The Swindon-based furniture retailer posted an operating loss of £4.2m for the year to June 2025, a two-thirds reduction on the previous year

Oak Furnitureland is planning further showroom expansion following an improvement in its profitability. The Swindon-based retailer is aiming to open a series of new stores throughout 2026, following the successful launch of a new showroom in Coventry this past September.

It is also planning to refurbish at least half of its existing store estate by the end of June. Despite posting an operating loss of £4.2m for the year ending June 2025, this represents a two-thirds reduction on the previous year.

Over the course of the year, revenue grew by two per cent to £240.5m, with sales growth accelerating to five per cent in the seven months since the firm’s financial year end. The company, which operates 69 showrooms across the UK, said it had continued to gain market share in a broadly flat market.

This was achieved by innovating its range and diversifying into new categories beyond traditional solid wood cabinetry, whilst also making the brand more accessible through the introduction of no-deposit, interest-free credit offers.

Oak Furnitureland chief executive Alex Fisher said: “Customers are increasingly making more considered purchases, opting for durable, long-life products for their homes.”

He added: “Our objective to take our brand beyond cabinetry and into the whole home, innovate our ranges, and make our offer more accessible to even more customers is now starting to deliver.”

Oak Furnitureland collapsed into administration in 2020 before being rescued by US private equity firm Davidson Kempner Capital Management, as reported by City AM.

The firm was previously the football kit sponsor for football club Burnley.

Oak Furnitureland’s results come after the boss of rival retailer Dunelm warned of continued subdued consumer confidence and said more and more cost-conscious shoppers were looking out for deals and discount prices.

“Customer confidence has remained low over a prolonged period of time,” said Clo Moriarty.

“What that tells me is that every pound of disposable income is hard-earned by retailers and a lot of thought goes in by customers on how and where to spend it.

“We’re definitely seeing high levels of discounting with customers looking for deals. But in equal measure we can see customers now keen to look at what’s fresh for the season.”

Last week, Dunelm reported a 3.6 per cent sales growth to £926m for the second half of 2025, whilst pre-tax profit slipped 7.5 per cent to £114m.

Residents are worried the ‘oversized’ apartment blocks will dominate the skyline

A campaign group is calling for ambitious plans to redevelop a landmark Cornwall hotel to be scaled back in order to prevent what they term as “oversized” apartment blocks from overshadowing the skyline and obstructing sea views in Newquay.

The Save Our Sea Views campaign is advocating for a reduction in the height of a proposed development that aims to refurbish and expand Hotel Victoria on East Street. The project would involve the construction of five residential blocks, housing 81 apartments.

If given the green light, the plans put forward by the Nicolas James Group would result in the demolition of several buildings, including the Griffin Inn, Senor Dicks Mexican Restaurant, a residential property to the north west of the hotel, and 1 Cliff Road.

The applicant intends to redevelop Hotel Victoria under its prestigious Hotel Nici brand, introducing a new 4/5-star hotel to the town.

However, the residents’ campaign group argues the proposals pose a threat to public sea views and could harm the coastal character of the town.

They are appealing to the applicant and Cornwall Council planners to reduce the height and bulk of the proposed apartment blocks, particularly ‘Block G’ on the former Berties nightclub site. They argue that the current designs favour large residential blocks over sensitive, context-led regeneration.

Whilst the campaigners emphasise that they are not against development, they are calling for a “better design that respects Newquay’s identity as a coastal town”.

“Newquay’s connection to the sea belongs to everyone,” said Jessie Jacobs, one of the organisers of Save Our Sea Views.

“From streets like Berry Road and Trenance Road, the sea is part of the public realm. These proposals risk turning open, coastal streets into enclosed corridors of concrete. Once those views are gone, they’re gone forever.”

The campaign raises concerns that the apartment blocks take centre stage in the current proposals, whilst the hotel itself isn’t scheduled for redevelopment for several years.

Locals worry this could lead to oversized residential blocks dominating the skyline, whilst sections of the site lie vacant or underutilised.

“This risks the worst of all outcomes,” said Ms Jacobs. “Permanent harm to public sea views now, with the promised benefits of hotel regeneration delayed for years. That is not balanced, responsible development.

“This is not about stopping regeneration. It’s about shaping it properly. Newquay deserves development that enhances the town, not overwhelms it.”

The campaign group has launched a public petition. They have also urged anyone opposing the development to submit planning objections.

Despite opposition from the Save Our Sea Views campaign group, the planning application has attracted just six public responses on the council’s portal to date – four objections and two in support.

Validated by the council on January 14, the application remains pending a decision.

