Gin and tonic has overtaken tea as the nation’s favourite drink, marking a significant shift in British consumer habits.

A recent survey conducted as part of the sixth annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report found that 44% of Britons now opt for a G&T when meeting friends, narrowly surpassing the 41% who prefer a traditional cup of tea. The remaining 15% were undecided between the two quintessentially British beverages.

The UK’s gin market continues to flourish, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest. Last year, gin sales reached £750 million, reflecting a sustained enthusiasm for the spirit that dates back to the 17th century. This contrasts sharply with the declining tea market, where sales of everyday black tea brands like PG Tips and Yorkshire Tea fell by 6% in 2022 to £341 million. Research firm Mintel forecasts an additional 8% decline between 2023 and 2028.

The changing tide in beverage preferences is further evidenced by the struggles of Britain’s oldest tea brand, Typhoo Tea, which recently entered administration due to over £70 million in debt and waning demand. Meanwhile, the rise of “cocktail culture” is gaining momentum, especially among younger consumers. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents—those aged 18 to 29—expressed a preference for celebrating special occasions with a cocktail instead of Champagne. Additionally, 35% are more likely to choose a cocktail over beer, and 29% over wine compared to last year.

Davide Zanardo of Bacardi UK & Ireland noted: “The G&T tops our poll for 2025, so perhaps it’s not surprising it’s now rivalling the cup of tea as the country’s national drink.”

This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses in the beverage industry. While traditional tea brands face declining sales, the spirits sector is poised for growth as consumer tastes evolve. The preference for gin and tonic, along with other cocktails like piña coladas and mojitos, signals a changing landscape that companies will need to navigate carefully

Read more:
Gin and tonic surpasses tea as Britain’s favourite drink amid shifting consumer preferences

More than 70 of the UK’s largest retailers, including Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Boots, and B&Q, have warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that her proposed hike in National Insurance will lead to unavoidable staff layoffs and store closures.

In a letter seen by Business Matters, the retailers expressed deep concern over the “sheer scale” of new costs amounting to £7 billion, stemming from changes to employers’ National Insurance contributions, an increased minimum wage, and new levies on packaging.

The letter states: “For any retailer, large or small, it will not be possible to absorb such significant cost increases over such a short timescale. The effect will be to increase inflation, slow pay growth, cause shop closures, and reduce jobs, especially at the entry level. This will impact high streets and customers right across the country. We are already starting to take difficult decisions in our businesses, and this will be true across the whole industry and our supply chain.”

Other signatories include major brands like Amazon, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Greggs, Currys, JD Sports, and Specsavers. They acknowledge the government’s focus on improving the fiscal situation and investing in public services but caution that “the sheer scale of new costs and the speed with which they occur create a cumulative burden that will make job losses inevitable, and higher prices a certainty.”

Offshoring on the rise amid budget pressures

The warnings from retailers coincide with concerns from recruitment experts that tens of thousands of British jobs are at risk of being moved abroad in response to the Budget. James Reed, chief executive of recruitment firm Reed, revealed that employers are considering shifting roles to lower-cost countries like India to cope with increased expenses resulting from the “triple whammy” of higher National Insurance, a minimum wage hike, and the introduction of stronger union and workers’ rights. Government analysis suggests the new workers’ rights will cost companies almost £5 billion a year.

Neil Carberry, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, confirmed similar conversations with business leaders contemplating offshoring jobs post-Budget. “I have talked to many larger firms where the question has been about offshoring,” he said.

Preparations to move jobs overseas add to growing concerns about the Budget’s impact on the economy. While the Chancellor has insisted that growth is the top priority, business leaders and economists warn that the Budget could harm investment, job creation, and wage growth, while fuelling inflation.

The University of Edinburgh has warned staff to expect job cuts as its funding becomes “unsustainable” due to a fall in student numbers and the announced National Insurance increase. Sir Peter Mathieson, the university’s vice-chancellor, informed staff that the institution’s £120 million monthly running costs now exceed its income. “We have concluded that we need to take a series of actions, which will include selective voluntary and, if unavoidable, compulsory redundancies,” he wrote.

Youth unemployment is rising rapidly, with joblessness among 16 to 24-year-olds increasing from 12.1% last year to 14.8% today. Reed expressed concern that offshoring jobs would exacerbate the problem. “Graduate jobs have been hit hard over the last few months, so I’m worried about the opportunities available to young people entering the workplace,” he said.

