Man packing food bags to Feed the Frontline

Borough Market spearheads Feed the Frontline

National campaign launches giving fresh, high quality food to those battling COVID-19

Borough Market, London’s world-renowned produce market, is today spearheading a national campaign to provide free fruit and vegetables to frontline workers battling COVID-19.

‘Feed the Frontline’, has initially been funded by private businesses for April 2020 and aims to run throughout the peak of the COVID-19 crisis. The initiative launches with the provision of regular deliveries of fruit and vegetables to frontline workers at four NHS hospitals in London.

Borough Market is now calling for more companies to fund the expansion across the nation with the help of the UK’s network of food markets and fruit and vegetable wholesale markets. The aim is to feed as many frontline staff as possible throughout the pandemic. Feed the Frontline will be delivering 2,000 fruit and vegetable bags to Leeds General Infirmary and St James’ Hospital.

Borough Market has initially partnered with four London hospitals – St Thomas’, Kings College Hospital, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and The Whittington Hospital. 6,000 bags of seasonal, high quality fruit and vegetables are being packed and delivered by Borough Market trader Turnips each week. Once at the hospitals, the bags will be distributed to frontline staff by NHS volunteers. The food is accompanied by recipe cards from Borough Market chefs to inspire easy, healthy home cooking of fantastic food.

Darren Henaghan, managing director, Borough Market said: “With the UK in lockdown, we owe an enormous debt to the fantastic people of the NHS and other frontline workers battling COVID-19. They are working around the clock to save lives, care for the sick and control the spread of coronavirus. With London at the heart of the UK epidemic we want to play our part in the national effort against COVID-19 by caring for the carers – giving them fresh, high quality food to help them stay healthy and feed themselves and their families.”

“We’re asking more companies to come on board with Feed the Frontline to fund the expansion to more hospitals. Borough Market’s position as a charitable trust and a home to high quality wholesale traders means that food can be sourced cost-effectively and at sufficient volumes to make a real difference to the hospitals supported by the campaign. This will mean that the people working tirelessly to look after the nation don’t have to spend time queuing at supermarkets and can spend precious time away from work with their families and housemates.”

Sara Danesin, a Masterchef finalist who has recently returned to work for the NHS as a Staff Nurse in a busy acute medical ward at the Royal Free in Hampstead,  said: “A good, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is paramount to maintain good health whilst we are under so much pressure and stress. Our shifts are so long that by the time we have finished, shops are closed or have run out of fresh produce.” 

Visit  feedthefrontline.uk for more information about the campaign and how to get involved. Spread the word on social media via #feedthefrontline

Beware of COVID-19 scams

Unscrupulous criminals are exploiting fears about COVID-19 to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends. National Trading Standards is warning people to remain vigilant following a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and uncertainty over COVID-19.

Members of the public should ignore scam products such as supplements and anti-virus kits that falsely claim to cure or prevent COVID-19. In some cases individuals may be pressurised on their own doorsteps to buy anti-virus kits or persuaded into purchasing products that are advertised on their social media feeds. In addition, some call centres that previously targeted UK consumers with dubious health products are now offering supplements that supposedly prevent COVID-19.

Communities are also being urged to look out for signs of neighbours being targeted by doorstep criminals. While there are genuine groups of volunteers providing help during self-isolation, there have been reports of criminals preying on residents – often older people or people living with long-term health conditions – by cold-calling at their homes and offering to go to the shops for them. The criminals often claim to represent charities to help them appear legitimate before taking the victim’s money. There are genuine charities providing support, so consumers should be vigilant and ask for ID from anyone claiming to represent a charity.

COVID-19 scams identified include:

Doorstep crime

  • Criminals targeting older people on their doorstep and offering to do their shopping. Thieves take the money and do not return.
  • Doorstep cleansing services that offer to clean drives and doorways to kill bacteria and help prevent the spread of the virus.

Online scams

  • Email scams that trick people into opening malicious attachments, which put people at risk of identity theft with personal information, passwords, contacts and bank details at risk. Some of these emails have lured people to click on attachments by offering information about people in the local area who are affected by coronavirus.
  • Fake online resources – such as false Coronavirus Maps – that deliver malware such as AZORult Trojan, an information stealing program which can infiltrate a variety of sensitive data. A prominent example that has deployed malware is ‘corona-virus-map[dot]com’.

Refund scams

  • Companies offering fake holiday refunds for individuals who have been forced to cancel their trips. People seeking refunds should also be wary of fake websites set up to claim holiday refunds.

Counterfeit goods

  • Fake sanitisers, face masks and Covid19 swabbing kits sold online and door-to-door. These products can often be dangerous and unsafe. There are reports of some potentially harmful hand sanitiser containing glutaral (or glutaraldehyde), which was banned for human use in 2014.

Telephone scams

  • As more people self-isolate at home there is an increasing risk that telephone scams will also rise, including criminals claiming to be your bank, mortgage lender or utility company.

Donation scams

  • There have been reports of thieves extorting money from consumers by claiming they are collecting donations for a COVID-19 ‘vaccine’.

Loan sharks

  • Illegal money lenders are expected to prey on people’s financial hardship, lending money before charging extortionate interest rates and fees through threats and violence

Lord Toby Harris, Chair, National Trading Standards, said:

“At a time when neighbourhoods and communities are coming together to support each other, it is despicable that heartless criminals are exploiting members of the public – including some of our most vulnerable citizens – to line their own pockets. I urge everyone to be on their guard for possible COVID-19 scams and to look out for vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours who may become a target for fraudsters.”

“We’re calling on communities to look out for one another. If you see anything suspicious, report it to Action Fraud or to speak to someone for advice, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.”

People are being encouraged to protect their neighbours by joining Friends Against Scams, which provides free online training to empower people to take a stand against scams. To complete the online modules, visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk.

