Hey, how about the new rules are that there are no rules? Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, and let’s move on to a different discussion…
But we have a word limit to meet and an article to write, so let’s explore the changing trends and thankfully largely abandoned fashion ‘rules’ for the plus size people among us.
As the author Carmen Maria Machado told the Guardian; “people are always being asked to minimise their bodies, to make themselves more hidden, and I’m not interested in that”.
We couldn’t concur more; instead, let’s instead focus on emphasising what’s beautiful, whether that’s grace, simplicity, a softer profile or one that enhances natural shapes and curves just right.
Luckily, things are changing and the plus-size clothing industry is flourishing. For the fuller figured woman who wants to flaunt their fashionable side, things have never been better.
So, forget all those fashion rules that have been imposed on the plus size community over the years, and instead consider this advice on plus size dressing for women with curves.
Take A Bite Out Of Wearing White
How many times have you heard that black is slimming and white will make you look larger? Well, that’s nonsense.
If you google the subject, ridiculous advice pops up like “Don’t wear a white blouse if you want to camouflage a large chest.” and “lighter colours can add pounds and give the illusion of a larger frame”.
But these rules are antiquated, a relic, a leftover when people felt they had the right to police women’s bodies, especially bodies that did not fit into socially accepted norms.
Instead, white is very much in for women with curves. Indeed, with any size, when it comes to wearing white, the key is to pick good quality materials with substance – double lining is your friend, particularly, reflecting a body confidence and feminine glamour that’s to be embraced and accentuated.
Tailor It
Not all curvy girls have the same frame, and when considering plus-size fashion, it doesn’t matter what your body type is, you are better off getting all of your clothes tailored to fit you perfectly, and this is especially true for plus size women.
Whether it’s a pair of designer jeans that you spend hundreds of dollars on or bodycon dresses that accentuate your curves, they will never look perfect on you unless they are fitted to your unique shape. Be willing to spend some extra money on quality tailoring in order for them to look perfect on you, and embrace a wardrobe that actually works.
Special Occasion Smarts
When it comes to special occasions, finding the perfect plus size outfit can be a challenge, but plus size formal dresses are now more accessible and stylish than ever. Today, the market is brimming with elegant and sophisticated choices that cater to every taste and body type.
Whether you’re attending a wedding, a gala, or a formal dinner, there’s a plus size formal dress out there that will make you feel confident and beautiful. Remember, the key is to choose a dress that highlights your best features and makes you feel fabulous. For those looking to enhance their silhouette further, investigate shaping waspies which cinch the waist, adding an extra touch of elegance and definition to your ensemble.
So, embrace your curves and step out in style with a stunning plus size formal dress that truly reflects your personality and grace.
The Bright & The Bold
Another rule we’ve been told is that plus size women shouldn’t wear bright colours because vibrant shades draw attention to our shape and make us look bigger. PLEASE! If this were the case, then a good majority of the world’s population would be dressed in black.
Here at IDEAL, we’re all for feel-good-fashion. This is ultimately all about wearing clothes which bring you joy and for many, wearing bright colours bring us joy with a capital J. Express yourself with ebullience, whether you’re in black backless dresses, white onesies, or anything in between.
Say It With Stripes
Curvy girls can’t wear stripes. It’s something that’s been drummed into the majority of us for decades. Well it’s no longer 1999 and we can wear what we want thank you very much. Anyway, scientists have actually proven that so-called “fashion gurus” are wrong.
As the Guardian reports, “when Dr Peter Thompson, a psychologist and expert in visual perception at the University of York, tested the optical illusion he found the opposite was true. ”Horizontal stripes don’t make you look fatter.”
Moreover, he found the age old adage that wearing vertical stripes makes you look thinner is simply not true, either! Either way, if you enjoy how stripes look on you, there should be nothing stopping you from incorporating them into your style.
Ask For More From Fashion Labels
Plus-size women are often told not to follow trends. However, fast fashion is one of the biggest contributors to landfill on the planet. Nearly all of us are guilty of over-consuming and it’s having a direct, damaging impact on our environment, to say the least.
However, it’s not as easy for curvy people to boycott high street brands and shop more sustainably, as the options for plus size clothing are nearly as broad or available. As Cosmopolitan points out “curve options that are actually good for the planet (and its people) are still extremely limited”.
Join us in calling for more inclusive, sustainable fashion for all sizes. Check out the Power of Plus community, who are campaigning for fashion to be more size inclusive.
The Bottom Line
All those fashion myths that have been floating around…forget about them. Like dressing for any shape, it’s all about emphasising your best bits to make you feel great and wearing what makes you feel fabulous. Just don’t make the mistake of wearing oversized baggy clothes that swamp your silhouette. Instead, whatever you’ve got, flaunt it!
Are you passionate about cooking? Do friends and family often praise your culinary creations and suggest you open a restaurant? Have you ever considered turning your culinary talents into a profitable business? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this article is for you.
Here, we will guide you on how to transform your hobby into a lucrative food business, allowing you to do what you love while earning an income. Let’s delve into the steps to starting your own food business from home.
The Benefits Of Starting A Home-Based Food Business
Starting a home-based food business offers numerous advantages beyond just earning from your hobby.
Cost-Effectiveness
Utilising your home kitchen to create your products offers a significant advantage. You already have the necessary equipment, which means you won’t need to make a substantial initial investment. As your business grows, you can expand and invest further, but the initial costs will be minimal—a promising start with little to lose.
Finding a reliable vendor for product delivery is crucial. While you could handle deliveries yourself, food delivery often requires specific conditions, such as maintaining the right temperature. Ensuring safe delivery is essential. Websites like Sortlist.com can help you find the perfect service provider to match your budget and specific requirements.
The Opportunity to Get Creative
Starting a home-based food business allows you to unleash your creativity. You have the freedom to experiment with recipes and offer unique dishes, as well as controlling the media aspects of the operation. Of course, your creativity shouldn’t be totally unbridled; this thing needs to have mass appeal after all.
Be Your Own Boss
Many people dream of being their own boss. Starting your own home cooking business allows you to decide how many orders to take, how many hours to work, and when to take breaks. This flexibility and freedom can make your work more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
How To Start A Home-Based Food Business
Now, let’s discuss the core steps to seamlessly start a home-based food business.
Create A Business Plan
As with any business, starting a home-based food business begins with crafting a solid business plan. Outline the main goals of your business, define your target audience, set pricing for your products, and determine your marketing strategy. Research key players in the market to understand their services and pricing, which will help you adjust your offerings and pricing accordingly.
Check Food Laws
It’s crucial to stay compliant with local food laws. Understanding these regulations will help you determine what you can sell, adhere to labelling restrictions, manage product volume, and comply with other requirements, such as the rigorous, thorough demands of food hygiene. Non-compliance can result in heavy fines and restrictions, negatively impacting your financial stability and brand reputation.
Obtain A Business Licence
Even if you are operating from home, obtaining a business licence is essential. A licence ensures you comply with tax regulations and operate within the legal framework, reducing the likelihood of legal disputes or penalties.
Create A Brand
Choosing a memorable and relevant name for your business is crucial. Design a logo to ensure your brand is visually recognisable. Craft compelling packaging for your food delivery to make it appealing to customers. Implementing a referral programme can also boost your brand. Encourage satisfied customers to refer others by offering special discounts or free delivery. With your referral programme software, you can manage, share, track, and reward referrals easily.
Prepare Necessary Resources
While starting a food business from home can be cost-effective, it’s important to consider your needs for the initial period. You’ll need items such as cold storage, packaging materials, bowls, spoons, mixers, and other basic kitchen tools. As your business grows, you might decide to open a small café or restaurant, which will require additional investments and a team of staff.
Efficiently managing your time and resources is crucial. Consider deploying an easy-to-use time tracker to monitor staff hours and productivity, which can help you manage payroll and ensure everyone is working efficiently.
On top of that, you can use modern visitor management software to streamline customer interactions and reservations, enhancing the overall experience by tracking feedback, managing bookings, and providing insights into customer preferences.
Connect With Customers
Building strong relationships with customers is essential. After successfully delivering orders and receiving positive feedback, maintain ongoing communication. Use customer information, such as phone numbers or email addresses, to send special offers and updates. Acknowledging special occasions, like sending New Year wishes via SMS or email, creates a warm connection, making clients more likely to repurchase and positively impacting your brand’s reputation.
The Bottom Line
We’ve covered the essential steps to start a food business from your home and enjoy working from the comfort of your own space. Begin by adhering to local food laws and regulations, obtaining the necessary licences, and considering the team and equipment you will need. Ultimately, focus on building warm connections with your customers, and you’ll be on the right track to success.
So, we’re staying at the SO? So what? Well, in the words of pop star Pink, ‘Na-na-na-na, na-na’.
But despite what Pink may have you believe, this one isn’t in Bangkok’s nightlife hub Nana, but rather, over in the much classier Lumpini. You can breathe a sigh of relief and sleep a little lighter, we think…
With a focus on all things uber cool, chic and contemporary, combined with charming service and a skyline view, this is a statement hotel, make no mistake; a place for cosmopolitan travellers to stay in the heart of a truly frenetic city.
In an enviable spot next to the most popular park in Bangkok, the SO/ Bangkok serves up magnificent panoramic views from many of its rooms. Its Lumpini Park location and sumptuous spa constitute a wonderful urban wellness offering, too, whilst its seventh-floor Red Oven restaurant serves up one of the best hotel buffets in the city. What’s not to love?
Indeed, if you want to stay in one of the best hotels in Bangkok, just say SO. Read on for our full review…
The Location
The SO/ Bangkok is in the thick of things, and while the hotel’s placement may not look like much from ground level, it affords one of the best views in the city when you take that elevator skywards.
Situated on the corner of North Sathorn Road and Rama IV roads, SO/ Bangkok has a phenomenal view that looks over verdant Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s equivalent of Central Park. Here you’ll find locals doing tai chi and, at the weekend, elderly Bangkokians taking social dancing classes. You’ll even find monitor lizards basking in the sun, if you go looking for them.
Our favourite thing about our stay here was a morning walk through the park – there’s nothing like it to enliven the senses before breakfast. If you’re a runner or jogger, SO/ Bangkok is for you. If you work up an appetite from exercising, be sure to stop off at Polo Fried Chicken, which is a 15 minute walk from the hotel straight up Wireless Road and one of Bangkok’s most talked about street food joints.
Also within walking distance of the hotel lies Silom Road, which transforms at night into a bustling shopping street and is known for its nightlife. If that’s not enough to convince you that you’re in amongst it, then just a four-minute tuk tuk ride away is Som Tam Jay So (a rather apt name here), one of our favourite places for som tam in Bangkok.
For travelling further afield, the Lumphini MRT Station is the shortest of strolls away. A central location that’s close to many of the city’s top attractions but also with a bit of breathing space – it’s pretty much everything you could want from a hotel in Bangkok.
The Welcome
Guests are greeted by genuinely charming staff who guide you to a trendy lobby on the 9th floor. Here you can enjoy that magnificent view of Lumphini Park whilst you check in, which is an admirable opening gambit, for sure.
There are lots of lovely touches to make you feel welcome. When we visited we received a remarkable butterfly-pea tea welcome drink, freshly poured in front of us on arrival from individual test tubes, which when mixed together changes the drink’s colour. On a balmy Bangkok day, it was as refreshing as it comes.
