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Instagram, a visual playground to play and tell stories, has made us more connected, more shared, and more influential than we ever were before.

If you’re ever making a personal brand, growing a business, or simply being creative in your expression, building followers is nearly always a required step. It is not only about the numbers ñ it is about creating real relationships and creating a community that understands what you are saying.

Let’s look at practical techniques on how to get more followers on Instagram while being real, innovative, and engaging.

Crafting Content That Resonates

Every successful Instagram account is built around compelling content. To increase your following, create posts that convey a story, elicit emotions, or offer value. It’s more than simply appearance; it’s about having your audience feel something.

Authenticity is crucial in this situation. Share events, thoughts, and insights that reflect your personality or the values that your brand represents. Instead of simply following trends, tailor them to your voice. When your material appears authentic, it builds trust and motivates viewers to click the follow button.

Consistency: Your Silent Superstar

Consistent posting is a crucial growth factor. The Instagram algorithm favors consistent participation, keeping your profile accessible to your followers. Consistency, however, does not imply flooding your feed; rather, it is keeping a consistent pace that matches your followers’ expectations.

Experiment with various posting schedules and measure interaction to see what works best. Once you’ve found your sweet spot, stick with it. Consistency builds trust, making it simpler for new followers to commit.

Engage with Intent

Getting more followers is more than just spreading your message; it’s about starting discussions. Responding to comments, participating in debates on comparable accounts, and actively engaging with your community demonstrate that you’re personable and interested in your audience.

To locate new followers, go outside your postings and use hashtags and tags specific to your niche. Interact with their material thoughtfully — this type of outreach frequently generates reciprocal interest, converting casual visitors into dedicated followers.

Harnessing the Power of Stories and Reels

Instagram Stories and Reels are extremely effective tools for discovery and engagement. Stories give followers a behind-the-scenes view, giving an element of intimacy that draws them in. Use elements such as polls, questions, and quizzes to drive engagement and make your audience feel engaged.

In contrast, Reels have emerged as Instagram’s solution to short-form viral content. They’re a terrific method to display creativity and attract new eyes to your profile since they have the ability to extend far beyond your current following base.

Collaborations: Building Bridges

Collaboration with other users or companies in your area is a mutually beneficial growth approach. Partnering on freebies, co-creating content, or even engaging in friendly shoutouts will expose your profile to a larger audience.

To ensure authenticity, choose teammates who share your beliefs. Followers acquired through meaningful collaborations are more likely to remain around and interact with your content.

Analytics: Decoding the Growth Puzzle

Understanding what works (and what doesn’t) is critical for development. Instagram gives precise information on analytics like reach, impressions, and engagement rates. Analyzing this data allows you to fine-tune your plan, concentrating on the sorts of material that are most appealing to your target audience.

Analytics also show when your followers are the most engaged, allowing you to schedule updates for optimum impact. This data-driven strategy guarantees that your efforts are focused and efficient.

Paid Promotions: A Strategic Boost

While organic growth is vital, bought marketing may help you expand your reach. Instagram Ads enable you to target certain demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring that your content reaches the intended audience.

The idea is to approach sponsored campaigns strategically. Promote your most successful posts or build advertisements that emphasize your unique worth. Paid advertisements, when done correctly, may attract followers who are truly compatible with your profile.

Staying Ahead of Trends

Social media is an ever-changing environment, and keeping up with trends is critical. Whether you’re trying out new features, taking on popular challenges, or adding hot hashtags, flexibility keeps your profile fresh and entertaining.

However, balance is critical. While trends might increase awareness, be sure they are consistent with your business identity. Authenticity should never be sacrificed for fleeting attention.

Patience and Persistence

Growing your Instagram following requires time and work. It is a voyage of trial, error, and discovery. Celebrate little victories while remaining focused on the greater picture — creating a community that loves and supports your material.

While short remedies may be appealing, sustained progress necessitates serious work. Trust the process, be consistent, and adapt to your audience’s demands.

Conclusion

Getting more Instagram followers isn’t about chasing statistics; it’s about making genuine relationships that spread your message and vision. By generating original material, connecting with your audience, and being adaptive, you may convert casual viewers into dedicated fans.