National Trading Standards is also issuing urgent advice to help prevent people falling victim to COVID-19 scams through its Friends Against Scams initiative:

Friends Against Scams campaign infographic Louise Baxter, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team, said:

“As people stay indoors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, criminals are preying on people in vulnerable situations who are isolated and living alone. There’s never been a more important time for neighbours to look out for each other – particularly as we self-isolate – which is why we’re encouraging communities to prevent scams in their local area by using the free Friends Against Scams resources.

“Our online courses will help you spot a potential scam, identify people at risk and help you protect local residents from falling victims to scams. We’re urging communities to protect each other from scams and encourage people to share the latest advice with families, friends and neighbours.”

Members of the public are being urged to keep in contact with family members regularly and inform them of the most prolific scams and the possible dangers to them. If you or someone you know has been a targeted by a scam you should report it to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040. For advice and information on how to check if something might be a scam, visit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam/.

Guy Parker, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, said:

“We’re warning consumers to be extra vigilant about potential scam ads that appear during the coronavirus crisis. Bogus operators often use these situations to prey on people’s fears and exploit their health-related anxieties, in particular by peddling products with misleading and sometimes dangerous health claims.

“Consumers who see ads, whether online, in newspapers, social media, posters or elsewhere, that claim to offer cures or treatments for coronavirus should be highly sceptical.

“We’re working with a range of partners, including National Trading Standards and Citizens Advice, to tackle rogue businesses and providing consumers with advice to help them avoid falling victim to coronavirus related scams. We encourage anyone who sees these types of claims to pause, think and report it.”

Borough Market stays open to feed local community; closes Borough Market kitchen and all restaurants

Borough Market, London’s world-renowned historic food market, is remaining open for business – selling essential supplies of fresh produce and store cupboard ingredients for those working and living in the local community. It has now completely closed all restaurants and its hot food provision area, The Borough Market Kitchen, to focus purely on produce provision. The Green Market area will also be closed, so that all traders are in the Three Crown Square area to avoid shoppers spending unnecessary amounts of time at the Market.

All stalls are being repositioned to allow at least 2 metres between them, and the ground will be marked out with 2 metre distancing for the public, along with clear signage on the importance of shoppers remaining apart.

Borough Market will be closely monitoring numbers, and if a stall gets too busy people will be asked to come back when less crowded. Customers are encouraged to pay with card, rather than cash, and reusable coffee cups and containers will no longer be accepted during this period.

In addition to usual extensive cleaning practices, particular attention will be taken to ensure all touch points are wiped thoroughly and regularly with disinfectant.

Kate Howell, Development Director, Borough Market said:

“Our message is clear – we have responded to the Covid-19 outbreak by changing our nature. Our priority is to keep the local community safe whilst providing much needed supplies for people and supporting our traders – who are all small, independent businesses. There is no lingering, no socialising, our restaurants are all closed and our hot food area, Borough Market Kitchen has also now closed. We are no longer a place to travel to and visit as we must all avoid unnecessary movement across London. But if you live near the Market or are still required to come to work in the vicinity, think of us as your alternative open air supermarket, well stocked with fresh produce and other essential foods.”

Borough Market remains open from Monday to Saturday, with the usual trading hours.
As part of its service to the wider community, Borough Market is also hosting a Community Facebook Group where those at home looking for culinary inspiration can access hundreds of free online recipes – many using store cupboard staples, and swap tips.

Live cooking demos and cook-alongs from a range of chefs are hosted on Borough Market’s Instagram Live:

23-Mar: Lisa Fearn – simple doughs to make with children
24-Mar: Jenny Chandler – Dhal recipes
25-Mar: TBC
26-Mar: Tim Maddams – cooking on a budget
27-Mar: Clare Finney – drinks

Borough Market’s delivery and collection service, Borough Market Online, offers an alternative way for customers to access Market produce. The option of a doorstep drop service allows it to be received without contact with couriers.

Borough Market extends online delivery to inside M25 and launches series of “food community” measures

London’s iconic Borough Market is extending its online delivery service to all customers within the M25 amid the Covid-19 outbreak. The Market is also remaining open for shoppers, with new public health and hygiene measures in place in accordance with government guidelines.

Since its launch in November 2019, Borough Market Online has offered deliveries by zero-emission electric bike within a 2.5 mile radius. From 19 March, deliveries will be temporarily extended to any location inside the M25. Click and collect is also available from the market up until 9pm each day.

Electric bike couriers will still be used for deliveries within a reasonable distance of the market, but vans – hybrid where possible – will be used further afield. Strict hygiene practices mean that the food is securely packaged, and the option of a doorstep drop service allows it to be received without contact with couriers.

“In these extraordinary times, the delivery zone has been extended to within the M25,” said Kate Howell, development director at Borough Market. “The priority is for the market to be able to deliver wonderful food from our traders to Londoners who have to stay at home and live outside our normal delivery zone.”

Borough Market is also fulfilling its role of supporting the local community through a series of ‘Food Community’ measures – trader Bread Ahead is offering free yeast on request to those living in the local community who are keen to bake their own bread at home, and the Market will be selling flour alongside other dried goods to keep Londoners cooking at home. People across the UK (and the world) looking for culinary inspiration will be able to access hundreds of free online recipes – many using store cupboard staples, along with live cooking demos and cook-alongs from a range of chefs and Borough Market restaurants.

Borough Market’s partnership with the Plan Zheroes charity will continue, with surplus produce collected from the Market and delivered to community organisations that help feed some of the city’s most vulnerable people.

Darren Henaghan, managing director, Borough Market said:
“Our community is large and diverse, and our responsibilities to it go beyond the sale of food. We will use the online sphere to stay close to those who need comradeship or distraction—that’s why we’re using our resources, working with fantastic chefs, traders and producers to create a digital community which will support people stuck at home and give them a sense of connection through food.”