Character & Style
Everything about the SO/ Bangkok is super stylish. This hotel is designed by famed French couturier and design legend Christian Lacroix, alongside celebrated Thai designers Smith Obayawat and Pongthep Sagulku, writer of the excellent book A Journey Through the World of Hotel Rooms. The result? Doses of quirky design, with a mixture of Thai design sensibility and French flair, with an emphasis on brave, bold colours, distinguishing it from other boutique hotels who prefer their tones beige and muted.
Drawing inspiration from the neighbouring Lumphini Park and Feng Shui philosophy, the hotel is themed around the concept of the five elements – earth, metal, water, wood and fire.
From the lobby to the rooms and restaurants, everything in the hotel has been anointed with a sense of purpose. At the heart of the design is the ‘Tree of Life’, an emblem which combines the five elements into one uniting icon.
Each element has been interpreted through the eyes of five renowned Thai designers, deducing inspiration from the natural beauty of Thailand, with each floor of the hotel and its rooms representing a different element. The overall effect is one of harmony and balance – which is obviously a welcome vibe in any city centre hotel, let alone one slap-bang in the middle of one of the world’s most pulsing metropolises.
The SO/ Bangkok is dressed to impress and so are the staff. The legendary Lacroix has even applied his creative brilliance to the staff uniforms, which are made from colourful patterned fabrics, evocative of traditional Thai attire. Championing individuality, each member of staff has three different uniforms and can chose to wear whichever one they want, whenever they want. It’s a simple touch that brings a welcome lightness to the service here.
Rooms
The hotel rooms are rich and inspired, showcasing custom furnishings with symbolic colour schemes and graphics to channel one of the elements.
All room are unique, celebrating the story of its designated element. Despite being a high-rise hotel, the SO manages to give the feel of multiple boutique hotels in one, the elemental theme anchoring things and also inspiring creativity.
Depending on availability, you can choose which element you most respond to. We were drawn to wood, representing elegance and tranquillity. While more subdued than the other elements, the tranquil design offered a sense of calmness in contrast to the bustling city outside, complemented, of course, by views of the park. With hardwood floors and vertical bamboo-like beams, wood and light interacted to create functional art, whilst hand sketched old Siamese murals above the bed gave you a sense of place, with a feeling of synergy and serenity an overriding theme.
Wood Element
Of course, we had a nosey around and checked out the other elements (rooms; we mean rooms). The Water themed rooms offer soothing shades of grey that still the space, allowing the room to absorb the striking views of Bangkok – preferably from one of the big luxurious tubs which are a main feature in the suites.
The Earth themed rooms are decorated with Thai primeval wall paintings set against a striking blue background that makes the rooms come alive rather than drowns it. Finally, metal rooms feature a chic, bright and immaculate space with metallic accents and a sophisticated palette in different shades of white.
Earth ElementWater Element Metal ElementMetal Element
Depending on your room, you’ll likely have a breathtaking panoramic park or superb skyline view. On arrival, we found a wonderful selection of complimentary juices and soft drinks (the Thai Bael Fruit was our favourite) in our room. We were also treated to a delicious assortment of Thai sweets and seasonal fruits to refresh us after a long, hot day of travelling. Floor-to-ceiling windows, plush bathrobes and sumptuous bathroom amenities are provided as standard.
The very essence of the design philosophy of the rooms, and their relationship to the predominant forces in nature, instantly makes you feel at peace, with a feeling of inward tranquility that juxtaposes neatly with Bangkok at large.
Facilities & Spa
Situated with a gorgeous backdrop that extends to the skyline of Bangkok, the hotel’s infinity pool has got to be one of the most visually arresting in the city – ideal for soaking up vistas of Lumphini Park and One BANGKOK while you’re, well, soaking. The pool area doesn’t get much sunlight in the afternoon – slightly annoying for those who like to sunbathe – but it’s inherent to the design of the building. Worry not, sun-seekers can enjoy the adjacent Solarium.
The chic poolside bar, prosaically named The Water Club, is worth a visit at night when the pool turns a beautiful shade of purple and DJs perform. A word of warning; every month the hotel hosts a pool party from 1pm to 9 pm on the last Saturday of the month – something you will either want to throw yourself into with abandon or avoid at all costs. We’re in the latter camp, personally, but you do you.
Guests can also enjoy the onsite gym, shower and steam room. If you need a little me time, the award-winning SO/ SPA is the one for you. With dark marble floors, glorious wall-to-wall windows and artfully placed tree trunks, the lobby of the spa is designed to evoke a mythical Himmapan forest. Whilst we haven’t spent any time in such a forest, we think it succeeds in its aim of providing an air of mysticism and magic.
Treatments are superb, as you’d expect. We enjoyed the ‘Serenity of Five Elements’ massage, an award-winning treatment which is said to have the energy flowing back into your body. We certainly felt energised afterwards, but it might have been all the Thai Red Bull we’d been necking.
The breakfast buffet here, with views over Sathorn and Lumpini Park, is pure pleasure. Seeing the verdant green space unfolding before you is a calming start to a day in this busy city, but that’s no excuse for not taking that stroll to walk off breakfast.
The hotel’s main restaurant is the Red Oven (where the breakfast goes down, too), which takes its name from the signature hand-crafted red Molteni stove. This is where the fifth element of fire comes to life, all through the live cooking stations where you can watch the chefs at work. Here they serve buffet brunches, lunches and dinners too.
The layout is reminiscent of a traditional market offering world foods, which simply means that there’s something to please everyone. For us, the market’s main selling point is the Thai noodle station which peddles restorative bowls of soup (almost) as good as those found at street level.
Other buffet station staples include an essential spread of seafood on ice which sees a bountiful array of prawns, mussels and blue swimmer crabs, the national favourite. There’s pizza and pasta too for the fussier members of the crew.
As part of the Red Oven complex, there’s also Soshi, which is something of a standalone dining destination within the hotel complex. Here, you can get bowls of ramen for lunch and an a la carte dinner alongside an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Elsewhere, the Park Society offers rooftop terrace dining and a wonderfully airy space, again with sweeping views of the park and skyline that never gets old. Mixologists sling and shake drama into glasses with a range of cocktails based on 12 horoscopes. For the indecisive among us, the star sign angle make choosing easy.
The Park Society serves an a la carte menu of both Thai and Western dishes. Great if you fancy a salad – caesar, caprese and Nicoise or, of course, yum talay – were sure they could probably rustle up a som tam too if you asked (although don’t take that for gold). Elsewhere on the menu, comfort food classics from both near and far. Whether you’re in the mood for a Red Oven burger or a pad grapao, these guys have got you covered.
Finally, for chocolate lovers there is nowhere quite like the Sofitel So Chocolab for sheer sweet indulgence. Guests can choose from a wide range of hand-made and simply divine chocolates while watching the chefs produce their wonderful creations in the ‘lab’ itself. We recommend sampling the chef’s chocolate and banana spread – something that will satisfy even the sweetest of tooths.
Stay in an ultra-stylish boutique hotel where everything is plush, lush and modish. The SO Sofitel Bangkok is one of those places that you want to lounge in, relax in and never leave.
You’ve built a successful business in the UK. Now Ireland’s calling, and it’s not hard to see why. Geographic proximity, shared language, historical ties… the list goes on. But here’s the thing: expansion isn’t just about hopping across the Irish Sea with your business model intact.
The journey from UK enterprise to Irish operation requires careful navigation through legal frameworks, tax implications, and cultural nuances that might surprise you. Some UK businesses stumble because they assume similarity means simplicity. It doesn’t. Though what it does mean is opportunity, particularly now as Ireland remains firmly within the EU whilst offering one of Europe’s most competitive corporate tax rates.
Understanding The Irish Market Landscape
Ireland punches above its weight economically. With a population of just over 5 million, it hosts the European headquarters of tech giants and pharmaceutical leaders. The Central Statistics Office reports consistent GDP growth, though you’ll want to look beyond headline figures to understand the dual economy at play.
The domestic Irish market operates differently from the multinational sector. Your UK business likely fits somewhere between these extremes, and understanding where requires homework. Irish consumers demonstrate strong loyalty to brands that invest locally. They appreciate quality and service but won’t tolerate being treated as an afterthought to UK operations.
Language might seem like your ace card. And yes, conducting business in English removes a significant barrier. Yet subtle differences in business communication styles exist. Irish business culture tends towards relationship-building before deal-making. That rushed London pace? Might not play well in Cork or Galway. Dublin sits somewhere in between, cosmopolitan yet distinctly Irish in its business rhythms.
Remember too that Ireland’s EU membership opens doors the UK no longer walks through freely. Your Irish subsidiary could become your gateway to European markets, with access to over 450 million consumers. The Enterprise Ireland website offers valuable insights into leveraging this position, particularly for businesses in technology, life sciences, and international services.
Legal Requirements & Company Registration
Setting up shop legally in Ireland starts with choosing your structure. Most UK businesses opt for a private limited company (LTD), similar to the UK model but with Irish-specific requirements. The Companies Registration Office (CRO) handles registrations, and whilst the process appears straightforward, devil lurks in details.
You’ll need at least one director resident in the European Economic Area. No EEA-resident directors? You’ll require a non-resident director bond or rely on a company secretary based in Ireland. Speaking of which, every Irish company must appoint a company secretary. Unlike the UK, this isn’t optional.
The registration process typically takes 5-10 working days if all documents are correct. What documents? Form A1 (company constitution), Form 1 (statutory declaration), and evidence of the company secretary’s consent. Sounds simple enough. Yet many UK businesses face delays because they submit UK-style documents that don’t meet Irish specifications.
Your registered office must be in Ireland, and it must be able to receive official correspondence. Virtual offices work, but ensure your provider understands CRO requirements. Some UK businesses learn this lesson expensively when important statutory notices go astray.
Annual compliance differs too. Irish companies file annual returns with financial statements, regardless of size (though audit exemptions exist for smaller companies). The penalties for late filing? Harsh. Loss of audit exemption, published notices of strike-off, and potential personal liability for directors.
Tax Implications & Financial Planning
Ireland’s 12.5% corporation tax rate headlines most expansion discussions. Attractive, certainly, compared to UK rates. But tax planning involves more than headline rates. The effective tax rate depends on your business structure, activities, and careful planning.
Tax residency rules determine which profits fall under Irish tax. A company incorporated in Ireland is automatically tax resident there. But management and control tests apply too, particularly for companies with significant UK operations. Get this wrong, and you might face tax obligations in both jurisdictions without treaty relief.
The UK-Ireland Double Taxation Agreement prevents most double taxation scenarios. Most, not all. Transfer pricing rules apply to inter-company transactions, and Revenue (Ireland’s tax authority) actively monitors these. Documentation requirements are stringent. That casual approach to inter-company charging? Won’t fly.
VAT registration becomes mandatory once Irish sales exceed €75,000 (services) or €35,000 (goods) in a calendar year. The standard VAT rate sits at 23%, with reduced rates for certain categories. Distance selling rules might catch you earlier if you’re selling goods from the UK to Irish consumers.
Employment taxes surprise many UK employers. PAYE operates similarly to UK systems, but add PRSI (social insurance) and USC (Universal Social Charge). The combined burden often exceeds UK levels, particularly for higher earners. Factor this into salary planning and recruitment budgets.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-and-woman-having-conversation-while-sitting-near-the-table-with-laptop-7550542/
Setting Up Your Irish Operations
Location matters more than you might think. Dublin dominates as the business capital, but costs reflect this status. Commercial rents in Dublin rival London prices in some areas. Cork offers a compelling alternative, particularly for pharmaceutical and technology businesses. Galway attracts medical device companies, whilst Limerick builds strength in financial services.
