Helen Ball, Chief Executive at The Civic said: "everyone had a wonderful time and the funds raised for the Hospice is an excellent result." Everyone both on and off the stage had an amazing time, and we are extremely grateful to the artists who gave up their time for free for the event.

Barnsley Hospice Fundraising Manager Sue Miller said: “We are really grateful to everyone for their hard work, effort and generous donations. An extra special Thank You to Keith and the Santander staff for all of their efforts. Also, to The Civic Barnsley for providing a brilliant venue. This is very much appreciated. The support and generous donations we receive from our fantastic community helps the Hospice provide compassionate care and support to hundreds of local people and their families at a vulnerable time in their lives.”

Keith Smith, Local Business Manager at Santander’s Barnsley Financial Centre said: “Santander is committed to playing a key part in the community and we are delighted to have helped support the Barnsley Hospice. It felt great to be able to give something back to our community and it would not have been possible without the help from our Santander volunteers and the support from local businesses. We hope the money raised makes a real difference to the local people.”

As One Vision Housing (OVH) celebrates its 10th year as a registered provider of social housing, it has never been in such a strong position, with record turnover during 2015/16, despite the challenges facing the housing sector.

During the year OVH also invested £65.7m to continue its mission of ‘providing high quality homes and excellent landlord services that exceed the aspirations of all stakeholders’. Of this expenditure, £26.1m was reinvested to improve existing properties, while a further £16.8m was spent to build new homes, as OVH embarked on its ambitious development programme.

In the 10 years since OVH was formed, following a successful stock transfer from Sefton Council, the organisation has achieved some momentous milestones; with accolades that secure its position as one of the leading housing associations, businesses and employers in the country.

In the last 10 years OVH has invested over £443m of its income to improve the standard of homes, increased customer satisfaction from 77% to 94% (at present), increased its financial turnover from £45m to £61m per year, and made efficiency savings of over £68m.

OVH is also recognised as one of the best organisations to work for in the UK, having claimed top spot in The Sunday Times Top 100 List and UK Great Workplaces as well as being named 4th best workplace in Europe in 2014.

Roy Williams, Chief Executive of One Vision Housing, said: “Our 10th year anniversary has provided a fantastic opportunity to reflect on everything we’ve achieved in a relatively short time and makes us excited about what the next ten years will bring.

“I would like to pay tribute to our wonderful tenants and exceptionally hardworking employees who touch thousands of lives on a daily basis and make a difference to the people in our communitie s.”

In 2010 OVH made significant savings by bringing its property maintenance services in house, and shortly after (in 2011) the Sovini Group was formed, which has generated new income streams to support One Vision Housing’s investment in the communities we serve. The Group has since gift aided £17m back to One Vision Housing, which we've invested back into our homes and communities.

In 2013 OVH was awarded the British Quality Foundation’s UK Excellence Award, one of the most prominent accolades that can be awarded to any company in the country. Shortly after OVH was also ranked 4th in the Europe-wide version of the excellence awards.

In 2015 OVH expanded its operations into Liverpool and Wirral, when it acquired 1,300 homes during the amalgamation with Venture Housing. One Vision Housing owns and manages circa 13,000 units of accommodation and has a new housing development programme of approximately 920 additional properties across Merseyside and surrounding areas.

You can find more details about OVH’s recent achievements, income and expenditure in the latest 2015/16 annual report, now available on the OVH website www.ovh.org.uk.

Officially opening its doors to the public on Thursday 24th November, the Design Museum is regarded by many as one of the world’s leading contemporary design and architecture museums and has long been an arena, which has showcased the very best and brightest of innovation and design.

Motivation's Rough Terrain wheelchair will sit within the free Design Maker User exhibition, a collection exploring 20th and 21st century modern designer’s take on these three connected elements. A perfect setting for Motivation’s most iconic wheelchair, as not only does the charity consider the unique needs of each wheelchair user, it also takes care to ensure that wheelchairs can be locally assembled, fitted and adjusted in-country.

Standing by their philosophy of providing the right wheelchair in the right way, for the last 25 years Bristol-based charity Motivation has been putting the individual at the heart of wheelchair design. The Rough Terrain wheelchair is robust enough to withstand the often challenging environments found in developing countries. The simplicity of this design and decision to use three wheels instead of four has made all the difference as its extended chassis provides better stability for the wheelchair user.

However, a Motivation wheelchair stands for so much more than simply a vehicle to transport someone from A to B. The charity believe it has the power to both empower and instill confidence to help disabled people in developing countries to lead active, fulfilled and happy lives. Motivation's Co-Founder David Constantine MBE, also a Design Museum Trustee, provides his personal insight as to the importance of considered and effective design from the perspective of a wheelchair user:

"I believe that good design is all about improving people’s quality of life. For me, thoughtful design and engineering has enabled me to travel, go to work and be independent. I think everyone should have that opportunity – no matter where they are in the world."

David Constantine will feature in 'The Brits Who Designed the Modern World' on BBC2, Saturday 26th November at 9.30pm as part of the BBC2 Artsnight series.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Joanna Hall email: hall@motivation.org.uk tel: 01275 464012

Madelaine Turner email: turner@motivation.org.uk tel: 01275 464012

Notes to Editors:

Harrison’s Fund’s annual Bah Humbug campaign is back!

The Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy charity is encouraging people to shame all those scrooges at home and in the office this Christmas with its Bah Humbug box.

The charity has created a downloadable kit for people to make and put their pennies into when they start moaning about the madness of Christmas and to spare a thought for children who can’t undertake simple tasks like building a snowman or hanging a decoration on the tree because they suffer from a life threatening illness such as Duchenne. It is also planning a host of festive activities online through its social media accounts.

Harrison’s Fund is named after the ten year old from Surrey who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic condition which affects all the muscles in the body, causing them to waste away. Harrison’s Fund’s goal is to get as much money as possible into the hands of the world’s best researchers, who are working to find a cure for Duchenne. The charity is currently funding 12 research projects in the US and the UK.

The concept came from creative company, Field Day, who provide pro bono support to the charity, and the box is the perfect antidote to those people who like to have a ‘moany Christmas’.

Dad of Harrison and founder of the charity, Alex Smith said: “Busy shops, novelty jumpers, and terrible cracker jokes…let’s face it we’re all guilty of having a bit of a moan at Christmas but for boys with Duchenne the reality of what Christmas means is tough.

“Harrison would love to open his advent calendar, or wrap a gift for his brother. But for him, and many other children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, even the simple festivities we take for granted are a struggle.

So next time you catch yourself grumbling about gift lists or whining about wrapping paper, spare a thought for Harrison and the boys like him and get involve din our campaign. With your help we can raise money to fund research, and maybe one day find a cure.”

You can download and make your own Bah Humbug box at www.harrisonsfund.com

You can then donate any money raised at https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/harrisonsf-und/bahhumbug

Make sure you share your photos of your own scrooges on the charity’s social media pages @HarrisonsFund and use the hashtag #bahhumbug

Welcoming the Scottish government’s decision to allow reintroduced beavers to remain in the country announced yesterday, Trees for Life said that it plans to move ahead with investigating the possibilities for bringing beavers to areas north of the Great Glen, working with local communities to identify where they might live without perceived adverse impacts.

Steve Micklewright, Trees for Life’s Chief Executive said: “Today’s decision means that beavers can naturally spread through Scotland in the future. There is a lot of space in the Highlands where they could thrive, improving the region for other wildlife and providing a tourist attraction that will benefit the local economy.”

However, the main obstacle to the natural spread of beavers to the Highlands is geography. Steve Micklewright said: “The Great Glen presents a natural barrier to beavers colonising the area on their own from the existing populations in Argyll and Tayside, so the only way to be sure they will return to the northwest Highlands would be to give them a helping hand.”

Trees for Life has long been an advocate for the Eurasian beaver’s reintroduction to Scotland and has been working on the possibility to reintroduce them for many years. In 2015 the charity commissioned initial research by beaver experts, which indicated that places such as Glen Affric could support beavers. The planting of aspen trees – a vital winter food for beavers – by Trees for Life in areas beside Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin and Loch Affric in Glen Affric, and beside the River Moriston at the charity’s Dundreggan Conservation Estate in Glenmoriston, has also improved the prospect of these areas being suitable for beaver reintroduction in the future.

Trees for Life is supportive of the return of beavers because they can improve the health of rivers and lochs, and also reduce flooding. They coppice and fell trees, letting light into the forest and enabling other plants to flourish, while stimulating new growth of the trees themselves. Their small dams create wetland areas, providing habitats for amphibians, invertebrates and fish, which in turn attract birds and otters.

While the benefits to other wildlife of beaver reintroduction are significant, the government’s announcement recognises that some residents may be concerned about the possible impact of beavers on their interests and that this requires careful management.

Acknowledging that some people might be worried about potential local impacts such as flooding and beavers felling trees to build dams, Steve Micklewright said: “While it is certain that beavers could live in the Highlands, the next step is to ensure they would be a welcome addition to the landscape. That is why we plan to work out where they would be welcome. Then we plan to enter in to dialogue with the government to explore how we can help them to return to those areas.”

Relaxed Sanrio character adds new bright livery to EVA fleet

Today sees the launch of EVA Air's specially branded Sanrio family aircraft, themed with an exclusive Gudetama theme. Adding to its existing and popular Hello Kitty and Sanrio-character services, EVA will operate the brightly liveried Gudetama Comfort flights on regional and short-range routes within Asia. The Gudetama Jet Comfort flight will operate on an Airbus A321-200 aircraft configured for 184 passengers, eight in business class and 175 in economy and is EVA's first specially painted A321.

EVA Air President, Derek Chen, comments: “Since EVA and Sanrio launched our first generation of Hello Kitty Jets in 2005, our specially painted aircraft have been popular among our passengers all over the world. To keep our themed flights fresh, lively and fun for our passengers, we chose superstar Gudetama to join our fleet. Different from the sweet image of Hello Kitty, Gudetama symbolises a laidback, relaxed style of travel. With EVA, travel is easy, comfortable, reliable and completely relaxing. It's a travel style that's perfect for busy people with hectic schedules. Our new Gudetama plane also equips us to offer more variety and attract more passengers.”

