New York State

Travis Perkins has been left reeling after new boss Pete Redfern was forced to step down due to ill health, after just six months in the job.

Shares in the builders’ merchant fell by 8 per cent yesterday as investors digested the news that the company would have to start hunting for a new boss again.

The Times

Travis Perkins has been left reeling after new boss Pete Redfern was forced to step down due to ill health, after just six months in the job[/caption]

The fear is that it will take some time to recruit a replacement for Mr Redfern. Investors will have to wait even longer for the new boss to get their feet under the table and come up with a plan for the business.

Mr Redfern, 54, started as CEO last September after making his name as boss of housebuilder Taylor Wimpey over the past two decades.

Travis Perkins, which owns the Toolstation brand, is the UK’s biggest distributor of building materials. It has 550 branches and 8,400 employees.

In 2021 it spun off bathroom and kitchen business Wickes in a separate listing.

The shock news comes a week before Mr Redfern was expected to unveil details of his turnaround strategy, alongside Travis Perkins’ annual results.

In October Mr Redfern gave a candid critique of Travis Perkins’ underperformance and said the firm had “become distracted”.

He also took on the role of managing merchant business.

PA

The shock news comes a week before Mr Redfern was expected to unveil details of his turnaround strategy, alongside Travis Perkins’ annual results[/caption]

The extra workload, he said, would allow him to “shorten reporting lines and develop the new strategy”.

But five months later Mr Redfern is having to step away from work altogether, leaving big question marks about the future direction of Travis Perkins.

Chairman Geoff Drabble said ­yesterday: “The Board and I are very sorry that Pete’s brief but promising tenure as CEO has been brought to a premature conclusion for reasons beyond his and our control, and which none of us had anticipated.

“On a personal level, and on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Pete for his valuable contribution kickstarting the group’s efforts to refocus on the customer experience and re-energise our field operations.”

Pizzas ‘junk’ debt

@Spotyphoto

Analysts at Fitch warn that Pizza Express faces pressure from rising staffing costs, challenging consumer demand, and weakening profits[/caption]

Pizza Express is junk food, according to rating agency Fitch, which yesterday issued a savage downgrade on the restaurant firm’s debt to junk territory.

Analysts at Fitch reckon the chain, famed for its American Hot and Sloppy Giuseppe pizzas, will come under pressure due to a significant increase in staffing costs due to the Budget, challenging consumer demand and weakening profits.

It has lowered the debt rating from B- to junk territory CCC+.

Private equity firm Bain Capital was this weekend reported to be injecting £30million to help shore up its finances.

But Fitch warned of “refinancing risks” and it could be classed as a “distressed” situation.

Fitch said in a note: “We believe that in the absence of material earnings improvement or imminent shareholder support..the company may have challenges with debt refinancing and its capital structure could become unsustainable”.

Pizza Express has 350 restaurants across the UK and Ireland and it has a number of sites abroad, from Cyprus to the UAE.

Tesla in double whammy

Getty

Tesla’s shares dropped sharply yesterday as the electric car company faced a double blow from concerns over the US economy and a slowdown in its own sales[/caption]

Shares in Elon Musk’s Tesla plunged yesterday as the electric car firm was hit by a double whammy of fears about the US economy and its own sales slowdown.

Wall Street tumbled yesterday after President Trump refused to rule out recession risks and said his introduction of tariffs meant a “period of transition” for the US economy.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Index dropped by 3 per cent yesterday while the S&P 500 sank by 2 per cent as investors fear the US economy may be dented in the short term.

The so-called “Magnificent Seven”, which consists of Tesla, NVIDIA, Google owner Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft, all suffered sliding shares.

Shares in Tesla dropped another 11 per cent yesterday as analysts at UBS also cut their forecasts for the number of cars Tesla will deliver this year to 1.7 million, below Wall Street’s consensus of 2 million.

20% dive on ships

Clarkson, the world’s biggest shipbroking firm, saw its shares tank by over a fifth yesterday after warning global conflicts, trade tensions and tariffs were affecting business.