Your premises search involves more than finding space. Irish commercial leases typically run for 4 years and 9 months (avoiding certain statutory renewal rights) or 10+ years. Break clauses? Less common than in the UK. Upward-only rent reviews remained standard until recently, though market practice evolves.
Planning permission requirements catch some businesses off-guard. Change of use applications, signage restrictions, and building regulations all need consideration. New builds or significant renovations trigger extensive compliance requirements. Technical specifications matter here. Everything from fire safety systems to rainwater drainage design must meet Irish standards, which sometimes differ from UK norms.
Finding reliable local service providers streamlines your setup considerably. Whether you need IT infrastructure, legal services, or marketing materials, local knowledge pays dividends. Dublin hosts numerous business service providers. For corporate printing needs, companies like Printroom Dublin handle everything from gazebos to flags, understanding local preferences and quality expectations.
Insurance requirements differ subtly but importantly. Employers’ liability insurance is mandatory, as is public liability coverage for most businesses. Professional indemnity requirements vary by sector but often exceed UK levels. Motor insurance for company vehicles? Notably more expensive than UK equivalents.
Employment Law & Hiring In Ireland
Irish employment law shares DNA with UK legislation but evolved differently. Statutory minimum wage currently stands at €12.70 per hour (as of 2024), with experience-based increments abolished. Working time regulations limit the average working week to 48 hours, calculated over a reference period.
Employment contracts require specific terms under Irish law. You must provide a written statement of terms within two months of employment commencing. Probationary periods can extend to 12 months in certain circumstances, longer than typical UK practice. But termination procedures during probation still require fairness and proper process.
Unfair dismissal claims arise after 12 months’ service (compared to 2 years in the UK). The burden of proof rests with employers to demonstrate fairness. Constructive dismissal claims succeed more readily than in the UK. Document everything. Performance management requires particular care.
Redundancy entitlements start after 104 weeks of continuous employment. Statutory redundancy pay follows a formula: 2 weeks’ pay per year of service plus one additional week. Collective redundancy obligations trigger with smaller numbers than UK thresholds.
Brexit changed the employment landscape significantly. UK citizens can still work in Ireland under the Common Travel Area arrangements. But non-UK/Irish citizens face different requirements. Work permits for non-EEA nationals involve bureaucracy and time. Factor this into recruitment planning, particularly for specialised roles.
Marketing To Irish Customers
Marketing in Ireland requires more than changing pounds to euros in your materials. Cultural differences, whilst subtle, influence purchasing decisions. Irish consumers appreciate authenticity. That polished corporate speak that works in London? It might feel inauthentic in Ireland.
Digital marketing offers efficient market entry. Irish internet penetration exceeds 90%, with high social media engagement. Facebook remains dominant for older demographics, whilst younger consumers favour Instagram and TikTok. LinkedIn works well for B2B marketing, particularly in Dublin’s business community.
Traditional media maintains influence. RTÉ (the national broadcaster) reaches broad audiences. Local radio stations command loyal followings outside Dublin. Print media struggles like elsewhere, though some titles maintain influence in business circles.
Networking matters enormously. Chambers of Commerce operate actively throughout Ireland. Industry associations welcome new members and provide valuable connections. The ‘who you know’ element of Irish business culture? Very real. Invest time in relationship building.
Corporate social responsibility resonates strongly. Irish consumers expect businesses to contribute locally. Sponsoring local sports clubs, supporting community initiatives, or partnering with Irish charities builds goodwill. Token gestures get noticed for the wrong reasons.
Post-Brexit Considerations For UK Businesses
Brexit fundamentally altered the UK-Ireland business relationship. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement prevents tariffs on most goods, but non-tariff barriers create friction. Customs declarations, rules of origin requirements, and regulatory compliance add cost and complexity.
The Northern Ireland Protocol creates unique opportunities and challenges. Goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland face checks. But Northern Ireland maintains access to both UK and EU markets. Some businesses establish Northern Ireland operations as stepping stones to full Irish expansion.
Services face particular challenges. Financial services passporting ended. Professional qualifications don’t automatically transfer. UK solicitors can’t practice Irish law without requalification. Engineers, accountants, and other professionals face similar barriers. Check your sector’s specific requirements early.
Data protection requires careful consideration. Ireland enforces GDPR strictly, with the Data Protection Commission actively pursuing breaches. UK adequacy decisions help, but differences emerge. Cross-border data flows need proper safeguards, particularly for employee data.
Supply chain disruption affects many UK businesses in Ireland. Just-in-time delivery from UK suppliers becomes less reliable. Customs delays and paperwork requirements encourage finding Irish or EU suppliers. Building resilience into your Irish supply chain takes time and investment.
Will Brexit challenges ease over time? The political landscape suggests continued complexity rather than simplification. Smart UK businesses treat their Irish operations as genuinely European, not merely UK extensions.
Making Your Move
Moving to Ireland offers UK businesses genuine opportunities. EU market access, competitive tax rates, and an educated workforce create an attractive package. But success requires more than transplanting your UK model across the Irish Sea.
Invest in understanding the market properly. Visit frequently. Build relationships before you need them. Respect the differences, however subtle they seem. Ireland rewards businesses that commit genuinely to the market.
Your Irish expansion could transform your business. European headquarters, new market opportunities, and diversification from UK-only exposure all beckon. The steps might seem daunting, but thousands of UK businesses successfully made this journey. With careful planning, appropriate investment, and cultural sensitivity, yours can join them.
Ready to take those first steps? Ireland’s waiting. Just remember: it’s not simply the UK with different currency. It’s a distinct market with its own opportunities, challenges, and rewards. Approach it with respect and preparation, and you might find it becomes your most successful market outside the UK.
Flying can be an exhilarating, joyous, or tedious experience, depending on how you look at it. What’s undeniable, is that it can also be a source of stress even for the most zen travellers among us.
From navigating busy airports to enduring long hours in the air, the journey can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, seasoned flight attendants have a wealth of knowledge on how to make your flight as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are some top tips to help you enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable journey.
Pre-Flight Rituals: The Secret To A Smooth Start
Before even stepping foot in the airport, establish a pre-flight ritual. This could include a calming activity like yoga or meditation to centre yourself. Some flight attendants swear by a specific playlist or podcast that helps them get into a relaxed mindset. Consider downloading a guided meditation app like Headspace or Calm to use during your journey.
The Power Of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be a game-changer for reducing travel stress. Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can help calm nerves and alleviate headaches. Bring a small rollerball of your favourite essential oil blend and apply it to your wrists and temples. Some flight attendants even recommend using a portable diffuser with a USB connection to create a calming atmosphere at your seat.
Strategic Seat Selection
Beyond just choosing a window or aisle seat, consider the specific layout of the aircraft. Websites like SeatGuru provide detailed maps of different planes, highlighting the best and worst seats. Look for seats with extra legroom, those that recline fully, or those located in quieter sections of the plane. If you’re sensitive to noise, avoid seats near the galley or lavatories.
In-Flight Hydration Hacks
Staying hydrated is crucial, but it can be challenging with limited water service. Bring a collapsible water bottle and ask the flight attendants to fill it up for you. Additionally, consider bringing electrolyte tablets or sachets to add to your water. These can help maintain your hydration levels more effectively than water alone.
DIY Comfort Kit
Create your own in-flight comfort kit tailored to your needs. Include items like a high-quality neck pillow, a soft blanket, compression socks, and an eye mask. Some flight attendants recommend bringing a small, inflatable footrest to improve circulation and comfort during long flights. Don’t forget noise-cancelling headphones and a sleep mask to block out light and noise.
Healthy Snacks With A Twist
Instead of relying on standard snacks, pack a variety of nutrient-dense options that can help keep your energy levels stable. Consider bringing a mix of protein bars, dried fruits, nuts, and even dark chocolate. Some flight attendants suggest packing a small container of chia seeds; you can add them to water or juice for a quick, hydrating snack.
Tech-Savvy Travel
Make the most of technology to streamline your travel experience. Download your airline’s app for real-time updates on your flight status, gate changes, and boarding times. Use apps like TripIt to organise your travel itinerary, and consider investing in a portable charger to keep your devices powered throughout your journey.
Some flight attendants also recommend noise-cancelling apps like myNoise to create a personalised sound environment.
Mindful Movement
Sitting for long periods can lead to discomfort and stiffness. Incorporate simple stretches and exercises into your flight routine. Some flight attendants suggest practising seated yoga poses or using a resistance band for light stretching. If possible, take regular walks up and down the aisle to keep your blood flowing and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Personalised Entertainment
While in-flight entertainment systems are convenient, they may not always have what you want. Curate your own entertainment by downloading a mix of movies, TV shows, podcasts, and audiobooks. Some flight attendants recommend bringing a lightweight e-reader loaded with your favourite books. If you’re a fan of puzzles, consider downloading a few brain-teasing apps to keep your mind engaged.
Engage With The Crew
Flight attendants are there to ensure your comfort and safety, and they often have insider tips to enhance your flight experience. Don’t hesitate to engage with them politely and ask for recommendations or assistance.
Whether it’s a special request for a drink, advice on the best time to visit the lavatory, or even a chat to pass the time, building a rapport with the crew can make your journey more pleasant. In some circumstances, it might even earn you an upgrade.
Deal With Delays Calmly & Know Your Rights
Flight delays are an unfortunate reality of air travel, but being prepared can help mitigate the stress. Always have a backup plan, such as knowing the location of airport lounges where you can relax if your flight is delayed. Keep a small kit with essentials like snacks, a book, and a portable charger to keep you occupied. Importantly, be aware of your rights regarding compensation.
Passengers’ rights in UK are well protected. In case your flight is delayed for more than three hours or cancelled, you can claim compensation from the airline, as long as the circumstances are not extraordinary, such as extreme weather conditions. Knowing you have options can provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety during unexpected delays.
When you approach it like this, it’s pretty easy to transform your flying experience into a more enjoyable and stress-free adventure. Now, when’s take-off?
Whether it’s a parent, grandparent or relative, you might be considering offering to take on the responsibility of providing care to a loved one in the future. It’s a big commitment, but it is one that can offer you the peace of mind that you need, safe in the knowledge that an important person in your life is having their needs met, and that they’re ageing in as healthy and as dignified a way as is possible.
However, being a carer can be difficult, so it’s crucial to make sure that you’re not making it any more challenging than it needs to be. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you give the kind of care that your loved one needs while also taking care of yourself; these 7 key things to know about becoming a loved one’s carer.
Keep Their (& Your) Doctor Informed
As a carer, you are likely to want to be there for your loved one when they see the doctor, to help take information accurately and ask questions that they might not think to, in the heat of the moment.
As such, it’s vital that you inform their doctor that you are a carer. However, it’s also a good idea to tell your own GP that you are a carer, too. Carers are often amongst those who are selected first for new vaccinations and other health initiatives such as annual flu jabs. You have to be more responsible for your own health now since you can easily pass things like viral infections to the person that you are caring for.
Get The Assistance That You Need
If you are a carer, you’ll be reassured that there may be some help you can get in order to carry out the role responsibly. The financial assistance on offer can be particularly useful.
Take a look at websites like Carers Trust that can point you in the way of various kinds of forms of local and nationwide government assistance, whether it be carers personal budgets from the council or Carer’s Allowance that you can apply for if you don’t already receive it.
There are also grants, funds, and discounts that might be able to apply to you to help you buy essential equipment or meet the daily costs of caring more easily.
Focus On Providing Independence
While there are plenty of things that you can help your loved one with, you should also endeavour to help them take care of themselves in little and large ways when they are able. Check out these tips on ways to remotely support elderly love ones for more on that.
