Latest news with #RedPepper
The National
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Reclaiming everyday power matters more than starting a new party
We were talking, of course, about Labour, the deepening void in British politics, about a country where public services are crumbling, where opposition feels hollow, and where the political space once occupied by hope seems to have disappeared. It's not a cynical question. And it deserves more than a cynical answer. So I gave it some thought. And to be honest, I surprised myself. Because even though I agree with the premise – that Labour no longer offers a political home for many – I didn't feel excited. I didn't feel much at all. And that feeling stayed with me. Not because I'm disengaged from politics, but because I've been trying to make sense of what a new party could be for. What it could meaningfully offer in the current landscape, not ideologically, but structurally. READ MORE: 'Wake up, America!': Alan Cumming hits out at Donald Trump over trans attacks When the news broke of a new initiative involving Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, my reaction wasn't negative. But it wasn't hopeful either. Oh. There's a new party in town. That's it. There's a contradiction here. It's possible to agree that a political alternative is needed and still not feel particularly moved when one arrives. And the more I think about that contradiction, the more it seems revealing, not of the new party's flaws, but of a deeper problem in political life. Because the real question may no longer be: Do we need a new party? It might be: What can people do? And more crucially: What do people feel they can do? At this point, any honest reckoning has to contend with a widespread sense of powerlessness. Not apathy. Not disinterest. But the quiet despair that comes from not knowing where to begin, or what could possibly make a difference. That's why Hilary Wainwright's recent piece in Red Pepper magazine felt so relieving to read. She writes about the left's 'fatal attraction to shortcuts' – the belief that if the right party, with the right leader and the right policies, comes along, transformation will follow. But as she reminds readers, this logic has a long track record of disappointment. From Arthur Scargill's Socialist Labour Party to Respect to Left Unity, new parties have emerged with high hopes, only to fade without leaving a lasting political infrastructure behind. Wainwright doesn't argue against new formations. But she insists that the work must begin elsewhere: in the slow, patient construction of popular democratic power. In local initiatives, people's assemblies, and independent councillors building relationships of accountability not with a party headquarters, but with their neighbours. That kind of politics isn't a shortcut. It's a long, sometimes frustrating path, but it might be the only one capable of lasting. That perspective helped clarify my own. A new party isn't irrelevant. But in a context where people no longer believe their actions matter, where politics has become something external, alien, remote … it can't be the first step. READ MORE: Here's why John Swinney should ask Keir Starmer for a Section 30 now I've started to realise there may be a thread running through much of what I've been writing in this newspaper over the past few years. Whether I've been looking at childcare, housing, or the slow degradation of the NHS, I keep circling the same question: How do people reclaim a sense of power over their lives – real, collective, material? What connects so many of these crises is the deep belief that nothing we do will change them. And that belief, I think, is one of neoliberalism's greatest successes. Neoliberalism has often been described as a decades-long experiment in outsourcing. Services, care, governance: all handed over to markets, contractors, consultants. But it also outsourced something deeper – the sense of shared political responsibility. The message was that someone else, an expert, an algorithm, a market force, would take care of it. And we citizens, would be seen, first and foremost, as consumers. And gradually, that logic seeped into our idea of politics itself. Politics, too, came to feel like something best left to professionals. Not a shared, daily practice of negotiation and solidarity, but a technical domain of experts and spokespeople. People didn't give up on politics. They were taught it wasn't theirs to do. And that teaching was reinforced everywhere; in the design of services, in political narratives, in the retreat of collective spaces. We learned to see politics as something external; something you observe or vote in (a choice to be made, a bit like a marketplace actually), not something you build or change. You can see this disempowerment very starkly in housing. Rents rise, quality falls, and entire developments go up that ordinary people will never live in. Homes become assets. What was once a public good becomes a private commodity. And the experience of trying to access housing, like trying to find childcare, or dental care, or mental health support, becomes a kind of battle: exhausting, bureaucratic, humiliating. That's disempowerment. Not as a vague feeling, but as a daily reality: paying more for worse, navigating systems that no longer serve, feeling that no matter how hard you try, it's always slipping further out of reach. And over time, that doesn't just impact housing or health, it shapes how people see the world. It hollows out belief. It makes politics feel like something that happens elsewhere, in a different language, for other people. READ MORE: Tall Ships celebration attracts more than 400,000 visitors as event comes to a close Some of the most meaningful political acts I've observed recently haven't taken place in formal spaces at all. They've unfolded in nurseries, where parents start questioning fee hikes and demand accountability. In blocks of flats, where neighbours create mutual aid systems. In conversations between mothers about birth trauma in overstretched NHS wards. These are not isolated complaints. This is the work of building collective understanding, and sometimes, action. This is where politics lives – not in manifestos, but in people's attempts to name what's happening to them, and to resist it, even in small, fragile ways. That's where power can start to grow again. And if a political party is to matter, it will have to come from that, not speak down to it, or try to replace it. Emancipation, autonomy, sovereignty; these are not abstract goals. They are needs, expressed through the daily grind of trying to live with dignity in a system that often treats people as expendable. A new political project must respond to that hunger, not with slogans or personalities, but with structures that allow people to act together and be heard. That is what Wainwright means, I think, when she says there are no shortcuts. And it's what I mean when I say: a party can't do it all. A political party can support. It can amplify. It can defend. But it cannot substitute for the deeper, harder, slower work of rebuilding the very idea that politics belongs to us. So when someone asks: 'Do we need a new party?' I no longer rush to answer. I want to ask: What's already happening? Who's organising? Where do people still feel they have a voice? Because maybe the real work is there – not in founding something new, but in noticing what already exists, and helping it grow.
