UK shoppers have bought almost 100 million items on the back of glowing online reviews – only to be bitterly disappointed when they arrive, and 6.4 million have lost money to a scam after buying something from clicking on a fake online advert, according to new data released by National Trading Standards (NTS) ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The research found that reviews are a deciding factor for 54% of online shoppers surveyed when choosing what to buy (73% for 25-34s). And almost two thirds (65%) of those using online reviews are more likely to buy a product if it has a five-star rating – highlighting our trust in reviews, many of which are fuelling criminal networks selling poor quality or non-existent goods for easy money.

NTS is warning how criminals use paid individuals, bots and now artificial intelligence (AI) to generate fake reviews on a mass scale – sometimes even entire websites. Consumers will either receive nothing, or they’ll get a bad quality item or a counterfeit of the brand they were expecting.  

The research also found that 14% of respondents who shop online have been scammed after buying something from clicking on an advert on search engines or social media. With only 52% of online shoppers confident they could spot a fake or misleading ad, NTS is reminding UK consumers to be vigilant against the annual Black Friday boom in scam adverts designed to lure customers in with glossy graphics and tempting offers.

This year, a new threat has emerged, with two thirds of online shoppers worried about the use of AI in scams. Not only are fake reviews being posted on legitimate sites using AI, criminals are generating entire fake review websites. These are usually linked to specific high demand products such as air fryers or home vacuums, where generic versions are heralded as being better than the big brands – leaving consumers out of pocket, and sorely disappointed. 

As criminal tactics evolve, NTS is also now regularly taking down AI-generated retail websites that look like real, family-run companies selling premium, UK-made products, such as jewellery, clothing, shoes, workwear and even patriotic memorabilia. These are often fronted by AI images and personal stories of the ‘owners’. The product shipped is cheap, mass produced in countries such as China. Sometimes customers’ own details are then used on the sites’ contact pages, meaning they receive irate calls and messages from other customers.   

To help tackle the criminals and keep consumers safe, NTS is today announcing its appointment as a ‘trusted flagger’ for Google. This status means NTS can work swiftly with the tech giant to take down fake reviews and fake and misleading ads.   

Mike Andrews, head of the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, said:  

“It’s easy to get drawn in by the hype surrounding Black Friday, and it can be a great time to get a bargain, but we urge people not to let their guard down. From now until Christmas the criminals will be making a killing with scams that are becoming ever more audacious thanks to the emergence of AI.  

“Our teams will be working tirelessly to remove fake retail content, but we also ask shoppers to remain alert. They should look wider than reviews and star ratings, avoid buying through ads and treat unknown websites with caution. If people suspect they have been scammed they should report it to Action Fraud or Citizen’s Advice.” 

On the new partnership with Google, Mike Andrews said:  

“Fake reviews and fake and misleading adverts harm honest businesses of all sizes and cause financial loss and distress for consumers. Our appointment as a Google ‘trusted flagger’ is a reflection of our team’s expertise in disrupting the activities of online criminals. By supporting Google with the swift removal of fake reviews and ads on its platforms we look forward to making an even greater impact in the fight against scams and fraud.”  

Fake reviews alone are estimated to influence an estimated £23bn of UK consumer spending every year***. With this money diverted to the criminals, and entire websites springing up that claim to be family-run businesses, it’s clear that small businesses are at particular risk from the harm caused by fake retail content.  

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said:

“As the Christmas shopping season begins, we’re calling on consumers to take care with their planned purchases and make sure they are placed with authentic, brilliant small businesses. 

“This is not a time to let your guard down. Criminals luring consumers in with fake products and reviews hurt people during a cost-of-living crisis, often cruelly targeting the most vulnerable shoppers. It also undercuts honest small firms that play by the rules and are embedded in their local community, driving customers away.

“Small businesses can also be targeted with fake and misleading reviews, which can cause serious damage and can be hard to spot, especially now that fraudsters are using AI. Reporting, detecting and removing fake reviews is therefore critical.”

Tips to protect yourself this Black Friday… and beyond   

Question rave reviews – if multiple similar reviews have been uploaded at the same time, if a reviewer’s account has been activated recently or has only reviewed a narrow range of products, alarm bells should ring.

See beyond the stars – whilst a star rating of 4.5 or 5 can be a good indicator of quality, don’t go by this alone – look at the reviews too and check them against these tips.

Is it AI talking? Genuine reviews will often be personal and specific to the individual’s experience of using the item, whilst a fake is more likely to be vague, using generic words and phrases such as ‘amazing’, ‘awesome’, ‘buy this product’.

Review the reviews – Trusted online review checkers can help you decide if reviews are genuine – current options include TheReviewIndex and RateBud.

Don’t buy from an ad – If you’re tempted by a product, go back to your browser and search the company website separately. Check out a range of well-known independent review sites (such as TrustPilot) and see if you can find other mentions of the website online. And don’t always rely on the padlock symbol as many criminals have cottoned on to this.

