It was an October weekend made for bike-riding, hike-taking and sunshine-soaking with clear skies and daytime highs around 20 C. Photos by LFP’s Derek Ruttan druttan@postmedia.com
Read More »
PHOTOS: A beautiful autumn weekend
Pubs and restaurants face ‘cliff edge’ unless Rachel Reeves axes looming tax hike, warn bosses
PUBS and restaurants face a “cliff edge” unless Rachel Reeves axes a looming tax hike, anxious bosses have warned.
Some 170 hospitality chiefs – including booze giants like Greene King, Fuller’s and Wetherspoons – are demanding further business rates relief at the Budget.
A 75 per cent business rates cut is due to end on April 1 and will saddle the already-struggling sector with £914million in fresh levies.
In their letter to the Chancellor, the bigwigs write: “In recent months the hospitality sector has become increasingly worried about the onrushing business rates cliff edge that hits the economy on April 1 next year.
“This Budget is the last chance to prevent bills quadrupling for high streets across the country.
“We are asking you to grasp this opportunity to deliver your manifesto commitment to fix business rates and protect businesses.”
Without action, the bosses warn that more venues will be forced to close, leading to job losses and holes in high streets.
UK Hospitality’s Kate Nicholls said: “This 170-strong cohort of business leaders across hospitality shows just how important addressing business rates is at the Budget.
“Inaction will lead to bills quadrupling and more venues shutting their doors for good, which will rob our towns and cities of vital community hubs.
A government spokesperson said: “We’re supporting businesses, including hospitality, through pledges to cap corporation tax at 25 per cent, make the business rates system fairer, and to publish a business tax roadmap so that future investments can be planned with confidence.”
Horoscope today, October 21, 2024: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
ARIES
March 21 to April 20
The way the moon and Jupiter join up in your chart is a joyous thing today – so clear your decks and allow yourself to find the fun in free activities and simple pleasures.
People who have seemed challenging see things your way, or you can decide to move forward without them.
Love is adventure-rich.
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
Neptune’s influence can be something you resist, as you prefer to keep feelings private.
Sharing just some of your doubts and dreams can be a breakthrough moment – and this can be the day.
If you’re in love, you see there is more than one way to a happy ending.
Single? Say yes to a sports invite.
Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
The sun powers your creative chart and you have the kind of vision that others admire – just be sure you keep ultimate control of your ideas, beware of watering them down.
Your strong Venus marriage sector throws warm light on forever promises.
Some big leaps forward can be on the cards.
Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CANCER
June 22 to July 22
As the moon begins its monthly stint in your sign you can feel the difference – your heart is opening, and you see what you need to do to stop important emotional doors closing.
Remembering where you have come from is key when under pressure at work – take pride in being your true self.
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LEO
July 23 to August 23
Your communication style is a tantalising mix of upfront and mysterious, and one admirer is ready to declare where they stand.
Make sure, if you feel the same way – or if you don’t, that you are clear in your response, and a friendship can carry on.
Settled Leos draw on the loving imagination of sexy Venus.
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Most read in The Sun
VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
You’ve got all day to get entertainment or education ideas into better shape, as an audience can be waiting, and it’s bigger than you think.
Later, revisiting a friendship or work alliance that feels like unfinished business can be a smart move.
The luck factor crosses a circular lawn.
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
If you are restless for more, in life and in love, work out where to go first – and the golden touch of Jupiter helps this happen today.
If you feel drawn to a person, place or project, go with this, as it can be the spark of your destiny flame.
A cash decision may not be as fixed as you assume, so do revisit this.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
List of 12 star signs
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
- Capricorn: December 22 – January 20
- Aquarius: January 21 – February 18
- Pisces: February 19 – March 20
- Aries: March 21 – April 20
- Taurus: April 21 – May 21
- Gemini: May 22 – June 21
- Cancer: June 22 – July 22
- Leo: July 23 – August 23
- Virgo: August 24 – September 22
- Libra: September 23 – October 23
- Scorpio: October 24 – November 22
- Sagittarius: November 23 – December 21
SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
With your recent blast of Mercury common sense, you may feel you are playing life and love a bit safe – but this is building up a store of positive experiences to fuel your future.
So stick with your plans, for now.
A contest with a choice of prizes can be a Scorpio winner, and love circles “M” names.
Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 to December 21
Always the party sign, today your mentor Jupiter brings you even more glamour and generosity – so you don’t just have a good time yourself, you help others do the same.
This can lead to a job offer that’s as exciting as it is unusual.