“We have taken steps to shift the nature of the market from a place of congregation and engagement to one in which contact is kept to a minimum. Of course Borough Market is first and foremost a produce Market – customers can think of it as an outdoor supermarket – so the produce traders selling meat, fish, fruit, veg and baked goods are still all operating.”

“We aim to remain a haven for food lovers while supporting our small, independent businesses. Borough Market has served this community for a thousand years, through thick and thin. It has survived wars. It has lived through food shortages and curfews. As recently as 2017, our community withstood the trauma of a terrorist attack and the subsequent weeks of closure. It did so by remaining close and supportive, by caring about people – and that’s how we’ll get through this crisis too.”

Communal seating has been removed from the Borough Market Kitchen and public events have been cancelled to minimise contact between customers and traders. Several of the market’s restaurants and hot food concessions have closed but produce stalls selling meat, fish, bread and vegetables will continue to operate to serve customers and the wholesale trade.

The Market’s online shopping platform is available for customers to order delicious produce from the majority of Borough Market traders. Once the order is placed the Borough Market Online team will gather the produce from the relevant traders and place them in a designated hub within the Market. From here, customers can either collect their order at the Market between 12pm and 9pm or it will be dispatched via state of the art zero-emission electric cargo bike, within a reasonable distance, or by van – hybrid where possible – to their address at a pre-booked time slot.
To order unique and delicious UK and international produce from a range of Borough Market’s traders, please visit https://www.goodsixty.co.uk/borough-market

Man using a laptop

Pair jailed for secondary ticketing fraud

Two ‘ticket touts’ from London have been sentenced to a total of six-and-a-half years behind bars following a ground-breaking hearing at Leeds Crown Court today. The sentences follow the first successful prosecution against a company fraudulently reselling tickets on a large scale.

Peter Hunter, aged 51, was sentenced to four years in prison and David Thomas Smith, aged 66, to 30 months behind bars. It follows an investigation by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, which is hosted by North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council.

Earlier this month (13 February) jurors at Leeds Crown Court found Mr Hunter and Mr Smith guilty of fraudulently and dishonestly buying and reselling tickets for high-profile music and entertainment events. The pair ran BZZ Limited, a multi-million pound limited company through which they purchased and resold hundreds of tickets at inflated prices for events and concerts such as Ed Sheeran, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (the play), Madness, McBusted and many other mainstream acts.

The judge found that Mr Hunter and Mr Smith committed their offences between May 2010 and December 2017. The court heard today that the pair made a net profit of £3.5 million in the last 32 months of the fraud. There were thousands of people who were denied the opportunity to purchase tickets at face value, as well as those who were sold invalid and overpriced tickets. Despite multiple warnings to desist and measures imposed to prevent fraudulent purchases, the offences were only brought to an end following the intervention by National Trading Standards.

The full sentences are as follows:

  1. Count 1: Fraudulent trading – namely by knowingly enabling BZZ Limited to purchase event tickets for resale and/or fraudulently reducing the number of event tickets available for consumers to purchase at face value (Mr Hunter sentenced to four years, Mr Smith to 30 months)
  2. Count 2: Possession or control of an article for use in fraud – including the use of bots and debit/credit card payments held in the names of people other than BZZ Limited (Mr Hunter sentenced to 12 months, Mr Smith to 12 months – to be served concurrently with Count 1)
  3. Count 3: Fraudulent trading – based on continuing the business of BZZ Limited for a fraudulent purpose between 19 May 2010 and 13 December 2017, namely by offering for resale tickets which were at risk of being refused entry and/or falsely representing that said event tickets offered for resale were valid (Mr Hunter sentenced to two years and Mr Smith sentenced to two years – to be served concurrently)
  4. Count 4: Fraudulent trading – by listing and offering event tickets on secondary ticket websites that they did not own, and/or falsely representing that BZZ Limited did own the said event tickets (Mr Hunter sentenced to 18 months, Mr Smith to 18 months – to be served concurrently)

The investigation by National Trading Standards found that the defendants used several dishonest and fraudulent tactics to purchase multiple tickets from primary ticket sellers such as Ticketmaster, Eventim and AXS. This meant that BZZ Limited was dishonestly and fraudulently competing with consumers to purchase tickets from the websites of primary sellers while, at the same time, listing those tickets for sale to consumers at inflated prices.

Furthermore, the company’s tactics circumvented the platforms’ terms and conditions and their automated systems to block multiple purchases. This saw them purchase more than 750 Ed Sheeran tickets in 2017. Despite knowing that their purchases had contravened the primary sellers’ terms and conditions – making tickets liable to be cancelled – the defendants knowingly continued to resell hundreds of tickets to consumers at inflated prices.

To evade the platforms’ systems, the defendants:

  • Acquired, created and maintained a network of identities that were used to commit the fraud.
  • Used a number of different people to buy tickets, causing a significant number of other persons to become involved in the fraudulent behaviour, thus rendering those persons .liable to arrest and prosecution for those offences or fraud or aiding and abetting fraud.
  • Used checklists such as the AXS list to avoid using the same identity too many times.
  • Acquired specialist software including bots; Insomniac Browser; Omni Checker and Roboform to facilitate the greater efficiency of fraudulent behaviour.
  • Studied the systems of Primary Sellers to overcome measures intended to prevent the fraudulent behaviour (for example: taking steps to circumvent captchas or the detection of IP addresses).
  • Further lied to maintain the false impression created by the use of multiple names and identities to purchase tickets (for example: pretending to be individual cardholders / consumers when contacting primary sellers).

The pair also engaged in fraudulent trading by listing tickets for sale on secondary ticketing websites that they had not purchased and did not own. Known as ‘spec selling’, the idea was to induce consumers to agree to ‘buy’ non-existent tickets at an inflated price. Once sales had been secured, the defendants would try to source the tickets to fulfil the purchase. Consumers were therefore tricked into paying an inflated price and also exposed to the risk that BZZ Limited would be unable or unwilling to supply the ticket.