Success on Instagram is as much about the trip as the goal. Accept the difficulties, try different tactics, and watch as your profile grows into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection.

Read more:
How to Get More Followers and Blast Your Instagram Engagement

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Local dating sites are blowing up right now. And honestly, it makes sense. These platforms are rewriting the rules of online dating by zeroing in on specific audiences.

Think singles in your city who are ready to mingle. Their success isn’t just random luck. it’s all about smart marketing. Let’s learn how these sites crush the game and what lessons we can snag from their playbook to ace marketing in the dating niche.

Understanding the Niche: The Power of Hyper-Targeting

Let’s get one thing straight. Throwing your net too wide in dating (or marketing) is like trying to swipe right on everyone. Desperate and dumb. Successful local dating sites don’t play that game. They focus on one thing: specific audiences.

For instance, a platform targeting singles in a mid-sized city isn’t competing with global giants. They’re building a cozy corner where locals feel seen. It’s all about hyper-targeting. These sites know who they’re talking to and craft every campaign like they’re chatting with their BFF over coffee.

Want examples? Sure. Some sites build trust with local users by addressing hyper-specific pain points:

Highlighting safety for in-person meetups.
Promoting shared community values.
Crafting events like speed dating nights for a local hookup.

Here’s how you can steal their thunder:

Research like a creep: Know everything about your target audience. Age, habits, dating pet peeves—the works.
Keep it real: Forget generic fluff. Your campaigns should feel like they were made for one person, not a faceless crowd.
Honesty: People hate bullshit. Build trust by actually giving a damn about their needs.

Hyper-targeted marketing works because it makes people feel special. Isn’t that what everyone wants?

Leveraging Word-of-Mouth and User-Generated Content

Here’s the thing about local dating sites – they don’t have an enormous marketing budget to throw for shit like Marvel Studios, but they’ve got something better. Users who won’t shut up about them. Testimonials, reviews, and those gushy “I found my soulmate” stories? Yeah, they milk those for all they’re worth.

Why? Because people trust people more than ads. It’s called social proof, and it’s pure gold for building credibility and trust. When users see others raving about how great a platform is, they’re way more likely to sign up. It’s like FOMO, but with dating.

How do they do it?

They incentivize users to share their stories. Think free memberships or exclusive perks for referrals. Nothing gets people talking faster than a little reward.
They encourage honest feedback. Even if it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, authentic reviews add a layer of “yeah, this is legit.” No one trusts a site with only good reviews. That stinks.
They craft moments worth sharing. Think cosmetic features, milestone badges, or personalized thank-you emails. Users love posting about this stuff, and guess what? Free advertising for you.

Utilizing Localized Branding and Events

Now let’s talk about localized branding as a marketing strategy. Successful local dating sites know how to tug on those emotional strings. They get what makes their community tick. They tailor their branding to match.

How does this play out?

Events! Hosting offline mixers, meetups, or singles’ nights bridges the gap between the screen and real life. It’s networking with a side of flirting, and users love it..
Community involvement. These sites don’t just pop up. They show up. Sponsoring local events, supporting charities, or even partnering with local businesses helps them plant roots and grow loyalty.
Personalized content. From ads that mention the local hotspots to emails that reference regional slang, these sites make users feel like they “get them.” It’s all about relatability.

Why does this work?
When you’re not just a faceless app but a part of someone’s community, you’re no longer just an option. You’re the option. And when users feel connected, they stick around.

Mastering Digital Marketing with a Local Twist

The big boys of online dating aren’t the only ones with game. Local dating sites know how to hustle hard and play smart. How? By turning online marketing into a hyper-focused art form. If you think blasting generic ads everywhere works, you’re about as wrong as the Inquisition of old.

Geotargeting Ads

Ever been scrolling through your feed and saw an ad: “Hey, we’re right here in your city!” That’s geotargeting flexing its muscles. Local dating sites use it to laser-focus their ads on specific regions, hitting their audience right where they are (literally).