Passion is on your terms, but do make sure you listen, especially to “P”.
Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CAPRICORN
December 22 to January 20
Doing everything “right” in a health quest may not instantly lead to change – but you should stick to this path.
The best results take time but they can last.
In love, there’s space for a little naughty teasing and temptation, as Venus tickles your zone of secret desires.
Luck strikes around 6pm.
Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
AQUARIUS
January 21 to February 18
Having all the ideas is half the challenge – the other is having the confidence to share them.
Now your chart provides this, so be ready to speak up by tonight.
At home and at work there are things you know you need to say.
If certain voices have gone quiet, do look closer – there is much you can do to help.
Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
PISCES
February 19 to March 20
Keeping your love dreams private leaves partners guessing – and perhaps getting it wrong.
Try again to say what you know you most need, and check that you have been understood.
The way you get co-operation is a masterclass in tact but watch for signs of rebellion in someone younger.
Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Easy move that can save you up to £235 a year on broadband, mobile and TV bills
HOUSEHOLDS could save as much as £235 a year on broadband mobile and TV bills with an easy move.
Consumer brand Which? has found that switching your provider can save you some big cash.
According to its research, it found that on average, out-of-contract TV and broadband customers could save £160 by switching.
Sky customers surveyed saved most – a bumper £235 a year on average by switching to a better deal.
TV and broadband customers who haggled with their current provider rather than switching still saved £117 on average.
Which?’s study also found there were decent savings for broadband-only customers who switched providers, with the average being £105.
Customers switching from BT, Sky or Virgin Media saved even more – up to £165 on average for VM customers.
Broadband customers who haggled saved £55 per year, with Virgin Media customers seeing the biggest average saving of £81.
There was less of a difference in savings between mobile customers who switched and those who haggled.
Mobile customers at the end of their contract saved £67 on average by switching and those that haggled saved a slightly lower £61.
Vodafone customers saved £146 by switching, more than twice the £67 average.
EE and O2 customers also saved an average of £122 and £132, respectively.
When it came to haggling, it was EE customers who stood to save the most, at £101 a year on average.
Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services, said: “Our latest research shows out-of-contract broadband, TV and mobile customers can save a substantial amount of money by switching providers or haggling with their current one – and that most people find the process easy.
“With many telecoms providers already adopting Ofcom’s ban on unpredictable mid-contract price hikes before it officially comes into effect in January, consumers can more easily compare deals and should feel empowered to switch and potentially save hundreds of pounds.”
Results of the survey
The consumer champion surveyed more than 5,000 customers whose broadband, combined broadband and TV or mobile phone contracts had ended in the past 12 months, asking if they had switched or haggled, and how much they had saved on their bills in the process.
Which?’s research found that most consumers found the switching process easy.
This was the case for 75% of broadband, 73% of mobile customers, and 55% of broadband and TV customers.
The survey found that price was the most common reason for switching.
But people also then benefitted from better customer service, faster download speeds and better connections.
Three in 10 broadband switchers said customer service was getting better after switching, while just 6% reported it getting worse.
For those that changed mobile networks, a third said customer service improved and three per cent said it got worse.
For download speeds, nearly four in 10 broadband customers said they got faster after switching, versus one in eight who said they got slower.
For mobile network switchers, a quarter found they improved versus nine per cent who reported they got worse.
Around four in 10 got a more reliable broadband connection after switching, while one in eight found it got worse.
Mobile network reception improved for half of the switchers but got worse for one in seven.
How to switch
Switching providers is far easier now because as of September, customers only need to contact their new provider to switch.
This makes it easier to move to a cheaper deal without your current provider trying to convince you to stay, even if you can find a better offer elsewhere.
Since 2015, people have been able to switch between phone and broadband providers on Openreach’s network – like BT and Sky – by letting their new provider handle the switch.
However, if you were switching to or from a different network, such as Virgin Media, which uses its own private network, you had to contact your existing provider to arrange the switch as well.
Ofcom‘s new “One Touch” rules, which started last month, have changed this.
Now, landline and broadband customers on any network only need to contact their new provider to make the switch.
Under the new rules, customers won’t have to pay notice-period charges beyond the switch date, so they will no longer be paying for the old service after the new one starts.
Plus, providers must also compensate customers if they experience issues with the switch or are left without service for more than one working day.
However, the exact amount of compensation you’ll receive will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
The new rules bring broadband switching in line with mobile switching.
Since 2019, mobile phone customers have been able to “text to switch” without the hassle of having to call their current network.