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
eGrowcery and Red Pepper Digital Announce Partnership to Deepen Retail Customer Engagement
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- eGrowcery, developer of the leading retail food industry white-label, Unified Commerce platform, and Red Pepper, a pioneer in interactive digital experiences, today announced a partnership aimed at greatly improving how retailers attract, engage, and retain customers through advanced digital platforms. The companies are collaborating to deliver the next generation of shopper engagement across digital channels. This partnership brings together eGrowcery's robust, customizable e-commerce ecosystem with Red Pepper's dynamic shopper engagement technology, empowering retailers to deliver seamless, personalized experiences both online and in-store. This partnership brings together eGrowcery's robust, customizable e-commerce ecosystem with Red Pepper's dynamic shopper engagement technology, empowering retailers to deliver seamless, personalized experiences both online and in-store. The integrated solution empowers retailers with real-time data, interactive shoppable digital flyers and unified marketing tools to reach customers, drive higher engagement and increase conversion rates. 'Retailers today need more than a simple online storefront—they need a comprehensive digital platform that delivers actionable insights and fosters meaningful customer relationships. By partnering with Red Pepper, we're equipping our clients with more tools to create an engaging, data-driven experience that builds loyalty and drives sales. This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation and to helping retailers thrive in an increasingly competitive market," said Patrick Hughes, CEO of eGrowcery. The joint platform will provide retailers with: A unified, omnichannel digital experience that integrates seamlessly with existing store systems. Interactive, shoppable digital flyers and personalized marketing campaigns. Comprehensive analytics for deeper shopper insights and smarter business decisions. Enhanced operational efficiency and accelerated go-to-market for digital initiatives. 'The modern shopper expects intuitive, interactive experiences across every touchpoint. Our partnership with eGrowcery gives retailers the ability to connect with customers in new ways—combining shoppable digital flyers, personalized offers and a 360-degree view of shopper behavior. Together, we're enabling retailers to move beyond static content and embrace a future where every customer interaction is an opportunity to engage, learn and grow,' said Greg Radford, CEO of Red Pepper. Retailers interested in learning more about the eGrowcery and Red Pepper solutions can contact eGrowcery here. About Red Pepper At Red Pepper, we transform how brands attract and engage with their customers by creating dynamic, interactive digital experiences that drive growth. Our mission is to transform the way you share product information by creating digital experiences that are intuitive, interactive, and built for how customers actually buy. We empower teams to move faster, engage better and sell smarter without the friction of outdated tools. More information is available at About eGrowcery eGrowcery is the market-leading, white-label, SaaS based eCommerce solution designed to service grocery retailers. The eGrowcery platform is a true end-to-end, omnichannel solution that integrates with back-office/point of sale systems while enabling retailers to personalize their own shopper experience. Serving companies in the US and abroad, eGrowcery empowers retailers with the ability to personalize their shopping experience while providing the most efficient in-store fulfillment solution in the industry.