Professional services roles in accounting, finance, recruitment, HR, and other office-based positions are most likely to be affected by offshoring. Reed noted that firms can “recalibrate where they operate pretty quickly” due to digital connectivity, making it easier to move jobs abroad almost as fast as moving money.

A government spokesperson defended the Budget measures, stating: “With our public services crumbling and an inherited £22 billion fiscal black hole from the previous government, we had to make difficult choices to fix the foundations of the country and restore desperately needed economic stability to allow businesses to thrive. By doing this, more than half of employers will either see a cut or no change in their National Insurance bills. There will be £22.6 billion more for the NHS, and workers’ payslips will be protected from higher tax. This government is committed to delivering economic growth by boosting investment and rebuilding Britain.”

Read more:
Retailers warn of inevitable job losses amid £7bn budget hit

France has launched a significant advertising campaign in the UK to attract businesses disillusioned by recent tax changes introduced in the UK’s Budget.

The “Choose France” initiative has appeared in major UK newspapers, including full-page adverts in The Times and the FT, shortly after Labour’s Budget announcement at the end of October.

One such advert featured Roxanne Varza, director of Station F—the world’s largest start-up campus located in Paris—set against the backdrop of the French tricolour with the slogan: “Make It Iconic. Choose France.” Another advert showcased Professor Fabrice Barlesi, a leading specialist in lung cancer research. These adverts aim to position France as an attractive destination for investment, innovation, and business growth.

Andrew Griffith, the Shadow Technology Secretary, commented on the campaign, saying: “It’s a sorry state of affairs if British companies are considering fleeing to France, which has historically hardly been a beacon of agile capitalism. The recent Budget created a challenging tax environment for businesses, and perhaps some are now looking at the new opportunities that France’s government is offering.”

The “Choose France” campaign was initially launched by President Emmanuel Macron’s government a year ago to encourage global investors, businesses, and individuals to relocate to France. Featuring iconic French landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Mont Saint-Michel, the campaign aims to enhance France’s international appeal and attract foreign investment.

Originally targeted at countries like Germany, Canada, India, the US, and the United Arab Emirates, the campaign has expanded to the UK following reactions to the UK’s recent Budget, which included tax increases amounting to £40 billion. The French Embassy stated that the campaign’s rollout to the UK is part of a planned international expansion and is “totally unrelated to those countries’ domestic policy agendas.”

Richard Exon, founder of advertising agency Joint, remarked: “These adverts serve as a timely reminder that international competition for business investment is intensifying. It’s crucial for the UK to reinforce its position to compete effectively on the global stage.”

Greg Silverman, Global Director of Brand Economics at Interbrand, added: “Country branding initiatives like ‘Choose France’ are becoming increasingly important. As globalisation faces new challenges, nations are keen to promote themselves as prime destinations for business and investment.”

This is not the first instance of countries seeking to capitalise on UK political developments. In 2016, Germany’s Free Democratic Party launched a campaign urging British start-ups to consider Berlin following the Brexit referendum.

The “Choose France” campaign includes billboard advertisements in key global locations such as airports and business districts, as well as a strong online presence. It also features prominently at international trade fairs and culminates in the annual “Choose France” summit held at the Palace of Versailles.

This year’s summit saw France attract a record €15 billion (£12.6 billion) in investment commitments, including a €4 billion pledge from Microsoft to expand its artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in the country.

A spokesperson for the French Embassy commented: “The ‘Make It Iconic. Choose France’ campaign seeks to promote France’s attractiveness internationally. Featuring high-profile figures from various fields, it embodies the boldness that makes France unique. The campaign began in October 2023 and is expanding to new countries, including the United Kingdom.”

Read more:
France targets UK businesses with ‘Choose France’ campaign amid tax concerns

Google may be compelled to divest its Chrome internet browser after a federal judge ruled that the company holds an “illegal monopoly” over online search.

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) is reportedly planning to ask Judge Amit P. Mehta to order Alphabet’s Google to sell Chrome, according to Bloomberg.

Should the judge accept this recommendation, it would mark one of the most significant antitrust actions against a major technology firm by the US government. In August, Judge Mehta found that Google, which controls about 90% of global internet searches, had abused its dominant position to stifle competition. A trial to discuss potential remedies is scheduled for April.

