admin

Major jewellery retailer with 89 stores to shut seven ‘no longer viable’ branches starting in DAYS

A MAJOR retailer with 89 stores is closing seven branches starting in days.

Jeweller Beaverbrooks is preparing to close the shutters on a number of its locations this month and next.

The Sun previously revealed Beaverbrook’s plans to close seven branches deemed “no longer commercially viable.”

In England, five stores will be shutting their doors in Birmingham Fort, High Wycombe, Huddersfield, Croydon, and Sutton Coldfield.

Meanwhile, two Scottish branches are also set to close, located in East Kilbride and Dundee.

The East Kilbride branch in Scotland will close on March 16, followed by the Dundee branch in Scotland, also on March 16.

The Birmingham Fort store will shut its doors on March 23, alongside the High Wycombe branch, which is scheduled to close on the same day.

The Huddersfield store is set to close on April 5.

Finally, the Croydon and Sutton Coldfield branches will both close on April 6.

When the closures were initially announced, Anna Blackburn, managing director of the jewellery chain, stated that the decision to shut the sites was made following a review of business performance.

She added: “At Beaverbrooks we pride ourselves on our people-first culture and open, honest relationships with our colleagues.

“Our directors delivered the news in person to each team member.

“We aim to retain as many colleagues as possible within other Beaverbrooks stores or the wider business, and are working closely with each individual affected to provide them with options for their specific needs, supporting them with their next steps whatever they may be.”

The seven impending closures follow the shutdown of a Beaverbrooks store in Romford, London, last March.

Despite the closures, Beaverbrooks is set to open a new store in Harrogate this spring.

Retailers often close branches and open them in other areas based on customer demand and trends.

Why are retailers closing shops?

EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline.

The Sun’s business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors.

In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping.

Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open.

The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury’s hike to employer NICs from April 2025, will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.

At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40.

In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed.

The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing.

Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns.

Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead.

In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Carpetright, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Paperchase, Ted Baker, The Body Shop, Topshop and Wilko to name a few.

What’s increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online.

They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places.

The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.

Other shops leaving the high street

Beales, one of Britain’s oldest department stores, has launched a closing down sale before it shuts its last remaining shop after more than 140 years.

The company will shut its branch in Poole’s Dolphin Centre on May 31.

The sale includes fashion, furniture, gifts and cosmetics, being sold for up to 70% off.

Beales chief executive Tony Brown blamed the “devastating impact” of the rise in national insurance contributions and the higher minimum wage for the store closure.

Meanwhile, high street fashion chain New Look has begun to close stores as it scales back its UK footprint.

It is understood to be shutting nearly 100 stores – equivalent to around a quarter of its 364 shops.

Stores in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, St Austell, Cornwall and Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf have launched closing down sales.

Reports suggest that the company has been forced to accelerate the pace of store closures due to tax changes in the Autumn Budget.

Meanwhile, Huttons in London will shut its store in the Putney Exchange due to excessive energy costs.

The gift shop became a local icon after it opened in the 1990s.

Read More »

Athlete disqualified for shameful act just centimetres from finish line that sparked fury at U20 Championship

THE Spanish Under-20 Indoor Championships were hit by a shameful act centimetres from the finish line.

Guillermo Sanchez was crowned the victor of the 1500m event in Salamanca with a time of 3:54.55.

Runners sprinting towards the finish line of a track race.
The Spanish Under-20 Indoor Championships were hit with a shocking incident
Two runners sprinting towards the finish line on a track.
Athlete’s Daniel Lopez and Mario Palencia clashed centimetres from the finish line
Athlete disqualified for pushing another athlete near the finish line.
LaLiga+
Palencia was disqualified for pushing Lopez over at the finish line after Lopez crossed his path[/caption]
Runner falling during a race.
Lopez fell heavily to the floor after the push

However, as the 18-year-old raised his hands in triumph, the crowd was left stunned as second and third became embroiled in a stunning act.

Athletes Daniel Lopez and Mario Palencia, both 18, were close behind Sanchez when he crossed the line.

