A LUXURY hut maker has reported a 30 per cent rise in turnover as Brits create posh offices in their gardens. Plankbridge manufactures bespoke shepherd’s huts which have kitchens and showers along with a starting price of £22,500 - exporting them as far as the USA and Switzerland. In recent years, they have experienced an uptick in orders from people looking to cash in on their land by launching boutique staycation companies. But over the past 12 months, as people have been forced to work from home, there has been a surge in interest from customers looking to create an office in their garden. They have seen enquiries soar by 70 per cent and turnover is up 30 per cent in 2020. Plankbridge, which was founded by Richard Lee and his partner Jane Dennison in 2000, is based at a 15,000sq/ft hangar near Dorchester, Dorset. They now employ 24 staff who typically work on around 10 hand-made huts at a time - with each hut taking from six weeks to complete. The company … [Read more...] about Luxury hut maker’s sales rocket as Brits create posh offices in their gardens during lockdown
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COVID-19: British professor wins prestigious medal for leading team that created Oxford vaccine
A British vaccinologist has won the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) Albert Medal for her work on the Oxford vaccine, recognising her contribution to "a global common good". Sarah Gilbert, who is a professor of vaccinology in the Nuffield Department of Medicine at Oxford University, said it was a "great honour" to receive the award for leading the Oxford vaccine team. She said: "The creation and the development of the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine came after I had worked in this field for many years, learning how to move quickly from a concept to a licensed vaccine, which involves numerous steps along the way. "With a great team at Oxford, we developed a 'vaccine for the world' which is now being used to save lives in many countries; our goal from the very beginning." Previous winners of the award include Winston Churchill, Marie Curie, Alexander Graham Bell, Stephen Hawking and Tim Berners-Lee. Advertisement RSA chief … [Read more...] about COVID-19: British professor wins prestigious medal for leading team that created Oxford vaccine
Best Mother’s Day 2021 gift guide – everything the special woman in your life will love
With Mother’s Day just a few weeks away, you still have time to find her the perfect gift. As this year has been tough on all, we’ve searched the internet high and low for the perfect gift to show her you care on March 14th. And it doesn’t even need to be a gift for your mum - it could be a grandmother, sister, aunt, best friend or hey, maybe just yourself. You deserve a treat after all... From jewellery to electronics, accessories to clothing, beauty products and more - we’ve found something that the special woman in your life will just love to receive. As it stands, we won’t be able to see our mum’s but many of these gifts can be sent straight to her door - what more could you need? Plus, we have a way you can get £10 back when you spend £10 or more from various retailers thanks to TopCashback . Retailers like eBay , Very, Matalan and more are all eligible - so sending her something special will cost less than you think. All you need to do is sign up here and … [Read more...] about Best Mother’s Day 2021 gift guide – everything the special woman in your life will love
COVID-19: Vaccines tweaked to deal with coronavirus variants to be fast-tracked by regulator
Coronavirus vaccines that have been tweaked to deal with new variants of the disease will be fast-tracked for authorisation, the UK regulator has said. According to new guidance, manufacturers must provide robust evidence that the modified jab triggers an immune response, but lengthier clinical studies that don't offer data on safety or effectiveness won't be required. Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Hancock: 'We must be vigilant on variants' The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says researchers are now in a better position to measure immunity against COVID-19 by monitoring antibodies after vaccination. It claims this will "significantly reduce" the amount of time it takes to get a tweaked jab approved and ready for use. Advertisement And it also means the three-phase safety trials required for the original coronavirus … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Vaccines tweaked to deal with coronavirus variants to be fast-tracked by regulator
Boost for holidays as new vaccine passport app for international travel launches in next two weeks
THE NEW Covid vaccine app is being trialled in the next two weeks on routes between London and Singapore, with hopes to launch more widely soon after. Created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the app, which will store evidence of a negative coronavirus test as well as proof of vaccinations, has raised hopes of summer holidays resuming. Nick Careen, the industry trade body's senior vice president for airport passenger cargo and security, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that "quite a few" governments have shown an interest in the app. Asked whether UK passengers would be able to use paper records as proof of vaccination or would need to upload digital evidence, Mr Careen said: "The chances are it will be a combination of the two. "Speaking specifically for the UK, there have been discussions and there have been some announcements in terms of digitising, and there is a digital record through the NHS of your vaccination regardless of how it is being … [Read more...] about Boost for holidays as new vaccine passport app for international travel launches in next two weeks