When they have the opportunity to exercise their independence, it can have a significant, positive impact on your loved one’s state of mind and outlook. This might be as simple as going to get the groceries or tending to the garden. You can be with them, but let them take care of what they can and help them remain independent by making sure they have opportunities to socialise, exercise, and eat healthy meals. Good nutrition and health habits can be crucial to keeping more of our independence as we age, so encourage an active participation in meal planning and preparation where possible.
Make The Home Better For Both Of You
In order to help your loved one be more independent in their own home, you might want to consider looking at how you can adapt the home to better suit any access issues they might be having.
Take the time to arrange a full assessment, including a Care Needs Assessment, to look at the various ways that you can improve the home to allow your loved one to do more things without direct assistance. This is arranged through your local council, and following this free assessment, they will provide you with assistance regarding equipment such as walking frames and personal alarms, stairlifts, practical help and advice from paid carers and access to day centres.
Though you’ll generally be expected to pay towards the cost of social or elderly care, you can also request a means test to see if the council will help financially with your loved one’s care.
Don’t Do It All Yourself
Taking care of a loved one alone can be tough. If you’re starting to feel the strain of being ‘on-call’ all the time, then make sure you can set aside time for yourself. Perhaps another member of your family can help take over or if you want to make sure that you’re offering your loved one the very best standards of care, respite care services can lighten the load.
These respite care services can work with you to figure out exactly what standards of care you are offering and, from there, make sure that they stay consistent with your methods to offer both you and your loved one peace of mind. This is a more affordable option than full time care provided by an external source, and represents something of a compromise so you can take care of other responsibilities in your life whilst still offering the best, most thorough care to your loved one.
Beyond respite care, you might also consider professional domiciliary care that can provide regular support with daily activities like personal care, medication management, and meal preparation. As the team at SweetTree home care services report, these services can be tailored to your loved one’s specific needs, whether that’s a few hours a week or daily visits, helping maintain their independence while ensuring they receive consistent, professional care.
Get Advice From Experts
No-one starts off in any role being perfectly suited to it, and if you’re new to being a carer, then do keep in mind that you have a lot to learn. Experience and knowledge take time to accrue, and sometimes, it’s worth consulting the experts for invaluable advice and guidance.
Administering care and being on-call to meet the needs of a loved one 24/7 can be very demanding indeed. If you’re trying to figure out where to start or facing new challenges that you don’t know how to deal with, then you might want to look at joining one of the carers support groups out there in the UK, where carers just like you can swap tips, offer advice and form a support network and a strong sense of community.
If you do have a respite carer working with you, then don’t be afraid to ask them for tips, too.
Have Someone To Talk To
Try to be aware of your own emotional wellbeing and don’t be in denial if you’re feeling stressed or isolated. Not only is it unkind to yourself, but this kind of suffering will start to affect the standards of care that you give. Self-compassion is often the key to giving great care, so consider number one, too.
Having a support structure for both you and your loved one is vital; caring is tough work, but with people around you to help and to talk to, the pressure of the task is somewhat lessened. Fortunately, there are plenty of free online services you can turn to if you, yourself, is feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities and pressures of providing care.
Helping a loved one is noble, but don’t sacrifice yourself to do it. Consider your own needs as well and look for the little ways to help make being a carer a little easier.
Stay Informed About Legal Matters
As a carer, it’s important to stay informed about the legal aspects of caregiving. This includes understanding the rights of the person you are caring for, as well as your own rights as a carer. Make sure you are aware of any legal documents that might be necessary, such as power of attorney, living wills, and advance directives. These documents can help ensure that your loved one’s wishes are respected and can provide you with the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.
Additionally, familiarise yourself with any legal protections and benefits available to carers, such as employment rights and anti-discrimination laws. Staying informed about these legal matters can help you navigate the complexities of caregiving with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, the Langtang Valley is a trekker’s paradise, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a true sense of adventure.
Located just north of Kathmandu, this region is less crowded than the more famous Everest and Annapurna regions, and less arduous than Kilimanjaro further afield, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more serene trekking experience.
However, before you lace up your boots and set off on this unforgettable journey, there are things you need to know. Some might prevent you from twisting your ankle, so may even save your life…
Understanding The Langtang Valley
Geography & Climate
The Langtang Valley lies within the Langtang National Park, which spans an area of 1,710 square kilometres. The valley is flanked by the Langtang Lirung (7,227 metres) to the north and the Langtang Ri (7,205 metres) to the east. The region is characterised by its diverse landscapes, ranging from lush forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and towering peaks.
The best time to trek the Langtang Valley is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is relatively stable, and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the mountains. However, be prepared for cold nights, especially at higher altitudes.
Cultural Insights
The Langtang Valley is home to the Tamang and Sherpa communities, who have preserved their unique cultures and traditions over centuries. As you trek through the valley, you will encounter ancient monasteries, prayer wheels, and chortens (Buddhist shrines). The village of Kyanjin Gompa, in particular, is a cultural highlight, with its ancient monastery and cheese factory.
Essential Preparations
Permits & Regulations
To trek in the Langtang Valley, you will need two permits:
A Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: This is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal and can be acquired from the Nepal Tourism Board office or through a registered trekking agency.
Ensure you carry these permits with you at all times, as there are several checkpoints along the trail.
Physical Fitness & Acclimatisation
The Langtang Valley trek is considered moderately challenging, with daily walks ranging from 5 to 7 hours. While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, a reasonable level of fitness is essential. Engage in regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises in the months leading up to your trek.
Acclimatisation is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. The highest point on the trek is Tserko Ri (4,984 metres), and it’s important to ascend gradually. Spend an extra day at Kyanjin Gompa to acclimatise and explore the surrounding areas.
Packing Essentials
Packing the right gear can make or break your trekking experience. Here’s a checklist of essential items:
Clothing: Layering is key. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves, and thermal socks.
Footwear: Invest in a good pair of trekking boots with ankle support. Break them in before your trek to avoid blisters.
Sleeping Gear: While teahouses provide basic accommodation, a good quality sleeping bag rated for -10°C is recommended.
Miscellaneous: A sturdy backpack, trekking poles, a headlamp, a water purification system, and a first aid kit are essential. Also, carry some high-energy snacks like nuts and chocolate.
Trekking Routes & Duration
Standard Langtang Valley Trek
The standard Langtang Valley trek typically takes around 7 to 10 days, depending on your pace and acclimatisation needs. Here’s a sample itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,550 metres) – A 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu.
Day 2: Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,380 metres) – 6-7 hours of trekking through lush forests.
Day 3: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,430 metres) – 6-7 hours, passing through Ghodatabela and witnessing the devastation and rebuilding efforts post-2015 earthquake.
Day 4: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 metres) – 3-4 hours, a shorter day to aid acclimatisation.
Day 5: Acclimatisation Day at Kyanjin Gompa – Explore the area, hike to Tserko Ri (4,984 metres) for panoramic views.
Day 6: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel – 6-7 hours, retracing your steps.
Day 7: Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi – 5-6 hours.
Day 8: Syabrubesi to Kathmandu – Drive back to Kathmandu.
Extended Routes
For those with more time and seeking additional adventure, consider these extended routes:
Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek: This route extends the Langtang Valley trek by an additional 5-7 days, taking you to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake and through the Helambu region. It offers a mix of high-altitude lakes, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences.
Tamang Heritage Trail: This can be combined with the Langtang Valley trek, adding 4-5 days. It takes you through traditional Tamang villages, offering deeper cultural insights and less-trodden paths.
On The Trail
Accommodation & Food
Accommodation in the Langtang Valley is primarily in teahouses, which offer basic but comfortable lodging. Rooms are usually twin-sharing with shared bathrooms. The teahouses also provide meals, with menus typically featuring Nepali staples like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), and Tibetan bread. While the food is hearty and filling, it’s advisable to carry some supplementary snacks.
Connectivity & Safety
Mobile network coverage is sporadic in the Langtang Valley, with some connectivity in larger villages like Syabrubesi and Kyanjin Gompa. It’s a good idea to inform someone about your trekking itinerary and expected return date.
Safety is paramount. Always trek with a partner or in a group, and hire a local guide if possible. They are invaluable for navigating the trails, understanding local customs, and ensuring your safety.
Environmental Responsibility
The Langtang Valley is a pristine environment, and it’s our responsibility to keep it that way. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace: carry out all your rubbish, avoid using single-use plastics, and respect local wildlife and flora. Support local communities by purchasing goods and services from them.
The Bottom Line
Trekking the Langtang Valley is the journey of a lifetime, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge. We’ll see you at the peak of Tserko Ri for a chiya?
In today’s competitive job market, employee retention has become a top priority for organisations. High staff turnover can damage a company’s overall performance, productivity, and bottom line. HR professionals and managers must therefore implement effective employee retention strategies, of which here we explore 7.
Foster A Positive Company Culture
A positive company culture is crucial in ensuring employee satisfaction and fostering long-term retention within an organisation. To establish such a culture, it is essential to define core values that align with the organisation’s mission and vision. These values should serve as guiding principles for all employees, promoting a shared sense of purpose and direction.
Encouraging camaraderie among employees fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, nurturing a sense of belonging and team spirit. Open communication channels allow for the free exchange of ideas, feedback, and information, creating transparency and fostering employee trust.
Furthermore, recognising and celebrating employees’ achievements and milestones is instrumental in building a culture of appreciation and recognition. This not only boosts morale but also reaffirms the value and impact each individual brings to the organisation.
When employees feel valued, connected, and united around a common purpose, they are much more likely to stay and contribute their best to the company’s success.
Offer Competitive Compensation & Benefits
One of the primary reasons employees leave their jobs is for better compensation. Ensure your organisation’s pay structure is competitive within the market. Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to discuss career aspirations, provide guidance, and resolve issues. For organisations with multiple shifts or remote teams, implementing shift log software can ensure important information and updates are seamlessly communicated between teams, preventing gaps in knowledge transfer that could lead to frustration and turnover.
Additionally, you should provide attractive benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, flexible work arrangements, and professional development opportunities.
The best employees need opportunities to learn and grow in their careers. To keep hold of these individuals, you should implement a robust performance management system that includes goal setting, regular feedback, and opportunities for skill development.
Offer training programs, certifications, and mentorship opportunities to help employees enhance their skills and careers.
Employees who see a career path in the organisation are likelier to stay and contribute their best.
Improve Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance plays a significant role in employee satisfaction and retention. Encourage and support a healthy work-life balance by promoting flexible work arrangements, such as remote working, compressed work weeks, or flexible hours.
Recognise the importance of personal time by discouraging excessive overtime and encouraging work-life boundaries. Employees who have a better balance between their personal and professional lives are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work.
Photo by Jep Gambardella
Enhance Employee Engagement
Engaged employees are more likely to stay with an organisation. Foster employee engagement by involving employees in decision-making processes, seeking their input on important matters, and empowering them to take ownership of their work.
Implement regular employee engagement surveys to assess satisfaction levels and address areas for improvement. Encourage communication and provide opportunities for employees to share their ideas and feedback.
Recognise & Reward Performance
Recognising and rewarding employees for their hard work and achievements is essential for employee retention. Implement a fair and transparent recognition program that acknowledges outstanding performance through monetary rewards, certificates, public recognition, or other meaningful incentives.
Regularly celebrate milestones, successes, and contributions to create a culture of appreciation. Employees who feel valued and appreciated will have greater job satisfaction and loyalty to the organisation.
