Nottingham tram driver is concert pianist by night
Shannon Samecki and Harry Stevens BBC News, Nottingham BBC Last Tuesday Reuben Lee, 25, performed as the pre-concert entertainer at the Royal Northern Sinfonia show at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham A tram driver lives out his two passions by driving trams in the day and being a concert pianist by night. Reuben Lee, […]
Can bright green ‘super powders’ really make you healthy?
Annabel Rackham Health reporter Getty Images The powdered supplements often appear green when diluted with water. Companies selling super green supplements claim a scoop of their magic powder, mixed with water, is all you need to improve your health. Many promise a long list of potential benefits, such as stronger hair and nails, increased energy […]
West Midlands business leaders react to budget announcements
Richard Price BBC News, West Midlands PA Jeremy Hunt delivered the budget, likely to be the last one before the general election, on Wednesday Business leaders across the West Midlands have been sharing their reaction to the announcements made in Wednesday’s budget. There was praise for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s measures to help people in financial […]
Rising costs ‘put people off’ apprenticeships claim
Pete Simson & Rachel Candlin BBC Radio Bristol Dawid Giermak, City of Bristol College Julia Gray, City of Bristol College principal, said rising living costs are putting people off applying for apprenticeships People are being put off applying for apprenticeships due to wage levels and rising living costs, according to a college principal. Government figures […]
Stoke-on-Trent MP’s frustration over button battery safety
Stuart George & Caroline Gall Presenter, BBC Radio Stoke Family Harper-Lee Fanthorpe died in May 2021 after swallowing a “button” battery from a remote control An MP has said she is frustrated by the time it is taking to achieve higher safety standards over the use of button batteries despite a toddler’s death. Stoke-on-Trent Central […]
The little-known history of Champagne
Lily Radziemski Features correspondent Mariana Mikhailova/Getty Images While women were barred from owning businesses in 19th Century France, three widows, who were exempt from the rule, created some of Champagne’s most lauded empires. As we get ready to pop the cork for a brand-new year, we’ve brought back one of our favourite BBC Travel stories, […]
Why the UK bubble tea market is ‘special’
Aysha Imtiaz Features correspondent Alamy Boba tea is becoming increasingly essential to the UK’s youth culture (Credit: Alamy) In Britain, young people are whipping up specialised boba creations. The drinks hit the right notes for an emerging consumer base who can’t get enough. An Instagram-worthy ombré bubble tea may not seem like the most British […]
UK override bill ‘won’t break international law’
PA Media The Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said he was confident new legislation would not break international law New legislation to change post-Brexit trade arrangements will not break international law, the Northern Ireland secretary has said. Brandon Lewis said he was confident the changes would be lawful. The protocol keeps Northern Ireland inside the […]
Half of vet medicines could be withdrawn, Lords hear
John Campbell BBC News NI economics and business editor Getty Images A grace period for veterinary medicines not covered in the new NI Brexit deal will expire in 2026 Half of the veterinary medicines currently used in Northern Ireland could be withdrawn from sale unless there is a new deal with the EU, an inquiry […]
More beef products recalled by Isle of Man meat plant
BBC Isle of Man Meats is owned by government but run at arm’s length The Isle of Man’s meat plant has been told to destroy more beef products after an environmental health investigation. In recent days, concerns have been raised about processing practices, an environment department spokesman said. But there have been “no reports of […]