But as they approached the finish line, Lopez – who was running in second at the time – appeared to veer his path to the right.

This change of direction saw him get in the way of Palencia.

Frustrated by the move across his path, Palencia astonishingly pushed Lopez just centimetres before the pair were set to cross the finish line.

This caused Lopez to lose his balance and go tumbling over on to the floor.

As reported by Marca, the act was deemed to constitute unsportsmanlike conduct under article RT7.1.

Palencia received a red card for the incident and was subsequently disqualified from the race.

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

But it was not only the finish line push which had been considered, with the pair also clashing during the race.

Both race-winner Sanchez, runner-up Lopez and the disqualified Palencia had each won their respective earlier heat to get to the final.

Read More »

Zelensky jetting into Saudi Arabia ahead of crunch US-Ukraine war talks as Trump says it’s going to be ‘very big week’

epa11944182 Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky walks in a EU headquarters corridor after his meeting with France's president, on the sidelines of the Special European Council to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defence, at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 06 March 2025. European Union leaders held emergency talks in Brussels, gathering as the Trump administration upends traditional alliances and retracts wartime backing of Ukraine. EPA/LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL
epa11944182 Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky walks in a EU headquarters corridor after his meeting with France’s president, on the sidelines of the Special European Council to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defence, at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 06 March 2025. European Union leaders held emergency talks in Brussels, gathering as the Trump administration upends traditional alliances and retracts wartime backing of Ukraine. EPA/LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL

UKRAINE’S hero war leader Volodymyr Zelensky is jetting into Saudi Arabia today ahead of crunch talks with the US.

Zelensky will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Kyiv’s team prepares for a showdown with US officials on Tuesday.

Neither Zelensky nor Trump are expected to attend the talks as the US tries to play peacemaker between Ukraine and Russia.

Talks between the two sides have been stormy – with the US President saying he finds Russia easier to deal with.

Trump slammed Zelensky in a very public White House meeting, and Zelensky screamed at a US negotiator behind closed doors.

The US have played hard ball with Ukraine – cutting off aid and intelligence – while trying to bring Moscow back in from the cold.

Critics have accused Trump of appeasement with tyrant Vladimir Putin, something he fiercely denies – saying he merely wants to stop the bloodshed.

Speaking yesterday, the 78-year-old US President said Zelensky wasn’t “grateful” and warned Ukraine “may not survive”.

And as he spoke to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said: “Some very big things could happen this week. I hope so.”

You can follow our live blog, below, for all the latest updates …

Read More »

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Bet £10 and get £40 in free bets with SBK

Illustration of a horse race with text overlay: Bet £10, Get £40 in free bets.  Terms and conditions apply.
SBK

SBK are celebrating the Cheltenham Festival in style with a fantastic welcome offer for brand new customers.

New SBK punters who sign-up and stake a tenner on horse racing will receive a bumper £40 in free bets to spend on the four-day festival, which kick-starts on Tuesday, March 11th.

How to claim..

SBK welcome offer

  1. Visit the SBK website HERE*
  2. Register an account with SBK – No Promo Code required
  3. Deposit a minimum of £10 using Debit Card or Bank Transfer
  4. Place a bet of £10 (or greater) at minimum odds of Evens
  5. After settlement, your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!

SBK: Get £40 in free bets – HERE*

No SBK account? No problem!

Simply register an account with SBK and stake a tenner on anything at odds of Evens or greater.

Once that initial bet has settled – win or lose – you’ll receive the full £40 welcome bonus!

A £10 Free Bet will be credited to your account. A further £10 Free Bet, a £5 Horse Racing Free Bet and a £5 Football Bet Builder Free Bet will be credited after 24 hours

A further £10 Free bet will be credited 48 hours after the qualifying bet has been settled.

Not a bad way to boost that Cheltenham Festival fund!

