Latest news with #SingerSewingMachine
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Every Middle of Lidl bargain landing this week – including anti-allergy bedding & long-blooming flowers for just £1.99
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIDL shoppers are in for a treat this week with a variety of bargains hitting the middle aisle. From plants and children's toys to bathroom buys and hardware, you can grab everything you need in one go. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Lidl shoppers can pick up a variety of indoor and outdoor plants from the middle aisle this week Credit: LIDL Lidl customers will be able to get their hands on savvy deals, with new buys launching every Thursday and Sunday. Green-fingered shopers can pick up a variety of indoor and outdoor plants this summer. Designed to be low maintenance, this decor item will "add serenity" to your home. Meanwhile, you can fill out your flower beds with bedding plants for just £1.99 or a dianthus for the same price. You can also attract bees and other pollinators to your garden with a £4.99 lavender. There are a variety of other items on offer, with all plant buys set to hit shelves on Thursday, July 17. Children's toys 5 You can pick up a swing set for just £54.99 from the middle aisle this week Credit: LIDL You can also grab deals on a variety of kid's toys, including a Portable Basketball Hoop for £39.99 and a Triple Swing Set for £54.99. And shoppers can choose from a football, basketball, or volleyball, all available for £5.99 each. For indoor days, there are a collection of puzzle, activity, and colouring books available, from £1.29. All these items hit the middle aisle on Thursday, July 17. Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel Home buys 5 A personal hair weaver will also be available from the middle aisle for just £14.99 Credit: LIDL You can pick up a range of home gadgets, including a Singer Sewing Machine for just £99.99 and a Silvercrest Personal Care Hair Waver for £14.99. The sewing machine will be available from Thursday, July 17, while the bathroom buys won't hit shelves until Sunday, July 20. Other bathroom gadgets include a Silvercrest Personal Care Ionic Hair Dryer for just £9.99, Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes for £39.99, and Silvercrest Personal Care Facial Hair Remover for just £7.99. Car and hardware buys 5 You can pick up a variety of hardware items and car tools from the Lidl middle aisle this week Credit: LIDL Lidl shoppers can also nab a Parkside Car Polisher Spot Repair for just £29.99 and an Ultimate Speed Mini-Compressor for £12.99, both available from Thursday, July 17. Meanwhile, a variety of Parkside gadgets are also hitting the middle aisle on Sunday, July 20. Why do Aldi and Lidl have such fast checkouts IF you've ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you'll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff. Aldi's speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals. It's all part of Aldi's plan to be as efficient as possible - and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers. Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process. It also uses 'shelf-ready' packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock. The Parkside Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner will be available for just £54.99, while a 46-piece Parkside Ratchet Set is listed for £9.99. Bedding 5 Lidl's new bedding range include anti-allergy items, such as mattress and pillow protectors Credit: LIDL And Lidl shoppers will also be able to pick up a variety of allergy-friendly bedding. This includes a two-pack of Slumberdown Anti-Allergy Pillow Protectors for just £4.99, a Single Slumberdown Anti-Allergy Mattress Protector, also available for £4.99. These bedding buys along with some others will land in the middle aisle on Sunday, July 20. More Lidl offers Plus, a viral tan from Lidl has proven to be a fan favourite this summer season. And the retailer also offers significant savings on your favourite summer rosé. Lidl also has a 55p caffeine drink that fans say could rival the likes of Starbucks.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Doing It Your Way: Finding Your Personal Franchise Style
Doing It Your Way: Finding Your Franchise Style Recently at a networking event here in the UK, I got chatting to an entrepreneur in the fitness industry. That person had launched and grown a brilliant small business, had started to expand geographically and was teaching others to do the same. As we spoke further it became clear that their business model was morphing into a franchise in all but name, but when I pointed this out to them, the reaction was one almost of horror. Why? Because their understanding of franchising was the same misconception shared by so many others still - that a franchise is very prescriptive and restrictive, that it is primarily for fast-food and retail, and that the franchisor sits and waits at arms-length for the money to roll in whilst the franchisees do all of the hard work. The reality of franchising can be - and in the vast majority of cases, is - very different indeed. The modern concept of a franchise has been around since the mid 1850s, with the first franchisor believed to have been Isaac Singer, the founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company and the inventor of the sewing machine. As demand for his product went through the roof, Singer granted licences to entrepreneurs across the US to sell and teach others to use his machines. It is a great shame therefore that, 175 years later, some entrepreneurs with brilliant