Maintain Effective Communication
Open and transparent communication is crucial in retaining employees. Regularly provide updates on company news, goals, and changes. Encourage two-way communication between employees and management to address concerns, provide feedback, and foster a sense of involvement.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to discuss career aspirations, provide guidance, and resolve issues. Being responsive and attentive to employees’ needs demonstrates that their voices are heard and valued.
The Bottom Line
Employee retention is vital for the long-term success of any organisation. By implementing these seven strategies – fostering a positive, collaborative company culture, offering competitive compensation and benefits, providing growth opportunities, improving work-life balance, enhancing employee engagement, recognising and rewarding performance, and maintaining effective communication, you can create a working environment that encourages employee loyalty and reduces staff turnover.
Investing in your employees not only benefits them but also creates a positive ripple effect throughout the organisation. Happy, satisfied employees are more productive, provide better customer service, and contribute to a positive work atmosphere that attracts and retains top talent.
By prioritising employee retention, you can create a workplace that employees are proud to be a part of, resulting in improved productivity, increased employee morale, and better business outcomes. Start implementing these proven strategies today, and watch your staff turnover rates decrease while your organisation’s success soar.
The humble SIM-on-arrival has been a travel essential for decades, that tiny piece of plastic we’ve all fumbled with at airport kiosks or accidentally dropped whilst trying to swap providers. Now there’s a digital alternative gaining traction: the eSIM, or embedded SIM, which promises to change how we manage mobile connectivity abroad. But is it really the solution travellers have been waiting for?
An eSIM is essentially a programmable chip built directly into your device that performs the same functions as a traditional SIM card, minus the physical plastic. Rather than physically swapping cards when you change networks or travel internationally, you download a new mobile plan directly to your device, kind of similar to the shift from physical bank cards to contactless payments on your phone. Services like Yesim.app have emerged to simplify the process, allowing travellers to activate international data plans by scanning a QR code, though the technology still has its limitations and quirks.
The technology has been around longer than you might think, quietly powering smartwatches and tablets for several years. Its adoption in smartphones has been gradual, with Apple introducing eSIM support in 2018, followed by Samsung and Google. The appeal for travellers is obvious: you can maintain multiple mobile plans simultaneously, keeping your home number active whilst using local data rates abroad. However, the reality isn’t always as seamless as the marketing suggests.
The Advantages Worth Considering
No More Physical SIM Hunting: One genuine benefit is avoiding the airport SIM card shuffle. You can purchase and activate a plan before travelling, which means no vendor negotiations or language barriers upon arrival. This is particularly useful when landing late at night or in countries where airport SIM vendors are notoriously overpriced.
Clearer Pricing (Usually): Most eSIM providers offer prepaid packages with defined data allowances and validity periods. You typically know what you’re paying upfront, though it’s worth noting that prices vary significantly between providers, and the cheapest option isn’t always immediately obvious. Some travellers report savings compared to traditional roaming, though actual savings depend heavily on your home provider and destination.
Multiple Profiles On One Device: The ability to store multiple eSIM profiles is genuinely useful. You can maintain your regular number for banking verification codes whilst using local data rates. Business travellers can separate work and personal lines without carrying two phones. However, managing multiple profiles can be confusing, and switching between them isn’t always intuitive.
Less Plastic Waste: There’s an environmental argument for eSIMs, eliminating the need for plastic cards, packaging, and shipping. Whether this makes a meaningful environmental impact compared to other travel emissions is debatable, but it’s a step in the right direction for those conscious about single-use plastics.
Real-World Usage
European Travel: For multi-country European trips, regional eSIM plans can be convenient. Instead of purchasing separate SIM cards for France, Italy, and Spain, one plan covers all three. However, coverage quality varies between providers, and some users report connectivity issues in rural areas where physical SIM cards from local providers work fine.
Remote Working:Digital nomads might appreciate the flexibility of monthly eSIM packages for different destinations. The ability to purchase plans in advance is helpful for maintaining consistent connectivity. That said, many countries still offer better deals on physical SIM cards purchased locally, particularly for longer stays.
Business Travel: For last-minute business trips, being able to purchase connectivity before departure is undeniably convenient. You can land with immediate access to emails and maps. However, corporate travellers should note that many companies’ IT policies haven’t caught up with eSIM technology, potentially causing expense claim complications.
Cruise Stopovers: Some cruise passengers use eSIMs for port days to avoid maritime roaming charges. This requires purchasing multiple plans and remembering to switch between them, which some find more hassle than it’s worth.
Important Limitations To Consider
eSIM technology faces significant restrictions in several countries. China, Egypt, Turkey, and others either have outright bans on or limit the use of eSIMs, often citing security concerns. This means you’ll still need physical SIM cards for these destinations, somewhat defeating the purpose of going fully digital.
Device compatibility remains patchy. While recent flagship phones from Apple, Samsung, and Google support eSIM, many mid-range and budget devices don’t. Older phones are generally incompatible, and even some newer models sold in certain regions have eSIM functionality disabled.
The transfer process between devices is notably less convenient than simply moving a physical SIM card. If your phone breaks or you upgrade, transferring your eSIM typically requires contacting customer service or going through a re-registration process. Some providers limit how many times you can transfer an eSIM, adding another layer of complexity.
Network quality can be inconsistent. Many eSIM providers are MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that resell access to major networks. This can mean lower priority during network congestion and potentially slower speeds compared to direct carrier SIM cards.
Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM Technology
Can I use an eSIM alongside my regular physical SIM? Most eSIM-capable phones support dual-SIM functionality, allowing you to use both simultaneously. This lets you maintain your regular number whilst adding a data-only eSIM for travel. You can select which SIM to use for different functions through your phone’s settings, though the interface varies between manufacturers and some users find it confusing to manage.
What happens if I need to change phones unexpectedly? This is where eSIMs become less convenient. Unlike physical SIMs that transfer in seconds, eSIM profiles must be re-downloaded to your new device. Some providers make this relatively painless, while others require customer service intervention. It’s wise to keep your eSIM QR codes and activation details backed up separately, and be prepared for potential delays in transferring service.
Are eSIMs suitable for emergency situations? This is debatable. While eSIMs can’t be physically lost or damaged like traditional SIM cards, they’re entirely dependent on software and internet connectivity for initial setup. If you’re in a situation where you urgently need to change providers or your phone’s software fails, a physical SIM might be more reliable. Many experienced travellers keep a physical SIM as backup for emergencies.
The Bottom Line
The eSIM represents an interesting evolution in mobile connectivity. For certain, intrepid travellers, particularly those taking short trips to eSIM-friendly countries with compatible devices, the technology offers genuine convenience. The ability to arrange connectivity in advance and maintain multiple numbers is appealing.
However, it’s not a universal solution. Physical SIM cards remain necessary for many destinations, often offer better local deals, and provide a simplicity that eSIMs haven’t quite matched. The technology feels like it’s still in transition, perhaps.
For now, the pragmatic approach might be using both technologies as appropriate. An eSIM for convenient pre-arrival setup in compatible countries, and the flexibility to grab a physical SIM when it makes more sense.
Butter beans, a storecupboard staple we can’t live without. Easy to cook, butter beans make a hearty dinner in no time at all. And we’ve got some delicious recipes courtesy of Waitrose.com to help you cook up a butter bean feast. Here’s 5 IDEAL recipes if you’re in the mood for butter beans.
AUBERGINE STEW WITH BUTTER BEAN PUREE
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Preparation time:10 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
Total time:25 minutes
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS
15g pine nuts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium aubergine, cut into 2cm chunks
2 small red onions, roughly chopped
1 stick celery, thinly sliced
350g tub essential Waitrose Tomato And Basil Sauce
400g can essential Waitrose Butter Beans
1 tbsp essential Waitrose Balsamic Vinegar
Torn basil or celery leaves, to sprinkle
METHOD
1. Heat a dry frying pan and lightly toast the pine nuts. Tip out onto a plate. Heat the oil in the pan and fry the aubergine, stirring frequently for 5 minutes until it starts to colour. Add the onions and fry for a further 5 minutes. Stir in the celery and tomato and basil sauce and cook gently for 5 minutes more.
2. Drain the beans, reserving 100ml of the liquid. Blend the beans, liquid and seasoning in a processor until smooth. Scrape out into a small saucepan and heat gently for 1-2 minutes until hot.
3. Stir the balsamic vinegar into the tomato sauce and add a dash of boiling water if it has lost its juiciness. Spoon the bean purée onto serving plates, top with the stew and serve scattered with the pine nuts, basil or celery leaves.
Cook’s tipThis vegan recipe is great as it is, or for a more substantial tasting bean purée, try whizzing in 1-2 tablespoons of cashew butter before heating through.
GOAT’S CHEESE AUBERGINES WITH PEA & BEAN CRUSH
Vegetarian
Preparation time:5 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
Total time:15 minutes
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS
1 aubergine, sliced thinly into 8
2 tbsp olive oil
190g pack fresh Waitrose Popped Garden Peas
400g can butter beans, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp chopped mint
2 tbsp half fat crème fraÎche
125g pack Waitrose British soft Goat’s Cheese
METHOD
1. Brush the aubergine slices with oil and season. Griddle in 2 batches for 2-3 minutes each side or until softened and golden. Wrap in foil to keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, cook the peas and butter beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and coarsely crush with half the mint, the crème fraÎche and seasoning.
3. Mix the remaining mint into the goat’s cheese and spread onto the aubergines. Roll up each one up, and serve with the pea and butter bean crush.
WATERCRESS & BUTTERBEAN PASTA
Vegetarian
Total time:15 minutes
Serves: 2
1 of your 5 a day
Source of fibre
INGREDIENTS
150g whole wheat penne
100g bag watercress
100g Italian ricotta
200g can butter beans, drained and rinsed
50ml semi skimmed milk
25g toasted pine nuts
METHOD
Cook the pasta in boiling water for 11-13 minutes until tender. Drain and return to the pan.
Meanwhile, place the watercress, ricotta, butter beans and milk in a food processor and blitz until a coarse paste is formed.
Season well and stir into the pasta, along with the pine nuts, and heat through.
CHICKEN & BUTTER BEAN STEW
Total time:45 minutes
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp vegetable oil
800g pack essential Waitrose British Chicken Thighs
2 carrots, thickly sliced
2 leeks, thickly sliced
2 sticks celery, thickly sliced
400ml chicken stock
400g can essential Waitrose Butter Beans, drained
4 sprigs fresh thyme
METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 220˚C, gas mark 7.
2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the chicken thighs for 5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a lidded ovenproof casserole and place in the oven, uncovered, for 5 minutes while you cook the veg.
3. Meanwhile, fry the vegetables in the same frying pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to the casserole dish, then add the stock, beans and thyme. Season, to taste.
4. Cover the casserole and cook in the oven for 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no pink meat remains. Serve in bowls with crusty bread (optional).
Pumpkins aren’t just for carving and hot drinks you know. Indeed, fall’s favourite flavour can be found in more than just a pumpkin latte. From pumpkin soup to pumpkin pie, there’s so much you can do with this amazing autumnal ingredient. And if you’re a fan of the much beloved orange gourd, we’ve got some great recipes courtesy of our pals at Waitrose. So without further ado, here are 5 IDEAL pumpkin recipes for autumn we hope you’ll love as much as us.
