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What is the stock market, how does it work and how can I invest?

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What is the stock market, how does it work and how can I invest?

If your only knowledge of the stock market comes from watching the news and seeing where the FTSE 100 index ended the day, you may have just a vague idea of what it is and how it works.

Or perhaps you have invested in shares, either directly or via a fund or a pension, having done so without really understanding what stock markets are for.

If you are in either category – and you will be very far from alone if you are – it’s a good idea to start from the beginning to understand what the stock market is, what it achieves and how it works. This solid foundation can help you go on to make your money grow.

We’ll also explain the role of the various professionals and organisations connected with the stock market – such as stockbrokers, the stock exchange itself and fund managers – and what terms such as “index fund” and “stock market bubble” actually mean.

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Any market exists to bring together buyers and sellers. In the case of the stock market, the goods on offer are shares (or sometimes other financial assets, such as bonds).

“Share” is perhaps, like the stock market itself, a term that is more often heard than fully understood.

It is a certificate, real or electronic, that represents part-ownership of a business. Collectively, it is the shareholders who own a business, not the managers or directors.

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Shareholders are the ultimate decision makers about what the business does and they have the right to all the profits that the company produces.

Your share certificate is proof of your right to a say in those decisions, and to the appropriate share of the profits (the company also maintains a central register of all shareholders).

If you want to buy shares, in most cases you will need to buy them on the stock market. The exceptions are private companies, whose shares are not traded on the stock market – sometimes people own shares in a family shop or other business, for example.

There is, however, one key difference between a stock market and a market that sells, let’s say, fruit and vegetables. This is that there are two circumstances in which an investor, private or professional, can buy shares in a particular company.

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The first is when the company invites investment as a means to raise money from those investors. This takes place when the shares are first admitted to the stock exchange (the terms “stock exchange” and “stock market” are broadly synonymous).

In this case, the investor’s money goes to the company concerned, which issues shares to the investor in exchange. Here, the market is bringing together those who have capital (the investors) and those who need capital (the company). Hence the stock market is a particular example of what are called the “capital markets”.

The term given to the raising of money via the stock market is variously a “flotation”, “float”, “listing” or “IPO” (initial public offering).

The second circumstance relates to the trading of shares. Once the shares in a particular company have become available on the stock market, they can be traded there.

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The difference between this type of trading and the initial raising of money just discussed is that one investor is selling to another – the company itself is not involved and does not receive the money raised by the sale of the shares; that money goes instead to the investor who is selling.

To distinguish between the two activities, the initial raising of money from investors by the company takes place on what is called the “primary market” and the subsequent trading of shares between one investor and another on the “secondary market”.

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Exact date Greggs festive bake is back in shops along with fan favourite item finally returning to menus

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Exact date Greggs festive bake is back in shops along with fan favourite item finally returning to menus

GREGGS has revealed the exact date it will bring back two of its festive favourite baked goods.

Customers will be able to get hold of the Festive Bake from Thursday, November 7.

The festive bake is returning to menus this week

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The festive bake is returning to menus this week
The Christmas Lunch Baguette will be returning

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The Christmas Lunch Baguette will be returning
The festive flatbread will be joining menus for the first time

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The festive flatbread will be joining menus for the first time

The Greggs Xmas staple is made up of a crumb-topped pastry filled with pieces of chicken, sage, onion stuffing, and sweetcure bacon, covered in a creamy sage and cranberry sauce.

The announcement came during the launch of Greggs’ first-ever Christmas advert featuring Nigella Lawson.

In a move that’s also expected to delight vegans and veggies across the UK, the Vegan Festive Bake is also set to return after a hiatus from the menu last year

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The Christmas Lunch Baguette will be returning to the menu alongside the much-loved Festive Bakes.

This is filled with chicken breast and sage and onion stuffing, with a dash of onion gravy, sweetcure bacon, and cheese, finished with a cranberry and onion relish.

The all-new Festive Flatbread will also be launching – a soft and warm flatbread stuffed with sage & onion style chicken mayo, sweetcure bacon and a tangy cranberry and red onion relish.

