Business

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have reportedly brought their long-running TV partnership to a close after more than two decades together, winding up their joint production company worth an estimated £24 million.

The trio, who became household names on the BBC’s Top Gear before launching Amazon’s The Grand Tour, set up W. Chump & Sons with long-time producer Andy Wilman after Clarkson’s departure from the BBC in 2015.

According to filings at Companies House, the firm is now set to be struck off following a voluntary winding up, with documents lodged this week. Reports suggest the company had £24,087,100 on its books at the time of closure, meaning each of the presenters is expected to receive around £6 million.

The decision effectively marks the end of a 23-year on-screen collaboration that began with Top Gear, the BBC motoring show that became one of the most-watched programmes worldwide before Clarkson’s contract was terminated after a clash with a producer.

The trio reinvented themselves on Amazon Prime with The Grand Tour, which ran for five series before wrapping up in 2024.

Since then, all three presenters have moved on to individual projects. Clarkson has enjoyed renewed success with Clarkson’s Farm on Prime Video, which follows his attempts to run his Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire with the help of sidekick Kaleb Cooper. A fifth series of the hit show has already been commissioned. He also continues to host ITV1’s reboot of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.

James May, 62, has launched his own gin brand and fronted the Channel 5 travel series Great Explorers.

Richard Hammond, 55, will return in October with a new series of Richard Hammond’s Workshop on Discovery+, which follows his car restoration business, The Smallest Cog, where his daughter Izzy also appears.

Hammond’s personal life has also drawn headlines this year following confirmation of his separation from his wife of 28 years, Mindy. As part of divorce proceedings, she is reportedly seeking to retain their £7m Bollitree Castle estate in Herefordshire. Hammond is said to be living in a rented property nearby, where he also runs his restoration garage.

Read more:
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May wind down £24m joint company as TV partnership ends

Entrepreneurs in Wales have just days left to apply for the Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator, with applications closing on Monday 15 September 2025.

The fully-funded, 10-week online programme runs from 30 September to 12 December 2025 and is designed exclusively for founders with high-growth business ideas. The accelerator focuses on helping early-stage entrepreneurs secure their first customers, test assumptions, and lay the foundations for future investment.

Participants follow a step-by-step approach to shape their business ideas, build sustainable models and generate revenue. Weekly webinars, masterclasses and one-to-one mentoring are combined with peer networking to connect founders across Wales.

The programme also covers using AI for creativity and market research, practical tools to reduce time to market and improve efficiency, alongside PR and marketing opportunities to help raise visibility.

Eligible applicants must be based in Wales and present a pre-revenue business idea that has the potential to:
• Reach £1 million in annual turnover by 2029
• Create 10 or more full-time jobs by 2029
• Export internationally

Lucy McCarthy-Christofides, founder of ADHD supplement business Môr and a previous participant, said the accelerator was pivotal in moving her idea forward:

“The Start-Up Accelerator gave me the structure and confidence to move from idea to action. It turned Môr from a solo mission into a focused, fundable business, and reminded me I didn’t have to do it all alone. If you have a strong idea and the drive to test it with real customers, I’d encourage you to apply before 15 September.”

Programme Director Fiona McLaren emphasised the urgency of the deadline: “This is the final call for applications before 15 September. We’re looking for strong business ideas from founders who have identified a customer problem and early signs of demand. Across ten weeks, we focus on execution — testing assumptions, refining pricing, and using AI to save time on research and admin. The programme is fully funded, so there is no fee to take part.”

The accelerator also provides barrier funding and adjustments to support entrepreneurs with access needs or caring responsibilities, ensuring participation is as inclusive as possible.

Richard Selby, Chair of the Institute of Directors Wales and a judge for the Accelerator awards, said: “Good ideas move faster with structure, challenge and the right connections. The Start-Up Accelerator brings those ingredients together in a practical way that helps founders make measurable progress and strengthens the wider Welsh economy.”

