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Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a futuristic concept. They’re on UK roads in greater numbers than ever before.

One of the reasons is that government initiatives support EVs and there are Low-Emission Zones (LEZs) in the UK where LPG cars are fined or sometimes outright banned from entering. Along with these government initiatives, public demand for sustainable travel is also rising. Yet, while the appeal of cleaner, quieter driving is strong, one challenge continues to hold back widespread EV adoption in the UK: range anxiety.

For many drivers, the idea of running out of charge mid‑journey, especially in an unfamiliar area, is enough to stick with petrol or diesel. This concern is particularly pronounced for longer journeys, road trips, or holidays where you can’t easily predict where your next charging stop will be.

That’s exactly why Hertz has introduced the Hertz EV Route Planner. It is defining a smarter way of travel. An electric car route planner is built to take the stress out of driving electric. It’s more than just a map but rather, an intelligent tool that becomes your travel assistant, especially for long drives to make your electric journeys smoother and more enjoyable.

The UK’s EV adoption challenge

Despite record EV sales in the UK, range anxiety is still one of the top reasons many drivers hesitate to make the switch. UK motorists worry about:

Not knowing where to find reliable charging stations.
Uncertainty over how far their EV can travel on a single charge.
Inconvenience and time needed to recharge mid‑journey.

These concerns are amplified when planning longer trips. While charging networks have improved dramatically in recent years, the perception of inconvenience still lingers.

Unlike running low on fuel, which can be solved with a quick stop at almost any junction, EV charging requires more forward planning. You need to consider:

Charger availability – Are there enough points along your route?
Charger type – Will it support fast charging for a quick turnaround?
Your EV’s range – Does it suit the journey you’ve planned?

For drivers used to traditional fuelling habits, this represents a shift in thinking. And if you are a traditional motorist looking to go for EVs, Hertz with its smart road trip planner is trying to make this transition as smooth for you as possible.

Enter the Hertz EV Route Planner

The Hertz EV Route Planner is a free, built‑in tool available when you hire an electric vehicle from Hertz in the UK. It’s designed to replace uncertainty with clear, customised information for your trip.

Here’s what it does:

Plans your route based on your chosen EV model
 Every EV has a different range. The Hertz EV Route Planner takes your specific model into account, so your journey is calculated around realistic battery performance.
Considers your current charge level
 You can input your battery percentage before setting off, allowing the ev route planner to recommend when and where to charge.
Maps reliable charging stations
 Charging stops are integrated into your journey plan. These are vetted, public locations and many connected to the extensive charging network.
Suggests nearby amenities
 If you’re charging for 30 minutes, why not also grab a quick bite? The Hertz EV Route Planner highlights local facilities to make your stops more enjoyable.
Works with in‑car navigation
 Most Hertz EVs come with built-in navigation that supports charging station visibility. This means your planned route and charging stops appear both online and in‑car.

How Hertz EV Route Planner tackles range anxiety

The beauty of the electric car route planner is that it turns your unknown drive into well-charted journey:

You know your route: You don’t have to second‑guess where to stop or whether you’ll make it. You already have a route plan given to you.
You know your chargers: There are no surprise detours. Hertz EV route planner only shows verified EV stops along with type of charging points.
You know your timing. Estimated travel and charging times help you stay on schedule.

With that level of preparation, driving an EV feels less like an experiment and more like a standard but far cleaner travel experience.

A smarter way to hire an EV

Hiring an EV from Hertz in the UK already comes with benefits:

A wide choice of electric vehicles, from compact city cars to luxury models.
Partnership with Shell Recharge for access to over 500,000 charging points across Europe.
Seamless booking via the Hertz website.

Adding the Hertz EV Route Planner to the mix turns a rental into a complete travel solution. It’s not just about the car,  it’s about how Hertz becomes your travel partner throughout the journey, making sure you are ready with the plan, and you can focus more on the driving experience.

Driving electric with confidence

Range anxiety shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying the benefits of electric driving. Plus, with LEZs in the UK, you do not have to face charges or bans in certain areas just because you chose an LPG vehicle fearing range anxiety. With tools like the Hertz EV Route Planner, the barriers to EV adoption in the UK are becoming smaller every day. Planning is no longer a chore but rather, it’s part of the journey, ensuring your trip is efficient, enjoyable, and eco‑friendly.

So whether you’re a first‑time EV driver or a seasoned electric traveller, make your next journey a smooth one. Hire your EV from Hertz, use the electric car route planner, and discover just how stress‑free electric road trips can be.