Chrome is integral to Google’s ecosystem, influencing how users access the internet and view advertisements. The browser defaults to Google Search and collects user data, enabling the company to offer highly targeted advertising—a substantial revenue source. News of a possible forced sale caused Alphabet’s shares to dip by $1.46, or 0.8%, to $175.34 in after-hours trading in New York.

Antitrust officials are also expected to recommend that Google provide websites with more options to prevent their content from being used by the company’s artificial intelligence products. Currently, Google features AI-generated answers, labelled “AI Overviews,” at the top of its search results. The DoJ may also require Google to license its search results and data.

A spokesperson for the DoJ declined to comment. Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice-president of Google Regulatory Affairs, criticised the DoJ’s approach, stating that it is pursuing a “radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case” and would harm consumers.

Google intends to appeal once Judge Mehta delivers a final ruling, expected by August 2025. Other potential remedies include ending exclusive agreements where Google pays billions annually to companies like Apple to remain the default search engine on devices. The judge might also consider requiring Google to divest other parts of its business, such as its Android operating system.

Read more:
Google faces pressure to sell Chrome browser amid antitrust scrutiny

Thousands of farmers have staged a rally against the government’s proposed inheritance tax reforms, branding them a “betrayal” that threatens the future of family-owned farms.

Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), received a standing ovation at Church House as he condemned the policy as “the straw which broke the camel’s back”.

“To launch a policy this destructive without talking to anyone in farming beggars belief,” Bradshaw told the 600 NFU members in attendance. Highlighting the severe inflationary pressures and challenging weather conditions over the past 18 months, he added: “You in this room have nothing left to give. It’s wrong on every level and, just as bad, it won’t achieve what the Treasury wants to achieve.”

The government aims to raise £520 million a year by 2029 through the inheritance tax changes, targeting wealthy individuals who invest in large estates to reduce their tax bills. However, Bradshaw warned that the reforms would incentivise people to withdraw money from pensions to invest in agricultural land worth £1 million, potentially undermining the policy’s intent.

Emotionally moved during his speech, Bradshaw spoke of the “unacceptable human impact” on elderly farmers who risk losing their life’s work due to the budget. “We know that any tax revenue raised will be taken from our children and raised from those that die in tragic circumstances or within the next seven years,” he said.

Farmers argue that the seven-year gifting rule—which exempts gifts from inheritance tax if the giver lives for seven years after the transfer—would not effectively apply to them. This is because many farmers need to draw a pension from the farm after passing it to the next generation, which counts as a reserved benefit. Additionally, if they continue living on the farm post-transfer, they would need to pay rent to avoid inheritance tax charges.

A standoff is unfolding in Westminster, with farming leaders insisting that the Treasury is “working from the wrong figures”. The government maintains that 73% of farms will not be affected by the changes, urging farmers to “look at the facts” in historical claims data. The NFU disputes this, stating that Treasury officials based their figures solely on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) claims, neglecting the Business Property Relief (BPR) claims that are crucial for machinery and livestock.

“Most inheritance cases combine Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief,” the NFU informed its members. “HMT has completely misunderstood its own data and ignored claims made by farmers under the BPR regime.”

At the rally, each of the 600 seats bore a message for the government: “Government needs to halt this policy. The policy is broken and based on the wrong evidence.” The atmosphere was charged with palpable anger, culminating in a pointed reminder: “When you make a promise to farmers, you keep it.”

The farming community feels particularly aggrieved as, while in opposition, Labour had assured them there were no plans to alter inheritance tax. Sir Keir Starmer, speaking at the NFU conference in 2023, promised to provide “certainty” to farmers.

Read more:
Farmers accuse government of ‘betrayal’ over inheritance tax changes

2. Positano, Italy

Read more:
Top 7 Stunning Destinations Like Santorini You Should Visit

When dreaming of log cabins, you’ll probably visualize a wonderful small cottage in the middle of the woods, within which you can relax while warming up with cocoa and connecting with the natural world around you.

But hold off till you have the opportunity to meet them. It’s Eurodita, the specialists in converting wood across dreams. For over thirty years, Eurodita has been an unnoticed architect of luxurious havens, creating mobile log cabins, glulam log homes, and numerous additional products for international business-to-business customers.