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by 15 September 2025. Entrepreneurs can apply online

With no fee to participate, one-to-one support and weekly milestones, the accelerator offers aspiring founders a unique opportunity to transform their ideas into fundable businesses while contributing to Wales’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Read more:
Final call for Welsh entrepreneurs to apply for Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has been forced to shut down production and IT systems after a cyber attack crippled its operations, disrupting manufacturing, deliveries and new car registrations.

The company confirmed the incident on Monday, describing it as a “cyber incident” that required the immediate shutdown of systems across its global network. The timing could hardly have been worse for JLR, coinciding with the launch of the UK’s new 75 plate registrations.

Staff at the Halewood plant near Liverpool — where the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport are built — were told to go home yesterday. Local reports suggest the factory remains closed, with no clear timeline for a restart.

The disruption has not only affected production lines but also systems used by dealers to register new cars with the UK government, causing further delays at the start of the new registration season. Industry publication Autocar reported that dealers had been given no estimate for when systems would be restored.

In a statement, JLR said: “JLR has been impacted by a cyber incident. We took immediate action to mitigate its impact by proactively shutting down our systems. We are now working at pace to restart our global applications in a controlled manner. At this stage there is no evidence any customer data has been stolen but our retail and production activities have been severely disrupted.”

The Liverpool Echo reported that the incident was first detected at 4.30am on Monday, with systems offline since. Staff were told their hours would be banked in line with company agreements until production resumes.

Parent company Tata Motors disclosed the issue in a filing to the Indian stock exchange, calling it an “IT security incident” but offering no further details. “We are working at pace to resolve global IT issues impacting our business,” it said.

The attack adds to a string of cyber incidents targeting UK companies this year. Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and Harrods were all hit earlier in 2025, forcing store closures and website outages. Police confirmed that one woman and three teenagers were arrested in July in connection with the attacks.

The disruption comes at a sensitive time for JLR, which is preparing to wind down production of petrol and diesel Jaguars as it pivots towards electric vehicles. The company is also facing international trade pressures, after the U.S. imposed tariffs of 27.5% on UK-built cars earlier this year — later reduced to 10% on the first 100,000 vehicles exported annually.

Adding to the upheaval, JLR last month appointed PB Balaji, Tata Motors’ chief financial officer, as its new boss following the departure of CEO Adrian Mardell.

The company recently reported its quarterly profits had almost halved, compounding investor concerns. Its divisive rebrand, intended to modernise the Jaguar marque, has also attracted criticism for “erasing” elements of the brand’s century-old heritage.

With production lines idled, systems offline, and no clear date for recovery, the cyber attack represents yet another hurdle for Britain’s largest carmaker as it attempts to navigate tariffs, electrification, and a major leadership transition.

Read more:
Jaguar Land Rover hit by major cyber attack as production halts at UK plant

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver her first full autumn budget on 26 November, the Treasury has announced, as speculation mounts over potential tax increases to address a public finance shortfall of up to £40bn.

The date gives Reeves ten weeks to prepare a high-stakes package of tax and spending measures at a time when borrowing costs, stubborn inflation and a weak growth outlook are weighing on the economy. The Treasury confirmed that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has been commissioned to produce updated forecasts for the economy and public finances.

Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have repeatedly pledged not to raise taxes on “working people” by increasing income tax, national insurance or VAT. However, she is exploring options to raise more from wealthier taxpayers, including changes to capital gains tax, inheritance tax and property levies.

Some left-wing Labour MPs and campaigners have pressed her to introduce a wealth tax, but Treasury insiders suggest Reeves has privately ruled it out.

Business leaders have warned that significant tax rises in November would add to the challenges facing households and companies, potentially dampening growth.

The timing of the budget means Reeves will have the party’s autumn conference in Liverpool, beginning in late September, to shape the political narrative. Treasury officials also hope that updated International Monetary Fund forecasts, due at its annual meeting in mid-October, could provide more positive news for the chancellor.