Read more:
How Hertz’s EV Road Trip Planner takes the stress out of electric journeys

As the leaves turn golden, autumn 2025 brings with it not only cosy jumpers and pumpkin spice lattes, but also a return to soft, voluminous hair.

Extensions are at the heart of this seasonal transformation, offering an effortless way to add body, length, and drama. We’ve tested and researched ten of the most popular clip-in hair extension brands available in the UK, comparing quality, price, delivery, and overall wearability. Here’s a full breakdown of the Top Hair Extensions Reviews UK:

Quick Comparison Table

Brand
Price Range (£)
Hair Type
Best For
Rating

Cliphair
60–250
100% Remy Human
Quality and colour range

BeautyWorks
50–400
Remy Human
Celebrity-inspired looks

Milk & Blush
30–275
Remy Human
Natural blends

Gee Hair
100–400
Remy Human
Sleek luxury

Foxy Locks
85–285
Remy Human
Ultra-voluminous styles

SWAY
90–140
Remy Human
Mid-market affordability

Additional Lengths
80–130
Remy Human
Reliable everyday wear

Lullabellz
25–80
Synthetic/Mixed
Budget-friendly & trendy

Euphoria One
70–140
Remy Human
Salon-grade clip-Ins

Viola
90–130
Remy Human
Affordable basics

 Top 10 Clip-In Hair Extension Brands UK

Cliphair

When it comes to the best clip in hair extensions UK, Cliphair sets the bar. Their range spans 40g–300g sets in premium 100% Remy human hair, with an impressive selection of 60+ shades. Prices typically range between £60–£150, making them one of the most affordable yet luxurious options for hair extensions, offering something for every budget. Delivery is swift with next-day and weekend available , and customer service is consistently praised by their community. Explore Cliphair here.

BeautyWorks

Famed for celebrity collaborations, BeautyWorks offers glamorous styles with Remy human hair extensions priced from around £50–£400 . Their packaging and brand appeal are undeniable, though being a more premium brand, the premium comes at a cost. They’re ideal if you’re after red-carpet ready looks, but not the most budget-friendly choice for day-to-day wear.

Milk & Blush

Milk & Blush has built a loyal fanbase thanks to its natural-looking blends and soft, silky Remy human hair. Priced between £30–£275, their clip-ins are mid-range, though delivery times can occasionally be longer than competitors. Still, for effortless blending, they’re a definite trusted option for purchasing hair extensions in the UK.

Gee Hair

Gee Hair also remains at the higher end of the market at £100–£400, offering sleek luxury with strong reviews for smoothness and shine. Their range is good, though availability can sometimes be limited with many items having to be restocked regularly.

Foxy Locks

With a reputation for ultra-thick, voluminous extensions, Foxy Locks appeals to those who want more dramatic transformations. Prices run from £85–£285, with a solid colour range. They’re heavier to wear for long hours and aren’t suitable for those with naturally thin or fine hair, but unbeatable for instant glam.

SWAY

Positioned as a mid-market alternative, SWAY’s clip-ins range from £90–£140. Their appeal lies in affordability without compromising too much on quality. While the shade range isn’t as extensive as others, they’re reliable for classic tones and good everyday use.

Additional Lengths

Additional Lengths brings reliability with clip-ins priced £80–£435. They’re especially good for versatile everyday wear, though not as luxurious and silky as Cliphair. The brand is a great mid-range option for subtle enhancements, but not for anything more dramatic than that.

Lullabellz

A go-to for younger buyers and social media-driven trends created by Gen Z, Lullabellz offers budget clip in extensions from as little as £25–£80. Their hair extensions are synthetic or mixed fibre, and although their affordability makes them more accessible, it’s also a reflection of the quality. They’re fun for occasional wear but may lack the longevity of higher-end brands as their extensions aren’t made from human hair.

Euphoria One

With a dizzying number of over 200 shades to choose from, Euphoria One certainly offers versatility and a good enough standard of human hair extensions from £70 to around £140 and are able to supply and source hair extensions of different grades from all over the world. However, they fail to offer high quality product images and clear product demonstration on their website like other brands do.

ViolaHair

ViolaHair has clip-in hair extensions priced between £90–£130. Although they are not considered the most glamorous of brands, they remain a steady choice for those seeking hair extensions at a fair price, despite some customer reviews and feedback continually falling short.