How one-touch switch works
The new “One Touch” process is designed to make it easier to switch providers and get a faster package, a cheaper deal, or better customer service.
It will also make it quicker – just one day when this is technically possible.
There are three steps to complete the switch:
- A customer will contact their chosen new provider and give their details.
- The customer then automatically receives important information from their current provider, including any early contract termination charges they may have to pay, and how the switch may affect other services the customer has with the company.
- If the customer wants to go ahead, the new provider will then manage the switch.
The new process means that customers no longer need to notify their current provider 30 days before switching.
Instead, the operators handle all billing and activation dates in the background.
CUT YOUR TELECOM COSTS
SWITCHING contracts is one of the single best ways to save money on your mobile, broadband and TV bills.
But if you can’t switch mid-contract without facing a penalty, you’d be best to hold off until it’s up for renewal.
But don’t just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you’re currently paying.
Take a look at your minutes and texts, as well as your data usage, to find out which deal is best for you.
For example, if you’re a heavy internet user, it’s worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don’t have to spend extra on bundles or add-ons each month.
In the weeks before your contract is up, use comparison sites to familiarise yourself with what deals are available.
It’s a known fact that new customers always get the best deals.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, allowances and provider.
This should make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
However, if you don’t want to switch and are happy with the service you’re getting under your current provider – haggle for a better deal.
You can still make significant savings by renewing your contract rather than rolling on to the tariff you’re given after your deal.
If you need to speak to a company on the phone, be sure to catch them at the right time.
Make some time to negotiate with your provider in the morning.
This way, you have a better chance of being the first customer through on the phone, and the rep won’t have worked tirelessly through previous calls which may have affected their stress levels.
It pays to be polite when getting through to someone on the phone, as representatives are less inclined to help rude or aggressive customers.
Knowing what other offers are on the market can help you to make a case for yourself to your provider.
If your provider won’t haggle, you can always threaten to leave.
Companies don’t want to lose customers and may come up with a last-minute offer to keep you.
It’s also worth investigating social tariffs. These deals have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
Rule changes
The findings come ahead of Ofcom’s ban on unpredictable mid-contract price hikes which comes into effect in January 2025.
Telecom firms have faced criticism for implementing mid-contract price rises on fixed contracts that exceed inflation over the past four years.
Due to clauses in contracts, providers are allowed to impose annual increases, typically in April.
These hikes are linked to either the Consumer Price Index or Retail Price Index inflation rate, which has surged during the cost-of-living crisis.
As a result, millions of customers experienced increases of up to 8.8% this year, adding as much as £50 to their bills.
However, from January 17, 2025, Ofcom will require telecom firms to display mid-contract price increases in pounds and pence.
The rules are designed to protect customers by ensuring they know exactly how much their contract will increase before they sign up.
Instead of being linked to inflation, which can fluctuate, the price rises will be clearly stated in pounds and pence.
However, some experts have slammed the rule change for “unfairly” impacting customers on cheaper contracts.
Earlier this year, The Sun revealed that millions of mobile and broadband customers on cheaper contracts will be hit by huge bill rises under the new mechanism.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Horse racing tips: Templegate’s 5-2 NAP is a filly who likes this trip and relishes the conditions
TEMPLEGATE does like Mondays and he takes on the action confident of winners.
Back a horse by clicking their odds.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from Andrew Balding and Hayley Turner
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
SOPHIA’S STARLIGHT (3.45 Pontefract, nap)
There was a lot to like about the way she ploughed through the mud to win a slightly stronger race than this at Newmarket last time. She went from the front at HQ and battled right to the line when fighting off the challengers. A 2lb rise in the weights for that looks more than fair and we know she likes this trip and relishes the conditions.
PLATINUM PRINCE (5.15 Bath, nb)
Loved the mud when landing a hotter handicap at Goodwood last week. The second home has since won in a much higher grade and he can strike under a 4lb penalty.
JUST TEN HIGH (4.35 Southwell, treble)
He has won both starts since going handicapping and had plenty left in the tank here last time. He tackles an extra furlong today but staying should be no problem and there’s more to come.
PROFITEER (5.20 Pontefract)
He rarely runs a bad race and was right at home when scoring on deep going here 14 days ago. This trip suits and a 3lb rise looks fair for Tim Easterby’s hope. He looks good for the Lucky 15.
Templegate’s tips
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.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 chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Emily Atack reunites with Celebrity Juice co-stars as fans beg for ITV show’s return
EMILY Atack’s racy new role on Rivals has millions tuning into the Disney channel and now the actress is giving us something else to talk about.