BRAISED CHORIZO & CHESTNUTS WITH PUMPKIN & KALE
Vegetarian
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes
Total time:1 hour 35 minutes
Serves: 4
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
300g fresh chestnuts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
500g onion squash, peeled, deseeded and cubed
200g pack chorizo, sliced or diced
4-6 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 tbsp Spanish brandy
250g kale
150ml chicken stock
Spanish extra virgin olive oil, to serve
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Preheat the oven to 170°C, gas mark 3. Pierce the skin of the chestnuts with a sharp knife then boil in a pan of water for about 15 minutes until just tender. Drain and peel while still warm. Heat the oil in a medium frying pan and add the garlic, squash and chorizo. Stir over a medium heat for 5 minutes until the chorizo and squash are beginning to brown.
Add the chestnuts and stir over a high heat for 1-2 minutes until golden. Add the thyme, paprika and seasoning and cook for another minute then add the brandy and, if you like, flame with a match.
Blanch the kale in boiling water for 1 minute then drain. Arrange two-thirds in the base of an ovenproof dish about 22cm across. Spoon over the ingredients from the pan and arrange the remaining kale on top. Bring the stock to the boil in the pan and pour over the top of the kale.
Bake for an hour or until bubbling and crispy. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and serve with crusty bread for mopping up the juices.
IDEAL tip: Make this dish ahead, cover and chill for up to 6 hours, then cook it in the oven when needed. Just increase the cooking time by 15 minutes and ensure it is reheated thoroughly.
PUMPKIN & STEM GINGER PIE
Vegetarian
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 45 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Serves: 6 – 8
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
750g pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into large wedges
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp grated nutmeg
½ tsp ground ginger
100g soft light brown sugar
25g butter
250g pre-made shortcrust pastry
170ml double cream
2 large free range eggs
Grated zest of ½ lemon
2 pieces stem ginger, finely chopped
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Arrange the pumpkin in a baking dish so that it fits neatly and scatter with the cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, and half the sugar. Dot with butter and bake in the oven for 50 minutes until the flesh is tender.
While the pumpkin is cooking, roll out the pastry and use to line a 20cm deep loose-bottomed flan tin. Chill for 15 minutes then bake blind for 15 minutes using baking beans or dried pulses.
Purée the pumpkin and any juices from the dish with the cream in a blender or processor. Beat the eggs with the remaining sugar and the lemon zest until pale then fold in the pumpkin purée and stem ginger. Pour into the flan case and bake for 45-50 minutes until just set and golden. Serve warm or chilled with thick cream.
SPICED PUMPKIN & COCONUT CASSEROLE
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 75 minutes
Serves: 6
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
500g shallots
1.5kg pumpkin or squash
3 tbsp vegetable or rapeseed oil
1 large fennel bulb, chopped
3 red peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped
6 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp chopped thyme
1 vegetable stock cube
400ml can coconut milk
400g can chopped tomatoes
100ml single cream
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Place the shallots in a heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and leave to stand for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water. Peel away the skins, leaving the onions whole. Cut the pumpkin or squash in half, then scoop out and discard the seeds. Cut away the skin and chop the flesh into 2-3cm chunks.
Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large saucepan or flameproof casserole and add the fennel and shallots. Fry gently for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until just beginning to colour. Drain to a plate. Add the peppers to the pan with the remaining oil and fry gently for10 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and lightly browned. (Make sure they colour as this will bring out their sweetness and flavour.) Return the shallots and fennel to the pan, stir in the garlic, then add the Cajun seasoning, pumpkin and thyme.
Crumble in the stock cube and add 150ml water, the coconut milk and tomatoes. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to its lowest setting, cover and cook very gently for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very tender.
Stir in the cream and heat through gently. Leave to stand for 10 minutes before serving.
IDEAL Cook’s Tip:Like most casseroles, this also tastes good if made ahead and reheated to serve. Stir in the cream when reheating.
CHESTNUT & PUMKIN SPELT RISOTTO
Vegetarian
Total time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
1 tbsp olive oil
200g cooked butternut squash, cubed
1 leek, sliced
100g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped
250g pouch Love Life Barley, Wheatberries, Spelt & Rice
200ml vegetable stock
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the squash. Fry for 3 minutes then add the leek and cook for a further 5 minutes. Once the squash has softened, cut the bigger chunks into smaller pieces.
Add the other ingredients and cook for 3-5 minutes until the squash is tender.
ROAST PUMPKIN WITH SAGE & ONION
Low Fat
Gluten Free
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:45 minutes
Serves: 8 as a side
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
2 small culinary pumpkins (or 2 small butternut squashes)
4 red onions
3 tbsp garlic infused olive oil
150ml medium white wine
2 x 20g packs sage
25g Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Peel, deseed and cut the pumpkins (or squashes) into wedges and arrange over 2 baking trays. Peel and cut the red onions into thick wedges, retaining some of the root so they hold together. Add the onions to the pumpkins, and toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Pour over the white wine and season.
Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, then toss the sage leaves in the remaining oil and scatter over the vegetables. Return to the oven, swapping the trays over, and continue to cook for a further 10-15 minutes until the sage is crisp and the vegetables are soft and golden. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and serve.
SPICY PUMPKIN & SWEETCORN SOUP
Vegetarian
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
Total time:45 minutes
Serves: 4
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
1kg squash or pumpkin, peeled (or 2 x 500g bags frozen essential
Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Cut the squash or pumpkin into chunks, place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until soft. Meanwhile, place the sunflower seeds on a tray and bake in the oven underneath the squash for 5 minutes or until golden. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan and fry the onion until just soft. Add the coriander and chilli and fry for a minute more. Add the squash to the pan, pour in the stock, the drained sweetcorn and the coconut milk.
Bring to the boil, simmer for 5 minutes then remove from the heat and pulse in a blender until smooth. Serve garnished with the toasted sunflower seeds and crusty baguette, if desired.
In the ever-evolving digital landscape – and boy, oh boy, is it developing fast – Pay-Per-Click (PPC) marketing remains a powerful tool for small businesses aiming to drive traffic, generate leads, and boost sales.
However, to truly maximise the potential of PPC, it’s essential to employ strategic tactics that ensure every penny spent delivers a substantial return on investment.
Firstly, What Is PPC?
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) is an online advertising model where advertisers pay a fee each time one of their ads is clicked. Essentially, it’s a way of buying visits to your site, rather than attempting to “earn” those visits organically. PPC ads can appear on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo, as well as on social media platforms and other websites.
How Does PPC Work?
Keyword Selection: Advertisers choose keywords relevant to their business that they believe potential customers might use when searching for their products or services.
Ad Creation: Advertisers create ads that will appear when users search for these keywords.
Bidding: Advertisers place bids on how much they are willing to pay for each click on their ad. This is known as Cost-Per-Click (CPC).
Ad Auction: When a user performs a search, an auction takes place to determine which ads will appear and in what order. The auction considers the bid amount and the ad’s quality score, which is based on the ad’s relevance and the landing page experience.
Ad Display: The winning ads are displayed to the user, and the advertiser is charged only if the user clicks on the ad.
Tactics For Maximising The Effectiveness Of PPC Marketing
Navigating the world of Pay-Per-Click (PPC) marketing can be daunting for small business owners, especially those new to digital advertising. PPC offers a unique opportunity to reach potential customers precisely when they are searching for products or services like yours.
By understanding and implementing the right tactics, you can optimise your PPC campaigns to drive targeted traffic, increase conversions, and grow your business. Here, Another Concept, an award-winning PPC agency in Leeds, explain how to do just that.
Set Clear Goals
Before diving into PPC, it’s crucial to define what you want to achieve. Are you looking to increase website traffic, generate leads, or boost sales? Clear goals will guide your campaign strategy and help you measure success. For instance, if your goal is to increase sales, your focus should be on conversion rates rather than just clicks.
Understand Your Audience
Knowing your target audience is fundamental. Conduct thorough market research to understand their demographics, interests, and online behaviour. This information will help you create targeted ads that resonate with your audience, increasing the likelihood of clicks and conversions.
Choose The Right Keywords
Keyword research is the backbone of any successful PPC campaign. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to identify relevant keywords with high search volume and low competition. Long-tail keywords, which are more specific and less competitive, can be particularly effective for small businesses.
Craft Compelling Ad Copy
Your ad copy should be engaging, clear, and concise. Highlight the unique selling points (USPs) of your product or service and include a strong call-to-action (CTA). A/B testing different versions of your ad copy can help you determine what resonates best with your audience.
A well-optimised landing page is crucial for converting clicks into customers. Ensure your landing page is relevant to the ad, loads quickly, and is mobile-friendly. Include compelling headlines, clear CTAs, and trust signals such as customer testimonials or security badges.
Utilise Ad Extensions
Ad extensions provide additional information and can make your ads more appealing. Use site link extensions to direct users to specific pages, call extensions to allow users to call your business directly, and location extensions to show your business address. These can improve your ad’s visibility and click-through rate (CTR).
Monitor & Adjust Your Bids
Effective bid management is essential for maximising your PPC budget. Regularly monitor your bids and adjust them based on performance. Consider using automated bidding strategies offered by platforms like Google Ads, which can help optimise your bids for conversions or clicks.
Leverage Remarketing
Remarketing allows you to target users who have previously visited your website but didn’t convert. By showing them tailored ads as they browse other sites, you can keep your brand top-of-mind and encourage them to return and complete a purchase.
Analyse & Optimise
Regularly analyse your PPC campaign performance using tools like Google Analytics and the reporting features within your PPC platform. Look at metrics such as CTR, conversion rate, and cost per conversion. Use this data to identify what’s working and what’s not, and make necessary adjustments to optimise your campaigns.
Stay Updated With Trends
The digital marketing landscape is constantly changing. Stay updated with the latest PPC trends and best practices by following industry blogs, attending webinars, and participating in online forums. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and continuously improve your PPC strategies.
The Bottom Line
Maximising PPC marketing for your small business requires a strategic approach, continuous monitoring, and a willingness to adapt. By setting clear goals, understanding your audience, choosing the right keywords, crafting compelling ad copy, and optimising your landing pages, you can significantly enhance your PPC performance. Remember, the key to success lies in constant analysis and optimisation.
Black Friday. Halloween. Prom Night…..it seems that traditions from across the pond are increasingly being embraced by the younger generation here in the U.K, much to the chagrin of some of our stuffier members of society. But we at IDEAL say; any excuse for dressing up and having a party is surely only a good thing. Enough of the negative vibes already!
Although not marked much here just yet, we predict that the next big import from the U.S is going to be Homecoming; a dance held in early autumn to celebrate being back at school and to welcome new students, with a less formal air than Prom but with equal social importance. To help you get your attire for this big bash spot on, here are 7 things to consider when choosing your Homecoming dress.
The Design
Owing to Homecoming’s timing – autumn – summery dresses are not recommended. You don’t want to be shivering and pale on an occasion where all eyes will be on you. You’ll need to think carefully about the colour and the fabric of the dress if you want to appropriately fit in with the season and what’s currently in fashion.
Consider choosing a dress that is a little darker in colour than your regular summer wardrobe; earthy hues are most suitable for this time of year. A little more length and less skin exposure are also essential components of an autumn dress. Think about incorporating classic British patterns like tartan or houndstooth for a unique twist that nods to our heritage.
This is a one hit wonder of a dress, not an item you’ll be wearing around the house or to the office in the future, so you need to make sure that you’re not breaking the bank for something you’ll only get a few hours of wear from.
Of course, if you want to go for a designer option, then they are going to cost you a little more, but think of it as an investment. Alternatively, consider visiting local charity shops or vintage boutiques for a more budget-friendly and sustainable option. You might find a hidden gem that’s both unique and affordable.