What to Look for in Clip-In Hair Extensions

When investing in extensions, look for:

100% Remy human hair. Human hair extensions are far superior if you’re looking for natural blend, longevity and durability.
Weight options are also crucial. It’s always best to opt for lighter weights if you have thin or fine hair, and heavier wefts for volume if you have thicker than average hair.
When purchasing extensions, take into account the weft construction. Cliphair’s seamless and invisible clip ins increase discretion and create a more natural blend.
Remember to always research a brand’s return policy, especially when it comes to a shade match guarantee.

Autumn 2025 Hair Extension Trends

This autumn, it’s all about balayage shades that mimic natural light-play, textured finishes for achieving an effortless, undone beauty and volume and thickness that prioritises movement over excessive amounts of length. Extensions should enhance who you are, not overpower your natural look!

Conclusion: While the UK hair extension market is bustling with choice, there are some brands that clearly remain more affordable, luxurious, versatile, and have a loyal and community-driven customer base. Whether you’re after a touch of everyday glam, autumn hair trends, or a dramatic transformation that will leave you unrecognisable, these are some of the best hair extensions UK buyers can find this season!

Read more:
Best Clip-In Hair Extensions UK 2025: Top 10 Brands for Autumn Transformations

Gladney Darroh is a veteran entrepreneur, business owner, and philanthropist based in Houston, Texas.

With a career spanning more than four decades, he is best known as the founder of Piper-Morgan Associates, a top recruiting firm that served the technical and professional market for over 48 years. His path, however, was anything but easy.

Born in 1950, Gladney came of age during times of family hardship, moving often and working several jobs simultaneously to help make ends meet. He self-funded his college education in night classes at the University of Houston obtaining a degree in Economics, while working full-time with the disadvantaged to support himself. Those experiences gave him a deep empathy for people who simply needed a second chance, or a first chance — something that shaped his career and set the trajectory for the rest of his life.

In 1977, after eight years of helping over nine hundred parolees and the underserved train to become certified welders and placing them on well-paying jobs he had developed, Gladney launched his own recruitment firm in a borrowed office with two rotary phones, a Yellow Pages, and a spiral notebook. Within a week, he made his first successful placement.

While proud of his business achievements, Gladney has always been committed to philanthropy. Today, his primary focus is on Loud and Clear, a voice exercise app created by his son, a Certified Speech and Language Pathologist, to help people with Parkinson’s disease. Gladney has personally funded the app since inception. It’s now used by thousands of people in over 100 countries and has gained the attention of healthcare professionals and global sponsors, including Abbott.

“My work has always been about helping people succeed,” he says. “Now, I’m privileged to support something that’s changing lives every day including in remote parts of the world.”

Inside the Life and Lessons of Gladney Darroh: A Career in People

Q: Gladney, your career spans decades. Where did it all begin?

A: I was born in Houston in 1950, the youngest of three boys. Dad was an independent cattle trader and my mother a devoted stay-at-home mom. We were raised to believe in working for everything. My brothers and I peddled pecans, mowed lawns, sold lemonade. But life got hard. My dad’s business failed and he took a job overseas. Mom and we moved in with my grandmother in Palestine, Texas, our only option. That’s when I really started working—several jobs in high school just to help the family stay afloat.

Q: What were some of those early jobs?

A: I shined shoes, worked retail, and sold tickets at the drive-in theatre in the evenings every weekend. There were other jobs. The grimiest was scrubbing crude-soaked sludge and caked paraffin from downhole oil pumps brought in for repair, but at $1 per hour it paid the most and I was happy to have the job. Then we moved back to Houston, and I started selling Cutco knives door-to-door. That led to a commission-only job at a ladies’ shoe store. I was still in high school, but now earning $60 a week—that was real money back then, especially for a kid in 11th grade.

Q: How did that lead you to recruitment?

A: It didn’t—not right away. I put myself through the University of Houston at night while working full-time at Industrial Welding School. Over the next eight years I helped a mix of parolees and people from tough neighborhoods train as certified welders and placed them on good paying jobs I’d developed. The school abruptly closed in 1977. With three months of savings, I began looking for something to do. I discovered the staffing business. Literally, I was stunned to learn that companies paid a fee for hiring people who were upstanding, well educated, and already had good skills. My experience was perfect for this. So, I borrowed a back office at a friend’s firm and set-up my new company, Piper-Morgan Associates. Using the Yellow Pages, I began cold calling. By Friday of that first week I’d made my first placement.

Q: What made you successful in such a competitive space?