However, external risks loom large. The government fears rising global inflationary pressures, Donald Trump’s escalating trade war, and turbulence in financial markets could all worsen Britain’s outlook ahead of budget day.

The 26 November announcement underlines the tightrope Reeves faces. Having already unveiled £40bn of tax rises in last year’s budget to stabilise the public finances, she now must convince markets and voters that Labour can balance fiscal responsibility with its commitment to driving growth.

For businesses and households alike, the November budget promises to be one of the most consequential in years — setting the tone for Labour’s economic credibility after a difficult first year in government.

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Rachel Reeves confirms autumn budget date for 26 November amid tax rise speculation

More than 40 years after Every Breath You Take topped the charts, the bitter feud between Sting and his former Police bandmates has spilled back into court.

Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland have filed a lawsuit in London’s High Court claiming they should be recognised — and paid — as co-writers of the 1983 classic, one of the most played songs in radio history.

The case marks an extraordinary new chapter in one of rock’s most fractious relationships. The Police were notorious for their internal conflicts, but this is the first time the dispute over songwriting credits has gone before a judge.

A song with no mystery — except who owns it

There is little debate about the song’s origins. Sting has always said he wrote the words, chords and melody in one burst of inspiration while staying in Jamaica. His original demo is almost identical to the released version on the band’s Synchronicity album.

What Summers and Copeland now argue is that their contributions — in particular Summers’ distinctive guitar arpeggio riff — transformed the track from a rough sketch into a timeless hit. Summers has described his part as rescuing the song from “going in the trash”.

Summers and Copeland (pictured) now argue is that their contributions

Sting, for his part, has acknowledged that Summers added his stamp but insists the structure and composition were his alone. The line between songwriting and arranging has long been one of the music industry’s thorniest disputes, and the Police’s case has brought it into sharp relief.

The financial stakes are enormous. Since its release, Every Breath You Take has generated millions in royalties. It was declared the most played song in radio history by BMI in 2019, and it enjoyed a second life when Puff Daddy (now Diddy) reworked it into 1997’s global chart-topper I’ll Be Missing You.

In 2022 Sting sold the rights to his entire catalogue — solo and Police — to Universal Music for an estimated $250m. Any change to the credits could force a renegotiation of royalties on one of the most valuable catalogues in popular music.

The lawsuit is just the latest skirmish in a long war. Recording sessions for Synchronicity were fraught, with fistfights breaking out in the studio. Sting and Copeland once clashed so violently that Sting performed much of the subsequent tour with a broken rib.

Despite their musical chemistry, the band split soon after the album’s release, citing irreconcilable tensions. They reunited only briefly, most notably for a lucrative 2007 world tour.

The case also highlights how publishing revenues have become even more critical as album sales and traditional income streams have dwindled. For veteran musicians, song credits determine not only their income but also their legacy.

Summers has long suggested he deserved a share. “That riff has become a kind of immortal guitar part that all guitar players have to learn,” he said last year. “It should have been recognised.”

The irony is that the song itself, often mistaken for a romantic ballad, is in fact about obsession and control. “It’s quite wicked,” Sting once said. He even wrote a follow-up — If You Love Somebody Set Them Free — as an antidote to what he described as the “poison” of the original.

Now, four decades on, the song’s dark subtext has been matched by a bitter legal row that shows no sign of ending.

Whether Summers and Copeland can persuade a court that their contributions amount to songwriting rather than arrangement remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the war inside The Police is far from over, and one of the world’s most famous love songs continues to leave a trail of acrimony in its wake.

Read more:
Sting to face fresh legal battle with The Police over ‘Every Breath You Take’

Google has been ordered to hand over some of its search data to rivals after a U.S. federal judge ruled that the company must take steps to curb its dominance in internet search.

In a decision described as the most significant antitrust ruling of the internet age, Judge Amit P. Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia said Google must share parts of its search results with “qualified competitors” to help level the playing field. The ruling follows a years-long case brought by the Justice Department, which accused the company of abusing its power to maintain a near-90 per cent share of the search market.