Beware fake websites – Don’t automatically trust a website that you don’t know. Look for a company address, phone number and professional email address that you can verify, check out their socials and see if you can find reviews about the company elsewhere online. You can also use a web URL checker to see if it’s listed as a scam site.

Pay securely – Always pay by credit or debit card or a legitimate payment platform (such as PayPal) when shopping online. If a seller asks for a bank transfer or other method of payment, alarm bells should ring.

If you think you have lost money after being duped by a fake online review, misleading ad or a fake website you should report it to Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or 0300 123 2040) or seek advice from a Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.     

ENDS

City of London’s iconic market announces festive event programme including live music, Christmas markets, Christmas guided walks and magical twice-daily snowfall

The new Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley DBE, will officially switch on Leadenhall Market’s Christmas lights on Thursday 13 November, kickstarting festive celebrations at the heart of the capital.

The most magical night of year will begin at 5.15pm with live festive tunes and sing-along favourites from band The Super Tenants, before and after the official switch-on takes place at 6pm. Leadenhall Market’s Christmas centrepiece will be an impressive 18-foot real Christmas tree, which takes centre stage under the beautiful starry night atrium. The tree will be adorned with glittering baubles and twinkling lights, and the Victorian market’s shopfronts will be decked in fir tree garlands, with giant baubles and lights throughout.

This year, visitors can experience the magic of snowfall on Leadenhall Market’s cobbled, covered walkways. As part of the Christmas lights switch-on celebrations, a flurry of festive snow will fall at 6pm – but the snow doesn’t stop there; throughout the festive season, visitors can enjoy this wintry wonder twice daily, at 12pm and 6pm, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for seasonal shopping and celebrations.

Back by popular demand, Leadenhall Market’s very own pop-up Alpine Lodge will provide favourite winter warmer drinks, along with seasonal festive treats.

Many of Leadenhall’s restaurants and bars will be open for drinks, snacks and evening meals before, during and after the switch on including The Lamb Tavern, The Golden Goose, Old Tom’s, Oriani, Argentinian Grill, Aux Merveilleux De Fred, Boom Bap Burger, Chango Empandas, Georgio, La Viña, Luc’s Brasserie, Osteria del Mercato and Pizza Express. Christmas shopping opportunities range from specialist drinks store Amathus to British clothing brands Hobbs, Reiss and Barbour, to Pollock’s Toy Museum, Flying Tiger, Solo Craft Fair and Waterstones.

Leadenhall Market’s mayoral connections stretch back to Lord Mayor Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington who gifted the original stone structure to the City of London in 1411. This was replaced with today’s iconic wrought iron and glass architecture in 1881. Dame Susan Langley’s attendance as the third woman to hold the mayoral office, and first ever to use the title Lady Mayor – will mark another historical moment for the City of London.

Leadenhall Market’s festive events programme continues with:

Christmas Walking Tours: Amid the Victorian splendour and twinkling lights of Leadenhall Market, visitors will hear stories of some of the market’s best-loved characters – from the medieval mayor who inspired a pantomime to the resident goose who once proudly patrolled its passageways. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without mention of Charles Dickens. Led by a City of London guide, the walks are suitable for all ages and will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, priced £8.30, between 19 November and 10 December. Booking in advanceis required to secure a place.
Christmas Markets – Leadenhall’s much-loved weekend markets continue throughout the festive season, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts – from handcrafted art and jewellery to vintage fashion and homeware. This year, three festive pop-ups provide even more reason to visit. The SoLo Craft Fair will take place on two Saturdays (Saturday 8 November and Saturday 13 December), showcasing handmade creations from independent artisans, while The Vintage Furniture and Flea Christmas Market (Sunday 30 November) invites retro enthusiasts to discover one-of-a-kind treasures with stories to tell.

Situated in the centre of the City of London’s financial district, the current Grade II listed Market building, designed by Sir Horace Jones, dates back to 1881. Its airy and light wrought iron and glass structure replaced the stone market previously created by Lord Mayor of London, Dick Whittington in the 15th Century. Now, the market is home to 23 restaurants, cafes and bars, which sit alongside 15 retail outlets, creating a hub for shopping and dining in the City. Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation.

Live music, vintage games and 100 free luxury hampers available

The 80^th anniversary of VE Day will be marked with a vibrant street party hosted at Leadenhall Market on 8 May. Taking place from 3 to 6pm, this free event invites Londoners to enjoy a festive afternoon featuring complimentary afternoon tea hampers, live musical performances, vintage games and a nostalgic street party atmosphere in the heart of the City.

On 8 May, the nation will celebrate 80 years since World War II ended in Europe. In 1945 the people of Britain came together in joyous street parties to celebrate peace. Eastern City Business Improvement District will be recapturing this community spirit by bringing long communal tables, Union Jacks and classic street decorations to Leadenhall Market’s cobbled streets, protected from the elements by the beautiful glass roofed Victorian structure.

