Latest news with #Zara
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Police Scotland vow to make changes after death of tragic cop dog Zara
An internal review was then held into the handling of the young pup's death and has confirmed that actions that led to her being put down were in line with their policies. Police Scotland have issued the outcome of an internal probe into the death of tragic cop dog PD Zara, and vowed to make changes The two-year-old German Shepherd police dog was euthanised two days after being hit by a car during a walk with her handler in December 2024. Police Scotland deemed the £12,000 surgery she needed too costly and she was put down just days before Christmas which was met with backlash from the public. An internal review was then held into the handling of the young pup's death and has confirmed that actions that led to her being put down were in line with their policies but recommendations have been made to improve the handling of similar situations in the future. A statement released by the Force reads: "On 11 December 2024 Police Dog Zara, a 2-year-old German Shephard Police Dog was struck by a car while being exercised off-duty. She sustained serious injuries and received veterinary care; sadly however the decision was made to euthanise her." "A review within Police Scotland has now been undertaken and it has been confirmed that the actions taken in relation to Police Dog Zara were in keeping with relevant policies. It has also been recognised that record keeping could be improved and that there is now scope to update our policies, considering developments at a UK level. "Retrospective assessment of the process applied does suggest that whilst the financial element involved was a factor it was not a primary driver, with a key finding being that all involved did seek to act in the best interests of PD Zara. "We recognise the public upset in relation to the death of Police Dog Zara, as well as the impact on staff wellbeing. We also recognise that we could have been more transparent in relation to the circumstances around the decision to euthanise Zara. We are taking steps to ensure that we implement learning." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A number of recommendations have been made to improve how Police Scotland deal with similar situations in the future including a revisal on how they engage with veterinary specialists, refreshed policies to achieve continued alignment with UK guidance provided by the National Police Chief's Council, and plans to implement an independent animal welfare scheme. They have also advised they will improve recording, particularly around decisions being made in relation to the care of police dogs, they will also introduce a requirement for an officer of at least Superintendent rank to be involved in the decision-making around the potential euthanising of a Police Dog. They will specify that the senior officer with responsibility for Police Scotland Specialist Services should be involved in decisions around the posting of specialist Dog Handlers and develop a communications plan to better inform the public in future instances where the decision to euthanise a Police Dog is made, including using the Police Scotland FOI Publication Scheme; They will also work to enhance Police Dog welfare, including through the potential provision of protective equipment and enhanced veterinary and boarding arrangements. A spokesperson added: "The death of Police Dog Zara has had a significant impact on those directly involved and the wider police family. "Our priority will always be the welfare of police animals. Police Scotland are keen to ensure that learning from the circumstances is adopted to ensure that we can continue to provide the best care for our animals and we will work in partnership to achieve this."