Localized SEO

If your SEO strategy doesn’t make your city or town the star, you’re doing it wrong. Local dating sites dominate search results by sprinkling keywords like “dating nearby” into every pixel of their website. Not only that, but they make sure Google loves them by showing up in local listings, reviews, and community shoutouts.

Social Media

Successful local sites know that sharing a meme about your city’s pothole problem or the love/hate relationship with local food hits differently. It’s not just about being funny. It’s about being relatable. When your audience thinks, “Wow, they get us,” you’ve already won.

Culturally Relevant Content

Speaking of relatability, let’s talk culture. The best campaigns tap into local traditions and inside jokes. For example, a dating site in Louisiana might run ads with a tagline related to something local. Or even some events, news, whatever.

Pro Tips to Steal Their Strategy:

Invest in localized SEO like your life depends on it. Don’t just optimize for “dating.” Go for “local dating.”
Use geofencing ads. Think of it as building an online moat around your target area.
Tailor messaging. to match local humor, traditions, and vibes. Nobody wants generic love advice when they could get something with a dash of hometown flavor.

Conclusion

Local dating sites are killing it because they get their audience. They know who they’re talking to, where they’re talking to them, and exactly what makes them swipe right.

The lesson here? Understand your people, speak their language, and never be afraid to get a little creative. From geotargeting ads to cracking jokes about your city’s terrible parking, success comes from blending web-savvy with real world.

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Marketing Lessons from Successful Local Dating Sites

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AviaGames, a leader in the mobile gaming industry, recently celebrated an impressive triple victory at the prestigious 2024 NYX Game Awards for Season 2.

Known for pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming, Avia’s wins underscore its commitment to innovation, engaging gameplay, and high-quality user experiences. This win is not only a remarkable achievement but also a significant milestone in the company’s mission to enhance player interaction and community involvement.

An Impressive Hat Trick for Avia

AviaGames received awards at the 2024 NYX Game Awards across three distinct categories, highlighting the brand’s versatile appeal and dedication to excellence in multiple facets of game design and development.

Each award category honored a specific aspect of AviaGames, a leader in the mobile gaming industry‘s standout games, including captivating visuals, interactive, user-friendly designs, and strategic game mechanics. These recognitions speak to Avia’s ability to set trends in mobile gaming, crafting experiences that resonate with a wide and diverse audience.

The company won:

Bingo Bliss in the “Mobile Game – Casual” category: Avia’s Bingo Bliss introduces exciting new features and twists to the classic game of Bingo. With nearly a 5-star rating on the App Store and over 4,500 reviews, players can enjoy a variety of gameplay modes, including head-to-head matchups and multiplayer tournaments.
Solitaire Clash in the “Mobile Game – Multiplayer” category: This game is one of AviaGames’ most popular titles, with a 4.8-star rating and over 271,900 reviews on the App Store. Mobile gamers can practice for free and perfect their skills before competing in thrilling tournaments where the higher a player ranks, the bigger the reward.
Solitaire Venture in the “Mobile Game – Strategy” category: A twist on traditional solitaire, this game features challenges, rewards, and island-based progression. Players can embark on a virtual journey to unlock new stages and themes as they advance throughout the game. Gamers can build, attach, and duel with opponents to shape their own personal paradise in three dynamic match modes.

Commitment to Quality and Player Engagement

AviaGames has long been known for prioritizing player satisfaction through immersive gameplay and consistently high-quality app interfaces. This commitment is evident in their flagship games, which have been downloaded millions of times and maintain strong user ratings across platforms. AviaGames invests in intuitive design and incorporates community feedback to offer players the most enjoyable and engaging gaming experience.

Empowering Players and Expanding the Community

Avia Games has created a dynamic and inclusive player community through these award-winning games. The company’s core belief in making mobile gaming accessible, exciting, and rewarding for everyone has earned it a dedicated following. Avia Games’ inclusive approach builds a loyal fan base and fosters a sense of unity among players worldwide.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Avia Games

This NYX Game Awards recognition marks a new chapter in AviaGames’ journey, reinforcing its role as a trailblazer in mobile gaming innovation. Looking ahead, AviaGames aims to push the boundaries even further by launching new titles and updates that promise to elevate the mobile gaming experience to new heights.