Visitors to the VE Day Street Party will experience the spirit of the 1940s with a specially curated programme of entertainment. The Swingettes, a dazzling vocal trio, will bring the era’s most iconic tunes to life in three sets throughout afternoon. While classic wartime music from Vera Lynn and other greats will set the mood. Guests can also try their hand at traditional board games from the period, including Snakes and Ladders, Backgammon, and Cluedo.

As part of the celebration, 100 luxurious afternoon tea hampers will be given away. Each carefully curated hamper will feature traditional delights such as delectable cakes and fresh, locally sourced strawberries. The hampers will showcase treats from Leadenhall Market’s renowned traders, including floral arrangements by Windsor Flowers and exquisite pastries from the Market’s patisserie, Aux Merveilleux de Fred.

To secure a luxury hamper ahead of time guests should follow @easterncityldn on Instagram, reshare the VE Day Street Party post, and submit their details via email as instructed. Those who successfully secure their hamper will be notified in advance and can collect their hampers on the day by showing their confirmation email. Another 50 hampers will be available to pick up on the day on a first-come-first-served basis.

As well as soaking up the vintage vibes at the VE Day Street Party, visitors can explore the incredible mix of independent shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs at Leadenhall Market, stopping for an excellent glass of wine from Bedales or Cheese, or a pint from Golden Goose or The Lamb Tavern.

Ollie Goode, Asset Manager at Leadenhall Market said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, this event offers Londoners a chance to come together in a truly historic setting to honour an important moment in our nation’s past. Leadenhall Market is proud to host this celebration of resilience and community. The independent businesses that make Leadenhall so special are looking forward to welcoming guests for a day of music, fun and great food in the heart of the City.”

For more information and for information on both events, visit https://leadenhallmarket.co.uk/ve-day-street-party/

Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation. 

The brief

Counterfeit beauty and hygiene products can cause serious harm, yet many young women in the UK are unaware of the risks.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) asked Barley Communications to design and deliver a behaviour change communications campaign targeting women aged 18–30. The goal was to expose the hidden dangers of fake perfumes, lipsticks and concealers, and to encourage safer, better-informed purchasing choices.

Insights and approach

Grounded in research and consumer insight, we developed Choose Safe, Not Fake — a behaviour change consultancy programme and campaign designed to shift attitudes and influence real-world decisions.

Understanding where our audience spends time online, we built a strategy centred on targeted social media activity, influencer partnerships and collaboration with trusted consumer protection organisations, including Citizens Advice.

Instagram proved critical given its reach among our target audience. We delivered a mix of high-impact multimedia content, ensuring key messages were seen repeatedly across the campaign period. Influencer selection focused on credibility and audience alignment, enabling authentic storytelling and amplifying engagement far beyond paid activity.

We backed this with powerful real-world case studies and striking visual assets that exposed the realities of fake beauty products. Combined, these elements created a multi-channel approach that exceeded every KPI and generated widespread coverage across TV, print and online platforms.

Results

The campaign successfully raised awareness of the risks posed by counterfeit beauty and hygiene products, directly addressing the objectives set by the IPO.

Choose Safe, Not Fake exceeded all reach and engagement KPIs. One in five consumers recalled the campaign — a clear sign that the messaging resonated — while content engagement grew more than threefold compared with the previous year’s behaviour change campaign. Influencer activity further accelerated conversations about the harms associated with fake products.

Coverage across flagship programmes including ITV’s This Morning and the BBC’s Morning Live reached millions, and partnerships with consumer protection bodies strengthened credibility. As a result, one in four consumers were able to recognise the dangers of counterfeit beauty products, helping empower young women to make safer choices and cementing the IPO’s position as a trusted voice in consumer protection.

Vapes marketed as ‘nicotine free’ found to contain nicotine

New data published by National Trading Standards reveal 13% of supposedly ‘nicotine free’ vapes on sale in the UK contain the highly addictive substance
Businesses and vapers urged to be vigilant and report suspected cases

New data published today by National Trading Standards reveal supposedly nicotine free vapes on sale to UK consumers have been found to contain nicotine. The findings have been published as Trading Standards continue to unearth new intelligence around the illegal vapes market.

As part of Operation Joseph – a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funded initiative tracking the sale of illicit vapes and underage sales – 76 products sold as nicotine free vapes were tested by Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, working together with Trading Standards teams in Salford and Berkshire.

More than one in every eight (13.2%) of the products were found to contain nicotine in amounts ranging from 0.06 mg/ml to 27.02 mg/ml – around the amount delivered by a pack of 20 cigarettes.*

All ten were also found to exceed the limit on the amount of e-liquid permitted in vapes with two found to exceed both the e-liquid and nicotine strength limit.**

As a result, consumers hoping to buy nicotine free products would have been exposed to nicotine and its addictive effects and in significant quantities with eight of the ten failed samples.

Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said:

“Nicotine free vapes can be a useful tool to quit smoking and reduce nicotine dependency, but these findings reveal that people can actually continue to be stuck in a cycle of addiction if sold the highly addictive substance unknowingly.

“Businesses should be aware vapes falsely claiming to be nicotine free are in circulation and should make sure they are not breaking the law by selling products that are falsely advertised, especially where they are importing goods or acting as the main UK distributor.

“I urge businesses and consumers to be vigilant and report suspected cases to the Citizens Advice consumer service by calling 0808 223 1133.”

Alex Fry, Operations Officer for Heart of the South West Trading Standards, said:

“We are pleased to have contributed to and helped co-ordinate the sampling of this project. We recognise how important it is for regulators and legislators to have up to date intelligence on what products are being supplied to consumers.

“Trading Standards are at the forefront of ensuring products comply with legal requirements and we hope that the findings will provide valuable intelligence and help shape the future regulation of cigarettes, tobacco and vapes.”

LONDON, 26 February 2025 – A recent survey conducted for London Recycles ahead of Repair Week 2025 has revealed that Londoners spent an average of £464.21 per person replacing damaged or broken items they believe could have been repaired over the past year. This adds up to a staggering £3.24 billion across London, marking a £240 million increase from a similar poll conducted for London Repair Week 2024.

The findings highlight the significant environmental and financial benefits of repairing rather than replacing items. However, many Londoners are unaware of affordable repair options or don’t feel they have the skills to fix things themselves.

London Repair Week 2025: free workshops and events

London Repair Week 2025, running from 3rd to 9th March, aims to inspire Londoners to embrace the repair revolution. With almost 90 active partners holding over 220 events across the city, many of which are free, the week offers opportunities to learn practical repair skills while connecting with others in the community.

56% of Londoners from the survey agreed that participating in a repair workshop would make them feel more connected to their local community, and 33% claim to have made friends at similar events in the past.

Workshops will cover a wide range of skills and items. Confirmed event hosts include London National Park City, Decathlon, TRAID, Kundakala, NOW Gallery and Trash Club. These workshops are designed to empower participants to extend the life of their belongings while reducing waste and saving money.

Repair Week has expanded beyond London again this year, bringing the repair movement to even more communities across the nation. Greater Manchester will be taking part for the third year running, while Cardiff, County Durham, Liverpool City Region, Belfast and Northern Ireland will take part for the first time.

Ali Moore, Head of Campaigns for London Recycles, said: “London Repair Week is about empowering people to make their stuff last longer, meet people and connect with their community. Whether you’re motivated by financial savings, environmental

concerns, or simply want to learn a new skill, there’s something for everyone at this year’s event.”

For a full list of workshops and events during #RepairWeekLDN, visit the London Recycles website London Recycles | Repair Week – What’s On.

Survey findings: a growing appetite for repair culture

The survey conducted by Censuswide reveals a growing interest in repair culture among Londoners:

77% want to learn repair skills to save money
67% would prefer repairing items themselves if they had the knowledge
57% are concerned about the cost of replacing broken items in the coming year
56% enjoy repairing items with others and want to learn more
58% would attend more local repair events if available locally
80% feel a sense of achievement when repairing things

Despite these positive trends, commonly discarded items like shoes (31%), clothing (29%), and kettles (27%) are often thrown away without exploring repair options.

Launching the UK’s first electrical repair voucher scheme

In addition to the events and workshops, an innovative repair voucher pilot scheme is being announced during the week. Funded by the North London Waste Authority and delivered in partnership by The Restart Project, ReLondon and FixFirst, this scheme is the first of its kind in the UK and aims to tackle one of the biggest barriers to repair: cost[2].

Key details of the scheme include:

Vouchers offering consumers 50% off repair costs (up to £50)
A trial run will take place across North London, with businesses accepting vouchers in Haringey, Hackney and Waltham Forest.
Launch date set for 1 April 2025, running for six months
The vouchers are available for use on repairs to household electrical items like toasters, kettles, lamps and tech including mobile phones and laptops

How it works: North London residents can apply for a voucher online and will receive a QR code to use at participating repair high street businesses listed on an interactive map. Once a repair is booked , customers receive their discount at payment. Businesses then claim back the cost from partner Fixfirst.

Fiona Dear, Co-Director at The Restart Project said: “Repair is hugely popular, but cost is one of the main reasons that people don’t fix their electricals. So we’re delighted to be trialling a repair voucher scheme in North London. The trial will directly reduce repair costs for Londoners, encourage more people to try out repair, and support North London’s repair businesses. We look forward to seeing the impact of the pilot, and making the case for further, longer-term schemes in the UK.”

Teams to compete for Leadenhall Market’s coveted golden frying pan

Leadenhall Market’s 18^th century pub – The Lamb Tavern – has announced its 16^th annual pancake race, celebrating Shrove Tuesday in the City of London.