Born in 2013, Gudetama is an egg with arms and legs and one of Sanrio's youngest and most popular characters. Cute and easy-going, Gudetama is always sunny-side-up on EVA's aircraft and the new livery captures the relaxing spirit of the bright yellow Gudetama as he leisurely packs his sunglasses, camera, hat and bacon blanket into his bag, as he prepares to fly away on a memorable holiday. Gudetama branding is also evident on items within the aircraft with flight attendants wearing aprons embellished with the Gudetama design and passengers use in-flight service items depicting the loveable character. Items include Gudetama headrest covers, pillows, safety cards, beverage menus, disposable hand towels, tray mats, napkins, cups, meal boxes, food trays, chopstick wrappers, utensils, meals, snacks, floss picks, slippers and playing cards.

As a special treat, the airline is inviting passengers and fans to pre-order Gudetama aircraft models and travel kits on the EVA Skyshop website from 24th November and collect their items on board when they fly. In addition, in order for passengers to have a souvenir from their flight, EVA will be launching some more Gudetama products in the near future.

EVA's Gudetama Jet Comfort flight aircraft joins four Hello Kitty planes on regional flights from Taiwan to Japan, Korea and Mainland China. Each with its own unique theme, the specially painted short-haul aircraft are named the EVA Hello Kitty Magic, Apple, Global and Speed Puff Jets. The airline also flies two Sanrio family-themed Boeing 777-300ERs on long haul routes; the Hello Kitty Hand-in-Hand jet to serve paris and the Hello Kitty Shining Star Jet on Houston flights.

The new EVA Gudetama Jet Comfort flight (BR196) will depart Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport at 3.20pm and arrive at Tokyo's Narita International Airport at 7.20pm. Return flight (BR195) will depart narita International Airport at 8.20pm and arrive back in Taipei at 11.25pm.

More information on the new plane and EVA's other Sanrio-family aircraft can be seen at: www.evakitty.evaair.com/en/

- Ends -

About EVA Air:

EVA Air, a Star Alliance member, was formed in 1989 as Taiwan's leading independent airline. It is part of the respected Evergreen Group and a sister company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies to more than 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, North America and Europe where gateways include London, Paris, Amsterdam and Vienna. It operates daily nonstop flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok that continue to Taipei where passengers can easily connect on to every major city in Asia, including close to 30 gateways in Mainland China. It has a reputation for innovation, warm, friendly service and an impeccable safety record. EVA Air launched the industry's first premium economy cabin in 1992. Named Elite Class, this cabin was voted Best Premium Economy in an annual SKYTRAX poll. SKYTRAX also rated EVA Air as one of the World's Top-10 Best Airlines and No. 1 for Cleanest Cabins for 2015.

For more information, please visit: www.evaair.com

Media contacts:

Hume Whitehead – Sarah Wilkinson (sarah.wilkinson@humewhitehead.co.uk, 0845 498 998

A little girl who was born with her organs outside her body celebrates her first birthday next week, after a year of lifesaving medical treatment.

Sophie Tarling spent the first four months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) far away from home in The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge. Being born prematurely at 34 weeks, Sophie needed urgent medical attention after being diagnosed with a congenital overgrowth syndrome found in just one in 15,000 babies. The condition - Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome – affects the growth of the body, and for Sophie caused her bowels and part of her liver to be on the outside of her body.

At just 24 hours old, Sophie underwent intensive surgery to save her life. While Sophie was on NICU, her parents – Rachel, 34, and John, 30, - were supported with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation run by The Sick Children’s Trust, so that they could be just minutes from their daughter. Rachel, a primary school teacher, says:

“When your child is so ill it’s incredibly scary – we were lucky enough to be given a room at The Sick Children’s Trust’s Chestnut House, which is just below NICU. Being supported at Chestnut House meant we could be with Sophie before she went into theatre and be there for her once she came out. As a mother your natural instinct is to be with your child, not far away while they lay in hospital in a critical condition. Chestnut House made it possible for me to be with my daughter at the time she needed me the most.

“Due to complications, for the following four months, she remained in NICU at The Rosie Hospital and we were fortunate to be supported by Chestnut House during some of this time. Travelling to the hospital every day was nearly a two hour round trip and made this time ever so more difficult for John and I. It was very draining emotionally and physically and made us appreciate Chestnut House so much – it made a huge difference to our experience. We could make meals in the kitchen and build our strength up for Sophie, and there was a communal living room so we’d chat to parents who were in a similar situation to us which made us realise we were not alone.”

Over the last few months Sophie’s family have been fundraising and raising awareness of The Sick Children’s Trust’s ‘Homes from Home’ including her auntie, Hannah Lockwood, 20. Earlier this year Hannah did a skydive which raised £1,250 for the charity. Hannah, a catering supervisor, says:

“Rachel was travelling to and from The Rosie Hospital for a number of weeks so she could be with Sophie and it was clear this was having a significant impact on her emotional and physical well-being. When Rachel and John were given free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation by The Sick Children’s Trust I was so relieved. I felt comforted to know that they had Chestnut House, as it was somewhere they could get some respite and be near their daughter.”

The Sick Children’s Trust runs ten ‘Homes from Home’ across the country supporting families with seriously ill children in hospital. Every year, the charity supports over 4,000 families with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation, enabling them to remain close to their loved ones. Chestnut House Manager, Abi Abdelaal, says:

“Sophie and her family called into Chestnut House to present us with the cheque from Hannah’s fundraising earlier this week and we were delighted to see how well Sophie is!