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Zara founder's global deal spree shields his $104 billion from tax
Zara founder Amancio Ortega's private investment firm is on a global deal spree, picking up a string of trophy assets in recent weeks as he seeks to deploy his expanding fortune to avoid wealth taxes. The Inditex SA founder's family office, Pontegadea, snapped up a five-star Paris hotel, a Florida apartment block and a building on Barcelona's iconic Diagonal Avenue as part of transactions totaling more than $500 million in the past three months, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The A Coruna, Spain-based firm is also in talks to buy an office building in Miami for $275 million, lining up a further addition to Europe's biggest real estate empire owned by an individual investor. 'For Pontegadea the choice is simple: redeploy every euro of that Zara dividend or watch eight-figure cash bleed away every year,' said Marc Debois, founder of FO-Next, an advisory firm for family offices. 'This is liability management, not trophy-hunting.' Dividend Payouts Pontegadea's assets have swelled from the dividend payouts over the years, shaping it into one of the world's largest – and most active – family offices. Many of these firms are becoming increasingly influential in global business thanks to the wealth at their disposal and the need for reinvestment. Pontegadea had net assets of €34.3 billion at the end of last year, up 10.6% from 12 months earlier, according to registry filings published this month. Ortega's Inditex stake, though, still makes up the bulk of his wealth. At least a fifth of individuals among the world's 500 biggest fortunes now have a family office that help to oversee fortunes totaling more than $4 trillion, according to the index. In Europe, Ortega trails only LVMH founder Bernard Arnault on Bloomberg's list of richest individuals. Ortega founded the company that grew into Inditex in 1963. The son of a railroad worker, the billionaire never had his own office while he worked at the retailer, preferring to be alongside employees in the main design area. He stepped down as chairman in 2011 and was replaced by long-time executive Pablo Isla. His only child from his second marriage, 41-year-old Marta Ortega, took over in 2022. Sandra, 56, the daughter from his first marriage, controls the shares that her late mother held in Inditex. She doesn't have a role in the business and has diversified her own fortune into real estate, pharmaceuticals and hospitality. Her $12.4 billion net worth makes her Spain's richest woman, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Through Pontegadea, Amancio Ortega owns iconic properties such as New York's Haughwout Building, the Southeast Financial Center in Miami and London's The Post Building. He also controls prime residential and commercial real estate in cities from Toronto to Seoul — buildings that count Facebook, Inc., Zara, and even rival Hennes & Mauritz AB among tenants. In addition to real estate, Pontegadea can invest in energy infrastructure or stakes of at least 5% in publicly listed companies to reduce the threat of Spain's wealth taxes. The family office acquired major holdings in Spanish gas transportation operator Enagas SA in 2019 and, two years later, a Portuguese rival. For its infrastructure bets, Pontegadea has repeatedly turned to buyout giant KKR & Co Inc., underscoring the scale of the family office's investing operations. In 2018, it joined the Wall Street firm in becoming a shareholder in Telefonica SA's tower unit and the firms have since closed at least two further deals, including Pontegadea buying a 20% stake in KKR-controlled Dutch parking operator Q-Park during December. Pontegadea is also in talks with firms including KKR to acquire the Sabadell Financial Center building in Miami.
STV News
a day ago
- STV News
Finances 'a factor' in decision to euthanise police dog hit by car
Police Scotland has confirmed finances were a 'factor' when deciding to put a Dundee police dog to sleep despite vets giving her a 'great prognosis'. PD Zara was taken to the vet after she was struck by a car on Couper Angus Road in Kirkhill on December 11, 2024. The then two-year-old German Shepherd suffered a number of injuries, including a fractured hip bone. Vets indicated the dog would need to have the joint 'roughly reconstructed' or fully replaced. The operation, which could be carried out in one or two stages, would have cost the force around £12,000. During the days following the crash, Zara had walked outside and her condition was described as 'comfortable' with reflexes present. The report also stated on December 13 that her nerve function 'seemed ok' and the prognosis was 'great once recovered'. A decision was later made to put Zara to sleep. The Thin Blue Paw foundation, which is dedicated to police dogs, previously described