The 34-year-old enjoyed a reunion with her ITV 2 Celebrity Juice co-stars, show creator and host Leigh Francis and panellist, Laura Whitmore.
Presenter Laura uploaded a playful photo of the trio enjoying a rendez vous with the caption: “Little Sunday roast.”
Laura and Emily served as team captains on the final three series and specials of Celebrity Juice from 2020 until it was cancelled in 2022.
Comedian Leigh was the mastermind behind the show and had been at the helm since its inception in 2008.
Despite ending last year after 309 episodes, there has been a clamour from fans for the show to make a comeback.
Back in September, Leigh reminisced about the show’s journey by sharing an old social media post that marked the beginning of the show, as he said:
“Sent this to my mate 16 years ago, can’t believe @celebjuiceofficial is 16 years old. Thanks to everyone who watched and was a guest on it. Cheers for the memories.”
Following Leigh’s nostalgic post, a slew of fans rushed in calling for the show’s return.
One fan expressed their longing saying: “Please revive Celebrity Juice. It was the highlight of my week watching it.”
Others chimed in with sentiments like “Bring back the good old times”
But as the star of raunchy adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s best-selling novel, Rivals, Emily Atack is likely to be flooded with offers.
In one episode, her character Sarah Stratton appears in the nude, as she strips off for a naked game of tennis with the gigalo Tory MP, Rupert Campbell-Black.
Rivals follows the lives of British elite in the 80s who are working in television over the course of eight episodes.
The cast includes other A-list actors such as David Tennant, Luke Pasqualino, Danny Dyer, Alex Hassell, Katherine Parkinson, Aidan Turner, Bella Maclean, Nafessa Williams and Victoria Smurfit.
Big Brother fans call out Ali after she secretly brands fellow housemate ‘fake’ in shock rant
BIG Brother viewers have been left raging at housemate Ali after she secretly aired her feelings about one of her co-stars.
The star has been one of the most divisive housemates in the ITV2 show and has found herself locked in more feuds than most of the housemates combined.
But during the latest episode of the programme, Ali admitted that she was “unsure” about the true intentions of her co-star, Baked Potato (Rosie).
Having just been made the Head of House by her co-stars along with Dean, the pair were tasked with who should be paired up with each other as part of the pairs week twist.
It saw Ali and Dean analyse their housemates as they tried to work tactically to get the best possible pairings.
Later in the Diary Room, Ali expressed how she felt Baked Potato may not be genuine in a shock admission.
The notoriously outspoken Ali had appeared to be keeping her thoughts on Baked Potato to herself despite repeatedly calling out her house enemies Khaled and Marcello.
She told how as Baked Potato was “well-liked”, it would make her “vulnerable” to call her out unlike when she had a war of words with Khaled and Marcello.
Ali told Big Brother: “Looking at someone else about their behaviour and someone who is incredibly liked in the house – Baked Potato
comes across so sweet, so lovely, so kind, so nice.
“She is desperate to be seen as lovely, sweet and kind,
“I’m sure she is but they can make mistakes.”
Referring to the surprise house romance, Ali added: “I think she’s handled her situation with Nathan really badly.
“She wants to keep it low key but she’s the one making it a big deal.
“I’m going to keep my distance from her as I can’t be fake.”
However, the admission backfired on Ali as fans were left puzzled by her decision to have such public outbursts at Khaled and Marcello but keep her feelings regarding Baked Potato close to her chest.
Writing online, one viewer penned: “Interesting how Ali doesn’t wanna call out baked potato publicly for fear of being vulnerable, yet Khaled is the one playing games.”
Another added: “So Ali will only speak up about her feelings to people that are disliked by other people?
“She said Rosie is liked by everyone so she doesn’t want to mention how she feels.
“So confused! I like Ali but I don’t get her reasons for this.”
As a third quipped: “Ali is so wrong about baked potato ( Rosie ) she’s one of the most genuine housemates in there.
“Sometimes people are just genuine and kind, that’s all.
“She really needs to stop over analysing everyone.”
Big Brother 2024 cast
A brand new batch of Big Brother housemates are living it up in the famous compound.
Meet the cast of the 2024 series:
- Rosie, 29, dental assistant from Cornwall.
- Emma, 53, aesthetics business owner from Altrincham.
- Segun, 25, charity videographer from Watford.
- Nathan, 24, pork salesman from Dumfries.
- Daze, 24, climate activist from London.
- Khaled, 23, sales manager from Manchester.