Cheltenham deals

Horse play

Best horse racing betting sites in the UK (2025)

TOP DEALS

Best Cheltenham Festival free bets and betting offers for 2025


*New UK customers only. Min £10 first deposit using Debit Card or Bank Transfer. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 2.0 and get a £10 Multiple token upon settlement. A £10 Multiple token, a £5 Horse Racing Multiple token and a £5 Football Bet Builder token will be credited after 24 hours. A further £10 Multiple token will be credited 48 hours after the qualifying bet has been settled. Full T&Cs apply, 18+. BeGambleAware.org.


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
  • GambleAware – GambleAware.org

Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Read More »

Cheltenham Festival: Get 50% of your first day losses back as a free bet up to £25 at Betgoodwin

BETGOODWIN are giving punters the chance to claim 50% of their first day losses back as a free bet.

New customers who sign up to Betgoodwin can get half of their losses in their first betting day back to use as a free bet up to £25!

If you don’t have a Betgoodwin account then you can take advantage of this!

First, register for a brand new Betgoodwin account using this exclusive link here*.

Then deposit and place a minimum of three bets of £10 or more on separate events at odds of evens (2.0) or bigger to qualify.

BetGoodwin will refund 50% of your first day losses as a free bet up to a maximum of £25.

Free bets will be credited within 24 hours.

First day losses equals all settled stakes less all return before 23:59.

Betgoodwin: Get 50% of first day losses back as free bet*

Betgoodwin sportsbook account offer: 50% back as a free bet on first-day losses, up to £25.  18+.
Get 50% of Cheltenham first day losses back as free bet up to £25 at Betgoodwin

More Cheltenham offers

TOP DEALS

Best Cheltenham Festival free bets and betting offers for 2025

Horse play

Best horse racing betting sites in the UK (2025)

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
  • GambleAware – GambleAware.org

Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.


*Offer valid for new Betgoodwin customers 18+. 50% of first day losses refunded as free bet. Max free bet per customer £25. Min. 3 bets of £10 or more on separate events at odds of evens (2.0) or bigger on first day. Free bets non withdrawable. Free bets to be credited within 24 hours. Betgoodwin Terms and Conditions apply.

Read More »

Urgent warning for anyone married or with kids to make vital check this month

PARENTS and married couples are being urged to make a vital check this month.

A host of charities are encouraging anyone who hasn’t written a will yet to get one set up as part of Free Wills Month.

A stressed man reviews financial documents at his kitchen table while his wife holds their baby.
Getty
A will dictates what will happen to your estate when you die[/caption]

Wills lay out what you want to happen to your property, money and belongings after you die.

Pass away without one and it could leave your next of kin wrangling with bundles of paperwork and lead to other major complications.

However, recent research from Legal and General has revealed over half of UK adults haven’t written a will and 30% of those aged over 55 don’t have one.

Through Free Wills Month, those aged 55 and over can have a simple will written up or an existing one updated at no cost.

You just have to find a solicitor near you who is part of the campaign and they will carry out the next steps.

There’s a form you need to fill in via www.freewillsmonth.org.uk and then request an appointment.

Any appointments are face to face, but you may be offered a remote meeting depending on the solicitor.

If you are in a couple and looking to have a “mirror” will written up, you can get a free appointment if one of you is 55 or older.

What is a will and why is it important?

A will is a legal document that states how you want your assets and possessions distributed after you die.

You have to choose an executor when writing a will – this is the person that will carry out its wishes.

There are a number of reasons writing a will is important, the main one being that it means you can decide how your estate will be divided to your exact wishes.

You can also specify within a will who becomes legal guardian for any children you have under 18 if you die.

If you die without a will, you are classed as having died “intestate” and your estate is subject to preexisting intestacy laws.

If you have no surviving relatives who can inherit your estate, it is passed to the Crown who decides what to do with it.