businesses which are very well suited to franchising are deterred from considering it as a model for growth as they believe it won't suit them or their business, and that they won't be able to 'do it their way'. As the franchisor of a creative brand myself, as I embarked on my own franchising journey I had very clear ideas about how I wanted the franchise to look and feel, and about the franchisees that I wanted to attract and build a long term relationship with. And for any would-be franchisor considering franchising their business, there are many ways in which they can develop their model in a way that is unique to them and truly representative of their own personal values, their strengths and skills, and the values of their brand. At the heart of any successful franchise is nailed-on recruitment processes, a robust and fair franchise agreement, a comprehensive operations manual, tried and tested processes and procedures, great support systems and of course the financials. But when it comes to matters such as territory selection and business set up, training and onboarding, ongoing support systems, franchisee communication, network structure and how the franchise operates on a day to day basis, the franchisor can mould the model to suit their leadership style, the likely wants and needs of their industry and their ideal franchisee and their company ethos. Some franchisors will want to remain hands-on in all aspects of the business, whilst others may prefer to take a step back from ground level operations and focus on brand development and growth. In some brands and industries, giving franchisees a higher than usual degree of autonomy and flexibility may work well, whilst in others the franchisor may wish to retain a significant level of control over many aspects of the business. Franchising does not need to stifle creativity, or be faceless and lacking in personality - in fact a strong and collaborative franchise network can be a fantastic melting pot of ideas to fuel innovation and growth which benefits both franchisor and franchisee. Embarking on the journey of franchising a business can be a very daunting step, but taking time to identify a franchising style that works for you and your business and to build a model that is authentic to you should make that journey a much easier one. As a franchisor it gives you a clear identity, enabling you to foster a strong franchise culture from the outset and attract and retain franchisees with shared values. And whatever your unique franchise style is, communication is key. Be clear from the outset about how your model works, the key features and how you stand apart from the crowd, and embed this in your operations manual and in all touchpoints with your team. It will become your USP, franchisees will know and understand what to expect and what is expected of them, and your franchise style can become the key to your franchise success.
Wall Street Journal
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
House of the Week: A Romance Novelist's Prohibition-Era California Home
Historical romance novelist Kathryn Le Veque loves nothing more than a deep dive into history, in order to set her love affairs against the backdrop of medieval England. Her home in Glendora, Calif., sent her down a new rabbit hole. The Wallace Neff-designed home dates to the 1930s, when it was created for Arthur K. Bourne, heir to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune. It has a hidden steel-lined safe room designed to protect the Singer family following the Lindbergh baby kidnapping in 1932. Built during Prohibition, the room also serves as a speakeasy.
The National
31-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
'Scotland is not an island of strangers', says Humza Yousaf
Speaking at the Stand Up To Racism 'Stop Reform 2026' summit in The Boardwalk, Glasgow, Yousaf stressed the need to mobilise against growing far-right rhetoric, emboldened by Reform and Keir Starmer's language regarding immigration, whilst highlighting the contributions made to Scotland by migrants over several decades. Yousaf criticised Starmer's language in a speech which drew comparisons to Enoch Powell, saying: "Let me be absolutely clear, Prime Minister: Scotland is not an island of strangers. "We are a nation that is proud of its many cultures, many languages, many threads. That tartan, each colour, each strand is different, but woven together to something strong, something beautiful, that we are proud of in Scotland." READ MORE: Labour have 'given up' on by-election amid SNP-Reform contest, says John Swinney The Glasgow Pollok MSP also spoke at length about the contributions from and importance of migrants in Scotland and the rest of the UK. 'This country could not survive without immigrants. This continent requires immigration if we are to prosper", he said. 'I ask you, in the 1960s, who drove the buses that kept this city moving? Immigrants. Who kept the factories running when there was labour shortages, like my grandfather, who worked in the Singer Sewing Machine factory in Clydebank? 'It's immigrants today, when our loved ones need care, be that in the NHS or social care system — who is there, propping up our vital public services? Immigrants. 'When the crops need picking, the parcels need delivering, children need teaching, who's ready and willing to put in the hard graft? Immigrants.' The SNP MSP went on to 'bust myths' peddled by anti-immigration rhetoric, noting the significant economic contributions made by migrants through taxes and job creation, as well as highlighting failures of the Tory government in replacing social housing lost through Thatcher's Right to Buy scheme. He added: 'Successive UK governments did that through austerity, through awful financial mismanagement, like Trussonomics, through a lack of political courage. 