The government had pushed for far tougher remedies, including forcing Google to divest its Chrome web browser and banning the multibillion-dollar payments it makes to secure default search placement on smartphones and browsers such as Apple’s Safari and Mozilla’s Firefox. Those requests were denied, though Mehta did place restrictions on such agreements. In 2021, Google spent more than $26 billion on contracts to ensure its search engine was the default choice across devices.

“Notwithstanding this power, courts must approach the task of crafting remedies with a healthy dose of humility,” Mehta said, reflecting his decision not to impose structural changes such as a breakup. Google has confirmed it will appeal, meaning the case is likely to remain tied up in the courts for years.

The ruling marks the first time a monopoly case against a modern technology platform has reached the remedies stage, making it a bellwether for other challenges to Silicon Valley’s biggest companies. Under both the Trump and Biden administrations, regulators have filed lawsuits against Apple, Amazon, Meta and Google over alleged anticompetitive practices.

The stakes extend beyond search. Google is also facing separate lawsuits over its advertising technology, while Meta awaits a ruling on whether its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp illegally stifled competition. Amazon has been accused of squeezing smaller merchants, with a trial scheduled for 2027. Apple is fighting claims that it deliberately locks users into its ecosystem.

Former U.S. assistant attorney general Bill Baer called the Google ruling “the most important antitrust case of the 21st century”, warning that the battle is only beginning. “There will be appeals and appeals and appeals,” he said.

The decision comes as the nature of search itself is being transformed by artificial intelligence. Start-ups including OpenAI, Anthropic and Perplexity are already offering chatbots that can summarise information and plan tasks, while Google has integrated its own AI answers into the top of its results page and added a conversational search tab.

For now, Judge Mehta’s order forces Google to open up some of its data to competitors, curbing its power without dismantling the business. But the ruling has set a precedent. As other Big Tech antitrust battles move through the courts, it offers the clearest guide yet on how U.S. judges may attempt to restrain the digital monopolies of the 21st century.

Read more:
Judge orders Google to share search data with rivals in landmark monopoly ruling

There are around 700,000 disabled people in the UK who want to work but are not in employment, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. Disabled people also leave jobs at twice the rate of non-disabled colleagues.

There is a persistent “disability employment gap”, which is the difference in employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people. Right now, the gap stands at 28%.

A recent government review revealed that the gap is widest for men, older people aged 50 to 64, people with no qualifications, and those living in social housing. Regionally, it is most marked in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the north of England.

Disabled people are also more likely to be in part-time or lower-skilled roles, and more likely to be “under-employed”, looking for more hours or a different job.

Why this matters to employers

The figures show a large pool of people who want to work and who could bring valuable skills. Widening recruitment practices to encourage candidates with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but also beneficial for business. It opens up access to high-quality applicants, improves staff retention, and supports a more diverse workforce.

Inquiry now open

The House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee has launched an inquiry into employment support for disabled people and how to improve their job prospects. It wants to hear directly from businesses, people with disabilities, and experts about what works and what doesn’t. Submissions are open until 29 September 2025.

Questions the Committee is asking include:

Why has progress in closing the disability employment gap slowed?
What barriers stop disabled people from working or working more?
What support works best for people with different disabilities?
How effective are current schemes, such as Access to Work?
How successful has the Disability Confident scheme been in improving employer practices?

After reviewing the evidence, the Committee will make recommendations to the government.

Support available for employers

Access to Work is a grant to help cover the cost of adjustments, enabling someone to start or stay in work if they have a physical or mental health condition or disability. It can pay for:

Specialist equipment or assistive software
Support workers
Travel costs if public transport can’t be used
Communication support at job interviews, such as a BSL interpreter
Mental health support plans and one-to-one sessions with a mental health professional

Full details on eligibility and the application process are available on the government website. Importantly, the grant goes to the employee, not the employer, so the cost does not fall on your business. Find out more about the Access to Work scheme here.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a voluntary scheme that helps employers challenge assumptions and improve their recruitment practices, as well as increase their understanding of disability. It has three levels of membership and is designed to show a clear commitment to inclusive hiring. For businesses, joining can bring reputational benefits, widen the candidate pool, and demonstrate to customers that your business values fairness.

