CORONAVIRUS PLANNING – FREE GCSE & A LEVEL PODCASTS FOR SCHOOLS

UK audio education service, Audiopi, is offering schools free access to their GCSE & A Level podcast tutorial service for 2 months to help mitigate the possible impact of Coronavirus.

Created by subject experts, and used by schools around the world, Audiopi’s podcasts cover a wide range of GCSE and A-Level subjects, providing a perfect distance learning solution. Produced to exam board specifications, the podcasts can be easily accessed at home or on the move via the Audiopi website or app.www.audiopi.co.uk

David Piggins, CEO and Founder of Audiopi said:
‘This is a crucial time for students in the UK with exams just around the corner. If schools do need to close it is very important that students have an effective way to continue with their studies and revision programmes. We are giving schools access to our podcast tutorial service for free to ensure that this can happen. Hopefully this will be unnecessary but, quite rightly, schools are putting in place their contingency plans now. If the worst does come to the worst, we suspect things will happen quickly.”

Any school wanting to access Audiopi’s service can secure instant access by contacting Audiopi here: https://www.audiopi.co.uk/contact or via email at info@audiopi.co.uk

Should parents find it necessary to provide direct and additional support to their children Audiopi also offers its service directly to students and parents on a monthly subscription basis.

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Property owners stuck in troublesome leasehold agreements are being supported in an innovative expert roadshow launching in the Midlands next month.

The event, in Lichfield, Staffordshire, comes as some 4.3million homeowners across England are being compensated for excessive charges on their leasehold property.

An increasing number of people are facing bills of thousands of pounds if they want to move or even remortgage their house or flat as their properties came with 99-year leases when they were built in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Many are being asked to pay large sums to extend their leases or buy the freehold of their house. Serious concerns have been raised about whether the terms applied under such leasehold agreements are fair. Some apply a string of administration and service charges on top of the ground rent itself.

According to most recent Land Registry statistics, in the West Midlands, some 98% of flats, 5% of houses and 16% of all property transactions are completed on leasehold terms.

In the most serious cases, leaseholders are forced to pay hundreds of pounds per year in ground rent, with payments doubling every 10 years. These charges often make it difficult to sell a property, as few people wish to buy a home subject to such an onerous contract — which is known as a so-called toxic lease scandal.

Now, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a formal investigation into leasehold agreements amid fears that homeowners are being treated unfairly. The Law Commission has also recently issued two consultation papers on how the cost of extending a lease or buying a freehold might be reduced and how Commonhold might be made to work better. And yet another on how the weaknesses in the legislation giving tenants the right to manage their leasehold flats might be remedied.

The CMA said it would also examine whether leaseholders may have been mis-sold when they bought their property in the first place. 

Leasehold specialist Mark Adcock of Adcocks Solicitors (http://www.adcocks.com) said there was an urgent demand for clear, sound guidance on leasehold issues and that the CMA probe could lead to some very welcome good news for home owners.

He added: “More than ever, home owners need to know their rights. For example, they may not know that they can extend the lease of their flat and never pay ground rent again.
“With expert help they can often reduce their service charge, take control of the management of their building and even seize ownership of it.

“It’s also perfectly achievable to get the freehold of their house at a price that’s affordable.”

Mark, of Lichfield-based Adcocks Solicitors has 20 years’ experience in leasehold law and is a former part time lawyer with the Law Commission advising on leasehold.

He will also explain how the law may be changing.

The event, which Mark describes as a ‘must attend’ for leaseholders, is free, is being held at the Cathedral Hotel in Beacon Street on Saturday, July 6 from 9.30am. Anyone interested in knowing more should call 01543 442100 or visit the firm’s website at https://www.adcocks-solicitors.co.uk/roadshow/ and register.

• Harley Street Hypnotherapist Adam Cox has experienced a 500% increase in enquiries
• Katy Perry’s newly released song ‘Never Really Over’ includes the lyric “I guess I could try hypnotherapy, I gotta rewire this brain”
• To keep his daughter happy, Adam Cox is offering Katy Perry a free hypnotherapy session.

Harley Street hypnotherapist Adam Cox and founder of ‘Addiction Experts’ was shocked to discover the reason behind him receiving so many hypnotherapy enquiries was due to Katy Perry’s new single that discusses her contemplating hypnotherapy over obsessively thinking about her ex.

The song by Katy Perry is the UK’s highest new chart entry at 13, signalling the end of a two-year solo hiatus and references her struggles with past relationships. 

Initially, Cox didn’t understand why he was getting so many enquiries about such a specific area until he overheard his 9-year-old daughter playing the song and picked up on the hypnotherapy reference “I guess I could try hypnotherapy, I gotta rewire this brain.”

