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Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has warned that the North risks facing “Armageddon” unless the HS2 high-speed rail link from Birmingham to Manchester is completed.

He urged Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to reverse the previous government’s decision to scrap the northern leg of the project, calling for a revised, more affordable version of the original plan.

Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, Burnham explained that terminating HS2 in Birmingham would worsen rail services in the North, forcing slower trains and fewer seats. He argued that if HS2 trains run on the West Coast Main Line (WCML), which lacks the capacity for double-length carriages and high-speed curves, it would result in a “worse train service than we’ve currently got.”

Originally intended to connect London and Manchester, HS2 was scaled back in 2023 under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to save £36 billion, sparking outrage across the North. Burnham is now pushing for a lower-cost alternative, the Midlands-Northwest Rail Link, which would connect Lichfield to High Legh, near Warrington, and be backed by private investment.

Burnham said this project would resolve regional transport issues at a fraction of HS2’s original cost. He emphasised that Britain risks “sleepwalking toward a transport nightmare” unless investment is made to modernise rail infrastructure, particularly as the WCML and M6 motorway reach capacity.

He also expressed support for extending HS2 from Old Oak Common into London’s Euston Station, stating that “people in the North of England should be able to get into the heart of our capital city.”

Burnham’s comments come as the National Audit Office raised concerns over capacity issues following the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2. He warned that upgrading the WCML alone would be highly disruptive and insufficient to meet future demands.

Read more:
North faces ‘Armageddon’ without HS2 links, warns Andy Burnham

Kiki McDonough, the jeweller favoured by Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Queen Camilla, has slashed prices by 20% in a bid to offset the effects of the so-called “tourist tax”.

This summer, McDonough offered the discount to American and Australian shoppers, aiming to alleviate the impact of the 2020 removal of VAT-free shopping for tourists, a move introduced by then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

The luxury industry has been vocal about the negative impact of the policy, with McDonough noting a significant drop in American tourists, who form her second-largest market. The 20% discount helped attract foreign customers back to her boutique in London’s Sloane Square. “It’s amazing how many people were then brought back [with the discount],” she said.

The removal of VAT-free shopping has caused tourist spending to shift towards other European countries such as France and Spain, while the UK has seen a decline. McDonough argues that luxury shopping is an essential draw for tourists, with wider economic benefits. “Luxury is not seen as important in this country,” she said, highlighting the ripple effect it has on other sectors, including hospitality and tourism.

While the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that scrapping tax-free shopping will save £540 million over the next two years, McDonough believes Labour should reconsider reinstating the perk to boost economic growth. She emphasised that it is not just about luxury goods but the broader experience and spending associated with tourism.

McDonough, who founded her business in the 1980s, also expressed concerns about the government’s focus on large businesses at the expense of smaller enterprises like hers. She called for reduced red tape and more support for young entrepreneurs, urging politicians to foster an environment that encourages risk-taking and business growth.

A Treasury spokesperson reiterated that the government faces tough decisions in the upcoming budget, as it aims to address a £22 billion hole in the public finances left by the previous administration.

Read more:
Royal jeweller cuts prices by 20% to counter impact of tourist tax

Raspberry Pi, the UK-based maker of affordable microcomputers, has reported stronger-than-expected profits in its first financial update since going public on the London Stock Exchange in June.

The company, which raised £178.9 million through its initial public offering and joined the FTSE 250, saw year-on-year sales jump 61% to $144 million in the six months to June 30, while pre-tax profit remained steady at £10.8 million.

The company’s shares surged by more than 10% on Tuesday, settling up 6.6% at 371¼p. Raspberry Pi sold 1.1 million units of its latest model, the Raspberry Pi 5, launched in October 2023, contributing significantly to its first-half performance, which surpassed internal expectations.

Despite the recovery from pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, Raspberry Pi continues to experience some challenges, particularly with semiconductor supply. CEO Eben Upton explained that lingering demand imbalances, caused by over-ordering during shortages, are slowly correcting.

Analysts at Jefferies noted that while the second half might be slightly weaker due to ongoing inventory corrections and lower-value product sales, the outlook for 2025 remains positive, with favourable memory pricing and higher sales expected.

Originally founded as a charity in 2008 to encourage more young people to study computer science, Raspberry Pi became a commercial success, with the Raspberry Pi Foundation retaining a 47% stake after the float. The company has expanded its offerings, including new products focused on AI hardware, in partnership with Hailo AI, and its first cloud product, Raspberry Pi Connect, which allows remote device access for $6 per year.