The legendary event will take place on Tuesday 4 March at 12.30pm. The annual tradition sees teams of four don bowler hats and take on a 20m relay of the Victorian cobbled alleyways of Leadenhall Market, to compete for the ultimate prize of the Golden frying pan.

Not only do the winners have their name inscribed on the fabled trophy, they also get treated to a Lamb Tavern Hamper, while those in second place receive a £50 bar tab and third prize picks up a bottle of prosecco. The losing team will be awarded the consolation prize of one of The Lamb Tavern’s scotch eggs, to split between the four of them. And if that’s not enough, all competitors will get a free pancake to fuel their energy.

Spectators can expect to be entertained by market personality Charlie from London City Shoeshine, the event’s resident commentator. And there will be countless pancakes available to enjoy, cooked by The Lamb Tavern’s head chef.

Free to enter, teams of four people can take part and must register beforehand at www.lambtavernleadenhall.com/#book, or by emailing lambtavern@youngs.co.uk.

Leadenhall Market’s boutique retailers, bars, restaurants and cafés will also be open for the event, welcoming participants and spectators alike.

Situated in the centre of the City of London’s financial district, the current Grade II listed Market building, designed by Sir Horace Jones, dates back to 1881. Its wrought iron and glass structure replaced the stone market previously created by Lord Mayor of London, Dick Whittington in the 15th Century. Now, the market is home to 24 restaurants, cafes and bars, which sit alongside 14 retail outlets, creating a hub for shopping and dining in the City.

Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation. For more information, visit: leadenhallmarket.co.uk

The National Preparedness Commission (NPC) today issued a critical warning about the precarious state of the United Kingdom’s food security. In a new report published this morning, the Commission is urging immediate action to safeguard the nation’s food supply against mounting global pressures, including climate change, geopolitical instability, extreme weather events, fragile supply chains and the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NPC’s groundbreaking report concludes that considerable change is needed to bring UK food policy into a fit state of preparedness. It provides a critical framework to ensure that the UK’s food systems are resilient, sustainable and able to feed the nation in both ordinary and extraordinary times. Authored by Professor Tim Lang, Professor Emeritus of Food Policy at City St George’s, University of London, Just in Case: 7 steps to narrow the UK civil food resilience gap (linked here), calls for a decisive shift from reactive food policies to proactive, community-centred resilience planning – examining in detail for the first time how the British public can be better prepared.

Serving as a rallying cry for policymakers, the report draws on lessons from ten countries to stress the urgency of embedding food resilience into national policy, proposing a strategic reset from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case” logistics. Highlighting a convergence of threats, the Just in Case framework offers a blueprint for stability and preparedness: recommending a coordinated approach from government, industry and crucially, civil society.

Among 15 key recommendations, the report calls for new legislation to formalise the state’s obligation to feed the public in a time of crisis. A new legally defined UK food policy, including increased domestic production, is also recommended. Elsewhere, the report urges changes to food distribution systems, the introduction of town-to-town food resilience learning exchanges and research into current thinking around stockpiling and rationing, all to better prepare Britain for food shocks.

Over 70 people from organisations as diverse as the food industry, government, academia, and community groups were interviewed by the authors. In one-to-one interviews, they were asked to judge risks, fragilities, options and recommendations for how to improve food system resilience, and particularly to advise on how to accelerate what the report calls ‘civil food resilience’. These extensive interviews are cited throughout the report, all anonymised to encourage frankness. Case studies from Birmingham, Bristol and international cities underscore the potential of grassroots initiatives, which often outpace government in innovation and community engagement. The report measures ‘civil food resilience’ by considering the public’s awareness of risks, ability to reduce unnecessary risks and preparedness to act inclusively with others to ensure all society is well fed during crises.

The detailed research is presented in a 370-page main report, with a standalone Executive Summary. It highlights that enhancing resilience is not a “bolt-on” solution but an integrated effort requiring coordination and collaboration across different levels of society and between different sectors – government, industry, commerce, science, education and civil society.

Professor Tim Lang said: “The UK’s post-War food system, while revolutionary in its time, is no longer fit for purpose. To safeguard our future, we must prioritise resilience at every level – from local communities to national frameworks. There is a gap between the official risk and resilience framework which presents a picture that all is OK, and the realities that people in senior and frontline roles read differently. There is too much complacency about UK food security and civil food resilience barely features at all in forward planning. Food resilience is not just about surviving a crisis but thriving despite it. This report stands apart from current frameworks by taking into account the public’s current attitudes and understanding of food risks, and asking how civil society can be better engaged to ultimately become more resilient.”

Lord Toby Harris, Chair of the National Preparedness Commission said: “Food security is a cornerstone of national resilience. This report highlights the urgent need for a coordinated, whole-society approach to ensure that no one in the UK is left vulnerable in the face of future crises. The risks to our food systems are more pronounced than ever before. From floods in key farming regions to disruptions in global trade, we are facing a confluence of threats that could undermine our ability to feed ourselves. The recommendations provide a clear path forward, and it is vital that these are considered urgently.”