A: Honesty, persistence, best practices. Also, I developed an interview technique I call “Winning the Offer.” This interview roadmap was key to teaching my candidates what an interview is really all about. Learning it enabled them to have their very best interview. All things being equal among applicants, using the “Winning the Offer” formula meant my candidate won the offer. This method of interviewing was my secret sauce. In large part it’s why I won the top professional/technical recruiter award in Houston for 18 consecutive years.

Q: You’ve also had a deep focus on service. Tell us more about that.

A: My mom gets all the credit. It was by her graceful example and steady devotion that we brothers learned early on the importance of giving back. She wove this principle into our lives by her life. Mom promised us there is a profound blessing bestowed on people who practice charitable giving. She wouldn’t say what it was – only said it would reveal itself to us one day in a quiet moment. I served on the board of Today’s Harbor for Children for years. I built a new 4,500 sq ft residential home on campus for little girls in 2008. I wrote a book, Women of Uncommon Strength, to honor my mother and women like her, and from that book adapted a play, This American Family, which raised funds for breast cancer research and honored Gold Star Mothers. But lately, my energy has gone into supporting Loud and Clear.

Q: Let’s talk about Loud and Clear. What is it?

A: It’s a voice exercise app for people with Parkinson’s. My son, a Certified SLP, imagined the concept and shepherded its creation from idea to reality. Steven has put in all the sweat equity over six years. I’m simply the Angel Philanthropist underwriting it. The app delivers speech strengthening exercises through a mobile device, anywhere, anytime. It’s completely free. Now, it’s used by thousands of people in over 100 countries. Loud and Clear is a 501c(3) organization.

Q: Why does Loud and Clear matter so much to you?

A: Because I’ve seen what Parkinson’s does to people’s confidence and independence. Losing your voice is like losing your identity. This app gives people a chance to reclaim that. It’s free, scalable, and changing lives every day. That’s worth everything to me.

Q: Any advice for someone starting out in business today?

A: Start with values, not just vision. Work harder than anyone else. Be kind. Give back generously. And remember, as my mother told me, “You can only take with you what you leave behind.”

Q: You mentioned your mother again. That profound blessing she promised, has it revealed itself to you?

A: Yes.

Q: May I ask what it is?

Of course. This was shortly after my Harbor cottage was dedicated. As my thoughts drifted one evening, I began thinking about those little girls who were now sleeping securely and safely in my cottage. It was a quiet, serene moment. Suddenly, I was infused with a sense of total joy. Understand, this was not a moment of philosophical reflection. It was a peaceful, harmonious feeling dispersing within me until it suffused my whole being. I was physically experiencing the joy of Acts, chapter 20, verse 35, and happily so. This was and is the profound blessing my mother promised. It’s promised to all who embrace charitable giving throughout their life journey.

Read more:
Gladney Darroh: Building a Career on Grit, Service, and Second Chances

Mitchell Geisler is a Canadian entrepreneur and CEO of LevelJump Healthcare. Based in Toronto, he has led the company since 2010, growing it from $850,000 to over $17 million in gross revenue.

His journey into leadership has been anything but conventional. In his younger years, he ran a bar in downtown Toronto. That early hands-on experience taught him how to manage people, juggle challenges, and make decisions under pressure—skills he carried into the boardroom.

Before taking over at LevelJump, Mitchell held executive roles in other sectors, including serving as COO of Pacific Gold Corp. His career has spanned healthcare, mining, and hospitality, showing his ability to lead across different industries.

Mitchell earned a BA in History from York University in 1994. He’s known for his calm, collaborative leadership style. “Every failure is a lesson,” he says. “There’s always a solution—you just need to ask the right questions.”

He believes good leadership requires empathy and reflection. In a high-pressure field like healthcare, he reminds leaders that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating strong, respectful teams. A daily runner who’s completed two half marathons, Mitchell often finds his best ideas come when he steps away to think clearly.

At heart, he’s someone who listens first, leads with intention, and believes that success comes from constant improvement—personally and professionally.

Mitchell Geisler on Growth, Leadership and Listening

Q: Let’s start at the beginning. What was your first experience running a business?

A: I actually started out running a bar in downtown Toronto in my twenties. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was intense and fast-paced. You’re handling staff, managing inventory, dealing with customers—all at once. It taught me how to stay calm under pressure and how important it is to listen to the people around you. That experience never really left me.

Q: And how did that evolve into becoming a CEO in healthcare?