Representing the Nicolas James Group, architects Kay Elliott have previously said: “The ambition is to reposition Hotel Victoria as a luxury hotel as part of the client’s Hotel Nici brand. In order to support the level of investment the development will include new stand alone residential apartment buildings located on brownfield land to the east and west of the hotel.”

According to a design statement, the site benefits from prominent views from multiple vantage points throughout the town. “It will be important to maintain these views of the hotel and enhance them from the closer views.

“The site sits within the setting of St Michael’s Church, this is an important part of the local area and its tower is a significant feature in the townscape. Proposals will need to maintain the prominence of this feature and blend into the surrounding townscape when viewed from afar.”

The planning documents emphasise that the proposed apartment blocks remain subordinate in height to the hotel, sitting “comfortably” beneath its roofline.

“The massing of these blocks is restrained and set back from the cliff edge to allow for the views into the site to be maintained and enhanced.”

Apple may soon make choosing a MacBook more about personality than processor speed. According to industry reports, the company is testing a range of new color options for its upcoming entry-level MacBook, primarily targeting students and enterprise customers.

Potential finishes include light yellow, soft green, blue, and pink, a notable departure from Apple’s traditionally muted laptop palette.

Competitive Pricing With Strategic Hardware

Apple has also reportedly experimented with classic silver and darker gray tones, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. While not all versions are expected to reach production, recent product launches suggest the company is increasingly comfortable embracing bold aesthetics. The 2024 refresh of the iMac introduced seven color options, and the latest MacBook Air replaced Space Gray with Sky Blue.

The new MacBook is rumored to target a $699 to $799 price range, potentially making it one of Apple’s most affordable laptops in years. To achieve that price point, the company may integrate iPhone-class silicon, such as the A18 Pro chip, first introduced in flagship iPhones.

Leveraging mobile silicon could reduce production costs while delivering strong efficiency and performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and streaming. However, buyers may see trade-offs in port selection, display technology, or advanced performance features typically reserved for higher-end Mac models.

Premium Materials Remain

Despite its budget positioning, the Cupertino giant is reportedly committed to maintaining a premium aluminum build. Rather than shifting to plastic, the company is said to be refining its manufacturing process to produce durable aluminum enclosures more cost-effectively, per Engadget.

If these reports prove accurate, Apple could unveil the redesigned, student-focused MacBook at a spring event. It will potentially shift expectations for what an affordable Mac can offer in both performance and design.

Originally published on Tech Times

Apple’s compact tablet, the iPad mini, has not seen a major refresh since its 2024 update with the A17 Pro chip, leaving fans eager for the next iteration. As of February 15, 2026, reliable leaks from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, MacRumors, Tom’s Guide, and supply chain reports point to the iPad mini 8 (or next-generation iPad mini) launching in the second half of 2026, likely September to November, with a standout OLED display as its biggest upgrade.

This timing aligns with Apple’s pattern of fall events for premium iPad models, potentially sharing the spotlight with new iPhone releases or other wearables. Unlike the entry-level iPad and iPad Air, which Bloomberg reports are “coming soon” in early 2026 with chip bumps (A18 for base iPad, M4 for Air), the iPad mini is positioned for a more substantial overhaul later in the year. No official announcement has come from Apple, and the company typically reveals products months in advance only through events.

Current Status and Why a New Model Is Anticipated The latest iPad mini (7th generation, released October 2024) features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, A17 Pro chip, Apple Pencil Pro support, and Apple Intelligence capabilities. It remains a strong portable option for reading, note-taking, and media consumption, but its LCD screen has drawn criticism for lacking the contrast, blacks, and efficiency of OLED panels found in the iPad Pro since 2024.

Rumors have circulated since late 2025 that Apple plans to bring OLED to more iPads, starting with the mini as a non-Pro model test case. Bloomberg’s October 2025 report indicated Apple aims to transition OLED across the lineup gradually, with the iPad mini potentially first among non-Pro devices in 2026. Recent February 2026 updates from Gurman reinforce this, noting the mini as “the only new iPad set to get a bigger upgrade this year” beyond processor tweaks.

Mass production could begin in Q3 2026 (July–September), per industry insiders cited on Reddit’s r/ipadmini and ET News, positioning a holiday-season launch. Some analysts speculate a September or October reveal alongside iPhone 18 models, though delays to 2027 remain possible if supply chain issues arise—Apple has occasionally postponed mini updates due to lower priority compared to Pro lines.

Expected Design and Display Upgrades The next iPad mini is rumored to retain its beloved 8.3-inch form factor, with slim bezels, aluminum build, and Touch ID in the power button. Major changes focus on the screen: an OLED panel promising deeper blacks, infinite contrast, vibrant colors, and better HDR support. This upgrade could enable ProMotion-like high refresh rates (potentially 120Hz), addressing long-standing complaints about the current 60Hz LCD.