Through their activities, Mr Hunter and Mr Smith involved a number of other people in their fraud, making them liable to arrest and prosecution. This includes those who allowed their credit and debit cards, names, addresses and other details to be used to misrepresent the identity and nature of the purchaser.

Lord Toby Harris, Chair of National Trading Standards, said:

“This is an important milestone in the fight to tackle online ticket touts who fraudulently buy and resell tickets to thousands of victims to line their own pockets. Today’s sentences send a strong message to similar online ticket touts: these are criminal offences that can lead to prison sentences. I hope this leads to a step-change in the secondary ticketing market, making it easier and safer for consumers buying tickets in the future.

“I would like to congratulate our teams who have worked tirelessly on this investigation and would urge anyone who suspects that a sale may be fraudulent to report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service by calling 0808 223 1133.”

The investigation was led by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, which has prepared a checklist for consumers looking to buy tickets online.

BUYING TICKETS ONLINE – YOUR CHECKLIST Buy tickets from authorised sources – buy your tickets or check ticket availability with an official agent or reputable ticket supplier. If in doubt, check the website of the festival or event for more information on their official vendor

  • Avoid secondary ticket sellers – you should always avoid buying from secondary ticket sellers or tickets on social media: if you buy tickets through unofficial sources you may be refused entry.
  • Research online ticket sellers
    • Research the seller/company thoroughly online
    • Check your seller is an authorised ticket seller on the STAR website (run by the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers)
    • If it is a company, check how long they have been registered at Companies House (the longer the better – if they recently registered it could be a scam)
    • Check the seller or company online for unfavourable reviews on Site Jabber, Trust Pilot or Feefo and beware of false positive reviews, a favourite tactic of scammers
    • Check ticketing forums for unfavourable feedback and again beware of false positive reviews
  • If you have accidentally purchased a ticket via a secondary ticketing website, check that the following key information is available:
    • the seat number, standing area or location of the ticket
    • information on who the seller is
    • any connections the seller may have with the platform or event organisers
  • Pay by credit card – when purchasing tickets online you should:
    • Use a credit card, which gives you added protection if you need to get your money back
    • Never pay by direct money transfer
    • Only pay via encrypted payment facilities (look for the padlock in the address bar)
  • Never post pictures of tickets online – if you are in possession of genuine sports, festival or concert tickets don’t post pictures of them online: they could be copied and details could be used to get into the event before you, making your tickets unusable
  • Report it – if you are concerned that a sale may be fraudulent we urge you to report it to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline by calling 0808 223 1133.

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

“I applaud our expert investigators for unveiling and successfully prosecuting a major e-crime to protect consumers from being misled and defrauded.

“This sentence will ensure the directors of BZZ Entertainment face the consequences of their extensive and appalling actions.

“Anyone who suspects they may have fallen victim to similar websites should contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.”

North Yorkshire County Councillor Andrew Lee, Executive Member for Trading Standards, said:

“It is good to see unscrupulous touts jailed for abusing consumers and manipulating the ticketing market. It also makes me proud that officers of the National Trading Standards eCrime Team from both North Yorkshire County Council and York City Council helped deliver this landmark result.”

The investigation was initiated following research from the National Trading Standards Intelligence Team. The team is hosted by Suffolk County Council’s Trading Standards Team. A spokesperson said:

“The team researched the problem of secondary ticket sales, and produced individual profiles on the two defendants. They collected intelligence when raids were undertaken and worked closely with the eCrime Team and the Competition and Marketing Authority.

“It was a particularly detailed case, made all the more interesting by being based in Suffolk, with the Ed Sheeran link. We were aware of stories in the local media, concerning people wanting to see Ed’s concerts and encountered problems when buying ‘resale’ tickets through third party sellers, such as those in this case.

“We’re pleased with this prosecution and sentencing, and hope it deters people who might consider this kind of fraudulent trading in the future.”

Hen do - #WhyWingIt Campaign Image

Choosing Manchester over Las Vegas for your stag do has the same impact on climate change as each person going vegan for 1.5 years

As the environmental impact of our flying habits comes increasingly under the spotlight, new research commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub reveals that by choosing Brighton over Barcelona, a group of 10 hen or stag do travellers from London could reduce their Carbon emissions by 98%. This is the equivalent of one person in the group going vegan for 2.2 years or stopping driving a car for 1.4 years, according to the comparison research compiled by Carbon Credit Capital, a carbon offset management firm located in New York City, which also compared carbon impacts of 6 other popular destinations and diet types.

Hen do - #WhyWingIt Campaign Image

The survey by Censuswide interviewed over 2,000 20-45 year-olds across the UK and found that 58% feel that hen and stag dos abroad are too long, expensive or involve too much travel. A third (33%) of people felt resentful towards the bride, groom or trip organiser about the amount of money they’ve had to spend on a hen or stag do.

Hubbub today launches the Why Wing It campaign to raise awareness of the environmental impact of flying. With January and February being peak times for holiday bookings, Hubbub is encouraging people to consider using alternative modes of travel and visit inspiring destinations closer to home instead. More Britons travel abroad than any other nationality and on average men went on four stag dos last year. Those flying overseas spent £421 on each trip, compared with £261 per person for those who chose to avoid the plane and stay in the UK. Over four trips, one regular stag-goer could save £640 over the course of a year by choosing UK destinations and not flying.

Stag do - #WhyWingIt Campaign

Over half (60%) of those surveyed preferred a UK-based hen or stag, due to it being cheaper and easier to get to and a more flexible option. For example, guests don’t have to stay for the whole thing. 73% agreed that there are lots of great places in the UK for hens and stag dos.