How to make a will

These are the five steps you should follow when deciding how to distribute your estate, according to Legal and General:

  • Get your estate valued – work out your total assets, such as your property, savings and investments, as well as your debts like outstanding mortgages, credit card loans and bank overdrafts.
  • Divide your estate – you then need to figure out who will get a share of your estate, and how much.
  • Choose your executors – this is the person that has to carry out the wishes of your will.
  • Write your will – at this stage, you’re ready to finalise the will in writing.
  • Sign and store your will – in England and Wales, a valid will must be signed in the presence of two independent witnesses. You will then need to store the will, either at home or safely with the Probate Service, solicitors or bank.

If you die with surviving relatives but no will, it can lead to your children or grandchildren receiving nothing.

Unmarried couples or those not in a civil partnership can suffer if there is no will in place too.

For example, if your partner dies and you don’t have one written up, you won’t be automatically entitled to anything.

The same applies if your relationship to the deceased was that of a friend, carer or relative by marriage.

How to write a will

You can get help writing a will through campaigns like Free Wills Month, which runs in March and October each year.

Or, if you’re younger than 55 and want to get started now, you can pay to have one written up.

What you have to pay depends on the complexity of your will, but prices range between £150 and £500.

For a will to be legally valid you must be 18 or over, make it in writing, be of “sound mind” and sign it in the presence of two witnesses (who are both over 18). These two witnesses also have to sign the will.

You can pay a solicitor to help you write up a will.

You can find one near you by visiting the following link: www.nationalwillregister.co.uk/find-a-local-will-probate-solicitor.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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

Read More »

Major supermarkets slash prices of sweet treats to as little as 30p

SUPERMARKETS have slashed the price on a range of sweet treats to help households celebrate a major event,

Major supermarkets are rolling out unbeatable offers on chocolates and sweet treats, that families can mark the occasion of Ramadan without breaking the bank.

Shopping cart, trolley
Shoppers can land huge savings as major supermarkets lower prices for Ramadan

Ramadan is an important month in the muslim calendar. 

This year, it began on February 28 and is expected to last 29 to 30 days.

During the month, muslims won’t eat or drink between dawn and sunset. This is called fasting.

At the end of the daily fast – when the sun has gone down – families and friends will get together to break their fast, often starting with water and dates.

It is common for families to host dinners in the evening and spend time with loved ones.

As millions across the UK mark Ramadan 2025, supermarkets have rolled out incredible deals on sweet treats, dates and chocolates to help families celebrate on a budget.

From indulgent chocolate boxes to discounted dates, we’ve scoured the aisles of big supermarkets including Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda to bring you the best bargains.

Here’s what’s on offer…

ASDA

Asda is a favourite for budget-conscious shoppers, with rollback deals and multi-buy offers on chocolates and sweet treats.

Here are some highlights:

  • Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar (360g) – £2.50 (was £3.50)
  • Galaxy Smooth Milk Chocolate Bar (360g) – £2.50 (was £3.50)
  • Ferrero Rocher (24pcs) – £5 (was £7)
  • Tunisian Dates (1kg) – £3 (was £4.50)
  • Nescafe gold blend instant coffee – £5.98 (was £8.70)
  • Maryland Cookies Choc Chip (200g) – 88p (was £2)
  • Biscoff spread (400g) – £2.38 (was 3.50)

The supermarket is offering some of the cheapest dates around. As well as the 1kg pack, you can also get a 450g pack for £2.23 down from £2.50.

It is also offering great savings on cooking essentials this month.

An Asda spokesperson said: “As many families continue to feel the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, we recognise the importance of making savings before key events such as Ramadan and Eid.

“We’re also incredibly proud of the variety and quality of the products available for customers looking to stock up ahead of Ramadan, and our dedicated aisles and front-of-store zones make it convenient and stress-free for shoppers to pick up everything they need.”  

Offers on Ramadan groceries are now live in stores and online. These deals run until March 30, so stock up while you can.

SAINSBURY’S

Sainsbury’s is offering exclusive discounts for its Nectar cardholders, making it a top pick for Ramadan shoppers.