While listening to the song, Cox noticed striking similarities between the feelings Katy echoes and the same feelings patients often seek help for.

“The song is essentially the thought process of thinking about the previous partner and attempting to move on but falling into the pattern of thinking about the past relationship,” says Cox. “The lyric in the chorus “I tell myself, tell myself, tell myself, ‘Draw the line’ And I do, I do But once in a while, I trip up, and I cross the line And I think of you” – is a common pattern as it shows the conflict between the conscious decision to draw the line and move on, but this is easier said than done and many people will experience flashbacks of previous memories or moments with their ex with strong emotional connections which can become addictive.” 

Adam continues, “The lyric where she admits to checking her ex’s name online is also a common theme as many clients admit to following their ex on social media platforms, often anonymously. This compulsive behaviour can cause traumatic new feelings, particularly if their ex is now with someone new.” 

To celebrate her new single, and win brownie points with his daughter – Cox wants to offer Katy a free Hypnotherapy session to help her rewire her brain before she ties the knot with Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom.

“Katy has helped my practice flourish so offering her free hypnotherapy is the least I could do, says Cox. “I would start by taking a detailed analysis of the issues and what coping mechanisms she uses to get by. Many people can turn to excessive eating or drinking to self-medicate. I’d also see if the emotional attachment to the ex-partner is affecting current relationships as many people try to erase the memory of an ex in a new relationship, unfortunately, if the emotional bond is still with the ex it can negatively affect a new relationship. I’d use a combination of clinical hypnotherapy, NLP and CBT to help her change her thought patterns or to use her words ‘rewire her brain’.”

For those unable to directly see Adam, he has also created a free hypnosis audio download for those struggling with an ex and not able to work with him directly. 

“As a hypnotherapist based in Harley Street, many people can’t afford to work with me. To help as many people as possible I’ve created a hypnosis download specifically to help people get over an ex priced at just £9.99. I will donate all proceeds to a charity of Katy Perry’s choice.”

To access the download visit http://www.addictionexperts.co.uk/addicted-to-an-ex.html

• What Car? Target Price research finds manufacturers are offering cash discounts of £16.8 million across the UK new car market* 
• Discounts have risen by more than 10% since February to support sales
• Latest SMMT figures show UK new car registrations down 3.1% for the year, with business registrations down by 39.8% 
• Citroen found to offer biggest savings across all models and fuel types, with an average saving of 12.8% 
• To find the best new car deals, visit: www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals

Dealers have increased new car discounts by more than 10% since February, in a bid to maintain sales. The move equates to savings of £16.8 million off manufacturer list prices across the market*, according to the latest research by Britain’s leading consumer champion and new car buying platform, What Car?. 

Analysis of the UK new car market by What Car? Target Price mystery shoppers found the average discount on a new car at the end of May stood at £2,595 – or 7.9% off the average list price. 

The latest May new car registrations figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows the UK new car market is down 3.1% for the year, with private registrations down by 2.9%. Business registrations are down by 39.8% for the year. 

Dealers are offering larger discounts to counter the decline in sales, according Rachael Prasher, managing director of What Car?: “Across the UK car market, we are seeing manufacturers slash cash prices by £16.8 million. This isn’t manufacturers panicking or throwing in the towel, but using the basic economic rules of supply and demand to maintain sales volumes.” 
Across all manufacturers, Citroen was found to offer the best cash discounts on its vehicles, with 12.8% off the list price. Volkswagen and Seat dealers offer the second highest price reductions, at 11.5% and 11.0% off list prices, respectively. 

Estate cars, MPVs and luxury cars came with the highest discounts, at an average of 10.3% across the three segments, while the typical discount on SUVs, hot hatches and sports cars were all below 6%. 

Prasher added: “The differences in discounts across sectors shows manufacturers are being tactical with their approach – offering larger cash reductions in areas with less demand, while keeping prices stable in sectors they know are popular and sell well.” 

To find the best deals on new cars, visit: www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals

As the festival season is approaching us, it’s that time of year again when thousands of budding lovers of live music events flock to the fields in search of a great time to align with the summertime vibe. The summer festival season officially gets underway with Glastonbury from June 20 2019, and in a recent study conducted by UK Music, it is estimated that current audience attendance at live music events is up to a record 30.9million, bringing £4billion into the UK economy. It’s hard to imagine that this legendary festival first began in 1970 with a mere 1,500 attendees, including a £1 entrance fee and free milk from the farm*.

With the music and festival industry growing year on year, high-street retailer Robert Dyas has compiled a list of essentials for the ultimate festival survival kit. From camp-site preparations to the mosh pit, Robert Dyas has an array of ideas that will come in handy when fully immersed in festival life, allowing enjoyment to be top of mind at all times. 