The NPC’s new report outlines several key areas of concern and presents actionable recommendations to protect the UK’s civil food security.

The report proposes seven steps to civil food resilience:

1.. Learn from others

The UK should emulate steps taken by other counties, including improving coordination across government levels, ensuring public advice is accessible and the introduction of community guidelines around stockpiling.

2. Assess the public’s mood, perceptions and engagement

Develop a comprehensive food resilience tracker, increase public awareness of food risks, and promote clear, accessible guidance to enhance trust and preparedness.

3. Map the community’s food assets

Shift from individual stockpiling to collective approaches, enabling shared food skills, resources, and multi-level coordination for equitable crisis preparedness.

4. Local authorities are key to building civil food resilience

Cities and regions play a vital role: fostering local frameworks, partnerships, and integrated policies to enhance sustainability and readiness.

5. Create local Food Resilience Committees to co-ordinate resilience preparation

Use local Food Resilience Committees to map supply chains, build networks, assess risks, and coordinate tailored, community-based food preparedness.

6. The UK central state must create and maintain a coherent food policy

A clear national food policy is urgently needed to set goals, improve coordination, and ensure resilience through proactive legislation and strategy.

7. Re-set the Government Resilience Framework for food

A National Food Resilience and Security Council should integrate food resilience into policy, ensuring preparedness, sustainability, and public trust through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key recommendations in the report include:

Legislate for a comprehensive UK food policy: Introduce a Food Security and Resilience Act to ensure a sustainable and resilient food system.
Pass law that obligates the government to feed the public in crises: Formalise government responsibility for crisis food provision, drawing on Sweden’s model.
Shift to a just-in-case food system: Reform logistics to prepare for supply chain shocks, replacing the Just-in-Time approach.
Reassess food as critical national infrastructure: Require Defra to treat food security as a core component of national infrastructure planning.
Create a national council for food security: Establish an advisory body to provide evidence-based, consistent advice on food resilience.
Integrate food into National and Community Risk Registers: Risk assessments should include food-related risks, considering local conditions and community responses.

Include food in the National Infrastructure Commission’s workplans:
The National Infrastructure Commission should incorporate food security into its workplans and advice.
Update crisis communication: Revise public messaging and integrate food issues into messaging planning.
Research stockpiling and rationing: Investigate stockpiling, rationing, and integrating local food providers into emergency food systems.
Engage civil society: Engage civil society organisations to improve emergency food advice, replacing the ‘Prepare’ programme with trusted systems.
Form local Food Resilience Committees: Create committees at the local level, building on existing food policy networks and chaired by trusted local experts.
Prioritise urban and decentralised food production in planning: Amend land-use policies to support regional and urban food production while addressing climate and social equity goals.
Promote regional food strategies: Encourage collaboration among metro mayors and devolved governments to develop regional food policies.
Foster food resilience learning exchanges: Establish town, city, village and institution exchanges for knowledge-sharing on sustainable food systems.
Invest in research: Fund studies into food vulnerabilities, crisis impacts, and demographic-specific resilience measures.

These steps aim to fortify the nation’s food systems, ensuring they remain robust in the face of growing global uncertainties.

New data from a first-of-its kind operation* tracking the sale of illicit vapes and underage sales shows:

1.19 million illegal vapes seized by Trading Standards in 2023-24, a 59% increase.
299,224 vapes confiscated in Q4 2023-24 alone.
24% of test purchases in Q4 2023-24 resulted in illegal sales of vapes to children.
A second operation** seized 46 million illicit cigarettes and 12,600kg of hand-rolling tobacco in the last three years.

More than a million illegal vapes were seized by Trading Standards in 2023/2024, new data released today from National Trading Standards (NTS) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) show.

A joint initiative named Operation Joseph has tracked over 1.19 million illegal vapes removed from sale across England, a 59% increase in the number seized compared to the previous year. The products seized failed to meet basic UK safety standards, with most containing excess nicotine levels.

New data also shines a spotlight on sales of vapes to children. In Q4 2023-24, almost a quarter (24%) of the 775 test purchases conducted in-person by Trading Standards resulted in illegal sales to under 18s.

Meanwhile, Operation CeCe — a joint initiative between NTS and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) running since 2021 — continues to disrupt the illicit tobacco trade. In 2023-24, over 19 million illicit cigarettes and more than 5,103 kg of hand-rolling tobacco worth £11.7 million were seized by Trading Standards. Since the operation started three years ago, 46 million illicit cigarettes and 12,600kg of hand-rolling tobacco have been seized, disrupting the illegal trade which undermines efforts to drive down smoking rates – including taxation policies.

“The protection of communities, public health and the safeguarding of honest businesses who are struggling to compete with the flood of illegal products lies at the heart of what Trading Standards does,” said Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards.

“Trading Standards has seized nearly 1.2 million illegal vapes and more than £26 million worth of illicit tobacco so far. But the reality is further action is necessary to remove more illegal – and in many cases dangerous – products from sale.