The Length
Whilst the perfect prom dress for 2024 was a long, flowing affair, things are a little different for homecoming. If you are unsure about the length of dress to choose for your homecoming dance, then you should remember to stay away from very long dresses which drag; usually worn at prom. Homecoming is a more casual affair so a shorter dress is recommended. You’ll likely be doing a lot of dancing on the night, so you’ll want to be comfortable. Too short and you’ll be chilly, too long and your ability to throw shapes will be restricted.
It’s also important to remember to take a look at your school rules on the cut and the lengthof the dress if you want to make sure that you’re fitting in with their guidelines. A midi dress can be a perfect compromise, offering both elegance and ease of movement.
Match A Shawl
In autumn, the evenings are a little colder, so you might want to think about what you are going to wear over your homecoming dress when it gets a little later. This ticks both practical and aesthetic boxes. Think about going for a shawl with sparkle if your dress is quite plain and you want to inject a little pizzaz into proceedings.
Remember though, that homecoming is very deliberately not overly glam or glitzy, so don’t overdo it! A classic British woollen shawl or a pashmina can add a touch of sophistication and keep you warm.
Choosing the right shoes is crucial for a night of dancing and socialising. Opt for a pair that combines style with comfort. Block heels or wedges can provide the height you desire without the discomfort of stilettos. If you’re not a fan of heels, a pair of elegant flats or even stylish ankle boots can be a great alternative. Remember, you’ll be on your feet for most of the night, so comfort is key.
The Accessories
Accessories can make or break your outfit, so choose them wisely. A statement necklace or a pair of bold earrings can add a touch of glamour to a simpler dress. If your dress is already quite detailed, opt for more understated jewellery. A clutch bag is a must-have for carrying your essentials, and it can also serve as a stylish accessory. Consider a bag with a strap so you can dance hands-free.
With all the focus on looks, aesthetics and appearance, it’s important to remember that looking resplendent is as much about what’s inside as out. So, show off your personality. If you’d like to go for a loud pattern that is going to stand out on the night, then don’t be afraid to do it. And if you want to wear something chilled, casual and comfortable, then ignore the pressures of the occasion to do otherwise. You’re beautiful whatever you wear!
Brighton is famous for many things; its proud, inclusive nature, for starters, symbolised by the prevalence of rainbow flags across the city.
Its pebble beach and pier are pretty iconic, too, with the brightly coloured, illuminated sign reading Brighton Palace Pier and letting you know, loud and clear, that you’ve arrived.
The eccentric, one-of-a-kind palace, the Brighton Royal Pavilion, is another image so often associated with this so-called London By The Sea.
Indeed, so much of the city is instantly recognisable, yet one of Brighton’s most famous elements isn’t exactly a visual thing. Rather, its tangle of narrow shopping streets, pubs, restaurants and bars known prosaically as ‘The Lanes’ is one of the main reasons tourists visit, to browse the jeweller’s windows, antiques stores, art galleries and boutique clothing shops, and to grab themselves a bite to eat when legs get weary.
But where are the best restaurants and places to eat in the Brighton Lanes? Let’s find out.
Burnt Orange
We start our tour of the best restaurants in the Lanes at the newest addition to the Brighton restaurant scene on our list; Burnt Orange.
It’s not by chance that we’ve chosen to start here; the restaurant is open from midday until late every day, and pitches itself as a ‘’a new grownup hangout for Brighton’’, with people encouraged to drop in as much for a cocktail and a snack throughout the day, or a digestif and a sweet treat late in the evening, as much as they are full blown meal. It’s that kinda place.
This is the third restaurant from local restaurateur Razak Helala, who also presides over the Coal Shed (also on this list) and the Salt Room, one of Brighton’s best seafood restaurants.
Though Burnt Orange has only been open a year, it’s already garnered plaudits in the form of a glowing review from a national newspaper, and more recently, receiving a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide.
The latter indicates ‘good value and good quality’, and in terms of Burnt Orange, these rather prosaic, automated descriptors do the restaurant a disservice. The quality of the output, led by a huge wood fired oven and grill, is fantastic.
On a recent visit, the wood fired flatbread was charred in all the right places yet still super light and pillowy. When dragged through a generous plate of their red pepper hummus, you have yourself the perfect pairing to a cold glass of something fizzy.
Don’t stop there; there’s plenty of joy to be found in the larger plates, too. The restaurant has a wicked way with lamb, with crispy ‘cigars’ of long braised shoulder tasting of the farmyard in all the right ways, whilst Sussex lamb koftas tempered with a perky yoghurt are another must order from the ‘wood-fired’ section of the menu.
Cocktails are delicious, too, with the kind and capable bartenders happy to curate a mix to your tastes. Alternatively, just order a Pandora’s Box (featuring mezcal, chilli agave, and cranberry) or two. Lovely stuff, though we’d caution against ordering a third, or you’ll be on your arse before you can reach the beach for a lie down.
The only miss – for us – has been desserts. A burnt ricotta cheesecake was less the delicious, ubiquitous burnt Basque cheesecake that’s been everywhere in recent years, and more a stodgy, disappointing sponge cake. Oh well; for a restaurant that’s so new to the Brighton food scene, Burnt Orange are getting an awful lot right. It’s already one of the best restaurants in the Lanes, if not the whole city.
Burnt Orange is open from midday until late every day.
In Brighton’s Lanes, you can move from orange to ginger in just a few steps…
From the team that brought you the Ginger Man, Ginger Pig, Ginger Fox and Ginger Dog (now sadly closed) comes the Flint House, the only arm of the brilliant, burgeoning restaurant group without a carrot-topped calling card.
If you’ve eaten any of the East Sussex quartet’s food before, you’ll know that the restaurant group’s cooking is big on flavour and low on frippery.
Though the proposition at the Flint House is a little different, with a more expansive menu and a smaller, sharing plate format, you’ll be pleased to hear that confident cooking remains.
From the snacks section, the restaurant’s fried bread, parmesan cream and anchovy is an absolute winner when it’s on, though the menu does change with the seasons and as we move into spring, it’s currently not.
Images via Flinthouse
Not to worry, a few stalwarts remain; the ham and gruyere croquettes with black pepper mayo are superb and a menu mainstay, whilst there’s usually a perfectly balanced, carefully crafted filled pasta in the ‘Vegetables’ section. Right now, it’s Lincolnshire poacher agnolotti with leeks, and it’s god damn delicious, with umami levels turned up to eleven.
In fact, in a city full of great dining options for vegetarians, the Flint House does some of the finest meat-free dishes in all of Brighton. We’re particularly fans of their coal roasted aubergine, coconut yoghurt and curried lentils, which texturally boasts several layers of creamy bits without using any actual cream. Kitchen wizardry, indeed. A dedicated vegan menu is also available.
If you can, leave room for dessert, with the doughnut’s various guises having earnt cult status in the city since the restaurant’s opening in 2019. Alternatively, the restaurant are more than open to you popping in for just a dessert and one of their thoughtfully composed cocktails (ours is a peach negroni, thanks for asking). A fine end to a beautiful day on the beach, don’t you think?
The Flint House is open from midday until 10pm every day.
From two newcomers to the city’s food scene to a longstanding Brighton institution, Terre a Terre is the premier vegetarian dining spot in town, if not the country, and one of the best restaurants in Brighton’s Lanes, make no mistake.
The team here, led by chefs Amanda Powley and Philip Taylor, have been doing their sophisticated plant-led menu for over a quarter of a century, and following a recent lunch on their gorgeous outdoor terrace in the first of the spring sun, we’re pleased to report that Terre a Terre has still, very much, got it.
Images via Terre a Terre
Inspiration is drawn from all corners of the globe – there’s plenty of need for Google (or a helpful, knowledgeable waiter) when perusing a menu, which utilises unheard of ingredients – but this makes the experience fun and exciting, which can’t always be said of meat-free restaurants.
In fact, it sells Terre a Terre short to give it the ol’ ‘’you don’t even miss meat’’ line. You’ll eat very well here, however you define your dietary choices.
Terre a Terre is open from Wednesday to Sunday, midday to 10pm. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Another Brighton institution, this one. Established in 2006 and drawing inspiration from the high end, counter seating oyster bars of New York, chiefly, the Grand Central, Riddle and Finns is nominally a ‘champagne and oyster bar’, but it’s actually far more than that.
The menu is a globetrotting affair; there’s bouillabaisse, risotto, ceviche, sashimi, Thai bits…but we think it’s in the most straightforward preparations that the restaurant really excels. A blackboard detailing the local fish on offer that day, with a countdown of how many are left, reassures you of the product’s freshness, and when served grilled whole with some chips, cress and aioli, there really is nothing better.
Images via Riddle & Finns
Or, you could simply have a meal of oysters and champagne, if you’re feeling flush. There’s a daily selection of Jersey Rock, Irish Rock, Poole Bay and Whitstable Bay Rock, with 12 going for £36. Now, that’s our kind of meal when down by the sea.
Riddle and Finns is open every day from midday to 10pm, with slightly extended opening hours on Saturdays.
Another entry from the empire of local restaurateur Razak Helala (remember Burnt Orange from 1000 words or so ago?), the Coal Shed is Brighton’s premier destination for huge hunks of rarebread heritage meat grilled or roasted over coals.
It’s a classy room, all dark wood, leather in teal and the gentle hum of grown-up conversation, and the food reflects this; confident, ingredients led, no fuss, no frippery.
It’s in the steaks and sharing cuts that the Coal Shed finds its best form, with the restaurant’s Chateaubriand with Bearnaise, peppercorn and chimichurri sauces offering up one of Brighton’s finest Friday night treats. Indulgent, sure, but utterly delicious, and the leftover steak makes for the perfect sarnie the next day!
Image Via The Coal Shed
Though there’s grilled fish on the menu here too, both in the form of tandoori bream and barbecued monkfish tail, if you’re keen on a similar proposition, then the Salt Room, just a five minute walk away and complete with sea views, might be a better bet.
The Coal Shed is open from midday to 11pm every day except Sunday, when it closes at 9pm.
Nominally a natural wine bar, but with a cracking little French inspired menu to complement the natty juice, Plateau is a great place to find some respite from all that window shopping that The Lanes encourages.
Plateau and their knowledgeable team are all about pouring up the city’s best and most thoughtful selection of low-intervention wines, and are one of the only places in Brighton doing so. We’re very much here for it.
The blackboard menu offers light, refreshing bites alongside some heartier French country fare. The bread, pâté, rillettes, cheeses and pickles are particularly fine with a glass of the good stuff, but Plateau also have a wicked way with barbied vegetables; hispi cabbage, cauliflower, and celeriac were all given the grill-treatment on our last visit to great effect.
Image via Plateau
For something a little more generous, a textbook venison pithivier with shallot and wild garlic hits the spot perfectly, and you can’t leave without trying the restaurant’s signature pan haggerty, a traditional Northumbrian casserole of potatoes, onions and cheese, here served with aioli. It’s been on since day dot, or, at least, from our first visit during Plateau’s early days of opening.
All in all, Plateau is an effortlessly stylish place to hang out, and with the recent addition of a few tables spilling out onto the street, is now even closer in style to a classic Parisian wine bar.
Kindling opened in late 2019, and due to that pesky pandemic, has only been open in fits and starts since. That doesn’t mean the restaurant hasn’t found it’s feet. In fact, they were recognised in the latest Michelin Guide and we weren’t at all surprised; their celebration of local produce and open fire cooking (we’re starting to notice a theme here) has won them plaudits fast and we are very much among them.
Images via Kindling
At Kindling, the cooking is deft and done the lightest of touches, with plenty of pickled and fermented notes. As of 2024, the restaurant has rebranded as a steak house, but that sensibility on the plate remains.