Read more:
Raspberry Pi shares surge after strong first update since flotation

Four out of five family-owned businesses have accused the Labour Party of misleading voters about its tax plans, according to a survey by Family Business UK.

The trade association has expressed serious concerns over potential changes to longstanding tax reliefs, particularly business property relief, which allows families to pass on business assets with reduced or no inheritance tax.

Neil Davy, chief executive of Family Business UK, warned that Labour’s tax policies could endanger the future of family-owned enterprises, which employ 13.9 million people and contribute over £200 billion annually in taxes. Research by the organisation suggests that many family businesses could face severe consequences if tax reliefs are cut, with some being forced to freeze recruitment or sell off assets to manage the increased financial burden.

The most alarming finding is that one-fifth of family businesses may be forced to close or liquidate to pay the inheritance tax charges if business property relief is reduced or abolished. This relief, which has been in place for decades, allows businesses to be transferred across generations with either a full or partial reduction in the standard 40% inheritance tax rate.

Davy also criticised the government for creating uncertainty, stating that many family businesses are delaying crucial investment decisions as they await confirmation on the future of these tax policies in the upcoming budget on October 30.

The survey, conducted by Censuswide, found that over a third of family businesses expect significant tax hikes in the budget, with 27% planning to freeze recruitment and 12% considering redundancies to cover rising costs. A quarter of respondents indicated that they would pause key investments.

The association, which represents 200 of the UK’s largest family firms, including Wates, NG Bailey, Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate, and Rigby Group, has urged the government to maintain the current tax reliefs to protect family-owned businesses and their contribution to the UK economy.

Read more:
Family firms accuse Labour of dishonesty over tax plans, warn of threat to British business

Tropic Skincare, the beauty brand founded by The Apprentice finalist Susie Ma, has reported a 28% rise in profits, reaching £6.7 million, despite a 4% drop in sales to £62.3 million.

Ma, who reclaimed full ownership of the company last year by buying back the 50% stake sold to Lord Sugar in 2011, attributed the profit boost to strategic cost reductions, including negotiating better supplier deals and cutting stock levels by £1 million.

At 35, Ma is now the sole shareholder of Tropic, with a personal net worth estimated at £73 million. The company paid an £11 million dividend to shareholders in 2023, up from £6 million the year before, as it continues to grow under her direction. Tropic manufactures almost all its products daily at its factory in Croydon, Surrey, and Ma expects revenues to rise further this year as the company invests in new products, software, and manufacturing equipment.

Tropic also continues to uphold its commitment to charitable causes, donating 10% of its profits. In 2023, the company contributed £444,674 to United World Schools, supporting education in impoverished communities. It has funded schools in Nepal, Cambodia, and Madagascar, with its fourth school opening by the end of the year.

The brand, which sells through more than 20,000 part-time ambassadors, offers them a commission of up to 35% on sales and charges no ongoing fees after an initial starter kit purchase. This flexible business model has helped Tropic thrive, even as the landscape for female entrepreneurs remains challenging.

A report from the Treasury-backed Invest in Women Taskforce revealed that all-women founding teams received just 1.8% of venture capital funding in the first half of 2024. However, separate research by JP Morgan Private Bank shows that fast-growing, women-led companies like Tropic Skincare and Starling Bank now make up nearly 30% of the total in 2024, a significant rise from 18% in 2021.

Read more:
Success blooms for Tropic Skincare as profits soar under Susie Ma’s leadership

As Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver her first budget on October 30, several key predictions have emerged regarding how she might tackle the £22 billion deficit left by the Conservatives.

Reeves has ruled out a return to austerity, promising real-term growth in public spending, likely funded by tax increases and selective borrowing. Here’s a breakdown of potential budget announcements:

Income tax adjustments

While the main income tax rates (20%, 40%, and 45%) are off-limits for increases, Reeves could adjust thresholds, pulling more earners into higher brackets. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimates that reducing the personal allowance or basic-rate limit by 10% could yield £10 billion and £6 billion annually, respectively.

Pension tax relief reform

Limiting pension tax relief to the basic rate of income tax could raise £15 billion per year. Alternatively, making employers pay National Insurance on pension contributions could generate £12 billion over five years. Such reforms would target those benefiting from 40% or 45% relief but only paying 20% tax when withdrawing pensions.

Capital gains tax (CGT) increases

Raising CGT rates or broadening the base of taxable assets could increase revenues. Aligning CGT more closely with income tax could blunt investment, but introducing inflation indexation may soften the impact.

Inheritance tax (IHT) changes

Reeves may reform IHT by capping exemptions on pension wealth, business assets, and agricultural land, potentially raising £2 billion annually. Abolishing relief on Alternative Investment Market shares, which are currently IHT-free, could yield another £1.1 billion.