A: After that, I moved into more formal business roles. I was the COO of Pacific Gold Corp in the mining sector. Then I transitioned into healthcare, where I led a medical imaging company. Eventually, I took over as CEO of LevelJump Healthcare in 2010. It was a big shift, but every industry has its challenges—and lessons carry over. You need to build strong teams, adapt quickly, and always keep learning.

Q: LevelJump has grown significantly under your leadership. What’s been key to that success?

A: We’ve gone from $850,000 to over $17 million in gross revenue. That’s not just because of one decision—it’s a mix of discipline, good people, and never getting too comfortable. I always tell my team, “Don’t get caught up in success. Keep improving.”

Q: What kind of leader do you consider yourself?

A: I lead with reflection and empathy. In healthcare, you’re dealing with patients under stress, doctors working long hours, and staff giving it their all. A leader’s job is to support, not just direct. Create a space where people feel heard. That’s when teams start performing at their best.

Q: What’s your approach when things go wrong?

A: Stop. Go for a run or a walk. Let your brain settle. Then talk to people. Get other perspectives. I believe there’s always a solution—you just have to clear your head enough to see it. Some of my best decisions have come after stepping away and re-evaluating.

Q: You’ve mentioned before that failure is a learning tool. Can you explain?

A: Every business has roadblocks. That’s normal. The key is to see each one as a lesson. Don’t take it personally. Ask: what went wrong, what did I miss, and how can I do better next time? Failure makes you sharper, if you let it.

Q: Outside of work, how do you stay grounded?

A: Running is a big part of that. I’ve done two half marathons. I run almost every day. It keeps me focused. I also love sports and music. But really, it’s about finding time away from the noise. That’s when the best ideas come—when you’re not trying so hard to find them.

Q: Looking back, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?

A: Don’t think you always have the answer. That was a big one. Ask others, learn from them, listen, and then compute the information. That process helps you make better decisions—and it helps your team grow too.

Q: What advice would you give someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time?

A: Lead with clarity and patience. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. Build trust by listening. And never stop reflecting. That’s where real leadership comes from.

Read more:
Mitchell Geisler on Listening, Leadership and Business Growth

The annual Jackson Hole gathering closed with what may prove to be Jerome Powell’s last major act before the Federal Reserve’s September meeting — and while the chair resisted committing to a rate cut, markets are convinced the groundwork has been laid.

Powell struck a characteristically cautious note, stressing that the Fed still has jobs and inflation data to digest before mid-September. Yet the message was clear: the door to easing is open, and expectations for a cut are firmly in play.

Nigel Green, chief executive of global financial advisory group deVere, said Powell had “done what central bankers do best — he kept the door open,” adding: “The Fed is already behind the curve, and the balance of risks is shifting toward easing sooner rather than later.”

The Fed has not reduced interest rates since December, but economic signals are flashing red. Growth is softening, the labour market is showing early signs of stress, and tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are pushing up costs throughout supply chains.

“The irony is that Trump’s tariff push, designed to project strength, is one of the biggest inflationary forces in the economy right now,” Green noted.

While a rate cut will not undo tariff-driven price pressures, it could provide relief by keeping credit flowing and confidence intact.

The timing of the decision now hinges on early September’s economic releases. The monthly jobs report will test whether hiring momentum can recover, while inflation data the following week will confirm whether July’s unexpectedly hot wholesale prices were an outlier.

Markets are already jittery: the dollar has whipsawed, Treasury yields are sliding, and risk-sensitive currencies from the Australian dollar to the Korean won are reacting to every hint of Fed recalibration.

“If the jobs data are weak, or if inflation shows signs of rolling over, Powell will have all the cover he needs to move,” Green said. “Waiting longer risks tightening financial conditions further — markets are not patient forever.”

The Wyoming retreat has often served as a platform for pivotal shifts in Fed communication. In 2010, Ben Bernanke laid the groundwork for quantitative easing. In 2022, Powell introduced the “higher for longer” mantra.

This year, his tone was more guarded but the subtext unmistakeable: the Fed is preparing markets for change.

If rates fall, the likely beneficiaries are already in view. Capital-intensive tech and AI firms would face lower financing costs. Real estate investment trusts and utilities, which thrive when bond yields fall, could see demand surge. Small-cap companies, heavily reliant on borrowing, would also benefit.

“These are the companies that will drive the next cycle of growth,” Green argued. “Investors who position early will capture the upside before it becomes consensus.”

For households, the picture is mixed. Higher-income Americans continue to spend freely, but middle- and lower-income groups are tightening their belts. Earnings season has exposed this divergence, underscoring why policymakers fear that weakness at the bottom could drag the broader economy down.