“We’d like to thank Hannah very much for fundraising for The Sick Children’s Trust; this money will benefit so many families and help them to stay by their child’s hospital bedside. Although our ‘Home from Home’ accommodation is free for families, it costs the charity £30 to support a family for one night. Thanks to Sophie’s family, many families will be able to stay together during the toughest of times.”

Today (29th November 2016) Reading based AfriCat UK launches a £50,000 appeal to build a permanent brick built school in Namibia to ensure that 150 children from pre-school to grade 3 can be educated in safe conditions. The launch coincides with this year's #GivingTuesday - world giving day for Christmas 2016.

“The brick building will replace two temporary army tents that currently houses the Onguta School, in the Ehirovipuka Conservancy of Northern Namibia. The building will be made from local brick produced by the villagers where the School is situated.

"The people of this Conservancy are highly committed to the conservation of carnivores and this work illustrates the value of wildlife conservation agencies working with local communities to ensure the preservation of cats in the wild" said Tammy Hoth-Hanssen Director of the AfriCat Foundation. The Conservancy made the request for AfriCat assistance when the marquee structure blew down in high winds and the Army provided two makeshift tents to house the School. Now the life of the tents are coming to an end and the Conservancy desperately needs the School to be housed in a permanent structure.The Conservancy has allocated and cleared an area for the School to be sited, local people working with Nam Water have provided a water supply close to the School and the community will make the bricks from local clay to make the bricks. An architect has drawn up plans for building "All that now is needed are the resources to allow the School to be built". said Mrs Hoth-Hanssen.

In this new venture for AfriCat people can purcahse as many bricks as they wish that will go towards constructing the school. Donors will be remembered for their support on commemorative plaques that will be placed on one of the building walls. An enduring way to thank the people who supported the project. Further details about the appeal and details of the launch at:http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/africatadoptabrick #GivingTuesday (29th November 2016) is a global day of giving. After the sales of Black Friday and the online shopping boom on Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday is an opportunity to come together to show the world why it’s good to give as #GivingTuesday is a call to action for everyone who wants to give something back.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Carey Widdows

AfriCat UK

Email info-uk@africat.org

Mobile: 07767 795938

TEL: 0118 935 1681

A LOCAL youth charity is asking for donations of warm clothing for the vulnerable young people of its housing projects as part of a campaign around the international Giving Tuesday day of support.

YMCA Humber houses over 100 young people each night of the year in its three housing projects in Grimsby and staff at the charity have identified a lack of warm clothing provision as one of the areas of concern during the winter months and they are asking for public support through donations of good quality warm clothing, such as hats, scarves, coats and thermal socks.

The campaign, entitled Winter Warmer, is encouraging people to make those donations at their local YMCA project or at local businesses, details of which will follow on social media.

Sam Palmer is a coach at YMCA Humber’s Foyer project in Grimsby and his was her initial idea to do something to provide young people with warm clothes to use during the winter months.

She said: “One of the problems we face at YMCA during the winter months is young people’s lack of suitable clothing for the cold weather.

“They are often going out into the cold in thin tracksuit tops or something similar and, when we approach them about getting wrapped up, they tell us that they don’t own any warm clothing and they don’t always have the disposable income to buy a suitable coat or thermal clothing.

“And it has a knock-on effect with illnesses, meaning young people cannot attend college, which affects their progression and then there’s always the possibility of passing those illnesses onto staff and other young people.”

YMCA Humber has taken part in Giving Tuesday for the last two years and in 2015 showcased its Immingham youth club and accommodation and support services through the ‘Subterranean Homeless Blues’ video – a take on the popular Bob Dylan video for ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’.

And this year, the charity’s Events and Marketing Team have decided to utilise their Giving Tuesday campaign to reach out for warm clothing donations.

Jonathan Byrne, Events and Marketing Lead added: “Giving Tuesday is the day in the calendar where people are encouraged to do something good for charity after the big spending of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

“We have taken part in Giving Tuesday for several years now and reaped the benefits through fundraising, donations and additional coverage of our work, particularly through social media.

“This year we thought about the different ways people can donate to our charity, it is not just financially or through volunteering time, and donations of winter clothing will benefit our young people immensely.”

Drop-off points for YMCA Humber’s Winter Warmer campaign are currently:

YMCA Humber Peaks Lane Housing Project, Peaks Lane, Grimsby, N E Lincs, DN32 9ET

YMCA Humber Foyer Project, Orwell Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs, DN31 3HB

For more details on the Winter Warmer campaign, please call YMCA Humber on 01472 359 621 or email info@ymca-humber.com.

Further information on YMCA Humber’s work is available at www.ymca-humber.com .

For more information on Giving Tuesday in the UK, please visit www.givingtuesday.org.uk.

As part of Youth Work Week, Oasis Hub South Grimsby have announced a new youth club opening on the Grimsby estate at the end of November.

The Oasis Youth Club, which has been funded by Awards for All from the Big Lottery fund, will open at Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe on Tuesday 29 November with a session for 8-12-year-olds in primary school education from 4pm until 6pm.

Opening for three weeks in the run-up to Christmas, the youth club will then expand in January, moving to Wednesday evenings and including a session for young people in secondary school, aged 11-16 from 6.30pm until 9pm.

The club is being run in conjunction with Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe and Wintringham, YMCA Humber, Young People’s Support Services (YPSS), Centre4, iCan NEL, Humberside Police and Grimsby Town Sports and Education Trust (GTSET).