Pay gap vs. employment gap

It is worth noting that the disability employment gap (who gets into work) is different from the disability pay gap (what people earn once in work). The government has recently consulted on whether large employers should be required to publish data on disability and ethnicity pay gaps. That consultation closed in June 2025, with proposals still to be announced. You can read more about that in my previous article here.

What can employers do now

Review recruitment practices to ensure job advertisements and processes are inclusive and equitable.
Consider Access to Work. It can help remove the cost barrier to hiring staff with disabilities.
Consider signing up to Disability Confident to demonstrate commitment.
Keep an eye on the Committee inquiry, as the findings may shape future policy.

Read more:
700,000 disabled people want to work: How can businesses help and benefit at the same time?

Smartphones are undoubtedly one of the greatest inventions to change human life.

However, the social media, entertainment apps, and communication tools that have emerged alongside smartphones keep us constantly “online,” bombarded with work messages, push notifications, and social media updates. Our lives are overwhelmed by information, and our brains are forced to process an excessive amount of data. We can’t help but wonder: are smartphones really that great?

When smartphones transitioned from being a “tool” to a “necessity,” people realized they were being controlled by the devices—scrolling through phones before bed, staring at screens while eating, checking messages while walking. Authentic human interaction and natural experiences were being squeezed out by the virtual world.

Thus, people are returning to nature, using “offline” practices to rediscover the joys of life. Moving into a small cabin in the forest, locking electronic devices in a box, collecting wild vegetables, and beginning to experience a self-sufficient natural lifestyle. Off-grid living is quietly gaining traction, attracting increasing attention and experimentation.

This article will take you through the definition of off-grid living, why people choose it, and how to start an off-grid lifestyle, providing a detailed explanation of its appeal to modern people.

The Definition and Essence of Off-Grid Living

Off-grid living, simply put, is a lifestyle that breaks free from dependence on modern infrastructure such as the public power grid, urban water supply systems, and network communications. It is not merely about being without internet access; it involves seeking self-sufficiency and independence in multiple aspects, including energy acquisition, supply of daily necessities, and social interaction. The core of off-grid living is returning to nature, pursuing a simple and pure lifestyle, reducing dependence on external complex systems, and reestablishing deep connections with oneself, others, and the natural environment.

In developed countries, an increasing number of people are actively choosing off-grid living as a way to pursue a high-quality lifestyle and realize self-worth. Meanwhile, more and more British people are beginning to try disconnecting from the internet during holidays for “digital detox.”

According to a survey report by The Debrett’s, British adults spend an average of 25 hours online per week, but 16% of travelers choose not to connect to the internet at their vacation destinations, and 9% actively seek out places with no mobile phone signal for their vacations. In addition to short-term offline breaks during vacations, some people choose to live offline long-term or even permanently.

Why do we pursue an off-grid lifestyle?

Escaping the digital deluge to regain focus and tranquillity

With the widespread use of smartphones, social media, and various information apps, we are inundated with a flood of information every day. Work messages, social media updates, and advertising notifications constantly flood in, keeping our brains in a constant state of activity.

Pursuing an off-grid lifestyle is a form of resistance against this state of digital overload. By disconnecting from the internet and freeing ourselves from the barrage of information, we can regain the ability to focus on tasks and enjoy inner peace.

Seeking Authentic Connections and Rebuilding Intimate Relationships

While online social media allows us to connect with people worldwide, these connections are often superficial and virtual.

In the virtual world, communication often becomes superficial, making it difficult to build truly deep and intimate relationships. In contrast, off-grid living encourages people to return to reality and place greater emphasis on face-to-face communication and interaction. Without the distraction of the internet, people can listen more attentively to others, thereby building more authentic and meaningful interpersonal relationships.