Fuel duty increases

Fuel duty has been frozen since 2011, but Reeves could end that tradition, potentially raising £6 billion annually. This move would align with environmental goals by encouraging a shift to electric vehicles.

Stamp duty reform

Economists have long criticised stamp duty as inefficient. Abolishing it would cost £13 billion, but Reeves may opt for reforms rather than outright removal to make the property market more efficient.

Private equity profits tax

Taxing carried interest at income tax rates rather than the current 28% CGT rate could generate £2 billion. However, potential behavioural changes in the private equity sector could reduce the overall impact.

Windfall tax on banks

Reeves could introduce a one-off tax on banks, targeting the widened net interest margins that have allowed them to benefit from rising interest rates without passing the full gains onto savers.

New or revised fiscal rules

Reeves may tweak fiscal rules to create additional fiscal space. Adjustments could minimise the impact of the Bank of England’s bond sales, potentially freeing up £15 billion for investment.

With these potential measures, Reeves faces the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for growth, while avoiding measures that could stifle investment or consumer spending.

Read more:
Budget 2024 predictions: potential announcements from Rachel Reeves

The UK economy is forecast to grow at double the rate expected earlier this year, according to consultancy firm KPMG.

Gross domestic product (GDP) is now predicted to rise by 1% in 2023, up from the previous estimate of 0.5%, with growth set to continue at 1.2% next year, revised from 0.9%. Despite the Bank of England’s slow reduction of interest rates, KPMG said the UK base rate is expected to fall to 3.5% by 2025 from its current 5%.

Yael Selfin, KPMG UK’s chief economist, stressed that Chancellor Rachel Reeves must seize the upcoming autumn budget as an opportunity to drive stronger growth through increased public investment. Reeves has already stated that there will be no return to austerity under her watch, hinting at plans for increased capital spending and a rise in real public spending.

While the improved growth outlook is encouraging, KPMG highlighted potential headwinds, including a more cautious consumer base influenced by recent economic shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic and energy crisis. Consumer spending is expected to grow by only 0.4% this year and 1.4% next year, as many households prioritise savings over spending.

Reeves, speaking at the Labour Party conference, has acknowledged the challenge of closing a £22 billion deficit left by the Conservatives, which will require “difficult decisions” in the upcoming budget on October 30.

Read more:
UK economy set to grow twice as fast as predicted, but investment boost needed, experts warn

Businesses backed by BGF, the UK’s most active private equity investor, have issued a stark warning to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, saying they would scale back investment in the UK if capital gains tax (CGT) is increased in the upcoming budget.

The message emerged from a survey of companies funded by BGF, many of which are based outside of London and the southeast.

In the survey, 88% of chief executives and company founders said increasing CGT would signal a lack of support for entrepreneurs, with 74% expecting it to directly harm their businesses. More than three-quarters (78%) indicated that a CGT hike would deter them from making further investments, ultimately threatening job creation and economic growth.

BGF CEO Andy Gregory emphasised the growing uncertainty faced by businesses, noting that the potential CGT increase could have serious consequences for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While the Treasury has not officially targeted CGT for a rise, it remains one of the few major tax avenues still available for potential increases, after Reeves ruled out hikes to income tax, National Insurance, VAT, or Corporation Tax.

BGF, which was established in 2011 following the financial crisis, has invested £4 billion into over 600 businesses, including consumer brands like Brompton and Gousto. This year alone, it has invested £309 million in 33 companies.

Tech start-ups are particularly concerned about the potential impact of higher CGT rates on employees with share options, often used as a way to supplement lower salaries. Many fear that an increase would negatively affect employee motivation and retention.

The survey also revealed criticism of the government’s “make work pay” agenda, which seeks to enhance worker rights, including day-one unfair dismissal protections and the right to disconnect outside of work hours. More than 71% of respondents said the balance between employee and employer rights has shifted too far, potentially harming smaller businesses.

A Treasury spokesperson declined to comment on the survey, stating: “We do not comment on speculation around tax changes outside of fiscal events.”

Read more:
Business leaders warn Rachel Reeves that raising capital gains tax would stifle UK investment

As you get older, age-related muscle loss can threaten a healthy lifespan, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, physician and New York Times best-selling author.

With strength training, you create a foundation to enhance your well-being, and resistance training helps you build muscle mass even after age 60. An increase in muscle mass can boost your metabolism and prevent joint damage.

What is Strength Training?