Each session costs 50p per child and organisers are encouraging young people to think of a name for the club ready for its full launch in January.

Michelle Donner, Hub Co-ordinator for Oasis Hub South Grimsby, spoke of her excitement at the club’s opening.

She said: “We identified the need for a youth club on the Nunsthorpe estate and we’re hopeful that we can meet the needs of young people through facilitated activities and support.

“The club will initially run for three weeks from 29 November, for 8-11-year-olds, and then we will expand into sessions for secondary school students from 11-16 after the Christmas break.”

And the group is looking for volunteers to contribute to the club and they are urging interested individuals to get in touch.

Michelle continued: “Volunteers will be vital to ensuring the club thrives and we are looking for committed individuals that are eager to work with young people.

“If anyone would like to volunteer at the club, please get in touch with us at Oasis Hub South Grimsby.”

Further details on the club’s expansion in January will be made available nearer the time.

If you require any further information on the youth club, please contact Michelle Donner on 01472 310 013 or Michelle.Donner@oasiswintringham.org.

To inspire positive action and help their workforce become more open to change, Precision Acquisitions Direct has been discussing the Japanese art of Kaizen and its application to professional success.

Kaizen is a Japanese word for 'continuous improvement.' Kaizen methods have been used by business professionals around the world to help influence positive change and fuel progress. Made up of two Japanese characters: Kai, which means 'change,' and zen, which means 'good, it is used to describe a state of continuous improvement, where everyone within an organisation regularly evaluates their performance and looks for ways to improve it by taking small, yet positive steps forward.

About Precision Acquisitions Direct: http://www.precisionacquisitionsdirect.com/about-us/

Due to it's potential to be applied both personally and professionally, Precision Acquisitions Direct recently spoke to their contractors about Kaizen in a specially organised workshop. With the majority of their contractors working towards progression within the industry, the firm is confident that the principles of Kaizen could help them to make significant progress when working towards their individual goals.

Unlike many ineffective ‘quick fixes' and ‘hacks' available to those seeking professional advancement, Kaizen is a slow, ongoing process that offers real improvement. It teaches professionals to take responsibility for their actions, and that their success is in their own control. All improvements are suggested by the individual doing the work, rather than from an outside perspective, meaning that people can work towards the goals they feel most passionate about and move forward at a pace that keeps them motivated and engaged.

Precision Acquisitions Direct were eager to address during the workshop that Kaizen is a mental process, and as such needs to be practised regularly if it is to have any significant impact on success. The firm recommends that to implement kaizen into daily work life; professionals must make an effort to set a regular time for reflection on the things they are doing. During this period of reflection, professionals should ask themselves whether they could be doing more to increase their chance of reaching their goals. These changes shouldn't be too dramatic; they just need to have enough of an impact to increase momentum and improve efficiency. Looking for small ways in which they can improve daily practices will over time help them develop faster, more successful ways of doing things, which will bring them ever closer to their ultimate professional goals.

Precision Acquisitions Direct are proud to be in a position to put their contractors in control of their progression in this way and are hopeful that practising the principles of Kaizen will help them to stay on track towards success. The firm is confident that this freedom allows their contractors to achieve more and value the true impact hard work can have on their futures.

Precision Acquisitions Direct is an event marketing agency based in London. The firm specialises in connecting with consumers on behalf of their clients' brands through face to face events and promotions. This allows the company to establish long-lasting relationships between brand and consumer which drives customer acquisition, brand awareness and brand loyalty for their clients.

A poll undertaken by online letting agent Upad.co.uk has revealed that 40% of landlords plan to increase rents if they are left to pick up the cost of tenant fees, in wake of the recent announcement made by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement to remove this charge to tenants. Only a third of the respondents questioned said that they would definitely not raise their rents, meaning that potentially two thirds of tenants, or up to 2.6 million renters, could face a permanent increase in rent as a direct result of the recent announcement.

The research by the UK's largest online letting agent also revealed that 75% of landlords have no plans to sell their buy-to-lets, despite a barrage of charges inflicted on landlords over the last year, designed to push out landlords in order to free up housing stock.

James Davis, CEO and founder of Upad.co.uk, commented: “Once again a measure that has been brought in to punish landlords has come home to roost. Due to the chronic housing shortage we face in the UK, the lettings market is under immense pressure and this attempt to help potential first time buyers has actually done more harm than good. Instead of punishing landlords, we need to find ways to increase the supply of quality and affordable rental property to help house the millions of people who need it. Frustratingly for everyone involved, this research suggests that landlords will be left with no choice but to further increase rent."

Landlords are still reeling after the 3% stamp duty surcharge earlier this year and the forthcoming plans to prevent landlords deducting mortgage costs from rental income and limiting tax relief on mortgage interest payments.

Mr Davis adds: "This recent blow is just one of many that have hit landlords hard in 2016. The neglected lettings industry has a bulging balloon of tenants who are chasing too few rental properties and by continually kicking landlords, this situation is not going to improve.

“This total mismatch between supply and demand is driving rents up by as much as 5% a year, rising far higher than salaries, which are predicted to rise by only 1% next year. Already 10% of all tenants in the UK have fallen behind with their rent payments and I predict this will rise by as much as 25% next year with the gap between rents and wage growth only widening.”