A survey report by The Debreli found that 44% of those who chose to go on holiday without their phones said that disconnecting from the internet gave them more time to do other things, while 38% felt it allowed them to spend more time with family and friends.

Focusing on environmental protection and practising sustainable development

This lifestyle typically emphasises off grid solar systems, reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels and thereby lowering carbon emissions.

Additionally, the principles of self-sufficiency in food production and reduced consumption in off-grid living also help minimise resource waste and environmental pollution. Choosing off-grid living is an active step towards environmental protection, contributing to the sustainable development of the Earth by changing one’s lifestyle. Off-grid living offers them an opportunity to break free from these constraints and explore a new, uniquely personal lifestyle. In an off-grid environment, people must independently address various aspects of daily life, such as constructing dwellings, securing food supplies, and ensuring energy availability.

This not only hones individual survival skills and creativity but also fosters a sense of unprecedented freedom and autonomy. For those seeking to break away from conventional norms and pursue individuality, off-grid living holds immense appeal.

How to Start an Off-Grid Lifestyle

Pre-Planning and Preparation

Clarify your goals and expectations: Before deciding to start an off-grid lifestyle, it is important to carefully consider why you want to go off-grid and what you expect from such a lifestyle. Is it to pursue a peaceful living environment, or to challenge yourself and achieve self-sufficiency? Clarifying these goals will help you make more appropriate choices in your subsequent planning and implementation.
Choose the Right Location: Location selection is critical and requires consideration of multiple factors such as climate and natural resources. Additionally, you must consider local laws and regulations to ensure your off-grid lifestyle does not violate relevant provisions. If you simply wish to experience it, nearby rural areas are also good options.
Set a budget: Off-grid living requires initial investment in equipment. You need to create a detailed budget, including costs for purchasing solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage batteries, tents, sleeping bags, tools, and other equipment. You can learn these skills by participating in wilderness survival training courses, reading relevant books, and watching instructional videos. When faced with problems, do not panic but remain calm, think clearly, and seek solutions.

However, we need to make one thing clear: living off-grid does not mean being disconnected from modern life. We can still use the convenience of technology to help us adjust our lifestyle.

For those who are just beginning to try off-grid living or are only experiencing it for a short period of time, portable power stations are a very practical choice. They do not require a complicated installation process and can be used directly, helping people adapt more easily to the energy needs of off-grid living. Let’s first take a look at its advantages over old-style generators.

Now that we ‘ve seen the advantages of modern portable power sources, let’s take a closer look at whether Jackery can satisfy our off-grid lifestyle.

With the continuous advancement of technology, the performance of portable power products is also constantly improving, with increasing capacity, faster charging speeds, and longer service lives, providing more reliable energy security for off-grid living. Let’s take a closer look at how Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 performs.

2042Wh Capacity & 2200W Output: Powers Most of Devices, lasts 10 Years (4000 Life Cycles)。And Advanced 200W solar cells with multi-layer tech featuring a high solar conversion efficiency of up to 25%。Built with a durable ETFE-laminated case for longevity, it features an adjustable angle for maximum sunlight absorption. Lightweight, foldable, and easy to connect to a power station—perfect for outdoor adventures and home battery backup.

Lightest and Smallest 2kWh LiFePO4 Power Station¹:  the world’s first 2kWh LiFePO4 battery with advanced EV-grade CTB (Cell to Body) Structure technology⁵, designed to be lighter and more compact at just 38.6 lbs — about the weight of a suitcase. With a foldable handle for easy carrying, it’s the perfect power solution for road trips, camping, and off-grid living.