For customers looking for a Christmassy sweet treat, the brand-new Toffee Fudge Muffin and Chocolate and Hazelnut Flavour Doughnut will be making an appearance.

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The toffee flavour muffin contains toffee pieces and is topped with a swirl of toffee flavour frosting. 

The Chocolate and Hazelnut Flavour Doughnut is packed with a chocolate and hazelnut flavour filling, then topped with white chocolate flavour icing and pieces of honeycomb coated in milk chocolate.

Greggs isn’t just for savoury or sweet snacks.

I visited Greggs’ new champagne bar – one cocktail tastes just like an iconic childhood treat

The chain is also adding several hot drinks to its menu.

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Mint Hot Chocolate and Mint Mocha are making a comeback.

The hot chocolate is a festive twist with delicious mint-flavoured syrup, a cream topping and a sprinkle of chocolate to finish.

The Mint Mocha is made with freshly ground espresso, steamed milk, hot chocolate, and mint-flavoured syrup with sweetener, and it is finished with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

GREGGS FESTIVE MENU

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GREGGS has unveiled its highly anticipated festive menu and the exact date it lands in shops.

Here’s the full list of menu items being added nationwide and the date they will be landing on menus.

  • Festive Bake – from £2.00 or as part of the savoury bake deal from £2.85 (458 Calories) – November 7
  • Vegan Festive Bake (New and improved Recipe) – £2.00 or as part of the savoury bake deal from £2.85 (412 calories) – November 8
  • Christmas Lunch Baguette – from £3.80 or as part of the hot sandwich deal with wedges and any drink, from £4.95 (544 calories) – available now
  • Festive Flatbread – from £3.50 or as part of the hot sandwich deal with wedges and any drink, from £4.95 (395 calories) – available now
  • Gingerbread Latte – from £2.50 (204 calories) – November 7
  • Iced Gingerbread Latte -from £3 (165 calories) – November 7
  • Gingerbread Flat White – from £2.50 (124 calories) – November 7
  • Mint Mocha – from £2.60 (293 calories) – November 7
  • Mint Hot Chocolate – from £2.60 (278 calories) – November 7
  • Toffee Fudge Muffin – from £1.50 or as part of the sweet deal with a regular hot drink from £2.85 (367 calories) – November 7
  • Chocolate and Hazelnut Flavour Doughnut – from £1.35 or as part of the sweet deal with a regular hot drink from £2.85 (331 calories) – November 7
  • Christmas Mini Caramel Shortbread – from £2.15 (95 Calories per shortbread) – available now

FIRST CHRISTMAS ADVERT

Greggs unveiled its first-ever Christmas advert last night, and it sees celebrity chef Nigella Lawson try the bakery’s festive menu.

Customers have taken to social media to share their views on the 60-second clip.

One person said on X: “Possibly the best advert ever created”.

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Another said: “Nigella elevates Greggs to ANOTHER level”.

“Fabulous! Nobody does Christmas as beautiful as you do, Nigella! You make the festive season feel warm, cozy and special,” said a third.

However, a fourth joked: “Somehow, I can’t see the goddess queuing for any of that.”

The advert is set to an instrumental version of Carol of the Bells – a well-known Christmas carol.

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It opens with Nigella returning home to a London townhouse decorated with a traditional Christmas tree decked in Greggs baubles.

In a scene lit by fairy lights, she notes that Christmas is her “favourite time of year” before tucking into a Greggs Festive Bake.

Describing the return of the eagerly anticipated festive favourite, Nigella describes it as a “rapturous riot of flavour” with a “succulent filling”.

The advert parodies Nigella’s famed use of superlatives, which viewers of her popular cooking shows will be familiar with.

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The camera then pans over a table filled with Greggs goodies as Nigella narrates the items being showcased.

She describes “sweet mince pies, aromatic gingerbread lattes and gorgeous Christmas baguettes”.

Eagle-eyed viewers will also spot a fan favourite item making an appearance on the festive spread – the Vegan Festive Bake.

The advert confirms that the savoury treat will be returning after customers were left fuming when it was removed from menus last year.