Upad also admits that many of its own landlords will be less affected by this recent announcement given their ability to 'self-manage' their property portfolio with their on-line service.

James adds: “Our landlords still face costs when setting up a tenancy but we estimate these to be roughly about half of the average fees reported this week by typical lettings agents. So whilst there will still be a cost to bear, the impact hopefully won't be quite as hard-hitting for our landlords and their tenants.”

Upad is the UK's largest online letting agency, rapidly growing and disrupting the traditional high street letting agent model. It has serviced over 12,500 satisfied landlords so far and the number is growing daily. Upad has gained popularity by allowing landlords to get their property advertised on Rightmove and Zoopla (at a fraction of the cost), whilst still being able to provide an excellent customer service.

-ENDS-

With a streak of rainbow colour, Gay Pride returns to Brazil's Olympic city

The Olympics may be over but the celebrations continue for Brazil as Rio de Janeiro prepares to host its 21st LGBT Pride Parade. Large and culturally diverse as a country, Brazil is increasingly becoming known as a leading LGBT tourist destination.

Stretching along the vibrant Copacabana beach front, Gay Pride will take place this year on Sunday 11th December, and activities celebrating LGBT culture will take place in Rio for seven days. The theme for 2016's Pride is 'I am my gender identity', encouraging people to recognise that identity is a choice that must be respected.

Rio de Janeiro's Parade is the country's second largest LGBT parade, after Sao Paulo's, which is the largest gay pride parade in the world. The Rio parade will involve a 2km long procession along Copacabana beach, which hundreds of thousands of people are expected to join. Brazil's welcoming of the LGBT community is proving successful as Rio de Janeiro was voted the 4th top city in the world that the LGBT community intended to visit last year.

The Brazilian Tourist Board is continually seeking to increase the number of LGBT tourists visiting Brazil and improve the services for travellers. LGBT tourists represent 10% of the world's travellers and move 15% of the sector's turnover, according to data from the World Tourism Organisation.

Top LGBT friendly destinations in Brazil

Sao Paulo

The largest city in Latin America, Sao Paulo represents the heart of LGBT culture and gay diversity in Brazil. Each year, millions of tourists and locals alike travel to Avenue Paulista, the multicultural centre of the city for the most famous LGBT gay pride parade in the world.

Must see attractions in Sao Paulo include the Museum of Sexual Diversity, the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Art of Sao Paulo. There are nearly 100 venues in Sao Paulo, where locals and tourists of all sexual orientations unite to celebrate and party. Gay bars, LGBT night clubs and exhibitions are an integral part of the city's culture.

Florianopolis

The friendly ambiance of Florianopolis has increasingly attracted the attention of the international gay community, making the city one of the main destinations for gay and lesbian tourists from around the world. Voted a city with one of the best qualities of life, Florianopolis combines urban infrastructure with picturesque landscapes and lively beaches.

Some of the best things to do in Florianopolis include:

Mole Beach – Open in the summer season, the crystal waters and white sand of Mole Beach are one of the LGBT community's favourite meeting places and reveller hang-outs.

Jurerê International – The attractive isolated beach of Jurerê International is a hotspot for sophisticated and glamourous LGBT tourists in search of chic beach clubs and exclusive parties.

Rio de Janeiro

Voted in 2016 as the most attractive gay destination in the world, Rio de Janeiro is the entry gate for most LGBT tourists that visit Brazil. Home to stunning natural beauty and iconic attractions including Christ the Redeemer and Carnival, Rio is packed with travellers from all around the world, all year round.

Ipanema beach is the primary meeting point for the LGBT community, located opposite the Rua Farme de Amoedo, Rio's gay strip in the sophisticated neighbourhood of Ipanema. During Carnival there are many raves and exclusive parties for the gay community, predominantly located in Lapa, the trendy neighbourhood and heart of nightlife in downtown Rio.

- ENDS -

YMCA Lincolnshire are really excited to announce our festive, family-friendly Community Christmas Cracker celebration event

The event is to be held at The Showroom Activity and Conference Centre, Tritton Road, on 23rd December 2016 from 11am-3pm.

Funded by the Big Lottery ‘Celebrate Fund’, and in partnership with the Passion Youth Congregation of Ignite Elim, The Showroom is able to offer the event completely free of charge for all ages.

The Showroom Conference Centre’s Catering team will be providing a buffet, with the Activity Team hosting a wide range of fun, games and activities for all.

Booked especially for the event, we invite you to step in to Santa’s Grotto, meet Father Christmas and take a ride on a Rodeo Reindeer. Get creative with some Christmas crafts, festive face painting, fun, games and more!

Find out more and sign up to the event on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/events/219595608451656

The Bible Reading Fellowship’s (BRF) Who Let The Dads Out? inspires and equips churches for effective missional outreach to fathers, father figures and their children. Our vision is to transform family relationships in the UK by turning the hearts of fathers and children to one another. We want to cause a cultural shift by encouraging churches to value and invest in fathers’ ministry.

BBC News has recently reported the following:

There are over 50,000 churches in the UK and 52% of children under four access some form of parent and toddler group via these churches. These groups are mainly aimed at and attract mothers and their children. It is estimated that less than one percent of UK churches are intentionally reaching out to fathers and their children. BRF believes change is urgently needed and Who Let The Dads Out? is already acting as a successful catalyst for such change and its 230 groups are reaching over 8000 fathers and their children.