Strength training is an exercise that causes your muscles to resist an external force. It involves lifting weights like dumbbells and barbells or working with resistance machines. These exercises combat the frailty and weakness that result from muscle loss. Strength training exercises are safe for men and women, even those with a few health conditions. Heart diseases and arthritis are best combated by lifting weights a few times weekly.

Dr. Joseph Mercola on the Benefits of Strength Training

Regular strength training keeps your muscles strong and active. Dr. Mercola is here to share the benefits derived from exercising:

Mood Improvement

Strength training decreases stress levels and improves your mental health. Lifting weights results in the production of serotonin, which eliminates depression symptoms. A high-intensity workout boosts the production of norepinephrine in the brain and the adrenal glands. This chemical keeps you alert and improves your memory functionality, notes Dr. Joseph Mercola.

Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease

Exercising improves the strength and function of the heart muscles. Strength training programs build the flexibility and aerobic capacity of heart patients. They directly impact your heart’s function by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and improving cardiorespiratory fitness. They also improve lipid profiles and overall fitness to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Cognitive Skill Improvement

Regular exercises increase the size of the hippocampus in the brain, which is part of the brain responsible for retaining verbal memory and facilitating learning. Strength training also increases cortical thickness and executive functions in adults.

Sleep Improvement

Resistance training improves sleep quality by reducing depression and anxiety-related issues. It improves blood flow during sleep by lowering blood pressure through nocturnal dipping. Stressed muscle tissue signals the brain to induce sleep to repair the damage. Exercising also increases the production of the hormone adenosine, which promotes sleep.

Improved Digestion

Physical activity improves gut health. During strength training, more oxygen enters your bloodstream and brain, and the core body temperature increases. These conditions create a favorable environment for the gut microbiome to function. The gut microbes bloom and convert to provide molecules that the body utilizes. Exercising also improves gut motility to the most optimal pace and avoids digestive issues, explains Dr. Mercola.

Improved Muscle and Bone Strength

Resistance training prevents the natural loss of skeletal muscle due to age advancement or sedentary behavior. By increasing muscle mass, strength training prevents joint damage and boosts your metabolism. Strong joints and bones protect you from disabilities caused by frequent falls. Weight-bearing activities also lower osteoporosis risk by strengthening your muscles and bones.

Starting Your Strength Training Journey

As you grow older, your body’s response to exercise gets blunted. Regular exercises allow you to regain your strength as you age. Here are helpful tips for your strength training journey:

Increased fractures and falls reduce muscle strength and cause low bone density. Make walking and lifting weights part of your routine to improve your strength.
Engage in balance exercises like yoga and tai chi to prevent falls.
Set realistic goals for your exercises. Everyone is unique, and you can set the frequency of strength training that appeals to you.

Final Thoughts

Strength training offers various physical and mental health benefits to individuals of all ages. You can start small and advance as your body gets used to it. Check out Dr. Mercola’s book, Growing Stronger, for more strength training insights.

Read more:
Dr. Joseph Mercola: Unleashing the Power of Ageless Strength Training

Face swapping has evolved from a niche pastime into a mainstream trend, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

This technology enables users to seamlessly replace faces in photos, offering a range of creative possibilities from adding a touch of humor to professional image editing. One of the tools facilitating this technology is Face Swap, an online platform that allows users to perform face swaps quickly and effortlessly. This guide will walk you through the process of face swapping using AI tools, highlighting how to achieve the best results and the potential applications of this technology.

Understanding Face Swapping with AI

What is Face Swapping?

Face swapping refers to the process of exchanging faces between two or more individuals in a photograph. This technique has gained popularity for its ability to create humorous, artistic, or visually intriguing images. Traditionally, face swapping required advanced photo editing skills and software. However, with the advent of AI-powered tools, this task has become much more accessible.

How AI Enhances Face Swapping

AI face swap tools use machine learning algorithms to detect and analyze facial features in images. These algorithms can recognize key facial attributes such as eyes, nose, mouth, and overall face shape. Once identified, the AI can seamlessly replace one face with another, ensuring that the new face fits naturally within the original context. This process includes adjusting for skin tone, lighting, and facial orientation to create a realistic result.

Getting Started with Face Swap

Introduction to Face Swap

Face Swap is an AI-powered tool that simplifies the face-swapping process. The platform allows users to upload images and swap faces with just a few clicks. It supports various image formats, including JPG, PNG, and WebP, and offers a range of creative options from swapping faces with celebrities to transforming classic art. Here’s how to use Face Swap effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Face Swap

Step 1: Prepare Your Photos

Before starting, ensure that you have two images ready:

Source Photo: The image containing the face you want to replace.
Target Photo: The image with the face you want to insert into the source photo.