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The film ends with Nigella preparing to sip a gingerbread latte while telling viewers: “The Gregg’s Christmas menu is back. Bag some joy.”

OTHER FESTIVE MENUS

M&S revealed its new Christmas menu last week.

It features double-wrapped pigs in blankets with gravy and a s’mores milkshake.

The festive items, set to hit M&S from November 6, also include a range of sandwiches, snacks and sweat treats.

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The pigs in blankets, which come with a side of gravy for dipping, will set customers back a modest £2.50.

The s’mores milkshake, which is flavoured with “toasted marshmallow syrup” for a taste of the fireside, comes at a steeper £4.

The indulgent drink comes with whipped cream, biscuit crumbs, chocolate sauce and marshmallows – much like the £4.10 s’mores hot chocolate.

Meanwhile, a favourite from last year’s menu is set to return, the £7.50 Turkey and Ham Hock Toastie, which also comes in a gluten free version.

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The festive sarnie, which was a hit on social media, is getting an indulgent upgrade – with extra turkey and a cheesy bechamel sauce.

A brand-new cheeseboard toastie has been added to the mix for £6.50, with Barbers cheddar, Emmental, and Red Leicester, as well as a Christmas port and onion chutney and three cheese bechamel.

If sarnies aren’t your thing, you can also try the new Chicken Schnitzel with Roasties – served with cranberry sauce and mayonnaise for £9.95.

Starbucks also revealed its new Christmas menu last week.

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The chain has brought back fan favourites alongside new sweet treats.

Returning to the menu is the toffee nut latte, which starts from £4.35 for a tall size.

It’s made with toffee nut flavour syrup and steamed milk, and is finished with whipped cream and toffee nut flavour sprinkles.

The caramel waffle latte and gingerbread latte has also made a comeback and is priced at £4.35.

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All of these Christmas favourites are available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino blended beverage.

Fans of the eggnog latte will be thrilled to learn that the drink has returned, with prices starting at £4.40.

It can be bought either hot or iced.

Hungry shoppers can pair their festive drink with the Polar Bear Cake Pop.

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It features a vanilla-flavoured sponge with digestive biscuit crumb, as well as chocolate icing and frosting to create the adorable face of a polar bear.

Meanwhile, rival coffee chain Costa has unveiled nine new items and a returning favourite that it will be adding to its Christmas menu.

How to save money on Christmas shopping

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.

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Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.

Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.

Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.

Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.

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Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.

Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.

Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.

They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.

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All about international rates: tech advancements in monitoring exchange prices – Finance Monthly

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What is the Average Credit Score in the UK

Technology has transformed how traders monitor trends. It has made it easier to collect data and come up with effective strategies. For example, the intricacies around Forex demand for constant monitoring of prices. As well, any price fluctuations can lead to significant losses or huge profits. It all depends on whether you have access to data or not.

New tools are making it easier to access accurate price predictions. These have emerged due to the challenges that traders have faced such as the inability to overcome the high volatility around exchange markets. So what are some of the advancements that are impacting how people monitor exchanges? First of all, different tools can be effective and provide the right information as value changes, for example, aggregators like Rates – all about international rates. Let’s check more about how to find out proper data and the best ways to monitor prices.

Integration

Having many tools can be challenging sometimes. Being able to integrate different tops helps you to have seamless operations. API integration offers another way to monitor currency value. It makes it easier to connect to various sources of data and get a single report.

All you need to do is ensure that the data is accurate. These APIs can also automate data extraction. They help you to update any system depending on the current trends. This provides a competitive advantage for traders.

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Exchange platforms

There are a number of platforms for exchanging currencies. You can use these to gain access to information on currencies according to Rates. They provide both historical and current insights. This makes an exchange platform a good option for anyone looking to improve the rate of success.

One of the best features is customization. So users can choose features that would be useful. For instance, you can set alerts for certain parameters. If the value of the US dollar reaches a certain amount, you will be notified.

Tailoring features according to individual needs allows you to get only information that would be useful for decision-making. Platforms such as Blumberg are useful for anyone who wants to stay up to date with the latest international rates.