- Martha, 26, NHS administrator from Scarborough.
- Lily, 20, Chinese takeaway server from Warrington.
- Ali, 30, Forensic psychologist from London.
- Thomas, 20 amputee footballer from Carlisle.
- Ryan, 28, marketing and events from Stockport.
- Hannah, 24, HR consultant from West London.
- Izaaz, 29, sales consultant from London.
- Sarah, 27, spa account manager from Shrewsbury.
- Marcello, 34, youth mentor from East London.
- Dean, 35, barber from East London
Enormous lorry fire closes M25 in both directions with devastating blaze bringing traffic to a standstill
AN enormous lorry fire has closed the M25 in both directions – with the devastating blaze bringing traffic to a standstill.
The motorway has shut between J5 near Sevenoaks in Kent and J6 near Caterham in Surrey after flames ripped through a truck.
The blaze has also closed the M26 westbound between J2A near Wrotham Heath in Kent and M25/A21.
Long delays are expected in both directions because of the road closures.
Snaps show flames engulfing a stranded lorry – with smoke billowing across the motorway.
Cops, fire crews and National Highways traffic marshals have scrambled to the scene.
National Highways said: “If this incident impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.”
A spokesperson added: “Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
“Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our website and travel apps, or via our regional ‘X’ feed.
“Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.”
Diversion routes
Road users travelling clockwise are advised to follow the Hollow Triangle diversion symbol on road signs
- At M25 Junction 5 follow onto A21 and then take the second A25 exit towards Westerham.
- Follow A25 through Sundridge, Brasted, Westerham, Limpsfield and Oxted.
- Continue along A25 towards Godstone to A25 / A22 roundabout.
- Take 3rd exit onto A22 towards London to M25 Junction 6 “Godstone Interchange” and take 2nd exit and rejoin M25 towards Gatwick.
Road users travelling anti-clockwise are advised to follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the M25 at J6 then at the Godstone Interchange take the 3rd exit onto the A22 towards East Grinstead.
- At the A22/A25 roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A25 towards Westerham.
- Follow the A25 through Limpsfield, Oxted, Westerham, Brasted and Sundridge.
- At the traffic signal junction A25/M25 turn left to re-join the M25 towards Dartford Crossing.
Motoring expert shares hacks to fix up your car using household goods – from toothpaste to potatoes
A MOTORING expert has unlocked her hacks to fix up a car using household goods – and they’re so simple anyone can try them.
The car fanatic has demonstrated how easy it is with one video having received over 1.6 million views and you won’t believe the items she suggests.
Going by the name of ‘Driver Ms May’ online, she presents seemingly magic fixes for common vehicle issues and in one particular viral video she even uses a tube of toothpaste.
May claims that the product can tackle scratches.
She spreads some onto a car and then uses a towel to wipe the area back and forth a few times.
And the scratch magically disappears.
The white metalwork appears to be restored and back to looking brand new.
According to May, toothpaste actually has three different uses when it comes to cars.
In the clip, she can be heard saying: “Why do one billion experienced drivers keep toothpaste in their cars?
“Because toothpaste has three functions.
“It is very practical.”
She reveals that the teeth cleaning product can also used on rainy days, to be smeared on the wing mirrors to prevent water droplets forming.
For the third hack, she applies a small amount to the wiper blades and claims that this will help aged wipers to scrape the glass clean.
In another clip shared recently, which has over 760,000 views, May, who is from China, shows some other items that can be useful.
This includes a potato cut in half to prevent water droplets on the wing mirrors in wet weather.
She said: “When driving in the rain, it is very easy to get water droplets on the rear view mirror.
“In fact, it [the car] is most afraid of potatoes.
“We just need to wipe potatoes on the rear view mirror a few times.
“There will be no more water droplets.”
May also pointed out that a car’s headlights can start to turn black and yellow with age.
To solve this, she recommends pouring cola over the area and then soaking it in beer, before wiping it with a towel.
Sharing her final hack, she added: “In addition, when we open and close the car door, the car door has a creaking sound.
“It is most afraid of soap.
“Let’s put the soap on the limiter and wipe it back and forth a few times.
“The abnormal sound will disappear.”
A few viewers were unsure of May’s suggestions, as reported by Luxury Auto News.
One person commented: “The last one makes me uncomfortable for no reason.”
Another viewer added: “Not gonna waste beer for some headlights.”
“We are just wasting food and products,” said a third user.”
Mario added: “White paste on white car, obvious. Try it on a black car?”
Others were grateful for the tips and enjoyed her unique recommendations.