Kindling is open every day, from midday until 10pm.
Now, how about an after-dinner cocktail? Whether you’re looking for something seasonal and sustainable, avant-garde and conceptual, or traditional and perfectly, precisely mixed, here’s our roundup of the best cocktail bars in Brighton.
The future has never felt more uncertain, with the unstoppable passing of time perhaps the only inevitability remaining in our topsy-turvy lives. But how do you find reassurance and stability in an increasingly chaotic world? Some do so by making moves to future proof their finances, others invest in smart technology for their home, hoping they can automate themselves into immortality.
But more recently, there has been a movement – some call it faddish, others call it forward-planning – to future proof yourself in order to give you the best possible chance, health, home and finance wise, in the years ahead. Wondering exactly how you might do that? Here are 10 ways to future proof your later life and ensure your final years are as golden as possible.
Stop Making These Health Mistakes
We all do foolhardy things when we’re young, things we know are bad for us. Who didn’t used to drink a little too much, party a little too hard, go sunbathing doused in tanning oil and eat the occasional Happy Meal?
However, according to Health.com “health and lifestyle errors can sneak up on you in midlife and, next thing you know, a routine checkup finds your blood pressure’s up or your blood sugar’s out of whack.’’
They go on to caution that “If you’re not using 40 as that check-in point and that turnout time, those issues will start compounding, leading to chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes”. Potentially prescient stuff, indeed.
Some of the key health mistakes Health.com advise you should stop making by age 40 include…
Not making sleep a priority – Lack of sleep can increase your risk of hypertension, stroke, and obesity. Moreover, “there’s evidence that being sleep deprived promotes biological aging’’, which makes us look older than we are.
Binging on alcohol– Alcohol also can make certain age-related health problems much worse over time, having an accumulative effect on the body as we get older.
Flossing – Gum disease often appears in our 30s and 40s and has been linked to heart problems.
Missing meals – Skipping meals can mess with your metabolism and set you up for type 2 diabetes.
Having the odd cigarette – Quitting before age 40 slashes the chance of premature death from smoking-related diseases by 90%.
Eating excessive amounts of salt – Too much of it can lead to hypertension, a major cause of heart attack and stroke.
Ignoring health signs and lying to your doctor –They say that “Since health issues become more prevalent as we age, even little white lies may pose a danger to your health”.
Skipping weights at the gym – Bone-building strength exercises can lower the risk of brittle-bone disease. Keeping fit shouldn’t only be about cardio.
Stay Mentally Active
Did you know that being active and maintaining a healthy weight boosts longevity by more than seven years?
Though the importance of exercise can’t be stressed enough, it’s just as crucial that we look after our minds as we age. Cognitive decline is one of the most concerning aspects of getting older. As life expectancy rises, the rate of dementia follows suit. According to a report by The Guardian “Dementia is the biggest health crisis of our time, experts have said, as statistics show the condition was the primary cause of death in England and Wales last year.”
While staying mentally active won’t make you immune to the disease, it can reduce the probability of its early onset. As such, we owe it to ourselves to keep our minds active and alert as we get older.
Crosswords and Sudoku, in particular, have long been believed to improve memory and cognitive function. Though the evidence isn’t actually conclusive on how much they help the brain, it should be noted that the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation encourages regular crossword puzzles as a means of protecting the brain, citing a study done by the University of California which found that ‘’the more often someone engaged in mentally stimulating activities, the less buildup of beta-amyloid they were likely to have in the brain’’. That beta-amyloid is a toxic protein which can build up in the brain and cause issues with memory. Fascinating stuff.
What’s more, a study in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that increased playing of sudoku (and also crosswords) led to better brain function in the over 50s. Of course, puzzles aren’t the only way to stay mentally active; learning a new language, taking up a new hobby and keeping in contact with friends can all keep your mind sharper, too. Speaking of which…
Stay Social
While that morning crossword or Sudoku puzzle may well help keep the cogs turning, experts suggest that sleep, socialising and exercise are far more effective tools in your arsenal if you’re looking to sharpen up your mind.
Socialising, in particular, can have huge benefits to those entering their golden years. According to Age.co.uk “having close ties to friends and family, and participating in meaningful social activities, may help people maintain their thinking skills better in later life and slow down cognitive decline. People who are socially engaged seem to have a lower risk of dementia, but the evidence is not yet strong enough to draw firm conclusions.”
There are lots of things you can do to cultivate new connections and stay social, such as joining a club, class or social group to meet new people, or engaging more deeply with your community through charitable organisations and volunteering opportunities.
Have The Conversation About Final Wishes
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is clarity about your final wishes. Whilst it might feel uncomfortable to discuss, having open conversations about your funeral preferences can spare your family from making difficult decisions during an already emotional time.
Start by documenting your preferences – would you prefer burial or cremation? A religious service or a humanist celebration? A traditional funeral or something more unconventional, like a woodland burial or a celebration of life party? These decisions reflect your values and personality, and making them known ensures your farewell truly represents who you are.
As the team at Fiesta Farewell so sagely intone, it’s wise to consider creating a ‘funeral wishes’ document that includes practical details like preferred readings, music, and whether you’d like donations to a particular charity in lieu of flowers. Store this somewhere accessible and let trusted family members know where to find it. Some people even pre-plan their service with a funeral director, which can include pre-payment options if you wish to ease the financial burden.
Beyond the logistics, use this as an opportunity to share what matters most to you – perhaps writing letters to be read at the service or selecting photos that capture your life’s journey. This isn’t morbid; it’s about taking control of your narrative and ensuring your life is celebrated in a way that feels authentic to you.
By addressing these matters whilst you’re healthy and clear-minded, you transform what could be a source of family stress and uncertainty into a final act of love and consideration. Your family will be grateful for the guidance during a difficult time, allowing them to focus on grieving and celebrating your life rather than second-guessing your wishes.
Invest In Digital Literacy
In our rapidly evolving technological landscape, digital literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential for maintaining independence and quality of life as we age. Many vital services, from banking to healthcare appointments and government benefits, are increasingly moving online.
Research from Age UK shows that older people who embrace technology tend to experience less loneliness and greater social connection. Learning to use video calling platforms can help maintain relationships with family and friends who live far away, while online communities can provide support and companionship even for those with mobility challenges.
Start by familiarising yourself with basic digital skills—using email, browsing the internet safely, and making video calls. Many local libraries and community centres offer free or affordable courses specifically designed for older learners. Some retailers also provide tech support services to help you set up and learn to use new devices.
By investing time in digital literacy now, you’re future-proofing your ability to access essential services, maintain social connections, and continue learning—all vital components of a fulfilling later life. Remember, it’s never too late to become tech-savvy, and even mastering just a few digital skills can make a significant difference to your independence and wellbeing in the years ahead.
Know What You’re Entitled To
As you get older, you become eligible for all sorts of discounts, deals and state-sponsored support programmes. Many are facilitated by the government, and these include pension top-ups, help with meeting the cost of energy bills and free or, at least, heavily discounted travel.
Of particular pertinence, you may also be entitled to free home adaptations and equipment from the NHS which includes handrails for stairs, grab rails for the bathroom and more.
But sometimes, this diversity can be confusing. There’s a danger that as we age, bureaucracy, form filling and understanding of the complexities of such support can get tougher. As Which.co.uk highlight, “The crucial thing here is that more often than not you have to remember actively to claim them, as millions of UK consumers fail to do so, missing out on valuable income”.
Though it’s not exhaustive, you can check Gransnet to see what discounts you might be entitled to, or search for the ‘Saga Guide to Over-60s Perks’, which comes in a handy PDF printable leaflet.
Alternatively, Money Magpie have compiled a useful list of benefits for the over 60s which details many of the discounts and benefits available here in the UK.
Consider A More Self-Sufficient Lifestyle
Whilst future-proofing your life typically centres on finances and health, cultivating a degree of self-sufficiency can be equally valuable as you age. Learning to manage minor home repairs, growing some of your own herbs or vegetables, or mastering basic cooking skills aren’t just practical – they’re empowering ways to maintain independence and confidence in your later years.
Self-sufficiency doesn’t mean doing everything yourself; rather, it’s about building a toolkit of skills that reduce reliance on others for everyday tasks. Whether it’s fixing a dripping tap, changing a plug, or batch-cooking meals for the freezer, these abilities can make a real difference to your sense of autonomy and wellbeing.
By developing these skills now – or relearning ones you may have let lapse – you’re investing in your ability to live independently and confidently for many years to come.
Adapt The Home
Forward planning and foresight shouldn’t be reserved for the physical and financial self. You can also future proof your home to ensure that later down the line, it’ll be a pleasant place to retire.
Your home should be as adaptable as possible to accommodate the inevitable yet unpredictable lifestyle changes that the passing of time brings. Should you be playing the long game, then particularly important is to consider the concept of ‘Aging in Place’ and making your home more livable for your golden years.
This is all about investing in design features that will allow you to remain in your home through the course of your life, meeting the demands of ageing adeptly and adaptively. That’s not to say you should install features which cause an eyesore. Fortunately today, even the most functional of items, including handrails and slip-resistant surfaces can become stylish architectural features. Should mobility be an issue about the home, instead of a standard stairlift, many now choose to install lift, which is visually less obtrusive and can be made to look stylish and succinct with the rest of your decor.
If you’re considering aging in place at a more micro level, then you should consider the location and height of any home appliances, plug sockets, and cupboards when renovating. Having these things positioned higher, preferably at hand or at eye level, will reduce the need to stoop and bend.
Finally, install windows that are easy to manipulate and don’t require physical effort to open. If giving your home a thorough refurbishment, give thought to the positioning and size of your windows, too – windows with a view are so important as you age and offer comfort and reconnection in times of crisis.
Building a robust support network whilst you’re still active and independent is one of the smartest investments you can make in your future wellbeing. Too often, people wait until a crisis hits – a fall, an illness, or the loss of a partner – before scrambling to establish the connections and services they need.
Start by identifying key professionals who can support you as you age: a trusted GP who knows your medical history, a solicitor for legal matters, a financial adviser who understands retirement planning, and perhaps a handyperson you can rely on for home maintenance. Building these relationships now means you’ll have trusted contacts when you need them most.
Consider joining local groups or organisations that align with your interests – whether that’s a walking group, book club, or volunteer organisation. These connections often evolve into mutual support systems where members naturally look out for one another. Many areas also have befriending services or community groups specifically designed to combat isolation in later life.
Don’t overlook the importance of maintaining good relationships with neighbours. A friendly neighbour who has your spare key or checks in when they haven’t seen you for a few days can be invaluable. Similarly, staying connected with younger family members or friends can provide intergenerational support and help bridge the digital divide when you need assistance with technology.
By cultivating these connections now, you’re creating a safety net that will catch you if you stumble, ensuring you’re never truly alone in navigating the challenges that ageing might bring.
Look After Your Pension
When you’re young, the last thing on most people’s minds is making provisions for retirement. Doing so brings an acceptance that we’re getting old, and even worse, that this whole thing is finite. Not many young people want to think about that.
Most of us aren’t saving for our pension, but we should be saving up a retirement pot, that’s for sure. Make sure you’re enrolled in your workplace pension scheme and check your contributions record for a state pension. If you put more in your pension, there’s less chance you’ll despair when you’re older.
But don’t get too het up, according to this positive pension article, a 40 year old needs to put only £40 aside every week to live comfortably in old age. Our idea is to put £20 a week in your twenties, £30 a week in your thirties and so on.