Calendars

Because currencies are impacted by many events, it is important to stay informed. Calendars provide information such as inflation reports and economic events. You should be informed about any event that is likely to affect the exchange rate. These are likely to have value shifts and may offer new opportunities.

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This lets you know all about international rates. It allows you to set reminders and stay up to date with the latest trends and any upcoming events. Other important events to look out for include:

  • Central bank changes
  • Geopolitical agreements
  • Economic trends

The goal here is to stay up to date with any potential price movements. It allows you to modify any existing strategy to make it more successful.

Indicators

There are other features that provide various indicators to keep track of. An example is volatility indicators. These show periods when a currency is most likely to be unstable. By looking at how the price has changed over a few months, it is easy to estimate how it will fluctuate in the future.

This feature is important for those looking to invest in an exchange. Additionally, if a currency becomes very volatile, it may be wise to sell a position. Managers can use these indicators to modify their strategies before suffering huge losses.

Analysis tools

Having accurate information is not enough to guarantee success. The next step is to perform a good analysis. This helps traders to come up with effective strategies. Analysis websites can help you do this. They not only help you monitor rates but also look at the overall performance. Examples of such websites include Blumberg and CNBC.

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These also offer expert insights and opinions. This is great for those that may be new to Forex or any other market or those looking for different strategies. Aside from this, you will have access to the latest events that impact international rates. With more accurate predictions, it is easier to make informed decisions. Information should be taken from various sources before creating a report.

Automation

There is a lot of automation in many fields. As a result, the market value is about 244 billion US dollars. Automated systems are a great addition for those that want to improve monitoring. They use preset algorithms to search for patterns and execute trades on your behalf. This is once a set criteria is met.

These can pick up on volatility as well. However, success will hugely depend on the settings. So make sure to test out the algorithm before applying it on exchanges.

Mobile apps

With the majority of people opting to use mobile apps, it is no surprise that traders want the same. With the fast-paced nature of Forex and other different markets, you can now access crucial data through mobile apps. These provide real-time insights on:

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  • Changing rates
  • Estimated exchanges
  • Convertors

Most of these apps are focused on helping you get better results. They come with converters that you can use on the go. These are always updated, therefore providing the best conversion rates. There are so many benefits of using apps including:

  • Convenience
  • Updated data
  • Customization

Users can set the criteria on all international rates. This ability to filter through data allows you to save time and focus on things that will impact your strategy.

Conclusion

With all these changes, you don’t want to stay behind. Various mobile apps and websites have simplified the way traders transact. Now you have information at your fingertips. It is more convenient to make decisions on the go as prices change. AI tools offer a better way to make predictions. They also promote automation, making it easier for investors to perform more trades in a shorter time.

If you are concerned about all about international rates, then keeping up with the latest tech trends is important. It will lead to more effective strategies in a highly volatile market. Capitalize on all the opportunities you get by investing in the right tools, and Rates.fm will help you with that.

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The Morning Briefing: Trade Body 2.0 – Does the platform sector need a new voice?; MainStreet Partners hires new funds research director

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The Morning Briefing: Phoenix Group scraps plans to sell protection business; advisers tweak processes

Good morning and welcome to your Morning Briefing for Monday 4 November 2024. To get this in your inbox every morning click here.


Cover story: Trade Body 2.0 – Does the platform sector need a new voice?

The platform sector is a diverse and fragmented industry in need of unification and greater collaboration.

In the past, many attempts have been made — unsuccessfully — to bring providers together under an umbrella group. The setbacks have always been attributed to the competing interests of platforms and, until now, there has been no formal trade group to represent the community.

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The sector’s views have instead been represented by various organisations, including the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the UK Platform Group (UKPG) and The Investing and Saving Alliance (TISA).

However, all that is about to change with the formation of the Platforms Association.


MainStreet Partners hires former Abrdn ESG analyst as funds research director

MainStreet Partners has appointed Sophie Meatyard as funds research director.

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Meatyard previously was at Abrdn where she was senior environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment analyst, “overseeing proprietary ESG ratings, regulatory updates, and manager engagement on key sustainability themes”.