Jess Wiles, Creative Partner at Hubbub, said: “When we asked people about their ideal hen or stag do they told us it would involve a short journey, one or two nights away, a good choice of nightlife and access to adventure activities and spas. There is a fantastic range of locations and venues here in the UK that tick the boxes for what people want and they are generally easier and cheaper to get to.

Train in the countryside - #WhyWingIt Campaign

Our research shows that 43% of young people currently don’t consider the environmental impact of their holidays but we’re optimistic that this will change in 2020 as our flying habits become more of a focus. Instead of flying by default, we’re keen to inspire people to consider alternatives such as travelling by train which is often less hassle and can be a fun way to travel with friends.”

The study by Carbon Credit Capital compares the Carbon Dioxide emissions of travelling from London by train to 5 popular UK hen/stag do destinations with flying from London Heathrow to 5 popular overseas destinations. The results were then compared with other lifestyle habits such as reducing meat intake/going vegan and not using your car. The following swaps are based upon an individual person with a high meat diet:

• Swapping Las Vegas for Manchester is the equivalent of going vegan for 1.5 years

• Swapping Dubai for Edinburgh is the equivalent of giving up driving for 7 months

• Swapping Barcelona for Brighton is the equivalent of going vegan for 2.5 months

• Swapping Dublin for Cardiff is the equivalent of reducing meat intake from a high to low meat diet for 1.5 months

• Swapping Amsterdam for Newquay is the equivalent of giving up driving for 1.5 weeks

Hubbub have compiled some top tips for landing a dream UK hen or stag do, including some easy destination swaps and advice on how to travel over ground. They are also appealing to people who have recently been on a UK-based hen or stag do to share their best photos to help inspire others planning a trip to stay grounded, reduce their impact on the environment and make the most of what the UK has to offer. Visit https://www.hubbub.org.uk/10-tips-for-planning-the-best-uk-hen-stag-or-group-holiday to find out more.

Ticket on a windowsill

Landmark prosecution for secondary ticketing fraud

Two ‘ticket touts’ from London have been found guilty of fraudulently and dishonestly buying and reselling tickets for high-profile music and entertainment events. The landmark case at Leeds Crown Court marks the first successful prosecution against a company fraudulently reselling tickets on a large scale. It follows an investigation by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, which is hosted by North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council.

Peter Hunter, aged 51, and David Thomas Smith, aged 66, ran BZZ Limited, a multi-million pound limited company through which they purchased and resold hundreds of tickets at inflated prices for events and concerts such as Ed Sheeran, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (the play), Madness, McBusted and many other mainstream acts. The pair will be sentenced on 24 February 2020.

The pair were found guilty on four counts:

  • Fraudulent trading – namely by knowingly enabling BZZ Limited to purchase event tickets for resale and/or fraudulently reducing the number of event tickets available for consumers to purchase at face value
  • Possession or control of an article for use in fraud – including the use of bots and debit/credit card payments held in the names of people other than BZZ Limited
  • Fraudulent trading – based on continuing the business of BZZ Limited for a fraudulent purpose between 19 May 2010 and 13 December 2017, namely by offering for resale tickets which were at risk of being refused entry and/or falsely representing that said event tickets offered for resale were valid
  • Fraudulent trading – by listing and offering event tickets on secondary ticket websites that they did not own, and/or falsely representing that BZZ Limited did own the said event tickets.

The investigation by National Trading Standards found that the defendants used several dishonest and fraudulent tactics to purchase multiple tickets from primary ticket sellers such as Ticketmaster, Eventim and AXS. This meant that BZZ Limited was dishonestly and fraudulently competing with consumers to purchase tickets from the websites of primary sellers while, at the same time, listing those tickets for sale to consumers at inflated prices.

Furthermore, the company’s tactics circumvented the platforms’ terms and conditions and their automated systems to block multiple purchases. This saw them purchase more than 750 Ed Sheeran tickets in 2017. Despite knowing that their purchases had contravened the primary sellers’ terms and conditions – making tickets liable to be cancelled – the defendants knowingly continued to resell hundreds of tickets to consumers at inflated prices.

To evade the platforms’ systems, the defendants:

  • Used a number of different people to buy tickets
  • Applied other people’s personal details to purchase tickets
  • Deployed at least 97 different names, 88 postal addresses and more than 290 email addresses to evade platform restrictions. These identities were enhanced through the use of bots, which are designed to support the automated bulk-buying of tickets. Emails to the 290+ email addresses were all auto-forwarded to one email address held by BZZ Limited
  • Used different IP addresses and concealed their IP address – their internet identity – to disguise bulk buying.

The defendants also engaged in fraudulent trading by listing tickets for sale on secondary ticketing websites that they had not purchased and did not own. Known as ‘spec selling’, the idea was to induce consumers to agree to ‘buy’ non-existent tickets at an inflated price. Once sales had been secured, the defendants would try to source the tickets to fulfil the purchase.Consumers were therefore tricked into paying an inflated price and also exposed to the risk that BZZ Limited would be unable or unwilling to supply the ticket.

Lord Toby Harris, Chair of National Trading Standards, said:

“Millions of people spend their hard-earned money on tickets such as music concerts and sporting events each year. Buying a ticket in good faith and then discovering it is part of a dishonest fraud can be deeply distressing and can have a considerable financial impact on consumers.

“This is a landmark case for National Trading Standards and should reassure consumers that the fraudulent practices of secondary ticket sellers will no longer be tolerated. I hope this prosecution leads to a step-change in the secondary ticketing market, making it easier and safer for consumers buying tickets in the future.”

The investigation was led by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, which has prepared a checklist for consumers looking to buy tickets online.

First ‘Low Plastic Zone’ launches in London as businesses respond to demand

In response to consumer demand for less pointless plastic, North London Waste Authority (NLWA) in partnership with the seven north London boroughs, is launching the first ever ‘Low Plastic Zone’, with over three quarters of businesses in the Cowcross Street area of Islington having successfully, and permanently, reduced the single-use plastic they give to their customers, with many pledging to go further than the Charter of Commitment. 