Clarkson, which was accused of profiteering during the pandemic, said that rates were sharply falling due to global uncertainty.

Threats in the Red Sea from Houthi rebels meant traffic through the Suez Canal was at historic low levels.

It’s Assura deal

Assura, the FTSE 250 landlord to hundreds of doctors’ surgeries and healthcare centres, says it is “minded” to approve a £1.61billion private equity takeover.

The firm had rejected four previous offers from private equity giant KKR. However, the US buyout firm has come back with a 49.3p-a-share offer and partnered with another investor, Stonepeak.

Assura has over 600 UK healthcare buildings with a £2.7billion book value. Shares rose by 14 per cent yesterday, valuing the firm at £1.5billion.

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Less than a fifth of engineering and manufacturing firms are confident the Government can fix an ongoing skills shortage.

An In-Comm Training poll found 61 per cent of HR leads do not understand what Labour’s new body Skills England is for.

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Fix a good call

Virgin Media O2 has said it will spend £2million a day to fix signal blackouts in Britain.

The telecom firm said it will focus on expanding 4G and 5G coverage to “not-spots” in rural and coastal areas.

It is also focusing on how to boost capacity in dense urban areas and fix the ongoing bugbears of rubbish signals along railway lines, at airports and on motorways.

It will be deploying new networks to ensure “uninterrupted connectivity” for live events, such as football games and music gigs.

LIAM Gallagher risks a £4,000 fine if he fails to show up to face his love-child’s mother in court.

The Oasis frontman, 52, must attend a hearing on April 16 over child support for 12-year-old daughter Gemma, whom he has never met.

Getty

Liam Gallagher risks a £4,000 fine if he fails to show up to face his love-child’s mother in court[/caption]

He is being sued in the US by her mother, journalist Liza Ghorbani, with whom he had a fling starting in 2010.

The latest case will be heard next month at a family court in New York.

He was previously fined $5,000 (£3,800) twice for failing to attend hearings — after a judge dismissed his claims that he was too anxious to attend.

Dad-of-four Liam says Ms Ghorbani, 50, is getting £300,000 a year and is a gold-digger.

She hit out at “misinformation”.

The case could drag on into the summer, clashing with the money-spinning Oasis reunion tour.

Rex Features

JIM BEST might have the most bizarre job in sport – but he wouldn’t change it for the world.

The scuba diver plunges deep into lakes at the world’s top golf courses on the lookout for lost balls.

Getty

Scuba diver Jim Best has recovered thousands of golf balls from the most iconic holes in the sport[/caption]

Best claims he once salvaged more than 2 MILLION in a single year.

He’s bagged lost balls hit from the clubs of players including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson.

And the Florida-based diver even managed to find President Trump’s lost ball on one fruitful dive.

He told CNN: “I’ve got President Trump’s ball.

“It’s marked Donald J. Trump in red letters, I don’t know how that gets eclipsed.

“I mean, you may not like President Trump, but it’s just the fact that there’s only one of him.”

Best spends hours diving into bodies of water across the biggest courses in the USA.

He can sometimes find up to 6,000 balls per day – and makes a tidy profit by selling them on.

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But he revealed there are also perils to the job – and once had a close encounter with an ALLIGATOR at the iconic 17th at Sawgrass.

Best continued: “A few years ago, there was an 11-foot and a nine-foot alligator around the green where I was diving.

“I worked as long as I felt OK and they were staying at bay – if they got too curious, I got out.

“I mean I go there, and I make money, like harvesting a crop, like a field of corn.

“I was also [bitten on the ankle once]. I was 18 [feet] under when he grabbed me.

“Their teeth are very, very sharp, especially the little gators, like a Doberman Pinscher with sharper teeth and a stronger bite.”

That encounter was nothing compared to an “oh c**p moment” involving a 14-foot gator at Florida’s Innisbrook Golf Resort.

Best and his friend were diving for balls when the huge reptile flung itself out of the water and headed straight for him.