'So let's bust another myth while we're here: migrants aren't taking your jobs. Migrants are creating your jobs.' Yousaf also criticised Nigel Farage's recent attacks on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, stating that whilst their political views differ, Sarwar 'loves Scotland infinitely more than Nigel Farage'. Yousaf, Anwar and Foyer were joined by Labour councillor Matt Kerr at the sold-out event (Image: Gordon Terris) Regarding the upcoming Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, he told The National: 'There has never been a more important moment to stand up against the advance of the far-right. 'Scotland, I am afraid, is not immune to the rise of populism, and next Thursday's by-election in Hamilton will be a key moment, where I hope, the good people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will roundly reject the politics of racial division. 'We need to wake up to the fact that Farage's Reform are gaining support. Those of us who are progressive, and believe in inclusive values, need to organise, mobilise and most importantly articulate an alternative vision to what Farage is offering. 'We need to articulate a vision rooted in hope, that is bold, radical and promises to make the lives of the majority better. 'If we do that, then we can stop the rise of the far-right. If not, well, the alternative does not bear thinking about.' READ MORE: Why the UK media 180 on Gaza is too little, too late Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar also gave a speech at the summit, where he criticised First Minister John Swinney and Police Scotland's handling of the recent Kneecap controversies, which saw the Irish rap trio axed from the TRNSMT lineup. Anwar said: 'A message also for John Swinney and Police Scotland over Kneecap: mind your own business. 'Don't tell us what we can listen to. You stopped Kneecap, while only days earlier the police protected fascists on our streets. 'You are punishing Kneecap for speaking out against Israel's genocide in Gaza, but when will you stop the arms trade? When will you hold the politicians who armed the genocide accountable?'
Irish Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Antique furniture, church bells and carpets: summer auction season hots up
The summer season of auctions has started in earnest, and those outside the capital have an eclectic choice, from Cavan to Cork, in the next week or so. Auctions were once the first place for new homeowners to pick up inexpensive pieces of furniture – and indeed china, antique cutlery sets, silver and glassware. But while tastes have changed hugely and flatpack furniture has become ubiquitous in the past few decades, auctions are still one of the best places to pick up furniture and quirky household items at keen prices. Denis Lynes points to several such pieces in Lynes & Lynes next auction in Cork on Saturday, May 24th. The 380 lots include a child's 1950s Mobo Bronco riding horse, with an estimate of €60-€100, which is far below the online offerings of similar vintage toys. The large 19th-century church bell (€800-€1,200) believed to have been from St Mary's Church of Ireland Church in Cobh There is also an antique Singer sewing machine (€30-€60), which will appeal as a display item, or it could be restored for use. The large 19th century church bell (€800-€1,200), which is believed to have been from St Mary's Church of Ireland Church in Cobh (demolished in 1967), might well be needed elsewhere. READ MORE The Singer sewing machine table with a marble top (€120-€220) Please Close the Gate sign (€40-€80) Similarly, the Victor Mee Auction of almost 900 lots on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20th and 21st, from 6pm each day, has lots of furniture that could be painted or polished for use in period or modern homes. For example, there are a few good mahogany chests of drawers (€300-€600 each). Also gilt over mantle mirrors – one at €260-€460 and another more ornate one for €400-€800, and Persian carpets (€600-€1,200) could add style to any living space. A 19th-century carved oak blanket box (€150-€250) and a carved oak floor bookcase (€250-€450) are more practical items. The Singer sewing machine table with a marble top is also a very special piece (€120-€220), and the Please Close the Gate cast-iron sign (€40-€80) is bound to attract buyers. Le Desepsoir (The Despair) by French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Photograph: Guillaume Souvant/AFP via Getty Rodin on view A marble sculpture by French sculptor August Rodin, Le Desepsoir (The Despair), which was created between 1892 and 1893, is set for auction next month. The piece, from the creator of The Kiss and The Thinker, has an estimate of €500,000, and is on view at Château de Villandry, near Tours, ahead of its sale by auction house Rouillac. Sian Taylor, the auction manager at Propstore, showcasing the original props from Thomas & Friends with signed items from celebrities including Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne and Hugh Bonneville. Photograph: Mattel/PA Thomas for sale Finally, in association with the American toy manufacturer, Mattel, Prop Store auctions is hosting an online charity auction to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Thomas & Friends. The auction of 200 lots from the beloved television show runs until May 28th. Mattel UK will pay all net proceeds (about 70 per cent) to the National Autism Charity. ; ;