Masters of Wood

Eurodita is a Lithuanian organisation that manufactures luxurious log cabins. It is not merely a company. Eurodita collaborates with business enterprises worldwide to offer customised approaches that make customers ask, “Why didn’t we meet you sooner?” Being an ordinary cabin maker has never been a passion of Eurodita’s.

Eurodita specialises in customised log cabin designs for its business-to-business clients, creating products that meet their particular needs. The company’s portfolio, consisting of both easily portable log cabins and elaborate glulam log homes, is evidence that the designers take their work seriously.

Glulam Log Houses:

Let’s get started immediately analysing **glulam log houses**. You might ask, “What is glulam? Is it yoga of a particular kind? Not exactly.” Glulam, commonly referred to as bonded laminated logs, is an outstanding performance material that blends the versatility of contemporary technology with the durability of genuine wood. The glulam log structures from Eurodita are aesthetically beautiful and durable.

These structures provide comfort and durability, which makes them perfect for areas of extreme weather. Glulam log homes from Eurodita provide proof that environmentally conscious living does not need to seem like it’s from the dawn of time, whether you’re developing a place to stay in your garden or taking a break in the Alps.

If you want to see their work and craftsmanship, just look at Glulam log houses.

Mobile Log Cabins:

Eurodita has also perfected the ability to Create mobile homes. They are unlikely to grow wheels to drive off on their own, folks. Built-in structures called mobile log cabins have been designed so that they can effortlessly be moved to be set up. For individuals who wish to benefit from all the advantages of a traditional log cabin without being limited to a single location, these structures seem ideal.

Mobile log cabins are a flexible housing alternative that can also be used as a small house, disconnected from the grid retreat, or as vacation accommodation. Eurodita manages the creation, production, and delivery with the same skill as a wizard plucking an animal away from a hat, simplifying the entire procedure of serving its business-to-business clients.

Check out their collection of mobile log cabins and prepare to be amazed.

Why Eurodita Is the Best Wingman in the Log Cabin Business

It’s straightforward that one should collaborate with Eurodita; that’s not only a business-related choice. The organisation provides:

Customization: Each log cabin is constructed according to request to meet the distinctive demands of the consumers it serves.
Quality: Their products are produced according to the most stringent standards, ensuring sturdiness and happiness.
Global Reach: They possess relationships worldwide, from Europe to Australia.
Simplicity: They make buying and getting log cabins as simple as getting a completely new, shining wood floor.

Eurodita proudly differentiates itself as a company that takes modification seriously within a marketplace full of generic products. They build relationships in addition to constructing log houses.

The Bottom Line:

Eurodita is more excellent than a brand name; it’s an assurance of outstanding performance, imaginative thinking, and dedication. Eurodita is the companion you had yet to realise you needed, irrespective of your choice for mobile log cabins or glulam log homes. Consequently, when you think of log cabins, think about a Eurodita cabin instead of a regular one. It’s where the material fantasies come true and where creativity and expertise collide.

Read more:
They Discovered Eurodita, the Essential Ingredient to Crafting Greatness

Traveling can be a delightful experience, but long layovers and crowded terminals can often dampen the joy. For frequent flyers or those who seek a more comfortable airport experience, accessing lounges like the Delta Sky Club can significantly enhance your journey.

If you’re traveling on partner airlines, you might be wondering how to gain Delta Sky Club access. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the requirements and make the most of your travel experience.

Understanding Delta Sky Club Access

Delta Sky Club offers a peaceful environment, complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and various amenities to make your wait more enjoyable. However, access to these lounges is typically restricted to certain travelers, especially those flying with Delta Air Lines. Fortunately, if you’re traveling on one of Delta’s partner airlines, there may be options available for you to enjoy the benefits of the Sky Club.

Eligibility for Delta Sky Club Access

SkyTeam Alliance Members: Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, which includes airlines like Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. If you hold a business or first-class ticket on a SkyTeam partner airline, you can gain access to the Delta Sky Club. Make sure to check the specific guidelines of the airline you are flying with, as they may have particular rules regarding lounge access.
Frequent Flyer Status: If you have elite status with Delta or a SkyTeam partner airline, you may be eligible for complimentary Delta Sky Club access. For instance, Delta SkyMiles Medallion members can enter the lounge when flying on a Delta or partner airline flight. Check your status and the corresponding privileges to see if you qualify.
Lounge Membership: If you are a member of the Delta Sky Club, you can access the lounge regardless of which airline you are flying, as long as it is a same-day ticket. This applies to both domestic and international flights. If you frequently travel and enjoy the perks of the lounge, consider investing in a membership.
Day Passes: If you find yourself wanting to access the Delta Sky Club but do not meet the above criteria, you may purchase a day pass. This can be a great option if you have a long layover or need a quiet space to work. However, availability may vary, so it’s a good idea to check the Delta website or app for current policies.