Claire des Pallieres hands out posters to local businesses announcing the launch of LondonÕs first Low Plastic Zone (LPZ)

Over the coming weeks, key shopping areas within Haringey, Camden, Barnet, Enfield, Hackney and Waltham Forest are also expected to reach Low Plastic Zone status.  

 The Low Plastic Zone initiative aims to encourage and support local businesses of all sizes to reduce the amount of singleuse plastic handed to customers who, according to a nationwide survey commissioned by NLWA, simply don’t want it anymore. 95% of respondents want local businesses to reduce their use of singleuse plastic, and 83% have taken steps to reduce their own use.  

 Shoppers are voting with their feet and choosing businesses that are taking action. 17% have stopped buying a product because it wasn’t available without plastic packaging, 15% have switched from one local business to another and 11% have travelled out of their way to use a lower-plastic firm. In fact, if two businesses were identical in every other way, 93% of respondents said they would shop at the one that had reduced single-use plastic.  

Lady placing NLWA "Low Plastic Zone" posters in her window 

Chair of North London Waste Authority, Cllr Clyde Loakes, said: “Our research shows that the majority of people are trying hard to reduce their use of single-use plastic but are frustrated at how difficult it is to avoid when shopping or eating and drinking on-the-go. Reducing the amount of waste we all create, and single-use plastics in particular, is essential for helping tackle the climate emergency. North London Waste Authority is committed to helping residents and businesses do this.  

“We know that businesses want to reduce their environmental impact, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s good for business. People are telling us that they are more likely to use companies who are taking action in this area so we are confident that this flagship initiative will be a win-win-win; for businesses, for consumers and of course, for the planet.”  

Yeohan kim holds a sign announcing the launch of London's first Low Plastic Zone (LPZ).

Speaking at today’s Low Plastic Zone launch at the Lazybones restaurant in Cowcross Street, Cllr Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Environment and Transport from Islington council, said: The Low Plastic Zone on Cowcross Street is an innovative, practical step towards cutting down on single-use plastics and shows one of the many ways we are working with local people and businesses to tackle the climate emergency. We have been encouraged and inspired by the response from the public and businesses alike so far; it is clear many people who live and work in the borough are willing to do their bit in helping reduce single-use plastics. We look forward to more businesses in the area and beyond signing up.” 

The growing public awareness of the harmful effect of plastic on the environment has left many feeling worried about the future (38%), frustrated (34%), sad (26%) or powerless (22%) when seeing the volume of singleuse plastic on display in shops and restaurants. Six per cent of respondents even reported experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety.   

Such is the strength of feeling that people are shunning plastic even if it’s to their own detriment; 15% have eaten a takeaway meal with fingers rather than accept plastic cutlery, 13% have gone thirsty because they didn’t want to buy a plastic water bottle and one in 10 have refused to buy their child or grandchild a toy, magazine or snack because of the plastic content. 

"Low Plastic Zone" Campaign NLWA

Fuelled by flagship TV documentaries and the ongoing public debate, some shoppers are now confronting businesses directly. Nine per cent of respondents have spoken to shopkeepers about the amount of packaging on display and eight per cent have commented on businesses’ social media pages. A plucky eight per cent have even unwrapped items at the till to make a point to shop staff.  

Top 5 single use plastic items people found it hardest to reduce or eliminate – and tips to help:  

  • Thin film packaging: Usually used to wrap fruit, veg and meat. Increasingly shops are removing these so buy loose when you can and bring your own reusable food wrap, such as beeswax wraps, or net bags to pop loose fruit and veg into. 
  • Punnets or trays: These are usually the base for fruit, veg or meat. Many supermarkets will now allow you to bring your own reusable containers – just make sure you weigh loose items before you put them in the box. If you can’t bring your own, try and avoid black or dark plastic trays – as often found in ready meals – these are usually not recyclable. 
  • Water bottles: Most people now own one of these – the trick is to remember to take it out with you. Try leaving it near your front door or handbag as a reminder. 
  • Carrier bags: As with water bottles, it’s a case of remembering to take them with you. Try leaving a set in your car boot or near the front door so they can’t be forgotten.  
  • Food on-the-go: Increasing numbers of cafes and takeaways are allowing customers to bring their own containers. You could also consider buying a set of bamboo or small metal cutlery for use on-the-go. And if you’re ordering from home, refuse the plastic knife and fork! 

 To find out more about the campaign or if you’re a business that would like to get involved visit www.wiseuptowaste.org.uk/businesses/low-plastic-zones 

Pollution  Pavilion revealing invisible  air pollution  arrives in Covent Garden

A stunning, interactive ‘Pollution Pavilion’  has landed  in Covent Garden’s iconic Piazza to  spark a  national conversation about  air pollution. It’s the work of environmental charity Hubbub and Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, which are  urging  people to  help  make this pressing issue  political priority wherever  they live.

Research  released today by Hubbub finds  80%  of Britons are worried that the UK limits for air pollution don’t match WHO guidelines. The survey also found that  83% of people are worried about how air pollution could affect them or their families – this  rises  to 89% for parents with primary school-aged children and 92% for those with under-fives.

The unique installation,  designed  in collaboration with artists  Climate and Cities  and King’s College London, displays huge balloons that change colour,  reflecting annual  Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)  data  drawn from 5 London Air Quality Network stations  across London to help visitors visualise air pollution levels. Nitrogen Dioxide comes mainly from road transport and has been linked to asthma prevalence, adverse birth outcomes, cancer and reduced life expectancy.

Across the  UK, almost 2,000 locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland have levels of air pollution that exceed the WHO’s guidelines.   On  18 March  2019, London  had already breached European and UK  PM10  limit  for the entire year and  nearly every area of the capital breaches WHO guidelines for PM2.5 pollution. 