With three NYX Game Awards under its belt, AviaGames is more motivated than ever to lead the future of mobile gaming. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and passion for creating memorable player experiences ensure that this is only the beginning of AviaGames’ ascent in the gaming industry.

Read more:
AviaGames Triumphs with Three Wins at the 2024 NYX Game Awards: Celebrating Season 2 Success

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5G technology represents a significant leap forward in mobile communications, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity compared to its predecessor, 4G.

Its introduction is not only transforming how we connect to the internet but is also reshaping various industries, including business operations across the UK.

The Evolution of 5G Technology

5G, the fifth-generation mobile network, is poised to revolutionize industries by providing ultra-fast wireless internet connections. It offers speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, with significantly reduced latency—critical for real-time applications such as online gaming and video streaming. The increased bandwidth of 5G networks allows for the seamless transfer of large amounts of data, supporting applications that require low latency and high reliability, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and IoT devices.

Benefits Across Various Sectors

Manufacturing Sector

Smart Factories: 5G enables the implementation of Industry 4.0 concepts, where machines communicate with each other and with humans in real-time. This is crucial for the adoption of smart factories, where sensors and devices monitor production processes, predict maintenance needs, and improve efficiency.
Autonomous Vehicles: In manufacturing, 5G supports the development and operation of autonomous vehicles within factory settings. These vehicles rely on constant, rapid communication to navigate and transport goods within factories without human intervention.

Gaming and Entertainment

Online Casinos: The iGaming sector benefits immensely from 5G, enabling more engaging and immersive experiences for players. Online casinos can offer high-quality live dealer games, VR casinos, and more sophisticated gaming environments without the need for high-end devices. Within the UK players can wager on domestic sites which are part of GamStop and international sites that bypass Gamstop. Both platforms can use 5G tech however reputable casinos not on GamStop are quickly growing in popularity as they offer benefits, like large game libraries, bonuses, and streamlined user experiences. With 5G, online casino gaming is easy, convenient, quick, and glitch-free.
Cloud Gaming: 5G facilitates cloud gaming, where games are streamed over the internet rather than played from a local console or PC. This technology allows gamers to access high-quality games from their mobile devices without the need for expensive hardware, democratizing access to top-tier gaming experiences.

Healthcare Sector

Remote Patient Monitoring: 5G allows for real-time monitoring of patients’ health data. Wearable devices can transmit vital signs instantly to healthcare providers, enabling quicker and more effective treatments. This technology is particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions or for emergency situations where time is of the essence.
Telemedicine: With 5G, doctors can conduct remote surgeries using robotic systems controlled over the internet with minimal latency. This is crucial for rural areas in the UK where access to specialized medical care is limited.

Retail and E-commerce

Enhanced Shopping Experiences: 5G can transform retail by enabling immersive shopping experiences through AR and VR. Consumers can use their mobile devices to try on clothes virtually or see how furniture fits in their homes before purchasing. This not only enhances customer experience but also boosts sales.
Supply Chain Management: 5G facilitates real-time tracking of products throughout the supply chain, improving logistics and inventory management. Retailers can quickly adapt to changes in demand and avoid stockouts by using predictive analytics.

Telecommunications

Enhanced Network Services: 5G enhances network services, allowing telecom operators to offer higher data speeds and more reliable connections. This improvement is critical for businesses that rely heavily on data transmission, such as financial services, which require secure and fast communication for transactions and data analysis.
IoT Expansion: The low latency and high connectivity of 5G make it ideal for IoT applications. Businesses can implement IoT devices across different sectors to automate processes and enhance operational efficiencies. For example, smart city initiatives can utilize 5G for managing traffic systems, energy consumption, and waste management.

Security Considerations

While 5G offers many benefits, it also introduces new security challenges. The high-speed connections and increased capacity can potentially expose businesses to greater cyber risks. Companies must implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against threats such as data breaches and hacking attempts. This includes adopting encryption technologies, implementing secure APIs, and regularly updating software to protect data integrity and privacy.