Additional rumored enhancements include improved water resistance (sealed design for better IP rating) and possibly thinner profiles or refined edges. No drastic redesigns like foldable elements are expected—the mini’s appeal lies in its pocketable size.

Performance and Chip Speculation Powering the device, leaks suggest an A19 Pro or A20 Pro chip (2nm process), delivering significant efficiency gains, faster performance, and enhanced Apple Intelligence features. This would position the mini closer to Pro-level capabilities in a smaller package, with better multitasking, AI processing, and battery life.

RAM could increase to 8GB or more, supporting advanced on-device AI. Storage options likely start at 128GB, with tiers up to 1TB. Connectivity remains Wi-Fi 6E/7 and optional 5G, with USB-C for charging and accessories.

Camera, Accessories, and Software Camera expectations are modest: the 12MP rear and 12MP front (landscape-oriented) may see sensor tweaks or better computational photography, but no major leaps. Apple Pencil Pro compatibility continues, with potential new gestures or features tied to iPadOS 19 or 20.

The device will ship with the latest iPadOS, emphasizing AI tools like enhanced Siri, writing aids, and visual intelligence—features already rolling out in 2026 updates.

Pricing and Market Positioning Starting price could rise slightly due to OLED costs. Current iPad mini starts at $499; rumors from ZDNet and Bloomberg suggest a $100 increase to around $599 for the base model. This keeps it premium yet accessible compared to iPad Air ($599+) or Pro models.

The mini targets users wanting portability without sacrificing power—students, readers, travelers, and creatives. Competition includes Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S series small tablets and Amazon Fire tablets, but Apple’s ecosystem integration (iPhone continuity, Apple Pencil) gives it an edge.

Broader 2026 iPad Lineup Context Apple’s 2026 roadmap appears staggered:

• Early 2026 (March–May): New base iPad (A18/A19 chip) and iPad Air 8 (M4 chip), focusing on performance without design changes.
• Mid-to-late 2026: iPad mini 8 with OLED and advanced chip.
• No major iPad Pro refresh expected until 2027 (M6 or later).

This approach allows Apple to space releases, maintain sales momentum, and prioritize OLED supply for high-margin models first.

What to Watch For As spring 2026 progresses, expect more leaks on prototypes, supply chain shipments, and WWDC previews (June 2026) hinting at software features. If OLED production ramps up as planned, a September event announcement seems likely.

For current owners, the 2024 iPad mini remains capable, but the 2026 model promises the display upgrade many have waited for. Whether it arrives late 2026 or slips to 2027, the next iPad mini could redefine compact tablets with superior visuals and performance.

Thailand’s tourism faces challenges due to a rising baht and exchange rate volatility, making travel seem costlier for visitors from South Korea, the U.S., and Malaysia, despite overall affordability.

Key Points

• Economic Influences: Thailand’s rising baht and exchange rate volatility are raising concerns about travel affordability for tourists from South Korea, the U.S., and Malaysia. While perceptions suggest inflated costs, the increase is primarily due to currency strength rather than domestic inflation.
• Tourism Trends: Despite these challenges, Thailand aims to attract 36.7 million foreign tourists in 2026. Enhanced infrastructure and diverse experiences position the country as a competitive destination, despite potential price competitiveness with regional neighbors.
• Travel Tips: To navigate the landscape, travelers should track exchange rates, consider off-peak travel, explore lesser-known destinations, utilize local markets, and opt for budget airlines for internal flights. With proper planning, visitors can still enjoy affordable experiences in Thailand.

Thailand’s Tourism Charm Amid Economic Challenges

Thailand, celebrated for its vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and rich history, continues to be a significant destination for international travelers. However, recent concerns regarding increasing travel expenses, especially among visitors from South Korea and the U.S., have emerged. Many perceive that the rising costs are due to domestic inflation; however, Thailand’s tourism authorities clarify that these perceptions stem from exchange rate fluctuations, not local price hikes. The country remains a top vacation spot despite these challenges, emphasizing the need for potential travelers to understand the underlying economic factors affecting travel costs.

The Impact of Currency Changes on Travel Costs

The main issue affecting travelers resides in the strengthening of Thailand’s baht, which saw a notable surge of 9% in 2025. This increase has positioned the baht at a higher exchange rate against currencies like the U.S. dollar, resulting in tourists feeling the pinch on essential expenses such as meals and transport. Importantly, Thailand’s inflation rates have stabilized, even exhibiting negative inflation in recent months due to declining energy costs. Thus, while exchange rate dynamics complicate perceptions of affordability, most essential expenses remain lower than those in comparable Southeast Asian destinations.