Here’s what’s on offer:

  • Cadbury Heroes (730g) – £5 (was £7)
  • Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles (337g) – £8 (was £12)
  • Toblerone Truffles Gifting Box (180g) – £4.50 (was £6)
  • Dates (450g) – £2.50 (was £3.50)
  • Eazypop Microwave Sweet Popcorn – 30p (was 90p)

The supermarket’s dates are not as cheap as Asda, but they still offer shoppers a decent saving.

And the price on its Lindor truffles is the cheapest among the big supermarkets for a 337g box.

Ocado

Ocado is a go-to for online shoppers, offering a range of sweet treats and Ramadan essentials delivered straight to your door.

Here are some of its top deals:

  • Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles (200g) – £3 (was £4.50)
  • Cadbury Dairy Milk Giant Buttons (750g) – £5 (was £7)
  • Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate Bars – 3 for £5
  • Rubicon Sparkling Mango (2L) – Any 2 for £3

MORRISONS

Morrisons has slashed prices by up to 60% on some Ramadan favourites. For example:

  • Tunisian Dates (200g) – 2 for £1 (was £2.50)
  • Tunisian Dates (2kg) – £4.75 (was £7.50, limited availability
  • Rubicon Mango (24x330ml) – £8 (was £9.50)
  • Rubicon Mango 1L (4x1L) – £4.50 (was £6)
  • Irn Bru – buy any two cases for £7
  • KitKat multipack £1.40 (was £2.20).

It is also offering a great price on dates with up to 60% off.

There is also 25% off Rubicon products.

How to save big on your grocery shop

While supermarkets are rolling out hot deals for Ramadan, there are even more ways to slash your grocery bill and make your money go further.

From food waste apps to yellow sticker bargains, there are a number of ways to cut costs.

Many retailers sell slightly misshapen or surplus produce at a fraction of the price, helping you save while reducing food waste.

Lidl’s Waste Not Scheme offers 5kg of fruit and veg for just £1.50, while Aldi’s Too Good to Go bags let you grab £10 worth of groceries for £3.30.

Sainsbury’s also has “Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me” boxes for £2, packed with surplus food perfect for Iftar meals.

These deals are ideal for stocking up on ingredients without breaking the bank.

Yellow sticker discounts are a tried-and-tested way to save big. Supermarkets reduce prices on items nearing their sell-by date throughout the day, with the steepest discounts usually in the evening.

It’s worth checking your local store’s reduction times – some start as early as 5pm, while others wait until closer to closing.

Whether it’s bread, meat, or ready meals, yellow sticker bargains are perfect for Iftar meals that can be frozen or cooked straight away.

Bargain hunter communities on Facebook are another goldmine for savvy shoppers. Groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK are packed with members sharing the latest deals, discounts, and tips.

From flash sales to clearance items, these groups are like having a team of personal shoppers working to save you money.

Members often share insider info on when and where to find the best deals, so it’s worth joining a few to stay in the loop.

Switching to own-brand products is another simple way to save hundreds of pounds a year.

Known as “downshifting,” this strategy is championed by money-saving expert Martin Lewis.

Many own-brand products are just as good as big-name brands but cost significantly less.

For example, swapping branded rice, oil, and tinned goods for supermarket alternatives can make a huge difference to your grocery bill without compromising on quality.

Ramadan is a good time to stock up on essentials like rice, oil, and dates.

Buying in bulk often works out cheaper per unit, and many supermarkets offer extra discounts for larger packs.

Stores like Asda, Morrisons, and Tesco frequently have bulk-buy savings on Ramadan staples, so it’s worth planning ahead and stocking up.

Finally, don’t forget to sign up for supermarket loyalty schemes like Tesco Clubcard and Sainsbury’s Nectar.

These schemes offer exclusive discounts and points that can be redeemed for cash off your shop. Using your points during Ramadan can help you save even more on Iftar essentials and Eid treats.

With these tips, you can slash your grocery bill and make your Ramadan budget stretch further.

From food waste apps to yellow sticker bargains, there are plenty of ways to save without sacrificing quality.

So, get shopping, save big, and enjoy a happy Ramadan with your loved ones.

How to save money on chocolate

We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don't have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.

Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

Read More »