Future Outlook

As more industries integrate 5G technology into their operations, the UK will likely see a transformation in how businesses operate. 5G will not only improve efficiency and customer experiences but will also open up new opportunities for innovation. Businesses that invest in 5G technologies early will have a competitive edge, being able to offer faster, more responsive services to their customers.

Read more:
How 5G Technology Is Changing Business Operations In the UK 

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SME manufacturers in the north west of England will benefit from an additional £230,000 in funding to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies and strengthen their competitiveness.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has awarded the extra funding to Made Smarter Adoption North West, enabling at least ten more businesses to introduce transformative tools such as sensors, robotics, and 3D printers.

The cash injection comes as welcome news for the digital adoption programme, which is due to continue from April 2025 under the government’s £16 million pledge to roll out similar support initiatives across all English regions.

Made Smarter provides smaller manufacturing and engineering firms with access to technology advice, leadership development, and skills training, as well as grants for digital internships and implementation projects. The goal is to help companies increase productivity, enhance growth, create high-value jobs, and support decarbonisation efforts.

Alain Dilworth, Programme Manager at Made Smarter Adoption North West, said: “We are delighted that the DBT has allocated a further £230,000 to support our ongoing mission. Most of this funding will help businesses accelerate their digital transformations, and we urge any manufacturers who haven’t yet engaged with us to get in touch.”

Launched seven years ago, Made Smarter Adoption North West was set up to help SMEs lacking the in-house resources to embrace digital tools. Run by a team of 16 experts in manufacturing, technology, and organisational development, it has already engaged 2,500 companies and offered personalised advice to more than 500.

Of these, 330 businesses have secured over £7 million in grants to co-fund 379 tech projects, with a total investment of £25 million (including £18 million from participating firms). This combined backing is expected to create 1,700 new jobs, upskill 3,200 existing roles, and add £267 million in gross value added (GVA) to the economy over the next three years.

More than 200 manufacturers have improved their operations through digital skills programmes, with half of the 75 internships facilitated by Made Smarter leading to permanent roles.

Donna Edwards, Director of the programme, said: “This additional funding recognises the significant impact Made Smarter North West is having on the region’s manufacturing sector. Our approach is built around specialist advice to help firms select the most effective technologies for growth and resilience.

“As we enter our seventh year, we’re more determined than ever to reach even more SMEs and illustrate how digital innovation can transform their operations, workforce, and environmental footprint.”

Inspired by its success in the north west, the Made Smarter model has since been adopted in several other English regions, including the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands, and the East Midlands. This blueprint will guide the programme’s further expansion in April 2025.

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DBT gives £230k injection to drive digital transformation among north west SME manufacturers

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Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund is set to acquire the automotive division of McLaren, the renowned British supercar manufacturer, in a move that reshapes the ownership of one of the UK’s most iconic motoring brands.

The deal follows a difficult period for the Woking-based firm, which recorded a record annual loss of £924 million in 2023, up sharply from £349 million the previous year. Under the agreement, McLaren’s longtime majority shareholder, the Bahraini state-owned investment vehicle Mumtalakat, will retain control of the racing arm, while Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings – backed by the trillion-dollar Abu Dhabi Investment Authority – steps in as a minority shareholder.

The signing ceremony was reportedly witnessed by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and son of UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring the strategic importance of the acquisition for the emirate. In a statement, Abu Dhabi described the move as “a defining moment” in CYVN’s plan to build a “leading, globally connected mobility platform.”

Mumtalakat first acquired a major stake in McLaren in 2007 and has repeatedly injected funds over the last few years to keep the carmaker afloat. The business suffered severely during the pandemic and faced mounting losses, which prompted Bahrain’s sovereign investor to seek a buyer. Having already enlisted Wall Street bankers from JP Morgan, Mumtalakat has now found its exit strategy through CYVN’s investment.

Tom Molnar, chief executive of McLaren, has emphasised the need for the firm to pivot towards electrification, with the company racing to develop its first fully electric supercar. The investment from Abu Dhabi could provide the capital required for extensive research and development and to secure McLaren’s position in a future driven by advanced technology and cleaner propulsion systems.