Ella said: “Awesome.”
Someone else wrote: “I don’t have a car but this is so satisfying that I followed.”
“Thanks May, it was useful,” added Reza.
Another viewer said: “So toothpaste can clean car scratches but not my teeth.”
I grew up living in a ‘rough’ council house – now I make seven figures a year and take my wife on SIX holidays a year
A MAN who grew up living in a “rough” council house and later became a millionaire explains how he manages to take his wife on six holidays a year.
Karl Hudson, 33, from Newcastle, sometimes works 18-hour days and is such a workaholic he even took his laptop on his honeymoon.
The entrepreneur built his SEO successful business by launching a website from his parents’ bedroom.
He created Searcharoo back in 2008 and has been “involved with multiple businesses to help investors get their websites ranked.”
Karl, a proud Geordie who still lives in his home town, lives in a £350,000 house with their two Yorkshire Terriers with wife Charlotte, also 33.
The Geordie credits his ambition to “growing up in a rough area in a council home”.
Karl said: “Despite the area we lived in, I had a great upbringing and my SEO journey actually started in that house.
“My dad, who worked as a life coach, needed help with designing a website and with 14-year-old me being a big fan of computer games, he called on me for some help.
“Back in those days it was a lot of trial and error, with a big emphasis on error – it was the perfect way to learn.”
He also said that when he started his career he “didn’t need much in terms of financial backing”.
Karl said: “When I started SEO, it was hugely different [to how it is now].
“You were capable of just spamming and things would rank, the trickiest part is all of the algorithm changes and trying to test what is working, because Google doesn’t tell you.
Ex-homeless man who runs a multi-million pound property business
By Louisa Gregson
A MAN who found himself homeless and living in his car as a teenager now owns a thriving business worth £5million helping other people to buy homes easily.
Kieran Witt, 31, is one of seven and when there was no space left for him in the three bed council house he shared with his single mum and six siblings he was forced to move out and sofa surf with friends.
His ordeal trying for years to get a roof over his head led him to set up a business making the process of home buying easier and it now has a valuation of £5 million.
Kieran says. “We were quite a poor family. I’m the eldest of seven siblings.
“My mum never worked and we were on benefits. We were in a small three bed council house and there’s rules around teenagers sharing bedrooms with young kids. And you can’t have mixed gender sharing.
“That forced the situation where I needed to move out of the property.”
Seventeen-year-old Kieran was in his first year of college studying for his A levels and despite having a part time job, he did not have the means to pay rent.
Read more here.
“So networking with other people, testing and sharing ideas, is what I’ve done for many years to help give me the edge, which has definitely helped contribute to my success.”
The couple live in a and are travelling in Australia and Bali during a four-week honeymoon, following their wedding in July this year.
While Karl reinvests much of his earnings, he occasionally likes to treat himself to fun toys, too – his latest purchase is a £35,000 Ford Ranger Wildtrak, while his wife drives a £55,000 BMW X5, which the entrepreneur paid for.
His success grew through various investments and agencies, as well as the entrepreneur’s own personal website.
The 33-year-old lives a luxury lifestyle but admits his career takes a toll on his marriage because he can never really switch off.
Karl said: “We’ve had six holidays in this year alone – visiting places such as Thailand, Poland, Vietnam, Spain and the Philippines.
But the work doesn’t stop. If I have to jump on the laptop while we’re out there, then I’m going to do it because that money means the next trip will be even better.
“My work allows us to have the finer things in life, which she definitely enjoys. I’ll never change.”
“My constant working can cause issues and arguments,” said Karl, who got married earlier this summer.
“My wife knows that I can get absorbed in the job but that this is a sacrifice we have to make to live the life we now have.”
Karl says extreme dedication is necessary for anyone who wants to succeed in business.
While he has been with Charlotte for the past eight years as a partner, he’s also her employer – she’s a content manager at Searcharoo.
Karl believes his financial success is down to his resilience, something he thinks today’s generation struggle with.
He said: “I’ve had some days in my career where I’ve been working for 18 hours straight but it doesn’t phase me.
“I find it impossible to switch off as I love what I do. I’m not one to flash the cash, though – I’m actually quite a reserved person.
“The harder you work the more you get. Unfortunately, with how easy technology has made everything, I fear that the younger generation has lost that fire.
“Gen Z expects everything to be handed to them but that’s not the real world – I’ve got out exactly what I’ve put in.
“Younger lads wouldn’t dream of working on holiday but if they want a life like mine, it’s part of the grind.”