Before Abrdn, Meatyard worked at Hymans Robertson as investment research associate and FE fundinfo as a fund analyst.



Quote Of The Day

Investors are bracing for a week of potential volatility, with the highly fractious US Presidential election in focus and key interest rate decisions looming. For now, the FTSE 100 has shaken off nervousness and opened in the green, making fresh gains after Friday’s recovery

– Hargreaves Lansdown head of money and markets Susannah Streeter on the FTSE 100 still opening in the green despite the US elections being held and UK interest rate decisions being made this week.

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Stat Attack

Research from St. James’s Place shows why the majority of individuals that receive professional financial advice across the nation have remained with the same adviser throughout.

62%

have never switched their financial adviser.

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72%

of those aged 35-54 and those aged 55 and over (74%) have never switched their adviser.

39%

said the main reason for not switching advisers was trust.

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35%

said being happy with the advice and financial returns their adviser has delivered was the main reason.

34%

said their adviser understanding their financial situation followed by having a good relationship with their adviser which has been built over several years at 33% being the main reason.

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Source: SJP 



In Other News

EFG Asset Management has announced the launch of the New Capital – BlueOrchard Global Impact Credit Fund in collaboration with the specialist impact investment manager BlueOrchard.

Part of the Schroders Group, BlueOrchard is an impact investor. This is EFG’s second product focused on sustainable investing following the launch of the New Capital Climate Transition Equity Fund in 2023.

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The New Capital – BlueOrchard Global Impact Credit Fund, which is an Article 9 fund under SFDR, is a global corporate bond fund that invests primarily in bonds labelled as green, social or sustainable, with the use of proceeds being clearly defined and disclosed to investors.

In the period from 2016 to end-2023, the issuance of labelled bonds increased by 37%.

The fund is a Luxembourg registered SICAV and will offer daily liquidity via multiple retail and institutional share classes denominated in EUR, CHF, USD and GBP.

BlueOrchard CEO Philipp Mueller said: “We are excited to collaborate with EFG Asset Management on the New Capital – BlueOrchard Global Impact Credit Fund, which aims to provide consistent financial returns alongside positive and measurable impact for the climate and society. The Fund focuses on helping investors align their portfolios with their values while driving substantial progress in environmental and social areas.”

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Dollar falters, stocks tick up as markets gird for US election showdown (Reuters)

Bank of England expected to cut interest rates despite looser fiscal policy (Financial Times)

One thousand UK workers to join first four-day week trial under Labour (Guardian)


Did You See?

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National Friendly has reduced and simplified the questions on its Income Protection (IP) application.

The mutual said this cuts the time it typically takes advisers to apply by over half, from 14 minutes to six minutes.

Matt Suddards, senior specialist protection adviser at LifeSearch said: “To sell IP, advisers have to deal with lengthy applications that can be both time-consuming and unclear.

“It’s one of the aspects of protection that puts off non-protection specialists from selling IP. Shortening and simplifying the process is better for advisers and reduces frustration for consumers.”

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National Friendly also announced that it has renewed its long-term relationship with Munich Re Automation Solutions.

The deal includes a five-year contract extension to use its ALLFINANZ Underwriting Engine for IP.

The underwriting tool gives National Friendly the ability to underwrite accurately and make changes quickly, as well as delivering a huge amount of valuable data.

Momodou Musa Touray has the full story.

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We’re forced to live in darkness thanks to neighbour’s HUGE towering hedge – it blocks our TV signal & we want it GONE

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We're forced to live in darkness thanks to neighbour's HUGE towering hedge - it blocks our TV signal & we want it GONE

DISGRUNTLED residents are forced to live in darkness without TV signal thanks to a neighbour’s massive hedge.

Locals in Alvaston, Derbyshire, have slammed a towering row of trees that block their sunlight for around 10-months of the year.

Residents are forced to live in darkness without TV signal thanks to a neighbour's massive hedge

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Residents are forced to live in darkness without TV signal thanks to a neighbour’s massive hedgeCredit: DerbyshireLive/BPM

The nuisance conifers were planted nearly 30 years ago by international shipping company UPS, to help block noise coming from their warehouse behind them.