Richard Las, Director, HMRC Fraud Investigation Service, said:

“Illicit tobacco undermines legitimate retailers, funds wider crime, and harms public health while depriving our vital public services of around £2.2 billion a year.

“We will continue to work with partners like trading standards to tackle this organised criminal trade that harms our communities. These criminals don’t care who they sell to including children.

“We urge anyone with information about the smuggling, distribution or sale of illicit tobacco to report it online.”

Kate Pike, Lead Officer for Tobacco and Vaping for the Chartered Trading Standards Institute said:

“Trading Standards officers recognise that it is really important that adult smokers are able to switch to legal compliant vaping products which carry a fraction of the risk of their lethal tobacco habit. These figures show we are working incredibly hard to remove illegal vapes from our communities and to support businesses not to sell to children. We encourage anyone with information about businesses ignoring the law to report to us so we can continue to target our enforcement resources most effectively.”

Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said:

“This shows just how many illegal and harmful vapes are on our streets, putting consumers and children at risk. To further crack down on illicit trade of tobacco products and vapes, we are investing an extra £10 million to keep these harmful products out of the hands of kids.

“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will strengthen enforcement activity, allowing Trading Standards to take swifter action to enforce the law, including on non-compliant products, and closing loopholes.”

The brief

The Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) accelerates government innovations into the market to drive growth and support new products and services for citizens.GOTT commissioned us to lead a public sector brand development project to evolve its visual identity into something clearer, more accessible and more adaptable — and to ensure it reflected the organisation’s innovative role and authority. Key requirements included preserving recognition, ensuring AA accessibility, and keeping the brand practical and ownable within DSIT.

Insights and approach

We structured our work into three phases: immersion, creation and delivery. As a brand development agency working regularly on public sector branding, we began with a detailed brand audit — laying out every asset on a virtual board to identify patterns, inconsistencies and opportunities for improvement.

To understand usability challenges, we spoke directly with core brand users inside GOTT, gathering clear insights into what worked, what didn’t and what needed simplifying.From there, we developed an iterative set of design refinements, ensuring the visual language balanced continuity with much-needed clarity. Once approved, we delivered a hands-on training session, including a live “build-your-own-slide-deck” exercise. This allowed the team to trial the refreshed brand in real time and gain confidence using it with our technical support on hand.

Results

The original identity relied on complex, layered graphics to express three pillars — collaboration, innovation and acceleration. While the themes of movement and transfer were clear, the deeper meaning was often difficult for users to interpret or apply.We retained the strongest elements of the previous design and simplified the visual system so it conveyed movement without needing to represent specific concepts. The result is a brand that teams can deploy quickly and consistently, meeting accessibility requirements and improving day-to-day usability, while staying true to the original spirit of the identity.

Switch-on the Christmas lights with the new Lord Mayor, indulge in festive weekend markets, enjoy guided walks and more

The new Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alastair King DL, will be lighting up the City of London’s iconic hidden gem, Leadenhall Market, on Thursday 14^th November, kickstarting the Victorian market’s Christmas celebrations.

The much-loved annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremony will take place at 6pm – complete with pyrotechnic firework fountains – unveiling the full splendour of Leadenhall Market’s giant real Christmas tree, which will sit under the breathtaking central atrium which depicts a starry night sky.

The 18-foot-tall glittering Christmas tree will be decked with a colour changing LED light display, complementing the large red and gold baubles and beautiful fir tree garlands throughout the market. A twinkling light tunnel will bring festive cheer to Beehive Passage, tempting visitors to explore the shops, restaurants and bars nestled in the cobbled alleyways of Leadenhall Market.

Shoppers will be treated to live music from Super Tenants who will be encouraging crowd participation in a range of seasonal songs from 5.30pm, before the countdown begins for the Lord Mayor Alistair King’s speech and Christmas light switch on at 6pm.

The festive garlands festooning the Victorian shopfronts are being designed by Leadenhall Market’s longstanding family run florist, Windsor flowers, where customers can pick up the perfect Christmas table centrepiece, and the market’s boutique shops, restaurants and bars will be stacked full of festive gifts, food and seasonal tipples – ideal for Christmas shopping and dining in one of London’s most beautiful locations. Please check individual stores for opening times.

The Lord Mayor’s switch on is appropriate as former Lord Mayor Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington gifted the previous stone structure of Leadenhall Market to the City of London in 1411. This was replaced in 1881 with Leadenhall Market’s current stunning wrought iron and glass architecture.

Christmas weekend markets

Bringing more festive sparkle, the popular weekend pop up markets, introduced for the first time earlier this year to bring the market back to Leadenhall, will return for the Christmas season. South-London based SoLo Craft Fair will feature a beautiful array of Christmas gifts, from uniquely hand-crafted art, jewellery, and home accessories to children’s toys and more. Run by makers, for makers, SoLo Craft Fair supports a pool of carefully selected, talented crafters that have proved very popular with weekend shoppers looking for something new.