Multiple Charging Modes: AC/Solar/Car/AC+Solar/AC+Car; Full battery in just 1.33 hours with Emergency Super Charge
ChargeShield 2.0 Protection Technology: 62 Layers of Comprehensive Protection with Safety Standards Cerfitication
Savng Energy Bills: Harness Free Solar Power to Replace Costly Grid Electricity
Innovative GaN Inverter: One Charge A Day — Boosted Lifespan by 15,330 Minutes, 175.9kg of Carbon Emissions Saved over 10 Years⁴

After learning about the product, you may still have reservations, as you have never explored portable power station before. However, it is worth noting that Jackery was founded in 2012 by a group of innovative pioneers in battery technology, driven by a bold vision: to make renewable energy accessible for both household use and outdoor activities, thereby contributing to the creation of a sustainable and more resilient future.

Initially, the company focused on serving outdoor enthusiasts, launching lightweight and durable solar generators. These products quickly became indispensable tools for explorers seeking reliable power in remote areas. These early successes laid the foundation for Jackery’s reputation for innovation and reliability.

With 13 years of dedication and adherence to strict standards, every product is meticulously crafted to pursue excellence. Each year, millions of products produced in Jackery’s own factories, certified by up to 48 international standards, are shipped worldwide, providing users with ups power supply. So you can purchase Jackery products with confidence, making your off-grid life more convenient.

Conclusion

In the end, portable power station like Jackery aren’t meant to change the essence of off-grid living, but to make this once ‘niche’ lifestyle choice more accessible in a gentle way. They do not replace the self-sufficient core of off-grid living — people can still farm in the wild and coexist with nature, without having to sacrifice necessary comfort and safety for the sake of ‘returning to the primitive’: no need to worry about running out of phone battery and being unable to contact the outside world, no need to give up the warmth of a hot cup of coffee in the morning, and no need to let fresh ingredients go to waste due to lack of refrigeration.

More importantly, they align perfectly with the sustainable philosophy of off-grid living—when used with solar panels, they enable the recycling of clean energy while avoiding the noise and pollution of traditional generators, allowing people to enjoy nature without imposing additional burdens on the environment.

It is precisely this ‘preserving the core while minimising pain points’ characteristic that makes portable power sources the bridge connecting urban convenience with off-grid freedom. And this is precisely why it has become an essential companion for off-grid enthusiasts — using the warmth of technology to harmonise nature and convenience, giving more people the courage to take that first step into the wilderness.

Off-grid living is not about ‘rejecting modern civilisation,’ but about reclaiming control over our lives—deciding for ourselves what information to receive and how to spend our time, rather than being driven by our phones and information. Starting with small changes, you will gradually discover that without the constant influx of information, life becomes clearer and more meaningful.

Read more:
Escape the grip of your phone—a guide to living offline

Sadiq Khan has demanded that Britain’s largest arms fair be scrapped, arguing it is “inappropriate” for London to host such an event during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

The DSEI defence and security exhibition, due to take place at ExCel London from September 9–12, attracts military buyers and defence contractors from across the world. But the mayor said London should not be used as a “marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons” and stressed that the city is home to thousands of asylum seekers and refugees who fled conflicts involving similar arms.

A spokesperson for Khan said: “The Mayor is completely opposed to this event taking place in London and is appalled that the capital is being used as a marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons. London is home to thousands of people who have fled conflict and suffered as a result of weapons like those exhibited at this event – and he continues to urge organisers to reconsider hosting the fair in the future.”

The mayor’s office also said the event was “inappropriate given Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza”.

Defence industry representatives dismissed Khan’s intervention, accusing him of posturing while ignoring local issues such as knife crime in the capital. One insider told MailOnline: “It’s just another boring Sadiq intervention on major national issues while he refuses to address concerns in London. While knife crime in London has risen by 54% since he’s taken office, he’s decided to focus on the people who are working day-in day-out ensuring the lives of Ukrainians and other allies who are under ceaseless attack are protected.”

The UK government has already sparked a backlash by barring Israeli government officials from attending DSEI. Israeli defence contractors, however, will still be allowed to exhibit.

In a statement last week, ministers said:“The Israeli Government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.”

The decision comes as Britain faces growing pressure over its stance on the conflict. In July, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas and commit to a long-term peace deal. The UK has also barred sales of arms to Israel that could be used in the nearly two-year war in Gaza.