He remembers: “Totally the [most scared] I’ve been in my life.

“The hardest thing I had to do was get back in the water and get my friend out.

“I almost didn’t do it, but I was like, ‘Either I’m a real man or I’m not.’”

DANCING On Ice judge Oti Mabuse appears to have dropped a huge hint about the show’s future amid axe rumours.

Ahead of Sunday’s grand final, Oti, 34, shared a series of photos showcasing her outfits from over the years, offering a nostalgic look back at her time on the show.

Instagram

Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse appears to have dropped a huge hint about the show’s future amid axe rumours[/caption]

The post, paired with an emotional caption, hinted that this really might be the end for the ITV skating competition.

Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “The BIG FINAL is here!

“Four years of Dancing on Ice—what an incredible journey! From jaw-dropping performances to unforgettable moments, I love every single second of being part of this magical show.

“A massive THANK YOU to the entire team, my fellow judges, the pro skaters, and of course, the brave celebrities who have given their all on the ice. And to YOU, the amazing viewers—your support means everything!

“Tonight, we crown our champion… Who’s ready for a spectacular show? Let’s gooo! Tonight 6.30pm on @itv @itvxofficial @dancingonice. #DancingOnIce#GrandFinal#WhatAJourney.”

The Sun told this week how the show is facing the axe – just as Corrie’s Sam Aston was crowned winner of this year’s series.

Insiders say bosses will make a decision this week about the future of the ITV mainstay, which is fronted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern.

Viewing figures have crashed from a peak of 12million.
Only around a quarter of that were watching as Sam, 31 — partnered with Molly Lanaghan — beat TV host Michaela ­Strachan, 58, and ex-footie star Anton Ferdinand, 40, in the final.

Insiders add that it is costly to produce and may need a revamp — just as it did on its relaunch in 2018 after being withdrawn four years earlier.

A source said: “The staffers on Dancing On Ice are saying the show is over and claim they’ve been told as much.

“It’s a mainstay of ITV’s schedule and viewing figures are remarkably less than they were but they still had almost three million watch the launch show.

“There’s no denying, though, that the format has become tired and they’re not getting the big names they once did.

“Changes are needed and it’s likely it’ll be rested and given a new lease of life.”

The source added: “The show’s future hinges on the meetings that follow last night’s finale.

“Dancing On Ice is an expensive production and there are questions over whether ITV is getting bang for its buck.

“Staff working on it aren’t holding out much hope.”

Olympic dance champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean hinted they were unsure about its future and will no longer perform on the show.

Christopher said: “If Dancing On Ice continues, we will just come back as judges.”

He explained 50 years of performing “takes its toll on the body”.

Former show contestant and ex-Strictly professional Brendan Cole said recently the format must alter.

He added: “They haven’t really changed anything.

“There’s something missing, something that Strictly has.”

Bookies last night slashed their odds on the show being axed from 4/11 to 1/2.

ITV said: “The Dancing On Ice team has been fully concentrating on the much-anticipated series finale and therefore no decision has been made.”

Instagram

Ahead of Sunday’s grand final, Oti shared a series of photos showcasing her outfits from over the years[/caption]

Instagram

She offered a nostalgic look back at her time on the show[/caption]

Rex

Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern host Dancing on Ice[/caption]

Rex Features

Corrie’s Sam Aston was crowned winner of this year’s series[/caption]

A BOY of 17 died of ­sepsis while his mum waited eight hours for a call back from NHS 111, an inquest heard yesterday.

Cyrus Perry was put to bed with a sick bucket, as the call was expected in 20 minutes.

When 111 finally rang back the next morning, mum Hayley Perry found him dead in his room.

The teenager, of Sturminster Marshall, Dorset, died from sepsis and group A strep, post mortem tests showed.

Mrs Perry said the death of her son was preventable and she felt “let down” by the system.

She added that Cyrus’ twin brother Reuben was angry at her and the system for “taking away his soulmate”.

She said: “I have concerns about NHS 111, I feel the death was preventable.