While the McLaren racing division – originally founded in 1963 – will remain separate, the new deal is expected to secure the automotive business’s financial footing. The hope is that with stable backing from Abu Dhabi and the continuing strategic involvement of Mumtalakat, McLaren can navigate the challenges of rising costs, supply chain pressures, and an evolving global market for luxury and high-performance vehicles.

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UAE buys Mclaren’s automotive business following record losses

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After years of surging rental costs, tenants are finally seeing signs of relief. According to new data from property portal Zoopla, annual rent inflation has slowed to 3.9 per cent, its lowest rate since August 2021.

Although rents are still increasing, this marks a significant cooling from 2022’s peak growth of 12 per cent.

For the average tenant, who now pays £1,270 per month for a typical rental home, slower price increases come as welcome news. Over the past four years, rents have risen by 27 per cent while earnings have grown by just 19 per cent. Compared to 2021, tenants are paying a hefty £3,240 more per year, on average.

The rate of rental growth varies across the country. Northern Ireland remains a hot spot, with annual rents up 10.5 per cent, while London’s rental prices have edged up by only 1.2 per cent in the past year. These regional differences highlight how location and local market conditions can influence affordability.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, notes that the pandemic-era rent boom stemmed from a supply-demand imbalance. While there are nearly a third more potential renters seeking accommodation than in 2019, the stock of available rental homes has been broadly static since 2016. The shortage, while easing slightly, is expected to continue. Would-be buyers are locked out of the housing market due to affordability issues, net migration is at record highs, and more landlords are exiting the sector in response to tougher taxes and regulations.

Zoopla predicts that rents will increase by another 4 per cent in 2025, with more affordable areas around major towns and cities likely to see the strongest demand. This is already evident in places such as Havering, on London’s eastern fringe, and Birkenhead, across the River Mersey from Liverpool, where rents are outpacing pricier urban cores.

Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years could help alleviate the chronic shortage and keep rents and prices in check. However, Donnell cautions that a real easing of pressure on renters must come from boosting all forms of housing supply, both private and social. Landlords, he says, will remain essential to meeting demand, and conditions may eventually encourage them to re-enter the market—but not just yet.

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Rent rises slow, offering hope to beleaguered tenants

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McWin Capital Partners, the European food-focused investment firm, is reported to be in early talks to acquire Gail’s, the much-loved but premium-priced UK bakery chain, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The news comes hot on the heels of Gail’s owners hiring Goldman Sachs to prepare an auction, amid widespread speculation that the brand could fetch as much as £500 million.

McWin Capital, already an investor in the bakery’s parent company, invests in pan-European food service and food-tech ventures. Its portfolio includes franchise rights for Subway and Popeyes in select European markets, as well as stakes in Japanese-inspired Sticks’n’Sushi and the Italian-themed Big Mamma group.

Gail’s opened its first bakery in Hampstead, north London, in 2005 as an offshoot of the Bread Factory, a wholesale bakery supplying top-tier restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s. Founder Gail Mejia sold the business in 2011 to serial entrepreneur Luke Johnson, who still serves as chairman. American private equity firm Bain Capital acquired a majority stake in 2021, valuing Gail’s at £200 million at the time. The chain’s rapid growth means it now boasts more than 150 branches across the UK, with further expansion planned for the current financial year.

Under chief executive Tom Molnar, a former McKinsey consultant, Gail’s capitalised on shifting consumer behaviour during and after the pandemic, tapping into rising interest in artisanal food and transparency in supply chains. However, its expansion has not been without controversy. Critics have argued that its presence in neighbourhoods like Walthamstow, northeast London, contributes to the homogenisation of local high streets. Molnar countered that the brand’s outlets are small and integrated, designed to complement rather than overwhelm established local businesses.

Should McWin Capital’s talks lead to a pre-emptive acquisition, it may reshape the anticipated auction process and highlight the premium value investors place on fast-growing, upmarket food brands within the UK’s competitive retail landscape.

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McWin Capital eyes Gail’s in bid to pre-empt £500m auction

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Hundreds of farmers gathered in Westminster today, chanting “no farmers, no food” outside Downing Street, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced tough questioning in the Commons over proposed changes to inheritance tax.