Israel’s Defence Ministry condemned the UK’s move, describing it as discriminatory and politically motivated: “These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel’s representatives,” it said.

With the Gaza conflict continuing and political divisions deepening, Khan’s call to axe DSEI highlights the mounting tension between London’s role as a global hub for the defence industry and the sensitivities of hosting such events in a city defined by diversity and its refugee communities.

Read more:
Sadiq Khan calls for London arms fair to be scrapped amid Gaza conflict

From selling denim on market stalls to advising the Gandhi dynasty on political campaigns, Bob Sheard’s path to becoming one of Britain’s most influential brand strategists has been anything but typical.

As the founder and co-owner of FreshBritain—a brand design business with a difference—he’s built his career on disrupting industries, influencing global outdoor giants, and turning purpose into profit.

The spark for his career was lit in a Halifax playground, when a new pair of trainers flipped his social fortunes overnight. That formative moment showed him the power of a brand. What followed was a journey through fashion, marketing, sport, politics—and some punishing ultra-endurance testing along the way. From barefoot grape stomping in his dad’s garage to frostbitten toes on North Pole expeditions for performance brand insight, Bob’s commitment to understanding the end user runs deep.

FreshBritain, co-founded with his wife and business partner Sophie—whose background spans fashion, AI, and computer science—has earned a reputation for “unf*cking brands” by aligning them with long-term strategic, financial, and sustainable goals. As the business pivots toward helping brands accelerate their net-zero ambitions, Bob remains restless, relentlessly curious, and unapologetically mission-driven.

What was the inspiration behind FreshBritain?

It started with a pair of trainers and a moment in a Halifax school playground. That was the first time I truly understood the power of a brand.

After working inside the industry—at Converse, Karrimor, and Levi’s—I saw the performative side of branding up close. When I launched FreshBritain, I wanted to strip that away and focus on truth, impact, and financial return. No lifestyle fluff—just substance, rigour, and real transformation.

We go deep. Sometimes that’s trekking across the desert for Salomon or feeling frostbite for UVU. We believe in “adopting the nature of the prey”—getting as close as possible to the lived experience. That’s how you build brands that matter.

Who do you admire, and why?

James Curleigh, former Global President of Levi’s. He taught me about winning. James knew when to press forward—and when to take the win. His clarity, charisma, and strategic mindset helped us reimagine Salomon’s future together. He also gave us the best testimonial ever: “FreshBritain unf*cks brands.”

Sam Pitroda is another. Known as the father of digital India, Sam once asked me to help write his book, Redesign the World. He told me: “Most people aim within the possible. You and I must aim for the impossible.” It’s hard to say no to that.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

Of course. Show me someone with no regrets and I’ll show you a liar.

I wish I’d joined the military. The discipline, the exposure to raw human behaviour—it’s invaluable for someone who works in brand psychology.

I wish I’d done an MBA. Our business works closely with private equity, and that qualification could have fast-tracked certain conversations.

And I wish I’d started building collaborative networks earlier. Our open-source work on sustainability tools is something I’m incredibly proud of now, but that mindset came later.

Oh, and I never climbed K2. That stings.

What defines your way of doing business?

A handful of words: Passion. Obsession. Addiction. People. Relationship. Change.

I’m addicted to what I do. It’s the only thing I’ve ever been any good at, and I won’t rest until I’ve found a solution to the problem in front of me.

I believe in people—developing them, backing them, and helping them fly. Whether it’s our team, our clients, or the universities and charities we support, I want to leave people (and the planet) better than I found them.

Now, we’re using our expertise to help brands move toward net zero—and doing it with transparency. That means giving away some of our best tools because progress doesn’t happen in silos.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

It’s simple.

If you do nothing—nothing happens.

If you do something—something happens.

So, just do something. And see what happens.

Start. Be brave. Make mistakes. And never let fear hold you back—it’s your tailwind.

Read more:
Getting to Know You: Bob Sheard, founder and co-owner of FreshBritain