Mark Chester, Founder of Who Let The Dads Out? –

We know that fathers and father figures are incredibly important, but we also recognise that dads can be filled with doubts about their own abilities and often feel isolated. A Who Let The Dads Out? group at a local church is an environment in which dads and their children can feel welcomed and supported, can have fun together and can meet and compare notes with other dads. It's an ideal place for a dad to deepen his emotional connection with his children and develop confidence in his role as a parent.

------------------------ends-------------------------------------------

The objectives of BRF’s Who Let The Dads Out? are to:

In 2015 Who Let The Dads Out? won silver in the Best Replicable Project category at the Christian Funders Forum Awards.

National problem gambling support charity GamCare is raising the profile of their new youth education and awareness programme this #GivingTuesday, including opening registration for free training for frontline professionals working with young people.

#GivingTuesday, led in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), will take place on Tuesday 29th November. The campaign encourages people to ‘do good stuff’ for the charities and causes they care about.

As well as sponsoring a youth-specific website at www.BigDeal.org.uk, GamCare is currently fundraising to create three regional ‘youth hubs’ in Bristol, Birmingham and the North West (covering Manchester and Liverpool), as well as expanding their youth education services in London.

These youth hubs will fund youth outreach workers to provide free of charge workshops and training in their local areas, as well as materials and screening tools to assist local youth services and teachers in identifying young people at risk. Each youth hub will also provide referrals to specialist treatment for young people who are experiencing or vulnerable to gambling-related harm.

Hannah Terrey, Head of Policy and Campaigns at CAF, says: “#GivingTuesday is a huge celebration of doing good and a chance to shine a light on the fantastic work that charities do across the UK and around the world. It’s the collective action of thousands of people and organisations that makes this day so powerful.”

Dirk Hansen, CEO at GamCare, says: “Our work aims to ensure that young people can access honest, accurate and relevant information about gambling and make informed choices about whether they choose to gamble. As a result of this programme, young people will also be able to access help and support tailored for them should they need it.”

For more information, to register for training or to donate to the programme, visit www.gamcare.org.uk/news/giving-tuesday

ENDS

For more information or accompanying images please contact Catherine Sweet, Marketing and Communications Manager, at catherine.sweet@gamcare.org.uk or on 020 7801 7000.

Notes to editors:

GamCare – Working to minimise gambling-related harm

Volkswagen is celebrating an impressive brace of titles in TopGear Magazine’s latest issue which names the very best cars in the world.

TopGear declares the Volkswagen Golf ‘All The Car You’ll Ever Need’, while the Volkswagen up! is named ‘Best First Wheels’ by the influential motoring brand.

Praising the Volkswagen hatchback that has dominated its class for more than four decades, the magazine said: “A Golf. Short of needing seven seats or some genuine off-road ability, those two words can answer just about any car requirement you care to throw our way.”

With comfortably more than 30 million produced over the car’s 42-year history, the Volkswagen Golf retains its classless appeal and enduring reputation for quality, reliability and effortless competence. Upwards of two million Golfs have been sold in the UK to date, and roughly one in three new Volkswagens sold here last year bore the name Golf.

The most extreme iteration of the current Golf – the sold-out GTI Clubsport S – was recently described by TopGear thus: “There’s no denying how quick it is, but the GTI is also incredibly tactile and approachable for a hardcore front-wheel-drive hatch.”

Meanwhile the recently revised Volkswagen up! carries off the ‘Best First Wheels’ title with its potent mix of style, functionality and value.

Today’s up! remains one of the five key pillars of the Volkswagen portfolio in the UK alongside new Tiguan, Polo, Golf and Passat, and the car has been a consistent sales performer in the UK since its launch here in 2012.

In the UK, the new car is offered with a choice of two petrol engines offering three engine outputs: a naturally aspirated three-cylinder 12-valve petrol engine with outputs of either 60 PS or 75 PS, or a new three cylinder turbocharged 1.0 TSI petrol unit with 90 PS.

TopGear said of it: “The up! doesn’t really feel like a baby car: it’s refined and has supple suspension and runs true on motorways.”

Welcoming the brace of important titles for two of Volkswagen’s most popular models Alison Jones, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “For both the Golf and the up! to be recognised in this way by the experts at TopGear is a really strong result.

“With the prospect of the revised Golf, and much else besides, to look forward to next year I’m hopeful that we can continue to celebrate Volkswagen awards successes such as this throughout 2017.”

(ends)

James Parfett will assume the role of Head of Communications for PEUGEOT UK, the brand announced today.

Responsible for all media relations and communication across product, brand and corporate matters, James will report directly into Andrew Didlick, PSA Group UK’s Director of Communications, Events and Brand Partnerships.

James joined the PSA Group in 1993 and has held various positions, including Head of Fleet and Sales Director for the PSA Group’s finance division. In 2014, he became Head of Communications for PEUGEOT’S sister brand, Citroën and in 2015, Head of Events and Brand Partnerships for the PSA Group in the UK.

James will start his new role within PEUGEOT UK as of 1st January 2017.

Outgoing Head of Communications, Kevin Jones, will move to head up communications for the PSA Group’s DS Automobiles – a new role created to further reinforce the clarity and distinction of the emerging premium vehicle brand.