Tractors blocked parts of Whitehall during a demonstration organised by Save British Farming and Kent Fairness for Farmers, reflecting the industry’s growing anger over Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s levy proposals.

Under the plans, announced in last month’s Budget, inheritance tax will rise to 20 per cent on agricultural assets worth more than £1 million. Although the government insists the majority of farms will remain unaffected, farmers’ groups have argued that the threshold is far too low for many family-run holdings. Approximately 500 farmers travelled to Westminster today to protest, following a rally of around 13,000 people in the capital last month.

As the protest took place, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey pressed Sir Keir Starmer on whether he would “change course and recognise the vital role that family farms play.” In response, the Prime Minister stated that the “vast majority” of farms would be unaffected, citing the £3 million threshold for an “ordinary family” case.

However, many farmers remain unconvinced. Matt Cullen, a beef farmer and organiser with Kent Fairness for Farmers, claimed: “We need to show this government that we will not be pushed over and have our farms destroyed. This is war and we will win and force the government into a U-turn.”

Among the demonstrators was 26-year-old Claire Fifield, whose step-family runs a tenanted farm in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. Ms Fifield said the £1 million threshold was unrealistically low given the costs associated with farming: “I don’t think they’ve spoken to a single farmer, especially not a tenant farmer. They looked at Jeremy Clarkson and decided to take his money, but this punishes people who have been working these lands for generations.”

The emotional toll of the dispute was highlighted during a session of the Commons Environment Committee, where Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), was moved to tears while describing the pressure some farmers face. Middle-aged farmers are reportedly worried their parents will not live the seven years required to avoid tax liabilities, putting businesses that have been nurtured for decades at risk. Bradshaw warned of severe human consequences, including the possibility of farmers taking their own lives due to financial despair.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative MP Jerome Mayhew reminded Sir Keir Starmer of his pre-election remarks to the NFU, where he acknowledged that losing a farm “is not like losing any other business.” Mayhew accused the current administration of being duplicitous. Sir Keir countered by highlighting the £5 billion of support pledged to agriculture over the next two years, including £350 million allocated in the last week, and reiterated that “the vast majority of farmers will be unaffected” by the changes.

As tensions remain high, the government stands by its reforms, while many farmers fear the new inheritance tax threshold will jeopardise family farms that have supported communities and produced British food for generations.

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Farmers descend on Westminster amid inheritance tax row as Starmer faces MPs’ questions

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The cost of your morning cup of coffee could soon increase, after the price of arabica beans—the most widely produced variety—soared to a record high on international commodity markets.

On Tuesday, the price of arabica surpassed $3.44 per pound, reflecting an increase of over 80% since the start of the year. Robusta beans, which are cheaper and more bitter, have also risen sharply, hitting fresh highs this autumn.

The price surge follows challenging weather conditions in the world’s leading coffee producers, Brazil and Vietnam. Brazil, the largest producer of arabica beans, has suffered its worst drought in 70 years, followed by unusually heavy rains that threaten this season’s flowering crop. Vietnam, the top supplier of robusta, has also experienced weather extremes that are expected to limit future yields.

These supply concerns emerge at a time of steady global demand for coffee. Consumption in countries like China has more than doubled over the past decade, while roasters and traders report that inventories of beans are critically low.

For several years, major coffee brands including JDE Peet’s (the owner of Douwe Egberts) and Nestlé managed to absorb higher raw material costs, protecting consumers from price increases to maintain their market positions. However, industry insiders say that this strategy is reaching its limit. With soaring bean prices putting intense pressure on profit margins, brands are now preparing to pass costs along to customers in the first quarter of 2025.

Italian coffee giant Lavazza, which until recently tried to shield shoppers from rising costs, confirmed that it was ultimately forced to adjust its prices. David Rennie, Nestlé’s head of coffee brands, has also admitted that the firm will need to raise prices and possibly adjust package sizes, describing the situation as “tough times” for the entire industry.

Commodity analysts expect the upward trend in coffee prices to persist for some time, with the impact of extreme weather on supply—and consistently strong consumer demand—making it likely that coffee lovers will feel the pinch in their wallets well into next year.

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Coffee prices reach new heights as weather woes hit global supply

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