The #AirWeShare  campaign,  supported by property business Grosvenor Britain & Ireland,  is today urging people to ask their  MP to  support a  legally binding  commitment to meet  World Health Organization  recommended  PM 2.5 limits  by 2030.

TrewinRestorick, CEO and Co-founder of Hubbub  said:  “As air pollution is invisible it’s really easy to ignore this issue,  but there is a very real threat to our health.  There’s lots we can all do to improve the Air We Share and have a positive impact,  but what we really need is legislation and initiatives that deliver clean air for everyone.   We are today urging  everyone to write to their  local  MP to get this important issue higher up on the  Government’s agenda.” 

Tor Burrows, Director of Sustainability and Innovation, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland  said: “Poor air quality in our cities is a reality for too many people. As a business we have committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2030 and are playing our part by reducing traffic, increasing greening and helping all our tenants to operate more sustainably. But this is not enough, we need our elected officials to push harder and faster towards a net zero carbon economy. Please lend your voice to demand the air quality we all deserve by contacting your MP.”  

Professor  Frank Kelly,  Head, Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences,  King’s College  London  said : “Air pollution is a grave risk to human health. The more we have investigated the issue the more problems have been uncovered from effects on the unborn child to a contribution to neurodegenerative disease in adults. Installations like this play an important role in raising interest and understanding about the air pollution challenge and I applaud Hubbub and Grosvenor in working with King’s College London to bring this issue to the public’s attention.” 

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London said:  “It’s great to see campaigners, businesses and academics collaborating on creative ways to help the public understand the dangers of air pollution and encourage them to take action. Air pollution is an invisible killer and I’m taking some of the boldest action of any city in the world to ensure Londoners can breathe clean air. This includes introducing the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone, which has helped slash roadside nitrogen dioxide pollution by around a third in the central London zone.  We need Government to follow London’s lead and MPs to use their voice in Parliament to help clean our filthy air across the country. A key part of this is toughening up targets in the upcoming Environment Bill to meet World Health Organization air quality guidelines by 2030.” 

#AirWeSharecampaign urges people to take  the following actions  to  lower  their exposure to air pollution and to help reduce pollution: 

  • Switch car journeys for ones where you can walk, cycle or take public transport instead 
  • Re-route your journey. Choosing quieter routes rather than main roads has been found to reduce your exposure to air pollution by up to 50% 
  • Do you order online? You can reduce your online footprint by opting for click-and-collect or collect in store (or by choosing not to buy it at all!) 
  • Use your voice and your power to make positive change. MP’s act on our behalf. So,  share  your views with them and invite them to help to improve your local air

The  #AirWeshare  campaign launched in May 2019 and was created by Hubbub and supported by leading companies including Investec plc, Bunzl, First Mile, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, Kingfisher  and  Innogy EMobility UK.  The campaign  provides practical advice  about how people can  protect themselves and their families, what they  can do to reduce their own emissions, and  how they can add their voice to the wider call  for cleaner air.  The #AirWeShare  is also  building a coalition of leading companies who want to test new ways of  reducing air pollution;  creating greener, safer and healthier cities that are better for employees and communities.

The  Pollution Pavilion will remain in Covent Garden’s Piazza until 26 January 2020 and will move to Grosvenor Square in the Spring.

Libby Clegg with her guide dog

Libby Clegg makes history as first Dancing on Ice contestant with sight loss

Double-gold medallist Paralympian and Guide Dogs Ambassador, Libby Clegg MBE, took to the ice on Sunday night as the show’s first ever contestant with sight loss. Libby is no stranger to physical challenges and is keen to show she can hold her own against fellow sighted contestants.

As a champion Paralympian, Libby competes in 100 and 200 metre sprints with an arm strap to connect her with her sighted partner and is therefore used to putting her trust in someone whilst moving at speedHowever, lifts, spins and skate blades add a whole new level of risk, and Libby’s sight loss requires a different approach to training and coaching from her professional skate partner, Mark Hanretty.

Libby comments“As I can’t see the required skating moves before I try them out, I’m reliant on Mark’s powers of description to guide me through. Trust and communication are a key part of being successful and making the partnership work, and I ask a million questions.

“Also, I can hear whether it sounds right. When you skate well it makes a kind of biting noise on the ice and when you do it badly it makes a scratchy noise, which I hear frequently! Although sometimes I think I might have a slight advantage to my fellow contestants, since my lack of vision actually makes the twists, turns and spins easier as I don’t get dizzy!”

Libby’s skate partner Mark, added: “When I heard I was being partnered with Libby I was gobsmacked and terrified in equal measure. But being around someone who’s registered blind and yet copes with life so well, there aren’t words to describe how impressed I am with her. Libby is an incredible human being and I feel I couldn’t have been blessed with a better partner.”

Libby has Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy and is registered blind. She was paired with guide dog, Hatti, a black retriever/labrador cross, five years agoLibby explains how she applied for a guide dog because she was getting fed up of having to explain herself to people. 

Libby concludes: “Because I don’t really look visually impaired, if I bumped into somebody, I felt like I had to give them my life story. Not only that, I was nearly hit by a car on a couple of occasions, so it was a bit dangerous and my family were worried about me. I also walked into a hedge one-day, full body.

“Hatti is invaluable and has supported me to live my life with confidence, independence and on own my own terms.  Whilst Hatti can’t join me on the ice, she will be supporting me rink-side.”

For more information about Guide Dogs, please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/dancingonice

Join the Swish and Style clothes swap revolution

2020 is set to be the year of the clothes swap – aka ‘Swish’ – as awareness of the environmental impact of fashion continues to rise and people strive to cut down on waste. More than 300,000 tonnes of used clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year and according to a report by the waste charity WRAP, if clothes stayed in active use for three years (nine months more than the UK average), it would reduce their carbon, water and waste footprints by 20 to 30 per cent. Which is why the North London Waste Authority’s Wise Up to Waste campaign is encouraging people to swap unwanted clothes for something to cherish at a series of Swish and Style giant clothes swaps across north and central London in 2020.