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But, they have not been maintained since before the Pandemic, and now fuming locals feel “abandoned”.

A spokesperson for UPS commented: “We’re always working to be good neighbours in the communities where we operate and where our people live, and we are discussing this matter with the local council.”

But Alvaston are not the only residents struggling, with homeowners in nearby Sinfin claiming their mental health has been affected too.

One said: “I have the same problem on the Chase in Sinfin, I can’t even get a TV reception with TV aerial or Freesat. I can only get good sunlight for two to three months in the year.”

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The troubling trees sparked outrage among the community, with some slamming the landowner.

“The higher they grow the more dangerous they get as they are a shallow rooted tree,” pointed out one resident with safety concerns.

“The landowner has a duty of care to ensure they are safe and also they are not causing a nuisance to others.”

Another added: “Trees need maintenance, if they are not in a wild setting then they need to be cared for.

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“For the sake of the trees as much as anyone. It’s not good for trees to be neglected when they are deliberately planted in an urban environment.”

Someone else suggested it may be cheaper and easier for UPS to remove the trees and install fencing instead.

However, there was some support for the natural boundary line.

“I would rather back onto trees than nosey neighbours,” said one person.

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“And before you ask, we too back onto tall trees (native ones and not non-native conifers) that reduce the sunlight and limit what we can grow to woodland plants.”

What to do if a neighbour’s hedge or trees are blocking light in your home

  • Before you apply to the council you should try to settle the dispute by asking your neighbour to cut back the hedge or trees.
  • If you haven’t reached an agreement by speaking with them, you should put your request in writing.
  • If you need help to talk to your neighbours, there might be a mediation scheme run by your local council.
  • Check whether you can apply for a High Hedge Notice.
  • Apply for a High Hedge Notice.
  • Before it will investigate the council will make sure that your application is valid. 
  • If your application is accepted the local authority will start an investigation.
  • You can appeal against a council’s decision to issue or not to issue a High Hedge Notice, to withdraw a Notice or vary it. You must appeal within 28 days of being advised about the local authority decision.

This comes as a fuming grandmother says her life has become a “nightmare” because of an overgrown hedge which has destroyed her garden.

Betty Calloway, 90, said her garden has been “swallowed” by the badly maintained hedge.

Elsewhere, neighbours who chopped a tree in half and were branded ‘the pettiest couple in the UK’ still don’t talk to the residents next door three years on.

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Plus, other local have gone to war over a row of 20ft trees which some locals want chopped down – but the owners are fighting to keep.

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MainStreet Partners hires former Abrdn ESG analyst as funds research director

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Premier Miton hires ex-Quilter director as COO

MainStreet Partners has appointed Sophie Meatyard as funds research director.

Meatyard previously was at Abrdn where she was senior environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment analyst, “overseeing proprietary ESG ratings, regulatory updates, and manager engagement on key sustainability themes”.

Before Abrdn, Meatyard worked at Hymans Robertson as investment research associate and FE fundinfo as a fund analyst.

She has completed both the CFA ESG and CFA Climate and Investing certifications.

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MainStreet Partners managing director research Neill Blanks said: “I am thrilled to welcome Sophie to MainStreet.  Her extensive experience and deep expertise in fund analysis will undoubtedly enhance our research capabilities as well as strengthen our position as a market leading provider of ESG and sustainability fund ratings and wider portfolio analytics.”

Meatyard added: “I’m excited to join a team dedicated to bringing clarity and transparency to ESG and Sustainability ratings. Ratings providers have a unique opportunity to empower investors with insights that lead to more informed decisions and help clients meet their regulatory obligations while raising industry standards.

“This area has historically been challenging for fund selectors, who often find that ratings don’t fully reflect a fund’s true philosophy and process. Having been on the analyst side, I believe MainStreet’s Fund Ratings products have the potential to meet the high standards and expectations of experienced ESG and Sustainability-focused analysts.”

