, and prices in shops, bars and restaurants. On social media, it's clear the terminal's reputation isn't much better. "Manchester Airport Terminal 3 is the depths of hell," one person moaned on X (formerly Twitter). Another agreed, scathing: "Manchester Terminal 3, you are awful." A third added: "Terminal 3 at Manchester Airport is truly abysmal," while a fourth dubbed it the 'worst' terminal in the UK. However, last week (May 13, 2025) Manchester Airport revealed a huge multi-million pound investment to revamp Terminal 3, as part of its £1.3 billion transformation programme. The mega face-lift, which aims to free-up space and improve the passenger experience, will see a new entrance with 'more space, easier access and better facilities'. The terminal will also welcome brand new security equipment and 40 per cent more seating capacity in the departure lounge, along with new shops and food and drink outlets, located both airside and landside. Grabbing a pint or meal pre-flight will also get a whole lot easier, as the terminal revamp will include a new 500-seat bar area with airfield views, as well as a dining area expansion that will see 200 extra seats. Terminal 3's expansion will see Terminal 1 (as it currently is) close for good as it merges together. Terminal 2, which has already had a major revamp, will also double its size as part of the 10-year investment plan. "The work we've done in Terminal 2 is there for all to see – and we've already won the prestigious Prix Versailles award for its architecture and design. But until now we haven't talked about our plans for Terminal 3," said Manchester Airport managing director Chris Woodroofe. "Moving to a two-terminal airport is giving us a great opportunity to use some of the existing Terminal 1 space to increase the footprint of Terminal 3. We're doing that as well as making some all round improvements to Terminal 3 – so passengers will enjoy new security technology, more space, more seats, new retail and food and drink, and more. It's another exciting step towards delivering an even better experience for our passengers and I can't wait to see it progress." External work on the new pier on Terminal 2 – the second pier – has also taken a significant step closer to completion. The piers on the terminal are structures that extend from the main building and are home to the gates where passengers embark and disembark.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Warning issued to UK households over kitchen appliance that could be hacked
Cyber experts are warning that hackers could exploit weaknesses in technology, including smart toasters, to access home networks and take control of other devices UK families have been issued a cybersecurity alert about the potential risks of smart toasters being exploited by hackers to infiltrate their home networks. According to specialists, various smart appliances, including fridges, toasters and thermostats, can be easily targeted for cyber assaults that may permit unauthorised control over other gadgets in the household. This threat is particularly pertinent for older hardware devices which may not receive regular updates or are no longer under observation, with cybercriminals exploiting feeble security measures to slip into domestic networks undetected. Cybersecurity expert Evgeny Goncharov from Kaspersky brought this issue to light, speaking with The Times: "When having access to one device, you have the ability to connect to the server and then communicate with your other devices, and sometimes take control over them. The problems are many." Which?'s Andrew Laughlin highlighted the dangers of so-called 'zombie products' - outdated yet functional items that lack support - making them susceptible to breaches and compromises. Recently, Google disclosed its decision to halt updates for its early Nest smart thermostats from 2011 and 2012 starting October this year, signalling to authorities that numerous smart gadgets pose a significant security risk as they become obsolete and lack protection against digital threats, reports the Express. Alan Woodward, University of Surrey's professor of cyber security, commented on the issue saying: "In some ways it might not matter that you toaster doesn't get updated", signifying that even overlooked vulnerabilities in these supposedly insignificant devices could serve as gateways for hackers into the private sanctum of one's residence. Last year, the National Cyber Security Centre sounded the alarm that a company with ties to the Chinese government had commandeered 260,000 devices globally, including webcams. Recently, high-profile retailers fell victim to cyber attacks, including Marks and Spencer, which was initially targeted by cyber criminals just days before the Co-op and Harrods were compelled to disable some IT systems and limit internet access to ward off comparable assaults.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Rundown' seaside town's £1.8m boost as Butlin's unveils huge transformation
A well-known seaside town in the south of England, which was recently crowned one of the 'worst' in the UK, has welcomed a huge upgrade to its insatiably popular Butlin's resort A once regal seaside town loved by Brits has watched its glitzy reputation slowly wash away. Snuggled on England's south coast in West Sussex, some 70 miles from Central London - lies the coastal town of Bognor Regis. Boasting half a dozen golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a Victorian pier originally built in 1865 - Bognor Regis attracts a whopping four million tourists every single year. Like any quintessential seaside resort, it's filled with all of your staycation essentials: Fish & Chip shops, ice cream vans, arcades, and souvenir shops. But, the town was recently snubbed in Which?'s seaside league tables, where it came joint fourth from last with Burnham-on-Sea. Scoring a measly 47 per cent out of 100, survey participants gave the town just two stars for its beaches, tourist attractions, scenery, and food and drink offerings - and a brutal one-star rating for its pier and range of shops. Bognor Regis, known as one of three UK homes to Butlins, opened its resort back in 1960, during the UK's coastline glory days. It was the third complex to be built in England and reportedly witnessed a staggering 3,000 visitors on the opening day. And just last month, Butlin's announced it had finished a huge £1.8 million upgrade to the resort - helping to bolster tourism in the region. The transformation means Bognor Regis is now home to Butlin's biggest-ever indoor Soft Play centre and Puppet Theatre. Opening in time for the busy Easter half term, the four-storey soft play centre, which is a whopping 3,000 square feet, has the capacity to entertain up to 200 children - while adults can kick back and relax in the new 100-person eating area. The Soft Play centre features new slides, climbing challenges, log ramps, cargo nets, and a multi-sensory area for babies. The Puppet Theatre will put on new shoes for guests, including Under The Sea, Jingle in the Jungle and Christmouse. Jon Hendry Pickup, CEO at Butlin's, said he was 'delighted' to open the Soft Play and Puppet Theatre at Bognor Regis. "Both are included in the price, providing incredible value for our guests," he added. "They have always been popular with guests, and these incredible new spaces are full of personality, just like the Skyline Gang and their performances which are always a standout part of family's breaks." It takes around two hours and 17 minutes to drive to Bognor Regis from London, but direct trains can slash the journey time down to just one and a half hours. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £10. Accommodation in Bognor Regis varies depending on your budget. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, June 13 -15) at the four-star Beachcroft Hotel will set you back £322, based on two adults sharing. But, the Keedwell Studio Apartments offer a double room on the same nights for just £198. Butlin's offers weekend breaks for the May Half Term for as little as £253.