For optimal results, both images should be of high quality and preferably taken under similar lighting conditions. This helps the AI algorithms match the facial features more accurately.

Step 2: Upload Your Images

Visit Face Swap: Open your web browser and go to Face Swap.
Upload Source Photo: Click the upload button and select the source photo from your device. This photo will be the base image where the face will be swapped.
Upload Target Photo: Similarly, upload the target photo that contains the face you want to use.

The platform accepts images up to 50MB in size, and supports common formats such as JPG, PNG, and WebP.

Step 3: Initiate the Face Swap

Select Face Swap Options: Depending on the tool’s features, you may have options to adjust the face swap settings. For Face Swap, the process is designed to be straightforward, with minimal adjustments needed.
Start the Swap: Click the ‘Start’ button to begin the face swapping process. The AI will analyze both images and perform the swap.

Step 4: Review and Download

Preview the Result: Once the face swap is complete, review the image to ensure it meets your expectations. Check for any imperfections or adjustments needed.
Download the Image: If satisfied with the result, download the edited photo to your device.

Tips for Achieving the Best Face Swap Results

Choose High-Quality Images

High-resolution images with clear facial features yield better results. Avoid blurry or pixelated photos, as they can lead to less accurate face swaps.

Use Similar Lighting and Angles

For the most natural-looking face swaps, use photos where the lighting and angles are similar. This helps the AI match the facial features more seamlessly and ensures that the swapped face blends well with the rest of the image.

Adjust Facial Expressions

If possible, select photos where the facial expressions are neutral or similar. Extreme expressions can make the face swap appear unnatural or awkward.

Experiment with Different Options

Face Swap offers various face swap options, such as swapping with celebrities or transforming classic paintings. Experiment with different settings to explore the full range of possibilities and find the style that best suits your needs.

Creative Uses for Face Swapping

Social Media and Memes

Face swapping has become a popular trend on social media platforms. Users create memes or funny images by swapping faces with celebrities or characters from popular culture. This creative application not only entertains but also engages viewers, making it a great tool for content creators and social media enthusiasts.

Artistic Projects

Face swapping can be used to add a modern twist to classic art. By swapping faces with famous paintings or historical figures, users can create unique art pieces that blend traditional and contemporary elements. This approach is particularly appealing for art enthusiasts and creators looking to explore new creative avenues.

Professional Presentations

In professional settings, face swapping can be utilized for marketing and promotional materials. For example, companies can create engaging visuals by swapping faces in advertisements or product showcases. This technique can help capture attention and make promotional content more memorable.

Personal Fun and Experimentation

On a personal level, face swapping offers a fun way to experiment with different looks and styles. Whether imagining oneself as a movie star or exploring different gender appearances, this technology provides an entertaining way to see oneself in various contexts.

Ensuring Privacy and Security

Data Privacy with Face Swap

Face Swap prioritizes user privacy and data security. The platform adheres to strict security protocols to protect user information. Importantly, Face Swap does not store or retain users’ photos, ensuring that personal data remains confidential. This focus on privacy makes it a safe option for users concerned about data security.

Best Practices for Using AI Face Swap Tools

Read Privacy Policies: Always review the privacy policies of any face swap tool to understand how your data will be used and protected.
Avoid Sensitive Content: Refrain from uploading photos with sensitive or personal information, as a precaution.
Check for Security Features: Ensure that the tool you are using employs adequate security measures to protect your data.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Poor Quality Results

If the results of your face swap are not satisfactory, consider the following:

Image Quality: Use higher resolution images.
Lighting and Angles: Ensure that the photos have similar lighting and angles.
Adjust Settings: Explore different settings or options if available to improve the outcome.

Image Does Not Load

If you encounter issues with uploading or processing images:

File Format: Ensure that your images are in supported formats (JPG, PNG, WebP).
File Size: Verify that the image file sizes do not exceed the platform’s limits (up to 50MB).
Browser Issues: Try using a different web browser or clearing your browser cache.

Conclusion

Face swapping technology has revolutionized the way individuals and professionals can manipulate images, offering endless creative possibilities. Tools like Face Swap make this process accessible and straightforward, allowing users to swap faces with celebrities, create memes, or transform art with ease. By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can achieve impressive results while exploring the diverse applications of AI-powered face swapping.

As face swapping continues to evolve, it is important to stay informed about best practices for privacy and security, ensuring that the use of such technology remains both fun and responsible. Whether for personal amusement or professional projects, AI face swap tools offer a powerful and innovative way to enhance and transform digital content.

Read more:
How to Swap Faces in Photos: Using AI Face Swap Tools