Scotsman
31-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Greggs launches brand-new menu additions
Greggs is back with a brand-new range of food and drinks ☕ Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Greggs has launched a host of new additions to its menu The new range includes bakes, sandwiches, sweet treats, drinks and more I tried three new menu items and here is what I thought Iconic bakery chain Greggs has launched brand-new menu items, which includes a bake, korean chicken range, sweet treats, iced and hot coffees and much more. As a massive fan of Greggs (I'm a North East girl, sausage rolls are in my blood), I was super excited to give a few of its new menu items a try for myself. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Greggs kindly sent me three new items to try, which included the Red Pepper, Feta and Spinach Bake, Lemon Meringue Muffin and the Iced Caramelised Biscuit Latte. Greggs launches brand-new menu additions - and here is what I thought | Hope and Glory I first tried the Red Pepper, Feta and Spinach Bake, which from the outside looked absolutely delicious down to Greggs' iconic mouth-watering pastry. The bake itself was nice enough, but not something I would purchase again. It had a very prominent red pepper flavour with a hint of spice. I really enjoyed the bake, but I personally love the addition of meat in a bake, and I felt that it was missing from the flavour and texture. If you are not a meat-eater though, this could be the bake for you. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I then tried the Lemon Meringue Muffin, which was delicious although very sweet. I'm not someone who purchases a sweet treat often, but this is a great choice who wants a little sweet kick now and again. Including lemon was a great move from Greggs in my opinion as it truly is the fruit of the season. Finally, I took a sip of the Iced Caramelised Biscuit Latte, leaving the best til last as I was super excited for it. I absolutely love iced coffee, I'm always willing to try new flavours and this flavour certainly intrigued me. The Iced Caramelised Biscuit Latte was absolutely lovely, with a very strong coffee flavour and hint of sweetness. The name of the latte made me think it would be a lot sweeter than it actually was, but I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was. As part of its new menu offerings, Greggs has also introduced a Korean chicken sandwich range, brand-new pizza slice, Balanced Choice breakfast option and much more. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For more information on Greggs' new menu, please visit its website. If you have a food and drink story to share with us, we'd love to hear from you. You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
What's Cooking: Sunshine Chicken
What's Cooking: Sunshine ChickenRecipe by: Chef Lisa A. HeidelbergTime: 30-40 minServings: 4 servings 2-3 tsp sunshine seasoning(see below) 4-5 boneless skinless chicken thighs(5 ounces each) Olive oil ½ cup of honey 2 Tbsp yellow mustard ¼ tsp red pepper flake Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rub spice blend over both sides of chicken and coat with olive oil. Place chicken on a foil lined baking sheet and bake until done, approximately 20-25 minutes. Mix honey, mustard, and pepper flake until combined. Brush all over chicken. Enjoy! Ingredients: Ginger, Thyme, Red Pepper, Turmeric, Allspice, Cilantro, Garlic, Onion, Curry Powder & Smoky Paprika 1. Combine all of the spices in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container for 6 months. Chef notes: Serve chicken with rice or mashed potatoes & garnish w/diced onion & tomato Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Greggs shares huge update as it pushes ahead with plans to open 150 new stores
The new openings mean that Greggs now has 2,638 sites, with an aim of having more than 4,500 locations across the country - this is more than fast food giant McDonald's Greggs has shared a major update on its plans to open up to 150 new stores this year. The high street bakery chain announced that it had opened 20 new UK stores in the first half of its financial year. The new openings mean that Greggs now has 2,638 sites, with an aim of having more than 4,500 locations across the country. According to its latest results, the new openings helped drive a 7.4% increase in total sales to over £784million in the first 20 weeks of this year. Over the same period, like-for-like sales rose by over 2.9%, going up from 1.7% in the first nine weeks. Greggs says the rise in sales is due to its expanded menu. Alongside this, the group has also embraced longer opening hours into the evening, increased delivery sales through Just Eat and Uber Eats, and launched the Greggs App. Over the last few months, Greggs has added mac and cheese, chicken burgers and fish finger sandwiches to its menus. For its summer menu, the bakery chain added a new Korean Crispy Chicken Burger, a Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap and flatbread, Red Pepper, Feta & Spinach Bake, and a new Cheese and Onion Roll - to name just a few. Greggs is also set to open more of its outlet stores over the coming few months. . Greggs Outlet sells surplus food including sausage rolls and bakes at super cheap prices. You can typically find discounts of up to 75% off - so for example, a four-pack of sausage rolls costs £1.85 in Greggs Outlet, which is 46p a sausage roll. You would normally pay around £4.35 for a four-pack of sausage rolls in a regular Greggs store. Greggs currently has 38 outlet stores. The sausage roll chain originally wanted to increase this number to 50 in 2025, but it is now aiming for 45 stores. Greggs has not revealed the locations for its new Greggs Outlet stores. Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics Greggs has recently had to make some drastic changes across its store estate to tackle shoplifting in its high street sites. The bakery chain has been forced to put sandwiches and bottled drinks behind counters in some stores to stop shoplifters. These items are normally found at the front of shops in self-service fridges. According to reports, around five Greggs branches had to do this, due to the level of theft seen in these sites. One of these includes Greggs in Whitechapel, East London. Other stores have had screens installed at the counter or have introduced full-time security guards. In a statement on the moves, Greggs said: "This is one of a number of initiatives we are trialling across a handful of shops which are exposed to higher levels of anti-social behaviour. Safety of our colleagues and customers remains our number one priority.'