Campsite Preparation

You’ve just arrived, and first thing’s first, you’ve got to set up the camp right. This is the safe haven of your time while at the festival, so build the foundations sturdy and you’re sure to have a great time. Start off strong with this Summit Groundsheet – 1.8m x 1.2m (£5.99), allowing you to mark out your territory on the site early on. 

It’s going to be an intense, fast-paced week of fun, so don’t forget to take some time out for yourself and relax with this Quest Traveller Morecambe Compact Chair – Blue (Was £17.99 now £11.99). Soak up the sun and chill out, you deserve a break. 

It’s safe to presume that the weather will be consistently inconsistent while out on the fields, so it’s important to stay hydrated in between stage visits. Keep your drinks chilled all day with this Polar Gear Active Trolley Cool Bag – 21L (Was £37.99 now £24.99), you’ll be thankful for this later. 

Space can be difficult to find when camping with friends. Make the most of your campsite space with this Bestway Easy-Inflate Inflatable Air Bed with Foot Pump – Double (£24.99). You’re going to be sharing a camp together for a while, so if you have space and don’t mind being the little spoon, offering your friends a place to lay their head will go down very nicely. 

Festival Life Essentials 

In the thick of the festival season, it can often become very crowded. The ground takes a battering from the thousands of footsteps trampling over fields every day, so it’s important to be wary of possible puddles or drink spillages. To avoid having horrid stains on your favourite shoes, these Town & Country Essential Half Length Wellington Boots – Green (£12.99) will eliminate the risk of any tantrums in your camp. 

To drum up the atmosphere before heading to see your favourite artist live on stage, make the most of their tunes with this Boompods Rokpod Outdoor Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Was £24.99 now £12.99) to get your group pumped up beforehand. 

With the excitement of the festival season getting into full swing, it’s time for the drinks to come out. Take your favourite mixer with you around the festival site with this Polar Gear Alfresco 400ml DoubleWall Plastic Bottle – Pineapple (£4.99), keeping your drink nice and cool in the summer weather. 

When the day is done, the evenings can often come around quickly after a busy day at the festival. Don’t let the darkness stop the fun with this Unicorn 3W COB Pocket Torch – Black(£4.79), allowing you and your friends to make the most of every evening. 

‘Don’t Forget’ Checklist 

You’re just about to set off on your week of mayhem with your friends, and you’re 100% sure you’ve packed the essentials for this trip. Think again! Ensure that no one has an unpleasant surprise while away with these Cusheen Quitted White Toilet Paper – 60 Rolls (£16.00). Failing to bring these risks having a party ‘pooper’ on the cards. 

If you’re feeling the pressure to keep looking your best in the hopes of winning over your special somebody while at the festival, personal cleanliness will be top priority. Make sure they notice your good looks, not your bad oral hygiene. Keep your pearly whites gleaming with this Oral B Pro 650 Electric Toothbrush – Black (Was £49.99 now £24.99) but make sure it’s fully charged before you go!

While at a festival, the likelihood of someone wandering off is quite high. Make sure your phone is charged so you can keep in contact with your friends with this Verbatim 10400mAh Pocket Power Bank Dual USB and LED display (Was £25.99 now £12.99). 

For those in your group with slightly sensitive ears, it can often be a discomfort for those individuals when you get close to the speakers. Avoid any unwanted repercussions with these Draper Ear Plug Pairs – Pack of 10 (£3.49), as without your ears on top form, how are you meant to hear your favourite songs live? 

Festival Safety Tips

Lastly, it’s important to keep personal safety as a top priority at all times while at the festival. Learning your way around the site when you first get there is a great way to check out what’s where (not just where your favourite artists are playing and when). Organising a buddy system to regularly meet at rendezvous points such as the food stalls, bars or chill-out zones is a fantastic way of looking out for yourself and your friends. Most importantly, it’s crucial to watch your drinks while at the festival and never accept one from somebody you don’t know or trust**. 

Now that you’re all equipped for festival life, what are you waiting for? Book those tickets now and look forward to a jam-packed week of fun, good vibes and great weather!

Buyagift is the UK’s leading provider of experience days and gift experiences. We pride ourselves on our range of gifts, and the great experiences we can deliver to our customers. With over 4,500 gifts and experiences to choose from – from helicopter flying and cookery lessons to supercar driving and pampering days – Buyagift have everything that you could possibly need to make someone’s special occasion absolutely unforgettable. Buyagift offer super savings all year round starting from only £10 and amazing range of 2 for 1 deals. 

Last year Buyagift.com were delighted to scoop not one but four awards at the prestigious eCommerce Awards for Excellence for the combination of online marketing, site innovation and implementation of a clear customer engagement strategy, including social media and mobile technology.