Judy’s presents The Vintage Furniture & Flea Market has drawn in shoppers throughout the summer months with their eclectic collections of one-off pieces of furniture from the mid-century onwards, alongside fashion from the twenties to the noughties. This market day will be ideal for picking up a standout seasonal piece to create the perfect cosy home or one-of-a-kind present ideas for vintage fans.

Saturday 16 November – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
Sunday 24 November – The Vintage Furniture & Flea Christmas Market
Saturday 7 December – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market

Festive walks

After the official light switch-on, visitors are invited to explore the illuminated Market by joining Leadenhall’s popular guided walks. From 20 November these tours will embrace a Christmas theme, sharing stories of the market’s holiday traditions past and present. From its Roman origins to Dickens’ Victorian celebrations and the City’s most fortunate and fearless goose – Old Tom – the tours blend fascinating history with festive fun. Led by a City of London guide, the walks are suitable for all ages and will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, priced £8.30, between 20 November and 11 December. Booking in advance is required to secure your place (see website for details: leadenhallmarket.co.uk/festive-guided-walks-2024/)

Workshops and tastings

Over the Christmas season, Leadenhall Market offers fantastic festive shopping, with some tenants also hosting exclusive Christmas activities. From 15 November, Pollock’s Toy Museum pop up will invite children of all ages to decorate their own Victorian-style face mask (contribution £2), the perfect accessory for any upcoming Christmas parties. Also available, the chance to make Danish woven paper hearts, designed to hang up as festive decoration or give as a gift – materials and assistance supplied. Pollock’s Toy Museum is open from 11am to 3pm on Wednesdays and Fridays until the 20 December.

In the run up to Christmas, wine merchants Amathus are hosting Customer tastings every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For the wine lovers in your life, Amathus offers bespoke presents, including personalised bottle engravings and corporate gifting ideas. For those planning the office party, bulk discounts are available for corporate events.

Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation.

We’re at the cusp of a whole bunch of awards celebrations and we have plenty to celebrate! We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for multiple awards for our innovative communications solutions. Of course, the pride and glory of awards are always enjoyable, but more than anything, we’re pleased with what this recognition says about our work.

Having judged many awards ourselves, we know that creativity, innovation and impact are what’s needed to make an award entry stand out from the crowd. At Barley, we blend strategy, creativity, expertise and passion into social purpose communications that deliver real impact for our clients.

Here’s a snapshot of the work we’ve been shortlisted for:

Rebranding a charity for ETP

To mark a new era for ETP, we designed a bold visual identity that unifies perspectives, clarifies the organisation’s message and charts a course for the future. We developed a new website that’s been shortlisted for Best Website or App at the Memcom Excellence Awards and Best Marketing Initiative or Project at the Association Excellence Awards.

Membership organisation, EACTS

The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) – a 4,000+ membership organisation for the cardiothoracic surgical community that aims to improve outcomes for heart and lung patients around the world – has been shortlisted for Best In-Person Event of the Year at the Memcom Excellence Awards.

The shortlist for EACTS is for the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting which took place in Vienna in 2023 – and we’re proud to support EACTS to deliver the flagship event. At Barley, our work includes managing organic and paid social media to drive over 5,000 participants to the event, publishing a daily newspaper over the four-day event and working with Go Forth Films to produce a daily highlights video. Barley is again supporting EACTS with this year’s Annual Meeting, which is being held in Lisbon from 9-12 October.

Environmental behaviour change campaign for Keep Britain Tidy

Based on eye-opening data about people’s buying habits, we created and delivered a topical campaign across digital and social platforms, setting our audience the task of buying nothing new for a month. This one is up for Behaviour Change Campaign of the Year at the Global Glood Awards and the Education, Training and Communication Award at the National Sustainability Awards.

Charity communications for Nordoff and Robbins

We’re shortlisted for PR Team of the Year at the Charity Times Awards for our strategic approach to media relations for the inaugural Northern Music Awards – helping Nordoff and Robbins raise their profile, raise funds and demonstrate the impact of their life-changing work as the UK largest provider of music therapy.

Local authority communications for Suffolk Waste Partnership

Our #ShakeItOut campaign to reduce recycling contamination has made a lasting impact, resonating with Suffolk households through eye-catching creative across multiple communications channels. This standout campaign of this year’s awards has so far been shortlisted a whopping eight times.

And there’s more! In addition to our client work, Barley has also been shortlisted for several agency awards, including the Women in Green Business Awards and the Association Excellence Awards.

This recognition is true testament to the dedication, imagination and enthusiasm our team brings to every project. And we’re ever appreciative of our marvellous clients for choosing Barley to deliver across a wide range of their communications needs.

Bring on the celebrations!

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The brief

Insights and approach

Results

Switch-on the Christmas lights with the new Lord Mayor, indulge in festive weekend markets, enjoy guided walks and more