“I feel let down by NHS 111, I clearly informed them Cyrus was too unwell to get to hospital.

“This will haunt me for the rest of my life.

“I put my faith and trust in the system.”

The inquest continues.

A HUGE bargain store with hundreds of stores across the UK is selling an iconic Nestle chocolate that was discontinued.

Fans have been left overjoyed after the nostalgic chocolate bar made a rare appearance at the grocer.

Heron Foods

Nestle Caramac has been brought back to life[/caption]

The iconic chocolate was discontinued in November 2023 after dwindling customer demand and sales.

But it has since made sporadic appearances, including most recently at Herons Foods.

Shoppers can pick a pack of three from the bargain retailer for just £1.

One excited shopper said: “I love Caramac, it reminds me of my childhood and carefree diet.”

Another person said: “This is great news. Thought Caramac had been discontinued.”

A third shopper shared: “I bought a bunch when it was originally discontinued….then it came back.”

While a fourth fan wrote: “Heaven in a bar. Just wonderful.”

It comes after a rare Cadbury treat from New Zealand returned to B&M.

The store is known for stocking unusual treats from across the world, but this particular chocolate bar sent customers into meltdown.

Perky Nanas, usually only seen on the other side of the world, are now being sold at the discount store for just £1.

The soft banana-flavoured 45g chew bar comes covered with Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate.

A snap of the sweets were shared on Dansway Gifts and Bargains UK Facebook page and followers were thrilled.

One wrote: “Love them, I buy 10 at a time, chewy banana filling! They always sell out though hence why I get so much, I don’t like when people get greedy but other people are doing it, I’m not going to miss out.”

B&M also shared the new arrival to their Facebook page.

“LOVE LOVE LOVE – one of New Zealand’s finest exports!” wrote one follower.

The Perky Nana isn’t the first chocolate bar to have shoppers singing from the rafters in recent months.

The store has introduced an Aero Milky Bar – which combines bubbly Aero and white Milky Bar in one chocolate – for just £2.99.

The Facebook page Food Finds UK Official posted the news to their hungry fans in January, and the replies are already flowing.

One person commented: “This I need to buy.”

Another commenter wrote: “I need this.”

A third put it best, by simply stating: “Ooo.”

The chocolate bar is not widely available in the UK and is typically found in Australia.

JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA has been seen for the first time since suffering his horrific head injury.

The Frenchman was on the receiving end of a karate kick of a challenge from Liam Roberts in Crystal Palace‘s FA Cup fifth-round clash with Millwall.

REUTERS

Jean-Philippe Mateta was poleaxed by Liam Roberts in Palace’s FA Cup clash with Millwall[/caption]

REX

The striker received 26 stitches after being rushed to the hospital[/caption]

X

The striker has been spotted with a plaster on his left ear[/caption]

Mateta was promptly taken to the hospital, where he received 26 stitches to close a severe laceration to his left ear.

The 27-year-old has kept a low profile since the injury, although he was recently papped at Crystal Palace’s Beckenham training ground.

In a photo widely shared on social media, the striker was seen donning a black headband and a plaster on his left earlobe.

Mateta being snapped at Palace’s training ground suggests he could be on the verge of returning to action.

Eagles boss Oliver Glasner said of the forward prior to last weekend’s 1-0 win over Ipswich: “He won’t play, but he’s doing well.

“He’s at home. Fortunately, he had no fractures and no concussion.

“It’s a huge wound which was stitched. But [the] healing is going like we expected and hoped.

“He will go with us next week to Marbella, training individually.

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AFP

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been Crystal Palace’s star performer this season[/caption]

“And if everything goes how we expected and wish, he should be available for the Fulham game.

“Everybody is in touch with JP and messaging him. Everybody knows he’s doing well. He’ll be back soon.

“His mother came from France. So, he’s in the best hands! Great support at home.”

Mateta, who has 15 goals in all competitions to his name this season, took to social media to allay fears over his health hours after being booted in the face by Roberts – who received a six-game ban for his horror challenge.