In June 2024, MainStreet Partners launched a Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) market solution to support fund buyers.

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The London-based independent ESG advisory and portfolio analytics firm warned that discretionary fund managers (DFMs), model portfolio service (MPS) providers and wealth managers are in need of support to meet the new SDR labelling regime.

Previously, MainStreet Partners has cautioned buyers against “an ostrich-like denial” about the SDR transition for SDR-compliant naming and marketing rules when funds are liable to FCA enforcement action.

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M&S reveals SIX different Christmas food adverts featuring comedy legend and music star

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M&S reveals SIX different Christmas food adverts featuring comedy legend and music star

M&S has unveiled it’s Christmas food ad featuring TV comedy legend Dawn French – and it’s the first in a six-part series.

The retailer is kicking off the festive season with the launch of the video through its social media channels at 9am today.

M&S has unveiled the first part in a six-part series of Christmas food ads

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M&S has unveiled the first part in a six-part series of Christmas food adsCredit: M&S
The iconic Fairy character, voiced by Dawn French, is back on screens

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The iconic Fairy character, voiced by Dawn French, is back on screensCredit: M&S
French parties the night away during the 90-second ad

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French parties the night away during the 90-second adCredit: M&S

The seasonal ad, which The Sun can exclusively reveal for the first time, sees the return of the iconic Fairy, voiced by none other than Dawn French.

And in a plot twist, the much-loved actress is making her on-screen debut in the video, created in-house.

The 90-second long ad starts with French walking through a fairy light-bejewelled street before arriving home.

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She sits down at the sofa surrounded by decorations that still haven’t been put up, dejectedly pronouncing: “So much to do.”

Within seconds, the iconic Fairy character emerges from a cardboard box on the floor offering her magical services to French’s shock and astonishment.

It’s not long before French’s neighbours are knocking at the door waiting to be let in for a festive gathering.

Luckily, the Fairy works her magical charm and within a few swooshes French’s home is transformed and her living room table suddenly laden with food and drink.

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French quips “that is reasonably impressive” before opening the front door to her guests and partying the night away.

The advert is the first in a series of six which M&S said will feature competitions, behind the scenes footage and in-store giveaways.

The second ad, themed on gifting, will launch on November 13, while ad three on party food is being unveiled on November 20.

Ads four and five, centred around Christmas Day and puddings will both be released on December 17, with classical singer and OBE Katherine Jenkins appearing in the fifth.

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The sixth ad will air on December 26 focused on New Year’s Eve.

Sharry Cramond, M&S food marketing director said: “Last year, our Fairy added something truly magical to Christmas, and this year, we’re thrilled to take it to the next level, with Dawn French herself
joining the fun alongside her Fairy character!

“We’re always looking to push creative boundaries, and we believe this year’s campaign will leave our customers smiling and feeling super inspired.

“To top it off, we’re honoured to feature the incredible Katherine Jenkins, adding even more festive magic to our screens.”

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This year marks the fourth time Dawn French, who came to fame in the TV comedy show The Vicar of Dibley, has appeared on M&S’ Christmas ads.

Last year, she featured alongside A-list stars and owners of Wrexham Football Club Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

In 2022 she starred alongside Jennifer Saunders as Fairy and Duckie as they take a tour of Christmas dishes, while narrowly escaping Wylie the dog.

Back in 2021, we saw the debut of French’s character as she starred alongside Spiderman actor Tom Holland who voiced Percy Pig.

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Dawn has since lent her voice to several M&S Food campaigns.

Marks and Spencer isn’t the only supermarket chain to launch its Christmas ad campaign this year.

John Lewis is already two thirds of the way through a first-of-its-kind ad campaign in the run up to Christmas.

Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s has unveiled its festive ad for 2024, featuring iconic Roald Dahl character the BFG.

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Some retailers have already confirmed they’ll close on Boxing Day to give staff time off as well.

Home Bargains, Aldi and John Lewis and Waitrose have all said they will shut stores on December 25 and 26.

How to save money on Christmas shopping

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.

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Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.

Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.

Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.

Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.

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Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.

Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.

Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.

They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.

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Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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