“The Fed cannot target tariffs, but it can target confidence,” Green said. “A cut in September would reassure households and businesses that the central bank is not asleep at the wheel.”

Powell has signalled he is waiting on the data, but global peers such as the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are already adjusting their policy stances. The risk for the Fed is that by delaying, it falls behind the curve.

“The window for action is now,” Green concluded. “We expect a cut in September. If Powell waits for perfect conditions, the Fed will end up chasing events instead of shaping them.”

Read more:
Fed rate cut looms after Powell’s Jackson Hole speech

Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of betraying Britain’s farmers after a new report revealed Labour has failed to deliver on its manifesto promise to back locally grown food.

Before the general election, Labour pledged that half of all food purchased by the public sector would be “locally produced or certified to higher environmental standards.” With the public sector spending an estimated £5 billion a year on food, the pledge was billed as a potential multi-billion-pound lifeline for farmers.

However, data obtained by the Countryside Alliance shows that only two government departments currently source a majority of their food from Britain: the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (80%) and the Department of Health and Social Care (72%). Other departments either failed to record figures or admitted they had no policies on prioritising British-grown produce.

The findings come against a backdrop of widespread discontent in the farming community. Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s inheritance tax reform last year, which slashed reliefs available to family farms, prompted a record 3,175 closures and triggered tractor protests in Westminster. Farmers, still reeling from those measures, now see the unfulfilled food pledge as a further betrayal.

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, said: “After slapping an unjust and disastrous inheritance tax on British farms, it comes as no surprise that Labour are continuing their betrayal of UK food producers. It’s almost as if they are trying to wipe the sector out entirely.”

Victoria Atkins, the Conservative shadow environment secretary, added that the government was “quietly shelving every promise it made to rural Britain,” warning that farmers faced “their worst-ever harvest” while prices continue to rise.

Gareth Wyn Jones, a sheep farmer and campaigner in Conwy, called the failure to support British produce “a total disaster.” He warned the country was “sleepwalking into food shortages” unless more was done to back domestic agriculture.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) echoed the criticism, with deputy president David Exwood describing progress on sourcing British-grown food as “disappointing.” He said: “Public procurement should be a powerful tool to support domestic food production, yet progress remains slow. Farmers produce high-quality food to some of the world’s leading standards, and supporting their work is vital for the UK’s resilience and food security.”

Despite Labour’s manifesto stating that “food security is national security,” several departments — including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs — noted that current “buying standards for food and catering” did not require them to source domestically.

The government has defended its record, insisting that its new National Procurement Policy Statement and Procurement Act would open up more opportunities for farmers to bid for public-sector catering contracts.

A government spokesman said: “Our commitment to farmers and food producers remains steadfast. We want our farmers to be well placed to bid for a fair share of the £5bn spent on public-sector catering contracts each year.”

The issue is fuelling growing disillusionment with Labour in rural constituencies. Polling shows that the proportion of countryside voters who believe the party “does not understand rural Britain” has doubled since the election. Reform UK is now targeting disenchanted voters, promising to raise the farming budget to £3bn and end climate-related subsidies.

Analysts also warn the impact of climate change is exacerbating the crisis. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has predicted one of the UK’s worst harvests in decades following a summer of drought.

Tom Lancaster, an analyst at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, said farmers urgently need more support to adapt to “extreme, record-breaking weather,” while also investing in healthier soils and resilience measures.

For now, however, farmers say they are left with promises, not delivery. David Bean, author of the Countryside Alliance report, said: “In the face of economic uncertainty, and with a barrage of other government policies making their livelihoods harder, British farmers deserve more than warm words. They need meaningful, measurable action.”

Read more:
Starmer accused of betraying farmers as British food pledge stalls

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is preparing to appeal a High Court ruling that ordered the closure of a migrant hotel in Essex, amid warnings the case could set a precedent for asylum housing across the UK.

Dan Jarvis, the security minister, confirmed on Wednesday that the Home Office will seek to overturn the temporary injunction forcing the shutdown of the Bell Hotel in Epping.

He said the government wanted to ensure hotel closures were carried out in a controlled and coordinated manner, led by the Home Office and its contractors.

The legal battle was triggered after Epping Forest District Council successfully argued that the Bell Hotel required planning permission to be repurposed as long-term accommodation for asylum seekers. The High Court ordered all residents to leave by 12 September 2025, unless the hotel’s owner, Somani Hotels, launches a successful appeal.