the death of the young German Shepherd as a 'tragedy'. The charity criticised the force's decision to euthanise the dog rather than authorise further CT scans. A Police Scotland review has since been carried out and it deemed the decision 'in keeping with relevant policies'. Although the 'financial element' was a factor during the process, it was not seen as the 'primary driver'. Thin Blue Paw The force says it will now make a number of procedural changes following the review including a refresh of policies, the implementation of an independent animal welfare scheme and the improvement of record keeping when it comes to the care of Police Dogs A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'The death of Police Dog Zara has had a significant impact on those directly involved and the wider police family. 'Our priority will always be the welfare of police animals. 'Police Scotland are keen to ensure that learning from the circumstances is adopted to ensure that we can continue to provide the best care for our animals and we will work in partnership to achieve this.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Graziadaily
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
Here's The Best Hair Perfumes For 2025
One scroll through #PerfumeTok confirms it- hair perfume is having its moment in the spotlight. Once seen as a niche luxury at best - or a frivolous extra at worst- owning a hair fragrance today marks a new kind of status symbol. For the beauty set, there's nothing more chic than a delicate misting through strands and across the shoulders. I should know. I've seen enough beauty editor's pull one from their handbag and give their hair a discreet top-up. Whether worn solo or layered with your signature perfume, it's quickly become my own finishing touch when I want to feel truly polished and put-together. The best part? It doesn't need to cost a fortune. Take Daisy Edgar-Jones's love of Zara's Dusk Hair Fragrance (created with legendary hairstylist Guido Palau) as proof that high-impact hair perfume can still be accessible. But aren't hair perfumes just regular fragrances repackaged, I hear you cry? 'Not exactly.' Nadine Ibrahim Bacha, Byredo's Global Fragrance Trainer tells Grazia . 'Hair fragrances are typically lightweight and non-greasy, so they don't weigh hair down or leave it feeling sticky,' she explains. The formula, too, is different. 'They often contain lower levels of alcohol, or are entirely alcohol-free,' Bacha says. 'They may also be enriched with nourishing ingredients like oils, vitamins, or UV filters that protect the hair from environmental stressors.' Essentially? They smell good and do good. And Amanda Morgan, MD of Diptyque UK is inclined to agree. 'It's not recommended to spray perfume directly onto your hair as it can be drying,' she says. 'Hair mists are specially formulated for that purpose. They're far gentler on strands while still delivering beautiful fragrance.' Our hair is more porous than skin, meaning it holds onto scent for longer- this is why you'll often be able to catch a heady whiff of your shampoo when you take your hair down in the evening. By contrast, the scent on your skin may have faded considerably. 'Hair is always in movement,' adds Bacha. 'This makes it the perfect vector for perfume, as it amplifies the delicately scented trail you leave behind.' It's that delicately scented trail that's proving increasingly popular among shoppers, too. 'Scented hair mists have been growing in popularity in recent years,' Morgan notes. 'It's an innovative way to wear fragrance, especially if you prefer not to apply scent directly to your skin.' From cult classics to fresh icons, here are the very best hair perfumes for 2025 as recommended by the Grazia beauty team. 1. Byredo Bal d'Afrique Hair Perfume What Byredo says: 'Byredo Hair Perfume captures Byredo's signature fragrances into a long-lasting mist of scent for the hair, leaving it luminous, refreshed, and subtly perfumed throughout the day. The non-greasy formula is so lightweight it can spritz onto pre-styled hair as the ultimate finishing touch.' What we know: The handy aerosol format here make things feel effortless. Simply spritz and go to coat stands with an even layer of this light yet nourishing mist. Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Delicate, graceful and utterly addictive, Bal'd Afrique is what I reach for when I want to feel pepped up and energised. Inspired by African culture in 1920s Paris, the blend of marigold, bergamot, lemon and neroli is beautifully bright and vibrant. It's these summer-laden notes that I'll come back to time and time again. And as for its hair beautifying credentials? Strands are left soft and luminous after a quick misting. Would recommend.' Pros Cons 2. Diptyque Ilio Hair Mist What Diptyque say: 'Ilio, meaning "sun" in Greek, is a tribute to the Mediterranean in summer. The collection evokes a relaxing, sun-drenched break. As far as the eye can see, colourful beach umbrellas, fresh green prickly pears and the glittering sea... An invitation to savour the pleasures of summer, all year round.' What we know: Inspired by the shores of the Mediterranean, the scent of prickly pears blends with bergamot and jasmine in the sweetness of summer. If you're partial to something light and delicate then consider this an excellent option. Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Diptyque's Ilio Hair Mist is one of my all time favourites. For summer the scent is hard to beat - think a deliciously a sun-soaked blend of prickly pear, bergamot and jasmine. It's fresh, uplifting and lingers beautifully in my hair throughout the day. As someone prone to grease, what I love most is how lightweight it feels. I'm left with shiny, supple strands that look light and bouncy - it's perfect for adding a little touch of luxury to your day.' Pros Beautiful bottle Light, energising scent Cons Might be too subtle for some 3. Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady Hair Mist Price: £105 What Frédéric Malle says: 'A mist with a difference, Frédéric Malle's Portrait of a Lady Hair Mist lends your locks a subtle veil of the famous heady scent.' What we know: A fragrance heavy-weight, Portrait of a Lady is as sophisticated and striking as they come. Warm spices, velvety rose and deep woods make for one of the most opulent scents going - it's considered a modern day classic oozing with sex appeal. Ooft! Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Once you've caught a whiff of Portrait of a Lady, chances are you'll never go back. Ideal for those who seek an unapologetically more-is-more fragrance (there's 200 flowers in this bottle) expect a deliciously milky floral blend of Turkish Rose, patchouli, sandalwood and frankincense all meshed together with blackcurrant, warm clove and raspberry. The best part? A single spritz is always enough. It's as potent as they come, so be rest assured that one bottle will last a very long time.' Read our full review here Pros Incredibly long lasting A little goes a long way Cons Is quite popular - not one for fans of niche fragrances 4. Miss Dior Eau de Parfum Hair Mist Price: £48 What Dior says: 'An echo of the sensual, velvety trail of Miss Dior Eau de Parfum, this hair mist diffuses the freshness of a bouquet of spring flowers. Featuring an alcohol-free formula infused with rosewater, the scent embodies a tender dialogue between floral notes- a true 'millefiori' - enveloped in woody accords.' What we know: Sweet, feminine and floral, Dior's iconic Miss Dior manages to blur the lines between a floral and a wood based scent. If you're a fan of the original, investing in the hair perfume is an excellent idea to increase its longevity. Rachael Martin, beauty director, says:'If you're after a sweet, beautifully long-lasting perfume mist, then consider this one just the ticket. Housed in a frosted glass bottle (handle with care), it epitomises Dior's luxury feel from the very first spritz. The scent is light yet impactful, leaving behind a subtly floral trail that lingers in the hair for hours without ever becoming overwhelming. Very, very pretty.' Pros Beautiful packaging More afforable option Cons 5. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 scented hair mist What Maison Francis Kurkdjian says: 'Wearers can expect a heady mesh of jasmine, resin, saffron and amberwood. The perfumer wanted a fragrance that translates the feeling of transparency and density.' What we know: Suited to all hair types, you can mist this through hair at any time throughout the day. Simply spray onto your brush for a more subtle, delicate version of the scent that still manages to embody all-out luxury.' Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'A light misting across hair and shoulders is all it takes for this iconic scent to linger well into the following day. Expect that instantly recognisable blend of jasmine, resin and cedar, anchored by saffron and amberwood- a now iconic composition that's become synonymous with modern opulence. The effect is sultry and sophisticated, without veering into overpowering territory. Baccarat devotee? Take note- while the original will set you back £235, this version delivers a slightly more subtle offering for just £75. And if you're after a lighter floral altogether give MFK's A La Rose a go.' Pros Long lasting Considerably cheaper than the original perfume Cons Has turned into a viral scent 6. Sisley Hair Rituel Le Parfum What Sisley says: 'This perfume reflects the brand's cult fragrance. It is designed to develop on both the skin and hair, which can retain scents for longer. Fresh and delicate, this hair and body perfume is instantly absorbed, leaving a long-lasting fragrance. Its elegant, heady sillage unfolds with each movement.' What we know: Hair is more porous than skin, meaning it absorbs perfume and lasts considerably longer. It's also less exposed to sweat and body heat, two factors that cause fragrance to fade away as the day goes on. However, the fact that you can wear this on skin too, means more bang for your buck. Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Bright top notes of lemon, lavender, and verbena mesh effortlessly with delicate mimosa flower, before settling into a base of woods and amber- it's deliciously warming and sensual. Ever changing, expect this fragrance to evolve beautifully throughout the day, revealing a new, unexpected note every time the wind catches. I like this one as it smells subtly different on everyone while always maintaining that unmistakable allure. Fresh yet comforting, fruity yet floral- it strikes that rare balance of being both uplifting and enveloping. Impossibly chic French women love it - incase you needed further sway.' Read our full review Pros Can be used on the body too Long lasting scent Decent sized bottle Cons The label is a sticker, which doesn't feel premium when compared to the bottle or scent itself 7. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume Floral Edition Price: £19 What Gisou says: 'Renowned for its sophisticated formulas, the brand's sumptuously scented solutions look to maintain and improve your tresses' health while boosting soft, supple and shiny strands.' What we know: Enriched with honey and argan oil, the formula does more than scent your locks; it infuses your hair with shine-boosting antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids, keeping hair in tip-top condition. Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Small but mighty, Gisou's rose scented hair perfume is as beautiful as they come. Just a light misting adds a beautiful layer of lustrous shine that never strays into the greasy category. There's something quietly powerful about this particular hair perfume. It's unassuming and certainly doesn't shout. It really does linger gracefully, however. A wonderful finishing touch for the rose inclined among us.' Pros Contains UV filters Ideal size for handbag Cons It's only 15ml, so don't be surprised if you get through it quickly 8. Kilian Paris Love Don't Be Shy Hair Mist What Kilian say: 'Coming from a long line of luxury cognac brewers, Kilian Hennessy was never a stranger to decadent, sophisticated smells. After writing a thesis on the semantics of scents, it made sense that he used his experiences to create a new kind of perfumery. Cue: Kilian. As one of the most experienced fragrant houses in the industry, the brand dreams up alluring aromas for both your skin and strands. A case in point? The Love, Don't Be Shy Hair Mist that turns the brand's iconic gourmand fragrance into a hair mist.' What we know: Once an under-the-radar go-to for those in the know, this scent was popularised when it was revealed as Rihanna's signature scent in 2016. Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'If you love a sweet, gourmand fragrance then this could be your new go-to. While it errs on the side of sickly initially, it has a more subtle dry down that feels considerably more grown up than that first, sugary hit. The finish is rich without being overpowering - think notes of marshmallow, vanilla, and caramel. If it's good enough for Rihanna...' Pros Cons 9. Rare Beauty Find Comfort Body & Hair Fragrance Mist What Rare says: Indulge in a super scented boost with this Rare Beauty Find Comfort Body & Hair Fragrance Mist. This Rare Beauty Body and Hair Mist is infused with natural extracts to freshen and soften the skin and hair, delivered via the finest mist. What we know: Just a light spritz leaves behind a calm and comforting scent (the range's signature lemon zest, jasmine and cashmere wood) and it's also boosted with biotin and niacinamide - ingredients that help to add softness and sheen to both skin and hair. Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Selena Gomez knows her way around a sell-out product. Look to this body and hair mist for proof - Space NK struggle to keep it in stock. Made with a unique blend of niacinamide, biotin, and peach flower extract, a light misting works refresh and strengthen hair. Thankfully, the scent smells gorgeous too - lemon zest, jasmine leaves, and tonka beans combine to aid a feeling of relaxation and calm. And breathe....' Pros Cons When do I apply hair perfume? 'These lightweight formulas can be spritzed onto styled hair as the ultimate finishing touch,' Bacha advises. What does hair perfume do? 'It adds scented freshness and a sense of lightness, and doesn't interrupt the natural texture of the hair,' says Bacha. Some also come with extra hair beautifying ingredients, like UV filters or hydrating agents. What is the best hair perfume? Morgan cites soft florals as the top-sellers. 'From Diptyque, Eau Rose, Do Son, and Eau des Sens are particularly popular,' she says. How do I apply hair perfume? You can spritz it directly onto styled hair, or apply to a brush before combing through - this ensures even distribution Rachael Martin is Grazia's Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen's University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism
Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- Business Times
Zara founder Ortega goes on deal spree to shield US$104 billion from tax
[LONDON] Zara founder Amancio Ortega's private investment firm is on a global deal spree, picking up a string of trophy assets in recent weeks as he seeks to deploy his expanding fortune to avoid wealth taxes. The Inditex founder's family office, Pontegadea, snapped up a five-star Paris hotel, a Florida apartment block and a building on Barcelona's iconic Diagonal Avenue as part of transactions totalling more than US$500 million in the past three months, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The A Coruna, Spain-based firm is also in talks to buy an office building in Miami for US$275 million, lining up a further addition to Europe's biggest real estate empire owned by an individual investor. Ortega, 89, has a net worth of about US$103.7 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. A representative declined to comment. The spending spree coincides with him receiving his biggest-ever annual dividend from the retail giant he founded more than six decades ago, with about half the expected 3.1 billion euros (S$4.6 billion) paid out in early May. In a legal quirk, Ortega – Inditex's biggest shareholder with a 59 per cent stake – must swiftly spend those payouts or face handing over a chunk of it in extra taxes in Spain, the only European Union nation that currently has a full-on wealth tax for rich residents. 'For Pontegadea the choice is simple: redeploy every euro of that Zara dividend or watch eight-figure cash bleed away every year,' said Marc Debois, founder of FO-Next, an advisory firm for family offices. 'This is liability management, not trophy-hunting.' BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Dividend payouts Pontegadea's assets have swelled from the dividend payouts over the years, shaping it into one of the world's largest – and most active – family offices. Many of these firms are becoming increasingly influential in global business thanks to the wealth at their disposal and the need for reinvestment. Pontegadea had net assets of 34.3 billion euros at the end of last year, up 10.6 per cent from 12 months earlier, according to registry filings published this month. Ortega's Inditex stake, though, still makes up the bulk of his wealth. At least a fifth of individuals among the world's 500 biggest fortunes now have a family office that help to oversee fortunes totalling more than US$4 trillion, according to the index. Ortega founded the company that grew into Inditex in 1963. The son of a railroad worker, the billionaire never had his own office while he worked at the retailer, preferring to be alongside employees in the main design area. He stepped down as chairman in 2011 and was replaced by long-time executive Pablo Isla. His only child from his second marriage, 41-year-old Marta Ortega, took over in 2022. Sandra, 56, the daughter from his first marriage, controls the shares that her late mother held in Inditex. She doesn't have a role in the business and has diversified her own fortune into real estate, pharmaceuticals and hospitality. Her US$12.4 billion net worth makes her Spain's richest woman, according to the Bloomberg billionaires Index. Through Pontegadea, Amancio Ortega owns iconic properties such as New York's Haughwout Building, the Southeast Financial Center in Miami and London's The Post Building. He also controls prime residential and commercial real estate in cities from Toronto to Seoul – buildings that count Facebook, Zara, and even rival Hennes & Mauritz among tenants. In addition to real estate, Pontegadea can invest in energy infrastructure or stakes of at least 5 per cent in publicly listed companies to reduce the threat of Spain's wealth taxes. The family office acquired major holdings in Spanish gas transportation operator Enagas in 2019 and, two years later, a Portuguese rival. For its infrastructure bets, Pontegadea has repeatedly turned to buyout giant KKR , underscoring the scale of the family office's investing operations. In 2018, it joined the Wall Street firm in becoming a shareholder in Telefonica's tower unit and the firms have since closed at least two further deals, including Pontegadea buying a 20 per cent stake in KKR-controlled Dutch parking operator Q-Park during December. Pontegadea is also in talks with firms including KKR to acquire the Sabadell Financial Center building in Miami. BLOOMBERG