Practical Tips for Budget-Conscious Travelers

For informed travel planning, visitors can still enjoy Thailand economically by adhering to several strategies. Monitoring exchange rates before and during the trip is crucial for maximizing budget efficiency. Additionally, considering off-peak travel can reduce accommodation and flight costs significantly. Exploring lesser-known destinations like Chiang Mai or Pai often offers delightful experiences at lower prices. Engaging with local markets and choosing budget airlines for domestic travel can enhance overall affordability, thus allowing travelers to soak in Thailand’s diverse attractions while effectively managing their expenses.

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Motorola’s flagship flip phone, the Razr Ultra, is gearing up for its next iteration in 2026, building on the strong reception of the 2025 model. As of February 15, 2026, leaks and analyst reports point to the Motorola Razr Ultra (2026)—also known as the Razr 70 Ultra in some markets—launching in spring 2026, with an announcement likely in April and market availability following shortly after in late April or early May.

PhoneArena’s February 6 update, based on historical patterns and supply chain insights, pegs the announcement around April 2026, roughly one year after the Razr Ultra (2025) debuted in April 2025. This timing maintains Motorola’s annual refresh cycle for premium foldables, positioning the device to compete in the growing flip phone segment against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series and other clamshell rivals.

Motorola has not officially confirmed details, but the expected spring rollout gives it an edge in early-year flagship announcements before summer events like MWC (March 2–5, 2026) fully dominate headlines.

Recent Context: 2025 Model and Special Editions The current Razr Ultra (2025) remains a standout, praised for its large external display, durable hinge, strong battery life and AI features. It launched in April 2025 (U.S. announcement) with availability in May, starting around $1,299. Recent promotions highlight its appeal: Best Buy’s Presidents’ Day sale (as of February 11, 2026) dropped it by $500 to $799.99, and Valentine’s Day deals extended discounts up to $780 off in some regions.

Motorola also released a limited-edition motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition on January 6, 2026, at Lenovo Tech World ’26. This special variant, tied to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, features themed design, custom software (including a World Cup ringtone) and exclusive connectivity perks. It became available February 12, 2026, exclusively via Verizon and motorola.com in the U.S. (MSRP $699.99), with wider retail expansion planned. The edition underscores Motorola’s strategy of limited-run collaborations to boost visibility for the Razr lineup.

Expected Upgrades for Razr Ultra 2026 While full specs remain under wraps, leaks suggest meaningful refinements over the 2025 model:

• Design and Durability: Continued focus on a robust hinge (IPX8 water resistance expected), slimmer profile and larger external display for enhanced usability when closed. Color options may include fresh Pantone-inspired shades.
• Display: Dual AMOLED panels with brighter peaks, better anti-reflective coating and potentially higher refresh rates on the cover screen.
• Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite successor (or equivalent flagship chip) for smoother multitasking, AI processing and gaming. RAM likely 12GB–16GB, storage up to 1TB.
• Battery and Charging: Retention or slight increase in capacity (building on 2025’s strong endurance), with 68W+ wired and wireless charging.
• Cameras: Upgraded 50MP main sensor with improved low-light performance, ultra-wide and enhanced AI editing tools via moto ai.
• Software: Launch on Android 16 (or 17) with HyperOS-inspired Motorola skin, extended update support and cross-device AI features teased at Lenovo events.

The device aims to refine what made the 2025 Razr Ultra “nearly perfected,” per reviews—faster performance, better cameras and ecosystem integration—while addressing minor gripes like software update speed.

Global Rollout and Pricing The Razr Ultra (2026) is expected to launch globally, with U.S. availability through carriers like Verizon and unlocked on motorola.com. Pricing speculation centers around $1,299–$1,399 for base models, maintaining premium positioning. Regional variants (e.g., Razr 70 Ultra internationally) may see slight tweaks for local regulations.

Motorola’s focus on flip phones continues amid foldable growth. The company also teased the book-style Razr Fold at CES 2026 (January), with a summer 2026 launch (June–July) and stylus support, but the clamshell Razr Ultra remains the core flagship.

What to Watch For As February progresses, expect certification leaks (e.g., TDRA, FCC) and more renders. MWC 2026 could bring teases or partnerships, though a dedicated April event seems likely. Current Razr Ultra owners enjoy deals, but the 2026 model promises evolutionary upgrades for flip phone enthusiasts.

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2026’s spring arrival reinforces Motorola’s commitment to innovative, durable foldables. With strong 2025 momentum and timely specials like the FIFA edition, anticipation builds for what could be another leap in clamshell design.