The ruling followed months of controversy surrounding the site, which had become a flashpoint for anti-immigration protests. Councillors cited public safety concerns and the location’s proximity to schools and care homes as reasons for taking legal action.

The Home Office’s lawyers warned the decision could embolden other councils to mount similar legal challenges, creating what they described as a “new norm” that would intensify pressure on Britain’s asylum estate.

Mr Jarvis said: “This Government will close all asylum hotels and we will clear up the mess that we inherited from the previous government. But these closures need to be done in a managed and ordered way. That’s why we’ll appeal this decision.”

The government has committed to shutting down all asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament in 2029, in line with Labour’s election manifesto.

Currently, more than 32,000 asylum seekers are housed in up to 210 hotels nationwide.

The Home Office had previously attempted to intervene in the Epping case but was denied by the judge, who said its involvement would not materially assist the planning dispute. Officials argued that removing asylum seekers too quickly could heighten tensions and even increase the risk of violent protests.

The security minister stressed that while the government is determined to end the use of hotels for asylum accommodation, doing so “in an orderly way” was essential to protect both residents and communities.

The ruling has already prompted other councils — including Labour-controlled authorities — to threaten similar legal challenges. Planning lawyers have suggested the Epping decision could reshape how migrant accommodation is managed, forcing the Home Office to seek planning permission before repurposing hotels in future.

Read more:
Government to appeal High Court ruling forcing closure of Epping migrant hotel

The government has assumed control of Sanjeev Gupta’s biggest steelmaking operation in a dramatic intervention that leaves it overseeing more than half of Britain’s steel industry.

On Thursday, the official receiver stepped in to take charge of the Rotherham steelworks in South Yorkshire after the High Court approved a winding-up petition from creditors. The ruling forced Gupta’s Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) into administration, raising the prospect of closure for a plant that employs 1,500 workers and is home to one of Britain’s few “green” electric arc furnaces.

The Labour government said it acted to safeguard jobs and stabilise production, but the move comes at significant cost. Monthly wages at the site total £4 million, meaning taxpayers will fund tens of millions of pounds in operating expenses until insolvency specialists Teneo can secure a private buyer. The official receiver, an independent arm of government, has stressed it intends to reclaim these costs through an eventual sale.

The decision deepens the state’s role in steelmaking following April’s takeover of British Steel from its Chinese owner and a £500 million subsidy for Tata Steel’s green transition in Wales. More than half of the UK’s 5.6 million tonnes of annual steel output is now effectively state-run.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said ministers must be prepared to run SSUK indefinitely if no suitable buyer emerges. “If the right buyer cannot be found then the Government should be prepared to run the company itself and ensure it is ready to meet the challenges of the future,” she said.

Community, the steelworkers’ union, called the ruling a “worrying development” and urged clarification over job security.

The collapse of SSUK marks another blow for Gupta, once hailed as the “saviour of steel”. His global Liberty Steel empire expanded rapidly after 2010 through acquisitions, financed heavily by Greensill Capital. Greensill’s collapse in 2021 left Gupta’s companies exposed, triggering investigations by the Serious Fraud Office. He denies any wrongdoing.

SSUK owes more than £200 million to creditors including UBS and Greensill’s administrators. In court, Gupta requested another month to finalise his own rescue plan but was rebuffed. His lieutenant, Jeffrey Kabel, branded the judge’s ruling “irrational”, saying: “The taxpayer will now be running a business that could have been funded privately.”

SSUK produces specialist steels for aerospace and defence but operations have been mothballed for months due to lack of funds. The High Court heard the company did not even have enough money to meet this week’s payroll.

The loss of output has already forced supply chain gaps to be filled by imports. Gareth Stace, director-general of industry body UK Steel, said: “The Government needs to protect the industry from unfair trade and high energy costs so that the Speciality Steels business, and the rest of the UK steel ecosystem, is sustainable.”

The intervention highlights the tightrope for Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, as she juggles her pledge to rebuild Britain’s manufacturing base with the fiscal pressure of supporting unprofitable industries. Steel employs around 37,000 people in the UK and contributes 0.8 per cent of manufacturing output.

For ministers, Rotherham is a gamble: stabilise the plant, find a buyer, and protect skilled jobs—or risk accusations that the state is throwing good money after bad in an industry already in structural decline.

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Government takes control of Sanjeev Gupta’s Rotherham steel plant to save 1,500 jobs

JCB has warned it could lose “hundreds of millions of pounds” after the US government unexpectedly extended tariffs on steel and aluminium to cover finished goods, dealing a blow to one of Britain’s best-known engineering firms.