Launching officially on 8 January at Dragon Hall in Covent Gardenthe January event provides the perfect opportunity to put New Year Resolutions to waste less into practice and Swish any unloved Christmas fashion gifts.

Chair of the North London Waste Authority (NLWA), Councillor Clyde Loakes, said: “Our research shows you’re likely to have at least six items in your wardrobe that you haven’t worn for a year. We’re asking people to dig them out and swap them for something they will wear. More mindful fashion consumption enables people to save money and will help tackle the climate emergency”.

What’s more clothes swapping is good for your mental wellbeing, as Fashion Psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell explains: “Consumers agree that the sustainable fashion movement is “an ideal situation they would be striving to work toward”. However, often there are barriers to being sustainable. Firstly, sustainable fashion collections can be expensive, which of course can negatively impact our wellbeing. Secondly, fast-fashion items are based on fast-changing trends and wearing clothes ‘of the moment’ plays a key role in how we want to be perceived. Clothes swapping events like Swish & Style remove these two issues completely. Not only will this event allow you to revamp your wardrobe without the financial strain, but the free repair and alteration workshops  will provide an opportunity to make any ‘not quite right’ finds into match perfect gems – so you’ll  appear more confident in your attire.

 But the benefits don’t stop there, according to Forbes-Bell: “In the UK, more than 30% of our unwanted clothing currently goes to landfill. Therefore, by swapping instead of dumping your clothes, you’ll be lightening your environmental footprint while experiencing psychological benefits. Neurological studies have shown that the reward networks in the brain activate during acts of generous giving, even when we benefit from these acts ourselves. Also, clothes swapping enables you to engage in more mindful consumption, so rather than letting your style be dictated by big-label brands and high-street giants, you’ll be able to make a conscious decision about what styles truly suit you, your values and your lifestyle.

“So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to Swish and Style!”

Fashion Editor and Stylist Wendy Rigg who will be at the launch event on 8 January to offer event-goers styling advice and help them pick out fabulous outfits they will want to wear again and again, agrees: “With vintage being so on-trend, there couldn’t be a better time to start swishing. Clothes swaps provide the fun of fashion shopping without the guilt or waste. As we step into 2020 why not give it a go”.

Fast Fashion Therapy will also be at the launch event offering free upcycling and repair tips.

Admission: Free – you can register here.

More information: wiseuptowaste.org.uk/swish

How it works: Bring good quality clothes and accessories you no longer want, swap them for tokens and then spend those tokens on items you love.  You can also take part in an upcycling workshop on repair and alterations and/or you can show your support for the campaign online by posting pictures of your #wardrobetreasure finds.

Items accepted: 

  • Clean and wearable women’s and men’s clothes 
  • Clean and undamaged shoes and accessories like hats, scarves and gloves

 

Please don’t bring the following: 

  • Damaged clothes, with holes or stains 
  • Jewellery 
  • Underwear, bath towels, bedding (unless unworn/unused in original sealed packaging)
  • Swimwear
  • Stockings, tights and leggings

 

Swish and Style event schedule: 

Date Time Address Workshop
8 January 6.30-9.30pm Dragon Hall, Covent Garden Dragon Hall Trust, 17 Stukeley Street, London WC2B 5LT Fast Fashion Therapy

– Upcycling

11 January 3-6pm Round Chapel Schoolrooms, 1D Glenarm Rd, Clapton, London E5 0LY Amber Joy

– Natural Dyeing

18 January 2-5pm St Mary Magdalene, Windmill Hill, Enfield, EN2 7AJ [TBA]

– Upcycling with Embroidery

23 January 6.30-9.30pm Salisbury Hotel, 1 Grand Parade, Green Lanes, London N4 1JX [TBA]

– Leather Upcycling and Repair

2 February 2-5pm St Mary’s Community Partnership, Upper St, The Angel, London N1 2TX Fast Fashion Therapy

– Upcycling, Basic Mending and Boro

6 February 6.30-9.30pm Today Bread/Central Parade Co-working, 6-10 Central Parade, 137 Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 4RT Anna Alcock

– Screen Printing

15 Feb 1-4pm Artsdepot, 5 Nether St, North Finchley, London N12 0GA Amber Joy

– Natural  Dyeing

22 Feb 2-5pm St Mary Magdalene, Windmill Hill, Enfield EN2 7AJ Fast Fashion Therapy

– Upcycling, Basic Mending and Boro

29 Feb 1-4pm Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, London N6 5HG Fast Fashion Therapy

– Upcycling, Basic Mending and Boro

5 March 6.30-9.30pm Salisbury Hotel, 1, Grand Parade, Green Lanes, London N4 1JX Fast Fashion Therapy

– Upcycling, Basic Mending and Boro

14 March 1-4pm Abney Hall, 73A Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London N16 0AS Fast Fashion Therapy

– Upcycling, Basic Mending and Boro

21 March 1-4pm Lift, 45 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PW Moody Bright Designs

– Upcycling with Embroidery

28 March 2-5pm St. John’s Hall, High Road, Leytonstone, London, E11 1HH Fast Fashion Therapy

– Upcycling, Basic Mending and Boro

Barley among communications agencies refusing fossil fuel clients

Climate change is a clear threat to all of us – not just for future generations but in the present day. That’s why here at Barley we do not accept any briefs that promote or support fossil fuels. Instead, we focus on using communications for good, across a range of issues including sustainability, justice, health and homelessness.

Our co-founder Sam Williams recently spoke to Swedish newspaper Dagens ETC for a feature on communications companies that are rejecting work from fossil fuel clients. The full article (in Swedish!) is available to read below.