Meanwhile, Louise Dowling, Manager of Public Relations for PEUGEOT for the past two years will be moving to head up the Peugeot Events Team. Her replacement will be the subject of a future press announcement. The rest of the PEUGEOT UK Communications team – comprising Kerry Livesey, Craig Morrow and Sam Davison – remains in place.

James said: “PEUGEOT is entering a critical and fascinating phase, with two exciting new SUVs being launched in the form of the new 3008 and 5008 over the next few months. These cars are crucial to maintaining PEUGEOT’S place as one of the most loved car marques in Britain, so it is a wonderful time to be joining the team at what is a hugely-respected brand.”

From January 1st 2017, James can be contacted on 07802 268743 or email:james.parfett@peugeot.com.

PEUGEOT

Since 1810 PEUGEOT has been producing durable products of excellence, since 1858 all are branded with the Lion logo – chosen to demonstrate strength, suppleness and swiftness to personify the durability of its products. As one of the earliest automotive producers, the PEUGEOT brand can trace its roots back to 1889 when it began producing automobiles and since then over 65 million vehicles have been produced, advancing technology with style and efficiency to enhance the customer experience. Demonstrated through its Brand signature ‘Motion & Emotion’, PEUGEOT is present in 160 countries, has 10,000 franchised Dealerships and is recognised the world over for the quality and design excellence of its products.

PEUGEOT UK

The UK is the third largest market for PEUGEOT with its UK Headquarters located in Coventry. The UK car line-up includes the 108, 208, 308, 508, 2008, 3008 and 5008 supplemented by people-carriers and a four-model van range that includes the Bipper, Partner, Expert and Boxer.

If you would like to keep up to date with the PEUGEOT UK Press Department activity and be the first to see what exciting new projects we are launching, please follow us on Twitter and Instagram:

www.twitter.com/PeugeotUKPR / www.instagram.com/PeugeotUKPR

TBC Bank Group PLC announces that its subsidiary, JSC TBC Bank ('TBC Bank') has today signed two loan agreements in the total amount of USD 30 million with the European Fund for Southeast Europe ('EFSE').

A 5 year loan facility in the amount of USD 15 million will be dedicated to financing of Georgian small, medium and micro entrepreneurs. Another USD 15 million, 10 year facility will be used to provide finance to Georgian private households.

'We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with EFSE. These two facilities will help TBC Bank to further strengthen its position in the Retail and MSME segments by expanding its portfolio in the cities as well as in the rural areas of the country,' commented Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, TBC Bank's CEO.

EFSE Board Chairman Christoph Tiskens said: 'The size of this funding clearly indicates the success of our first investment in TBC Bank last year, and these loans will allow our partner to finance even more of the clients the EFSE was created to serve.'

About the European Fund for Southeast Europe

Many people are beginning to find social media ads too intrusive, Blue Moose investigate how brands can engage with consumers.

A recent study by Kantar TNS found that 40% of Brits ‘actively ignore’ social posts or ads from brands, this figure is extremely high, prompting industry experts to develop new ideas and strategies to engage with customers.

About Blue Moose: http://wearebluemoose.com/about-us/ Michael Nicholas, Global Director at Kantar TNS, says; “Some brands are getting it spot on – in the past years we’ve seen the likes of Disney, Starbucks and McDonald’s use Snapchat’s filters to engage consumers in a way that doesn’t feel intrusive”. In the last two years, the number of Snapchat users has doubled. Blue Moose believe this tactic will be used by other brands in the future, organisations have found a way to interact with consumers in a fun way which can then be shared around the world. One of the issues surrounding social media ads is the sheer amount of them. Recent statistics state a person can be exposed to as many as 5,000 adverts a day, this overwhelming number dilutes the quality of adverts. Brands need to focus their efforts on creating engaging content or viral videos rather than overproducing ineffective adverts. Blue Moose refer to the classic phrase ‘quality not quantity’ in their approach to marketing; the firm employ empathetic contractors to represent brands and personally interact with customers. A further negative of social media campaigns, related to the previous point regarding the number of adverts, is that the audiences aren’t being targeted specifically. The current approach is to release as much content as possible in hope it will reach millions of users. However, figures show a 47% increase of 55-65 year olds on social media sites which means brands will need to consider a variety of demographics for their campaigns. It is important to consider people from all ages and backgrounds when promoting a product and ensure each group has a tailored message, otherwise, the public become detached from the brand as they feel like ‘just another customer’. The Kantar TNS study found trust levels between brands and young people are decreasing as consumers believe businesses will falsely advertise their product in order to make sales. Bloggers and reviewers have become the biggest influencers for 16-24 year olds, YouTube vloggers recommend skin care products, fashion items and the latest gadgets in videos seen my millions of subscribers. Their success is due to the personalised element they provide. Viewers see an ‘ordinary’ person like themselves enjoying the products and can relate to them. Blue Moose, based in Liverpool, describe their direct marketing methods as unique, the firm dedicate their time and effort in creating personalised campaigns for brands and ensure a positive interaction with customers. They provide face-to-face communication which is essential in receiving feedback on products and increases the trustworthiness of a brand. Blue Moose believe it is possible to get a higher Return on Investment through direct marketing than online campaigns and the quality of their interactions lead to higher rates of customer acquisition.