He wrote on Instagram: “I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon.

“And stronger than ever. Well done, guys, for the great job today. I love you.”

Palace will be back in competitive action a week on Saturday, taking on Fulham in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.

THE Baller League draft took place at London’s Copper Box Arena as 144 players were selected.

A host of football legends and social media stars are set to compete in the thrilling new indoor six-a-side competition beginning on March 24.

A star-studded managerial line-up, featuring the likes of Gary Lineker and John Terry choose 12 players from a 160+ shortlist after six rounds.

Former Premier League players, futsal players, free agents and released academy stars made up the mammoth pool.

The likes of Jordon Ibe, Michael Hector and Manchester United graduate and debut scorer Josh Harrop were all selected in the first few rounds.

Games will be played weekly every Monday from the 24th of this month.

Follow our live blog below…

MAFS Australia fans have taken to social media to air their complaints, after the show turned up in a new time slot.

Many viewers of the hit show hadn’t realised that the show had changed from the slot it was in last week.

Channel 4

MAFS Australia fans have taken to social media to air their complaints, after the show turned up in a new time slot[/caption]

Nine

The show is now on at 7:30pm, which has confused many of its viewers, who were unaware of the earlier slot and time change[/caption]

Nine

Ryan and Jacqui got married in Monday night’s episode[/caption]

As the hit E4 reality show debuted on screens last week, it started at 9pm each night.

But the show is now on at 7:30pm, which has confused many of its viewers, who were unaware of the earlier slot and time change.

Taking to social media to complain that they’d nearly missed Monday night’s episode, one person penned: “I just missed the start of MAFS because it’s not on at 9pm – not happy.”

A second penned: “Ahh MAFS is now on at 7 instead of 9?! How dare they not notify me personally.”

A third echoed: “I nearly missed MAFS – why is it starting at 7:30pm tonight? We need answers.”

Someone else said: “Wait! Why is it on a 7:30? Happy it is, but feel like there was no promo.”

But the new time was also welcomed by fans, who called it “much more sociable,” and said it allowed them to get to bed earlier after getting their MAFS fix.

MAFS will now be on from 7:30pm from Monday 10^th March on Channel 4, which is its normal slot.

Tonight’s episode saw a groom branded as a ‘walking red flag.’

During the episode viewers watched as the final two couples walked down the aisle.

One of them was consultant Jacqui and hunky project manager Ryan.

But before the pair even said ‘I do’ MAFS fans pointed out a massive red flag with the groom-to-be.

During his intro VT, Ryan listed off everything he is good at in life – but the vote of confidence in himself didn’t go down well with viewers.

Reacting, fans flooded social media with comments, with one writing: “Ryan is the biggest punish. My GOD. This man can’t acknowledge anything he’s done where he’s been in the wrong, he’s misogynistic and he is A W******. I feel if I spent 15 seconds with him my IQ would drastically drop, and I’d spend the whole time calling his a** out.”

A second fumed: “Is anyone else giggling at the fact that a Red flag like Ryan is wearing a red shirt.”

“Ryan is giving me the ick,” said a third MAFS viewer.

While a fourth commented: “To be fair on Ryan he set a record for getting me to dislike someone so quick not even Elliot or Lauren done it that quick.”

Meanwhile, after getting hitched, Ryan dropped Jacqui during their first dance in toe-curling scenes. Surrounded by loved ones, the couple could be seen dancing with one another as their friends and family watched on in delight.

“I’m going to dip you, ready,” said Ryan to Jacqui as the pair danced on the dancefloor.

As Ryan dipped his new bride backwards, she was leaned too far back and dramatically fell over.

Ryan ended up dropping Jacqui instead of dipping her, with him then taking a tumble too.

MAFS AU continues on E4 and Channel 4 Streaming.

Instagram

Ryan ended up dropping Jacqui instead of dipping her, with him then taking a tumble too[/caption]

A woman's body was found inside a clothing donation bin that was on fire.