Tips for Accessing the Delta Sky Club

Check Your Ticket: Before your trip, review your ticket details. If you are flying with a partner airline, confirm whether your fare class qualifies for lounge access.
Bring Your Membership Card: If you are a member of the Delta Sky Club, don’t forget to bring your membership card or digital proof of your membership to ensure a smooth entry.
Travel with a Companion: Some Delta Sky Club memberships allow you to bring guests. If you’re traveling with someone, check whether your membership includes guest access.
Arrive Early: Lounges may have a limit on capacity, so arriving early can help secure your access, especially during peak travel times.

Conclusion

Accessing the Delta Sky Club when traveling on partner airlines can be a seamless part of your travel experience if you understand the eligibility requirements. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, enjoying the comforts of the Sky Club can make a significant difference in your overall journey. Make sure to plan ahead, check your eligibility, and take advantage of the amenities that Delta Sky Club has to offer. Safe travels!

Read more:
How to Access Delta Sky Club When Traveling on Partner Airlines

Energy trading has formed a huge industry across the globe.

ProfitRaw can vouch for its worldwide reach. With a market value of more than $7 trillion, the industry continues to grow. As a trader, if you are planning to invest in any of the energy assets, let us assure you that you are on the right path.

How to Be an Energy Trader with ProfitRaw

Assess Various Energies:

You must monitor different energy markets and evaluate their price fluctuations before deciding where to invest. Keep your focus on more preferred energy assets like oil and gas.

Choose an Energy Market:

After in-depth research, you can finalize where you will invest your capital. Be it gas or oil, you should keep a constant watch over the price movements.

Create a Trading Strategy:

You have to create a smart trading plan to succeed. Speculate on the energy asset and futures values, so you learn if you should go short or long-term through CFDs.

What Impacts the Energy Values?

Demand & Supply:

We have witnessed time and again how supply and demand have played crucial roles for energy trading. It is normal for energy values to go higher when demand is high and supply is lower, and vice versa. For example, the prices fell drastically during the pandemic when demand was low. However, a terrible winter season can boost energy demands effectively!

Geopolitical Scenario:

Any geopolitical conflict can affect energy prices drastically. Tension between two or more nations has the capability to impact the availability of energy assets, which can directly impact its market values. We witnessed the proof when the conflict between Ukraine and Russia delayed gas supply overnight. It increased the demand as well as prices of other energies.

Macroeconomics:

Consumer utilization, industrial expenditure, and economic growth impact energy consumption significantly. It even shows how well an economy is doing! Therefore, interest rates in energy consumption by an economy can heavily influence energy values. Whereas a lower interest rate may lead to rapid growth and more demand for energy assets, a higher interest rate can cause the opposite.

Benefits of Trading Energies

Potential Profits:

Energy trading is a risky endeavour, but we can also agree to the fact that it is highly profitable in the long run. If you craft a smart trading strategy, it becomes easier to generate rewards. Investing in commodity derivatives like CFDs using energy assets is a smart move when it comes to receiving high trade value.

Hedging Against Geopolitics:

Geopolitical conflicts in the present times are continuously creating disturbances for the global economy. It clearly suggests that if things continue like this, the energy values will only increase. Therefore, investing in various energy assets will limit potential losses over other asset trades for you.

Positive Future for Clean Energy:

Reportedly, the renewable energy sector will only witness growth in the coming future. According to reports, it will grow by 9% in 2025 and continue the development to reach over 40% by 2030. This ensures investments of trillions of dollars in the market, which will benefit the traders in the long run.

Conclusion

The volatility of the energy market may scare you as a trader, but it comes with amazing opportunities. Thus, if you are considering investing in energy assets or learning more about the market, you can approach ProfitRaw today. This leading trading platform will give you all the knowledge you need to become a successful trader.

Read more:
ProfitRaw Review:  Is Energy Trading Risky? [profitraw.com]

Read more:
How to Redeem Your Credit Card Travel Rewards for Maximum Value