The Trump administration confirmed on Monday that the 25 per cent tariffs already applied to components would now include all machines exported to the US containing steel or aluminium. The move is expected to hit every one of the 30,000 diggers and construction vehicles JCB ships across the Atlantic each year.

Graeme Macdonald, JCB’s chief executive, described the measures as “hugely punitive” and said they would force the company to rethink its North American strategy. “The tariffs as they now stand are hugely punitive and they catch every machine that we ship to the US,” he said. “It will make us have to reconsider how we trade with North America.”

The impact dwarfs earlier forecasts. JCB had anticipated a $3 million hit under the previously flagged tariff regime, but now expects losses in the hundreds of millions. Particularly galling for the Staffordshire-based manufacturer is that the tariffs will also apply to a $45 million contract it secured last week to supply backhoe loaders to the US Marine Corps.

The blow comes despite JCB’s recent pledge to invest in the US by opening a new plant in San Antonio, Texas, capable of producing 20,000 machines a year. The facility, due to open in 2026, was intended to support expansion in North America while freeing UK capacity for exports to Europe and the Middle East.

JCB has urged the UK government to intervene and seek an exemption similar to that secured by Rolls-Royce for its aeroengines. Industry insiders said the Department for Business and Trade had been “blindsided” by the new measures, which were not anticipated during recent tariff negotiations.

While the UK has avoided the 50 per cent levies imposed on steel and aluminium goods from other countries, thanks to an existing trade deal with Washington, ministers conceded that the expansion of Section 232 tariffs had taken them by surprise.

A government spokesperson said: “Thanks to our trade deal with the US, the UK is still the only country to have avoided 50 per cent steel and aluminium tariffs. But we are committed to going further to give industry the security they need, protect vital jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets. We will continue to work with the US to get this deal implemented as soon as possible and in industry’s best interests.”

The tariff expansion highlights the vulnerability of UK manufacturers heavily reliant on exports to the US. Ashtead, the London-listed plant hire group and JCB’s largest customer, is expected to be among those most affected.

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JCB warns of huge losses as new US tariffs hit British exports

OnlyFans has paid a record dividend of $701m (£523m) to its Ukrainian-born owner Leonid Radvinsky, marking the latest in a series of bumper payouts as the adult-content platform prepares for a potential sale.

The payout comes after a surge in user spending helped OnlyFans’ parent company, Fenix International, deliver another year of rapid growth. The site, best known for its role in the creator economy and for hosting millions of influencers and adult stars, reported a 24 per cent rise in “fan” accounts to 377.5 million by the end of 2024. The number of content creators on the platform increased by 13 per cent to 4.6 million.

Last year, users spent a record $7.2bn on subscriptions, direct messages and other paid content. OnlyFans takes a 20 per cent commission, with the rest going directly to creators. The model has allowed the London-based company to deliver profits of $684m in 2024, while contributing £167m in corporation tax to the UK exchequer.

Radvinsky, 43, who bought OnlyFans in 2018 from its British founders Tim and Guy Stokely, has now received more than $1.8bn in dividends from the platform. The low-profile entrepreneur, who previously owned adult site MyFreeCams, is currently in talks to sell a majority stake in OnlyFans in a deal that could value the company at up to $8bn. Los Angeles-based investment firm Forest Road Company is reported to be the frontrunner.

The latest dividend follows a record $497m payout in 2024, alongside a further $204m approved since then.

While the platform continues to be most associated with explicit content, OnlyFans has expanded into new verticals in recent years. Its “safe for work” arm, OFTV, hosts reality shows featuring creators, while partnerships have been struck with sports stars and chefs in a bid to broaden its mainstream appeal.

Keily Blair, chief executive of OnlyFans, said: “In 2024 OnlyFans continued to grow its revenue and global user base. We expanded in new verticals, demonstrating the strength and potential of the platform across a wide range of genres. With a number of significant brand and individual partnerships, particularly in sport, OnlyFans continued to enhance its reputation as a foundational element of the wider creator economy.”

Radvinsky’s windfall underscores the extraordinary success of the platform, which has been one of Britain’s most profitable digital exports of the past decade. But it also comes at a pivotal moment, as potential buyers weigh the platform’s ability to retain its dominance amid intensifying competition in the booming creator economy.

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OnlyFans pays record £520m to Ukrainian-born owner as $8bn sale looms